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In This Issue:Principals Message
Interview With Mdm Chua Eng Eng
Long Service Awards
Mr Steven Wongs Farewell
Bundles of Joy
The P1 Journey Begins
P6 Star Camp
Reflections of P6 pupils
Chinese New Year Celebrations
CNY Community Involvement Programme
NYPS PLC Achievements
NYPS Innovation
Korean Educators @ NYPS
APEC-TSUKUBA Conference VII
Total Defence Day
Reflections on The Nanyang Experience
Cambodia Service Programme
My Familys Participation In A CIP
India Immersion Programme
Shanghai Immersion Programme
Taiwan Immersion Programme
Activity time
Editors Note:Soaring above challenges. Reaching new heights.
Overcoming all obstacles. Let this issue inspire you!
www.nyps.moe.edu.sg May 2013
2Principals Message2013 has arrived with its trove of new
experiences and brings with it, the
eager anticipation of exciting things
that are to come.
It is a new experience to operate from
two campuses. In order for the school
re-building programme to take place
at our Kings Road Campus (KRC), we
chose to house our Primary 1 and 2
pupils at Toh Tuck Campus (TTC). It is
a season for us to return to simplicity.
The second campus offers our young
ones the simple joy of being close to
nature; having an expanse of space
and unobstructed wind flow and being
amidst flora and fauna. It is truly a
place of tranquility. The challenge
we face with such an operation is in
strengthening relationships across
the physical divide between the two
campuses. People need to come
together in order to have meaningful
interaction, and thus, a lot of effort has
been put in place to build bridges and
to gather the school staff and pupil
population together for major events
as a big Nanyang family.
The completion of our new wing at
Kings Road Campus is projected to
take place in two years. The whole
process will understandably bring along
inconvenience, and together with it, a
fair amount of dust and noise. We will
certainly find ways to minimize any form
of disruption and make the school as
inviting as possible during this period.
Sacrifices must be made in anticipation
of a school with full facilities that will
benefit many more generations of
pupils who will walk through the school
gates. I am confident, that for such a
time as this, all the more, all Nanyang
pupils and staff will rise to the occasion
and show our mettle.
Nevertheless, we have our school vision
and mission close to our hearts. The
school has always placed its emphasis
3on the pupils character development.
Over the years, cohorts of Nanyang
pupils have most impressively
memorized the verses of di zi gui.
Now, we want to help them move
beyond recitation to understanding its
application in their day-to-day living.
At the start of the year, I shared these
verses with the school:
Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Watch your words, for they become your actions.
Watch your action, for they become your habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
I also shared the importance of the Five
Hearts that I would like the Nanyang
pupils to develop; a respectful heart,
a humble heart, a big heart, a caring
heart and an appreciative heart.
At Nanyang, we do not prepare the
pupils merely for the six years with us.
We want values inculcated in them that
will put them on the road to be useful
citizens and to eventually lead their
own happy and fulfilling family lives.
How quickly time flies!
4
:
5What are the current goals /
objectives of the alumni?
NSAAs purpose is to serve as a link
between Nanyang Alumni and the NY
schools. Over the past 30 years, the
Alumni Association has also influenced
and supported the educational and
cultural life of Nanyang and tried our
best to preserve the tradition and spirit
of Nanyang.
The above objectives of NSAA will
be continued.
Where does NSAA go from here?
Our school will not be the school it is
today without the dedicated Board
members, principals and teachers who
have helped to build up the school over
the past 96 years.
The success of Nanyang does not
depend only on our excellent academic
performance, which is very important
to us, but what differentiates us is
Interview With Mdm Chua Eng EngThe newly elected president Of Nanyang Schools Alumni Association (NSAA)
Mdm. Chua Eng Eng, President of NSAA
6and future, will continue to uphold the
Nanyang Spirit deep in their hearts.
I hope NSAA can play a part to keep
our spirit and traditions alive.
As President of the Alumni, my job is to
help maintain the good traditions that
have been built up. I want to inspire
capable people to help steer the
direction of the Alumni during my term
and to nurture a good team to take
over after my tenure.
How has the alumni grown over the years?
I have just started my term 1 year
ago. While there has been growth, I
think the growth of alumni is not to be
measured by the numbers of members
but by the active support it can give to
the 3 schools.
Last August, with the help and support
of our alumni, NSAA and the 3 schools
organized and celebrated NYs 95th
Anniversary with a musical over 4 nights
with more than 2000 tickets sold.
the tradition and spirit of the school.
