Oct 2014 - Methodist Girls` School

Transcription

to master to grow to serve
VOL 25/3 Oct 2014
Principal’s
Message
It is hard to believe that we are already in October, and on the last
lap of the school year. And what a wonderful year it has been. I am
constantly amazed at the talent, the achievements of our girls, and
their zest for learning.
The girls in the Primary school have excelled in their display of
wit and words; they have explored the great outdoors, and have
made their mark in the ASEAN Chess fraternity, in the softball field,
and on the golf course. Their friends in the Secondary school have
achieved success in just as many fields - from the Sciences to
Maths; from painting on canvas to performing at the Music Festival
in Vienna, and telling stories in Chinese or Tamil.
As we reflect on our achievements and anticipate the challenges of
the future, we are reminded that learning is an every day experience.
It is exciting, enjoyable and enduring. Of course learning needs a
culture of care and support, and that we have at MGS.
I am grateful to our MGS staff for their unstinting dedication to
bringing out the best in our MG girls. We would not have achieved
so much without the support of the community, the many Moms and
Dads who are always with us to encourage and guide the children
to scale the heights. Most of all, we thank God for His faithfulness
and the many, many blessings He continues to bestow on MGS. It
is He who establishes and blesses the work of our hands.
I look forward with excitement to 2015 and the challenge To Master,
To Grow, To Serve.
To God be the Glory.
Ms Grace Ng
Principal
In & Around
The
Iridescent Dream
The Iridescent Dream, the
MGS Dance Musical of 2014,
celebrated 20 years of dance in
MGS, and brought together not
just dancers past and present,
but also CCA groups which
included the Dance Club and
the Indian Dance troupe, the
Choir, the Handbell Ensemble,
Guitar Ensemble, and the
International Dance girls from
the Primary school. Altogether,
there were 180 performers.
The Dance Musical, which took
place over three evenings –
Thursday 3 July to Saturday 5
July – was a site-specific walkabout dance theatre production
with three unique storylines. Each story took off at a specific
point at either the Bamboo Courtyard or the Concourse; the
audience was led by three characters – Samantha, Susan and
Elaine – on three separate routes, all ultimately converging at
The Iridescent Dream was not just a showcase of talents in the
the M E Lau Hall, where the rest of the story unfolded.
performing arts. It was the hard work of Team MGS, whose
The story, which was certainly compelling, was inspired by commitment, resilience and resourcefulness were worthy of the
To MGS, a song written in 1979 by Ms Eleanor Wong, MGS thunderous applause and numerous compliments at the end of
each performance.
alumna.
Tête–à–Tête@TCTF
On Wednesday 30 July, recipients of the Puan Sri Helene
Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship 2014 attended the Tête–à–Tête
reception hosted by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (TCTF). The
scholars are all MGS students who exhibit maturity and good
character and excel in both academic and co-curricular fields.
were encouraged to champion a “cause you are passionate
about”, and change the world for the better. The scholars
were given a tour of the Tan Chin Tuan Mansion and invited
by the TCTF to participate as volunteers at upcoming events
organized for various beneficiaries.
At the tea reception, the scholars received their awards and
were inspired by the guest speakers, Mr Mervyn Sek, Head
of Department (Project Work & Values in Action) at AngloChinese Junior College, and Professor Leo Tan, Director
(Special Projects) NUS Faculty of Science, to dream big; they
The scholars included, Janine Khoo Su Pheng, Lim Qi Min,
Regina Tan Zi Hwei (all from the Class of 2013), Hannah Kwok
Yi Fang (Sec 1S), Kyla Tang Cheng-Lyn (Sec 1G), Liz Yeo Siu
Wen (Sec 1G) Anushka Prasanna Ogale (Sec 4M), Rebecca
Loy Hsiao Ying (Sec 4T) and Jacy Mok Kai Lin (Sec 4G).
MGeSprit • October 2014
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In & Around
Workshops for
Parents
On Friday 11 July, the Primary school conducted workshops for the parents to keep them informed on the core subjects –
English, Maths, Science and Chinese – taught at school.
The workshops, managed by the teachers from various Departments, were intended to help the girls in Primary Five and Six
prepare effectively for their examinations.
The English Department provided insight on the strategies that could be used by the girls to respond creatively and critically
to comprehension texts. The parents were also made aware of the common mistakes and of the ways these could be avoided.
For the mastery of the Chinese Language, there is a greater emphasis on the composition component in which the pupils are
expected to analyse specific topics and images as accurately as possible. Pupils must also be able to make use of various
expressions in their writing to appeal to the reader.
The Science workshop uncovered common misconceptions in relation to various Science topics; the parents were shown the
techniques and strategies for answering open-ended questions.
At the Maths workshop the parents learnt about the model approach and other strategies used in solving word problems. They
certainly enjoyed the opportunity to solve word problems on Fractions, Ratio and Proportion and Percentages, and are ready
to actively support their girls in confronting the challenges of Mathematics.
Methodist
Welfare Services
On Monday 14 July, Mrs Jenny Bong, Group Executive Director
of the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), was present at
Assembly to present a token of appreciation to MGS for its
contribution to the work of the MWS.
The gift from MWS was an oil painting entitled “Bearing Fruit
In Every Good Work”; this was the work of 11-year-old Venese
Voon Jing Xuan, a beneficiary from the MWS D’Joy Student Care
Centre for disadvantaged children. The painting depicts a tree
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bearing fruit, and carries the message from St Paul’s letter to
the Colossians – “…We continually ask God to fill you with the
knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding
that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work”.
During the Chinese New Year celebrations in 2014, the girls in
MGS raised $49,396.25 in a Hong Bao collection in support
of MWS.
In & Around
Stories Come
Alive
The Speech and Drama programme at MGS is an integral part of the enrichment curriculum for English Language. In Primary
Two, the girls cultivate the techniques and skills to communicate with confidence and clarity in the spoken word. In the
classroom, they learnt the art of producing a play and performing in it; they understand the need to express their thoughts and
ideas in ways that appeal to an audience, and they appreciate the exultation of being articulate.
On Wednesday 16 July, at the Speech and Drama Concert, they showed beyond a doubt that they enjoyed performing for their
parents and others in the community. To the delight of the audience, the girls in Primary Two brought some familiar stories to life.
Racial Harmony Day
It has been 50 years since the racial riots in 1964, but the
school persists in reinforcing racial harmony, especially through
the heart.
On Thursday 17 July the Secondary school commemorated
Racial Harmony Day (RHD) with guests from Wesley Girls’
High School, Taipei, St George’s Girls’ School, Penang, Mount
Carmel, New Delhi, and Vidya Mandir, Chennai. In the M E Lau
Hall, the visitors shared their culture through song and dance
and exemplified what it means to foster Harmony from the
Heart, the theme for RHD 2014.
