By Erica Ramli & Avril Lin (412)

In 2023 and 2024, two new vice principals, Ms Mabel Goh and Mrs Mae Ho respectively, joined Nanyang Girls’ High School’s leadership committee.

We interviewed Ms Goh and Mrs Ho, with the objective of demystifying the work of our Vice-Principals for the student body.

Ms Mabel Goh: Championing Academic Excellence

In her role as Vice-Principal (Academic Studies), Ms Goh oversees the academic curriculum and assessment matters. While “academic studies” may sound like a position with just administrative duties, she is really a catalyst for change and constantly strives to enhance and improve the learning experience for students and teachers alike.

Ms Goh’s vision for the school extends beyond academic success: she highlights and places great emphasis on the joy of learning. The various programmes she plans aim to prepare Nanyang girls for the future of learning, such that the desire and passion to continuously acquire knowledge never dies out. In such a fast-paced world, where even methods of learning are changing, she wants to equip students with essential skills and dispositions. Through embracing blended learning, Ms Goh emphasises the importance of cultivating a joy of learning and going beyond the pursuit of grades.

To Ms Goh, one of the most interesting aspects of her job is its profound impact on learning. She collaborates closely with the Heads of Department to facilitate the joy of learning in students, implementing policies and programmes (eg. promotion criterias, Empowered Learners Day, Sec 1 Fusion)  to cater to the evolving needs of the school community. Inevitably, Ms Goh faces challenges in attempting to balance the various needs of students, teachers, and parents. However, through these challenges, she has learned the importance of understanding different perspectives and seeing everyone’s opinions, and thus strives to foster a culture of empathy and collaboration in school.

And as much as her role suggests a focus on students, she never loses sight of the teachers who she works with to achieve her goals. One of her most significant experiences is having one-on-one talks with teachers to uplift and encourage them.  She aspires to constantly encourage positive mindsets among teachers about teaching, as well as nurture the people she works with to become better teachers.

Mrs Mae Ho: Pioneering Strategic Development

As Vice-Principal (Strategic Development), Mrs Ho’s canvas spreads beyond the Nanyang campus. She spearheads different initiatives to shape Nanyang’s educational landscape and also contributes to co-curricular activities. However, she  does not work alone: she works closely with different teams and stakeholders, such as the school’s Executive and Administrative Staff, as well as beyond the school, such as the Parent Support Group (PSG).

Mrs Ho’s work is multifaceted and colourful, as it involves strategic planning across various areas of the school. Her role requires a keen understanding of the school’s vision and mission, which allows her to translate them into actionable plans that benefit the school community. Mrs Ho faces challenges such as navigating environments of students and teachers alike, steep learning curves which she combats through her willingness to learn the ropes, and seeking to understand the connection between past, present, and future.  She is driven by her desire to create a nurturing environment where students can constantly thrive,  so she is constantly thinking of how she can be of service to those around her and help them move forward.

Central to Mrs Ho’s philosophy is the importance of student engagement and empowerment. She values the proposals pitched by students as she appreciates an environment where students can actively contribute to the school’s development and provide valuable insights and perspectives . Through meaningful interactions and collaboration, Mrs Ho hopes to build bridges between students, staff, and external communities, so as to nurture a greater sense of belonging and pride in the school.

Together, Ms Goh and Mrs Ho embody the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Nanyang Girls’ High School. Their dedication to academic excellence, strategic foresight, and student welfare paves the way for a brighter future, giving every student the opportunity to thrive.

As they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, our vice principals remain steadfast in their commitment to nurturing minds and building futures.