2009/2010 - MINDS

SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Official Opening of Woodlands Gardens
School and Woodlands Employment
Development Centre
On 9 October 2009, MINDS premise, housing the
fourth purpose-built school and second purpose-built
employment development centre, was officially opened
by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health and MP
for Sembawang GRC. It was an important milestone in
MINDS service provision, as the new premise enabled
MINDS to expand the admission of students and adults.
This indeed alleviated parents concerns for education
and training placements for their children and adults
with intellectual disability.
Staff Awards
Two of our teachers, Ms Ernie Noorhaidah Ahmad of
Woodlands Gardens School (WGS) and Ms Jenny Lim
Geok Hong of Lee Kong Chian Gardens School (LGS)
made MINDS proud when they won the MOE/NCSS
Outstanding SPED Teachers Award 2009.
MINDS internal Outstanding Staff Awards were
presented in May 2010. Ms Salina Ismail of LGS won
the Outstanding Teacher Award while the Teacher
Merit awards were presented to Ms Gina Romeo of
Fernvale Gardens School (FGS), Ms Wong Wai Yoke
of Towner Gardens School (TGS), and Mr Muhammad
Naharendie (WGS).
Professional Initiatives
With the support of MOE, a Reading Mastery literacy
programme was introduced into the four schools for
junior level students. Although the programme is still
in its infancy, much progress in reading skills had been
noticed. The programme complements MINDS literacy
curriculum as well as existing reading programmes.
In addition, the Paths programme on developing
emotional-social competency of students was piloted in
TGS through MOE. The value of this programme will be
evaluated for future implementation plans.
Across the four schools, the transition programme
for graduating students was further enhanced. Many
students were placed out for work experiences in actual
workplaces. FGS secured the support of neighbourhood
shops to provide attachment placements for some of
their senior students, while Shangri-La Hotel accepted
students from TGS for work attachments in their
housekeeping department.
Senior students from LGS were attached to the Ulu
Pandan Senior Citizens’ Corner for cleaning work
experience.
Student Achievements
A total of 250 athletes across all levels participated in
the MINDS 27th Sports Meet on 24 April 2010. This
combined MINDS event brought together over 1,500
people including parents, athletes, staff and guests as
active participants.
In the area of art, Shawn Goh and Oh Wei Ling of WGS
and Hiew Yong Ping, Woo Yin Mun and Lee Siang Hui,
of LGS, won merit awards for their art pieces at the Very
Special Arts (VSA) annual art competition 2009.
The WGS Extension Scout Group won the Frank Cooper
Sands Award in July 2010.
Parental Involvement
• Teacher/Parents conferences were conducted at least
twice a year to discuss the students’ progress and to
develop the individualised educational plans. Allied
Health Professionals (AHPs) were also involved where
needed.
9