The Alumni Association treasures the
tradition and spirit of Nanyang and
wishes that this should be preserved
and continued.
My hope for the NSAA is that we
continue the good work done by our
predecessors and involve more Alumni
members (whether young or old) in
activities and programmes which we
organize, to provide a platform for
them to bond and connect with their
alma mater.
What are the future challenges?
The main challenge is to attract more
of the younger alumni to join us and
return to serve their alma mater.
What would you like to be
remembered for during your tenure
as president of the alumni?
While the future might be very
different from our past, I certainly hope
that every NY student, past, present
7NSAA has initiated and organized the
CNY celebration with the 3 schools annually for the last 20 years.
It started with the participation of
about 50 teachers and alumni 20 years
ago to a gathering of more than 350
alumni, retired teachers, parents and
students in 2013.We will definitely
continue this tradition that gives a
chance for people connected with the
3 schools, to meet up with one another
and show respect to the teachers of the
school, whether retired or still teaching.
All the activities organized by NSAA would
not have been successful without the active
participation of our Alumni members.
The Alumni Association treasures the
tradition and spirit of Nanyang and wishes that
this should be preserved and
continued.
8Mdm. Yeo Saw Han (25 years)
Mdm. Cynthia Lim (20 years)
Mdm. Lim-Ho Lian Poh (20 years)
Mdm. Neo Hui Wan (20 years)
Mdm. Toh Tan Peng (20 years)
Ms. Soh Sheau Mai (15 years)
MOE Long Service Awardees
9Mr. Jonathan Goh (15 years)
Mdm. Eliane Teo (15 years)
Mrs. Sophia Christian Ang (15 years)
Ms. Mavis Tan (10 years)
Ms. Yasmeen Bte Mohamad (10 years)
Thank you for all your hard work!
Ms. Asfalinda Bte Asmawi (10 years)
10
Mdm. Jung Gee Ting (10 years)
Ms. Peh Ying Chyn (10 years)
Mdm. Ong Sze May (10 years)
Mdm. Soh Bin Shin (10 years)
Mdm. Lau Pui San (10 years)
Mr. Brandon Ng (10 years)
(Mrs Eileen Ng on his behalf)
TEACHER
Mrs. Tam-Wong Ting Ting
Ms. Tan Lay Peng
Mr. Tan Ying Kiat
YEARS
15
10
10
Those not present at the presentation:
11
Students and teachers of Nanyang
Primary gathered on the morning of
15 March at the basketball court to
bid farewell to our Vice-Principal, Mr.
Wong. Resounding applause echoed
throughout the school compound as
each and every one of the Nanyang
family expressed their heartfelt thanks
to Mr Wong for his two years of
dedication and love.
All of us will miss the familiar friendly
figure that patrolled the school
compound and the bright, cheery smile
Farewell, Mr Wong! We say goodbye to Mr Steven Wong, Vice Principal of NYPS.Written by Lim Zinn-E (6K)
that greeted us every morning. All of
us will miss this pillar of support and we
are extremely thankful and grateful for
all the hard work that Mr. Wong has put
in to take the school to greater heights.
No words can express our appreciation
to Mr. Wong for his willingness to go
above and beyond the call of duty
for the Nanyang family. All of us look
forward to seeing you again and
welcoming you back with open arms.
All the best in your future endeavours!
12
Head Prefect, Nathan Mar giving his appreciation speech to Mr. Wong for his contribution to the school on behalf of the student population.
Nathan presented the gifts that the Prefectorial Board has prepared to Mr. Wong.
Mr. Wong giving a speech to the school
Were sad to see you go.
Exco of the Prefectorial Board with Mr. Wong.
13
Bundles of Joy!
Mdm. Li Zi with her daughter, Elizabeth
Mr. Lim Chee Min with his wife and daughter, Elsa
Mr. Raymond Weng with his daughter, Charlotte
14
P1 Journey Begins
On 29 December 2012, many
enthusiastic children and parents
visited the Toh Tuck campus to
familiarise themselves with the new
campus before school started. Many
thanks to our parents for their patience
and understanding. It was indeed an
exciting day for all!
Written by Rebecca Lim
Teachers hard at work, learning how to utilise the facilities in the classrooms
PV Appreciation Ceremony the children expressed their gratitude with handmade cards and notes
15
Excited children ready to start school!
The P1 children were mini-celebrities for the day. Snap! Snap!
We are big kids now!
