2009
Delta Senior School went through the first CIR audit by WDA on 3 July 2009 and was credited as an Outstanding ATO on 23 October 2009.
November – APSN under the Committee for the Promotion of Services to the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore (COMPSIDS) organises the Asian Federation on Intellectual Disabilities (AFID) Conference. Dr Francis C. Chen, President of APSN and AFID was also the Chairman of the 19th AFID Conference organising committee.
2008
April – Katong School is officially declared open by HE President S.R. Nathan. Completion of refurbishment of Tanglin School.
May – Delta Senior School was endorsed as an Approved Training Organisaton (ATO) accredited by WDA on 18 May 2008.
2007
June – Katong School moves into refurbished premises at New Upper Changi Road. Delta Senior School launches a “prototyping” programme for special schools, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the National Council of Social Service, the Workforce Development Authority and other partners. This programme puts into force the recommendations of the Enabling Masterplan 2007-2011 by effecting “transition” pathways for our students in the area of prevocational training and employment. Our students will be able to acquire nationally accredited prevocational certification in a wide variety of fields, opening up important employment opportunities for them.
2006
Chao Yang and Jervois Schools move into Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 and both schools are merged to form Chaoyang School.
2005
A Public Awareness Seminar on “Living and Working with Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disability” is held.
2004
Cease of the use and sale of chicken produce in the school canteens and in the domestic science classes at the height of the Asian Avian Flu. The Ministry of Education approves dropping the word “special” in all the five APSN schools with effect from 29 January 2004. Relocation of HQ and Resource Centre from Chao Yang School to the slightly bigger premises at Tanglin School.
2003
350 people attend the first public education seminar on intellectual disability. The APSN receives broadband and an IT upgrade. APSN students put on a sparkling talent show “Night of the Stars” at Kallang Theatre attended by Mrs. S R Nathan. Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State for Education, visits Tanglin School on 29 October.
2002
Staff attend their first staff development seminar at Le Meridien. The Centre for Adults holds an official opening and open house, with Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister for Community Development, as guest-of-honour. Chao Yang Special School turns 20; a Family Day and a concert mark the occasion, together with the launch of the APSN website.
2001
Keppel organises a Games Day for the students as well as children from the Gifted Education Program (GEP). Rear-Admiral Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, attends as guest-of-honour.
2000
Tanglin Special School opens to 294 pupils between the ages of 13–15 who graduated from all three AESN primary schools. Official opening of Tanglin Special School and Delta Senior School and launch of the new Association name (Association for Persons with Special Needs, or APSN) and logo. Adoption ceremony of three APSN Primary Schools (Jervois, Chao Yang and Katong) by Keppel Group of Companies on November 21. Keppel presents a cheque of $100,000 to the Association.
1999
Chao Yang Special School forms a committee of six students to develop and print the school’s newsletter called CYSS NEWS. AESN Delta Senior School holds its first annual camp at its new premises from June 4–6. The camp’s theme is “Towards Independent Living”.
1998
AESN Delta Senior School (DSS), previously housed at the ARTC, moves to its new premises at 20 Delta Avenue. Selected students and principals attend an exchange programme at a special school in South Kensington, Australia, to study its senior school’s training programme.
1997
The Children’s Library at Chao Yang Special School opens with a collection of 300 books. The National Edusave Scheme is extended to students of special schools, enabling funds for dance classes. Staff and principals visit the Heatherwood Schools in Melbourne, Australia.
1996
Author Road Training Centre — now with a total of 130 trainees — converts into the fourth school, for those aged 16–18 years. The first SQ Win Camp is conducted for staff to build commitment, comradeship, co-operation, perseverance, trust and integrity.
1995
Katong Special School sets up a “Before and After School Care”. 127 students from Jervois Special School participate in their first mini cross-country run. Employment of speech and music therapist for students in all schools. ARTC holds it first garage sale To expose students to retail sales. It also open the ART-C Café to prepare trainees for cafeteria jobs.
1994
Second Language lessons starts as a pilot project with the Chinese and Malay languages. Arthur Road Training Centre is revamped to provide a two- year course in Technical Education for 16 year-old students. The Jervois Activity Centre — for students who come from middle or low-income families — operates two after-class sessions daily with 15 students for both sessions.
1993
Computer Aided Learning (CAL) is introduced in both Chao Yang Special School and Katong Special School, enhancing the students’ ability to learn through colourful visuals and sound effects in the interactive mode. Jervois Special School introduces a weekly swimming programme at Delta Sports Complex. The ARTC introduces a Recycling Programme, where used items are collected and resold. Asia Pacific Breweries (S) Pte Ltd donates a yellow- painted truck and $80,000 to ARTC for this project.
