Issue 1 May 2012 - Kranji Secondary School
Transcription
Issue 1 May 2012 - Kranji Secondary School
KRANJI INTOUCH Newsletter PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Kranjians, This is our 17th year in the making and I must say that our standing in the community has grown. This is attributed to the dedicated efforts of our staff and students as well as the heartwarming support from our partners. Be it student programmes, staff development and training, or partnership engagements, Kranji has created many breakthroughs. We continue to strive for the best for our students and develop them as ‘Confident learners with the passion to excel • Active citizens with a heart to serve’, as encapsulated in our vision. This issue of InTouch highlights some of the exciting learning experiences that our students went through (Level Camps, Sports Fiesta, Learning Journeys) and how our staff role-modelled the values of ‘Compassion’ and ‘Passion for learning’ through the Staff CIP and Lesson Study trainings incorporating 21CC elements. It is also a time for celebration as our 2011 cohort did the school proud with their sterling results; you might even pick up some learning strategies from the top performers who are KRANJI WELCOMES Mdm Lim Soo Kheng In Febuary 2012, I joined the Kranji family. My philosophy in life is that we should be adaptable and flexible. However, there are some things in life that we can never compromise on. My work revolves around the school’s finances, and this is one area that I can never compromise on. So far, I enjoy working with the staff in Kranji. Mr Joel Teoh “Use what talent you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” This quote by Henry Van Dyke resonates with me as I believe that every child is a gift. It is for us to unwrap this gift with utmost care to reveal the gem inside. As a parent and as an educator, this is what I seek to do and I hope to do so in Kranji. Mr Tan Hui Juai, Geoffrey My passion for teaching and my love for the Chinese language and culture brought me back to the education sector after serving 7 years as a full-time worker in a local church. I joined Kranji Secondary in February this year and have been very impressed by the staff and students of the school. I am thankful to be here and I look forward to growing with the school. Issue 1, May 2012 featured in this issue. There is also a segment where you can learn more about how our Parent Support Group assisted the school in meeting the strategic goals for our students, especially in the areas of ‘Excellence in teaching and learning’ and ‘Holistic development of our students’. We hope that more parents will come forward to participate in the schools’ activities as these efforts strengthen parent-child relationships. It is a win-win partnership as the school is also in a good position to create more value-added experiences for the students. In the blink of an eye, it is now almost time for the June holidays. While we work towards achieving our goals for 2012, do remember to take time off to recharge and reflect. Enjoy reading! Miss Tan Hwee Pin Principal (Kranji Secondary School) Mdm Lisa Zhao Hui Yuan In April 2012, I become a part of the Kranji family. I firmly believe that educators should put in their best efforts to nurture the future generations. I am excited to do my part for the school as well as the students. Miss Veronica Choi I am a Canadian-born Chinese from Toronto, Ontario. As an avid traveller-explorer, I had the opportunity to teach in China and South Korea. Through teaching, I have encountered new cultures, foods and people. I hope to become a better teacher who can impart my wealth of knowledge to my students in Kranji. Ms Sri Rahayu Bte Umar I joined Kranji Secondary School in December 2011. I am a part of the finance department of the school and my job requires me to partner many people to complete a myriad of tasks on a daily basis. I am eager to make positive contributions to the school and I hope to build good relationship with all the different stakeholders. Mr Benyamin Abdul Karim During my stint in Kranji, I aspire to nurture the students and share with them the knowledge that I have gleaned over the years. I chose to do a mid career switch to teaching because of my belief that learning is the heartbeat of life. When learning ceases, so does our heartbeat. Miss Huang Jiamin I am honoured to have the opportunity