Although school reopened cautiously with some levels starting Term 3 with HBL, students were recharged after a good June break and embraced the learning that awaited them as they looked forward to seeing their friends and schoolmates once again. An air of excitement and anticipation filled the school amidst the bustle of preparations for various commemorative events happening in the term ahead.
The festivities kicked off with MG Week from 19 to 23 July. Students participated in reflection activities to pen their well-wishes and thoughts on MGS as the school turned 134 years old. In that week, MGS also celebrated Singapore’s rich multi-cultural heritage with Racial Harmony Day on 21 July. Activities emphasised the importance of embracing diversity and building resilient communities, and commemorative RHD education packs and a 'Dress Your Paper Doll' competition put together by parents deepened students’ understanding of the different ethnic groups.
The school commemorated the anniversary of the founding of MGS with a special Founder's Day Service broadcast screened on Friday 23 July. Students and staff tuned in together to reflect on the legacy of Miss Sophia Blackmore and give thanks for the blessings that have enriched the MGS community over the past years. The event also recognized the sterling achievements and honoured the efforts of the school population in embracing the circumstances, whilst anchored in the 2021 theme, God is my strength. Special ‘Strength-bells’ were distributed to remind us of the strength we have in Christ and the need to hone and cultivate it as we go through each day.
On Saturday 24 July, the Class of 2020 reunited in an online service and graduation ceremony, looking back on their accomplishments and treasured experiences of MGS as a cohort.
National Day came around with the approach of August. The Secondary school’s String Ensemble put together an instrumental rendition of this year’s NDP song, ‘The Road Ahead’ which formed part of the school’s online National Day celebrations.
As an ode to Singapore’s culinary landscape and our hawker heroes who are custodians of our national heritage and traditions, the Primary Four pupils have created art pieces of their favourite hawker food from the different ethnic cultures. These have been put together by the teachers into a mural display that can be viewed at King Albert Park MRT Station. The feature piece evokes the melting pot of influences that make up our Singaporean identity and unites us as one nation, and provides food for thought for commuters during their daily travels.
The annual Commendation Awards Ceremony was held via a virtual broadcast on 31 August for the Primary school, and on 1 September for the Secondary school. The guest speaker was Ms Amanda Ng, an MGS alumna from the Class of 2010 who had represented Singapore in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo Olympic Games for sailing. The sharing of her journey as an athlete inspired and encouraged the students to persevere through challenges and work hard to pursue their dreams. We are proud to call Amanda one of our own, and to have her contribute towards the MGS legacy of nurturing Olympians over the years!
Teachers’ Day celebrations on 2 September was a time for us to appreciate our classroom heroes, and reflect on how MGS teachers over the years have helped to lay the foundation for future generations of MGS girls to make a positive impact on society. A meaningful programme was put together to honour our teachers, without whom, we would not be the educational institution we are today!