ISSUE 12017
Yishun Town Secondary School
ContentsPage
2016 GCE ‘O’ & ‘N’ Level Results
Total Defence Day & International Friendship Day
31st Speech Day
Tribute to Mdm Saudah
2017 SYF Arts Presentation
Beyond Classroom Week
Secondary 1 Orientation
31 Words for 31 Years
Talented YTzens: Pursuing Diverse Interests
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08-09
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The Clarion
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2016 GCE ‘O’ & ‘N’ Level ResultsThe 19th of December 2016 and 11th of January 2017 were significant dates in the lives’ of the 2016 graduating cohort as that was when they received their GCE ‘N’ and ‘O’ level results respectively. A mixture of emotions filled the school hall as teachers handed the result slips to their former students. Parents too, turned up, to give their children their moral support at this critical juncture of their academic journey. YTzens and their parents were grateful to the teachers who played a pivotal role in helping them cross this hurdle. YTzens visited the booths set up outside the school hall to explore the post-secondary education options available to them. With their sights set on the future, the cohort of 2016 walked out through the gates of YTSS to continue their lifelong pursuit of learning.
Our Principal, Ms Yeo, speaking to YTzens during the release of the GCE ‘N’ level results
Congratulations to our stellar GCE ‘O’ level performers!
Hallmark of YTSS - YM’s final address on results day
All smiles after a victorious finish at the GCE ‘N’ Levels
Mum and Dad, the pillars of support So, which course should I take?
We made it, friends, we made it! That triumphant pose!
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YTSS Commemorates Total Defence Day
International Friendship Day
YTSS commemorated Total Defence Day with a host of activities from 13 to 17 February, aligned to this year’s theme, “Together We Keep Singapore Strong”. The YTSS Parent Support Group, canteen vendors, YTZens in uniformed groups and the CCE committee collaboratively hosted entertaining activities to create awareness of the five pillars of Total Defence and the importance of in building a strong and cohesive nation. The activities heightened YTzens’ understanding of the challenges and threats our country can possibly face and how Total Defence is the cornerstone of Singapore’s deterrence strategy.
In conjunction with International Friendship Day (IFD) and the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the CCE committee organised a series of activities from 3 to 7 April. The 2017 theme for IFD is Asean50. YTzens learnt about ASEAN as well as Singapore’s friends in the regions beyond, through listening to their peers narrate stories of overseas cross-cultural trips, food tasting sessions and information booths that piqued their interest through fun trivia and quizzes. YTzens were also treated to stories from some of their peers about their hometowns in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines during the morning assemblies. Through their participation in a variety of activities, YTzens renewed their understanding of the need for nations to have mutual trust as well as demonstrate respect and appreciation to their friends of varying cultural backgrounds.
All in the YTSS Family: PSG Members distributing food rations
Trying their hand at congkak
Enjoying the treats Flavours of the Malay Archipelago
Reliving the simple days when porridge was a staple
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31st Speech Day‘Towards the Future’ is the theme for Yishun Town Secondary School’s 31st Speech Day celebrated on 24 March this year. We were very honoured to have our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Joe Goh, grace this event.
Our theme this year gives us a glimpse of how YTSS has grown in 31 years. As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of staff, stakeholders and students alike, we look forward to forge ahead into the future with confidence, while grounded in a strong foundation of belief and character building.
Thumbs up from our distinguished guests
Our Principal, Ms Sharon Yeoand Guest-of-Honour, Mr Joe Goh
YT Choir serenading us with their beautiful voices
Ms Sharon Yeo delivering her address
Our ever graceful Chinese dancers
Priscilla Yip Hui Bing receiving her Student of the Year Award trophy from our Guest-of-Honour
Top 4 recipients of the CCA Excellence Awards
YT Band in perfect harmony
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Special Tribute to Mdm Saudah MarwanA segment in this year’s Speech Day was dedicated to a valued member of the YTSS family, our Lead Teacher, Mdm Saudah Marwan. After serving the Ministry of Education for 38 years, Mdm Saudah retired on 26 March 2017. Of these 38 illustrious years, 30 years were devoted to YTSS as a teacher, a Head of Department, a Year Master, a Senior Teacher and finally a Lead Teacher.