to join the Kranji family. Teaching is something that I have always wanted to do, thus, I am excited to be in this career. I feel that my sense of humour and my desire to contribute to the school and the students will stand me in good stead in my chosen career. Mdm Ng Beng Guan I am very thankful as I am blessed to be surrounded by my family, friends and colleagues. My wish is to remain healthy and positive. I believe that we can be happy and contented if we learn to treasure what we already have in life. Ms Sarinah Abdul Gani For the last 14 years, I have been teaching PE. I love the outdoors and often indulge in sports and physical activities. I love laughing and living life to the fullest. Life is short, so one must learn to be more appreciative of the little things in life! Miss Siti Mariah Omar I recently joined Kranji Secondary School in January 2012. I’ve been teaching Malay language for almost 6 years now. I’ve always admired the beauty of the Malay language. Thus, I believe that it should be shared with today’s younger generation so that they too can learn to appreciate the language. SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS RESULTS FOR GCE O LEVEL EXAMINATIONS 2011 Quick Summary of the results for GCE O Level Examinations 2011: 6 students scored more than 8 distinctions 20 students scored 7 distinctions 35 students scored 6 distinctions Percentage of Kranjians eligible for JC = 94.6 % and Polytechnic = 100% 2009 2010 2011 4 Express L1B5 13.7 13.4 12.7 5 Normal (A) L1B4 18.3 18.7 18.5 Top GCE O Level Students: Name No. of Distinctions L1R5 Chin Jun Kang 7 6 Padmanathan Suhasini 7 6 Pang Khai Xin 7 6 Goh Jun Jie 5 12 Stream 4 Express 5 Normal (A) GCE ‘O’ 2011 Results (Express Stream) Distinction Grades Comparison GCE ‘O’ 2011 Results (Express Stream) - Distinction Grade Comparison GCE ‘N’ Level Results (Normal Technical Stream) Percentage Passes Comparison Kranji Sec Sch National Mean 2 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter Outstanding Students of 2011 Name L1R5 Junior College/Polytechnics Chin Jun Kang 6 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Padmanathan Suhasini 6 National Junior College Pang Khai Xin 6 Catholic Junior College Teo Poh Yin 7 Anderson Junior College Teo Jia Yu 7 National Junior College Ng Jia Hui 7 National Junior College Lucia Lim Jin Shi 7 National Junior College Ooi Zi Hao 7 National Junior College Tan Yu Run 7 National Junior College Tan Kian Wei Jason 7 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Kashib Shareef B Ahmad Hussain 7 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Sim Hui Xiang Matthew 8 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Ethan Felix De Jong 8 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Chua Xin Ni 8 Anderson Junior College Seow Zhi Xian 8 Anderson Junior College Loh Hui Qi 8 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Toh Jin Wee Wayne 8 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Tan Jin Ting 8 National Junior College Lau Jia Jun 8 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Teh Jing Yi 8 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Koh Gary 8 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Jonathan Low Ka Heen 8 Anglo-Chinese Junior College Toh Shi Min 8 Anderson Junior College Ng Jing Yi 8 National Junior College TOP ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS 2011 CONGRATULATIONS FOR HAVING ACHIEVED STELLAR RESULTS AT THE O LEVEL EXAMINATIONS! 1. What is your success formula? Please share with us some effective strategies that you have adopted to achieve academic success. 1. What is your success formula? Please share with us some effective strategies that you have adopted to achieve academic success. Whenever I do not understand any concepts in class, I make sure that I clarify them with the teacher. This way, I feel that learning is more effective. I also take notes in class and during revision as this helps me to remember all the concepts that I have learnt. Instead of memorising the concepts, I always make sure that I understand what they mean. I use a checklist to ensure that I am constantly on task. Besides, I also revise my work frequently and work on the Ten-Year-Series conscientiously. If I have any doubts, I will clarify them with both my classmates and my teachers. 