PPS CCA Newsletter 2010 - Pioneer Primary School

2010
23 Jurong West Street 81,
Singapore 649076
Tel: 6793 2397 Fax: 6793 3974
CCA Achievements
Editor’s Note
Developing Talents, Unleashing Potential
In our school, pupils are given opportunities to develop their talents, skills and leadership through physical education, art and music lessons,
and a wide range of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). They also get to put into practice our school values, namely having an Inquiring and
Imaginative Mind, Value Self and Others, Integrity, and Doing Our Best!
Many of our pupils have distinguished themselves in their CCAs and won honours in various competitions. This newsletter features some
of them, including two ex-pupils who represented Singapore at international youth competitions.
We would like to thank the pupils and parents who took part in our interviews and contributed valuable information to the articles. Happy
reading!
Glory for Gold
The girls at the NUS Cultural Centre
Chinese Dance / Rhythmic Gymnastics has
always been one of the most popular CCAs
among the girls in our school. Training
sessions are held 2 to 3 times per week,
conducted by very experienced instructors.
Training always begins with basic rhythmic
gymnastics exercises. Dance practices
involve both traditional and contemporary
dance movements. This CCA provides the
opportunity for our pupils to learn a sport
and a dance at the same time.
An expressive contemporary
performance by the dancers
On 23 April, our girls performed at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Central Judging. The dancers’ team spirit throughout their
preparation was highly commendable. The intensive training throughout the December and March holidays did not put them
off. Instead, it strengthened their will to do well, improved their dance movements and raised their confidence. They had indeed
made the school proud by achieving the SYF Gold Award for the second time!
“We are thankful to our CCA teachers and our dance instructors for allowing us to develop a
good sense of teamwork and self-discipline, and constantly encouraging us to do our best.”
- Vanessa Yuen [6-9], one of the senior members
Connecting Culture and Talent
The Malay Dance is a vibrant performing arts group in Pioneer. This CCA aims to provide opportunities for members to learn
various techniques in Malay dance as well as to have an appreciation for the Malay culture.
On 12 April, our Malay Dancers won a Silver Award in the SYF Central Judging of Dances for their spirited and charming
performance. Their months of hard work and dedication finally paid off. The CCA leader, Nur Ahlina (6-4), attributes their
success to their supportive teachers-in-charge, Mdm Ain, Miss Suhana, Mdm Zuhaizah and Mdm Halimah, their dance instructor.
Reflecting on their SYF journey, Ahlina said that it was a challenging but
rewarding process. She hopes that the CCA will achieve the Gold Award at
the next SYF.
Malay Dance SYF Performance
Nur Ahlina (3rd row, 1st from right) with the
other Malay dancers after their SYF performance
Importance of Parental Support
The Indian Dance CCA started in 2002. It has been participating in the SYF Central Judging
since then. This year, our dancers have made the school proud by achieving the Silver Award.
To prepare for the SYF, the dancers had extra training sessions on Saturdays and during the
school holidays. Pupils were taught to go beyond the basics and constantly strive for excellence.
So how do they keep themselves motivated and persevere towards their goal?
One of the dancers, Darshini (3-5) says that her mother, Mdm Komathi, is her greatest
inspiration. Her mother never stops giving her words of encouragement so as to build up her
confidence and perseverance. When there are CCA practices on Saturdays, Mdm Komathi
will accompany Darshini in school till the end of the dance practices. With the strong parental
support, Darshini is able to concentrate on her studies and develop her passion for dance.
“I’ll give her comments on
how she can improve her
dance steps and expression.
I’ll tell her that if she does
well in her exams or CCA,
she will be rewarded. As
her mother, I’ll always give
her my full support.”
- Mdm Komathi on how she
motivates Darshini
Indian Dance SYF Performance
When Words Fail, Music Speaks
Wafa [6-2] joined the Chinese Orchestra in December 2008 when she was in Primary 4. Even
though she is a non-Chinese, the idea did not faze her. Initially, she encountered difficulties
such as memorising the notes in her scores and made a lot of mistakes but with patient
teaching and support from her music teachers and instructors, she managed to excel in it. This
year, she was appointed the Sectional Leader for Cello Bass in the Chinese Orchestra Executive
Committee.
