TMCI (P) 075/01/2015
A publication of the Singapore Teachers' Union
Term 4 / 2015
U Family Union Chapters - Happy Workplaces Movement
Surprise Visit to
CHIJ (Katong) Primary p16
Symposium on Philosophy for Children:
Creating Communities of Inquiry in Schools p5
NTUC National Delegates' Conference p10
MDIS Study Grants p19
We are the VOICE OF TEACHERS.
We represent the collective opinions affecting your
professional interest and the teaching profession.
We REPRESENT you in work-related issues.
We CONDUCT Professional Development Workshops
and Forums.
Enjoy STU and NTUC BENEFITS – Passport to a whole
array of rebates, discounts and privileges.
We provide SPONSORSHIPS for UniSIM programmes
and STUDY GRANTS for MDIS courses.
The STRENGTH of a union lies in its membership
numbers. Be a part of the union and we can strengthen
the fraternity of Singapore teachers more effectively.
How to Join STU?
The one-off entrance fee is S$25. For teachers who join
within six months of their first posting from NIE, the one-off entrance fee is S$10. The
monthly Union subscription is S$9. The one-off entrance fee and monthly subscription will
be deducted from your salary upon your check-off authorisation. Please visit our website
at www.stu.org.sg and download the application forms and send the completed forms to
583 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218197. For enquiries, please contact STU at 6299 3936.
information
Industrial Relations
Jagindar Singh
ext. 29
Sanjeev Kumar
Tiwari
ext. 24
Membership
Isabella Li
Membership
Services
ext. 14
ext. 12
STU DIRECTORY
Address 583 Serangoon Road Singapore 218197
General Enquiries +65 6299 3936 (main line)
General E-mail
simty@stu.org.sg
General Fax +65 6294 7982
Websitewww.stu.org.sg
STU ADVISORS
Mr Paul Edward Osgodby
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Mrs Jenny Tan
Professional Development
and Student Outreach
(STaR)
Thomas Low
ext. 27
Workshops/STaR ext. 23
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
Finance
Jonathan Tan
Accounts
Enquiries
Mr Neo Tick Watt @ Neo Teck Watt
Ms Koh Ting Ting
Mr Leow Peng Kui
Mr John Ho Cheow Kuang
Mr Wong Heng Tong
ext. 20
ext. 19
Corporate Services /
Administration
Carine Yip
ext. 26
IT
Andrew Sim
Mr Heng Chee How
For advertising enquiries,
email Ms Isabella Li at
lict@stu.org.sg
Ms Li Ching Tak Isabella
STU TRUSTEES
Mr Huang I Lung
Assistant General Secretary
General Treasurer
Mr Collin Keith Sebastian
Assistant General Treasurer
CENTRAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
General Secretary
Mr Chew Tec Heng Edwin
Mr Lim Beng Hua Alan
Ms Lim Poh Eng Catherine
Mr Monteiro Anthony Edward
Mr Mohamed Salleh bin Md Nooh
Mr Peh Teow Peng Elliot
Ms Tay Hwee Khim Serena
Mr Tan Boon Hoe Nigel
Mr Tay Swee Meng David
Ms Yeo Chien Ling Jacquelin
Mr Li Zhihao
Ms Halimah Marjubee
Mr Chong Lo Han Eli
Mentor
STU CENTRAL COUNCIL 2013-2017
Mr Mike Thiruman
President
Vice President
Mr Chew Fah San Billy
Vice President
Ms Loh Lee Miang Ariel
Vice President
Mr Lye Teck Hee Edwin
Deputy General Secretary
PUBLISHED BY:
Singapore Teachers’ Union
583 Serangoon Road
Singapore 218197
Assistant General Secretary
Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC and
Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office
Mr Chacko Cherry
ext. 50
Assistant General Secretary
Mr Chua Niam Pheng Lawrence
Deputy General Secretary
Ms Tan Lian Eng
STU GENERAL AUDITORS
Mr Soh Chee Keong Jay
Mr Ang Chun Poh Andy
Tel : +65 6299 3936
Fax : +65 6294 7982
Web: www.stu.org.sg
Message from the IT Department
CREATIVE PRODUCTION BY:
Artnexus Design Pte Ltd
61 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #03-33
Singapore 417943
Unions, like all other organisations, have become increasingly dependent on Information
Tel : +65 6848 4355
Web: www.artnexusdesign.com
our members and potential members that we intend to stick around and provide advice on
Technologies. STU now has a comprehensive website and uses email for most of our
communications. By adopting new technologies, STU hopes to send a strong message to
members’ terms and conditions of service and assistance with work-related problems.
