By Wong Hongyi (Class of 1999)
To many of us who grew up in Singapore, the principal represents the ultimate authority in the school. As a rule, we stay out of their way the best we can, partly out of fear and partly out of reverence for their appointment. Rarely do we consider getting to know our principals better, until it is too late.
My interview with Ms Leong makes a poignant statement about this. Despite the initial butterflies in my stomach, the things she shared in that conversation allowed me to see a woman who does not only call herself principal, but also friend, mentor, colleague and daughter.
Ms Leong came to Anderson Junior College as its fifth principal. Prior to that, she was the principal of two secondary schools, and holds the record of being the youngest female principal to be appointed to office, at the age of 31.
A model student when she was in school, Ms Leong won herself an overseas teaching scholarship to read Geography in Cambridge University. Upon the completion of her studies, she came back and started her teaching career in Raffles Junior College.
When asked about her philosophy on teaching, Ms Leong said: “Through feedback and self-reflection, I have come to realise that you should teach the students, not the subject. It is much more important to ensure that your students understand what you are teaching, than to focus on giving them all the knowledge you possess.”
Apart from that profound statement, Ms Leong also believes that she must always “value-add” to the students she is in charge of. To her, all her students come in with their own beliefs and preconceptions. The challenge is to work with these differences and help one another to grow into better human beings. Throughout her years as a teacher, Ms Leong is certain that she has learnt from her students as much as they have from her.
AJCAA Treasurer, Mr Lim Kian Kiat, handing over a token of appreciation to Ms Leong on behalf of AJCAA during AJC Staff Dinner on 4th November 2011.
As a principal, Ms Leong continues to give support to her students. Despite her busy schedule, she makes it a point to meet with students who are facing problems in school or at home. To her, it is important to understand what is bothering these students, and tackle the problem at its root. By giving them an opportunity to speak, Ms Leong also helps her students to understand themselves better, in turn empowering them to make important decisions that will have an impact on their lives in the future.
I was curious to find out from Ms Leong what she would miss most from AJ, and her reply was both a pleasant surprise and a reaffirmation of our college creed. To her, the most wonderful thing about AJ is the kindness and warmth that is displayed by both staff and students. The spirit of Non Mihi Solum is something she has always subscribed to, and in the college she was impressed to see it being practised at the school-level.
In the latter part of her term in AJ, Ms Leong lost both her parents and went through a very difficult period. Fortunately, she had the support and understanding of her deputy principals and other key personnel throughout the ordeal. With tears in her eyes, Ms Leong acknowledged that the college and its spirit of Non Mihi Solum helped her to recover from her loss and move on.
Towards the end of our interview, I asked Ms Leong what flowers she liked. The principal replied that she does not like flowers, but then went on to say that she does think that the orchid is very pretty. She also finds the orchid admirable because of its tenacity and its ability to last a long time without withering. Not surprisingly, her mother loved the orchid and the family used to grow them at home.
When asked what she would say to a man who gives her flowers, Ms Leong burst out laughing. She replied candidly that someone who gives her flowers does not really know her. To her, it is more important in life to be down-to-earth and frugal, and flowers – as presents – are transient and impractical. Till the end, she remained a role model for her students.
Without spending that hour and a half with Ms Leong, I would never have known that the principal has a strong sense of humour and enjoys a good conversation. What is more, Ms Leong is an avid photographer who loves to travel when she has the time. Just how good are her photographs? I shall leave you to judge them for yourselves with some pictures she had taken during her trips to Myanmar and Canada.