Regarded as a guardian of YTSS, Mdm Saudah, who is more affectionately known as our “Golden Girl’ by her colleagues, has mentored and inspired multiple batches of teachers and students with her passion in Geography. She is highly respected and loved by students and staff.
Have a fruitful retirement, Mdm Saudah! YTSS will never be the same without you!
Our ‘Golden Girl’, Mdm Saudah Presenting Mdm Saudah with the Guardian of YTSS Basics trophy
One for the memories
It was a dream come true for me to retire from Yishun Town Secondary School after 30 years of service in the school. I would like to thank past and present Principals, Vice-Principals, colleagues and students for making my journey an enriching and
enjoyable one. The supportive and committed Yishun Town family was a pull factor that make me look forward to school every single day. I cherish every moment during the 30 years I have served the school. When I started teaching in YTSS in 1987, it was just one of the neighbourhood schools in the new Yishun housing estate. With the hardwork and determination of the staff and students under the leadership of the various Principals, YTSS grew to what it is today, an established and popular school in the North. I wish that YTzens continue to enjoy school life and seize the opportunities provided by the school to develop themselves and be proud of their alma mater. I hope the staff will continue to strengthen the YTSS family and together, they bring YTSS to greater heights. We Will Excel!
- Mdm Saudah Marwan
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YT Chinese Dance danced their way to yet another successful performance!
YT Choir - Singing the sweet note of success
After months of hard work and practice, members of our performing art groups put up yet another round of captivating performances in this year’s Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation. We capture some of their thoughts on their journey.
All smiles after the performance
And now that SYF is over..
Spectacular formation!
The nightingales of YTSS!
“As this is my maiden SYF experience, I spared no effort after seeing my seniors toil tirelessly. On the day of the SYF, I felt jittery and thrilled at the same time. My greatest fear was not doing well. Now, that we have obtained a distinction, I’ve learnt that hard work eventually pays off.”
Tan Ming Hui, 2E3
“Although it was my second time participating in SYF, I was still nervous. However, my teachers’ words of encouragement reassured me and I performed my best for our item! Being a second time SYF participant, I was no stranger to public performances. As a Secondary 4 student, it was definitely challenging to cope with the demands of a heavy curriculum and practice at the same time. I am indeed blessed to be in the company of peers and teachers whose encouragement never wavers.”
Tan Eqing Enya, 4E5
“Being a new Choir member, I was worried about not doing my best for such a major competition. I am grateful to my section leaders for giving me tips and encouragement that helped me stay calm and give my best during the performance. I learnt a lot about teamwork and resilience from my seniors.”
Chua Qi Jia, 1N1
“I felt a great deal of joy and relief after the SYF this year. Personally, I feel an added responsibility to do well because this is my last SYF. I am proud to have represented the school and am confident the younger Choir members will continue the good work.”
Choo Yu Yan Claudine, 4E5
Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation
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YT Drama Club - A timeless repository of memories
YT Wind Orchestra – TWO Perspectives on SYF 2017
The 3 Witches of MmbethAre we there yet?
And, it’s a wrap!
“I was overjoyed when I got through the auditions for SYF 2017. Despite the tough training, I enjoyed myself a lot because I got to perform with my friends and learnt that cooperation is key to a successful production. There were times when the going got tough because we had tests to study for and homework to complete, but there was comfort in the knowledge that there were many going through similar challenges.’’
Nurul Hanis Bte Norhisham, 1E6
“My debut SYF experience was wonderful. The journey was a memorable one despite the long training hours that started almost 6 months ago. Under the watchful eye of our conductor, we perfected both our set and choice pieces. The memories we have created and the friendships forged and strengthened will continue to live on in our hearts and minds. That’s what counts!”
Isabel Tan Hui En, 2E5
“This is my second time taking part in SYF as a member of YTWO, the first being in 2015. First of all, the experience was nothing short of a memorable one. The past 5 months of practice weren’t easy but we pressed on. My primary learning point is that it is the process that matters. The blood, sweat, and tears we put in together as a band has improved our appreciation of music and bonded us better. As this is my final performance as a YTWO member,. I was conscious of the fact that I have to be a good example for my juniors. As a section leader, I am eternally grateful to YTWO for the opportunities it has given me.”