16
2013 P6 Star CampThe 2-day camp was held from 17 to 18
January 2013 and this camp is in its
seventh year. It was planned for all P6
pupils to achieve the following objectives:
Written by Mdm. Jean Lai
Set realistic personal goals, acquire
effective and practical homework
and study skills
Promote team spirit among
pupils and teachers
Instill discipline
Enhance Moral Education by
anchoring the R3ICH values
Enhance pupils Social
Emotional Learning
Enhance National Education (NE)
varied cultural experiences
Explore the Eco-garden in Science
Centre to learn about natural Science
On the first day of the camp, pupils
had a number of ice-breaker games
to help them mingle well with their
group mates. They were also involved
in coming up with a group name and
group cheer to promote team spirit
among group members.
Our school values Respect,
Responsibility, Resilience, Integrity,
Compassion and Harmony were also
carefully weaved into the programme so
that our pupils would learn these values
in an authentic setting.
Apart from the above, pupils had the
opportunity to visit the eco-garden at
the Singapore Science Centre to study
about Leaf Litter and Aquatic animals.
Pupils had first-hand experience
digging for worms, catching butterflies
and observing live specimens of
aquatic animals.
17
Learning patience, team work and compassion while having fun!
The boys learning how to tie a sarong
Im aiming for my goal!
18
With effective time management and good study techniques, you can achieve your dream score.
Cheering each other on! Om nom nom...Breaking the ice with games
18
19
Another aspect of the camp focused
on helping our pupils set realistic goals
for PSLE. They were taken through
an engaging session conducted by
professionals to set realistic academic
goals for the year. They also learnt
various study techniques and skills
along with effective time management.
As part of their cultural experience,
pupils went through a series of hands-
on activities in the Cultural Quest to
learn more about the Indian and Malay
cultures. Pupils learnt some simple
Bollywood and Silat moves. They
also acquired first-hand experience in
the tying of the sarong and the sari.
Besides the hands-on activities, pupils
were also introduced to Malay and
Indian cuisines during their meals.
The highlight of the camp was
the campfire. Pupils put up class
performances. The performances
included Bollywood dancing, singing,
Silat moves and modern dancing. The
energetic instructors also led the pupils
in a series of camp songs and cheers.
On the whole, the P6 STAR, though short,
was a fruitful one for pupils and teachers
as we concluded on a high note.
I will study smart and do
my best!
The highlight of the camp was the campfire.
20
Soundbites:Reflectionsof P6 pupils (2013)
It was a great camp! I enjoyed the trip to Science Centre the most! It bonded us, proud students of 6 Resilience together, as we went through the team-building activities. I am proud to be from 6 Resilience!
Cherie Anne Lee (6 Resilience)
It was a great camp, and I liked it. The thing I liked most was the multi-levelled Captains Ball. It was very fun. My class displayed teamwork when we worked together to try to win. We learnt to work together and we won! I look forward to other such activities in the future.James Wen (6 Responsibility)
21
The activities were fun and I enjoyed it. The food was delicious and I feel that I have learnt a lot from this camp. It has been a positive experience for me on the whole.Aidan Ong (6 Respect)
The P6 Camp was very fun! I found the team-building activities very important and interesting. I learnt to work together with my classmates and my friends to achieve a common goal. We had to co-operate to achieve our goal. This camp has indeed taught me much and I hope to participate in similar activities in the future!
Christian Liu (6 Resilience)
Listen to our voices here:
http://youtu.be/UrBBXjNxe9Y
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: 2013
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Chinese New Year Community Involvement Programme On 6th February 2013, Primary 3 and 5
teachers represented Nanyang Primary
in delivering food packages and red
packets to the elderly and needy
residents of Meiling Street for Chinese
New Year. Our teachers worked in
collaboration with the Lions Befrienders
(Meiling Street Branch) to distribute the
food items which were kindly donated
by our school parents and students.
The students also helped to sort and
pack the food packages.
Written by Mr. Eugene Ng & Mrs. Manjula Menon
At the Toh Tuck Campus, with the help
of some dedicated Parent Volunteers
and the librarian, Ms Judy, we also
gathered foodstuff from Primary 1 and
2 pupils at the library. The foodstuff
was donated to Willing Hearts
Organisation who distributed the items
to the needy residents in different
parts of Singapore. Together, we did
our best to fulfill the theme of our
Community Involvement Programme
< > As we welcome the New Spring, let us share
our love and joy.Its such a joy to help the needy!
28
NYPS Professional Learning Communities Achievements (2012)
29
4 NYPS Learning Teams presented at the WALS International Conference (World
Association of Lesson Study Conference) which was held in National Institute of
Education from 28th to 30th November in 2012.
