5.7 Star Pupil & Best Progress - Aug 2008

Hannah Erh - 5.7 Star Pupil for the Month of August 2008

Hannah assumes the role of the class Monitoress in the mid of Term 3 after being elected by popular votes. She has been an exemplary role model and is instrumental in ensuring smooth & efficient functioning of the class routines. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities and discharges her duties to the best of her ability. She will also not hesitate to volunteer her service when required.

Hannah has exhibited extremely positive & inquisitive attitude academically. Her fighting and learning spirits are highly commendable which makes her simply a pleasure to teach.

It is a delight to note that Hannah has developed well holistically in all areas this year.

Lai Yao Guo - 5.7 Best Progress for the Month of August 2008

Yao Guo has made consistent effort in Term 2 and 3 to strive for personal improvements. In particular, his significant improvements academically in Class Test 2.

He has taken his academic work in a highly enthusiastic manner and has shown keen interests to improve and learn. He is able to complete his work to the best of his ability and handing them in punctually with little supervision now. His sense of personal responsibility is growing.

Though playful at times, Yao Guo is still very much a pleasant and courteous boy who is receptive of teachers' feedback.

Hope to see continuous growth and improvements in him. =)

IT Learning Journey @ Sungei Buloh

Weather: Cloudy after a heavy downpour in the wee hours of the morning

Attendance: Pupils & Teachers of P3.4 & P5.7 - IT Classes

I thought that the heavy rain in the morning would spell trouble for our IT Learning Journey to Sungei Buloh. It didn't, as the rain stopped shortly before we arrived. In fact, it was very much welcomed as the air became cooler & fresher @ the tranquil nature reserve.

The trip was a fun one! Surely a temporary relief from stress in this hidden gem of Singapore. U guys have once again proven that good behaviours & mannerisms do not compromise the enjoyment of our excursion. Keep it that way! =D

Recce @ Sungei Buloh

Event: IT Learning Journey @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Date/Day: 22 Sep 2008, Monday
Time: 8.15am - 12.45pm
Attire: P.E. attire

Things to Bring:
1) Insect repellant
2) Stationery
3) Clipboard
4) Water
5) Cap (Optional)
6) Camera (Optional)
7) Binoculars (Optional)
8) Battery-operated handheld fan (Optional)
9) Pocket money (For your reference, one can of softdrink cost $1.70, while food from $5 onwards)
10) Bring or buy your own food from our school canteen for the break @ Sungei Buloh
11) Storybook

Remarks: Take your time to appreciate the nature - the flora & fauna, and understand the importance of the mangrove and swamp in the eco-system.

Though we'll be walking on elevated boardwalk, u have to be extremely careful not to drop your belongings as the gaps between the planks are quite wide.

Be sure to respect nature and its tranquility.

Family Nite 2008

2005's & 2006's Family Nites, I made & sold Anderson Mochaccino & Miloccino using Mrs Cho's secret recipe. The sales were good, as always, in any events.

2007, I turned to photo-taking of the event. It was a sweaty job.

2008, I decided that the photo booth might be the best place to stay in. It was.

2009, where would I be?

It was great to see many ex, & ex-ex students. There are two types of students in the ex-ex, the "goodie goodie" and the "not-so-goodie goodie anymore". I love the "goodie goodie". I couldn't recognize one when she waved at me. Afterall, I have not seen her for ages. =D

The ex is my fun-loving 6.7's peeps! Keep the spirit burning! xD

Never mind that the business @ the booth was below expectation. We'll be back stronger & better next year! Great job, 5.7 & 4.4! It was encouraging to see fine teamwork among many and good initiatives by a few individuals. There will be more opportunities for u to hone your skills! =D

Blogging Competition 2008

Dear P3 - P6 Pupils,

A Blogging Competition for P3 - P6 pupils will be held in Term 4.

