Marymount E-Newsletter - Marymount Convent School

A Publication of Marymount Convent School, 430 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319759
2015
Issue 2, November 2015
Marymount
E-Newsletter
From the Vice Principal’s Desk…
2015 has been an enriching and eventful year. It is amazing how quickly time has flown by
and we are now into the final stretch of the academic year. It seems only recently that I was
posted to the Marymount Convent School to take on the new challenge as a Vice-Principal
(Administration). My journey thus far has been an exciting one and I am grateful for the
many amazing things that I have experienced and the many people who have shown me
much love and support.
Prior to joining the school, I was a HR Partner at MOE’s HR Solutions and Capabilities
Division for two years. There, whilst partnering the School Leaders in managing their HR
matters, I had the opportunity to work with the School Leaders in Marymount Convent as
well as those in our cluster schools. This gave me an advantage in terms of understanding
some aspects of the school prior to my posting and helping me to assimilate. My previous
experience as an Administration Manager in two mixed primary schools with very diverse
pupil profiles, has also helped me to adjust to Marymount Convent School, though the
challenges faced now are somewhat different, but equally exciting and rewarding.
Semester 2 saw our pupils participate in many celebratory SG50 events at the school and
community levels. Our pupils from the Modern Dance, Chinese Dance and Dance Club
were invited to participate in the SG50 Youth Celebrate! and Official Opening of the
Singapore Sports Hub. Some of our pupils also contributed interesting articles about
Sentosa to MOE’s SG e-book, titled SG50 Reflections: Our Hopes and Memories
(HOME). If you have not read it, I would encourage you to read it at
www.SG50HOME.sg and like me, be impressed with our pupils’ efforts and contributions.
During the mid-autumn season, our choir also took part in the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn
Festival at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Their melodious voices and perfect
harmony wowed the crowd there as they performed in English and Chinese with their
repertoire of classics as well as an upbeat cha-cha song.
Our pupils also continued to excel in the academics and our niche areas in Semester 2. I
am proud to share that our ex-pupil, Ashita Ashish Sule, who was in P6 in 2014, was
awarded the very prestigious Prime Minister’s Book Prize for PSLE. Our pupils who took
part in the Singapore Youth Festival Art Competition also did us proud by obtaining a
certificate of recognition in Category A (P1 and P2) and a certificate of participation in
Category B & C. In fact, their art pieces were also featured in the SYF 2015 Art
Exhibition, a public exhibition, at Raffles City Shopping Centre in July. Casey Wong of 5
Compassion was awarded a merit prize in “My Dream School Bus” art competition.
I would like to commend our pupils for living out our school values. During the recent
haze situation, I saw our pupils display perseverance, especially the P6s who pressed on
with their work and remained focused on their PSLE. It was also very encouraging to see
how the whole school came together to support one another during this challenging
period. The P3s switched their air-conditioned classrooms with the P6s in order for them
to have the best environment possible to sit for their PSLE. Teachers and support staff
stood by each other to help with the last minute changes and parents also responded and
co-operated when after school activities had to be cancelled at short notice. This only goes
to show that parents and members of the community are our best partners, who can
reinforce the values learnt and help build links and bridges between the school and the
world beyond school.
Our PERI upgrading project started well and construction works are underway and on
schedule. We look forward to the completion of our two additional classroom blocks and
the Indoor Sports Hall block which will support us as we press on in our efforts to provide
learning opportunities for our pupils to develop holistically through both the formal and
informal curriculum.
As we approach the end of the term and the year, may I take this opportunity to wish you
and your family a well-deserved year-end break and we look forward to an even more
exciting and fruitful 2016.
Mrs Christina Tan
Vice Principal
From the English Department . . .
The Media Resource Library (MRL) – The Place To Be
play –
s
i
D
Book
ee Ku
Mr L
w
an Ye
I love reading and I love to spend my time in the library.
Reading helps me in English as I learn new words.
This year the library celebrated Singapore’s 50 years of
independence by displaying books written by local writers. With
the books introduced during assembly, I became a little more
interested in the books on display. They gave us more information
on what happened in the past and how Mr Lee Kuan Yew and our
pioneer leaders built Singapore to what she is today.
The book display was eye-catching and very inspiring as it allowed
more pupils to be interested in borrowing and reading the books.
The books were also neatly placed so that they looked more
inviting to pupils to want to browse them.