2. What were some difficulties and challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them? I used to lack confidence but the more I practised, the better I became and the greater my confidence grew. This then spurred me on to achieve better results. 3. What advice do you have for your juniors, especially the current batch of graduating students? Work hard now and you will soon reap the fruits of your labour. 4. Who are some people who have helped you achieve academic success and what would you like to say to them? I want to thank my family and the teachers who have given me much support. I liken them to lighthouses in the sea of darkness, guiding me throughout my journey in Kranji. Goh Jun Jie 1. What is your success formula? Please share with us some effective strategies that you have adopted to achieve academic success. For Mathematics, practice makes perfect. I often practise past chapters and topics before sitting for any test or examination. With regards to Humanities, I prepare notes so that I can refer to them during revision. For Science, I make sure that I understand the concepts thoroughly before I apply them. 2. What were some difficulties and challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them? The pace of lessons in Secondary 4 took me by surprise. As a result, I did not do too well during the Common Tests and Prelims. Following then, I started revising and made a conscious effort to clear my doubts with my classmates and teachers. The more I practised, the better I got at it and the more confident I became. It was with a lot of hard work and determination that I avoided committing the same mistakes as I did before. 3. What advice do you have for your juniors, especially the current batch of graduating students? Make full use of your time. Stick to a schedule. Revise frequently. Take adequate rest and stay healthy! 4. Who are some people who have helped you achieve academic success and what would you like to say to them? My teachers conducted consultations and extra classes which all helped contribute to my success and I appreciate their efforts. I thank my friends who helped me clear my doubts on topics that I was unsure about. Most importantly, I am grateful to my parents for their love, care and concern. Chin Jun Kang 3 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter 2. What were some difficulties and challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them? Time management during the examinations was a challenge for me. There have been several occasions where I was unable to complete my papers on time. I eventually solved this problem by doing examination papers at home within a specific time period. I consistently revised my work and this helped me to achieve success. 3. What advice do you have for your juniors, especially the current batch of graduating students? Don’t give up, work hard and study smart to reach your goals. Be realistic and aim for the best possible grade. 4. Who are some people who have helped you achieve academic success and what would you like to say to them? I would like to thank all my teachers - Ms Karen Wong, Mdm Ros, Mr Yu Yoong Kheong, Ms Vanitha, Mr Mike Teo, Mr Malek, Mdm Yong, Ms Lai and Ms Nat for helping me to achieve academic success. Thank you very much! Chng Wei Seng 1. What is your success formula? Please share with us some effective strategies that you have adopted to achieve academic success. Working conscientiously on the assignments given by the teachers as well as consistent revision helped me to achieve success. 2. What were some difficulties and challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them? I was easily distracted, especially by the Internet. I love going on to social networking sites and YouTube. However, I know that it was bad for me, thus, whenever I study, I made sure that my handphone and laptop were not near me. This way, I can concentrate fully on my studies. 3. What advice do you have for your juniors, especially the current batch of graduating students? Be consistent. Do the homework given to you by your teachers. Revise what you have been taught in class on a daily basis. Plan a sensible time table that you can adhere to and use it to plan your revision schedule. 4. Who are some people who have helped you achieve academic success and what would you like to say to them? I would like to thank all my teachers for constantly helping me and pushing me to achieve the best that I can achieve. The teachers would always sacrifice their time to answer the questions that I had for them. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve the grades that I desired. Kiyose Naomi SCHOOL EVENTS & INTERNATIONALISATION 第一次在科兰芝过新年 不曾想过,站在异国的土地上仍然可以热热闹闹的感受春节的气息。装饰得焕然一新的礼堂 中,养老院的老人在科兰芝同学的扶领下依次坐定,他们的脸上有掩抑不住的期待。看着身边同 学泛着满足的笑靥,我突然间觉得好幸福,有那么多的人参与我们的快乐,分享我们的祝福,这个 世界很温暖...... 新年庆祝会 2012 我不知道该怎么形容我的震撼,或如何描绘我的兴奋。我只能说我听到了、看到了这世界最美 丽的温馨。我听到了气势磅礴,合作绝妙的交响乐,音符如花,在每个人的心田间次第开放,这是 新春的呐喊,是对科兰芝人的祝福;我看到了飘动的丝绸带在舞蹈者手中汇成新春最热烈生动的 一抹风景。那些舞者是最灵巧的精灵,那样天衣无缝的合作,那是心灵与心灵深处的默契......每 一位在台上表演的同学都想通过自己的努力为新春增添色彩,为科兰芝家庭带来欢乐,节庆终 了,掌声雷动。一点点默默的耕耘,一张张如花的笑脸凑成了完美温馨的画面。是的,当我们都 在一起,我们都很幸福。 打开心中尘封已久的窗,我望见了半世的风景。执着着每个定格的画面,就是一份永恒,这一抹 温暖人心的画面,烙入心底。 朱一泽 (3K5) 2012 年国际交流计划:四川名校访科中 四川七中实验/川师实验/嘉祥郫县分校/双中实验四校访科兰芝 经过了这次的接待访问团的体验后,我认为我们身为亲善大使,必须做好事先的准备,让 四川到来的朋友们感到自己受欢迎。他们从万里外的中国来到新加坡,为的是要增广见 闻,学习新事物,因此作为亲善大使,我们必须好好招待这些同学,确保他们都能享受在新 加坡的学习体验,并且满载而归。 虽然只是短短的一天交流,我发现许多中国学生们都是好学不倦的,想体验新的活动,学 习新的知识。他们一有疑问,都会勇敢地发问,这令我佩服。我庆幸自己生长在繁荣发达 的新加坡。我应该更珍惜我所拥有的一切,并且做好学生们该做的本分-努力求进步。 何镜贤 (3K4) 4 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter SCHOOL PROGRAMMES Lawatan Ke Muzium Bukit Chandu Pada 25 Januari 2012, para pelajar Menengah Dua Bahasa Melayu Sekolah Menengah Kranji telah membuat lawatan ke Muzium Bukit Chandu. Kami telah berpeluang mempelajari sejarah Perang Dunia Kedua yang berlaku di Singapura pada tahun 1942 hingga ke tahun 1945. Kami dapat mencedok maklumat-maklumat penting terutama sekali berkenaan pengorbanan seorang perwira negara iaitu Leftenan Adnan Saidi. Kisah pengorbanan Leftenan Adnan amat menyayat hati. Saya berasa bangga kerana terdapat seorang anak Melayu yang sanggup bertarung nyawa demi mempertahankan negara kita. Saya berharap setiap warga negara Singapura akan terus menghargai dan memperingati jasa askar-askar Melayu yang telah terkorban demi tanah air kita. Nurin Bte Hisyam (2K4) Program Penyerapan Budaya Melayu Di Pulau Ubin Pada 28 Januari 2012, para pelajar Menengah 3 bahasa Melayu telah ke Pulau Ubin. Kami ke sana untuk menyertai program penyerapan budaya Melayu. Perjalanan menaiki bot ke Pulau Ubin dari Jeti Changi tidak lama, lebih kurang 10-15 minit sahaja. Kami diajar tentang bermacam-macam permainan tradisional seperti congkak, gasing, chapteh dan tarik upih. Seronok rasanya mencuba semua permainan itu. Seterusnya kami melukis batik dengan lilin yang dicairkan. Menggigil tangan kami menyurih garis-garis lukisan itu. Lukisan batik lebih menarik selepas dibubuh warna. Ia dibiarkan kering selepas itu. Kami juga berpeluang mencuba membuat kuih-muih tradisional serta dikenalkan kepada beberapa bahan yang diperlukan dalam masakan Melayu seperti daun pandan, limau purut, limau kasturi dan pucuk ubi. Kami juga diberi kesempatan untuk membuat kuih dadar. Dengan pertolongan seorang makcik di situ, kami semua dapat membuat kuih dadar sendiri. Pengalaman ini mengajar saya tentang kehidupan masyarakat Melayu di kampung dahulu. Suasana yang kami rasai di Pulau Ubin tidak sama dengan di tanah besar Singapura. Kami amat berharap agar lawatan seperti ini dapat diadakan lagi pada masa hadapan. Siti Nurkhairiyah Mohamed (3K3) 5 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter SCHOOL PROGRAMMES 21CC Facilitation and Thinking Routines Workshop for Staff Kranji staff started the third cycle of Professional Learning Community (PLC) earlier this year. As part of this journey, 30 selected teachers were selected for the 21CC Facilitation / Thinking Routine Workshop that was jointly conducted by Dr Yeap Ban Har and Marshall Cavendish Institute. The workshop also featured two Lesson Study sessions where teachers learnt through facilitation. The learning goal for the teachers was to develop confident learners with high achievement. The teachers had the opportunity to analyse two lesson plans in English Language and Mathematics that were prepared by their colleagues, Mr Teh Yiyuan and Ms Farizah Satar. Dr Yeap engaged the teachers to think deeply about the desired behaviours of students in the 21CC classroom as well as the planning of student tasks in lessons which could affect the facilitation of deep thinking. “The workshop concluded on a fruitful note as teachers have now experienced a paradigm shift with regards to facilitating the 21CC in students.” Mr David Cheng “With the help of Dr Yeap and my colleagues, I was able to devise a lesson that deepened the students’ thinking process and enabled them to discover