2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the final term of the school year and I hope all of you had a good break and

managed to enjoy some family time with your child/ward.

We ended Term 3 on a high note with a Teachers Day Dinner cum Mid-Autumn Festival

Celebration which brought together various stakeholders which included the School Advisory

Committee (SAC), Parent Support Group (PSG) volunteers as well as the teaching and non-

teaching staff.

As 2014 comes to a close, I would like to thank you, our parents for your support shown towards

the school as we journey together towards the development of your child/ward.

We look forward to your continued partnership in the holistic education of your child/ward.

Thank you.

Mr Ng Tiong Nam Principal, Hougang Secondary School

Vision :Grateful Children, Respectful Pupils, Compassionate Citizens.

Mission: Care. Lead. Inspire. Partner. (CLIP) Values: Gratitude, Respect, Compassion.

HS PC 2014 Issue 4 September 2014

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

Strategic Thrust 1: Achieving Academic Excellence 1.1 Our Achievements in Academic-Related Competitions

To optimise their potential, Hougeans who are strong in various academic subjects are identified and trained to represent the school at inter-school competitions. This year, Hougeans have represented the school in many academic-related competitions and have won accolades for the school. Our achievements are summarised below.

Subjects Competition Level Participants Accolades English

Language

UNSW Reading

Sec 1-3 Audrey Lau 2A1 Tan Sze Hwee Zess 3E3 Samuel Lau 3E1

Certificate of Credit Certificate of High Distinction

Paper Planes:50 words for 50 Years. Organised by Creative Horizons Language Centre in conjunction with SG50.

Upper Sec Zaki Chan Jian Wen 4E1 Merit Award Prize winner under category 5(15 and 16 years)

Mathematics

All Singapore Schools’ Maths Competition for Normal Stream Students 2014

S1-4 NA/NT Team: Lee En Hao 4T1 Nuratikah Binte Roseli 3T1 Sng Wen Yee Kimberley 3T1 Individual: Lee En Hao 4T1 Tan Bi Hao 2T1

Upper Secondary Normal Technical Team Prize – 4

th

9

th placing (US NT div)

14th

placing (LS NT div)

Singapore Mathematical Olympiad 2014

S1-4 E Jovan Le Jun Hao 1E2 Fong Kin Minn 4E1 Teo Chong Jiang Daniel 3E1

Honourable Mention Award

Principles of Accounts

POA Carnival S4

Shermine Lau Shimin 4E1 Lau Jun Hao Ashley 4E1 Lin Xi 4E1 Seah Chun Keat Ryan 4E1 Tan Jiawei Eric 4E1

1st

runner up (Team)

11th

National Accounting Quiz 2014

Sec 4/5 Glenn Boey 4E2 Qin Yi Ping 4E2 Edwin Chew 4E2 Tjia Wang Ying 4E2

Certificates of Distinction (11

th placing)

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

Cai Yi Wei 4E1 Eugene Ling Jun Yi 4E1 Tan Kee Tiong 4E1 Gerald Hoo Yong Wei 4E1 Dominic Peh Jun Jie 5A1 Melissa Chua Kai Lun 5A1 Esther Tan Jia Min 5A1 Ang Yong Xiang 5A1

Certificates of Merit

Science 13th Elementz Science Project Competition

Sec 2 Gwendolyn Lim Fang Ling 2E1 Delphe Neo Wan Xiang 2E1 Bang Qing Yi 2E1 Donovan Ang 2E1 Celine Sim Qing Ling 2E1

Silver award

.

Poster presentation for 13th

Elementz.

Participants of the 13th

Elementz Science Project Competition

Prize Winners and School Representatives in the All Singapore

Schools Maths Competition for Normal Stream Students with

their Maths Teachers and Vice Principal, Mrs Yoong.

Poster Presentation for 13th

Elementz Science Project

Competition

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

1.2 Participation in Conferences

As part of our efforts to stretch our students’ academic potential, students also take part in

national-level conferences and dialogue sessions. Through these academically rigorous

sessions, our students are given opportunities to learn from their peers and seniors, thereby

sharpening their thought processes further.

As a case in point, the Humanities department nominated 5 students with a deep interest in

global issues to participate in the 6th ASEAN Youth Convention, held at Victoria School from 20th

to 24th June 2014. The AYC is organised by the Global Youth Congress International, and is an

excellent platform for youth leaders to exchange ideas and forge strong bonds of friendship with

fellow ASEAN citizens. The theme of the Conference for this year was “Remaking the ASEAN

Way.”

As local delegates, our students participated in forum discussions, exciting debates, and

excursions and engaged in meaningful interactions with peers from ASEAN countries. The

students had a fruitful learning experience and returned with a passion to do their part to serve

their community.

