MLS Jan 2018 Local Attachment MLS local report final | Page 34

commitment encourages a feeling of sense of belonging which is key in
getting the staff work together towards the organisation’s goals.
This spurs me to look at firstly, myself and the level of dedication and
passion that I have within me. Only after I have assessed myself, that I am
able to recalibrate my priorities in terms of developing my professional life
further. Once that is done, it would be easier for me to help develop and
empower others, which is one of the key roles I have to play as a middle
manager. In addition, the recalibration is essential in planning how my
professional goals are aligned with the organization’s big goals where
education is concerned.
Reforms and Innovations
With the introduction of MOE principals, much reforms have taken place in
both Woodlands Gardens and Fernvale Gardens MINDS School. During my
school visit to the former, the principal, Mr Lawrence Chong, informed the
the changes in professional development as well as simple infrastructure
that he had implemented since his posting to the school. Likewise, Mrs
Chan, the principal of Fernvale Gardens, has also implemented certain
changes that she deemed was essential in transforming the school further.
One such innovation is setting up the dance programme where the students
are able to express themselves rhythmically and musically through
performances. They have even won an award - MOE-NCSS SPED Innovation
Award in 2007. This shows that the school sees a potential in the children
with special needs other than their ability to learn and apply vocational
skills for future employment.
As for Kidzania, the content team constantly seeks to improve the current
content that is already provided by the establishments. This is to ensure
that they are up to date. Other than that, Kidzania also keeps a lookout for
new establishments to be added to their current count. There are vacant
spaces which are meant for new establishments. Last but not least, they
also organise ad-hoc programmes such as Halloween Day, allowing
different departments to exercise their creative ideas in drawing in the
crowd as well as keeping things fresh.
Such attempts at innovations and reforms tell me that organizations,
whether schools or corporate companies, find it essential to inject
freshness and a level of competitiveness that is needed to stay abreast with
the trends and times. Although there are challenges, such as those that are
resistant towards the changes, ultimately, a sense of belonging is needed
33