'A remarkable educator': Former principal of Anglican High, Yusof Ishak Secondary dies

SINGAPORE: The former principal of Yusof Ishak Secondary School, who led the school in its move from Bukit Batok to Punggol, died on Monday (Aug 18) at the age of 59. 

Madam Maureen Lee was the school’s principal from 2018 to 2024. Before that, she was the principal of Anglican High School from 2010 to 2017. 

Both schools posted tributes to her online on Tuesday. No details are known about the cause of her death.

In a Facebook post, Yusof Ishak Secondary School said that its former principal was instrumental in leading the shift of the school campus from Bukit Batok to Punggol and laying the foundations at its new campus. 

“A bold and visionary educator, she led the team to push new frontiers with what school and learning could be like. Her inspiring leadership has inspired many educators to go beyond to try new ways to engage students,” the Facebook post read.

“Her heart embraced staff, students, parents and the wider community. In all that she did, she showed what it means to believe, inspire and nurture growth in those under her care.” 

The school's move took place amid the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, vice-principal Teddy Lin said. 

"Beyond managing pandemic-related disruptions, she successfully maintained normal school operations while Yusof Ishak Secondary School simultaneously served as a COVID-19 vaccination centre," he told CNA. 

After leaving Yusof Ishak Secondary School, Mdm Lee was posted to the Ministry of Education headquarters in December 2024, he added. 

Anglican High School took to Instagram to honour Mdm Lee’s legacy and contributions. 

She championed the school’s critical thinking curriculum, “nurturing generations of AHS students to grow in critical thinking and intellectual virtues”. 

In 2023, CNA interviewed Mdm Lee about being a principal. When she took on her role at the start of 2018, students at Yusof Ishak Secondary School were told the same year that they would be the last cohort at the school’s Bukit Batok campus before it relocated to Punggol.

During her time there, she made herself easily available to the students.

Under her “Dear Mdm Lee” initiative, students got the chance to write letters to her, sharing their struggles with her or even suggestions for improvements to the school. She promised to reply to each letter.

When asked at the time what she thought was her students' impression of her, Mdm Lee laughed and said that they might see her as someone who was like a friend or a confidante, because she responded to their letters.

"I’d say I’m a nurturing principal, open to their ideas. And sometimes, they may even be crazy ideas but, well, (there) is a sense of wonder in every kid," she added.

Before taking on leadership roles in schools, Mdm Lee was a physics teacher at Henderson Secondary School for 13 years.

She became vice-principal at Balestier Secondary School in 2001 and moved to Kranji Secondary School to become its principal in 2005 before she went to Anglican High School. 

Mr Chan Chun Sing, former Minister for Education, took to Facebook on Tuesday to pen a tribute to Mdm Lee, noting that he had met her many times when she was principal of Yusof Ishak Secondary School. 

“We lost a remarkable educator yesterday. Madam Maureen Lee led with compassion, vision and deep care for her students and colleagues,” Mr Chan, who is now the Defence Minister, said. 

“Her legacy will continue to guide us. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and those whose lives she has touched.” 

Others also posted online in remembrance of her, including many former students. 

Ms Sun Xueling, Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC, wrote on Facebook about Mdm Lee: “This light you have shone on the Punggol community will continue to burn bright, through the many lives you have touched.”

A Facebook page for Kranji Secondary School alumni also posted a tribute for the school’s former principal. 

“A dedicated leader and mentor, she inspired generations of Kranjians with her vision, compassion and belief in every student,” it read.