The Primary School celebrated racial harmony on Friday 18
July; the girls came, dressed in ethnic costumes, to school
to enjoy a variety of traditional activities and games. In the
concourse, there were stalls where the girls could purchase
toys such as tops, five stones, chapteh, and old-world snacks
like dragon beard candy, muah chee, ting ting candy.
ParentLink and parent volunteers in the Primary school
helped make Racial Harmony Day a truly meaningful learning
experience for the girls.
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In & Around
8th MGS Regional
Youth Conference
The annual MGS Regional Youth Conference (RYC) was held
on Friday 18 July.
The RYC, whose co-organiser is the Academy of Principals
(Singapore), provides a platform for students from diverse
cultures and backgrounds to study complex issues together
and formulate solutions to the problems. It encourages the
leaders of tomorrow to establish networks which could
contribute to the good of the world.
MGS 8th RYC was all about The Price of Inequality! The
delegates, who came from a variety of schools in Singapore
and from schools in the region, had many opportunities to
interact with one another, exchange experiences and ideas,
and together provide solutions to the problems of inequality
and exclusiveness in our world. Here at the RYC was a
community of like-minded youngsters eager to play their part
for a world where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging.
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The Keynote Speaker at the RYC was Mr Laurence Lien,
Chairman of Lien Foundation and CEO of the National Volunteer
and Philanthropy Centre. Mr Lien affirmed that we should be
holistic in our approach to solving the root issues of poverty.
The only way to break the cycle of poverty is to provide a
comprehensive plan for the underprivileged to become more
self-reliant; it is essential to look into their needs.
Other distinguished guests on the panel of speakers included
Ms Braema Mathi, President of MARUAH, and Mr Donald
Low, Associate Dean (Research and Executive Education) at
the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
There were also creative and innovative workshops designed
to foster free expression, and to inspire the young delegates
to define their vision for tomorrow.
In & Around
MG Week 2014
The inaugural MG Week took place from
Monday 21 July to Friday 25 July, when
the school celebrated its 127th Founder’s
Day.
for only one day in the school year. A
photo booth was available for those who
wanted a memento of the privilege to be
dressed in zany wear and sneakers.
From Monday to Thursday, the students
took turns to share on the history and
significance of each of the four Houses
that form one MGS; the office bearers
of Blackmore House set the ball rolling,
with Olson House next, and then Lee
House and Jackson House.
At the newly created King Albert Park
(KAP) learning space on the second
level of the school, the girls happily put
into words, on the glass panels, their
hopes and dreams for the school.
Every day during MG Week, the brainchild
of Parentlink, there was an exciting
activity to celebrate MGS and strengthen
the ties that bind.
The girls were encouraged to be dressed
in MGS colours – blue and yellow – but
Then they spent an afternoon cleaning
their classrooms and various areas of
the school; together, the students and
staff ‘splished splashed’ MGS all in
the spirit of giving to the community. It
was therefore fitting that they showed
their appreciation and respect for the
aunties and uncles who keep MGS a
conducive place for the young ones to
focus on their learning. The girls gave of
time and effort to craft special tokens of
appreciation, which they presented to
representatives of the MGS community
during Assembly on Thursday morning.
The girls each received an ice lolly – a
symbol of love – distributed by parent
volunteers, and were encouraged to
spread their love to their schoolmates.
The Prefects in the Secondary school
created an eye-catching banner, calling
upon their friends and schoolmates to
“Lift High” the banner of MGS.
Friday 25 July, which was Founder’s
Day, was the high point in a week
of celebrating MGS, its heritage, its
community and its vision To Master To
Grow To Serve!
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In & Around
127th Founder’s Day
MGS celebrated its 127th Founder’s Day on Friday
25 July. This was to commemorate Miss Sophia
Blackmore and her legacy which has been Established
for His Glory.
Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, from the Methodist Church
in Singapore, was the Guest of Honour, who gave the
Founder’s Day Address to reinforce the MGS spirit and
to inspire the Class of 2013, for whom the event was
also their Graduation Ceremony.
Mrs Shirleen Ong, the former Principal at MGS,
returned to present the Graduation certificates to the
Class of 2013. Also present at the celebrations were
Mrs Ann Wee, a former teacher at MGS, Ms Patricia
Chan, Ms Lynette Seah, Ms Joscelin Yeo and Major
Khoo Teh Lynn, all of whom are MGS alumnae. They
have all won recognition for exceptional achievements
in their respective fields, and are duly honoured in the
Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. They were each
presented a token of appreciation for the honours
won, and for lifting high the flame of MGS.
At the Founder’s Day service, various Academic awards
were presented to the girls who achieved excellence
in their studies; there were also Special awards,
which included the Puan Sri Helene Tan Chin Tuan
Scholarship to nine recipients, the MGS Scholarship,
the Ruth Wong Medal, Jumabhoy Medal, Wong Hee
Hua Medal, Ellice Handy Medal, Tan Ley Chee Medal
and the Professor Tommy Koh Book Prize.
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In & Around
Look, Look at my
Heart
In the Secondary school, the Prefectorial Board 2014-15 was officially installed
on Friday 11 July.
The Guest of Honour was Ms Anita Fam, Vice President of the Asian Women’s
Welfare Association (AWWA); she assured the Prefects that “The Lord does not
look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the
Lord looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7].
Ms Fam urged them to have a heart for God, and to pray for His guidance and for
courage to do what is necessary, and what is right. She pressed them to act for the
good of others, and never to let ego get in their way. And she advised the Prefects
to embrace humility and to make the difference in “not only your own life” but in
that of others, and in service to the school.
The Head Prefect 2014-15 is Chloe Ang Si-En (Sec 3G), and the Vice-Head Prefect
is Paige Wei Tong Jin (Sec 3G).
Installation of
Prefects
On Tuesday 29 July, the Primary school held its annual
service to show appreciation for the Prefects in Primary 6,
and to install 44 Prefects from Primary 4 and Primary 5.
Reverend David Gwee, MGS Chaplain, encouraged the
student leaders to be humble, hardworking and honourable
servant leaders of the Lord Jesus.
Miss Grace Ng, the Principal, then officially installed every
new Prefect; and Reverend John Benedict Foo presented
Certificates of Appreciation to 27 outgoing Prefects from
Primary 6.
Led by Reverend Foo, the Prefects pledged to give of their best, in service to the school and the community; and they sang
of “Our Best” to affirm their dedication to MGS.
The Head Prefect for 2014-2015 is Gabrielle Lee Kurniawan (P5.6), and the Vice Head Prefect, Natalie Chong (P5.4).
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In & Around
Our
People, Our Home
MGS celebrated National Day on Friday 8 August, and in
appreciation of the people who together make Singapore truly our
home – Our People, Our Home!
At the start of the school day, the teachers and students from
the full school assembled at the quadrangle for the National
Day Observance Ceremony. There were the usual flag raising
ceremony and the recitation of the national pledge, before the
school actively participated in reciting the National Day reflections
and then listened to the National Day Message from Mr Heng
Swee Keat, Minister for Education.
