Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School Alumni Association
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School Alumni Association
Our History
On 4th March, 1955 the Cambridge School Certificate results were released and the 1st batch of School Certificate candidates (12 in number) from Paya Lebar MGS obtained a 100% Pass. Just 3 days later, on the memorable day 7th March 1955, this group of girls met along the corridor of the school, then at 15 Boundary Road, and the Paya Lebar MGS Alumni came into being.
“This organization serves a dual purpose, namely,
- to forge a strong link with the Alma Mater, and
- to maintain intact the chain of fellowship among the girls.” - from 1st Alumni report.
It started with only 11 girls, all of whom were absorbed into the Board of Management -
| Board of Management | |
| President | Chia Jit Imm |
| Vice-President | Gan Teck Choo |
| Secretary | Goh Keng Luan |
| Asst Secretary | Seah Su Suan |
| Treasurer | Sim Lee Kheng |
| Auditor | Chew Siew Lian |
| Committee Members | Lean Poh Kee Sim Pui Chuin Foo Sock Ching Tan Molly Tay Sock Hiang |
The young alumni laid down a few basic rules –
- term of office - 2 years
- annual fee - $2.00
The committee also drafted application forms.
At the school bazaar the Alumni contributed a small sum to the Lucky Dip stall and helped to sell tickets. The Alumni also donated the 1st Dux Board which cost $40/-.
To quote the 1st President in her report - If the Alumni did not “strike a great impression it is because, as Shakespeare says, “We are yet but young in deed”. In her message for the school magazine the 1st President made an impassioned plea to the girls to join the Alumni upon leaving the school.
“… wherever (you) are (you) carry the flag of the school. Therefore in your effort to conquer greater fields let the school be uppermost in your mind. Think of what she has done for you … and then think of the pride that is hers when you achieve success. It is to the efforts of Paya Lebar MGS that you owe your success. It is at Paya Lebar MGS that you become what you are. So, when you (leave its) ‘ sheltering walls’ you will still heed any call by Paya Lebar MGS … Meanwhile LOOK UP! LIFT UP! That your dreams and ambitions will be fulfilled not only to your satisfaction but also to the honour of the school and to the glory of God.
Is the sincere wish and prayer of
Yours sincerely,
Chia Jit Imm
Paya Lebar MGS Alumni"
For a number of years the Alumni went into hibernation (as students were discouraged from joining associations in the 50’s and 60’s). In the 70’s PLMGS Alumni was revived and officially registered with the Registrar of Societies in 1978. The 1st President then Principal of PLMGS appealed to Tay Boon Wan (class of 1961) to be the Pro-tem President. She accepted, followed by Nellie Har and since then the Alumni has not looked back.
| List of Presidents | |
| Miss Chia Jit Imm | 1955 – 1957 (looked after Alumni matters) |
| Ms Tay Boon Wan | 1975 to March 1976 |
| Mrs Nellie Ko | 1976 - 1982 |
| Miss Sarojini Devi | 1983 - 1988 |
| Dr Tan Chor Hiang | 1989 – 1993 |
| Miss Elizabeth Poey Cheng Wah | 1994 – 1998 |
| Ms Mabel Quah/Ow | 1998 |
| Mrs Pearl Lim | 1998, 1999 – 2001 |
| Ms Eunice Goh | 2002 - 2004 |
| Ms Doreen Goh | 2005 - 2007 |
| Ms Lim Su-Lynn | 2008 to date |
Mission & Objectives
The PLMGS Alumni was established and registered formally as a society in 1978 as the alumni association for Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School.
Its objectives are to bring together old girls of the school, encouraging and coordinating their support for PL, as well as celebrating the heritage of our school.
The Alumni serves as the focus for Alumni relations and activities, and its mission is to foster Alumni interest and goodwill in PL, through serving and love for our alma mater.
Organisation
The Alumni Executive Committee is the governing body of the Alumni. The Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, and 6 Committee Members. The Executive Committee holds a tenure of office of two years.
PLMGS Alumni Executive Committee for 2024 to 2025
President
Mrs Quahe-Lim Su-Lynn
Vice President
Dr Tan Chor Hiang
Honorary Secretary
Ms Catherine Foo
Honorary Treasurer
Ms Veronica Seetho
Honorary Asst Treasurer
Ms Gladys Goh
Executive Committee Member
Ms See Beow Tuan
Executive Committee Member
Ms Amelia Champion
Executive Committee Member
Ms Angela Tan
Executive Committee Member
Dr Amy Quek
Executive Committee Member
Ms Joy Chia
Executive Committee Member
Ms Ginny Tan
Honorary Committee Member
Mrs Winnie TanPaya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Primary)
Mrs Joyce Ang
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary)
Ms Amy Ng
The Alumni Association is represented on the PLMGS Board of Management by 2 executive committee members. Dr Tan Chor Hiang and Dr Amy Quek have been appointed as Alumni representatives on the School Board of Management for the current term, 2024 to 2026.
Founder's Day Dinner CommitteeEach year, the Alumni hosts the school’s Founder’s Day Dinner. A sub-committee is created for the purposes of overseeing the organisation and preparations for this important event in our alma mater’s calendar.
Founder's Day Dinner Committee 2024Joy Chia (Chair)
See Beow Tuan
Corrinne Seow
Angela Tan
Florence Cheong
Veronica Seetho
Michelle Liu
Linda Ho-Lim
Germaine Yap
Ginny Tan
Gladys Goh
Gloria Liu
Sheryl Kan
Felicia Tan
Ng Yew Cheo
Emily Han (School Rep)
Shirley Bong (School Rep)
Deepa Patkunan (School Rep)
Shawna Lim (School Rep)
For each day in the 14 days leading up to Founder’s Day, we share a bible verse, a short devotional and a hymn, and encourage members of our PL family to use each day’s devotional during their own quiet time to reflect and give thanks for God’s blessings upon PL. 14 Days of Prayer is held annually, and is led by Mrs Winnie Tan, with a team comprising old girls and former staff.
The Memorabilia TeamThe Alumni Association raises funds to support its activities through the sale of memorabilia. This fund-raising team is led by Angela Tan, and supported by an ever-evolving team of dedicated old girls.