PRESENTED BY
P5 Science teachers: Ms. Peh Yunn
Chyn and Mdm. Brenda Kok Wei Ling
Teachers from the Music Department:
Ms. Tan Jiak Shiang, Mdm. Joyce Ang
Bee Gaik and Mdm. Mok Sze Hui
P5 Chinese teachers: Mdm. Tee Guat
Hwa, Mr. Fei Meng
P3 Mathematics teachers: Mdm. Tan
Bee Bee, Mdm. Amanda Mak and Mr.
Brandon Ng
TOPIC
Designing a Science lesson with
Anchored Instruction using Lesson
Study Approach
Designing a Song Writing unit with
Learner-Centered Teaching using Lesson
Study Approach
Designing A Questioning Model
based on Blooms Taxonomy to teach
comprehension skills using the Lesson
Study Approach
The Impact of Lesson Study Approach
on Improving Teaching Competency
World Association of Lesson Study Conference
Lesson Study Open Lesson presentation was held at Nanyang Primary School on
2 May 2012. It was facilitated by Dr Yeap Ban Har from Marshal Cavendish for the
staff of NYPS and participants from W5 Cluster schools were invited.
Lesson Study Open Lesson
30
Learning Teams that presented at Nanyang Conference on 20 November 2012.
Participants and presenters included teachers from W5 Cluster Schools.
PRESENTED BY
Chinese teachers: Ms. Ng Huey Fern,
Ms. Yeow Kay Ngee, Mdm. Yow Seet
Mui, Mdm. Lim Kexin, Ms. Shen Yue
Hong and Ms. Wang Yin Xia
Chinese teachers: Mdm. Tee Guat Hwa,
Mr. Liu Zhao, Mdm. Tan Siow Hwee,
Ms. Bai Qiong and Mr. Fei Meng
Chinese teachers: Ms. Chua Hock Yen,
Mdm. Tay Wan Cheng and Ms. Soh
Sheau Mai
Science teachers: Mr. Pang Kia Kheng,
Ms. Jayla Tan, Mdm. Peng Yee Peng
and Mr. Melzone Chan
Science teachers: Ms. Peh Yunn Chyn
Clare, Mdm. Brenda Kok Wei Ling,
Mdm. Sunnie Tang
Ms Serene Yeo
Mathematics teachers: Mdm. Tan Bee
Bee, Mdm. Amanda and Mr. Brandon Ng
GEP teachers: Mr. Teo Wee Toon and
Mdm. Ho Siew Hoon
Mdm. Jacqueline Yeo, Mr. Wilson Kwa,
Mdm. Eliane Teo, Ms. Lee Wee Bee and
Ms. Caitlyn Huang
TOPIC
Designing a Chinese lesson to teach
inference skills using the Lesson Study
Approach
Designing A Questioning Model based
on the revised Blooms Taxonomy to
teach Chinese comprehension skills
using Lesson Study Approach
Bilingual Programme in Nanyang
Primary School
Science Learning Journey Portfolio
Designing a Science lesson with
Anchored Instruction using Lesson
Study Approach
Something Lost, Something Gained
Body Fats
The Impact of Lesson Study Approach
on Improving Teaching Competency
Building up competency in teaching
Nets, Solid Figures & Area of Circles
Off-The-Cuff Activities as a tool for
PSLE Oral Preparation
Nanyang Conference
31
TOPIC
Enhancing Pupils Understanding of
Comprehension Questions Through
Cooperative Learning Strategy
Improve Teaching of Physical Education
using Lesson Study
Infusing Mutiple Intelligence in
the classroom
PRESENTED BY
Mdm. Jacqueline Yeo, Mdm.
Magdalene Wee, Mdm. Kam Hui Bin
and Mr. Saravanan
PE teachers: Mrs. Sabrina Tan, Mdm.
Tang Lee Ping, Ms. Liu Wan Fern, Mr.
Lim Chee Min, Ms. Yang Yumei, Ms.
Marie Lim, Mr. Cha Ming Cheng and
Ms. Eng Li Li
Teachers from W5 Cluster School (West
View Primary School): Mdm. Surianin
Othman and Mrs. Esther Chan
A very engaging session with our parent, Mr Bill Chang, CEO of Group ICT, SingTel
32
NYPS InnovationThe Innovation Committee is very excited to
have launched our Innovation website. The
initial idea was to produce newsletter but
we thought a website would serve everyone
better! The features of this website include
innovation ideas that have been implemented,
tutorial section to promote productivity and
useful links!
