Min Xin Primary School

I studied in Min Xin Primary School only for a year (Primary 3) in 1997. 

I don't think any of you reading this blog have ever heard of Min Xin Primary School. It was located next to Yu Neng Primary School at Bedok North Street 3. It was closed in 2003 after merging with Yu Neng Primary School.

Not much is known about the early history of Min Xin Primary School; only that the school was started in early 60's by a group of Chinese businessmen to promote Chinese education in Jalan Bumbun Utara (now became the vicinity of Tampines Secondary School at Tampines Street 12). It was first known as Bin Sin Chinese School.

In 1982, the school was taken over by the government and the medium language was converted to English. Not only Bin Sin Chinese School was renamed as Min Xin Primary School; the school also moved to its new premises in Bedok North Street 3.

Today its premises are occupied by the Rumah Kebajikan Muhammadiyah (RKM). 

It's quite inconspicuous. If you passed the area, you might not even notice it. I'm not sure whether it's a temporary arrangement for RKM; and hence I really do not expect this landmark to be around for long.

Why I studied there only for a year? 

Actually in 1996 my family moved out to Johor. When I was transferred from Xishan Primary School to Min Xin Primary School, I stayed in my grandfather's house at Bedok North Street 3. It only lasted for a year because in 1998 my father transferred me again; to Marsiling Primary School. 

School Song:

Oh Min Xin School to you we sing

for our young minds 

you've helped to mould

for you've taught us to read 

and write

and to work hard 

to reach our goal

Oh let us move forward together

let us together strive

to become useful citizens 

and to build a better life

Our Principal was Mrs Vasughi Mani. Mdm Veronica Wu How Peng was the Vice Principal. 

Mdm Vasughi Mani

Mdm Veronica Wu How Peng

In Primary 3, my Form-Teacher was Ms Grethel Shepherdson. She was quite fierce. Many of the boys got slapped. I got slapped once; not on the face though, but the back of the head. Ever since Min Xin Primary School closed down, I have no idea on where she is now. 

Ms Grethel Shepherdson (standing second from right)

Cikgu Battaria binti Satmim (seating second from left)

My Malay Language Teacher was Cikgu Battaria binti Satmin. She was a kind and soft-spoken teacher. I still kept a book entitled Rezeki Ulat; a gift from her for Children's Day in 1997. The last time I heard, she's a teaching staff at Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah at Jalan Sultan. 

I can remember some of my friends from that era, they are Wan Chui Ting, Ser Shu Jie, Shahrir bin Ismail, Saifudin, Shahdan bin Hussin, Shahril bin Jumari, Briscoe Shamsul Qamar, Koh Chi Hao Jeffrey, Rizwan bin Kamaludin, Ridwan bin Rawi and Goh Qi Fan. 

My memories of Min Xin Primary School..:- 

I can remember brushing my teeth alongside my classmates during recess time. We used to rinse out of a colorful plastic mugs. 

By the way, do you know there's something interesting about the toothpaste? 

Secondly, we freak out when our teacher told us to line up in two rows according to height and gender, then hold hands with the boy/girl beside us before walking off to the Music Room or Hall. 

Lastly, the worst punishment for not bringing our textbook is having to go to the neighbouring class to borrow a copy. And everyone would stare at you.