The rules of the Competition are outlined below:

1. The contest is meant for P3 - P6 pupils.
2. All pupils who have an individual blog can participate in this contest.
3. The blog entries that will be considered for the competition will be from Term 2 (Week 2) to Term 4 (Week 6) for P5 & P6 and Term 3 (week 2) to Term 4 (Week 6) for P3 & P4.
4. EL Teachers will submit the blog addresses of the two best blogs to the EL Level Representatives by 20 October 2008.
5. Prizes will be awarded to the top three blogs from each level.
6. Your teacher will let you know the rubrics used by the judging panel.

So what are you waiting for! Start preparing. Catch up on the posts you have not done.

Mr Ong J.C.
HOD English

Reflections (Term 4 Week 1): Reading

We all know that reading helps us in many ways. However, with the greater use of computer, it appears to face a great competitor - computer games. In your blog, reflect on the importance of reading.

Here are some questions to help you in writing your reflection:

1. Do you think reading is important?
2. What do you usually read?
3. How many books or magazines do you read in a month?
4. Why do you read/not read?
5. Do you think that computer games are affecting pupils in their reading?
6. How can the school encourage more pupils to read?
7. If you were to recommend one book which everyone must read, what would it be?

I am looking forward to reading your reflection.

Reflections (Term 3 Week 10): Computer Games

Remember some time in March, we had a similar discussion on this issue?

There have been a lot of discussions about students spending a lot of time playing computer games. This week, let's re-visit this issue once more. If you spend a lot of time playing computer games, you will have no problem giving your views. However, for those who do not play computer games, you are encouraged to give your opinions too.

I have listed some questions below to help you in writing your reflection:

1. Do you play computer games? If you do, why do you do so? If not, why are you not doing so?
2. What computer game(s) do you play?
3. Why are you attracted to the computer game?
4. Do you think many students play computer games? Why do you think they do so?
5. How many hours do you spend playing computer games in one week?
6. Do you think playing computer games will affect your studies? Please explain.
7. Are you aware that people can be addicted to computer games? If so, what are you doing about it?

Give this topic a serious thought again after six months. I am looking out for some really good mature opinions & views from u. =D

Chennai - Day 6: 5 Sep 2008

Home sweet home.

The visit to the film studio was again disrupted due to the strike, hence we turned to Spencer Plaza for another shopping spree. It was a short time there but I managed to grab 2 polos and 1 T-shirt from Levi's. They are really value for money! =D

After lunch @ Pizza Hut, we were back in the hotel to pack up our final loots. We checked out the hotel @ 4.30pm and stopped by a small café for some snacks. We reached the airport before 7pm to realize our flight home was @ 11.15pm. But it was good to be early then late there. Of course, I spent the long hours taking photos and sipping @ hot coffee, which I badly missed.

It's good to be home. =)


P.S. Photos may not be in sequence. Will try to arrange them...

Chennai - Day 5: 4 Sep 2008

i-Race @ Dakshina Chitra.

It was a blessing in disguise that the trip to IT Leisure that day was cancelled. i-Race @ Dakshina Chitra was more interesting I believed. Mr Justin stayed up the night before to design this activity.

Three cheers for Mr Justin! 3 x *HIP HIP!* *HOORAY!* =D

Yuxuan's group emerged the winner through excellent teamwork.

Lunch was @ a restaurant of a small hotel. By now, most of us had already gotten a little "sick" of the local cuisine. Suggestions of having KFC or pizzas for dinner were made. We opted for the former.

As there was a strike in the local film studio which we had planned to visit, we went to shop at the city centre mall instead. Almost everyone bought something I guessed. Some big brands there are cheap, probably because the factories are located in India. I had also bought a 2-litre bottle coke and some crackers for the party that night. Dinner was KFC, the favourite meal of the kids since we touched down in India.

Finally, it was the last night in Chennai. I, together with some teachers, had teh tarik from a stall opposite our hotel. It was quite nice though initially we were worried that we would have a run.