I think improvements can be made to the display of books. The
books can be arranged according to genres and displayed in
such a way that it attracts pupils to want to borrow them.
There should also be books that are movie tie-ins, comics and
award winning books to interest the readers.
Reported by Gemmy Koh (6 Integrity)
Book D
isplay
– New
Books
Book Display – Loca
l Authors
Boo
k Di
spla
y-
Hor
ro
r
From the Mathematics Department . . .
I LOVE MATHS!
To get our lower primary pupils excited about Mathematics, the
Math Committee came up with a way to encourage Primary Two
pupils to memorise their multiplication tables.
Pupils were given a ‘I Love Maths’ multiplication booklet and were scheduled by the Maths teacher to
recite their multiplication tables. Pupils were given a stamp for each correct recitation.
As an added bonus, there was a “Random Questions” category where pupils could earn additional
stamps. The teacher would select a question and the pupil had to give the answer in five seconds or
less! Answering one question correctly was enough to earn them a coveted stamp in their booklet.
Pupils who collect 30 stamps are given a special reward for demonstrating their mastery of the
multiplication tables.
The recitation of multiplication tables is still in progress. So far, pupils
have been enthusiastic about it. It is evident that the Primary Two pupils
are excited and motivated to learn their multiplication tables!
Reported By: Hemani Kumarasan (5 Compassion)
From the Science Department . . .
Energy Conservation Programme
The Energy Conservation campaign, ‘Energy Heroes: It’s Your Power!’ sponsored by Singapore
Power, was launched on 9 July to promote awareness and good practices on energy efficiency. The
objective of this campaign was to create awareness of every individual’s energy consumption
patterns. It was also aimed at getting the individual to make prudent choices.
The Energy Conservation Programme started off with an assembly talk to educate our pupils on
energy consumption. The exhibition was held at the AVA Room from 9th to 10th July and was open
to all pupils and staff during the three recesses (9.30am to 11am) and after school (1.30pm to
2.30pm). Upper primary pupils were scheduled to visit the exhibition and learn useful energy saving
habits. The programme was especially beneficial to the upper primary pupils as it challenged them
to apply their Science concepts. The activities organised were well-received by our pupils and staff.
Station activities for each
class after a briefing
The hands-on activities
attracted active
participation of pupils
during recess
MCS No Waste Days Challenge
The ‘No Waste Days Challenge’ was launched on 30 July 2015 with the
support of the National Environment Agency (NEA) to challenge all
pupils and staff to adopt ‘No Waste Days’. This was aimed at making
lifestyle changes to reduce waste and to encourage collective waste
reduction efforts that would eventually benefit the environment and
community.
Pupils and staff were given ideas on how to practise the 3Rs (Reuse,
Reduce and Recycle) through an assembly talk, mobile video show and a
mini-bazaar on sale of reused materials at the canteen.
Both our pupils and staff have shown their strong support by their pledges
and consistent efforts to reuse, reduce and recycle their waste.
Come join the queue to
take part in the quizzes!
Haze Management Programme
Singapore has been affected by severe smoke haze due to forest fires in the region. To prepare and
protect our pupils from the ill effects of haze exposure, the school adopted a proactive approach of
briefing the pupils on how they could manage and protect themselves in
this haze situation. Pupils were also kept updated on the current
Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to monitor the amount of outdoor
activities during recess. Teachers were also mindful about keeping the
pupils indoors when the PSI hit unhealthy levels.
Competitions
Science Olympiads and Competitions 2015
Pupils from Primary 5 and 6 Humility classes represented our school and participated in the
RGS Math and Science Competition (RGSMSC), RI Science Olympiad (RSO) and the
Singapore Primary Science Olympiad (SPSO).
RGS Math and Science Competition (RGSMSC)
P5 Participants from 5H
P6 Participants from 6H
(P5: front row, L to R)Hannah Tan, Estella Tok, Gwyneth Chew
(not in picture: Cinderella Du Tingxue)
(P6: back row, L to R) Sulaksha, Mabelle Wijaya and Adele Tay
Terri Tan, Emma Quek, Kiran Geofran and Christian Ong
RI Science Olympaid (P5)
(L to R) Zhang Lina, Shayne Teo, Rebecca Leong,
Samantha Wong and KG Akshaya Nandhini
P5
Participants
from
5H
Singapore Primary Science Olympaid (P5)
(back row, L to R)
(front row, L to R)
Chia Moon Teng, Shannon Sim, Kalea Fhamy Mastuki and Vera Yeong
Michelle Shannon Verghese, Wee Sue Yin, Jenell Tan and Zoey Lee
National Environment & Water Quiz 2015
Three of our pupils from Primary 5 Compassion represented our school and participated in
the above-mentioned competition on 11 July 2015.
