SACPS Moves to Holding Site

Following is a report in the Catholic News, issue vol 60 no. 24, by Paula Png:

Students and staff of St. Anthony's Canossian Primary School at Bedok North Avenue 4 found it hard to keep emotions in check when the school closed its doors for the last time on Nov 16.

The event marked the closing of a chapter in the school's history here as lessons will now be conducted in a temporary holding site at Bedok North Road for the next two years. The building will be refurbished as part of the Education Ministry's plans to improve and upgrade its facilities.

The Nov 16 ceremony began with a commemoration of the history of the school, which used to function at Middle Road.

A bell and a key brought from the Middle Road campus were presented to Mrs Eugenie Tan, the principal, as a symbolic representation of the school's heritage.

Mrs Tan then received a candle signifying Jesus Christ, to whom the school will continue to look for guidance as it starts a new chapter of its history.

Leading the Canossian family in prayer, the school's chaplain Sr Janet Wang gave thanks to God for his blessings on the Canossian schools through the decades.

Emotions ran high as the prefects, representing the school population, proceeded to close the classroom doors on the second floor as a symbol of the end of an era.

As the choir led the school in the song, We Shall Go Out With Joy, the staff, the Canossian Sisters and the Primary Six students set off for the temporary holding site together.

The ceremonial walk, the school's first step into its new future as one big Canossian family, was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and paraliturgy at the holding site.

The school community is expected to return to its refurbished building in 2013.