On this day, the Minister urged all students to “continue [the]
Singapore story and lead the way for your generation”. He urged
his audience to “Be a Singaporean of the day.”
Everyone in MGS sang about the joy of being a Singaporean and
living in Singapore, because “it’s here that we belong, all of us
united, one people marching on…”
In the Secondary school, the celebrations continued with more
activities in the M E Lau Hall, and more songs to proclaim “We are
a nation strong and free forevermore.”
In the Primary school hall Ms Yap Foon Lyn the Vice-Principal,
hosted the game segment, ‘Don’t Forget the Lyrics’ and ‘Are You
a Singaporean’. Her sense of humour and wit generated much
excitement and laughter among the pupils. Led by the teachers
and the girls in Primary Four, the school then sang one ‘national’
song after another to testify to their patriotism. And there were
posters and a video clip that raised awareness of the National
Education messages that have enriched the life of young citizens
in Singapore.
National Day Awards
Every year National Day Awards are presented by the Government to acknowledge various forms of merit and of service to
Singapore.
On 9 August 2014, Ms Grace Ng, Principal of MGS received the Public Administration Medal (Silver); Dr Eileen Aw, ViceChairman, MGS Board of Management, was awarded the Public Service Medal, and Mdm Tang Yen Yen, HOD (Mother Tongue)
at the Primary school, the Commendation Award.
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In & Around
Father-Daughter
Bonding
On the afternoon of Saturday 23rd August, ParentLink, in line with the
Family Matters@School Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of
Social and Family Development (MSF), organized a Laser-Tag event to
encourage Father-Daughter bonding.
An overwhelming response from both the Primary and Secondary
school saw a total of 80 father-daughter teams gather at MGS for a real
life combat simulation game. They planned, strategised and deployed
their troops simultaneously in 4 arenas, to outdo one another. After the
games, the teams, with other members of the family, enjoyed hot dogs,
nachos and ice blended drinks.
The spirit of friendly rivalry and camaraderie was exhilarating, although
the rain did threaten to disrupt the prize giving ceremony and the group
photo shoot in the quadrangle. The winning teams each walked away
with a pair of father-daughter camouflage bracelets, specially loomed
by MGS parents.
Project
Care
After the Preliminary Examination for
the Class of 2014, the teachers took
turns to stay after school, to help
the girls prepare for their O Level
Examination.
Project Care provided an environment
where the students could study
effectively and without undue stress. In
the KAP space on Level One, or in the
canteen and at the patio, they worked
independently or in small groups,
assured that they could concentrate
and not be interrupted.
Every day until 7 in the evening the
teachers were there to extend their
professional support; they offered
personal ‘consultation’ to those who
needed extra help, and also ensured
their students were comfortable while
revising independently
in advance
of the Exams. Some teachers even
conducted extra lessons for large
groups.
Project Care, which lasted from Monday 25 August to Friday 10 October offered
sustenance for the physical well-being. In the first week, the teachers made
available the food and drinks; thereafter the parents generously prepared and
served refreshment that warmed the heart and energized the students.
Project Care was all the
more inviting because
of Mrs Irene Phua and
Ms Jenny Koh, Christian
Ministry Staff (CMS),
who selflessly persisted
in making sure the girls
were nourished promptly
at 4 pm every day, and
were comfortable, safe
and happily engrossed
in studying.
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In & Around
Longest Day 2014
Friday 29th of August was the Longest Day at school for
the Class of 2014.
The girls were in class for lessons until noon when they seized
the day, and cast aside (only for that day) all their concerns
about taking the O Level Examination in October. Carpe
Diem! That was it. In the words of Natasha Oh (Sec 4E), they
“are now ready to face the last leg of the race together”.
They played games and were thoroughly drenched in
water for the fun of it. Then the rain fell, and took away the
campfire, but it could not dampen the spirit of the Class
of 2014. Enthusiastically, the nine classes took turns to
showcase their talents in acting, singing and dancing,
and to entertain one another; they offered light-hearted,
touching tributes to friends, teachers and their “dear
MGS”. More importantly, they enhanced and reinforced
the ties that bind – for now and definitely for their Future!
P6 Reunion Tea
On Saturday 30 August, the P6 Class of 2013 gathered for a reunion, based on
a simple theme, Together, in the hope that through the day they could rekindle
their friendships and reassure one another that they are friends forever.
The day started off with worship and prayer, and praise to the Lord. The girls
then embarked on station games which took them to familiar sites in the
school grounds, and engaged them in activities reminiscent of those years
in Primary school. Afterwards, the students indulged in a feast graciously
provided by the MGS Alumnae Association and the parents.
Ms Yap Foon Lyn, the Vice-Principal offered a few words of encouragement,
reminding the girls to treasure their friendships and embrace the future. At the
end of the day, the girls watched a video and a slideshow of their remarkable
6-year journey in MGS, and were
overwhelmed
with
nostalgia.
Together, and with loving hearts,
they sang proudly the school
song, even as they were showered
in confetti. Together, they posed
for a photograph that captured the
“friendships made and pleasures
shared”.
Un(Ravel)led
Un(Ravel)led, the concert, took place at the Kwa
Geok Choo Auditorium on Saturday 30 August. This
was the annual concert of the students on the Music
Elective Programme (MEP) in Secondary Three.
Every MEP student performed in one or more
items – Classical, Chinese, Jazz or Pop! And their
teachers, Ms Malisa Bay and Ms Tsien Jiuan Jiaun,
also performed in some of the items.
The grand finale was the students’ interpretation
of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite; happily and in
the most creative way possible, they played out
different tales that the music suggested.
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In & Around
MGS
Sunday
Sunday 31 August was designated MGS
Sunday at the Covenant Community
Methodist Church (CCMC).
Ms Grace Ng, the Principal of MGS, the
Vice-Principals and teachers were present
at the 9 am service which was dedicated
to Knowing God Deeply and Making Him
Known Widely. Members of the MGS Board
of Management were also present, as were
the Prefects who acted as ushers and helped
with the Offering, and the Secondary school
Choir which sang the anthem, For the Glory
of God.
At the 9am and 11am service, Ms Ng
shared about the MGS theme for 2014 –
Established for His Glory. She affirmed that
God is blessing all that is accomplished at
MGS for His Glory. Indeed, “God and God
alone created all these things we call our
own. From the mighty to the small…all is
God’s and God’s alone.” She expressed her
gratitude to the CCMC, for always standing by MGS, praying for the girls,
teachers and staff, and taking care of the international students.
Natasha Ureyang, accompanied by Wang Duyu – both international students
who have benefitted immensely from the ministry of CCMC – sang to God
and God Alone, for all that He has done for them.
The Offering on MGS Sunday was presented to MGS in support of its programmes.
CSR Connecting with Elderly Citizens
It was Monday 1 September and the elderly folks in the community were ready to celebrate the
Mid-Autumn Festival with their friends at MGS. They came from Ghim Moh and Toa Payoh, all 133
of them, to enjoy a host of activities organized and hosted by the staff of the school.