ADVERTISEMENT
Membership Department
Ms Isabella Li
We have not been able to reach some of our members through email. If you have not been
Tel : +65 6299 3936
Email: lict@stu.org.sg
information to stu@stu.org.sg:
receiving our electronic newsletter, please send your particulars by emailing the following
• Name
• Email Address
• NRIC Number
• Contact numbers (Home and Mobile)
• School attached to
• New Home Address (if applicable)
Alternatively, you can go to our website (http://www.stu.org.sg) and do an update online.
Andrew Sim
IT Manager
4
the mentor
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Members need to know...
Revisions to the Performance
Review Process (PRP)
The Civil Service has a set of procedures for managing unsatisfactory performers. As a Civil Servant, an educator
will be advised if his performance is not up to expectations. He will be given a reasonable period of time to show
improvements, failing which the educator will be subjected to termination from service.
Effective from 1 Oct 2015, the PRP has been revised from a two-phase process, each phase
lasting 3 months, to a single phase of three months, commencing after the end of Pre-PRP.
A pre-PRP can be initiated if the educator shows signs of performance deterioration to an ‘E” performance grade.
The pre-PRP will be minimally three months and it is meant for them to be counselled and coached to improving
their performance grade.
In the event that the educator receives an endorsed ‘E’ performance grade at the end of pre-PRP period, the
educator will be placed on the PRP. If the educator improves his performance at the end of PRP (i.e. gets a ‘D’
grade or better), the educator will be taken off the PRP.
However, if the educator does not improve after the PRP, the Ministry will take the necessary action to terminate
his services. Salary increments and variable payments will also be withheld or stopped.
Below is an illustration of the process:
If officer does not improve and
receives an endorsed 'E' grade
Pre-PRP
(at least 3 months)
If officer does not improve and
receives an endorsed 'E' grade
PRP
(3 months)
Termination
It is important to note that should an educator receive another endorsed ‘E’ grade within
2 years from the last cleared PRP, there will not be another round of PRP for the educator.
The educator will be subjected to immediate termination.
Members should strive to maintain a satisfactory performance rating and on a regular basis clarify with their
reporting officers on their work progress and expectations.
Below are some basic guidelines to help you manage your performance.
1. Have regular discussions with your Reporting Officer on clear work targets and expectations.
2. Seek clarity from your reporting officer on areas for improvements, if any.
3. Keep proper records of your correspondence with your Reporting Officer.
4. Have regular discussions on your performance to ensure you are on the right track.
5. Seek guidance from your peers or school leaders if you are unsure of the direction to take.
STU members can approach the union for assistance or clarifications if they are given a pre-PRP
notice or put on PRP.
Members should not wait till the last minute to seek assistance on performance related matters.
Term 4
P4C SYMPOSIUM
This Symposium will build on the success of the STU 2006 Philosophy in Schools Conference (See pictures below).
As part of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of its founding, the Singapore Teachers’ Union is organising
a Philosophy For Children (P4C) Symposium on 6-7 June 2016. The objective is to promote the study and use of
philosophy in schools. Participants will be able to hear from Philosophy experts and local P4C practitioners who will
share on what are the successful elements of implementing P4C in their classrooms. Come and join us in this very
meaningful event. You may download the application form from our website: www.stu.org.sg.
SYMPOSIUM
on
Philosophy for Children:
Creating Communities of
Inquiry in Schools
Organised by the Singapore Teachers’ Union
Monday 6 – Tuesday 7 June 2016
This Symposium will build on the collective experience of training P4C teachers in Singapore over
the last 7 years. The Symposium will also look beyond Singapore for the experience of countries
such as Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines in implementing the P4C programme.
All topics will be handled by local and overseas professionals as well as Guest Speakers.
Please check our website for latest information.
A view of the audience at the 2006 P4C Conference.