new content and knowledge through Self-Directed Learning. I feel that the students have more ownership towards their own learning and are able to internalise the lessons better.” Mr Teh Yiyuan 6 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter “I have learnt much from observing my peers’ teaching. From Yiyuan’s lesson, I am able to learn graph plotting through Ace Learning using SelfDirected Learning and Collaborative Learning.” Ms Karen Wong “This session helped me to evaluate my questioning technique. It helped me to assess whether my questioning technique has helped or hindered students in critical thinking and analysis. By observing other lessons in 21CC and having the experience in conducting one, I have learnt how to ensure that my lessons promote ‘deep thinking’ in students.” Ms Farizah Satar SCHOOL EVENTS Secondary 2 Camp 2012: 2D 1N Camp at Jalan Bahtera Campsite Secondary 1 Orientation We started the week by attempting to mingle with the rest of the Secondary 1 cohort, a majority of whom were complete strangers. Together with our newfound friends, we were led by our group leaders through various ice-breakers. The Orientation also included an exciting event – the campfire! Everyone was in their respective groups and they performed their cheers and skits. There were boisterous cheers, screams and everyone was on an adrenaline high. The grand finale was the Inauguration Ceremony, where our parents were invited to grace the occasion. There were performances put up as well as introduction given by the Principal, Miss Tan Hwee Pin, to welcome us into the Kranji family. The ceremony ended with all of us receiving our tie pin; a gold-coloured clip with Kranji Secondary’s crest beautifully engraved on it. Gordon Tan (1K5) “The 2012 Secondary 1 Orientation was a great platform for bonding among student leaders, non-student leaders and the Alumni. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to get to know more about one other, learn about teamwork as well as demonstrate our leadership abilities. The wide variety of games and activities as well as the Campfire Night contributed to making the event a successful and memorable one for all involved!” In early Feburary, the Secondary 2 students had their leadership camp and the theme was ‘Leading Myself, Leading Others’. We had lots of fun as a class. We supported one another throughout all the challenges and obstacles that we faced. We learnt new things about one another – some snored in their sleep whereas others were frightened of heights! The camp was meaningful and memorable and it will be etched in my mind forever! Izzhaziqah Mohd Iskandar (2K4) During the camp, there were times when each of us had a turn to lead. One instance was during the night activity where one had to lead his/her team to a location puzzle. This encouraged us to step out of our comfort zone to lead our peers. This camp gave me the opportunity to lead and taught me how to be a better leader as well. It reinforced the importance of teamwork through countless group activities. By working together and constantly cheering one another on, my classmates managed to overcome their fears. Mathea Jolene Tay (2K4) Syahirah Binte Kamaruizaman (4K4) Secondary 3 Camp 2012: 3D 2N Camp at Jalan Bahtera Campsite “I enjoyed every aspect of the Secondary 1 Orientation as I was given the opportunity to get to know the school. More importantly it has helped me make new friends and bond with my classmates who are from different primary schools.” Haslinda Binte Zakariah (1R1) 7 “The Secondary 3 Leadership Camp was a great experience. The kayaking expedition changed me for the better. It taught me to persevere and carry on despite facing countless obstacles and challenges. I experienced a greater sense of camaraderie with my classmates. This camp was really fun and I hope that the school will organise more of such activities for the students.” Tan Puay Keng Portia (3K3) “The Orientation group leaders were very fun and engaging and they made us feel comfortable and less shy to interact with our classmates. I also found the CCA exhibition at the hall a great way for us to have a feel of the different CCAs offered in the school. We are able to view the activities of the various CCAs before we decide on which CCA to join.” Nuramira Bte Ahmad Yatim (1R1) “It was a golden opportunity for me to embark on new adventures with my classmates. It