(L to R): Charmaine Chan, Rebecca Teo , Megan Wong (5 Compassion)
From the Mother Tongue Department …
Keputusan Peraduan Penulisan Kreatif 2015
Hari yang dinanti-nantikan telah tiba. Keputusan Peraduan Penulisan Kreatif yang dianjurkan
oleh pihak EDN Media Consultant dalam semester 2 2015 telah diumumkan. Alangkah
gembiranya saya apabila dipilih sebagai salah seorang juara daripada tiga pemenang yang
dianugerahkan pingat emas 2015 yang tertinggi di antara seluruh sekolah di Singapura yang telah
mengambil bahagian dalam peraduan tersebut.
Rakan-rakan yang lain yang memenangi pingat emas yang dianjurkan oleh pihak EDN Media
Consultant Pte Ltd dan Pusat Nusa Bahasa ialah Ariya Menon (6 Simpati), Nikita Khanna (6
Simpati) dan Ajlaa Farhana (6 Rendah Hati).
Pengalaman yang kami perolehi sungguh menarik dan
sukar dilupakan. Kami pasti akan menyertai peraduan
tersebut lagi pada masa hadapan jika diberi peluang.
Reported by Anusha Judith Corray (6 Gratitude)
Dari Kiri, Ariya Menon (6 Simpati – 1 pingat emas
dan 1 pingat perak), Ajlaa Farhana (6 Rendah Hati – 2
pingat emas), Nikita Khanna ( 6 Simpati – 1 pingat
emas) dan Anusha Judith Corray – tiada di dalam
gambar (6 Kesyukuran – 1 pingat emas).
From the Physical, Health Education and Co-Curricular Activities Department . . .
Active Kids Programme (AKP)
The Active Kids Programme (AKP), an activity based programme, was structured and conducted in a
joint partnership by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and our school to help students live a healthier
lifestyle and take better care of their health and body. The programme was conducted in sessions
between the months of July and November. There was one parent-and-child session, followed by 4
sessions conducted for the students. The sessions were quite informative and enlightening. AKP has
helped inculcate healthy eating habits and promote an active lifestyle amongst both students and
parents. The AKP programme proved to be instrumental in shaping the character and confidence of the
students.
Reported by Jiya Jikku (4 Gratitude)
Tennis Learning Journey
On the 14th of September 2015, Marymount Convent School had the pleasure of inviting World
Sports Group to conduct a learning journey for 40 pupils. The pupils had the opportunity to
participate in various game stations where they learnt about the different playing surfaces, how to
be a ball kid and the rules of tennis. The highlight of the learning journey was playing a game of
modified tennis. Low compression balls, lighter rackets and lower nets ensured a high success
rate for beginning players. Intermediate and advance players received valuable tips from the
coaches present. The short waiting time ensured that all pupils had maximum participation and
fun. The workshop has elevated the pupils’ level of interest in tennis.
