The Mentor Newsletter Term 4 2014

MCI (P) 123/01/2014

A publication of the Singapore Teachers' Union

Term 4 / 2014

Public Sector Union Management Gathering (PSUMG) p4 Walk the Talk p21

Members can look forward to re-employment from 65-67 years old p5

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

Professional Development and Student Outreach (STaR) Thomas Low ext. 27 Workshops/STaR ext. 23 Finance Jonathan Tan Accounts Enquiries

ext. 20 ext. 19

Corporate Services / Administration Carine Yip ext. 26 IT Andrew Sim

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 Website www.stu.org.sg

STU Advisors

Mr Paul Edward Osgodby

Minister for The Environment and Water Resources

Mrs Jenny Tan

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan 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

Mr Neo Tick Watt @ Neo Teck Watt Ms Koh Ting Ting Mr Leow Peng Kui Mr John Ho Cheow Kuang Mr Wong Heng Tong

Tel : +65 6299 3936 Fax : +65 6294 7982 Web : www.stu.org.sg creative production By: Artnexus Design Pte Ltd 61 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #03-33 Singapore 417943 Tel : +65 6848 4355 Web : www.artnexusdesign.com ADVERTISEMENT Membership Department Ms Isabella Li Tel : +65 6299 3936 Email : lict@stu.org.sg

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

STU general auditors

Mr Chua Niam Pheng Lawrence

Mr Mohamed Jufri Hamzah Mr Ang Chun Poh Andy

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

Deputy General Secretary

Message from the IT Department Unions, like all other organisations, have become increasingly dependent on Information 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 our members and potential members that we intend to stick around and provide advice on members’ terms and conditions of service and assistance with work-related problems.

We have not been able to reach some of our members through email. If you have not been receiving our electronic newsletter, please send your particulars by emailing the following information to stu@stu.org.sg: • 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

PSUMG 2014

The NTUC and the Public Service Division (PSD) jointly organizes the Public Sector Union Management Gathering (PSUMG) annually. This year, it was held on Thursday, 30th October from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm at Downtown East, Pasir Ris. The gathering aims to strengthen union management relations by forging a common vision between unions and management and the theme for this year’s gathering was ”Public Service Transformation”.

There were presentations on union management partnerships to share on their relationships and to showcase their experiences on achieving common objectives and how it value-adds in the transformation process.

This year among the presentations from NEAAUPE-AUPDRW and HPB-AUSBE was the joint sharing by Mr Clarence Tang, Director, HRSCD, Ministry of Education and Mr Edwin Lye, General Secretary, Singapore Teachers’ Union. Both of them shared the stage to provide the participants an insight into the collaborations between the two organisations and how we manage issues together.

It was then followed by a video presentation showcasing our partnerships at events like the ACT Convention 2014, workshops and seminars.

The PSUMG is yet another platform for our public sector union officials and management representatives to network, build better bonds and to strengthen the labour-management relationships. Below are some snippets of the sharing.

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Term 3

IR Article

Members Need to Know …….

From 1st Jan 2015, members can look forward to re-employment from 65-67.

With the issuance of the Tripartite Advisory on Reemployment of Employees from Age 65 to 67 on 29 September 2014, the Public Sector will take the lead to re-employ officers up to age 67 years old.

To provide guidance to public sector agencies on the implementation, Public Service Division (PSD) has come up with a set of transitional guidelines. The guidelines were drawn up in consultation with public sector agencies and unions, and are also aligned to the Tripartite Advisory.

The qualifying criteria for re-employment from 65 to 67 are as follows; (a) The transitional guidelines will apply to officers who turn 65 years old on or after 1 January 2015 and meet all of the following conditions: (b) Re-employed under the Guidelines on Reemployment at or after age 62 for the Public Service; (c) Met the qualifying criteria upon retirement at age 62; and (d) Met the criteria for subsequent annual contract renewals from age 62 to 65, i.e. satisfactory work performance of at least a ‘C’ (not including C-) performance grade; good conduct; and medically fit to continue working.

The Ministry of Education will advise affected officers of their options for the re-employment to 67. This is still subject to the qualifying criteria and the needs of the organization. Members can enquire with the union for more information on the issue.

5

6

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

STU’s Professional Development Strategy Through Providing Customized Workshops and Courses Ever since STU expanded its professional development programmes to include customized workshops and courses for both teachers and students owing to curriculum reforms, we have received many requests from the schools to conduct pertinent courses and workshops, which were well received by schools and teachers.

STU’s Network of Expertise For school leaders who are not fully aware of our new expanded service, here is a glimpse of what we can provide: •

How Formative and summative assessment can be improved.

•

Social-emotional learning competencies and counseling students.

•

Getting students to love and achieve in Mathematics.

•

Managing classrooms to help students do better in their studies.

•

Next Generation Science Education: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Emerging Technologies.

This customized provision is grounded in the expertise of a network of lecturers and experts in different fields. Customized workshops and courses will be tailor-made to ensure that school staff are primed to meet the unique demands and challenges all schools will begin to face, given the projected educational reforms. These workshops and courses, are to be held in schools, and will be designed to meet particular needs of schools hosting these services. Write to us to find out more.

To download application form for workshops, please go to www.stu.org.sg. Fax the application form to (65) 6294 1032 or email to us at programmes@stu.org.sg

Term 3

professional development Workshops

Singapore Teachers’ Union 2015 Professional Development Workshops

MARCH

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

Month

Day/Date/Time

Workshop Title

Presenter

Friday, 23 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

An Introduction to Mindfulness in Teaching

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Tuesday, 27 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Dynamic Teaching

Mr Charles Barton

Thursday, 29 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Deepen Mathematical Understanding Through Multiple Representations

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Friday, 30 (9.00am-4.30pm)

School Staff Developers Idea Workshop

Mr Charles Barton

Tuesday, 3 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Effective Reading Strategies for Comprehension

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Wednesday, 4 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Evidence-based Teaching

Mr Dennis Sale

Friday, 6 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Creative Writing

Mr Charles Barton

Monday, 9 - Tuesday, 10 (10.00am-4.00pm)

Photography Workshop (with practical session)

Mr Joseph Tan

Tuesday, 10 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Create Higher Order Mathematics Questions and Tasks

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Thursday, 26 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Advanced Training for Allied Educators

Mr Charles Barton

Friday, 27 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Work Safety Seminar

MOM Trainer

Tuesday, 3 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Assessing Students for 21st Century Competencies

Mr See Teck Meng

Thursday, 5 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

How To Be An Even More Student-Centred Teacher?