strengthened the bonds of friendship and also helped us forge closer relationship with our teachers. I was given a chance to discover my inner strengths through the funfilled games and character-building activities. I was really inspired by the dry rafting activity where we learnt the values of teamwork, resilience and compassion. I look forward to take part in more camps in the future.” “The Secondary 1 Orientation Week was awesome and it helped me to settle down in Kranji more quickly than expected. The most interesting thing we did was learning the mass dance. I recalled that many people kept tripping or could not keep up with the fastpaced songs. Through the ice-breakers as well as the campfire performance, I made many great friends in Kranji. All my classmates are very amiable and they played a big role in helping me to settle in here.” Natasha Wong (1K5) Kausalya Vijayan Kumaran (3K2) Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter “I really enjoyed the Secondary 3 Leadership Camp. The activity that I enjoyed the most was the kayaking expedition as it was my first attempt at kayaking. The campfire was memorable as everyone present was passionately singing along to the cheers. One of my classmates actually won the Best Male Camper Award! Overall, it is an experience which I will always remember.” Sharmaine (3K4) SCHOOL EVENTS Character and Citizenship Education Week – NE Learning Journeys During the CCE week, the Secondary 1 classes as well as the graduating classes had the opportunity to take learning out of the four walls of the classroom. The Secondary 1 classes spent an afternoon at the Singapore Discovery Centre on a challenge to learn about Singapore’s past, present and future. Our graduating classes had an enriching learning experience at a variety of places like the HDB Hub, Land Transport Authority Gallery, Marina Bay City Gallery and the Battlebox at Fort Canning. Working in teams, they tackled group tasks which required them to apply what they had learnt through the guided tours and interactive displays. At the end of the learning journey, the students gained a deeper understanding of the key issues and policies that contribute to Singapore’s survival, growth and progress. “I learnt to appreciate the HDB as they have helped Singaporeans to acquire affordable and good quality public housing. I learnt that the HDB has put in a lot of effort to ensure that Singaporeans are able to lead a comfortable life in Singapore. Just imagine life without the HDB! We might not even have access to clean sanitation or a shelter over our heads!” Shakilah Bte Ibrahim (5R2) Service Learning for Secondary 4Exp/NA/NT & 5NA In Term 1, the graduating classes engaged in valuable ServiceLearning sessions at several old folks homes. Every class had the opportunity to visit one of the four homes, namely the Bethany Methodist Nursing Home, Hong Kah North Day Care Centre for the Elderly, SASCO Evergreen Home and Bo Tien Welfare Services Society. Kranjians were forthcoming and creative in planning engaging activities for the residents of the homes. Some of these activities included art and craft sessions where the residents could decorate and design their own handbags, lanterns and kites. There were also exciting games such as Bingo which was well received by the residents of the homes. Some classes performed for the residents. There were a few students who played the guitar and sang for the residents as well. The most interesting programme was a magic show for it entertained the residents tremendously. It was a truly enriching and meaningful experience for the graduating classes as they gained much insight to the lives of senior citizens in Singapore and certainly, their sense of compassion has been heightened too. 8 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter “When we reached the HDB Hub, a guide was assigned to every class. The guide took us through the different exhibits and shared with us on the history behind Singapore’s housing system. I am glad I got to know more about how our forefathers adapted to changes to stay relevant. Their sacrifices and good decisionmaking skills have definitely helped to improve the lives of Singaporeans today.” Gladys Toh Mei Jun (5R2) Kranji Staff CIP As part of the school’s efforts to engage with the community, 48 staff went to Evergreen Place, an elderly home run by Sasco Evergreen Home on 17 February 