Check it out today!
http://nypsinnovation.wordpress.com
We hope you have a meaningful learning
experience while you visit the site.
Rethink. Reinvent. Revitalize.
Written by Ms. Doreen Thiam
3333
Korean Educators @ NYPS We were pleased to receive our first group
of visitors to Nanyang Primary School for the
year 2013 on 18th January. They were a group
of Korean delegates visiting Singapore to learn
more about the GEP system. Our Principal,
Mrs Lee gave our visitors a brief history of
the GEP system in Singapore as well as its
evolution in our school. Our visitors were also
given the opportunity to observe a GEP lesson
and interact with our GEP students.
Written by Mina Wong
34
35
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APEC-TSUKUBA International Conference VIIAmanda and I have definitely benefited from
the short trip to Japan for the APEC-TSUKUBA
International Conference VII from 13th to 17th
February this year. We are thankful to the school for
providing us with such a good opportunity to learn
more about lesson studies. I will share what I had
learnt about the lessons during the Time-Tabled Time
(TTT) this year.
Written by Mdm Tan Bee Bee (HOD/ Maths)
37
38
Total Defence helps the country to defend itself, becoming a greater and better city; making it safer for us and we will love our country more.Lee Yng-Yng from 5C
Total Defence Day talk titled Will you stand with me?
39
Total Defence DayOur school had planned various
activities to commemorate Total
Defence Day this year. The first activity
was a slideshow conducted in the
hall before the Chinese New Year
Concert. We learnt many things about
Total Defence such as the 5 Pillars of
Defence, namely Military Defence,
Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil
Defence and Psychological Defence.
We also learnt that we must have
the will and resilience to overcome
challenges. Whatever the crisis or
challenge, our ability to overcome
challenges depends on how mentally
strong we are as one entity. It is the will
and commitment of our people that will
decide how strong we are as a nation.
The following day, a fire drill was
conducted and we had to evacuate
our classroom as fast as possible. We
managed to escape out of the school
building and reach the open field in 5
minutes and 35 seconds.
Written by Serena Lee Oh & Yeong Kai Xuan (5C)Edited by Mrs Rebecca Goh & Mdm Serene Leong
During our Social Studies lesson, our
teacher went through the meaning
of Total Defence thoroughly. She
related that Total Defence Day is
commemorated on 15 February each
year as it was the day when Singapore
fell to the Japanese during World War
II while we were under the British rule.
We were divided into groups and
created comic strips to show how Total
Defence could be carried out in Singapore.
We learnt a lot about Total Defence
and look forward to more of such
activities in future, so that we can build
a strong Singaporean identity.
40
Reflections Of A Mother On Her Sons Nanyang ExperienceWritten by Mrs. Angeline Teo, Mother of Kyron Teo 6K (Vice-Head Prefect 2012)
41
Being a parent requires much
persistence and determination in order
to bring out the best in our children.
Indeed, being a parent is a difficult
task. However, having a conducive
school environment, and with the
support of good teachers working
efficiently hand in hand, we will then
be able to groom our children into fine
successful individuals.
My child has truly benefitted from
being a Nanyang student. His ability
has been stretched to its fullest
holistically. He was not only stretched
academically but also given various
opportunities to explore other aspects
such as arts, cultures, music and sports.
I am extremely pleased to see how
my child has grown and thoroughly
enjoyed his six years in Nanyang
Primary School. The various events
that he has participated in will certainly
bring back fond memories and will be
etched in his heart forever.
The first 6 years of education is
a critical part of a childs life. It is
establishing the pillar of a childs
knowledge and character. Education
is not confined to the academics,
but includes character-building and
creativity. I feel so fortunate that my
son had been taken under Nanyangs
wings, not only to gain knowledge
but also to maximise his potential
and creativity.
Next, a special mention of the Nanyang
Prefectorial Board. A a member of the
Prefectorial Board, my son has benefited
from this great opportunity to be
groomed with outstanding leadership
qualities and sound values. I would
like to thank the Nanyang Prefectorial
Board for giving my son this privilege in
learning to lead. Also, heartfelt thanks
to the Prefectorial Board Headmaster,
Mr Weng Soo Koon, for his meritorious
guidance and care. He is truly a
dedicated and caring teacher.
42
We, the pupils of Nanyang Primary School, pledge ourselves to be good students and respectful of our elders...