Dr George Jacobs

Thursday, 12 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

What Makes For Good Content in a Story? (Part 1)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Friday, 13 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in Classrooms

Mr Charles Barton

Monday, 16 - Tuesday, 17 (9.00am-5.00pm)

Kagan Cooperative Learning Workshop (for Primary and Secondary Level)

Kagan Cooperative Trainer

Monday, 16 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Module PS101: The Theory, Nature and Practice of a Community of Inquiry

Tuesday, 17 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Module PS102: Questioning, Conceptual Exploration and Reasoning

Wednesday, 18 (9.00am-12.30pm)

Module PS103: The Use and Development of Stimulus Materials for P4C

Wednesday, 18 (1.00pm-4.00pm)

Module PS104: Micro-teaching and Tutorials

Thursday, 19 (9.00am-12.30pm)

Module PS105: Introduction to Basic Concepts in Eastern Philosophical Traditions

Various Trainers

Thursday, 26 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

What Makes For Good Content in a Story? (Part 2)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Friday, 27 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Teaching Thinking and Using Humour

Mr Dennis Sale

Thursday, 26 - Friday, 27 (10.00am-4.00pm)

Advanced Photography Workshop (with practical session)

Mr Joseph Tan

Associate Prof Philip Cam

7

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professional development WORKSHOPS

MAY

April

MARCH

Month

JUNE

8

Day/Date/Time

Workshop Title

Presenter

Monday, 16 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Integration Open Ended Problems and Projects into the Math Curriculum

Tuesday, 17 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Motivating and Challenging Students in Mathematics (with a Focus on Mixed Ability Classes)

Wednesday, 18 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Using Activities for Differential Instruction in Mathematics

Thursday, 19 (9.00am-4.00pm)

Low Achieving Students

Friday, 20 (9.00am-4.00pm)

Preventative Mathematics Remediation (PMR)

Monday, 30 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Sentence Fluency

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Tuesday, 31 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

A Compact Introduction to Action Research

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Tuesday, 7 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Language Games: Everyone Learns and Wins

Dr George Jacobs

Wednesday, 8 - Thurs, 9 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Foundation of Solution Focused Coaching

Ms Debbie Hogan

Friday, 10 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Oral Skills Teaching Development

Monday, 13 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Effective Communication with Parents

Friday, 24 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in Classrooms

Tuesday, 28 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Applying Positive Psychology to Teaching

Dr George Jacobs

Thursday, 30 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Teaching Phonics and Word Attack Skills (Part 1)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Tuesday, 5 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Evidence-based Teaching

Mr Dennis Sale

Wednesday, 6 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Teaching Phonics and Word Attack Skills (Part 2)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Friday, 8 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Dynamic Teaching

Mr Charles Barton

Tuesday, 12 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

An Introduction to Mindfulness in Teaching

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Thursday, 14 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Solution Focused Team Facilitation & Conflict Resolution

Ms Debbie Hogan

Thursday, 28 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Professional Writing Skills in School Settings (Part 1)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Monday, 1 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in Classrooms

Mr Charles Barton

Tuesday, 2 - Wednesday, 3 (10.00am-4.00pm)

Photography Workshop (with practical session)

Mr Joseph Tan

Wednesday, 3 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Assessing Students for 21st Century Competencies

Mr See Teck Meng

Thursday, 4 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Language Games: Everyone Learns and Wins

Dr George Jacobs

Friday, 5 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Professional Writing Skills in School Settings (Part 2)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Thursday, 11 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Teaching English Literature in Secondary Schools: Response and Analysis

Friday, 12 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Teaching the Different Genres: The Novel, Drama and Adolescent Literature

Dr Lionel Mendoza

Mr Charles Barton

Dr Christopher Hamilton

Term 3

professional development WORKSHOPS

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

JULY

Month

Day/Date/Time

Workshop Title

Presenter

Thursday 2 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

How To Be An Even More Student-Centred Teacher?

Dr George Jacobs

Friday, 3 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Advanced Training for Allied Educators

Mr Charles Barton

Wednesday, 8 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Deepen Mathematical Understanding Through Multiple Representations

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Thursday, 9 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Applying Positive Psychology to Teaching

Dr George Jacobs

Monday, 13 - Tuesday, 14 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Foundation of Solution Focused Coaching

Ms Debbie Hogan

Thursday, 30 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Teaching Phonics and Word Attack Skills (Part 1)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Thursday, 6 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Teaching Phonics and Word Attack Skills (Part 2)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Friday, 14 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Oral Skills Teaching Development

Mr Charles Barton

Thursday, 20 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Solution Focused Team Facilitation & Conflict Resolution

Ms Debbie Hogan

Tuesday, 25 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Create Higher Order Mathematics Questions and Tasks

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Tuesday, 1 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Effective Reading Strategies for Comprehension

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Thursday, 3 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Language Games: Everyone Learns and Wins

Dr George Jacobs

Friday, 4 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Creative Writing

Mr Charles Barton

Monday, 7 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Advanced Training for Allied Educators

Mr Charles Barton

Tuesday, 8 - Wednesday, 9 (10.00am-4.00pm)

Advanced Photography Workshop (with practical session)

Mr Joseph Tan

Thursday, 10 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Assessing Students for 21st Century Competencies

Mr See Teck Meng

Tuesday, 15 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

A Compact Introduction to Action Research

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Tuesday, 22 (2.00pm-5.00pm)

Developing Sentence Fluency

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

Friday, 20 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in Classrooms

Mr Charles Barton

Monday, 23 (9.00am-4.30pm)

Conscious Classroom Management

Wednesday, 25 - Thursday, 26 (9.00am-5.00pm)

Rebels with Applause

Mr Rick Smith

Log on to www.stu.org.sg for more details of the workshops and to download the application forms. For enquiries, email us at programmes@stu.org.sg or call 62993936.