5
6
the mentor
P4C SYMPOSIUM
Philosophy For Children (P4C)
Training at Level 2 for P4C Teachers
In 2016, STU will be organizing the P4C Level 2
Training Course, offered for the second time in
Southeast Asia, outside of Australia and New
Zealand. The three trainers are from FAPSA
(Federation of the Australasian Philosophy in
Schools Associations), which means that the
trainer certificate will be recognized by FAPSA.
The duration for this course is 8 June – 12 June
2016, during the school holidays. One of the
thrusts of the course is for participants to
know more about the Community of Inquiry
and to further master it for classroom teaching.
The P4C Symposium (Day 1 & 2), is compulsory
and is part of the Level 2 Training Course.
During the Symposium, experienced P4C
practitioners from Singapore schools will be
sharing their P4C teaching experiences. This
sharing of experiences will be closely linked to
Unit 1 of the course outline.
A P4C training session.
While going through Unit 2, everyone in the
course will be expected to get ready to share
their personal experiences in teaching P4C,
either alone or (if preferred) with a partner.
A total of 10 units will be delivered in this 5-day
Course which encompasses ethical theory,
moral practice and character development.
Participants will also be introduced to how P4C
is being connected to the school curriculums.
Your support has made it possible for STU in
partnership with FAPSA to organize this course
for Singapore teachers.
Do look out for the details in our website
www.stu.org.sg for enrolment. For enquiry,
please call Ms Shakinah at 65-62993936 ext 23.
We look forward to seeing you at the
Symposium and the Level 2 Training Course.
Term 4
P4C ARTICLE
Excerpt of a report that appeared in The Guardian (UK) on 10 July 2015.
For the full report, see http://gu.com/p/4agn8.
From a British Report
Philosophical discussions
boost pupils' maths and
literacy progress, study finds
Primary school pupils across England take part in trial as part of
‘philosophy for children’ study, with pupil-led discussions on topics
such as fairness and bullying
Philosophical discussions about truth, fairness or
kindness appear to give a small but significant boost
to the maths and literacy progress of primary school
pupils, although experts remain puzzled as to why.
More than 3,000 pupils in 48 state primary schools across
England took part in a year-long trial as part of a study
named 'philosophy for children', and found that their
maths and reading levels benefited by the equivalent of
two months’ worth of teaching.
A Durham University evaluation said the results
showed faster rates of progress for pupils eligible
for free school meals, suggesting that the technique
could 'be used to reduce the attainment gap in terms
of poverty in the short term'.
In the trial, key stage two classes of pupils aged
between 8 and 11 were given regular classroom
sessions featuring pupil-led discussions on topics
such as fairness or bullying. Teachers received special
training to act as moderators, while the children sat in a
discussion circle.
were unusual in primary classrooms, and meant children
were more engaged and found school more enjoyable.
“This is one particular approach and it’s shown
to have a positive effect on attainment, but we
need to wait for replication [of the outcome]
before drawing stronger conclusions,” he said.
Durham University has received funding from the
Nuffield Foundation to conduct further research.
Both teachers and pupils also reported improved
classroom behaviour and relationships, as well as a
boost to pupils’ confidence in speaking, patience when
listening to others, and self-esteem. Some teachers
said the discussions had a positive impact on classroom
engagement and may have resulted in some pupils
asking more questions across all lessons.
Stephen Gorard, professor of education at Durham and
author of the evaluation, said:
“I think this study is interesting. All of the
indicators are positive, even if they are small, and
it’s a relatively small cost.”
Gorard said he couldn’t explain the success of the
debates in improving an unrelated subject such as
maths, but suggested that such open-ended discussions
A Philosophy for Children class in a Singapore primary school.
7
the mentor
STU PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS
STU Professional
Development Workshops
(January – June 2016)
FEB
JAN
MONTH
DAY/DATE/TIME
WORKSHOP TITLE
PRESENTER
TARGET
AUDIENCE
Fri, 15 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in
Classrooms
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Tue, 26 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Promoting Higher Order Mathematics Thinking
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
Sec AT
Fri, 29 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
How to Start the New Academic Year Right
Ms Rosaline Chan
BT
Tue, 2 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
How to Create Flip Classroom Lessons
Mr Dennis Sale
AT
Thur, 11 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Developing Effective Reading Strategies for
Comprehension
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
BT
Mon, 15 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
An Introduction to Mindfulness in Teaching
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
T/ST
Tue, 16 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Deepening Mathematical Understanding Through
Multiple Representation
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
AT
Fri, 19 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Advanced Training for Allied Educators
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Thur, 25 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Creative Writing
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Fri, 26 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Growing Well in your First Few Years
Mr Eli Chong
BT
Fri, 26 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Resilience and Coping Skills Using BASIC PH Model
Ms Rosaline Chan
BT
Mon, 29 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Mindset and Resilience: Resilience Can Save and
Shape Lives
Mr Simon Leow
AT
Tue, 1 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Creating a Powerful Classroom Climate
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Thur, 3 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
What makes for good content in a story?