Wu Chang Cheng, 4E3
“Being in the Drama Club has given me the best memories and experiences to last me a life time. When I entered the CCA in Sec One, I was immediately immersed in an environment of creativity and free expression. SYF 2017 was something I took part in with great sadness knowing that it would be my last production as a YTDC member. None of these would have been remotely possible without the support of our teachers and our amazing instructor Mr Kane. Drama Club has been my family for the past four years and it is with an extremely heavy heart that I step down. As I pass on the baton of leadership to the next generation, I am heartened to know that this legacy will live on.”
Shivanii D/O Prakash Krishnan, 4E6
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Beyond Classroom Week
“BC week was an extremely memorable experience for me. I particularly enjoyed the Secondary 2 Camp as we were very fortunate to be given the chance to learn dragon boating. I must say that I am very proud of our achievements as a class during the activity, as we displayed great team work.”
Jeremy Ting Jun Jie, 2E3
Secondary One
After an eventful Orientation week, our new YTzens had their first experience of Beyond Classroom (BC) Week. They engaged in interesting activities which included bonding over sandcastle building at East Coast Park, Mathematics Trail at Changi Airport Terminal 3, Humanities Alive and the Life Science Programme. There was also time to try out the Brazilian martial art, capoeira.
Secondary Two
Beyond Classroom Week for the Secondary Two level took on a slightly different take this year. An array of activities was lined up for the level beginning with a Heritage Trail at Labrador Park where everyone immersed themselves in the historical and geographical aspects of the park. One new activity this year was the Personal Discovery Programme where the Secondary 2 students were given the opportunity to choose one of five different sports activity, namely, bowling, fencing, inline skating, rock climbing and tag archery. This allowed students to step out of their comfort zones. This was followed by a 2D1N camp with adrenaline-pumping activities like dragon boating, amazing race, tele-match and the signature activity - Campfire Night.
Doing the capoeira
Steady! Go!
Sandcastle Building at ECP
Unicorn Making Challenge
After a morning of rowingInline skating enthusiasts
“The Secondary 1 Orientation Programme was the perfect opportunity for us to know our classmates better. Our class facilitators put in their best efforts in making this come true and their hard work eventually paid off. At first, I was really shy but with the encouragement of my form teachers and seniors, I made the bold move of making friends with my classmates.”
Bellakka Krishnamurthy Tejas, 1E3
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“The Sec 3 level camp was the most memorable event that happened during BC week. On the second day of the camp, it rained so heavily that we had no choice but to break camp. In order for everyone to reach home as soon as possible, we worked together and helped our fellow school mates retrieve their belongings from the fallen tents. Through this episode, I learnt to be adaptable, especially in difficult situations and find solutions quickly, as well as set aside differences to work with new people. During the camp, we were tasked to complete tasks with our new classmates and I realised the importance of putting the needs of the team over mine to achieve a greater good.”
Lezanne Guo Lixin, 3N1
“The Career Day was an eye-opening session and exposed me to the different job prospects which would await me in the future. The BC Week in general enabled me to better identify my strengths, interests and prospective jobs. The lessons I learnt will no doubt benefit me in the days to come.”
Jegan Nicco S/O Mogan, 4E3
Secondary Three
The Secondary Three students participated in a level camp this year, where they were given the opportunity to bond with their new classmates. In preparation for the camp, they mulled over what form their class identities and flags should take. Despite the inclement weather during the camp, the Secondary Three students kept their spirits up and created fond memories which will be cherished for a long time to come!
Secondary 4 and 5
While YTzens from 4NT embarked on an educational learning journey to Penang, the rest of the graduating cohort started off BC Week with an informative session on polytechnic education with the educators from Nanyang Polytechnic. This was followed with a three-day motivational workshop. Our Secondary 5 YTzens also had a programme on financial literacy and some even had the opportunity to play hosts to our Japanese guests from Sagano High School.
C’mon, let’s move right, people!
Girl power in capes In high spirits after the camp!
From Penang with love
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2017 started off with a big bang for the Secondary Ones who were inducted into the YTSS family with an orientation programme. Captured on this page are the delightful moments that the youngest members of our YTSS family basked in during first week in school.
