SINGAPORE - Fifty-nine schools here will be getting a new principal next year, as part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) annual reshuffle exercise.
These include Eunoia Junior College, Temasek Junior College and Victoria Junior College.
Of the 59 schools, 24 will have principals who have been appointed for the first time.
In a statement on Thursday (Oct 7), MOE said the appointment of the 24 new principals marks an important career milestone as they assume greater responsibilities as leaders in education.
The youngest principal to be appointed this year is Mr Terence Yao Zhixuan, 38, who will lead Chung Cheng High School (Main), said a MOE spokesman.
He said: "I am grateful for the trust emplaced in me to contribute towards the steeped history of Chung Cheng High (Main), and will seek to build on the good work of my predecessors in partnership with our key stakeholders to prepare our students well for the future."
Among them is also Ms Ho Hil May, current vice-principal of Blangah Rise Primary School, who will be helming Anglo-Chinese School (Primary).
She will be replacing Dr Irene Ng Siew Peng, who is retiring.
Three principals will be retiring at the end of this year, said a MOE spokesman.
MOE said the process of appointing and rotating principals allows schools to benefit from fresh perspectives and experienced principals to share their best practices across schools.
"For the 35 current principals and headquarters officers who will be assuming new principalship appointments, it is an affirmation of MOE's confidence in their abilities to continue leading and guiding our teachers, staff and students in schools," said the ministry.
Mr Justin Arul Pierre, the cluster superintendent of the Schools Division, will take over from Reverend Father Dr Adrian Danker as principal of St Joseph's Institution (SJI).
A MOE spokesman said Dr Danker will be returning to serve in his religious order.
On his appointment, Mr Pierre, whose appointments include being a principal of Pasir Ris Primary School from 2005 to 2011, said: "I'm humbled by this opportunity to lead SJI and can appreciate the school's illustrious history, culture and ethos.
"I intend to uphold the school's rich traditions and Lasallian values whilst maintaining the upward trajectory in the school's progress."
There will be an appointment and appreciation ceremony for principals on Dec 3, with director-general of education Wong Siew Hoong presenting letters of appointment to the principals.
At the ceremony, MOE will also acknowledge the contributions of retiring principals and senior education officers from MOE headquarters who have formerly served as principals.