1992
The new Katong Special School is fully operational by January 1992. The Association formalises an Admissions and Review committee to monitor admissions at the new school. The former site for Katong School becomes Arthur Road Training Centre (ARTC), where students receive training and job placements. Jervois Special School is officiated by Mr Lee Yock Suan, Minister for Education, on 19 September 1992.
1991
Jervois Special School is fully operational with 170 students in morning and afternoon sessions. Katong School moves from Arthur Road to La Salle Road in December 1991. A toy library is set up in Katong Special School to develop language proficiency through play in children between the ages of seven and twelve.
1990
The Association forms a Public Relations sub-committee to enhance the image of the Association and its schools to the public. The first ASEAN and fifth Malaysian Sports for the disabled are held from August 6–9. AESN sends 18 students to represent Singapore. Chao Yang Special School opens its hydrotherapy pool. Jervois Special School, at 71 Jervois Road, opens with an enrolment of 55 students in single-session classes.
1989
Chao Yang Special School holds its first Parent-Teacher Conference to foster a closer and more personal rapport between parents and teachers. Marking the first Singapore Special Olympics, a torch run begins at Chao Yang Special School, through Scotts Road, Whitley Road, to Bukit Timah and ends at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
1988
Formation of Editorial Committee AESN Buddy Services. Minister for Education, Dr Tony Tan, visits Chao Yang Special School. On May 13, floodwaters cover Chao Yang Special School.
1987
Students at Katong Special School undertake a thematic approach to learning, where learning is more incidental and engaging. A Central Resource Library is established. The Republic of Singapore Navy and the 1st Signal Battalion of the Singapore Armed Forces adopt Katong and Chao Yang Special Schools. The first class of AESN teachers graduates from the Institute of Education, receiving the Certificate in Special Education.
1986
The Association introduces an insurance scheme to subsidise school fees and transport fares as well as provide free meals during recess. Chao Yang Special School moves to Anthony Road, at the former site of Anthony Road Girls’ School. Clementi Special School merges with Chao Yang Special School. Formation of Vocational Training Programme Committee. A 10th Anniversary APSN concert is held at the Singapore Conference Hall.
1985
Clementi Special School opens with a Vocational Training cum Workshop for 22 students. The AESN Children Scout Group is born. Introduction of music therapy and physiotherapy. The students hold their first “Musical Evening” concert, in collaboration with students from mainstream schools.
1984
The Association joins the Community Chest of Singapore. Thirteen students win prizes at the DBS Annual Art & Craft Competition. Five teachers begin their training for the Certificate in Special Education at the Institute of Education.
1983
The Association introduces the Parental Involvement Programme. Seven students from Katong Special School win top prizes at the DBS Annual Art & Craft Competition. Students Mohd Yazek and Yap Chong Chin represent the Association at the Summer Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, USA, winning four medals — one gold, two silvers and a bronze.
1982
The Association opens its second school, Chao Yang Special School, having receive permission from the Chao Yang Huay Kuan for use of their premises at Clemenceau Avenue. New curriculum guidelines ensures a student-centred teaching approach. The Association organises a highly successful “Italian Fashion and Dinner Show” to raise $145,397. Katong Special School and Chao Yang Special School hold their first Combined Annual Athletic Meet.
1981
Enrolment reaches 130 students. To meet the demand for vocational education, the Association launches a Pre-employment Vocational Training Class for students above the age of 16 to improve employment opportunities. Introduction of psychological services. The Association holds a charity film premier (The Lion of the Desert) and raises $27,000. Another fund-raising project, a fashion-show dinner gala, raises $52,629.
1980
Mr Chai Chong Yi, Senior Minister of State for Education, officially opens Katong Special School. Student Annette Keat wins the Pesta Sukan Judo Championship.
1979
Katong Special School opens it doors to 110 students. Seven students, three teachers and three parents attend an educational tour in Perth, Australia.
1978
The Association acquires the former Tanjong Katong Malay School (at Arthur Road) from the Ministry of Education and renovation begins. Introduction of social work services.
1977
Classes are held in the church halls of St Peter’s, St Michael’s and Our Lady Queen of Peace, with a total enrolment of 90 students in the first two years. The Association organises its first flag day, raising $10,740.69.
1976
Inauguration of the Association for Educationally Subnormal Children (AESN), with Dr Dixie Tan as its first president.