Besides having a love for music, Wafa also mentioned that another reason for joining the
Chinese Orchestra was her grandmother, a Chinese, who wanted her to learn more about
Chinese music.
Wafa’s proudest moment was when she was chosen to represent the school to perform in the
SYF 2010. “It was not easy to get chosen as the selection criteria were very stringent,” said
Wafa. At the recently concluded SYF, our Chinese Orchestra received a Bronze Award for their
efforts. Taking part in the SYF has enabled Wafa to experience challenges and learn to cope
with the pressure of many practices and public performance.
“I would definitely join Chinese Orchestra when I enter secondary school. I hope to
deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills so as to achieve music grading in the
near future. I believe that as long as there’s a will, there’s a way.”
- Wafa, on her future aspirations
02
Chinese Orchestra members performing during the SYF
Wafa fondly recalls her family’s
support of her musical endeavours,
especially her mother who would
send her to and fetch her from
practices. “My parents encourage
me and give me moral support.
They will also listen to my music
practices and give comments
on how to further improve my
performance,” Wafa said.
“As a parent, I help her
to properly plan her tight
schedule so that she can
cope with her studies as
well as CCA. Giving words
of encouragement plays an
important role in boosting her
confidence.”
- Mdm Faridah, Wafa’s mother
Onwards, Choristers!
“I try my best
to work with
my juniors. For
example, when
my pitch is higher
than the others,
I try to tone to
the same pitch so
as to make them
comfortable.”
Choir is one of the performing arts CCAs offered in
Pioneer. Presently, our choir has about 40 members
comprising pupils from Primary 3 to 6. The Choir aims to
give pupils who love to sing an opportunity to develop
their talents and to perform. On 15 April, the Choir
participated in the SYF Central Judging for Choir.
Esther Joy (6-5) was one of the senior members who
participated in the SYF in 2008. During practices, she
leads the soprano section when the instructor is occupied
with sectional practice. The vocal leader also guides and
motivates her juniors. Esther learnt that in order to sing
well, one needs to be disciplined.
Excitement before their performance
- Esther Joy, the
dedicated chorister
The SYF journey has
been memorable for
Esther and the other
choristers. They hope
to achieve better
results at the next
SYF.
Cheese! We are enjoying
The choir members at the Victoria Concert Hall
Desire to Achieve
On 21 April, six P2 members of our Rhythmic Gymnastics CCA participated in the National Inter-Primary School Rhythmic
Gymnastics Championships for the first time. They took part in the Freehand Group event. Despite not being placed, the
experience was invaluable. The girls, Yong Ting [2-3], Hui Xuan [2-1], Ying Xuan [2-2], Sharmaine [2-7], Trisha [2-2] and Jia Wei
[2-2], were awed by the performances from other schools.
Jia Wei said, “I learnt that we must work hard and be serious during trainings.”
Trisha added, “We need to cooperate and learn to perform as a team.”
The girls look forward to being part of the Chinese Dance team to pursue their dreams of performing in the SYF, and clinching
a Gold Award for our school in the near future.
“Passionate about dancing, the girls showed positive attitude throughout their trainings.”