“AYC'2014 was truly a unique experience for me. I spent 5 awesome days filled with enriching

lectures, interactive games and immersing myself in the diverse cultures of the ASEAN countries.

AYC really helped me understand what it means to be a part of the ASEAN and what I could do

as a youth in Singapore. I learnt so much that I hope to keep going back to learn more.” - Sayori

Bose (3E1)

Sayori Bose (2nd from Left) with fellow delegates in AYC.

Delegates from Hougang Secondary School,

Humanities Department. Clockwise from left:

Sayori Bose 3E1, Augustine Goh 3E2, Foo Yong Han

3E2, Tricia Low 3E4. Absent: Subah Fatima 3E3

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

Strategic Thrust 2: Cultivating Character Excellence

2.1 Racial Harmony Day Celebrations (July 14 to July 21)

The theme for this year’s Racial Harmony Day Celebration was “Harmony of the Heart.” Selected

Lower Secondary students learned about mask painting, rangoli and batik painting. Besides that,

a Racial Harmony Day art poster competition was organized for Secondary One students.

Students were also involved in a Racial Harmony Day Treasure Hunt Quiz which was based on

different pioneers in Singapore. There was also a quiz on Conflicts in the World.

On July 18, a carnival cum exhibition at the atrium and new library was organized. The

Secondary Two and Secondary 3 History students shared enthusiastically about various cultures

in Singapore and the Holocaust. Students had opportunities to try different cuisine, play

traditional games and learn about different cultures. Besides that, 2T1 helped to raise funds by

organizing a photo booth, teaching henna design, making rainbow looms and selling titbits at the

library.

The celebrations ended with a concert showcasing different Performing Arts CCA groups and the

fusion fashion show. The Indian International School was invited to perform an upbeat dance.

The staff and students enjoyed themselves and learned the importance of celebrating diversity

and being united.

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

2.2 National Day Celebrations

The theme for this year’s National Day is “Our People, Our Home.” Before the event, students

penned down reflections about what they appreciate about Singapore and designed postcards

related to the theme. Lower Secondary students decorated their class notice boards and

corridors based on the themes of Singapore before 1965 and Singapore beyond 1965.

On August 8, the celebration started with a meaningful parade by the HS Uniformed Groups. The

parade comprised of students from National Police Cadet Corps, Girl Guides, Girls’ Brigade,

Boys’ Brigade, Boy Scouts and Red Cross Youths, with National Cadet Corps as the Guard of

Honour.

During Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons, students designed posters related to

Singapore icons or reflected about the contributions of the pioneer generation. After the class

activity, students gathered at the hall for the concert. Students were inspired by the stories of

ordinary Singaporeans who made the difference. Besides that, students watched a performance

by different CCA Groups such as Drama Club, Guitar Ensemble, Guzheng Ensemble and

Wushu.

Staff and students sang familiar National Day songs such as ‘Home’ and ‘We Will Get There’ to

bring the celebration to a close. Students learned that they play an important part in making

Singapore our Home.

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

2.3 HS Dramatroopers at Block 915 Amphitheatre

When HS Drama Club was tasked to brainstorm for a new CCA-VIA project idea, they had

wanted to effectively make use of the common spaces in the heartlands. They came across an

amphitheatre located opposite Blk 915 at Hougang Street 91. They decided to hold performances

such as magic shows, talent time and singing sessions to encourage residents to join them to

bring joy and vibrancy to the neighbourhood. Their efforts were recognised when their

Dramatrooper project was short-listed as a finalist project for the Good Neighbour's Award

competition organised by HDB in May this year. They look forward to garnering more feedback

from residents to organise more engaging and fruitful sessions at the amphitheatre.

2.4 SLC Project Accolade Awards 2014

Two of HS long-running VIA projects, ‘Outreach To Households of Elderly Residents’ and

‘Serving the Handicapped with A Heart - Singapore Cheshire Home’ have been awarded the

Gold awards for the Service-Learning Champion (SLC) Project Accolade 2014. These projects

were co-driven by students and character coaches of last year's 3E1 and 3A1 classes. They had

the opportunity to share their projects at PAYM's Service-Learning Festival this year, where they

received their medals from the event's Guest-of-Honour, President Tony Tan. Three HS students

involved in these projects - Andear Tan, Tan Shu Jin and Tricia Tan - were conferred the

prestigious S.T.A.R. Award.

Note: Video of our hougeans in action can be found on the school website.

