By Anonymous Rafflesian
Mr Aaron Loh, the current principal of Raffles Institution (RI), has continuously shown an alarming disregard for the welfare of students. Many of us feel that his decisions and changes have not been in our best interests but have instead added unnecessary stress and complexities to our lives. It appears as though his focus leans toward unimportant matters rather than addressing the real issues our institution faces.
This has resulted in a significant level of discontent and frustration within the school, affecting the overall morale and study environment. We have been left feeling unsupported and unheard, crippling the renowned community spirit upon which RI prides itself. As an example, telling Rafflesians that “winning does not matter” cultivates a sense of laziness and affects the students attitude in working hard to achieve their goals. His comments after the Y5 student’s racist incident were ‘sitting on the fence’, admitting that the student was wrong, yet showed no remorse. Is this really the face who we want to lead OUR Rafflesian community?
The role of a principal is crucial in determining the academic and emotional success of students. RI deserves a principal who will listen to us, work for us, and prioritize our needs; a principal who understands the pressures we face and helps us navigate them.
As a former Rafflesian himself, Mr Aaron Loh has previously said that he “understands what it is like to be a Rafflesian”. In our opinion, this is absolute bullshit. Ask any Rafflesian who has been under him and they will tell you that the decisions he makes are in no way, shape or form ‘understanding’ of a Rafflesian’s experience. Listed below are some examples.
His desire to ‘make changes’ to the school’s culture beginning 2025 is worthy of doubt and hesitation. Are these changes necessary? He has made plans to make it compulsory for all Rafflesians wear the full school uniform to school for 4 days a week. Is wearing the full school uniform really “character” and “identity building” as Mr Aaron Loh has claimed? Wearing the full school uniform is extremely uncomfortable for Rafflesians, especially in this climate, which is becoming intolerably warm.
More at https://www.domainofexperts.com/2024/10/petition-for-immediate-sacking-of-ri.html