- Miss Mandy Chan, Rhythmic Gymnastics CCA teacher
The girls at the National Inter-Primary
School Gymnastics Championships
03
Co-curricular Activities Achievements 2010
A
1
CCA
SPORTS
ATHLETICS
Participants
National Inter-Primary School Track & Field Championship 2010
2
Categories
Participants
‘A’ Div Boys 1500m – Gold & Bronze
Lee Rong Zhi & Qian Yuhao
‘A’ Div Boys 4x300m Relay - Bronze
Lee Rong Zhi, Qian Yuhao, Liu Zihan & Li Junjie
‘A’ Div Girls 4x300m Relay - Bronze
Afrina, Qistina Nurdayana, Pandora Yong & Farah Suliana
‘A Div Girls 80m Hurdles - Bronze
Qistina Nurdayana
ROPE SKIPPING
National Inter-Primary School Rope Skipping Championship 2010
Categories/Achievement
Participants
Jnr Boys Individual – 2
Tan Kai Ming
nd
Jnr Boys Pair – 6
Tan Kai Ming & Daryl Tai
th
Jnr Boys Double Dutch – 6
Noorfarkhan, Khairulamirin & Muhd. Faiz
Jnr Boys Synchronised – 2
Tan Kai Ming, Daryl Tai, Noorfarkhan & Khairulamirin
th
nd
Snr Boys Individual – 6
Chiam Wee Hean
Snr Boys Pair – 6
Chiam Wee Hean & Kang Choon Long
th
th
Snr Boys Double Under – 11th
Chiam Wee Hean
Snr Boys Synchronised – 4th
Chiam Wee Hean, Kang Choon Long, Phone Nanda Aung
& Ryan Lau
Jnr Girls Individual – 10th
Ericia Lee
Goh Cai Jing & Cassandra Yuen
Jnr Girls Pair – 7th
Jnr Girls Synchronised – 8
Cassandra Yuen, Ericia Lee, Ang Wei Lin & Tan Kai Mei
th
Snr Girls Individual – 5
Tan Zi Qiu
th
Tan Zi Qiu & Lim Zhao Yin
Snr Girls Pair – 6
th
Snr Girls Double Under – 5
Tan Zi Qiu
Snr Girls Synchronised – 5
Tan Zi Qiu, Lim Zhao Yin, Celine Tan & Yvonne Tay
th
th
West Zone Inter-Primary School Rope Skipping Championship 2010
B
04
Categories
Achievement
Senior Boys Div
3rd
Senior Girls Div
3rd
Junior Boys Div
4th
Junior Girls Div
4th
AESTHETICS
CHINESE DANCE
SYF Gold Award
INDIAN DANCE
SYF Silver Award
MALAY DANCE
SYF Silver Award
CHINESE ORCHESTRA
SYF Bronze Award
Character Development through
Outdoor Education
At Pioneer, outdoor education is designed to develop a sense of adventure, ruggedness
and resilience in our pupils. Hence, 226 Primary 5 students journeyed to MOE Changi
Coast Adventure Camp from 15 to 17 March.
Overcoming the high element
For most of our pupils, it was a camp of many ‘firsts’. Staying away from home for two
nights in the ‘Open Kampung Styled’ blocks was a first for many. It was also their first time
attempting high-rope activities such as the zip line, abseiling and rock wall climbing. The
highlight for most, however, was when they tried kayaking and sea rafting.
Through these activities, the campers
gained courage to overcome any
challenges that they encountered.
Their social skills were honed through
interactions and working together as
a team. They learnt to encourage and
help one another, showing care and
concern for their group mates.
Closer bonds were developed among
teammates during mealtimes
To work well as a team, it is important
to coordinate and cooperate well with
each other
The physically and mentally challenging three days had provided a vastly different
learning experience for our pupils and definitely left an unforgettable mark in every
camper’s heart.
Promoting A Sporting Culture
It is through sports that many positive values can be inculcated. The school has been organising the Annual Sports Day with
this in mind. This year’s Sports Day was held on 28 January at the Jurong West Stadium.
Pupils, in colours of blue, red, green, yellow and orange, flooded the spectators’ stand. The Primary 4 to 6 students felt a
sense of belonging as they stood proudly together in their respective houses. Student helpers and members from the Red
Cross, Brownies and Scouts performed their duties in the organisation of the event. The pupils cheered for their houses,
portraying unity and harmony amongst themselves.
The Sports Day started with the Olympic torch run. This inspired our
students to embrace the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and
Respect. Though there were incidents of loose shoes and dropped batons,
competitors continued to press on towards the finishing line. They learnt
to accept failure when they faltered, and to be humble and gracious when
they won. Whether the pupils were competitors or spectators, they were
all active participants of the event.
Towards the finishing line
Olympic Torch Run
Bursting into their house cheers
05
Nurturing Talents
The boys competing in a long distance event
The Athletics Club develops pupils in the sport of Track and Field. Pupils learn skills,
mental toughness and core values that will enable them to take on life’s challenges.
Outstanding runners are selected to represent the school in athletics competitions. In
April this year, the athletes participated in the National Inter-Primary School Track &
Field Championships and won medals in two individual and two relay events.
This remarkable achievement is made possible by the dedicated teachers-in-charge who are
instrumental in training and guiding the athletes. Training 2 to 3 times a week at the Jurong West
Stadium, the teachers ensure that the athletes develop their mental discipline and running techniques.
With constant encouragement, the athletes strive to do better at
every competition.