9

10 BOOK NOTICE

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BOOK NOTICE

Globalization and the Singapore Curriculum: From Policy to Classroom Edited by Zongyi Deng, S. Gopinathan and Christine Kim-Eng Lee This volume was published in 2013 under the Springer Education Innovation Book Series. The series draws attention to the educational innovations and reforms in emerging successful countries such as Singapore. According to the series editors, “The audience of the edited volumes and monographs published in this series includes researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students in the fields of education and teacher education, and public policies related to learning and human resources”.

In turn, the editors of this Singapore volume assert that “(The book) critically analyses how the government has responded in the curriculum and educational policy arena to the challenges of globalization as well as how curriculum reform initiatives have been translated into operational curricula and implemented in schools and classrooms. Further, it examines how reform initiatives, together with their curricular translation and classroom enactment, reflect on the one hand global features and tendencies and, on the other, distinct national traditions, concerns, and practices. Through this examination, the book reveals how curriculum reform policy, curriculum development, and classroom enactment in Singapore have responded to globalization in distinctive ways”.

The editors’ point is worth noting. In Singapore, for obvious reasons, the field of educational change had in the 1970s and 1980s concentrated on the school system and macro-aspects of education, glossing over micro-aspects driving change at the classroom level. Things have changed since then. One exception in the late 1980s would be the impact of globalization on the English language teaching (ELT) curriculum in Singapore, which started to change drastically in the 1990s as in the revised 1991 and 2001 curriculum. The curricular reform was sustained over the following ten years. Subject and classroom research was embarked on at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in a number of research initiatives, and it was the setting up of the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP) in 2003 which reinforced looking into the completed curriculum in

classrooms. A number of chapters in this volume make use of data from the CRPP studies.

In brief, the book is organized in six parts, as shown below, comprising 15 chapters in all.

Part 1 Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI

Introduction Globalization, the State and Curriculum Reform Translating Reform Initiatives into Programmes, Enacting Reform Initiatives in Classrooms International, Comparative and Future Perspectives Conclusion

The book’s subtitle, From Policy to Classroom, provides a balanced view of the contents, covering discussion of the intended curriculum (policy decisions) and the completed curriculum, as experienced by the students.

In summary, as the editors say, “(The book) brings to light a set of issues, problems, and challenges that not only concern policymakers and reformers in Singapore but would be generally useful for policymakers, educators, and researchers in other countries”. And for educators and teachers doing postgraduate studies in Singapore, this volume should be made available in the staff library in Singapore schools.

Term 3

ADVERTISEMENTS

11

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MCLSD Programme Structure

Six Compulsory Courses

Advanced Diploma (awarded by NACLI)

+

Four Electives

Master Dissertation Or two additional elective modules Master of Community Leadership and Social Development

Accepting Applications till 31 March 2015

Classes begin in July 2015 Please contact us at 6248 5783/5787 Email: graddip&master@unisim.edu.sg Website: www.unisim.edu.sg

12 MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

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STU Membership Benefits - NTUC Gift Many members may not be aware that there is a group insurance plan, NTUC Gift, came together with their STU membership. This policy covers death and permanent & total disability of up to $30,000 and it covers members and their spouses up to 65 years of age.

For members, the benefits are as follows:NTUC GIFT Description Death or PTD+ of member due to natural causes (24 hours) or accidents (during working hours)

Less than 10 years of membership

10 or more years of membership

$4,500

$5,500

Death or PTD of member due to accidents (outside working hours) Please refer to Table of Benefits.

$20,000

$30,000

The aggregate of all payout per member shall not exceed

$20,000

$30,000

$250

$500

Death or PTD of member’s spouse due to all causes + PTD: Permanent and Total Disability.

Table of Benefits The benefits for Death or Permanent & Total Disability resulting from accidents outside working hours are as follows: NTUC GIFT Less than 10 years of membership

10 or more years of membership

$20,000

$30,000

a) Loss of two or more limbs

$20,000

$30,000

b) Total loss of sight of both eyes

$20,000

$30,000

c) Loss of one limb and total loss of all sight of one eye

$20,000

$30,000

d) Total Paralysis

$20,000

$30,000

e) Injuries resulting in being permanently bedridden

$20,000

$30,000

$7,750

$12,250

$7,750

$12,250

$20,000

$30,000

Description 1. Death 2. Permanent & Total Disability:

3. Permanent & Partial Disability: a) Loss of one limb b) Total loss of all sight of one eye The aggregate of all payout shall not exceed

Mr Edwin Lye, General Secretary of STU, is presenting the cheque to Mr Kon (centre), and together with Ms Phyllis Lim , Deputy Director of NTUC Care and Share Department (right)

STU is glad to have been able to assist Mr Koh to claim a $30,000 payout from the NTUC Gift policy as his spouse, the late Mdm Lau, who has been a STU member for 25 years, passed on in May after an accident in her house. The following is a short write-up on the cheque presentation to Mr Koh at STU on 9 October, “The sudden demise of Mdm Lau was a great loss not only to her family, but to the education service as well.

A dedicated and kind-hearted teacher and Head of Department of Physical Education and Co-Curricular activities at a Secondary School, it is of no surprise that tributes from teachers and students poured in generously when news of her passing broke.

As the late Mdm Lau had been a union member for 25 years, her spouse received a $30,000 payout from the NTUC Gift – a group insurance exclusively for NTUC union members. This is one of the Labour Movement’s ways of caring for its members and their families, especially during difficult times.

Mdm Lau’s spouse, Mr Koh was full of appreciation when Mr Edwin Lye, General Secretary of the Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) and Ms Phyllis Lim, Deputy Director of NTUC Care and Share Department offered their condolences and personally presented him with the NTUC Gift cheque. Mr Koh shared that he was thankful for the kind gesture as well as the payout.

He added that such an insurance scheme would particularly help those families who may face financial difficulty due to the sudden demise of their loved ones.”