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
BT
Fri, 4 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Dynamic Teaching
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Philosophy for Children (P4C) Level 1 Training:
MAR
8
Mon, 14 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
• Module PS101: The Theory, Nature and
Practice of a Community of Inquiry
Tues, 15 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
• Module PS102: Questioning,
Conceptual Exploration and Reasoning
Wed, 16 (9.00am – 12.30pm)
• Module PS103: The Use and
Development of Stimulus Materials
for P4C
Wed, 16 (1.00pm – 4.00pm)
• Module PS104: Micro-teaching and
Tutorials
Thur, 17 (9.00am – 12.30pm)
• Module PS105: Introduction to Basic
Concepts in Eastern Philosophical
Traditions
Associate Prof
Philip Cam
AT
Dr Benjamin Wong,
Dr Azhar Ibrahim and
Prof Saranindra Nath
Tagore
Fri 4, 11, 18, Sat 26
(2.00pm – 5.00pm) &
Fri 1, Apr (8.00am - 12.00pm)
Mindfulness for Teachers: Cultivating well being in
teachers
(4 Sessions + 1/2 day retreat)
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
T/ST
Sat 5, 12, 19 & 26
(9.00am – 12.00noon)
BAHASA INDONESIA
For Travel or Business Communication: Level 1
Ms Christianty Nur
AT
Term 4
JUN
MAY
APR
MAR
MONTH
Keys:
STU PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS
DAY/DATE/TIME
WORKSHOP TITLE
TARGET
AUDIENCE
PRESENTER
Thur, 17 - Fri, 18
(9.00am – 4.30pm)
Effective Learning Experiences for Secondary
Mathematics Topics
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
BT/T
Fri, 18 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Assessing Students for the 21st Century
Competencies (Primary)
Mr See Teck Meng
Pri BT
Fri, 18 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Documentation and Protocols
Ms Rosaline Chan
BT
Tue, 29 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
A Compact Introduction to Action Research
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
ST/KP
Wed, 30 (9.00am – 12.00noon)
Positive Education: An Introduction
Mr Simon Leow
AT
Thur, 31 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Assessing Students for the 21st Century
Competencies (Secondary)
Mr See Teck Meng
Sec BT
Thur 7, (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Assessing Students for the 21st Century
Competencies (Primary)
Mr See Teck Meng
Pri T/ST
Thur, 7 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Developing sentence fluency
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
BT
Thur, 7 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)
First Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 1)
Ms Poh Chwee Sian
KP
Fri, 8 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Oral Skills Teaching Development
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Mon, 11 (9.00am – 12.00noon)
Self-Regulation and Ego Depletion:
Why Teachers or Educators May Not Be The Best
Parents
Mr Simon Leow
AT
Tue, 12 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Promoting Higher Order Mathematics Thinking
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
Sec AT
Fri, 29 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
The use of NLP and Humour as rapport building
enhancement tools
Mr Dennis Sale
AT
Thur, 5 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Creating a Powerful Classroom Climate
Mr Charles Barton
T/ST
Thur, 5 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)
First Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 2)
Ms Poh Chwee Sian
KP
Fri, 6 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Evidence-Based Creative Teaching
Mr Dennis Sale
AT
Tue, 10 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Deepening Mathematical Understanding Through
Multiple Representation
Dr Wong Khoon Yoong
AT
Thur, 12 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Working with Cloze Passages
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
BT
Thur, 12 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Creating a Powerful Classroom Climate
Mr Charles Barton
T/ST
Thur, 19 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Assessing Students for the 21st Century
Competencies (Secondary)
Mr See Teck Meng
Sec T/ST
Wed, 25 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Effective Communication with Parents
Mr Charles Barton
BT
Fri, 3 (9.00am – 4.30pm)
Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in
Classrooms
Mr Charles Barton
T/ST
Mon, 6 (9.00am – 4.00pm) Tues, 7 (9.00am – 1.30pm)
P4C Symposium (1.5 days)
Various Trainers
AT
Tues, 7 - Fri, 10
(9.00am – 4.30pm)
P4C Level 2
(Pre-requisite: P4C Level 1 certification or equivalent)
Various Australian
Trainers
AT
Thur, 30 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)
Second Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 1)
Ms Poh Chwee Sian
KP
Thur, 30 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)
Developing Effective Reading Strategies for
Comprehension
Dr Cheah Yin Mee
T/ST
BT: Beginning
Teachers
T: Teachers with teaching
experience of 5-10 years
ST: Senior Teachers with teaching
experience of 10 years & above
KP: Key Personnels
SL: School Leaders
Log on to www.stu.org.sg for more details of the workshops above.