Finally, a big THANK YOU to the
Nanyang Principals and teachers for
all their hard work in grooming the
Nanyang children into fine young
individuals. I am indeed thankful and
grateful for the six years of education
that my son had in Nanyang Primary
School. My son has been so blessed
with the invaluable guidance and
opportunities given by his teachers to
achieve his fullest potential in his first 6
years of formal education.
The Nanyang Experience has truly been
a wonderful journey for both my child
and me. A special note to Mrs Lee, the
Vice-Principals and teachers: All of you
have truly upheld and escalated the
spirit and the legend of Nanyang! Your
efforts have really brought out the best
in our children!
43
Click on the following links
for the 2012 P6 Graduation Ceremony:
http://youtu.be/v95x7e7lRfo
http://youtu.be/GRUJsgO7h00
http://youtu.be/5Z8SDYxL2cg http://youtu.be/9URf5s-zflE
44
From 4 December to 11 December
2012, a group of 30 people participated
in Nanyang Primary School
International Service Programmes 2012
@ Cambodia (Koh Rokar). This group,
consisting of 6 families and 5 teaching
staff led by Ms Joyce Yu from YMCA,
embarked on a service learning project
to help children studying at Koh Koul
Primary School. The school is located
in Koh Rokar village, Kampong Cham
Province, Cambodia.
During our short stay at Koh Koul
Primary School, we painted murals
for one of their classrooms, varnished
NYPS International Service Programmes 2012 @ Cambodia (Koh Rokar)Written by Ms. Peh Yunn Chyn
their classroom furniture, conducted
lessons for the local pupils, performed
in the opening ceremony of the school
and interacted with the children.
Furthermore, we also helped out in the
Rice Soup Programme in the Kampong
Tom Province.
Besides helping the poor in Cambodia,
we also visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide
Museum, Cheoung Ek Killing Fields
at Phnom Penh and Angkor Temple in
Siem Reap.
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Brightening the walls!
47
48
Samuel Wee, 6E I was excited that our job at Koh Koul
Primary School was finally finished.
The part I enjoyed most in this trip was
teaching the Cambodian children. This
trip was fun!
Stacey Jade Lo, 5A It was very fun teaching the students
at Koh Koul Primary School. Amanda,
Chen Xi, Angela, Stephanie, my
sister and I helped Auntie Siew Li in
conducting these lessons. I hope to
visit again.
Ryan Ong, 5A We needed to paint pictures in one
classroom. It was a lot of fun. We also
helped to varnish the chairs and tables.
Some of us taught the students in the
school. My favourite job was painting
the walls as we could all work together
to create a beautiful classroom.
Performing Singapore Town at the
opening of Koh Koul Primary School
was a lot of fun. It actually brought all
the children a lot closer. I really hope to
come back to Cambodia and help out
next year!
Justine Hong, 6M 2012 CIP trip to Cambodia was another
great experience for me. I went to help
and teach at Koh Koul Primary School
in Koh Rokar village in 2011. I knew we
would have to work hard and that it
would not be a holiday trip. It was very
hot as there was no running water or
electricity or even proper toilets in the
village. Nevertheless, I was happy to
be able to help out again. I was very
pleased to see many familiar faces,
especially a good friend, Hua whom I
had made. It was satisfying to see that
the school had turned out well with the
help from us. I felt very happy to see
the Cambodian children studying in
their new school with better facilities.
Once again, I was reminded of how
lucky I am to live in a prosperous
country like Singapore, where we are
safe and do not have to worry about
These are ref lections written by some of the participants from this trip:
49
our next meal. I have learnt a very
important lesson: Contentment is not
the fulfillment of what you want. It is
the realization of what you already
have. There is still so much to be done
and so many Cambodians who need
help. I would like to help out again.
Cheng Xi, 6E I enjoyed the food in Cambodia
especially the bread that we ate during
dinner on the first day. The food that I
tried for the first time was the coconut
ice-cream. It was tasty although it
looked weird. If I have a chance to go
to Cambodia again, I would like to try
these yummy dishes again.
Aaron Zhou Liman, 5H I enjoyed the trip as many activities
were interesting and fun. I liked the
transportation in Cambodia as it was
different from what I take in Singapore.
For example, e.g. we stood on the lorry
and rode the Tutu taxi. I also enjoyed
playing with the Cambodian children.
Walking was interesting and fun too
as we walked from the church to the
school. Along the way, I saw that most
of the families have cows and there was
cow dung all over on the road. We also
walked from the church to the bus after
dinner. It was so dark and we needed
to use the torch to light our way. I
realized the sky has many stars and
these stars are brighter than what I see
in Singapore. I liked the last two nights
at Kampong Cham the most. I had my
supper at the Smile Restaurant where
the food was delicious! I hope I can go
to Cambodia again next year.
