This is a selection of my “Letters to the Editor” that were published in two local dailies, The Star and New Straits Times (NST), over the period from Dec 2007 to August 2013. These letters relate my experiences in leading and managing schools and embody my thoughts and propositions for school improvement, enrichment as well as innovation. The letters are not presented in chronological order following their dates of publication. Instead, they are grouped according to specific sections of interest. Nevertheless, I am mindful of the fact that school matters often overlap and school issues cannot be tackled in discrete units. An integrated and holistic approach should be applied. And, thinking out of the box so as to bring about innovation and even “transformation” is very much advocated all through my letters. Schools are where national education policies are being piloted, modified and if appropriate, then implemented in full. Stake holders for the wellbeing, upgrading and progress of a school must of necessity include more than merely its students, parents, teachers and administrators. ix The Education Ministry, state and district education offices, other related ministries, the community, private sectors and certainly some non-government organizations (NGOs), all have important roles to play in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our schools. I have looked within and outside of schools for causes and effects that have bearing on school matters. The letters included in the “Values” section in particular, bear out the familial and societal influence and impact on school life. It is hoped that this compilation can be a useful reference and resource materials for all planners, executors, learners and evaluators of our school improvement initiatives and programmes. August 2013 --- LIONG KAM CHONG