The Principal, Ms Grace Ng warmly welcomed them, and she did this in three languages – Chinese,
Malay and English – to make them feel at home.
They enjoyed some snacks before going in groups to participate in one activity after another, all
of which were specially designed for their enjoyment and entertainment. They sang heartily at a
karaoke session; they cheered with gusto each time an elderly friend won a prize for bingo, and
they danced merrily under the guidance of a dance instructor. Patiently, they took turns to craft and
paint lanterns which are indispensible during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
And they sang, and sang, in Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay and English, while waiting for the bus to
take them home. The elderly aunties and uncles, armed happily with dinner and a gift pack each,
were extravagant with their show of gratitude. And openly, they wished that they could be back, at
the same time, same place next year!
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In & Around
Commendation Awards Ceremony 2014
The Commendation Awards Ceremony (CAC) which took place in the M E Lau Hall on Tuesday 2 September, celebrated the
many achievements of the MGS community.
Major Khoo Teh Lynn, F-16 Pilot RSAF was the Guest of Honour; a former student of MGS, she inspired the girls to give of their
best to realize their dreams. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart,” she urged. Major Khoo who, against all odds, turned her
own dreams into reality, was the first female pilot of RSAF; in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, her passion for flying and
her dedicated service to Singapore are duly acknowledged.
During the CAC 2014, numerous awards were presented to the girls in recognition of their dedication, passion and outstanding
contributions in various fields. Of these, sixteen prestigious MGS Sports Awards were given to the girls who represented
Singapore in their respective sports at national level.
The top three awards at the annual CAC are always a tribute to the MGS spirit which the girls embrace without reservation; it is
all about their exemplary character and conduct, and their readiness To Master, To Grow, To Serve.
This year, Naomi Lim Yan Min (P6.3) was the proud recipient of the Model Student Award, while Christine Mok Tze Yin (Sec 1H)
received the Lydia Huang Award, and Erika Poh (Sec 3E), the Wee Kim Wee Award.
Games Day
Games Day for the girls in Primary
One and Two took place on
Wednesday 3 September.
The games, organized by the PE
Department in collaboration with
the level teachers, encouraged
mass participation and promoted
sportsmanship and fair play.
At each of the 14 stations, the
girls enjoyed a specific activity
and accumulated points for their
House; they were accompanied
by their teachers and parent
volunteers who took advantage of
every opportunity to share a lesson
or two. The teachers observed
the girls and on the spot affirmed
those who displayed commendable
practices.
Back in their classroom, the
girls received prizes for their
achievements; and their teachers
shared what they had noted in
the course of the day, so that they
could all learn from the event.
Blackmore
House
Champion that day!
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was
the
In & Around
Happy
Teachers’ Day
MGS commemorated Teachers’ Day on Thursday 4 September,
when there was an enthusiastic show of appreciation for the
teachers and their dedication in moulding the Future.
It all began, soon after sunrise, with the girls charging
towards the staffroom, frantically calling for their teachers,
and showering them with gifts. When the school assembled
at the start of the school day, they listened attentively to
the Teachers’ Day message from Ms Ho Peng, the DirectorGeneral of Education (DGE), and said a special prayer for their
teachers. They applauded the DGE’s salute to the teachers
for ‘… staying true to the spirit and values exemplified by our
pioneer generation’, whose resourcefulness, resilience and
sense of responsibility are the reason the nation has come
this far.
In the Primary school, the Student Leadership Team worked
with some parent volunteers to overwhelm the teachers with
love and appreciation. In the school hall, they staged a skit
and engaged their friends and teachers in a variety of games.
The message communicated to their teachers was derived
In every classroom in the Secondary school, the girls spent from 1 Thessalonians 12-13: “And now, friends, we ask you to
time with their Form Teacher and Co-Form Teacher; they honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been
staged a mini-concert, and simply enjoyed the company of given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your
obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!”
their teachers.
The highlight of the celebrations was the Fantasia Concert,
organized by the Prefects in the Secondary school, in honour
of all those who have made a difference in school, and who
continue to inspire the young ones.
Thank You
In the Staff Room, the teachers were treated to a scrumptious
breakfast, provided by parents, and “Spa” with the melodious
strains of violins in the background. It was indeed a joyous
occasion for the teachers.
Parents
More than 160 parents were invited to MGS on
Wednesday 24 September to enjoy breakfast and
interact with one another. These were parents
who have in one way or another helped the school
achieve the shared goal of nurturing Women of
Excellence.
At about 7.30 in the morning, they gathered at the
Kwa Geok Choo Auditorium, where Ms Grace Ng, the
Principal thanked the parents for their contributions
to the learning experience at MGS; Dr Eileen Aw,
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Management also
took her turn to express the Board’s gratitude to
the parents.
The camaraderie at breakfast testified to the
thriving family-school relationship so vital to the
achievements of school and students. And this was
amplified in the video on the MGS Carnival, and
the Powerpoint record of events organized by the
parents.
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In & Around
They
Came, They Saw, They Applauded
Several teams of visitors from far and wide were at MGS
between July and September, to get a sense of the school
environment, and to appreciate the dynamism of teaching
and learning in a vibrant community.
The school leaders and their teams came from Lauriston Girls’
School, Melbourne; from St Andrew’s School, Brunei; Rikkyo
University, Japan; Beijing Jianhua Experimental School,
China; Langfang No 8 School Hebei Province, China, and
Convent Light Street Secondary School, Penang.
MGS also welcomed Heads of Departments (HODs) and IP
leaders from schools in Singapore to share about management
and leadership matters.
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Academic
SYF
Established for His Glory
Art
Regina Tan Zi Hwei, from the Class of 2013, received the Certificate of Recognition at the
Singapore Youth Festival (ART) 2014; her art work, Metamorphosis, is exhibited at La Salle
College of the Arts.
Regina, who completed her masterpiece in MGS, explained that Metamorphosis “is an
outward expression of my innermost thoughts and struggles”, the feelings of an O Level
student, eager to “step out of a fixed frame of thought…”.
Young Author 2014
The Young Author’s Scheme 2014, a programme for high-ability learners, was organised by the W3 Cluster.
The scheme for potential authors included a mentorship programme and ten sessions of training, during
which the participants crafted a 500 word story. With guidance from their mentors, they continued to
work on the draft until they each had a 3000 word story that could be published. The whole process
lasted about two months.
At the Woodlands Regional Library on Saturday 14 June, Nadia Lee Jean Wee (P6.6) received the Merit
award for the Young Author Awards 2013/2014 programme.
The
Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2014
Tan Jing Min (Sec 4T) was invited by the Poetry Society UK to attend the Foyle Young Poets
Prize Giving ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, London. This was a special event for prize
winners of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2014.
Jing Min was one of 85 young poets selected for Commendation at the ceremony on Thursday
2 October, National Poetry Day in the United Kingdom. There were in all an incredible 7630
participants from all over the world, in what is considered Britain’s most prestigious poetry
competition for young writers aged 11 to 17.
