Josephian Annual - 2019 | Page 24

Farewell
CHAPTER ONE

Staff News

Farewell
Mrs Goh Poh Kenn
Mrs Goh Poh Kenn retired on 31 March 2019 after 27 years of outstanding and exemplary service in SJI . She joined SJI on 1 January 1992 and has proven to be a natural leader who has the drive to lead others . She has held several key leadership positions in SJI . In 1999 , she was appointed Assistant Principal ( Curriculum / Projects ), where she consistently set high standards for the school and contributed positively and effectively to the education of our students over many years . She was also instrumental in initiating , conceptualising and implementing the school ’ s IT programme and infrastructure under MOE ’ s IT Masterplan .
In 2002 , Mrs Goh was nominated for the Leaders in Education Programme ( LEP ). She was awarded The Lee Kuan Yew LEP Award for being the best participant in that Class for achieving the best overall performance . On completion of the LEP , Mrs Goh was promoted to Deputy Principal ( Curriculum ) on 1 January 2003 . As DPC , she effectively planned , implemented and reviewed the school ’ s overall curriculum programme . She is well respected by fellow professionals for her dedication , commitment and service to education and the school .
She steered the school in preparation for external validation ( EV ) of the school ’ s processes and outcomes conducted by MOE ’ s External Validation team and the SPRING Singapore . The school was well validated and attained the Singapore Quality Class in 2004 and the Best Practice Award ( Teaching & Learning ) in 2005 . Mrs Goh also played a pivotal role in SJI getting the School Excellence Award in 2008 .
She was awarded the National Day honours of Long Service Medal in 2006 and Public Administration Medal ( Bronze ) in 2007 by the President of the Republic of Singapore in recognition of her outstanding work over the years .
She was appointed as Vice-Principal ( Administration ) in 2018 to coordinate and streamline the school ’ s various administrative processes which include student services , facilities , general administrative support , school safety and emergency planning . She leaves behind a solid foundation for her successor to continue improving the school ’ s administration services in the coming years .
In her final assembly address to the school on 25 March , Mrs Goh described Josephians as beautiful people who have a good understanding of what it is to be compassionate as well as a sensitivity and a deep loving concern for others , especially the last , the lost and the least .
Ms Angayarkanni Periasamy
Ms Angayarkanni Periasamy joined St Joseph ’ s Institution as a trained teacher on 1 Jan 1992 . In her 28 years with the school , she has taught both English Language and Literature across all four secondary levels . She possesses sound knowledge in both subjects as evident in her preparation of resources and lesson delivery .
As a member of the English Department , Kanni is conscious of her professional roles and duties and contributes wholeheartedly to the committees she serves . She is especially known for her role in preparing the participants for the prestigious annual Plain English Speaking Award ( PESA ) competition . She takes this responsibility very seriously and has helped produced top award winners over the years . It helps that Kanni is a good speech model herself . She is a confident and articulate teacher .
Kanni is a responsible form teacher with a heart for the students . Her kindness and patience are unsurpassed . She carries herself in a dignified manner and has never as much as raised her voice . In her relationship with students , she has consistently established trust grounded on mutual respect .
Kanni is very generous with her time and is very obliging when students request for help with their work . She gives all her students fair learning opportunities and will think nothing of
sitting together with them after school hours to ensure that they leave the session enlightened . There was also one year where she went beyond the call of duty to personally coach one student who needed special help to prepare for his GCE ‘ O ’ Level Literature Paper .
Kanni has given nothing less than her best to the SJI community . The school is appreciative of her contributions and wish her all the best as she retires after serving 38 years in the education service .
Each of us will have our memories of Kanni and how she has touched the hearts of not only her students but each one of us in SJI . She is a kind lady and her gracious words and warm smile will be dearly missed by both students and staff .
24 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION