STORIES BY EUNICE GOH

ENTREPRENEURIAL skills are being taught to students of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School, and Aug 8, 2003 marked a milestone for the school at Lorong Ah Soo as its gift shop, the PL Perisseia, was officially dedicated by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon.


The gift shop, which started in July 2002 as a CCA (co-curricular activity) called the PL Entrepreneurship Club, has blossomed into a full-fledged business entity.
Bishop Dr Solomon later opened a Fun Fair organised to raise funds for the primary and secondary schools.


The word Perisseia is of Greek origin and means an abundance and overflow of blessings. Through the PL Perisseia, the school hopes that it will provide opportunities for PL Lites to learn entrepreneurial skills as well as to be innovative and a blessing to all those they serve.


With a total of 35 students, two non-teaching staff, one parent and three teachers, the PL Perisseia's objectives are to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the students; equip them with entrepreneurial skills as well as to provide a platform for them to market their ideas, products and services and most importantly, to pass on to them the values of social entrepreneurship so that they can contribute to the community.


The PL Perisseia gift shop is open for business from Monday to Friday from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.


Mrs Irene Angullia, Head of Department in charge of this project, made special mention of Mr Roger Lee from Shell Livewire and Mr Yeo Tang Lin from Tampines ITE who supported the club by conducting workshops and seminars for the students to learn how to draw up a business plan and start a business. The North East Community Development Council accepted the students' proposal for this gift shop and helped fund the project; thus PL Perisseia was started.

The students have so far learnt how to manufacture their own products with the help of parents and teachers; market and sell the goods at Bugis Junction in a project organised by the North East CDC - where they managed to gross $1,000 in their day's takings which was donated to the Girls' Brigade Singapore and the PL Agape Fund for needy children; and participated in competitions organised by various institutions.

Mrs Lee Siew Choo, Principal of PL Methodist Girls' School (Secondary),
delivering her welcome address at the Dedication of the PL Perisseia.


The vision of PL Perisseia is to continue to produce innovative students who will view obstacles as opportunities and be an asset to the school and community.
The Board of Management, principals, teachers, students, alumni and parents would like to thank everyone who has contributed to and supported the school in making the PL Perisseia a great success.

Bishop Dr Solomon admiring the handicraft work of students in the PL Perisseia
gift shop. With them are, from left, Mrs Christine Ho, Principal of PL Methodist
Girls' School (Primary), Ms Eunice Goh, President of PLMGS Alumni Association,
and Mrs Lee Siew Choo, Principal of PLMGS (Secondary).

Release of balloons marks opening of Fun Fair

METHODIST MESSAGE
PICTURES

BANG! Screams and cheers followed by hundreds of coloured ribbons glittering in the sky, then drifting down to cover the ground - this was the scene when Bishop Dr Robert Solomon officially opened the Paya Lebar MGS Fun Fair on Aug 8, 2003.


Mrs Christine Ho and Mrs Lee Siew Choo, Principals of PL Methodist Girls' School (Primary) and PL MGS (Secondary) respectively, teachers, girls, parents and friends were ecstatic and thrilled with the festivity on this pre-National Day event.


Children were everywhere and were very excited over the tea cup, train and mini rides as well as the giant trampoline. Amidst other physical activities and challenging games, there were many food stalls selling specially prepared dishes like poh piah, olive rice, curries, exotic cocktails, ice-cream … and the list goes on so long that it will give any international buffet line a run for its money. Parents, friends and old girls sat and enjoyed a snack or a cold drink while watching the hive of activity.
Bishop Dr Solomon declaring open the Fun Fair, which was immediately followed by the release of hundreds of coloured balloons.


The fun fair featured "Dedicate a Song" and music played on from morning until late afternoon, belting out dedications of songs to friends. The upbeat music added to the hustle and bustle of trading and shouting to sell one's wares and games. By mid-morning, everyone was scrambling for a fresh coconut drink to cool down. The schools were blessed with a fine, sunny day, and all the drink stalls were kept busy.


After a few hours of exhilarating games and fun, some people tried out the shoulder and foot massage provided by the visually handicapped masseuse. Relaxing in the cool and quiet lounge for 20 minutes gave people renewed energy to go back and enjoy the fun fair, some to man the stalls.


The objectives of the fair were to foster closer working relationships, develop closer bonding among students, teachers, parents, alumni and friends through fun-filled activities, and to raise funds for the two schools. A total of $280,000 was raised. The money will be used for school improvements and the purchase of equipment for teaching and learning in the primary school and towards meeting the compulsory 5-per cent fund for the secondary school's upcoming PRIME project.


The schools are grateful to the many old girls, parents and friends who have donated and, or sponsored food, rides and items sold at the fair.


Paya Lebar MGS (Secondary) is raising funds for its PRIME project and it looks forward to donations from its Methodist family members. All donations are tax exempted.

Eunice Goh is the President of PLMGS Alumni Association.