In London, Jing Min had the opportunity to meet Mr Simon Barraclough and Ms Grace Nichols
both of whom were responsible for selecting the poets for Commendation; she interacted with
fellow winners of the award, talked poetry and simply celebrated!
Babble and Speak Competition
Rebecca Lam (P4.6) was the Champion at the Babble and Speak Competition organized by
Nanyang Girls’ High School.
On Friday 25 July, Rebecca won the judges over with her natural, genuine and child-like wit
in sharing her experience at the S.E.A Aquarium which she visited with her father. This she
did in her impromptu speech, the inspiration for which was a picture of a S.E.A Aquarium.
CHAOS
Winners
Before the June break from school, Team MGS from Secondary 2S
participated at the CHAOS 2014 competition and earned Honorary
Mention for Chemistry.
CHAOS – the Creative & Heuristic Applications of Science – is an
internet-based science competition for Secondary school students.
The programme is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Science, NUS and
the Gifted Education Branch of MOE, and is supported by the Defence
Science & Technology Agency and DSO National Laboratories.
The four winners of CHAOS 2014 are Beverly Low Qian Ling, Kathleen Ng
Shee Min, Shannon Lee Xin Ying and Joyce Lee Yuan Jun.
17
Academic
Success on the Maths Trail
In July, two teams from MGS participated in the Financial
Literacy Trail jointly organized by the School of Business and
Accountancy, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Citi-NIE, Financial
Literacy Hub for Teachers. Team MGS was first ranked 1st in
the Trail; the team comprised Ooi Wen Yi (Sec 3O), Ngyuen
Thu Phuong (Sec 3O), Vu Hue Minh from (Sec 3O), Celeste
Tan Minn (Sec 3T) and Meena G Nagappan (Sec 3T).
The Singapore Mathematical Olympiad Competition
organized by the Mathematical Society, NUS took place in
June 2014.
In the Junior Section, Team MGS won 2 Silver and 6 Bronze
awards. Hannah Liz Phung Zhang (Sec 2M) and Chan Jia Ying
(Sec 1E) won the Silver award; and Brenda Tang Hui En (Sec
2H), Teoh Wen Qi (Sec 2H), Shannon Lee Xin Ying (Sec 2S),
Fushia Noor Raakin Virtucio (Sec 1S) Samiksha Sankar (Sec
1S) and Joleen Teo Sze Min (Sec 1E) won the Bronze award.
Karya Minda Kreatif
In the Senior Section, Vu Hue Minh (Sec 3O), Zhao Yi Yang
(Sec 3T) and Hu Xing Yi (Sec 3I) won the Silver award; Joey
Leong Wen Ai (Sec 4I), Chan Yan Bing (Sec 3T), Liu Jia Hui
(Sec 3T), Chen YiYi (Sec 3I), Xu Jin Wen (Sec 3I), Rahelia
Ikwan (Sec 3E), Yao Chang (Sec 3O), Liu Chang (Sec 3O) and
Nguyen Thu Phuong (Sec 3O) won the Bronze award.
In the Open Section, Zhang Lijun (Sec 4M) won the Silver
award; Ni Shuang (Sec 4M), Tiffany Chong Sia (Sec 4H) and
Zhen Zhouyu won the Bronze award.
In the School Awards Category 1 which comprised both the
Junior and Senior Sections, Team MGS earned the Bronze
award, given to 12 of the top 24 teams in the competition
which attracted 121 school teams. In the School Awards
Category 2 which is actually the Open Section, Team MGS
competed against 65 other schools and won the Participation
Award, given to 8 schools among the top 18 schools.
2014
During the June break from school,
six girls from the Primary school
spent time writing their essay for the
National Level Malay Essay Writing
Contest, organized by EDN Media
Consultant. They had to submit
their essays by the end of July, for
evaluation by the judges. In all, 586
pupils from 47 Primary schools
participated in the contest.
Isabel Rivas (P4.1) and Hanna
Safiyyah (P6.4) won the Silver award.
Gemma Mollison (P5.6), Nur Atiqah
(P5.3), Priyanka Menon (P5.3) won
the Gold award.
Yasmin Nur Shamsudin (P6.4) won
the Gold award and was ranked
among the top eight writers at the
contest.
18
Academic
Wits and Words 2014
More than 60 Primary schools competed at the Wits and Words: Inter-school Debate Championship 2014, which took about
three months to complete; and on Monday 2 June, Team MGS was ranked third among the participanting teams.
Team MGS included Gabrielle Lee Kurniawan (P5.6), Debroah Yong (P5.6), ElizabethChua (P5.6), Lauren Tse (P6.6), Hoong Jun
Ray (P6.6) and Wong Minyi (P6.6).
Hoong Jun Ray was one of the top speakers of the 2014 tournament.
The annual Inter-School Debate Championship promotes the oral competencies of high-ability students in Primary 5 and
Primary 6, and is organised by the Gifted Education Branch (MOE) in collaboration with the Debate Association (Singapore).
Primary School
Debate Open
The Primary school, once again collaborated with Debate Association (Singapore) to organise the Primary School Debate Open
(PSDO) 2014 which took place from 12 July to 12 August. MGS was the venue for all the debates – from Round One to the Final
showdown.
There were two divisions for the PSDO 2014. Division One was for the upper 50% of schools which participated in the Wits and
Words Debate Championship 2014, and Division Two for the other 50% of the schools.
Nanyang Primary School was the Champion in Division Two, while Team MGS was the Champion in Division One.
Team MGS was formed by Kaitlyn Koh and Claire Chan from P4.6, Elizabeth Chua, Deborah Yong, Gabrielle Lee Kurniawan
from P5.6.
PSDO 2014 had the active support of the MGS Debate Club in the Secondary school; the girls were accomplished as
Chairpersons and timekeepers in the various rounds of the tournament.
19
Academic
Champion Story Tellers
On Saturday 26 July, the girls from the Drama
Club (Chinese) took part in the National
Inter-School Group Creative Story-Telling
Competition 2014, held at Hwa Chong
Institution. The competition was jointly
organized by the Singapore Chinese Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, the Singapore
Federation of Chinese Clan Associations,
ZB Comma, Thumbs Up, Promote Mandarin
Council and Hwa Chong Institution.
Team MGS was ranked among the top eight
teams in the competition, before earning the
title of Champion for Story-telling; the team
also won the award for the Best Script.
Team MGS included Ang Xi En (Sec 1E), Faith
Sim Ruo En (Sec 1S), Zheng Yuwei (Sec 3I),
Gao Ang (Sec 3O) and Yao Chang (Sec 3O).
Tamil Language
Winners
The girls on the Tamil Language programme in the Secondary school
have been participating in various literary and speech competitions in
2014, and they have displayed the mettle that typifies the MGS girl.