2012 while 28 staff participated in the Mangrove Salvaging Programme at Sungei Buloh on 24 February 2012. At the Sasco Evergreen Home, our Kranji staff interacted and bonded with the elderly through songs, games and art and craft activities. At Sungei Buloh, our Kranji staff tirelessly worked under the hot afternoon sun to remove the 1936 Avicenna plant saplings to ensure the pond was more suitable for the migratory birds to stopover and feed. Other than helping out to conserve our biodiversity, Kranji staff also had a fun time bonding in the great outdoors while doing some hard work digging and pulling the saplings. Mdm Normala Alias “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the elderly as they enjoyed pasting and cutting the paper handbags made me realise that it’s the little things in life that matters the most.” Ms Natasha Supa’at “I enjoyed the mangrove planting session as I played my part to give back to nature. I also had the opportunity to experience and appreciate the hard work of environmentalists.” Miss Ho Chin Fen SCHOOL EVENTS Achievement Day 2012 The school celebrated Achievement Day on 23 March 2012. This is a significant event in the school’s annual calendar because it celebrates the success of our students and recognises the efforts of our staff and partners. This year, the school invited the School Advisory Chairman, Mr Lau Peng Kit as the Guest-of-Honour. Mr Lau gave out many prizes to the students and delivered an inspirational speech to encourage those in attendance and to congratulate the school for their many achievements in the past year. Mr Ashley Tan “I am extremely grateful to all my teachers and friends because without their guidance and affirmation, I would not have the honour of receiving this prestigious award. I believe that this event is very significant to all awardees and I would like to thank the school and the Achievement Day committee for their efforts. To my fellow Kranjians, do remember that good character takes time to develop and nurture. Make an effort to work on it!” Koh Min Yi (2011 Outstanding Character Award winner) “Achievement Day is a very special day for everyone in the Kranji family. By recognising the efforts of the staff, teachers and students, we are reminded to constantly challenge ourselves to achieve greater heights. I feel very honoured and privileged to receive the Kranjian Award and I hope that this will help to inspire other Kranjians to work even harder towards achieving their goals and aspirations.” Tan Ting Jie (2011 Kranjian Award winner) 9 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter SCHOOL EVENTS Kranji Alumni’s Involvement in the Sports Fiesta cum Total Defence Day 2012 For the Alumni members, it was a wonderful feeling to be back in Kranji for her first ever Sports Fiesta cum Total Defence Day. It was a day filled with lots of activitities and we had fun setting up two games booths. We also enjoyed ourselves tremendously as games facilitators. We are glad to have the opportunity to participate and help our teachers ensure that the Programme ran smoothly. Seeing that the students had a great workout and loads of fun definitely gave us the satisfaction knowing that we were able to contribute in any way possible! Muhammad Awalludin (Kranji Alumni) Contributions of the Parent Support Group (PSG) Our school organised the Sports Fiesta on 18 February 2012. This year the Sports Fiesta was combined with Total Defence Day. The PSG members supported the event by selling drinks and light snacks at the canteen. The booths set up by the PSG were very popular. I am thankful for the PSG members for spending their precious time to support our school event for the benefit of the students. Magnus Low Heng Guo (4R1) Sports Fiesta 2012 “As one of the School Sports Committee (SSC) members, I felt that the whole event was charged with excitement. Everyone was enthusiastic and eager for the Road Run to start. During the warm up activity at the starting line, everyone cooperated and did the warm up in unison. It was a pleasure to lead the students for the run.” Lee Zhi Hui (3K3) “Although the run was tiring, it was fun! Everybody tried their best to complete the run and earn points for their houses. After the run, we had the opportunity to visit the different sports and activity booths run by our Secondary 5 students. I hope the school will have more of these activities in the