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. 

Xishan Primary School

PAP Community Foundation
(Blk 227 Yishun Street 21)

PAP Community Foundation
(Blk 227 Yishun Street 21)

I studied in Xishan Primary School at Yishun Street 21 only for 2 years from 1994 to 1996 (Primary 1 to Primary 2); after completed 2 years of pre-school educations at PAP Community Foundation (Nee Soon East Branch; Blk 227 Yishun Street 21). 

Xishan Primary School

Xishan Primary School was started in 1937 by a group of Chinese businessmen and philanthropists to promote Chinese education in Kampong Chong Pang at Hock Chwee Road (now part of Sembawang Avenue). It was first known as Si San Chinese School. 

Si San is a direct translation of West Hill.

In May 1984, the school was taken over by the government and the medium of language was converted to English. Thus, Si San Chinese School was renamed as Si San Primary School.

Si San Primary School at Hock Chwee Road
Image: National Archives of Singapore, 1985

Si San Primary School at Chwee Hock Road
 Image: National Archives of Singapore, 1985

Si San Primary School at Chwee Hock Road 
Image: National Archives Of Singapore; 1985

In 1986, the school moved to its new premises in Yishun Street 21. It not only received its Hanyu Pinyin appellation - Xishan Primary School, but also a new racial composition. Pupils of several races now made up the school population. 

Xishan Primary School at Yishun Street 21 in 1986
Image: xishanpri.moe.edu.sg

With the new premises, came new and modern facilities - special rooms, indoor badminton courts, basketball courts, computer laboratories to name a few. 

On 11 November 1988, Xishan Prinary School was officially declared open. 

The school motto of Love, Care and Share became the character and soul of Xishan Primary School. 

School Song:-

Stand up for Xishan

never must we let her down

shine with glory as the bright sun

fame and honour crown

may we always find excellence

through the winds of change

love and care and share 

our reliance

steadfastly unchanged

be true, Xishanites!

and be worthy of our name

constantly we strive 

for great heights

lead Xishan to fame

Mr Peter Tay Liang Choong 
Image: National Library Board 

Our Principal during those days was Mr Peter Tay Liang Choong. Mr Charanjit Singh was the Vice Principal.

In Primary 1, my Form-Teacher was Mrs Theresa Foo. She was quite fierce. Hence, throughout the time I'm under her tutelage, we had a rattan cane in our classroom. She do put it to use; very often though.

The most memorable part that I can recall about her was her kindness. She always brings me to Yishun Swimming Complex when there's a swimming lesson for our senior students. At the same time, my father work there after being transferred from Yan Kit Swimming Complex.

In Primary 2, my Form-Teacher was Mrs Goh Bee Yong. 

Unfortunately, I can't remember much of my friends from that era, except for Syafa'at, Sufian, Yusuf, Syikin, Nurul Huda and Saraswati.

Image: National Archives of Singapore, 1991

Image: National Archives of Singapore, 1991

Image: National Archives of Singapore, 1991

My memories of Xishan Primary School..:- 

I remember, the boys always wait for recess time because that's the only time we can play soccer. But, we not using a ball; we played using any empty can, because at that point of time we can't afford to buy a ball. And we played our 'very own soccer' at the basketball court.

Secondly, the longest queue is not found in the canteen but the classroom. We would queue up at the front to let our teacher mark our corrections before going back to our seats.

Lastly, teachers would paste colored duct tapes around the corner of our workbook and that would be our group color for that year.