At the Conversation Competition organized by Umar Pulavar Tamil
Language Centre in April, Afifa Shafana (Sec 2G) and Harshitha
Srinivasan (Sec 2G) won the First prize. And at the Short Film
competition, Afifa, Harshita and Pujah Ragupalan (Sec 2I), Roshini
Mahendran (Sec 3I), and Himani Dharshini (Sec 3O) won the
Consolation prize.
Harshitha, Roshini and Himani also competed in the Short Film
Competition, organized in August by the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language
Centre, and won the Consolation prize.
Harshitha Srinivasan (Sec 2G) was awarded, also in April, a Consolation
prize at a Creative Writing competition organized by the Tamil Language Unit of the Curriculum Planning and Development
Division.
Ramu Deepika (Sec 4M) won the Consolation prize at the Essay writing competition organized by the Singapore Tamil
Writer’s society, while Alamelu Venkatachalam (Sec 2I) won the Second prize for poetry writing.
20
Academic
Dash With Math
In August, Team MGS from the Primary
school won the Commendation Award at the
Primary Mathematics Project Competition,
organized by the Gifted Education Branch
(MOE) in partnership with NUS High School of
Mathematics and Science.
The Competition encouraged the pupils to be
innovative and creative in applying what they
learnt in Mathematics. In accordance with the
theme – Mathematics is Fun – for Primary Five,
the participants had to design a game that
testified to their depth of understanding, their
originality and creativity, and the relevance
in their application of Maths knowledge and
concepts.
Team MGS which included Angelina Lim (P5.6),
Emily Ong (P5.6) and Ashley Seah (P5,6) was
one of only three teams which received an
award at the Primary 5 level. The girls produced
the game, aptly named Dash With Math, which
“is fast and exciting” and guaranteed to keep
the players spellbound. They were delighted to
be able to teach their friends and schoolmates,
to enjoy the Dash With Math at school.
20th Youth Science Conference
From January to September 2014, four
teams from MGS took part in the Science
Mentorship Programme (SMP) organised
by the Gifted Education Branch, Ministry
of Education.
The (SMP) is for students with an aptitude
for Maths and Science, to deepen their
knowledge in a specific field.
The teams worked under the guidance of
professors from the National University
of Singapore, National Cancer Centre,
Singapore University of Technology &
Design, and teacher mentors, Mrs Lam
Mei Kien and Ms Jasmine Goh.
On Tuesday 9 September, the 4 teams
presented their research projects to
a panel of scientists for the Poster
Judging.
At the 20th Youth Science Conference
which brought the SMP to a close on
Saturday 13 September, all four MGS
teams received awards – 2 Distinctions,
1 Silver and 1 Merit.
Team MGS comprising Mikaela Low (Sec
3S), Elizabeth Wu (Sec 3S) and Emma
Toh (Se 3G) won the Distinction award
for their research on the expression
analysis of NUDT15 as a potential
biomarker in invasive ductal carcinoma
and its clinicopathological features.
Team MGS formed by Ashiley Annushri
(Sec 3T), Claire Tan (Sec 3T) and Klara
Chew (Sec 3G) won the Distinction award
for their research on the identification of
genes deregulated by the Hepatitis B
Virus X (HBx) protein.
Seraphina Chan (Sec 3E), Gwyneth Kong
(Sec 3E) and Vanessa Yap (Sec 3E) were
in Team MGS which achieved the Merit
award; and Sian Lexmond (Sec 2S),
Shannon Lee (Sec 2S) and Srinivasan
Harshitha (Sec 2G) in their team, won the
Silver award under the school-based SMP.
21
Academic
Canvas
Art
A team of MGS Art students
was ranked 2nd at the InterSchool Canvas Art Competition
held during the Yellowren Arts
Festival 2014. The competition,
which took place on Saturday 30
September attracted 65 teams
from 21 schools.
Team MGS included Rachelle
Leong and Anuska Sarkar (both
from Sec 3D), and Caitlyn Gn,
Raelynn Chan and Gillian Goh (all
from Sec 3M).
In line with the theme, “Between
Us”, the MGS Art students painted
Dreams in the Deep to show how
they are caught between their
aspirations and far flung dreams
and the reality which grounds
them.
Chemistry Olympiad 2014
On Saturday 17 May, 37 girls in
Team MGS participated in the
first round at the 5th Singapore
Junior Chemistry Olympiad,
organized by the Singapore
National Institute of Chemistry
in partnership with NUS High
School of Math and Science.
In the second round on another
Saturday, 12 July, Team MGS
made their mark among more
than 50 school teams, which
together had a total of 2000 or
more members.
The five girls in Team MGS who
won awards included Saw Khai
Khai (Sec 4O), Tiffany Chong
Sia (Sec 4H) and Liu Jiahui (Sec
3T) who won the Gold award,
Shen Zhuoyu (Sec 4O) who won
the Bronze, and Xiao Yi (Sec
4O), the Silver.
Welcome to our
world
MGS warmly welcomes to the Primary school Mrs Velicia Lim, and to the Secondary school, Ms Grace Cheong, Ms Goh Chor
Siang and Ms Jenny Koh.
MGS is grateful to Mrs Irene Phua, who has given so much of her time and effort in support of the girls, and wishes her all the
best in her new posting.
22
Co-Curricular Activities
Handbell
Choir – Always
with a Heart to Help
On Saturday 22 March, at the Tanglin Club, the
Handbell Choir lent support to the Inner Wheel
Club whose priority is to be of service to the needy
and disadvantaged members of the community.
The Choir played two songs to affirm the women
as they conducted their Annual General Meeting
(AGM) based on the theme, We for Women!
On Tuesday 25 March, the Choir performed
another two pieces at the Opening of the New
Wing at St Luke’s Hospital, a community hospital that provides medical, nursing and rehabilitative care for elderly patients.
The Guest of Honour at the event was Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health.
On Saturday 2 August, the Handbell Choir played yet another important role in public, this time at the National Day Observance
Ceremony and Racial Harmony Walk which took place at Nanyang Primary School. The Choir rang a medley of songs from
the various ethnic communities; and these included Jinkli Nona, Kuai Le Gong Ren, Di Tanjong Katong and Muneru Valiba.
Present at the event was the Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Mr Christopher de Souza.
ASEAN + Age-Group
Chess Championships 2014
During the June holidays, Danelle
Tan (P4.2) and Natanya Ng (Sec
2H) represented Singapore in
the 15th ASEAN + Age-Group
Chess Championships 2014,
which took place at Sands Cotai
Central, Macau.
In the Under 10 category, Danelle
won 3 Bronze medals – for Rapid
Chess, Blitz Chess and Standard
Chess.
In the Under 18 category, Natanya
won 2 Bronze medals – for Rapid
Chess and Blitz Chess.
23
National Primary Schools
Golf Championships 2014
Shannon Tan Xuan Yin (P4.1), Shannon Tan Shan En (P5.4) and Angelica Wu (P6.5) represented MGS at the 13th National
Primary Schools Golf Championships 2014 held at the Marina Bay Golf Course on Tuesday 1 July.
Shannon Xuan Yin and Angelica were ranked 6th and 7th respectively for the Individual Stroke Play Gross Competition (Girls);
as Team MGS, the two girls secured the position of 1st Runner-up in the Team (Girls) event, losing to the Champion by only
one stroke.
Golf
Tiger Cubs
Championships
Team MGS from the Primary school
participated at the 12th Tiger Cubs Golf
Championships 2014 @ National Level;
the competition was held on Friday 4
July and Thursday 10 July at the National
Service Resort and Country Club.
Of the 23 girls who competed in the
Proficiency Certificate (PC) Division, two
won Gold with Honours; they were Jillian
Kuk (P3.4) and Ashley Goh (P5.1). Danielle
Kok (P3.4) and Tan Shu Ai (P6.1) won the
Gold award, while six of their team-mates
were awarded Silver, and eleven, Bronze;
two of the girls earned the Merit award.
Angelica Wu (P6.5) won Gold in the
Handicap Division and was ranked 7th
among the participants in this division;
Tan Shan En Shannon (P5.4) won the
Bronze award.
24
National Primary Schools
Championship 2014
Softball
Team MGS (Primary school) participated in the Junior Division for Girls
at the National Primary Schools Softball Championship which took place
from Monday 7 July to Friday 25 July.
This was the first time Team MGS participated in the softball tournament,
which in 2014 adopted a carnival format for the Girls’ Division. It was
indeed an invaluable opportunity for them to develop their passion for
the sport, to acquire experience in inter-school competitions and build
their team spirit.
Softball
Division
C
Team MGS was placed 2nd in
C Division at the National InterSchool Softball Championships
2014. In the final event of the
tournament which took place
on Friday 11 July at the Kallang
Softball Diamond, Team MGS
conceded victory to CHIJ St.
Theresa’s Convent.
25
National Tenpin
Bowling Championship
Team MGS was the 1st Runner-up in the C Division of the 21st National Tenpin Bowling Championship which took place from
Monday 14 July to Thursday 24 July, at the Orchid Bowl@Orchid Country Club.
Guitar Ensemble
Celebrates Youth
About 3,500 students, from Primary and
Secondary
schools,
Junior
Colleges,
Centralised Institutes and Special Education
schools, took part in the Singapore Youth
Festival (SYF) Celebrations, held from Friday
4 July to Wednesday 23 July 2014. The
Celebrations included a three day event –
from 4 to 6 July – at the Gardens by the Bay
and satellite events at the public library in Ang
Mo Kio, Jurong, Tampines, and Woodlands; a
SYF Art Exhibition, open to the public, was
also held at the La Salle College for the Arts.
The MGS Guitar Ensemble performed Vivaldi’s
‘Four Seasons’ at the Gardens by the Bay on
Sunday 6 July.
Three weeks later, on Saturday 26 July, the Guitar Ensemble performed for the public again; on this occasion they were invited by
the Ulu Pandan Grassroots Organisations (GROs) to participate in the Ulu Pandan CC Open House and Youth Extravaganza 2014.
The event not only celebrated the SYF but also promoted family ties and the spirit of youth in the community.
26
GB Friendship Day 2014
On Saturday 19 July, a group of girls from the Girls’ Brigade 1st Singapore Company
attended the GB Friendship Day celebrations at Nee Soon Central Constituency.
Mrs Mary Tan, Patron of the Girls Brigade Singapore, was the Guest of Honour.
The annual GB event encouraged the girls and their officers to connect with
various groups of people in the community and to befriend and serve ‘the lonely,
the elderly, the needy
and those with special
needs (LENS).
While some of the
girls from MGS served
through selling beancurd
at
the
Community
Carnival, many were
Befrienders to the LENS
participants with whom
they spent the day,
moving from one stall to
another.
Indian High Commission Culture Evening
Team MGS, comprising girls from the Dance Club and some
Tamil Language students, were guests at the Culture Evening
hosted by the Indian High Commission (IHC) on Saturday 16
August. MGS was one of three schools invited to the event at
the University Cultural Centre, NUS.
At this event, the IHC launched a year of activities to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations
between Singapore and India. Mr K Shanmugam, the Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Law, and Mrs Sushma Swaraj, the
Indian External Affairs Minister jointly officiated at the event.
The Ministers addressed the guests before the dance troupe
from the Kalakshetra Foundation gave a special dance
performance.
In the pipeline are plans by the IHC to establish a dance exchange
between their Indian dance troupe and the MGS dancers.
27
Borderless Learning
SGGS International Students’ Conference
Cherie Poon (Sec 4M), Nikhita Gangla (Sec 4G),
Deborah Chin (Sec 4G) and Rebecca Loy (Sec 4T)
represented MGS at the St. George’s Girls’ School
(SGGS) 5th
International Students’ Conference
which took place in Penang from Wednesday 28 May
to Sunday 1 June; the theme for the conference was
“21st Century Education - Are We There?”
The Conference, which encouraged the delegates
to strengthen their networks for the 21st century,
offered every one of them an active role either as a
Chairperson, Rapporteur or Respondent at the three
workshops. At the plenary sessions, the delegates
listened to experts and professionals with extensive
knowledge and experience in managing issues
peculiar to the times, and were inspired to exchange
their own thoughts and ideas with one another.
Beyond the Conference, Team MGS enriched their
learning at a music concert staged by the students at
SGGS, and at the Cultural Night where the delegates
showcased the culture of their countries. They also
went on a heritage tour of various places like the Kek
Lok Si Temple, the Penang Museum and more.
UK ROCs
On Saturday 31 May, 35 Secondary Three students,
accompanied by their teachers, Mrs Ho Kah Wai, Ms Krystal
Ong and Mr Francis Soo, arrived in London for an enriching
ROCs (Reality Outside Classrooms) experience. Over the next
nine days, they were to discover “the extent at which humans
have shaped their environment through the centuries”.
Their destinations in the UK included London, Stratford-uponAvon and Nettlecombe.
At Stratford-upon-Avon, the market town made famous
by William Shakespeare, they learnt about how the great
playwright and poet has influenced the use of the English
Language through the centuries. In London, they attended a
workshop, took a tour of the theatres and iconic monuments
like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and so
on. They also engaged in a poetry-and-dialogue session with a
former BBC Poet-in-Residence to appreciate the importance of
inspiration and perspiration for effective verbal communication.
And “there is in London”, they found, “all that life can afford.”
However, it was the four-day stay at the Nettlecombe Field
Studies Centre that was a truly unique learning experience. They
visited rivers, sand dunes and shingle beaches, to carry out
fieldwork that is not possible in Singapore. They investigated
various natural habitats like those within a freshwater
ecosystem, and also activities such as flood risk assessment.
They learnt about the techniques of effective fieldwork, and
of collating and analysing data; in short, they had hands-on
experience in the study of Geography and Biology.
The MGS team returned to Singapore on Monday 9 June.
The girls, without exception, asserted that UK ROCs was “an
indelible experience that will forever remain close to our heart.”
28
Borderless Learning
Daybreak Camp
During the first week of the June break from school, 160 volunteers from Secondary 3 went to the Girls’ Brigade/
Boys’ Brigade campsite in Sembawang to help out at a camp organised by the Daybreak Student Care Centre for their
students.
For one month prior to the camp, the girls worked in various committees to organize the many activities for the children,
aged seven to twelve. Subsequently, the girls took turns – in groups – to assist in running the camp; twenty of them
actually stayed with the children at camp for two nights and three days. Dr Lee Bee Wah, Chairman of the Government
Parliamentary Committee for National Development paid a visit, and the children danced and sang to entertain her.
The girls truly appreciated the time they spent with the children, and were grateful for the opportunity to enhance their
team spirit, and to be responsible citizens.
Leadership Training Camp 2014
The student leaders in the Primary school were delighted to be back at school for a
3-day camp from Wednesday 4 June to Friday 6 June.
The 170 participants – including prefects from the Upper Primary classes, leaders in
the classroom, and in Co-Curricular Activities – spent the first day on a River Safari;
they interacted with one another and played games reminiscent of the Running Man,
a well-known variety show. The games were an invaluable lesson in appreciating the
need for leaders to be responsible not only for relationships but also the outcomes of
every group activity.
The student leaders spent the next two days and a night at MGS where they learnt
more about the significance of the theme for the camp – “Established for His Glory”
(Psalms 90:17); they were inspired, during a Singspiration and daily Devotion, to
excel in whatever they undertake in the interest of school and community.
They were given the opportunity to experience outdoor cooking. First, they played
games where they earned points at various stations. Next, they used the points earned
to purchase whatever they needed to prepare a satisfying meal for their group. The
lessons learnt were obviously meaningful, and lasting in significance too.
29
Borderless Learning
String Ensemble in Vienna
On Tuesday 1 July, the MGS String Ensemble, accompanied by Mr
Vincent Ong, the Vice-Principal, Ms Malisa Bay and Mrs Grace Poh,
arrived in Vienna for the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival
2014. This was Austria’s annual premier event for choirs, bands and
orchestras, and it encouraged more than a thousand young musicians
to build bridges across the continents, and sustain harmony in the
world.
During the Festival, the MGS String Ensemble was assigned to perform
at CVS Marienkron Kurhas and at MuTH, the Vienna Boys Choir’s newly
opened concert hall. They also performed for a panel of adjudicators
at one of Vienna’s classical concert venues, the Golden Hall of the
Musikverein; and they received the Excellent Award.
They enjoyed interactive workshops and inspiring lectures, the tours
to various museums and historical buildings; and they were enthralled
at concerts such as that at the Konzerthaus. They even found time to
bring cheer to the residents of a home for elderly people.
On Thursday 10 July, Team MGS returned home, grateful for an
exceptionally rewarding experience.
NE Show 2014
On Saturday 19 July, more than 200 Primary Five pupils,
accompanied by twelve teachers had the privilege of watching
the Preview of the National Day Parade at The Float@Marina Bay.
For the girls, this was the National Education Show which affirmed
the NE message: “Singapore is our homeland; this is where we
belong.” and “We have confidence in our future”.
They left school at about 3pm and returned barely fifteen minutes
before 10 pm. They had only one word to tell about the spectacle
of lights, music and contingents marching with precision and style
– “awesome!” It was especially interesting that there were also
interactive on-screen quizzes to engage the thousands of primary
five pupils at the show.
30
Borderless Learning
P2 Learning Journey: IMM
In the first week of August, the classes in Primary Two went
on a Learning Journey (LJ) to IMM, the retail mall in East
Jurong. With a small group of parent volunteers and their
teachers in tow, the girls in each class made their first stop
at the Giant Hypermarket, where they purchased what they
needed for a class party. In a team of six and with a budget
of $12 they tried to find items which were made of ‘ecofriendly’ materials.
assistant, a cashier and so on. And they had to record, in
Chinese, the names of the many occupations at IMM.
They then took turns to interview, in English, different service
providers across 8-10 occupations, commonly found at retail
malls, and learnt more about the work of a baker, a shop
The LJ was certainly an enjoyable introduction to financial
literacy, and a delightful experience in communicating with
adults beyond the classroom.
It was not all work and no play for the girls. They had their break
at McDonald’s for snacks, and later at Daiso for some ‘retail
therapy’. The Daiso experience was an opportunity for them to
exercise reasonable restraint on spending, and to put into action
the process of evaluating their needs against their ‘wants’.
P4 Adventure Camp
The girls in Primary Four set out early on Monday 18
August for Jalan Bahtera where they were to stay for
three days to experience a world far removed from
that to which they were accustomed.
At camp, they were taught survival skills, including
the pitching of tents for shelter, and outdoor
cooking. They participated in a series of activities,
specially designed to promote team-work and build
the esprit de corps.
They gamely threw themselves into activities with
exotic names like Flying Fox, which was never short
on thrills; and they gave their all to abseiling, rock
climbing and completing obstacle courses. All these
they did to cultivate self-confidence, independence
and the spirit of endurance.
Even meal times were opportunities for learning.
They did away with snacks, and ate only healthy
food and what was enough for each of them. They
shared the food, and they made sure none of it went
to waste.
They slept in the hut; and they also slept in the
tent, where they were closer to Nature; indeed, they
learnt to embrace simplicity as a way of life.
The highlight of the camp was of course the
campfire, which Ms Grace Ng and the Senior
Management Team attended.
31
Borderless Learning
Treetop Forest Adventure
The girls in Primary Three were at the Bedok Reservoir Park for a threeday Treetop Forest Adventure at the start of September. They were
accompanied by their teachers and two parent volunteers per class.
And they had qualified instructors to help them, along the course, to
navigate bridges, ladders, slides, nets and a zip line.
The Forest Adventure involved obstacles which were physically and
mentally challenging, but these were meaningful for the purpose
of nurturing the robust and healthy child, who is also resilient and
optimistic. To be sure, it was an exciting and rewarding experience for
the young adventurer on a journey of self-discovery.
Sungei Buloh Adventure
On Wednesday 17 September, 28 pupils from P4.6 pupils went on an
adventure trail at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, to learn more
about the adaptation of plants and animals in a swamp habitat. The
young Green Explorers were divided into three groups, each of which
was led by two qualified instructors.
They took photographs of the many organisms, found exclusively in
the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve; they recorded in their journals,
vital information on these organisms, and what was significant in their
learning experience.
The adventure at the Wetland Reserve not only inspired a curiosity
about Nature, but also raised the pupils’ awareness of various aspects
of the environment and their impact on life.
Methodist Girls’ School
11 Blackmore Drive Singapore 599986 • Tel: (65) 6469 4800 • Fax: (65) 6469 8717 / (65) 6462 4166 • www.mgs.sch.edu.sg

Oct 2014 - Methodist Girls` School

Transcription

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