future as I can really feel the school spirit during the event.” Gan Yu Zhen (2K2) 10 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter SCHOOL EVENTS Sports Day 2012 “My very first Sports Day as a Kranjian — I love the charged up atmosphere, especially the loud cheering when the competitors started running. Although I didn’t get to take part in any race, I truly enjoyed myself and am inspired to run for my house for next year’s Sports Day!” Rachel Bong Wei Ting (1K1) “This year’s Sports Day was quite different from the last. We had an entertaining parade to celebrate ‘International Friendship Day’. The parade showcased key sports personalities in Singapore. The participants did a fantastic job and the crowd was roaring with laughter by the end of the parade. During the running events, I could see the athletes and spectators all hyped up. I felt disappointed that my House did not clinch the Champion House title, but I have a newfound respect for the other Houses who did exceptionally well this year.” Nursabrina Mohd Lokman (2K4) “The atmosphere in the stadium was intense. Everyone was cheering for their respective houses as the athletes ran their very best. The cheering competition was really fun. Everyone really showed great team spirit during the Sports Day this year.” Putri Nurshahira (3K3) 11 Kranji INTOUCH Newsletter CHARACTER EDUCATION Tchoukball cum Overseas Service-Learning Trip to Malacca Thirteen students from Secondary 4A1 and a few other student leaders from the 4NA classes ventured on a 3-day-2-night Tchoukball cum Service-Learning trip to Malacca in March. Two Youth Guidance mentors and a teacher accompanied us. The trip was indeed an eye-opener for all of us. We learned to appreciate what we have in Singapore, built strong friendship and came back winners in more ways than one. We visited the Salvation Army and Lighthouse Children’s Home in Malacca. The children and teens in the Home range from 5-19 years old and the majority of them are intellectually disabled. We spent a few hours playing `hokey pokey’ as ice breakers with the intellectually disabled children. Prior to the visit, we spent many hours discussing and planning activities for the children. However, we had to improvise at the last minute when we realised the special needs children would not be able to participate in some of the activities that we had planned. Despite the difficulty they faced in doing the activities, they demonstrated resilience. We were indeed touched by their efforts as they put in their heart and soul to perform for us. We cannot forget a six-year-old boy, Jason, who sang for us. Many of us were silently moved to tears. The children performed simple dances for us and it was indeed moving to see how they continued with their lives despite their disabilities. They actively participated in the activities with a positive attitude. We also taught the children how to play Tchoukball. They displayed so much joy on their faces as they grasped the concepts of the game. During the trip, we also had a friendly match against the Malaysian National Tchoukball Youth Team B. It was certainly a test of skills and determination. Despite the cramps and injuries that we suffered, we did not give up but persevered through the entire game. Our team had a hard time competing with the opponents as they were really skilful! This friendly match gave us great exposure and made us more confident when we face tougher opponents in the future. We persevered as a team, strategized and emerged as winners with a score of 66-77! It was a glorious moment for the team as we felt proud as Kranjians! Although we have won, we cannot become complacent. Otherwise, we will perform badly the next time. Overall, all of us had great fun and learnt fundamental values of self-discipline, resilience and compassion. We will practise the values not only in sports, but also in school and in our lives. We are determined to achieve the best in all that we do. Ling Jia Wei (4A1) Shamraj Pillai (4A1) Shaun Teo Kai Xiang (4R2) Muhammad Zulfikaar (4R2) # We Appreciate your Feedback! We would like to seek your valued suggestions to further improve on our Newsletter. Kindly fill up the feedback form below. Submissions can be made to the General Office. Alternatively, you may visit our website at http://www.kranjisec.moe.edu.sg to drop us an email. 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