KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
5 June 2009

Leadership skills for prefects

The greatest benefit of being a school prefect is not the status but the opportunity for personal growth. 

“The leadership role has made me a better and stronger person,” said Lee Yen Ni, SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian A head prefect. 

“I’ve learnt leadership skills and the importance of teamwork and communication in getting things done successfully,” said the Year 6 student with 3 years experience as a prefect. 

“While it’s enjoyable, being a prefect requires responsibility and exemplary behaviour. As such, prefects need to hone leadership skills to be better leaders,” she said. 

In a discussion on the roles of prefects are (seated, from left) SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian A prefects Celia Jean Toh Min Rui, Lee Yen Ni (head prefect), Loh Yi Jien, Phang Shi En and Daphne Cheong Ker Xin. Looking on is the school's student affairs senior assistant Eng Poo Ngo (standing, right).

Sharing their thoughts about prefectorial leadership are (from left) Evan Chong Wei Jian, Chiang De Min and Lee Yen Qi.

Lee and her fellow prefects attended the ‘Can You Lead’ workshop conducted by DISTED College on 5 June 2009, accompanied by their student affairs senior assistant Eng Poo Ngo. 

Eng said: “This off-site training at DISTED is good for improving their leadership and English language skills.” 

“It’s to motivate them to play their role as prefects more effectively especially when handling difficult students. 

“Giving them a leadership role is not enough. They must also be trained to lead, to think on their own when dealing with challenging situations,” she said. 

“They’ve been chosen to be prefects as they’re good in both studies and conduct, and with parental consent,” Eng added. 

Having fun in a project that fosters teamwork and creativity are SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian A prefects (from left) Lee Ee Ching, Khoo Jia Yi, Tan Zhi Jing, Chen Zhi Yi and Tan Yong Jia.

Finding clues at the computer lab during the scavenger hunt are SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian A prefects (from right) Chew Jia Sheng, Chiang De Min and Lee Shuan Chung.

DISTED business development and quality assurance manager Josephine Chan Ie Lyn (standing) explaining key leadership traits to the prefects.

DISTED business development and quality assurance manager Josephine Chan Ie Lyn explained the essential qualities of a good leader. 

“Believe in yourself. Know that there is something in you that is greater than any obstacle,” she said about self-confidence. 

Another key trait is trustworthiness. 

“Tell the truth and keep promises. Keep secrets entrusted to you,” the trainer advised the 41 prefects. 

A good leader not only should speak well but also, listen well. 

The participants having an exciting time outdoor during the 'egg-xercise' activity.

The SJK(C) Chung Hwa Confucian A prefects who attended the leadership skills workshop at DISTED.