For more details on this group insurance, please contact STU Membership Department at 6299 3936.

To join us, please fill-up the membership form on page 13 and send back to STU.

I need my photo on my card

$1500 - $1999 $4000 - $4999

Vice Principal Coord

Subject Head AED

Level Head NIE Trainee

-

$2000 - $2499 $2500 - $2999 $5000 & Above (GEO 1/2, GEO 1A1/2A1, GEO 1A2/2A2, SEO 1... etc)

H.O.D Teacher

ADDRESS Blk/House No. Unit No.# Street Name

Medium (English / Chinese / Malay / Tamil)

Senior Teacher Others:

(S)

NB : Proposer and Seconder must be STU members.

of Signature

School

of Signature

(DD/MM/YY)

Seconded by

/

School/ Branch Attached To:

Application Proposed by:

/

Date Joined Service

Account Holder’s Name: Account Holder’s NRIC / FIN: Name of Bank: Bank Account No.

*The FairPrice rebates ($) will be paid to the same bank account if your membership fees is paid via GIRO.

School

(Pri/Sec/JC)

I would like to be an NTUC FairPrice Member under the “Join-Now-Pay-Later” scheme. The first $23 of rebates must be accumulated within the first three years to pay for the 20 shares (at $1 each) and $3 admin fee. I authorise NTUC FairPrice to credit my NTUC FairPrice rebates into my bank account*. I also understand that the maximum amount in purchases at NTUC FairPrice Cooperative Limited entitled to rebate each financial year is S$6,000 - the rate will be declared at the Annual General Meeting of NTUC Fairprice Cooperative Limited each year.

If this section is not duly completed, your FairPrice rebates application will not be processed.

NTUC FAIRPRICE MEMBERSHIP

EMPLOYMENT Designation Principal Master Teacher Monthly Gross Salary $1000 - $1499 $3000 - $3999 Salary Grade:

CONTACT DETAILS Telephone (Office/Home) Handphone E-mail Address

Year Qualified:

Work Permit Holder

(DD/MM/YY)

Stick your passport-sized colour photograph here.

Please write your name and NRIC number behind the photograph.

Sex Female Male Date of Birth / / Singaporean Malaysian Others (Specify): Nationality Residential Status Singapore Citizen Permanent Resident Employment Pass Holder Chinese Malay Indian Eurasian Others (Specify): Race Marital Status Single Married Others (Specify): Qualifications GCE ‘O’ Level GCE ‘A’ Level Diploma Degree Post Graduate Year Qualified: Professional Qualification CE Dip Ed BA BSc PGDE (Pri) PGDE (Sec)

PGDE (JC) MEd PHP Others:

Name to be printed on card (Please limit to 26 letters)

NRIC/FIN Number (Starting with F or G)

PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name as in NRIC/Passport (Please underline Surname/Family Name)

I do not need my photo on my card

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Authorised Signature

PAYROLL & CLAIMS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 1 NORTH BUONA VISTA DRIVE SINGAPORE 138675

THROUGH:

THE GENERAL SECRETARY SINGAPORE TEACHERS’ UNION 583 SERANGOON ROAD SINGAPORE 218197

Name: Date:

Address:

Signature of witness:

In the presence of: School / Branch Attached To:

Name of Member NRIC No:

SIGNATURE OF MEMBER

This authorisation is valid from______________________________ (Date). If I wish to stop such deduction, I shall inform you in writing through my union giving you six months advance notice.

I, the undersigned, a member of the Singapore Teachers’ Union, request and authorise you to deduct from my monthly salary and/ or annual supplement, as the case may be, such union dues as are payable by me in accordance with my Union’s Constitution and as are notified to you from time to time by my Union and to remit the same to my Union.

TO:

Type: OB

Singapore Teachers’ Union 583 Serangoon Road Singapore 218197 Tel: 6299 3936 Website: www.stu.org.sg

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Union Code: STU Member Branch Code: Date Join Union: Member No:

(i) NTUC and the affiliated union/association of which I will be a member for the purposes of managing my respective membership; and (ii) NTUC/affiliated union/association, the Employment and Employability Institute, and NTUC Social Enterprises^ for the purposes of managing and increasing membership benefits and privileges.

3. I consent to be contacted by NTUC and my union/association via email, text messages, fax and/ or post for matters relating to employment and employability, industrial relations, training and education, social and recreation as well as to give my opinion/ feedback on such matters.

4. For the purposes of industrial relations and employment-related issues, I consent to NTUC and my union obtaining my personal data and any relevant data relating to my employment from my company.

5. I will also keep NTUC and my assigned union/association informed immediately of any changes to my employment status or personal particulars that affect my membership status and benefits.

6. I understand that I am also applying for membership to the PLUS! Programme (“PLUS!”) administered by NTUC Link Private Limited (“NTUC Link”). I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of PLUS! I acknowledge and consent to: a) the collection, use and retention of my personal data by NTUC Link for the purposes of fulfilling, servicing and managing my PLUS! membership; b) the disclosure of my personal data between NTUC/union/association and NTUC Link for the purposes of processing, servicing and managing my PLUS! membership; c) the disclosure of my personal data by NTUC Link to its Linkpoints Partners/Merchants for the purposes of fulfilling, servicing and managing my PLUS! Membership; d) I further consent to be notified by NTUC Link on benefits and privileges pertaining to PLUS! via email, text messages, fax and/or post; and e) I can visit www.plus.com.sg to manage my PLUS! membership (including withdrawal of consent) after my successful enrolment to PLUS! 7. For any enquiries on personal data protection matters, please email to stu@stu.org.sg.

AUTHORISATION FOR DEDUCTION OF UNION SUBSCRIPTIONS

Information correct at time of printing

*The one-off entrance fee is $25.00 (for teachers who join within 6 months of their first posting from NIE, the one off entrance fee is $10.00) # The cycle repeats automatically for the following year. ^For the list of NTUC Social Enterprises, please refer to www.ntuc.org/se.

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NTUC Membership refers to a range of membership types depending on the work status of the individual. NTUC reserves the right to assign successful applicants to an NTUC affiliated union/association. For a full list of affiliated unions/associations, please visit www.ntuc. org.sg. Upon approval, all members will automatically become a member of NTUC Club. For NTUC FairPrice membership, applicants will have to opt in.

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Transfer Between Membership Types • authorise NTUC and its affiliated unions/associations to assign and transfer my membership depending on eligibility and work status.

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Notice of Termination • give 6 months’ notice for termination of membership in writing.

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SINGAPORE TEACHERS’ UNION SINGAPORE TEACHERS’ UNION 583 SERANGOON ROAD 583 SERANGOON ROAD SINGAPORE 218197 SINGAPORE 218197

STU Membership Benefits and Privileges NTUC Membership STU is one of the NTUC affiliated unions.

Members of STU will receive the NTUC membership card, which also acts as the STU membership card (with STU Sticker) and will be enjoying membership benefits from both STU and NTUC. NTUC Membership Benefits at a glance • 9% rebates plus LinkPoints at NTUC FairPrice • Earn LinkPoints at over 900 merchant outlets • Received up to $250 training benefits from Union Training Assistance Programme • Insurance coverage of up to S$30,000 under group insurance plan, NTUC Gift • Enjoy special member rate on basic dental services at Unity Denticare clinics • Earn 15,420 LinkPoints a year at MyFirst Skool • Up to 50% off published rates for Costa Sands Resorts and more...

More information is available on the NTUC website at http://www.ntuc.org.sg.

NTUC Plus! Visa Card Free for life* for all Members, it gives you more LinkPoints, more Savings and more U-Power to enjoy life to the fullest!

More information: http://www.ntuc.org.sg/uplus * Prevailing STU monthly membership fees still apply.

Assistance in work related matters We have highly qualified staff to advise you on your terms and conditions of service and assistance with work-related problems.

Professional Activities We also assist our members in their work by organising courses, workshops and seminars on professional issues. We

believe that the Union can help our members keep abreast with the latest developments in education, teaching pedagogy and methods.

of Understanding (MOU) to offer four (4) sponsorship places in each academic year to STU members.

Other STU Activities and Promotions We organise a host of social, sporting and recreational activities for our members. On top of that, we work with different partners to provide you with exclusive promotions which are for members only. These are advertised regularly in our newsletter “The Mentor” which is sent to you on a regular basis.

MDIS Merit Scholarship for STU members and/or their spouses/children Merit Scholarship for Master’s degree valued at S$5,000 each for Singaporeans/ S$4,000 each for Permanent Residents. Merit Scholarship for Bachelor’s degree valued at S$4,000 each for Singaporeans/ S$3,200 each for Permanent Resident.

STU Personal Accident Lite (PAL) Plan STU PAL Plan is aimed at supplementing your other insurance coverage and providing you with opportunity to extend this coverage to your family as well. This plan has been tailor made for our teacher members. Take advantage of this exclusive premium coverage with affordable rates!

MDIS Academic Rebates Members of STU and/or their spouses/children will be eligible for the following rebate when enrolling into an academic course at MDIS: • Rebate of S$150 for Professional Certificates.

• Rebate of S$300 for Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Higher Diplomas, and Graduate Diplomas.

• Rebates of up of S$1,000 for Degree and Master courses.

• Rebates of up of S$1,500 for Doctorate courses.

STU Welfare Fund STU members are eligible to apply for the above fund under certain circumstances such as, prolonged medical conditions, loss of income, permanent or temporary incapacity; and/or any other form of financial hardship approved by the Union.

Special Travel Insurance Program for STU members and families only Enjoy all year round travel insurance @ 20% discount! Per Trip Plan: 20% from the AIG Travel Guard Premium Annual Plan: 10% from the AIG Travel Guard Premium SIM University - STU Sponsorship Scheme As part of STU’s significant efforts to encourage its members to keep abreast of the continual changes in the education system, the Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) and the SIM University (UniSIM) signed a Memorandum

Yearly Mementos Members will receive their yearly mementos in the first quarter of the year. To make it more convenient to our members, we will deliver the mementos to schools.

Provide Professional Talks to School at No Cost We also provide FREE talks to schools and trainees teachers at NIE. Topics like “Teachers and the Law” and “Clearing your Probation and Getting your first Promotion” are very relevant and well-received by our members.

More information is available on our website at www.stu.org.sg

Term 3

MEMBERSHIP PROMOTIONS

STU Membership Promotions REST & RELAX PACKAGE

LEGOLAND PACKAGE FOR FAMILY OF 4

Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. www.thistle.com/malaysia This package costs RM 816.00 nett per night in a superior room for 2 persons.

This package costs RM 1034.00 nett per night in a family apartment of Thistle Johor Bahru.

Package includes: • Buffet breakfast • Welcome drink • Set dinner at Oasis restaurant • One hour spa treatment • Check-out time until 4.00pm.

Package includes: • One night stay in a family apartment of Thistle Johor Bahru • Breakfast for 2 adults & 2 Children.

• Single day combo tickets for 2 adults and 2 children to LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park.

• Dinner for 2 adults & 2 Children in Glass restaurant.

• Free daily shuttle service to Legoland is available on a first-come, first-served basis

Note: This offer is only for 2 persons. The spa treatment and set dinner cannot be exchanged for cash or for any other benefits and has to be utilized during your stay period.

Terms & Conditions: • • • • • • •

Subject to Room availability All cancellations or amendments must be received 24 hours prior to the arrival date in order to avoid a 1 night penalty fee Prices are inclusive of service and tax at the current rate Thistle reserves the right to make changes to this promotion and other restrictions may apply from time to time.

This offer can not be used in conjunction with any other offer Reservations to be made through the Central Reservations at email: reservations-malaysia@thistle.com.my or call 07-2229234 for reservations department Promotions end on 31 December 2014

Please present your STU membership card (NTUC Card with STU Logo) upon check-in (for both packages).

Free Gift* worth $50 +20% discount storewide

Free Hydrating facial (40 min U.P $198) and top up

Terms & Condition: * Free Gift set items and packaging may vary but value remains the same. Subject to stock availability, while stocks last.

