When Veronica's status update reached out to the SACPS students about Mrs Leong's serious condition, her wall was flooded with messages. The decades of students who went through her firm yet gentle ways of raising 'well-bred, refined young ladies'...she was a fine example of what an educator should be.
I knew Mrs Leong as my primary school principal...and also as a mother to one of my friends, Janelene. I really thought it was so cool to have a mother as a principal...since my mum was a teacher in the school. It meant that we could get away with anything...But it was proven otherwise.
Whenever we transgressed, we were brought back in line...no such thing as favouritism or nepotism (haha). Mrs Leong was a tall, elegant lady...with 'genteel' upbringing. She neither screeched nor yelled...all it took was an extra long stare directed at you..it was enough to make one feel very small and sorry.
She was very, very , very neat...
In those days, all report books had manual entries, and she must have signed and written thousands of students' records. She added her own comments next to the form teachers, and she always had something constructive to say. It really made the girls feel special...for the principal knows you.
Over the years, I lost touch...and only renewed contact when I found Jan again via FB. Well, Jan is very much like her mum, though Jan now is a doctor. But she is very much like her mum, not only in looks , but with the same warm, classy disposition.
My heart goes to you and your family, Jan ...for your loss.
RIP Mrs Leong.
You will be missed.
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