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Last December, my family and
I participated in a Community
Involvement Programme (CIP) trip to
Cambodia. It was the second time that
I was immersed in such an experience.
In 2011, our team of volunteers helped
to teach the children at a school in
Koh Rokar village. However, Koh Koul
School had a classroom that was
termite-infested, and the wooden walls
could collapse any time. Moreover, as
Cambodia was hit by floods that year,
the classrooms were caked with mud.
Koh Koul School definitely needed a
My Familys Participation in a CIP to CambodiaWritten by Jillian Hong (6N)
new school compound. We helped to
carry bricks and laid foundations for the
new Koh Koul School on a plot of land
donated by a group of monks.
This year, we arrived just before the
official opening of the school and we
were delighted to find nine classrooms
located in two blocks. The school
even had its own library, playground
and toilets. These had been put up by
successive teams of volunteers after the
departure of our team in 2011.
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Phew, this is hard work!
We were there to put the finishing
touches to the school. These included
decorating the kindergarten classroom
and lacquering the tables and chairs.
We decided to paint murals based on
the garden theme. No one in the group
had done that before and we were
worried that we could not complete the
task in the duration that we were there.
We had four whole walls on which to
paint trees, fences, flowers and more.
It turned out well and I felt that the
classroom was truly beautiful.
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I miss them!
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There were many tables to lacquer in
the classrooms. It was very hard work
as there were many surfaces to cover
and we had to continually bend over to
reach inaccessible areas. We also had
to avoid getting lacquer on our bodies
and clothes which was impossible
to clean off. When we finished, the
classrooms looked newer.
While we were lacquering, some
of the other children played on the
swings. I wanted to join them instead
of enduring the horrible smell of the
lacquer. However, I knew that I should
work as I had come on the trip to serve.
Although I was very tired, I continued
to work with my back and my legs
aching. At the end of the day, I was
proud of myself. It was a great feeling
and I was extremely happy about what
I did.
I learnt about contentment. Even
though the Cambodian children did
not have much, they were happy. They
did not have any computer games.
Instead, they made up their own games
and let us join in. I felt sorry for these
children, as they did not have adequate
resources and were not taught well.
They were unlikely to progress and would
probably stay in the village to farm.
On the last day in the village, some of
us delivered basic food supplies to the
poorer families. I wanted to see what
the Cambodian houses were like so I
volunteered together with my mother.
We brought necessities such as rice and
oil to three families. One of the families
that we went to , lived in a small hut that
we had walked past every day. I could
not believe that that dilapidated and
miniscule hut was actually someones
home! A whole family slept in a tiny
space which was probably the same
size as my toilet. Another home that we
went to, belonged to an old man who
lived alone. I felt very sorry for him. I was
not sure whether he was going to cope.
Now, I still think about these families.
I really hope that they can manage.
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Learning and growing as
a family
Another experience that I cannot
forget is the Rice Soup Programme
which we also participated in the year
before. On the way to Siem Reap, we
stopped by a floating village, Kampong
Khleang on Tonle Sap Lake. Twice every
week, 260 children would gather at
this church to receive a free serving of
porridge. We helped to entertain these
children while it was being cooked. We
also formed a human chain to give out
bowls of rice soup to the children. My
mother told me that US$50 could feed
these 260 children. I was shocked when
I realised that one portion of beef steak
that I love so much could pay for one of
these meals.
Cambodia is such a different place
from Singapore. Here in first-world
Singapore, we are blessed to have great
schools and opportunities to learn. I
feel that visiting Cambodia opened my
eyes to other parts of the world and
less fortunate people. This experience
will spur me on to do more for the
disadvantaged. I definitely recommend
this trip to all of my friends.
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Rice delivery!
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Learning the traditional Indian greetings Video conferencing with our Indian buddies
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A group of 10 pupils, comprising 5 boys, 5 girls and 3
teachers left for Delhi, India on the evening of 2 November
2012 for a 10- days immersion at Raghubir Singh Junior
Modern School (RSJMS). RSJMS had sent about 25 to 30
pupils for immersion in our school every February since
2008. This would be our third batch of pupils participating in
this immersion to RSJMS.
What was different this time round was the inclusion of a
common project undertaken by pupils from both countries.