One such athlete who has been performing better each
year is Yaw Rou Xin (6-3). Shortlisted for trials by the
Singapore Sports School, Rou Xin hopes to be selected and enrolled next year to pursue
her dream in athletics.
“Mr Nantha and Mr Mok always motivate me. They tell
me not to give up and to do my best in everything I do.”
– Rou Xin, on her source of motivation
Up to the Challenge
The Health & Fitness (H&F) Club is a programme to help pupils lead a physically active
and healthy lifestyle through regular exercise such as daily morning walks and recess
activities. They also learn about proper nutritional and dietary choices.
Nur Sarah (last row, 5th from left) with other H&F
members at the Dairy Farm Nature Walk
In March this year, the members went for a hike at the Dairy Farm Nature Walk. It was
a great outdoor experience. Besides the exercise, members learnt about the history of
the Dairy Farm, had fun and forged friendships.
In April, an Active Zone at the Fitness Corner was opened during recess to allow pupils to train for the NAPFA test.
One member, Nur Sarah (6-2), likes the Active Zone as it allows her ample time to practise before the NAPFA Test. According
to Miss Rozianah, one of the H&F teachers, Sarah is always encouraging her friends to train with her at the Active Zone.
Sarah hopes to change the perception among her peers that exercising is boring. She is certainly up to the challenge of setting a
positive example for her H&F mates.
“Whenever we feel reluctant to go for any H&F activities, Sarah usually gives words of
encouragement and reminds us that exercising will be beneficial to us in the long run.”
- Elia (6-2) on how Sarah motivates her and the others.
Doing Our Best
Kai Ming joined Rope Skipping last year when he was in Primary 3. This year, he has won several trophies
in the competitions he took part in.
Ryan Tan Kai Ming (4-1)
During the West Zone Rope Skipping Championship 2010, he came in 1st for Junior Boys Individual
Creative Freestyle Event, and 2nd for Junior Boys Pair as well as the Team Synchronised Events. Kai Ming’s
impressive performance during the Nationals earned him a 2nd placing in the Individual Creative Freestyle
Event. He was also a runner-up in the Junior Boys Team Synchronised Event.
Kai Ming is very agile and has excellent coordination. Known as a ‘junior coach’ at
the club, he volunteers to demonstrate skipping steps to his CCA mates who have
difficulties during trainings. Kai Ming constantly improves himself with the help from
his coach, Miss Crystal, and CCA teacher, Miss Chun Yanzheng. They had given him
encouragement every step of the way.
“Kai Ming is really a gem in the CCA. I told him that success
comes with hard work, luck, chance, as well as talent. And he
had all these during the Rope Skipping Championships 2010. He
handles his academics and co-curricular activities very well.’
06
- Miss Chun, on how she motivates Kai Ming
The Rope Skipping Team at the West Zone Rope
Skipping Championship 2010
Developing Talent & Character
Soccer is one of the popular sports in Pioneer. To date, we have
about 95 soccer members, of which 40 are in the school’s senior
and junior teams, while the rest are in the developmental stage.
Every year, the junior and senior school team players participate
in the West Zone Inter-Primary Schools Soccer Championship.
They also participate in competitions organised by the Football
Association of Singapore.
The Soccer CCA aims to develop pupils’ talent in the game
and instill character traits like sportsmanship, discipline and
teamwork in its players. One pupil who benefited from the
experience is Danish Irfan (5-2). With the systematic and regular
training, Danish has improved his technical skills and tactical
reading of a game.
The boys in action.
Besides excelling in soccer, Danish has also done well in his
studies. “Danish is a respectful and responsible boy. He always
strives to achieve good results,” said his form teacher, Miss
April Chua.
The soccer boys are determined to work harder to be amongst
the top in the West Zone soccer competition next year. They
have displayed strong fighting spirit and will certainly live up to
our school value of Doing Our Best.
Our soccer team and parent supporters at the West Zone
Inter-Primary School Soccer Championship 2009
Leading by Example
Another popular sport in Pioneer is Basketball, especially for boys who aspire to be like
Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Following the footsteps of his older brother, Lenson Lim
(4-2) joined the Basketball CCA when he was in Primary 3. So, it came as no surprise
when Lenson mentioned that his brother, Lennon was a source of motivation for him,
giving him encouragement and advice.