Reported by Mr Phua Yu Jim (PE Teacher)
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Our Rhythmic Gymnasts went through rigorous training every week in preparation for the Singapore
Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held from 10th to 13th September 2015. Their efforts have
paid off handsomely and we are proud to announce the following awards clinched by our gymnasts:
Individual Events
Level 1(Freehand)
Loy Shan Xuan Joy (2H) ! 1st
Sheer Ng Xi Er (2Z)
! 1st
Level 2
Pebbyl Ang Jing Ya (2H)
! 5th (Ball)
4th (Rope)
3rd (All-Around)
Lae Ein Ee,Raelene (2Ry) ! 6th (Rope)
! 6th (All-Around)
Jung Sumin (3I)
Level 3
Neomi Ng Kai Qing (5H)
! 3rd (Rope)
! 2nd (All-Around)
Summer Koh Kai En (4H) ! 1st (Ball)
! 2nd (Rope)
Cheong Wai Xin Stacia (5Z) ! 5th (Ball)
! 6th (Rope)
Mia Ng Mi Er (5I)
Rachel Soh (5P)
Jobina Chan Shi Hui (4C) ! 4th (Freehand)
Pang Yan Ling Calista (4I) ! 3rd (Freehand)
Stage 2
Alyssia Woo (3H)
! 4th (Hoop)
! 1st (Clubs)
! 1st (Freehand)
! 1st (All-Around)
! 4th (Freehand)
! 1st (Hoop)
! 4th (Clubs)
Au Yu Jing,Angeline (4C) ! 6th (Freehand)
! 3rd (Rope)
! 2nd (Clubs)
! 6th (Clubs)
! 2nd (Freehand)
!1st (Hoop)
! 3rd (All-Around)
! 6th (Freehand)
! 3rd (Clubs)
! 2nd (Hoop)
! 2nd (All-Around)
Stage 3
Zoey Lee Zhimin (5H)
! 3rd (Freehand)
! 1st (Clubs)
! 5th (Hoop)
Group Events
Level 2 (Group Freehand) ! 1st
1. Pebbyl Ang Jing Ya (2H)
2. Nicole Lim Zi Qing (2I)
3. Lae Ein Ee,Raelene (2Ry)
4. Jung Sumin (3I)
5. Summer Koh Kai En (4H)
Youth Celebrate! 2015
On 26 July this year, Marymount Convent School’s Dance
pupils took part in Youth Celebrate! 2015, in conjunction
with Youth Day and the opening of the Singapore Sports
Hub. All eighty of us, from P2 and P3 Dance Club, Chinese
Dance and Modern Dance, felt honoured to be part of an
exciting performance and celebration.
We trained very hard but it was all worth it. Dancing in
front of the VIPs was indeed an honour. We also had the
opportunity to meet cabinet ministers, including Prime
Minister, Mr Lee, and national athletes during the finale.
Their words of encouragement motivated us to perform our
best.
We were honoured to be part of this once in a lifetime
experience as it truly strengthened the bond among the
different dance clubs. We will definitely cherish these
moments.
Reported by Tan Jing En & Charlene Yang (6 Humility)
From the Aesthetics Department . . .
Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2015
Our school has many interesting Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that pupils take part in. Many of them
require a lot of strengh, perseverance, time and training. Some of our pupils represented our school in
different competitions. One of them was the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF).
The humble beginnings of the SYF could be traced to its roots in Jalan Besar Stadium. Launched on 18
July 1967 by President Yusof Ishak, the SYF was a festival that involved 24,000 pupils from primary
and secondary schools in a two-week long celebration. It has metamorphosed into an annual
kaleidoscopic showcase of talents involving more than 40,000 pupils in the month of July.
Our Art Club pupils participated in the SYF Visual Arts segment and we are pleased to say that they
have made us very proud. Our P1 and P2 pupils created a piece called "Bubbling Thoughts of Life". Our
P3 and P4 pupils created "Children of the Garden City' and the P5 and P6 pupils created the artwork
"Across the World We Live In".
Dhareshwar Sanchita, from 5 Humility, has learnt many things from the SYF. She had to put in a lot of
effort together with her group mates to create the art piece. They reviewed many designs and made a
masterpiece depicting their perception of the world.
A group of Primary 1 girls, all from the Art Club, made their own work of art with their P2
group mates. They were ecstatic when their Art instructor gave them a circular piece of
paper and told them to draw. They also got the opportunity to paint their art piece.
They learnt values such as time management and responsibility.
The "Bubbling Thoughts of Life" art piece, by the P1 and 2 pupils, was selected for the SYF exhibition.
The exhibition was held at Raffles City Shopping Centre, which was open to the public, from 10th to 19th
July 2015. "It was very fun and interesting. There were many different pieces of art," commented Ng Ling
Hui Charlotte, from 1 Humility. The art exhibition displayed many different and unique art pieces.
As we celebrate SG50 this year, this year’s SYF will not be forgotten.
Reported by Balachandar Srividya (5 Humility) and Tiffany Zee (5 Compassion)
Children of Garden
Across the World We Live In
From the NE/Social Studies Department . . .
NE Learning Journeys
Primary 1- Peranakan Museum and Merlion Park
The Primary 1 pupils went on a trail of colourful treasures as they explored the Peranakan culture.
Through the themed galleries, the pupils learnt about the Peranakan culture, such as wedding and
religion. A short video presentation familiarised them with well-known Peranakans who have
contributed significantly to the nation.