They met through video conferencing twice to discuss their
projects in small groups. Over the 5 days of immersion
at RSJMS, the groups of pupils would discuss further and
round off their discussion with a presentation to Year 4 and
5 pupils on the last day.
The trip started off with a delay at Changi Airport that
lasted for 5 hours. We were finally able to depart at
11.30pm. Upon reaching Delhi, we were transferred to our
hotel in the early hours of the morning. To allow sufficient
rest for the children, we departed for Agra only in the
afternoon, finally reaching our destination at about 7pm in
the evening.
India Immersion Programme @ Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School (RSJMS)Written by Mdm. Lau Pui San, Mdm. Siti Nurbaya binte Jumain and Mr Ting Huat Seng
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The group toured Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal on Sunday,
4 November, before embarking on the long journey back
to Delhi. We also managed to visit Missionaries of Charity,
Mother Teresa Centre in Agra. We brought along gifts for
the residents of the centre. The group went away with a
deep impression of the wonderful work that continued
after the passing of Mother Teresa.
The next day, we were warmly welcomed at RSJMS with
a special assembly in the morning. Over the next 5 days,
other than working on the common project, our pupils
learnt about Indian culture, participating in yoga, cooking,
pottery, Art and Mathematics lessons. We also found time to
play a game of basketball and football with the pupils from
RSJMS. In the afternoon, we toured different parts of Delhi
accompanied by the childrens buddies and teachers. The
places that we visited included Gandhi Smriti at Birla House,
the location where the Father of India was assassinated, Raj
Ghat (the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial), Qutab Minar, Lotus
Temple, Iskcon Temple, Akshardham Temple, India Gate and
Railway Museum. The children were exposed to the heritage
and culture of India during the trip including the best of Indian
cuisine from North and South India and vegetarian meals.
Meeting the friendly nuns and residents at Mother Teresa Centre in Agra
59
Our pupils brought gifts and cheer to the disadvantaged
pupils in nursery classes housed at the A New Friends
Colony school, a non-profit venture by the Delhi State
Council of Women. This was the highlight of our trip as our
children had a chance to interact with the young children
receiving free education at the centre.
On the last day, our pupils put up a performance to thank
the headmistress, staff and pupils of our hosting school
for their hospitality. There is much that the pupils have
learned from this immersion including how fortunate they
are compared to many children in India. The element of
community involvement definitely helps to enhance their
experience. More importantly, they have found many good
friends among their Indian buddies.
Look, Mommy! A card from my Indian buddy. Bringing cheer and joy to young pupils in nursery class
60
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2013 marks the 6th year of the Overseas Immersion
Programme in Shanghai. On the 14th of March 2013,
thirty-eight Primary 4 pupils accompanied by four teachers
embarked on the immersion programme. This is truly a
platform for pupils and teachers from Singapore to immerse
themselves in the rich and diverse culture of Shanghai. The
strong collaboration with the host school, Fudan-Vanke
Experimental Private School, has enabled the pupils to have
three days of homestay and school immersion. The pupils
enjoyed themselves, learning about the lives of pupils in
Shanghai and forging new friendships.
The programme that ended on the 20th March 2013
allowed the students to visit various attractions such as the
Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai Qingpu
Oriental Land, Qibao Ancient Town and Shanghai Aerospace
Enthusiasts Center. The pupils also visited a silk factory in
Suzhou where they gained insights into the life-cycle of the
silkworm, mulberry planting, silkworm raising, silk reeling
and weaving.
On their return to Singapore, the pupils compiled all their
personal photographs and precious experiential learning in
their Learning Journey Portfolio. It would capture all their
learning points and reflections for their memorable trip to
Shanghai indeed.
Written by Peng Yee Ping
The Shanghai Experience!
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(5B)
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Global
Learning
Tradition
Community
Contentment
Enthusiastic
Innovation
Resilience
Do you have a sharp eye? Look for the 8 words below that were in this issue. They are spelt forwards, backwards and diagonally.
H T B V L I N N O V A T I O N
O F B E C N E I L I S E R M C
I V E T W X C O M M U N I T Y
I K G N U L X A R C M S E Q J
U F N Q O G M A V S B N I C U
J D I Z C A W K K K T O F O W
H F N N K S G B B H B I G N S
P N R F P I X R U R R T A T V
R D A V O O F S Y T C I G E Z
Q Q E S X R I U Y Y M D O N L
S E L U P A V L H W G A Y T Z
B M O H S L H J R H A R I M Z
X A T T W Y G K K Y P T E E O
K P I V G W U G Y G U F R N C
P C J K L A B O L G P R J T N
Activity time!