“The mediocre teacher tells.

The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates.

The great teacher inspires”

- William Arthur Ward

Since stumbling on it recently, the above quotation has been lingering in my mind. It has prompted me to reflect on the teachers who taught me in ACS, and those I encountered when my two boys were schooling there. And now, after reading the recently published “The ACS Story” and my involvement with the school as editor of this publication, I am gratified that the tradition of great teachers in ACS continues to this day.

In our 117 years history, ACS has been very blessed with dedicated teachers who go the extra mile to shape the lives of their charges, many of whom have since risen to prominent positions in the community, business and political circles.  We salute these teachers who have left their indelible marks and made a difference in the lives of generations of ACS students.

The teaching profession is a special calling, a mission. It is perhaps the noblest and most essential of all professions, considering that it is one that makes all other professions possible. “Teachers are Gifts from God”, as Mrs. Daisy Ong, Principal of ACS (Primary) aptly described them in her message.

The generations of endeared ACS teachers do not go unnoticed. In one way or other, be it at alumni events or other special occasions, they are well remembered and honoured for the important role they played in shaping the lives and futures of thousands of grateful students - like the group of students from the Class of ’76 who donated a classroom for the new Barker Road Campus and dedicated it in honour of their teacher, Mrs. Lee Gek Kim.

In this issue, we have pleasure in featuring one of the many outstanding teachers whose contributions have helped make ACS a great school.  He is none other than the centenarian Mr. Chan Siew Jiang, who is perhaps the oldest living  ACSian.

We are pleased that the Alumni Roundup, which was introduced two issues back, has fired up nostalgia and fond memories of readers.  If you have any feedback and interesting news/anecdotes relating to the ACS family, please share them with our Echo readers. E-mail your contributions to acsecho@blueskiescom.com or fax to 6737-7303. 

Cheers!

Choo Teck Long