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

2.5 Student Leadership

Believing that all students can be nurtured into leaders, the school provides opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills and knowledge. As leadership is an on-going process, platforms are made available for the students to put what they had learnt to practice. During the June holidays, many of the student leaders from Hougean Leadership Council (HLC) assisted in the planning and facilitating of the 6th ASEAN YOUTH CONFERENCE. Before the conference, we had to commit certain dates to help with the planning of the event. We attended a few training sessions like ‘Facilitation’ and ‘Leadership’ training conducted by Mr Anselm Chu, the founder of GYCI and Brigadier General Ishak Ismail. Through these training sessions, we were taught relevant topics so as to be able to lead discussions. At first, everyone in the Student Organizing Team (SOT) was shy and did not really talk to one another. However, after several meetings and a camp, we bonded and got to know more about one another. I was given a role in the Outreach committee while the rest were assigned roles in Operations, Training and Academics committees. As members of the Outreach committee, we had to plan games for orientation and games day. There were challenges as we had to work with students that we had never met before, but we were able to get out of our comfort zone and display teamwork. Through this event, I have learnt that we must be able to adapt to a situation quickly and think on our feet to ensure the programme runs smoothly. I am glad that this event was a success and the delegates enjoyed themselves as much as the SOT did. If there are more of such events in future, I would definitely love to participate again! Ng Su Xian 3E2 (Hougean Leadership Council)

Singapore Youth Award @ Istana SOT for AYC (ASEAN Youth Conference)

Facilitating discussion on VIA

(6th PL-NYC – Student Leaders Conference)

Campus ChangeMakers

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

Strategic Thrust 3: Enhancing Staff Capacity

In HS, we believe that happy teachers make a happy school and this is also in line with our

strategic thrust in developing our staff to be ‘Happy, Healthy and Highly Competent

Professionals’ through the following activities:

3.1 Staff Activities

Swensens Treat @ NEX on 13 August 2014

HS-Staff Involved in Play@Work

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

3.2 11th N1 Cluster Schools Games Day 2014

The 11th N1 Cluster Schools Games Day was conducted on 1st September 2014. Hougang

Secondary School was the host for this annual event which was graced by Mr William Pushpam,

our N1 Cluster Superintendent.

There were 6 teams, comprising the 12 schools from N1 Cluster. In total, over 200 teachers and

staff took part in the 3 games (Netball, Pushball, and Football) planned by HS PE Department

and the Amazing Race specially planned by our Principal, Mr Ng Tiong Nam.

The teams turned up in their team colours (T-shirts) and the games provided a good opportunity

for the respective partner schools to network, bond, keep fit and have fun with their fellow N1

Cluster colleagues.

It was a day of celebration for Team RIVERGANG (Hougang Secondary School and Rivervale

Primary School) as we emerged the Overall Champion in this year’s Cluster Schools Games

Day.

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

3.3 Staff Learning & Development Activities

HS Learning Fest 2014 – Sharing of Best Practices

Staff Training on ‘Leadership Challenge Model (LCM) in Action

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :hougang_ss@moe.edu.sg

ANNEX A

Term 4 Calendar 2014

Dates Events

15 September Sec 1 (NA) English Language Oral Examination

15 – 19 September Sec 4(E)/5(NA )PRELIM 2

GCE N Level Examination

16 September GCE N Level English Language Listening Comprehension for 4N / 4T *School will be dismissed @ 2pm

17 September GCE N Level Mother Tongue Listening Comprehension for 4N / 4T *School will be dismissed @ 2pm

19 – 24 September Mother Tongue Oral Examination Sec 1(E), Sec 1(NA), Sec 2(E), Sec 2(NA)

26 September 2 – 3 October 7 – 10 October

Sec 1-3 SA2

3 October Graduation Day

5 October Hari Raya Haji

6 October Hari Raya Haji Public Holiday in lieu

7 – 15 October GCE N Level Examination

9 October Last Day of School for Sec 4(E) Sec 5(NA)

13 October Sec 1-3 Marking Day *Students need not report to school

14 – 15 October Sec 1-3 Checking of Scripts

16 October Sec 4(E)/5(NA) GCE O Level Science Practical TIMSS (Math) - 0830 to 1100 hr

17 October Promotion Day *Students need not report to school

17 October – 13 November

GCE O Level Examination

27 October GCE O Level English Language Listening Comprehension

20, 21, 23 October Elective Modules for Sec 3(NA) classes

22 October Deepavali Public Holiday

24 October Last Day of School (Sec 1-3) Sec 1-3 Parent-Teacher Meet

27 – 31 October 4 - 7 November

Sec 3(E) & 3(NA) Extended Curriculum Time (ECT)

31 October – 2 November

Sec 3 Overseas Service Learning (OSL)*

3 November No ECT for Sec 3 OSL*

*selected classes only.

Note: Night class for graduating classes (Mon / Wed / Fri) starts from 30 Jul – 8 Oct.

Correct as at 15 Sept 2014