Bethesda (Katong) Kindergarten: 60 Years of Service and Progress Did you know that before our church even came about, there was, first, our kindergarten? Or that in the 60 years she has been in operation, more than 20,450 children have passed through her doors? Here’s a quick snapshot of God’s faithfulness to our kindergarten ministry, as shared by Miss Irene Wee (Principal) and Miss Wong Lee Pin.
Bethesda (Katong) Kindergarten started in 1953 at 21 Jalan Pipit with the vision of an outreach at Frankel Estate. Soon the kindergarten grew significantly and a bigger premise was required, so the kindergarten moved to its present premises in 1955. The growth of the kindergarten from an initial 20 students to its current enrolment of more than 400 is due in no small part to the dedication and commitment of each of the principals, board members and staff over the years. The current principal, Miss Irene Wee, built upon the accolades of her predecessors and developed the kindergarten from strength to strength. Under her leadership, the kindergarten has been receiving the MOE Innovation awards and MOE Good Practice awards for the past few years. Projects included the integrated approach to thematic curriculum, ‘Stellar’ approach to teaching of English and Mandarin, computer-assisted learning, Art in Our Daily Life and purposeful play through learning centres. In addition to educating the children, the kindergarten seeks to nurture each child in strong character values. In essence, our mission is to “train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
24
