Sangitaa Singh receiving the Mahatma
Gandhi GIIS Extra Mile Award from
Mr Baey Yam Keng, Member of
Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC,
Singapore, in 2010

Sangitaa Singh, IT Head / Teacher, GIIS Balestier Campus, Singapore

I had the honour of joining this esteemed institution in 2005, when I joined GICC and soon after, GIIS as a teacher for Classes 1 and 2. The institution was then at its preliminary stage and challenges were inevitable. The doubts I had about being able to adapt, at the outset of my journey, were soon overcome with support from my colleagues. Things took a different turn with the commencement of the GIIS Balestier Campus in 2008. As a part of a team moving to the newly opened campus, I found a new direction in all our ventures.

I yearned to be in the classroom and follow my dream to teach. When such an opportunity became available in Singapore, I knew it was the right one for me. It was very exciting to work for the only Indian school in Singapore in 2002. I initially signed on to teach at the ‘Indian Central School’ (as GIIS was formerly known as) based at Mount Sophia. Here, the atmosphere was relaxed but the spirit of excellence and drive for progress was well defined. I achieved a significant milestone establishing GIIS’ first kindergarten, often with limited resources, as is common with any new venture. The task was challenging, but nonetheless, a great learning experience for me too. The management was very supportive and my fellow teachers were a great source of strength. It soon became like a family. I recall one instance when Mr Temurnikar mentioned to me that his dream was for our kindergarten to become a standard for the industry, and today I strongly believe that his dream has come true. In an institution where innovation is the order and excellence is the aim, each moment here has been a learning experience! I have structured the IT curriculum for the school, conducted several successful teacher training workshops on IT and have had the wonderful experience of launching and implementing a MIMIO® Lab at the campus. I can also count regular analysis of data and implementation of a regular system of in-house video creation among my achievements at the GIIS Balestier Campus.

I owe each of my achievements to the encouragement of my seniors, the constant support and cooperation of my colleagues and above all, my students who have been my constant source of inspiration. I would like to specially mention Rekha Rachel Varghese. We joined GIIS together and I share many sweet memories of the journey at GIIS with her. Without this excellent work atmosphere, team spirit and bonding, none of the above achievements would have ever been possible.

It was proud moment for me to be recognised with the Mahatma Gandhi GIIS Extra Mile Award and GIIS Long Service Award for GICC programmes and for my work as a teacher. These esteemed awards bear testimony to my long and fruitful journey at GIIS and hold very special meaning to me. I aspire to support GIIS in its journey of excellence. Being the IT Head at GIIS Balestier Campus, I envision bringing about further innovations to the IT section of GIIS Balestier Campus and getting involved in community service in time to come.