For more enquiries, please write to programmes@stu.org.sg or call 6299 3936.
AL: All Teachers
9
10 NTUC NDC
the mentor
NTUC
National Delegates’ Conference
LM 2019 vision on Care, Fair and Grow
NTUC Delegates Elect New Central Committee
Congratulations to Mr Edwin Lye, STU General Secretary, on his re-election to Vice-President of the National Trades Union
Congress (NTUC) during the quadrennial NTUC National Delegates’ Conference (NDC) held from 27 to 29 October 2015.
The NTUC Central Committee is led by President Mary Liew, Secretary-General Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister, Prime Minister’s
Office and Mr Toh Hock Poh as Secretary for Financial Affairs. The full list of the 21-member NTUC Central Committee
2015/2019 can be accessed via www.ntuc.org.sg.
Affirmation of Tripartism as the
Way Forward
Held on the eve of the NTUC NDC, the inaugural International
Forum on Tripartism, jointly organised by the tripartite
partners in Singapore, commemorated Singapore’s 50 years of
Independence and membership with the International Labour
Organisation (ILO). Themed "Tripartism for Sustainable Growth
and Development”, the forum was attended by over 800
participants from more than 30 countries and regions.
Singapore’s model of Tripartism was praised by Mr Guy Ryder,
Director-General of the United Nations ILO, "We all judge
tripartism by the basis of the results that it generates, and in
Singapore I think you have the proof of the effectiveness of
your tripartism, the results are there for everybody to see in
terms of economic growth, in terms of employment, in terms of
improved living conditions.”
The Opening Dinner of the NTUC NDC 2015 also saw Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong urging Tripartite partners to continue
to uphold Singapore’s unique model of Tripartism:
“
Now, Singapore is 50 years old and we are
going into the next phase. The question is,
what do we do? I say, we keep the tripartism
formula, but the tripartite partners have to
upgrade themselves, have to raise their
game. You have to strengthen and maintain
the trust that we have built into the next
generation. And each of the partners must
do its own upgrading – the Government to
develop new economic policies, employers
making sure their companies stay viable,
finding new business opportunities, unions
staying relevant to new union members, in
a new economy.
– PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG
CONGRATULATIO
NS
to STU General Secreta
ry Mr Edwin Lye
Re-elected as Vice-President in the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Central Committee
(2015-2019), being the highest decision-making body of the Labour Movement in Singapore.
Term 4
NTUC NDC
Mr Edwin Lye (2nd from right, front row) along with members of the newly elected 21-member NTUC Central Committee 2015/2019.
Photo credit: National Trades Union Congress.
Labour Movement 2019
- Care Fair Grow
The second day of the NTUC NDC saw
Union Delegates brainstorming on the
strategy for Labour Movement 2019,
comprising three priority areas of Care,
Fair and Grow.
Caring for Workers
Ensuring a good environment where
good jobs are created for our workers to
continue to enjoy good wages for their
families, is the best way to Care for them.
The strength of Singapore’s Tripartite
model has to be nurtured in the new
generation of younger Tripartite leaders
who can carry the torch to create a positive
environment for investments to come in.
Growing with Workers
NTUC will step up its efforts in the growth and development of workers. One
key thrust would be leveraging on the SkillsFuture initiative, to ensure workers
have skills which are relevant to the current and future economy.
Given the growth and diversity in membership, more channels of communications
and engagement will be rolled out to strengthen outreach to Union members.
NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing also shared about the focus on
developing the capabilities of Singapore's Union Leaders, "They (our Union
Leaders) are here to serve because they truly care for workers and want to
improve their lives. For us to do justice to them, we must equip them with
the necessary skills-set and the correct ethos to always put the country and
workers before themselves."
NTUC Social Enterprises will continue
to stay true to their social missions
and put in place initiatives to address
the emerging trends and needs of
Singaporean workers and their families.
Being Fair to Workers
NTUC will continue to work closely with
the Manpower Ministry and Employers to
ensure that new employment models are
fair to the new generation of workers.
NTUC will also continue to grow and
strengthen the Singaporean core, not just
in terms of numbers but also in terms of
quality of jobs available to Singaporeans.
Abbreviations:
PWM + PSL: Progressive Wage Model and Progressive Skills Ladder
CA/CB: Collective Agreement/Collective Bargaining
11
Term 4
BORA
Branch Officials Recognition Award (BORA) & Overseas
Learning Journey (Shanghai, China) 2015
Receiving the BORA award in 2015 is especially significant
for me. As Singapore celebrates SG50 and as we
remember how our late founding father, Mr Lee Kuan
Yew devoted his entire life to fighting for workers and
improving their lives as a unionist, I am keenly aware of
how unions can shape our lives and our society. It is with
this appreciation of unions that I went on the learning
journey to Shanghai with the BORA team. The highlights
of my trip are as follows:
• Through the visit to the Shanghai Municipal Trade
Union Council, I gained insight on the work of the
Shanghai trade union and their immense task
of taking care of millions of workers. The visit to
Shanghai Volkswagen was truly an eye opener. I
was awestruck at seeing the assembling process
of cars and the extensive use of robots. I was also
impressed at the care the union extends to their
members to ensure their well-being.
• I enjoyed the cruise around the Shanghai city in
the Huang Pu River and taking in the beautiful
night scene. The scenic Zhouzhuang water town,
the ‘Venice’ of the East was most enchanting
and memorable. The boat ride with the boatman
singing was a wonderful experience.
• The trip provided opportunity to meet and get
to know other union members from various
industries. This is enriching as I find that their
work as union leaders is quite different from the
protected education sector I am in.
Thank you, NTUC and STU for giving me this invaluable
opportunity to go on this learning journey.
Tay Ren Jee Renata
• More appreciative of what Singapore has done in
controlling the traffic conditions.
• Be patient and say the magic words, no point getting
frustrated with events that do not happen in the way
you expect.
• Effective communication is the key to an organisation.
The tour guides, the union leaders from Shanghai
went the extra mile in translating their presentation
in English for those who may have difficulty in
understanding it in Mandarin.
Reflections
from
participants
I felt shocked, initially, and then very honoured to be
chosen as one of the 15th BORA awardee. I want to thank
STU for giving me the opportunity to receive an honorary
award that comes with a trip to Shanghai. I would also
like to thank Mrs Lee Hui Feng, a devoted member of STU,
for encouraging me to embark on this learning journey.
In the conference with the Shanghai Municipal Trade
Union Council, we got to learn some of their measures
taken in reducing unemployment rate. I felt that it is
definitely not an easy job to promote employment while
safeguarding the rights of its members in a cosmopolitan
city of China, with a resident population of 24 million and
a total workforce of slightly more than 12 million. Their
job is admirable.
The trip to Shanghai Volkswagen was revelation. We got to
tour the plant and were treated with upmost hospitality.
We learnt about how machinery has contributed to the
betterment of making the automobiles in the plant. Despite
the use of machinery, the numbers of employees are not
compromised. Shanghai Volkswagen has proudly won the
“Good Employer Award' for 9 consecutive years signifying
the success of their approach in the area of staff welfare.
The greatest take away for me is to learn that there are
many people working hard to protect the interest of
others in the union. They dedicate their time to mediate
any misunderstanding between the company and fellow
union members. They are also advocators in uniting the
workforce and creating a better work environment for
their colleagues. Although they are ordinary people like
any of us but their passion and drive are admirable. It
was a very humbling experience and I will strive to work
towards widening my heart to as big as theirs. Ultimately,
it is the capacity of your heart that determines who you
are and what you will become.