And that’s right, you just shoot! Cool truck! I think I have decided which CCA to join!
Just hope I am doing this right..
The synchronised tunes of YTWO at CCA Bazaar
We’re more than just for the drama With this pin, I pin my hopes and dreams on this new path
Secondary 1 Orientation Programme
“The Orientation programme was really fun, especially the ice-breaking activities and the Initiation Night. My new classmates and I worked with each other to prepare our skit for the Initiation Night. I got to know more about my classmates during the BC Week. The Sandcastle Building activity was the one that made us work very closely and in that way got to understand one another better. On the whole, I had an enjoyable time in YTSS.”
Syed Ismail S/O Mohamed Siddig, 1E4
“Orientation Week allowed me to play games and join CCA trials with my new friends. As a class, we developed closer bonds when we had to prepare for our initiation night item. The teachers are energetic and caring, constantly checking on our well-being. The facilitators have worked tirelessly to make this event an enjoyable and successful one for us all. I am thankful I was able to go through this experience.”
Fang Wang Chun Han, 1E5
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What does YTSS’ 31st Speech Day Theme, Towards the Future mean for the members of our YTSS family? Let’s see what they each have to say in 31 words!
31 words for 31 years
Word Art by Avril Ang Jing Min, 3E7
“Our future lies in our hands and it is very important to plan our future , meticulously and thoughtfully. To me, the ideal future would mean landing a job that I love.”
Hannah Insyirah Bte Mohd Yani, 5N1
“As an educator, it means building a school where students are guided and given opportunities to develop themselves holistically so that they will contribute to the good of society in future.”
Miss Wee Yu Ting Humanities Teacher
“It’s about reflecting upon what we have done and accomplished. And striving to be beyond what everyone wants you to be and the version of yourself you think is the best.”
Chloe Jean Lawlass, 1E3
“What the theme means to me is, wondering how my future will be. Am I ready for it? How will the future impact me? What do I need to be ready?”
Dugesvaran S/O Ganeshan, 2T7
“Towards the future is a meaningful phrase for me. It represents the unknown and the endless pool of possibilities of what I do now, and where these choices will bring me.”
Tan Jun Qi Elton, 3E7
“The environment in YTSS offers ample opportunities to develop ideal global citizens by nurturing YTzens to do their best and achieve their goals in the future through holistic programmes and experiences.”
Khoo Yu Xiang, 4E3
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Talented YTzens: Pursuing Diverse Interests
What is art? It is the response of man’s creative soul to the call of the real.”
Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laureate
In the first issue for 2017, The Clarion (TC) would like to feature two talented YTzens from the Lower Secondary level, Shrevidhya and Ahmad Shakir, who are currently pursuing a traditional performing art and martial art respectively.
Shrevidhya, 1E4, student of Bharathanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance
Ahmad Shakir, 2N2, student of silat, a traditional Malay martial art
Tell us about how you got involved in this art form.Shre: I started learning Bharathanatyam when I was just five.
My parents have no formal training in this art form and were enthusiastic about me learning it. My teacher, Mdm Sadhana, is an accomplished Bharathanatyam dancer.
How do you feel every time you learn a new step?Shre: New steps are a breath of fresh air to me. Every new step
learnt brings a step closer to doing the Arangetram, which is the finale performance for learners of this art form and its pinnacle. I have participated in many competitions but I will only consider my dream accomplished the day I do my Arangetram. I have learnt to be more disciplined and manage my time better so as to perform well in and out of school.
Tell us about how you got involved in this martial art.Shakir: I have been learning silat since I was seven. I attend classes at
Woodlands North Zone under the tutelage of Mr Muhammad Izzul. He is an inspiring instructor who is well-established in the field of silat, and has many students under his wing. My primary aim in learning this martial art is not to be aggressive but to gain the practical know-hows for self-defence and protecting others when necessary.
What future plans do you have for yourself where silat isconcerned?Shakir: I have participated in only one tournament so far, in which I
came in third. I always look forward to take part in more of such competitive events. There are a total of eight achievement levels or belts in silat, and I am currently a yellow belt holder at the second level. I will do my best to achieve the black belt. I hope to achieve that in a couple of years if possible. That would bring me greatest joy where silat is concerned.
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