The adventurous girls did not stop just at the Peranakan
Museum. They took a walk to the nearby Merlion Park
too. The Merlion and bronze statues displayed along the
route served as reminders of Singapore’s humble origins.
P3 Learning Journey to Kampong Glam
The P3 pupils visited Kampong Glam, one of Singapore's greatest heritage trails. As we all know,
Kampong Glam is home to a number of eye-catchers, like the Sultan Mosque and the Cajaput tree,
locally known as the Gelam tree. The pupils learnt many interesting facts.
The domes on top of the Sultan
Mosque are held up by rings of glass
bottles and the base of each dome is
ornamented with glass bottles.
The bark of the Gelam trees, which
are smooth and soft unlike most trees,
was commonly used to mend boats.
The leaves have healing properties and
are used in ointments to treat muscle
aches, pains and respiratory problems.
P5 Learning Journey to Asian Civilisations Museum
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) should be in the itinerary of every visitor to Singapore, as it
provides a comprehensive view of the sophistication of East Asia's cultures.
The Primary 5 pupils of Marymount Convent School visited
ACM and were intrigued by what they learnt. Most listened
attentively to their teachers as they explained the artefacts in
relation to the various Asian cultures. To the pupils, the various
religious statues displayed are wonderful visual reminders of
different faiths and unity. The trip definitely broadened their
minds.
Primary 6 - Bukit Chandu and Old Ford Factory
The visit to Bukit Chandu and Old Ford Factory was an informational and heart-wrenching trip for
the Primary 6 pupils. The galleries showcased the photographs, maps and artefacts of World War
II. The girls got all serious as they read the information displayed. They took down notes earnestly
and reflected on their experience. Here are some reflections…
“The record
ed conversati
ons from the
survivors w
ere painful to
war
h
ear. I could
the agony of
sense
going throug
h the unfair
routines”
.
g
idatin
oked intim
lo
r
a
w
e
r.
ring th
rience wa
s used du
e
n
p
o
x
p
e
a
e
o
t
w
t
“The
’t wan
I wouldn
best!
“The
ity is the
n
u
in
g
inva
Livin
so det sion and m
ailed
issio
these
plans . Many fam n plans on
di
w
il
of our ere execute ies were dis splay were
d.
p
pionee
rs to s I admire t laced as
he she
tand u
perpet
e
p
rators against th r grit
e
”
NE Show 2015
This year, the P5 students had the privilege of witnessing the NE
Golden Jubilee Show at the historic venue, Padang. The students
looked forward to celebrating the 50th year of independence with
much pride, having learnt about the early struggles of our
country.
The march past by our retired army personnel was remarkable
and reminded us of their enduring spirit and efforts put in to
develop Singapore to where it stands now. The Kallang Wave was an
enjoyable moment felt by all as we cheered boisterously, standing up and waving our flags and banners.
The crowd’s favourite, Aerial Display by the Black Knights of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, left us
awe struck. Capping the NE show was the beautiful firework display which brightened up the dark skies.
Fellow schoolmates, Adelia Ramli and Gita Sri, commented that they were totally awed by the
cooperation and coordination displayed by performers and their efforts proved meaningful. NE Show
2015 was indeed memorable as it gave students an opportunity to be filled with pride for being a
Singaporean. Onward Singapore!
Reported By Ashika C (5 Compassion)
Celebrations . . .
Children’s Day 2015
As the final months of our primary school days draw near, we
could not help but reminisce about the wonderful times we had.
Children’s Day was unforgettable, especially since it
was our last. The many well-wishes and gifts our
teachers gave us made us feel really special.This
year, we feasted on ice cream and popcorn, played
games and watched a concert put up by our
teachers.
We fostered closer bonds with both our teachers
and classmates. We also learnt about the less
fortunate and were encouraged to give back to society by donating to the
underprivileged and the needy.
We truly enjoyed ourselves. It made us realise that we should make the best of
our times with our friends and teachers because all this will come to an end.
Reported by Charlotte Mak Ler Ee and Nazra Shahnaz Zafar (6 Compassion)
Editorial Team
Advisors:
Ms Cecilia Lim (Principal)
Ms Lynette Fernandez (Vice Principal)
Teachers:
Corporate Communications Committee,
HODs, LH/SHs and Coordinators