By the time I returned to the hotel, the kids had already finished their packing and blogging. We had a very modest start to the party with games of "Dai Di", while sipping at the coke and popping the crackers. Then we got wind of a pillow-fight two rooms down, and we decided to check it out. We had a great fight. Two rounds in fact. That's all I can tell you, but it was definitely superb fun! It was my first-time in a pillow-fight! xD

Chennai - Day 4: 3 Sep 2008

Home-visit day.

I looked forward to this day, not because it was their public holiday, but for the fact that the pesky kids would be packed off with their assigned host families. Peace for 10 hours straight.

The day started off with the tree-planting task. The kids got their hands dirty once again with the soil this time round. It was obviously fun and we were doing our part for the environment. We are friends of the environment! =D

After sweating it out for an hour, the kids left with their host families, while we went to check out Dakshina Chitra, a cultural village, where a fast & furious i-Race would take place the next day. Coincidentally, we met Yuxuan and Kimberly there with their French host family. We hanged around and bought some handicrafts.

We proceeded to a shopping district in the afternoon after our late lunch in a restaurant @ Residency Towers. It was quite a posh hotel in comparison, and my taste buds enjoyed the food there.

The shopping district was nearby and we were greeted by beggars, many of them, the moment we alighted the bus. I couldn’t help but sympathize them, yet we had to ignore them for a kind gesture from anyone would invite more to come.

We bought a bit of stuff here and there. It was fun but had to be on constant look-out for pick-pockets, the uneven roads and congested traffic and such. Things are cheap there. Levi’s and other big names included. I didn’t buy much though I was pleased to see the rest reaping rich harvests from the shopping spree.

We were back in the hotel to wash up after an energy-sapping day before returning to Gateway School to collect our pesky kids. All of them chorused that they had an enjoyable time with the host families. Our greatest gratitude to all the host families for giving our kids a wonderful time.

After the thanks-giving, we headed back to the hotel. I was always well-entertained by Michael and Aravind in every journeys to and fro anywhere. It was fun having them around. I didn’t forget Ryan Lai. Fun, witty and polite.

It was 10pm local time (12.30am Singapore time), the teachers and some kids had not had our dinner. We went to Olive Restaurant in the hotel and it was then I realized, on the fourth day, that the hotel only serves vegetarian food! This meant that I had been having vegetarian breakfast every morning. This also explained my hunger not long after!

Then, it was bedtime.

Chennai - Day 3: 2 Sep 2008

CIP day.

We returned to Gateway School bright and early. The martial arts demonstration by the martial art sinseh and his very young disciples were entertaining. Then our APS spoilt brats had a go at it too. One simple set of high & low blocks and an attack. *HIAT!*

APS and Gateway School then made our way to a government school, Corporation Primary. You can easily tell that we are worlds apart. The kids are child labours adopted by the Indian Government. There was no electricity, no tables, no chairs, no lights, no fans, no computers, name it and they don’t have it. All they have were four walls and a roof. It was a poverty-stricken sight.

One couldn’t help but begin to wonder what was going on in this part of our planet Earth. We begin to understand how fortunate we are and appreciate what we have in Singapore. This is National Education.

The kids from Corporation Primary, though excited, were wary of us at first. However, as soon as they had adjusted to our presence, they swarmed you all around like superstars, stardom that you wouldn’t want. Ask Andrea.

Mr Annuar conducted an art lesson for the kids from all three schools, while Mrs Mohan spearheaded the setting up of a library corner next door. We completed our mission and headed back to Gateway without wasting a second. It was unfortunate that one APS pupil lost his handphone there.

We were back in Gateway for lunch. The school arranged pizzas for all knowing that some of our kids couldn’t take spicy food. Due to a power-cut, the joint blogging activity was scraped. In fact, we experienced power-cut or failure every single day there. We returned to hotel early that day. Dinner @ Silver Streak, the place where we had our dinner the previous day, was still quite good.