• A happy worker is the greatest wealth a company can
have. - Shanghai Volkswagen. No wonder 86% of the
workers are members of their respective unions.
I am very grateful to every BORA awardee, the tour guides
and the bus captains for the most memorable 4 days 3
nights we had together in Shanghai. From the bottom of
my heart, thank you very much.
Ezzy Chan
Denise Zhou
13
16 HAPPY WORKPLACES MOVEMENT
the mentor
U Family Union Chapters - Happy Workplaces Movement
Surprise Visit to CHIJ (Katong) Primary
by STU and U Family Union Chapters
The U Family Union Chapters started the Happy Workplaces
movement to appreciate co-workers and to encourage more
workplaces to be family-friendly. U Family received over 100
entries from members who wrote in to nominate their workplace
to receive a surprise thank-you visit. The Chapters then selected
12 workplaces based on how the colleagues have supported one
another and worked with the unions and management.
CHIJ (Katong) Primary was nominated by a STU member,
Mahendran Rudrarani. Due to weakening leg muscles, she
had a sprain and had to go for physiotherapy sessions. Her
colleagues stepped in to help her out in various ways. Even
the non-teaching staff was a big part of the supportive
culture – Lily, the security guard, collected her pupils’ work
and waited for Rudra’s sister to bring the work home for
Rudra to check. Latifah, the librarian, and Helen, the school
counsellor, shared health tips with her. Helen also gave
Rudra a special plaster and essence of chicken to aid Rudra
in her recovery. Some months later, Rudra’s mother had to be
hospitalised and it was a challenging period for Rudra but the
strong caring culture in her workplace helped her to cope with
her work and family responsibilities.
Moved by the support from her colleagues, U Family and STU
planned out the surprise visit with Rudra and Angelia, the
School Staff Developer on 12 November 2015.
Term 4
EYE CARE TALK / COMMUNITY PROJECT / MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION
EyeCare Talk for Students
The Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) together with Singapore
National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Lions SaveSight Centre
(Singapore) have been embarking on a community save sight
and eye care programme.
The aim of this programme is to educate our students on how
to take proper care of their eyes. A member of the staff from the
SNEC-Eye Bank will conduct the half hour talk, free of charge.
This is a voluntary outreach program and schools which are
interested can contact Ms Tay Mui Gim at muigv@hotmail.com
for further enquiries or clarifications for this eye care talk.
Gotong
Royong Project
at Kheng Chiu
Happy Lodge
The Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU), together
with the NTUC Care & Share Committee visited
Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home for the Aged,
under the Gotong Royong Project on 29 Aug 2015.
STU Membership Promotion
Spend $30 in any Sophisca
Outlet and recieve a free gift
worth $15.90.
Outlets:
• Changi Airport Terminal 3, Public Area #B2-19
• ION Orchard #B4-07
Present your STU membership card (NTUC
card with STU logo) to enjoy the promotion.
Promotion ends on 31 December 2015.
17
20 TEACHERS’ DAY CONTEST RESULT / TEACHERS’ DAY GOLF
the mentor
Voting for your preferred
2016 memento – Result
Thank you for participating in our survey on preferred STU Memento 2016. We are pleased to inform you that, in total,
we received 765 entries and the outcomes are as follows:
Total number of votes received:
765 votes
A4 size
Clutch
Bag
Microwaveable
Lunch Box
142
votes
120
votes
Travel
Pillow
355
votes
Item with
highest votes:
Microwaveable Lunch Box
Some of the popular choice of mementos
in the category of ‘Others’:
148
votes
Others
Thumb Drive
Travel Adaptor
Power Bank
Following up on the response received, we will be sourcing for Microwaveable Lunch Box as our memento for next year and
our members will be receiving them around March/April 2016.
At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the first 50 STU members who have completed
and submitted the survey to us and they’ll be receiving a $5 Popular Voucher each from STU. We’ll inform the winners in a
separate email.
Once again, we thank you for your kind support in this exercise and hope you will like our memento for next year.
Teachers’ Day Golf Challenge 2015
The Teachers’ Day Golf Challenge event on 4
September 2015 (Friday) was a memorable
one. There were a total number of 71
participants, of whom 21 are STU members.
Despite the heavy downpour and the game
having to stop halfway, the participants were
still in high spirits and most of them went
home with lucky draw prizes.