• One time redemption per customer • Customer must show NTUC card (with STU logo) and the newsletter to enjoy these benefits.

• Promotion ends on 31 January 2015

Terms & Condition: • Valid for customer age 21 years and above(NRIC Verification is required upon point of redemption) • One time redemption per customer only • Applicable only to Singaporean and Permanent Resident • Strictly by appointment and subject to availability • Customer must show NTUC card (with STU logo) and the newsletter to enjoy these benefits.

• Promotion ends on 31 January 2015

15

16 BORA 2014

the mentor

Branch Officials Recognition Award and Overseas Learning Journey 2014 The Singapore Teachers’ Union nominated three supportive delegates to receive the Branch Officials Recognition Award 2014.

The award came together with an Overseas Learning Journey to Seoul, South Korea from 21 to 24 August 2014. We are pleased to share with our members their reflections from the trip as follows:

By Peh Teow Peng Elliot, STU Delegate Boon Lay Secondary School Highlights of the journey included a visit to two institutions, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and Korea Labor Foundation (KLF). Leading our 71 member strong delegation is ASG Yeo Guat Kwang and CC Member Brother Hassan Bin Abdullah.

Like Singapore, South Korea is a First World economy; hence, we face similar labor issues like an aging work force and longer working hours. The current global economy means companies in both countries faces competitors from all over world. This translates to companies having to lower cost of production in order to compete, resulting in an over reliance on part-time and contract workers, as this group of workers require companies to pay little or no benefits. The former South Korean government is also very conservative, so even with rising inflation, wages are kept low.

In April 2014, there was a major maritime disaster in South Korea.

The Sewol sank, carrying with it almost 300 lives. The captain and many of her crew fled with their lives, causing outrage among the Korean public. One reason why the crew is so incompetent is because they are mostly part-time or contract workers. They do not know each other, and lack the experience to handle such emergencies. The disaster prompted many Koreans to rethink the current climate of over reliance on contract and part-time workers, and FKTU is one of institutions trying to make large corporations take responsibility before profit by enacting laws with regards to safety issues. I believe this has bearing on Singapore as well.

As we strive towards workers being more productive, there is a need to ensure the quality of the work force and that safety is not compromised. Unions in both countries have also started reaching out to temporary and migrant workers.

The Korean economy is also facing an aging labor force like Singapore. This means that the working population has to support a larger aging population. To reduce the impact, there has been a recent push in Korea to increase the retirement age to allow workers who want to work to an older age. Singapore is also heading in the same direction, so it would be interesting to see how the two economies compare in the years to come.

Unions in Singapore follow a tripartite model, but South Korea, being a much larger country has to tackle their challenges differently. Their unions can strike a more aggressive tone, and some relevant parties might not see eye to eye on certain

issues. Some large conglomerates like Samsung which employed thousands workers are not unionized as well. So compared to Singapore, industrial relations are more cordial indeed.

It has been an enriching experience all round, and I am indeed very grateful for all the insights.

By Li Zhihao, STU Delegate Nan Hua High School The scheduled visits to Korea Labor Foundation (KLF) and Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) allowed glimpses into the labour movement in South Korea. In addition to the visits, while travelling from place to place we often saw demonstrations going on, with demonstrators holding placards and faced with an equal or greater number of law enforcers. The antagonistic nature of some of what we saw was not lost on us, and it begs the questions: “Where is the room for negotiation?” From these, I have come to appreciate more the work of NTUC. The positive tripartite relationship we enjoy is not a product of chance but of constant vigilance and effort that must be maintained. In spite of individual gripes, the collective benefits overall.

Visiting the landmarks in Seoul granted us a deep appreciation of the rich history and culture of Korea. The Gyeongbokgung palace in particular boasted intricate carvings and paintwork and was a sight to behold. Of particular interest to many of the BORA participants was where the shooting for Dae Jang Geum (大長今) took place.

Term 3

What stood out to me was the pride that the local guides projected when they were talking about what is distinctly Korean, and the enthusiasm they had to share their culture with us. Underlying all of these was also a sadness that bespoke a country that had undergone so much tragedy. According to our guide, that is why the unofficial national anthem of Korea is “Arirang”.

Going for the trip gave me the opportunity to interact with the esteemed members from all the various unions and the insights they shared were certainly enriching. The friendship and camaraderie from the trip are treasured mementos that I will keep close to my heart.

By Soh Chee Keong, STU Delegate Christ Church Secondary School The BORA trip was truly a trip that was both memorable and enriching.

We visited the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and Korea Labour Foundation (KLF). We were so warmly welcomed

BORA 2014 / inspiring teacher of english award

by the two unions. In my opinion, the two unions worked hard to strive for the very best for its members in common. The former would be more firm and less susceptible to negotiating whereas the latter adopted a more flexible approach through negotiating.

However, their ultimate aim is still to derive the best benefits for the union members, which were quite commendable. In short, it would be an ideal if a balance of approaches could be struck between two reigning unions.

We also visited many interesting places such as the Namsangol Hanok Village, Trick Eye Museum, Gyeongbokgung Palace, as well as enjoyed the NANTA show, which was very entertaining.

The entire trip proved to be a well-mix of learning and fun. We learned a great deal of how the union foundations work and the intricacies of formulating positive policies that benefit the labour movement. The many unions located throughout Seoul have a profound influence in the labour market and mould the entire labour demographics in Korea. As such, we can also appreciate the efforts of our local trade unions in facilitating member needs with the requirements of the employers. It is indeed one where a fine delicate balance has to be maintained. One of the common things we can witness even today was the steadfastness of the police who are always in ready to quell any disorder that could stem from the labour demonstrations in many parts of Seoul.

From this short stay in Seoul, I would say that I am also very privileged to be given this chance to learn the many facets of the Korean Culture, which had left an indelible memory in my life.

Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2014 Congratulations To The Winners Of The Inspiring Teacher of English – Teaching Award 2014 Mr Richard Koh Pee Chou (Crescent Girls’ School) There is never a dull moment in Mr Richard Koh Pee Chou’s class. Leveraging on technology to ignite his students’ passion for Literature, Richard has made lessons come alive by using ICT to facilitate his teaching, group discussions, writing and presentations. For example, when his students were tasked to analyse the Bukit Chandu war poems, Richard brought the lesson closer to them by developing a digital learning trail. His students enjoyed the lesson tremendously as were able to connect with the poems and appreciate the power of words in evoking an emotional response in the reader or listener.

17

18 inspiring teacher of english award

the mentor

Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2014 Congratulations To The Winners Of The Inspiring Teacher of English – Leadership Award 2014 Mdm Lim Chwee Lian, HOD EL (Seng Kang Primary School) It has always been Mdm Chwee Lian’s belief that language is acquired through reading and its frequent use. It is through reading, listening to engaging stories, speaking extensively, discussing and sharing views with the teacher and their classmates that students’ competency in English is raised. By creating a conducive environment for reading and a culture of good English speaking through the adoption of a whole-school approach to effective communication in English, Chwee Lian is then able to achieve the desired outcomes of the STELLAR programme in delivering the EL Syllabus 2010, in producing pupils who are effective and confident communicators. Chwee Lian stresses that when students’ communicative skills are strengthened, they can also express themselves better and do well for their other subjects.

Chwee Lian has created monthly clinical sessions and termly newsletters to create awareness and to highlight commonlymade errors in both written and spoken English. While competent and passionate teachers are nominated as English Language Champions in her school to promote good spoken English, serving as role-models among the staff, students are also nominated as English Language Champions, playing the same role amongst their peers. To Chwee Lian, when both staff and students are engaged in language learning meaningfully and purposefully, it is what makes a rich environment for effective communication to take place and it is what makes English comes alive in a school.

Mdm Mischa Leigh Pereira, HOD EL (Bedok View Secondary School) Mdm Mischa Leigh Pererira, one of the winners of the Inspiring Teacher of English – Leadership Award has an underlying belief that an English Language Head of Department (HOD) should be a positive role-model for department teachers. Teachers and students should be able to look to the HOD as someone they can turn to for advice, guidance, support and expertise in the teaching of English Language. Mischa believes that it also important to be structured, organized and meticulous in the planning, running and monitoring of the department curriculum and programmes to ensure that they are consistent, successful and effective for the students.

Mischa is also a firm believer in expressing oneself succinctly, articulately and passionately and she has striven to ensure that her department programmes are aimed at developing Bedok View Secondary School teachers and students the language skills needed for real-life experiences. Her students are the centre of all that her department does. She feels that passion underlies everything that one does. If a teacher is able to show this enthusiasm and deep belief for the language, then it will become the basis for her students as well. Mischa also asserts that empowering and supporting the department teachers is also an extremely crucial aspect of running a department. A HOD should know the department teachers extremely well – their aspirations, interests and their passions so that they can love what they do and give it their all.

Term 3

’ s r e h c a e T olf

G y a D e g n e Chall y) 14 (Frida 0 2 r e b 5 Septem

The Teachers’ Day Golf Challenge event on 5 September 2014 (Friday morning) was a successful one. This event was open for registration for all STU members and 27 of them took up the challenge.

A special category of prizes was given to our STU members and in addition, all participants went home with lucky draw prizes. Not forgetting the high spirits that all participants had despite of the heavy rain in the morning and they had a good day of golfing which made this year’s Teachers’ day Golf Challenge a memorable one.

TEACHER’S DAY GOLF CHALLENGE

19

Term 3

In this regular column, NTUC This Week steps back in time to catch up with pioneer unionists as they recount their compelling experiences.

WALK THE TALK 21

Walk H

By Florina Oo

The Talk

How does STU keep up with the pace of aving served in different capacities Comparing the unions of yesteryear to workers’ needs? with the National Trades Union present day, what has changed?

The union performs dual roles; conducting Congress over the last 30 years, In the 1960s, communication was making industrial relation matters as well as Mr Leow Peng Kui is a firm believer in fiery speeches. Today, communication is In this regular NTUC multi-layered This Week stepsmany back in timeenhancing to catch up with and protecting the professional helping workers throughcolumn, building trust and through channels. interests of the teachers. Through a system and rapport.

Still, the purpose of communication is to pioneer unionists as they recount their compelling experiences. of school representatives and delegates, Taking a trip down memory lane, Mr establish trust and rapport with union information and activities relating to Leow shares his passion about union members. It was hard to sell the concept of Havingand served in different capacities with the National Trades be disseminated. work making a difference to teachers’ union to those in the teaching profession.

How does STU keep the upunion withwillthe pace of It is also Union Congress over the last 30 years, Mr Leow Peng Kuiteachers is a firm felt that they were common for prospective members to livelihoods.

Some workers’ needs? believer in helping workers through building trust and rapport. and should not be associated question why they need to join the union. professionals The union performs dual roles; That’s conducting industrial relation why STU continues to ramp up NTUCtw: Why did you join the union? with a union.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Mr Leow shares his passion matters as well as enhancing and protecting the professional efforts to speak and share with members Mr Leow: I joined the union in the midabout union work and making a difference to teachers’ livelihoods. interests of the teachers. Through a system of union schoolmembership. on the value of 1960s when there were some unresolved How did you handle these challenges? representatives and delegates, information and activities relating industrial relations withinjoin the the union?

You have to walk the talk. I avoid NTUCtw: Whyissues did you to the union will be disseminated.

It is also common forfrom prospective What have you gained your union teaching profession. taking a car ride or lunch alone with members to question why they need to join the union.

That’s why MrBack Leow: I joined the union inteachers the mid-1960s were journey? then, non-graduate were when the there management.

It forms a negative STU continues to ramp up efforts to speak and share with members some unresolved relations issues within the teaching I am a better and richer man from trained and paid industrial under different schemes. impression with the members – they think on the value of union profession. my union experiences. I’m This led to a significant difference in the you made some secret agreements with membership. still serving as a Trustee starting and end points of the salaries. the management. Still, our approach What have you gained from yourofunion Backissue then, divided non-graduate teachers were trained and paid STU. In essence, the This the union...