This year, Lenson is the appointed captain of the Primary 4 team. According to his
basketball teacher and coach, Mr Jeffrey Koh, Lenson is a role model in character – always
well-disciplined, responsible and honest. In training, he gives off his best and always tries
to improve his basketball skills. Off the court, he is also an excellent student as he takes
his studies seriously and revises his school work frequently.
Did you know…?
Lenson’s older brother Lennon, who graduated last year, used to be the vice-captain
of Pioneer basketball team. Leadership traits run in the family!
As the P4 captain, Lenson maintains good relationships
with his team members, leads them by example and believes
that teamwork is an important factor in the sport. “We
cooperate well with each other and help one another during
training and matches. I will shout my teammate’s name and
ask for the ball,” Lenson said. Competitive and passionate
about the sport, Lenson is looking forward to leading his
team to performing better in upcoming competitions.
Lenson Lim
Shao Zhe (4-2)
Lenson (2nd from left) listening
to the coach’s instructions
07
Ex – Pioneer Pupil in the YOG
Jabez Su Ming Rong (2005 Graduate)
Ex-Pioneer pupil, Jabez Su, 17, has been making a name for himself. After
graduating from Pioneer in 2005, Jabez continued playing basketball in
Catholic High School. His achievements have gone beyond clinching National
1st in 2006 to 2008, as he has gone on to represent Singapore in competitions
such as the U-16 FIBA Asia Championship, the Asian Youth Games (AYG) and
the recently concluded Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
Last year, Jabez captained the national team during the AYG. The team
reached their goal of reaching the quarter-finals of the AYG FIBA 33 Basketball
tournament.
Jabez scoring
for his team
This year, the 1.79m basketball player was again the Team Captain of the
Singapore YOG 3-on-3 basketball team. Jabez was also Singapore’s flag-bearer Did you know...?
Jabez Su was in the Senior Boys Pioneer
for the YOG Opening Ceremony!
Basketball Team who clinched 2nd place in the
Jabez thinks the biggest challenge for student athletes is juggling sports and Nationals in 2005.
studies. The current Hwa Chong Institution pupil has to give up leisure time to
catch up with his schoolwork. With self-discipline and hard work, Jabez has
proven that it is possible to succeed in both sports and studies!
“I come from a family renowned for their sporting talents.
The teachers in my primary school attested to my siblings’
sporting abilities and believed that the same sporting blood
courses through my veins. I was invited to join the school
basketball team; basketball has since then become the focus
of my life.”
- Jabez Su on how he was talent-spotted in Pioneer Primary.
Potential Top Sprinter
Eugenia Tan Yan Ning (2008 Graduate)
Pioneer’s ex-pupil, Eugenia Tan, 13, made the news after her record-breaking
personal best time for the U-14 100m at the WALAA (Western Australia Little
Athletics Association) Perth age-group meet, with a time of 12.23 sec - a time
that is faster than the National U-15 (12.74 sec), U-17 (12.39 sec) and Junior
(12.26 sec) records. At the recent 51st National Inter-School Track and Field
Championships, Eugenia took home silver in the 100m and 200m sprints. In
the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, Eugenia and her teammates won gold for
their efforts.
Eugenia at the National Inter-School Track &
Field Championships 2009
Eugenia was discovered by her PE teacher
for her running talent when she was in
Primary 4. She switched her CCA from Band
to Athletics and made it to the finals of the
100m and 200m at the annual National InterPrimary School Track & Field Championships
three years running. In 2008, Eugenia was
talent-spotted by Singapore Sports School
(SSS) and was invited to enrol in its Track
and Field programme. Presently, she is a
Secondary 2 student-athlete at the SSS.
During her days in Pioneer, Eugenia was
described by her teachers as a reliable leader
with a lot of initiative and a pupil who remains
undaunted when given challenging tasks.
She is indeed a role model for today’s Pioneer
pupils. Her coach Pedro Acuna believes that
with further grooming, Eugenia has the
potential to become one of South-East Asia’s
top sprinters. We look forward to seeing more
news of Eugenia’s achievements on the track.
“My father and mother were former runners and they want me to be like them.”
– Eugenia Tan on her inspiration in the sport
Editorial Team
Advisor: Josephine Ng
Editors : Mok Chok Sun, Adrian Han, Lee Hui Lih
Writers : Nur Diyanah, Nurul Ashikin, Siti Nur Diyana