YCKSS 60th Anniversary Dinner - Gift Appreciation

Thank you for gracing the occasion of YCKSS 60th Anniversary Dinner. We have put together some gifts as tokens of our appreciation.

Growing Roots, Gaining Independence

Our school was established by the First Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1965, the same year Singapore gained independence. Mr Lee was visiting Yio Chu Kang, then a rural farming community, when he acceded to the request by farmers to build a school for their children. Mr Ong Pang Boon, then Minister for Education, officially opened the school after it was built at 11 milestone Yio Chu Kang Road.

Gift 1: Vegetable Seeds from our school's Mendel's Garden – Every seed holds hope and promise for a better tomorrow, as YCKSS anchors itself through its roots at the same time when Singapore gains independence.

Standing Up for Singapore, Contributing to Workforce

Our school witnessed changes in tandem with Singapore's history. It was a time of rapid industrialisation. At YCKSS, the equal educational opportunities afforded to all students, regardless of background, was the cornerstone for driving social mobility and meritocracy. Our school emphasised on the development of students' technical skills for them to contribute to the workforce.

Gift 2: Acrylic Keepsake reflecting both SG60 and YCK60 – YCKSS's journey together with our nation Singapore, as we pay tribute to the Pioneer and Merdeka Generations who built our Nation, our School, our Home.

Building Infrastructure, Fulfilling Potential

In 1982, our school was re-sited to its current premises at 3063 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 in new Ang Mo Kio Town. Our school, tapping on a Knowledge-based Economy, and aligned with the MOE vision of 'Thinking Schools, Learning Nation', was focused on customizing curricula to students of varying abilities to develop their full potential.

Gift 3: Token Keychain – Every YCKian is worthy, and has potential to be discovered and unlocked, to contribute to family, society, and country.

Sustaining Life, Nurturing Growth

Our school developed identity and sense of belonging in students through National Education; Critical and Creative Thinking, Collaborative Learning, and ICT literacy through 21st Century Competencies. Social Emotional Competencies were also nurtured. In 2002, our school's physical facilities were improved and upgraded under PRIME.

Gift 4: Water in Tetra-Pak (饮水思源) – Like water sustains life, YCKSS has nurtured generations with knowledge, skills and competencies. YCKians have achieved in different sectors of business, industry and professions. When reflecting on our life experiences, we remember those who have taught us to be confident and resilient.

Pursuing Excellence, Serving Others

Our school pursues excellence in all we do, through continuous improvement of our curricula and co-curricular activities. YCKSS recognises our responsibilities towards the community and the environment. Our students serve people through Values-in-Action programmes aligned to our motto 'Pursuit of Knowledge, Service to All'. They are active in promoting sustainability against climate change.

Gift 5: Recyclable Tote Bag – YCKians embrace continuous learning opportunities as we carry essential items in this eco-friendly bag on a journey to realize hopes and aspirations.

Enriching Learning, Spreading Joy

YCKSS develops its niche areas into the Applied Learning (STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and Learning for Life (Arts, Media and Design) Programmes. Our school's ALP develops inquiring minds and inventive thinking by devising integrated solutions for real-life problems through technology. Our LLP exposes students to different art forms and allows them to express their ideas in different ways. Both give students enriching experiences, fostering creativity and joy of learning.

Gift 6: Sticker Pack – Every sticker represents a cherished memory of learning; a piece of YCKSS that stays with you always.

Weaving with Care, Connecting for Life

In 2018, Yio Chu Kang Secondary School merged with Chong Boon Secondary School, retaining its English name and taking up the latter school's Chinese name of '崇文'. Yio Chu Kang Secondary School continues with the Gen Ed-SPED Partnership with Pathlight School (PLS) as its satellite campus, hosting students on the Autism Spectrum, providing opportunities for integration and inclusivity.

Gift 7: Macrame Wrist Strap – Weaved by our students who have put their names on the pieces, with passion and pride. Like the knots, past and present school leaders, advisory committee members, staff and alumni have bonds with YCKSS that connect us and last forever.

Continuing the Culture, Leaving a Legacy

Our School Vision is 'A community of Learners, Leaders and Innovators', and our mission is 'To nurture students of character who thrive through love of learning and a willingness to grow and lead in meaningful service to self and others'. YCKians are each a 'Leader, Learner, Innovator'. The year 2025 is our 60th anniversary, and our theme is 'Celebrating our Heritage – Yio Chu Kang Secondary School Our Home, Heart and Hope'.

Gift 8: The Bag itself – Carrying with it 60 years of the school's culture of adaptability and resilience.

On behalf of Yio Chu Kang Secondary School staff and students, it contains all our best wishes to you.

Thank you for your presence and contributions.