It was to members must be adaptable. under different schemes. This led to a significant difference in journey? union is still a part of resolved when the Education Ministry The needs and aspirations of the starting and end points of the salaries. This issue divided my life. Today’s society restructured the education service. From workers’ change over time with I am a better and richer man from my union experiences. I’m still the union ... It was resolved when the Education Ministry looks at one issue in there on, the Singapore Teachers’ Union the evolving social-economic serving as a Trustee of STU. In essence, the union is still a part of restructured the education service. From there on, STU grew varied lenses, but it’s (STU) grew and projected a positive image environment. my life. Today’s society looks at one issue in varied lenses, but it’s and projected a positive image of the teaching profession. important that we of the teaching profession. important that we move forward with the vision of unity in diversity. move forward with Comparing the unions of yesteryear to the vision of unity in present day, what has changed? diversity.

In the 1960s, communication was making fiery speeches. Today, communication is multi-layered and through many channels.

Still, the purpose of communication is to establish trust and rapport with union members. It was hard to sell the concept of union to those in the teaching profession. Some teachers felt that they were professionals and should not be associated with a union.

How did you handle these challenges?

You have to walk the talk. I avoid taking a car ride or lunch alone with the management. It forms a negative impression with the members – they think you made some secret agreements with the management. Still, our approach to members must be adaptable. The needs and aspirations of workers’ change over Mr Leow Peng Kui:evolving A trip downsocial-economic memory lane time with the environment. through past photographs.

Peng Kui

Name: Leow Age: 69 Manager Occupation:

of Loving Centre ice erv Heart Multi-S tary welfare lun vo a , g) on ur (J the National organisation under Service ial oc S of Council

rs' Union (STU) Singapore Teache of Peace in 2006 pointed as Justice Accolades: Ap

Union:

[ Original article was published in NTUC This Week on 14 September 2014, and written by Florina Oo. ]

E

Term 3

MDIS merit scholarship and academic rebates

MDIS Study Grants

For STU m their sp embers, ouses a children nd

MDIS Merit Scholarship

MDIS Academic Rebates

Merit Scholarship for Master’s degree valued at S$5,000 each for Singaporeans/ S$4,000 each for Permanent Residents.

Members of STU, their spouses and children will be eligible for the following rebate when enrolling into an academic course at MDIS:

Merit Scholarship for Bachelor’s degree valued at S$4,000 each for Singaporeans/ S$3,200 each for Permanent Resident.

• Rebate of S$150 for Professional Certificates.

Terms and Conditions for MDIS Merit Scholarship • Applicants must apply for admission to MDIS through STU before scholarship applications can be reviewed.

• All applicants would be evaluated by STU before submission to MDIS. • Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic performance.

• Applicants must have outstanding co-curriculum activities or contributed to social/community work.

• Successful applicants will not be entitled for any other grants, rebates or scholarships from MDIS. • This scholarship scheme is only applicable for new applicants/students applying for MDIS degree and master programmes.

• The scholarship amount will be deducted from the last instalment payment or upfront for full payment.

• The scholarship does not carry any work bond for successful applicants.

• Shortlisted applicants will be required to go through an interview by MDIS before being awarded the scholarships.

• Applicants of the scholarship have to be members of STU in order to apply for the scholarship. In addition, successful recipients are required to remain as a member of STU throughout the period of their studies.

• The applicant is responsible to inform STU at the time of application of any other financial assistance he/she is receiving or applying for.

• Rebate of S$300 for Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Higher Diplomas, and Graduate Diplomas.

• Rebates of up of S$1,000 for Degree (excluding University of Sunderland (Top-up) Degree) and Master courses.

• Rebates of up of S$1,500 for Doctorate courses.

Additional rebates for MDIS Corporate Members on top of the MDIS academic rebates (excluding University of Sunderland (Top-up) Degree) • Two sign-ups from STU (Same intake), additional 5% off (tuition fees only).

• Three or more sign-ups from STU (Same intake, additional 10% off (tuition fees only).

Terms and Conditions for the MDIS Academic Rebates: • Students are only entitled to one rebate, scholarship or grant of the highest value.

• Company sponsored applicants applying for SDF grant are not eligible for these rebates.

• All rebates are based on the course fee BEFORE GST and are deducted from the last installment, or upfront for full payment.

For more information, please contact STU Membership Department at

6299 3936.

23

24 TEACHER’S DAY CONTEST RESULT

the mentor

Voting for your preferred 2015 memento – Result Thank you for voting for your preferred choice of 2015 mementos and we are pleased to inform you that in total, we have received 669 entries and the outcomes are as follows:

Some of the interesting ideas:

Total number of votes received:

669 votes

1 Thermo Mug or BPA-free Water Bottle 219 votes

Quality USB Fan 181 votes

27%

Customized Teachers’ Kit 89 votes

13%

Others 180 votes

A customisable stamp (with date) for teachers to chop wordings, e.g. Received on (date), Corrections to be done, See me, etc.

A sturdy woven bag or laptop bag that can carry our students’ written assignments out for marking. For the humourous effect, the words “Marking in process.

Do not disturb.” can be printed on it with the STU logo. This will help teachers, especially those who do their marking at cafes and public places..

2

33% 27%

Motivational cards (name card size) that come with suitable quotable quotes that will encourage teachers on in their journey of teaching. Depending on printing costs, the number of cards with different quotations to be given out can be from 10 to 20 or even more.

3

Some of the popular choice of mementos in the category of ‘Others’:

Item with highest votes:

1

Thumb Drive – 30

votes

Thermo Mug or BPA-free Water Bottle

2

Power Bank – 26

votes

Following up on the response received, we will be sourcing for Thermo next year and our members will be receiving them around March 2015.

Mug or BPA-free Water Bottle as our memento

At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the first 50 STU members who have sent their replies 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, thank you so much for your support in this exercise and hope you will like our memento next year.

EYE CARE TALK for Students The Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) jointly 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. Schools may contact Mdm Tay Mui Gim at 8118 2728 for further enquiries or clarifications for this eye care talk.