Messages
Our preschool Chairman, Principal and Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam share their greetings and their hopes for the students at David & Goliath Preschool.
Justin Tay, Management Committee Chairman
As a parent, I am always concerned about giving my kids the best—even better than what I experienced growing up. I desire to give them the exposure that will bring them a step closer to fulfilling their God-given potential. But just what is our kid's true potential?
If I am candid, I do not have the answer to such a complex and forward-looking question (not even for my kids). But with my team, I want to explore, understand and push these boundaries. I want our children to discover this for themselves even if it is done subconsciously.
It is with this spirit and purpose that we re-invented David and Goliath Preschool. I used the word "re-invented" because prior to this new brand name, we were Jurong Christian Church Kindergarten (JCCK) and we have been around since 1967 (about 55 years ago). While what was done in the last 55 years is commendable, "re-inventing" and "self-disrupting" is so necessary in today's context. We live in a highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world and I believe that it will only become more challenging for your kids and mine.
While we do not know how technologies, curriculums, the nature of jobs and our way of life will change through the passage of time, we firmly believe that certain fundamentals do not change. In particular, we want to focus on developing values and character in our children. It is to provide our kids a conducive culture that nurtures these values and launches them into the next phase of their life.
We do not just want to teach them ABCs. The higher goal is to buttress that sense of excellence, so that after the ABCs, they will continue to do well in algebra, biology, chemistry, history, sports and so on. The higher goal is to give them a sense of responsibility so that they will not just take care of themselves but take care of their siblings, their family and even their extended family in time to come.
Our role here, while ensuring quality curriculum, is to help our kids develop these values which will give them a head start in a sustainable way. But we cannot do this on our own. To be effective, we need our parents and our wider "village" community to work alongside us. Together, and by His grace, we can help our kids face the volatile times, with strong values, which will increase their chances of victories over the "giants" in their future.
I thank our parents for trusting us these 50 over years and for some families, over 3 generations. This is indeed a solemn responsibility which will galvanise us to continually excel. My teachers and I will do our utmost in journeying with you and your precious ones in the days ahead.
Humbly yours,
Justin
Dolly Loh, Principal
Greeting to all parents.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome parents and children into David & Goliath Preschool. I would like to thank you for choosing us to be your partner in developing your child in their early years.
Our school is committed to ensure that we help every child to achieve their fullest potential during their time with us. Our holistic approach will ensure that every child will develop strong moral values, faith, emotional intelligence, confidence, social ability, compassion, motor skills and creativity.
As the principal, it is important to me that everyone who enters the school, be it the staff, parents and students, will be excited to step through our doors. We will continue to provide a safe and secure environment for students to excel in their academic and to grow spiritually, physically and socially.
I am certain that with the excellent staff team I have here, and with full support from the board, DGP has the ability to groom your child to their very best. I believe in the principle of nurturing.
Once again, I look forward to our fruitful partnership in the year 2022. Should you have any feedback or queries feel free to email us, and we will always be seeking to improve and be better.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam,
Senior Minister & Coordinating Minister for Social Policies
This is a time for children to grow in so many ways - not just academically, but also their personality, sociability and in a society where they all play a role. One of the things we have to bear in mind while they are growing up, is not to put too much pressure on them. Let them grow up as they will; this is important for their development.
Children must enjoy their growing years. As such, they become confident individuals in future. I have always found that those who do well long-term are those who are happy, and their parents support them.
The other thing we need to encourage them to do is interact with as many friends as possible, especially with those of different races and backgrounds.
Finally, they need to be aware of nature. There is so much nature in Taman Jurong itself; we are fortunate to be beside Jurong Lake. Encourage them to take care of it. Our children should be protecting them, appreciating that we are all a part of nature.
View the full video of his speech for Jurong Christian Church Kindergarten's graduation ceremony in October 2020.