It was then back to hotel to conclude yet another day.

Chennai - Day 2: 1 Sep 2008

1 Sep 2008. Teachers’ Day. The first person who greeted me, after a little prompt from a teacher of another Singapore school, was Michael. Hence, I declared on the spot that Michael was my favourite pupil from then on. My Teachers’ Day gift was a box of name cards, which I am not sure when or how I would need them, from Mrs Nam.

Reveille was @ 6am on the second day of our stay. We were going to Gateway School and had a visit planned to one very well-established firm, Infosys.

The school is located far from our hotel in a sub-urban area and the journey took us an hour. The school is a small one with a population of 236. Most of the kids are from well-to-do local families and some from foreign expats. The pinkies (colour of their school uniform) gave us a really warm welcome.

Security was tight @ Infosys. No handphones, cameras, thumbdrives or other electronic devices capable of storing data and images were allowed. We got a bit of the video-conferencing, before a walk-around the company ground. It was kind of amazing that there are swimming pool and billiard room for the employees. In Singapore, it would have been a white elephant. You definitely wouldn’t want your boss to see you skiving in there, a sign that you have too little work. Even so, we would want to get home early after getting most of our work done.

We were back in Gateway School 2 hours later. The packed lunch was good too, local flavour. Some kids couldn’t take the spiciness, but good thing was they didn’t complain much. In fact, they were very adaptive with regards to food throughout our 6-day stay.

After lunch, we got our hands dirty with the clays. This type of activity is good for any developing child. It involves the sense of touch and elicits great creativity from them. It was heartening to see that our pupils struck up good partnership with their peers from Gateway School. Did I mention a power cut half-way through?

Buffet dinner @ Silver Steak was good. As long as I am well-fed, everything is okay. =D We headed back to hotel where Mr Justin had planned a “surprise” for us in the function hall. Though we walked into a dark room knowing that the kids would pop out from nowhere, we played along. It was good fun & laughter.

And then, it was bed again. Tired. Day ended @ approximately 12mn local time.

Chennai - Day 1: 31 Aug 2008

We are back.

From a country 5500 times larger than our sunny island, but 2½ hours behind us.

Frankly, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this immersion programme to Chennai, India. Afterall, it was during our one and only term break week before the start to a hectic Term 4. On top of that, some not-so-pleasant remarks concerning the Bangalore trip last year, and with India definitely not my choice destination for a holiday, I soon realized I was in for a surprise! =D

We arrived in Chennai after a smooth 4-hour flight. The airport was not as bad as expected, except that one immigration officer who obviously was trying too hard to stamp his authority in front of us, a group of foreigners. Our luggages had already passed the scanning machine, yet he demanded to know what was inside Kimberly’s luggage and ordered a re-scan. Was he trying to tell us that their security measures are in doubt? xD This was a bad omen to me, nevertheless I told myself to be ready for a rough encounter in this country.

Our first taste of the food in India was good. Thanks to Kabul, the restaurant. Deccan Plaza Hotel was not that bad as what some claimed in the cyber space, with exception to that hard-like-rock bed, which I got used to later.

After lunch, we proceeded to the Marina Beach, which is the second longest beach in the world. Like what Mrs Mohan had told us, the beach is not only long, it’s wide. From where we stood, we could not see the water at all! Sand, sand, sand, and it reminded me of a desert than a beach! =X

Our art activity there attracted a huge group of spectators, and the concern of safety dawned upon us. The task there was interesting and meaningful, but we soon called it a day and returned to the Hotel.

Indian-Chinese dinner @ Shogun was good. It was about 10pm Singapore time when we had our dinner. India was only 7.30pm then. Everyone, especially the kids, was tired.

I told some of them scary stories before the day ended with our daily reflections in our blogs. I went to bed @ about 12mn local time after doing part of the photostory of Day 1. Mrs Nam finished up the rest. =P