Shining Bright Behind The Scenes
In the bustling heart of Star Learners, amidst the cacophony of classroom noises, two unsung heroes quietly go about their duties. Known endearingly by ‘Auntie Pak’ and ‘Uncle Albert’, these two heroes have dedicated themselves to their roles for several years.
As the curtains rise on our inaugural BTS Heroes’ Day here at Star Learners, where we express our gratitude to those who often work Behind-The-Scenes to keep our preschools running smoothly, we pull back the curtains to delve into their experiences and the lasting impact they’ve had during their time at Star Learners.
Cleaner
Star Learners @ Pasir Ris
12 years with Star Learners
A Gleaming Legacy
Yuet Hoe or Auntie Pak, is our vivacious 71-year-old cleaner at Star Learners @ Pasir Ris. With 12 years of dedication to her name, her story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her work and her love for the children she interacts with daily.
“I saw the job advertised in the newspaper,” Auntie Pak recalls. “Because of the location of this centre at Pasir Ris, it’s near where I live, so it’s very convenient – only five bus stops away!”
Before joining Star Learners, Auntie Pak was busy taking care of her grandchildren. But when they grew older and were more independent, she decided to return to the workforce to stay active and contribute to her household income.
A typical workday for Auntie Pak starts at 7:30am. She starts with cleaning the classroom furniture, then moves on to wiping down over 100 of the children’s mattresses. These are to be completed before the little ones arrive to the classrooms, after their breakfast and morning assembly. Her meticulous approach ensures that the children’s morning routines are not disrupted.
Despite the physical demands of her role, which involves a lot of squatting and climbing of stairs, Auntie Pak takes extreme pride in her job. Her resilience is evident as she notes, “I’m used to it, having spent my younger years praying at the temple, which involves a lot of kneeling and up-and-down motions. I don’t get back aches, unlike many people my age.” Her workday ends at 12pm, at which point Auntie Tan, another cleaner at the centre, takes over the afternoon cleaning duties in a collaborative effort to manage the workload effectively.
Her interaction with the children is heart-warming. “The children here are very good and very cute as well.” Auntie Pak exclaims. “They always want to talk to me. Here, I hear the children all the time, be it their chatter, laughter, cries or their whines. I’d rather this than the silence at home when everyone goes to school or work.”
Her proudest moments are when former students return to visit. “I have seen many batches of children come and go,” Auntie Pak shares with a smile. “When they come back to visit and you see how much they’ve grown, you will feel very happy and touched. It’s like watching my own grandchildren grow up.”
Her proudest moments are when former students return to visit. “I have seen many batches of children come and go,” Auntie Pak shares with a smile. “When they come back to visit and you see how much they’ve grown, you will feel very happy and touched. It’s like watching my own grandchildren grow up.”
In describing the Star Learners community, Auntie Pak emphasises the positive environment and the respect she receives. “I feel contented and fulfilled with my job because my colleagues are very respectful towards me, and the children are also very polite and well-behaved. I appreciate the positive work environment and am very happy being a member of the Star Learners family.”
Bus Driver
Star Learners @ Pasir Ris / Elias
5 years with Star Learners
Changing Lanes and Driving Smiles
Kok Chong, affectionately known as Uncle Albert in the Star Learners community, has been the friendly face behind the wheel for Star Learners @ Pasir Ris and Elias for five years now. At 68, his energy and dedication to his role as a bus driver are nothing short of inspiring.
His journey to Star Learners began after a near decade-long stint as a delivery driver. Seeking a change in his work environment, he took a chance and joined the Star Learners family. Interacting with children daily has transformed his temperament for the better, a change very much welcomed by his wife. The innocent laughter and endearing “Uncle” calls from the children bring immense joy and fills his heart with warmth.
“I just wanted a change of environment,” Uncle Albert reflects with a smile when asked about the decision to switch jobs then. “My temper has become so much better since working here. I interact with children almost every day now, so I do have to be very mindful of my behaviour and words.”
His typical workday involves four trips, two in the morning and two in the evening, transporting around 10 children each time. He meticulously plans his routes to ensure a smooth and safe commute for all.
But Uncle Albert’s role goes beyond being a ‘chauffeur’. He sometimes accompanies children on their school excursions as well, acting as a guardian and looking out for them. His dedication to the children is reciprocated with love and presents on special occasions such as their birthdays. His deep connection with the children, their parents and his colleagues has truly made Star Learners feel like a second family to him.
As he chuckles, Uncle Albert shares, “When it’s their birthdays or even Teachers’ Day, they give me presents. It’s like wow, they actually make the effort to remember me! I really appreciate all these little gestures from the children.”
His deep connection with the children, their parents and his colleagues has truly made Star Learners feel like a second family to him.
Uncle Albert’s commitment extends to his work schedule. He reveals, “I seldom take leaves, although if I really have to be away, there will be a relief driver. But it’s not an arrangement that I am very comfortable with because if I’m not around, Auntie Kathleen (our Bus Attendant) and the children are not familiar with the relief driver. It’s almost like if I go on leave, I worry about them (laughs). They are my responsibility… I can’t bear to leave them in the lurch.”
As we celebrate BTS Heroes’ Day, let Auntie Pak and Uncle Albert stand as shining examples of dedication, humility and the profound impact that support staff can have on a school community. They are truly our everyday heroes, along with all other support staff in our community. We thank them all for their unwavering commitment to Star Learners and the families they serve!
Preschool Programmes
About Us
Admission Info
eShop
Careers
© 2023 Star Learners Group. All rights reserved
