Newsletter - Compassvale Secondary School

Shining like Stars, Celebrating as a Family: Students’ Achievements
Staff Accolades
2011 SYF Central Judging
CVSS produces her second OYEA Winner
Choir – Silver
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
The Choir members’ hard work has enabled them to
clinch a Silver Award at 2011 Singapore Youth Festival
(SYF) Central Judging. Indeed, this would not be
possible without the support of our school leaders
and the dedication of all students, instructor and
teachers-in-charge. The experience has taught Choir
members the importance of resilience in their pursuit
for excellence.
Dance – Gold
Malay Language Debate
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
By Mdm Lila
Entitled ‘Reconciliation’, Compassvale
Secondary School dancers wowed the
judges and audience with their fine
choreography and sleek moves. For their
impressive show they were duly awarded
with a Gold Award.
Compassvale Secondary School participated
in the prestigious Inter-Secondary School
Malay Debate Competition organised by Berita
Harian for the first time. The team consisted
of 5 speakers: Zainurwarna Binte Zainuri, Siti
Syafiqah Binte Sukri, Albet Nego, Akiq Syazani
Shubi Din and Abdul Akif Bin Rosli. The team
made it to the quarter final round, and attracting
media interest, it was featured in Berita Harian.
The team, however, did not accumulate enough
points to proceed to the semi-finals, with only
Zainurwarna (Secondary 3I) moving on to the
next round for the individual category. Overall,
participating in this national debate has expanded
the debaters’ knowledge and horizon, boosting
their confidence in using their Mother Tongue,
the Malay Language.
Drama – Silver
By Mdm Aiyavoo
It is our best showing ever, and we are thrilled and
humbled at the same time. The dramalites worked very
hard with discipline and determination to showcase
an excellent performance. The journey in preparation
for the SYF was a memorable one for it had instilled
in the dramalites essential life skills and values. This
achievement would certainly serve as a benchmark for
future drama productions and competitions.
Northstar is thrilled
to announce that
Ms Edwina Cheng
has been conferred
the
prestigious
national
award,
2011 Outstanding
Youth in Education
Award (OYEA), for
being a shining
example of what
it means to be a
caring, committed and effective educator. Let’s give
Ms Cheng our heartiest congratulations!
The full write-up on 2011 OYEA Winners can be
found in Schoolbag.sg at http://www.schoolbag.
sg/archives/2011/08/teachers_who_make_a_
difference.php
Ms Cheng is the second OYEA Winner in the short
history of Compassvale Secondary School.
Professional Development
School-wide Good English Movement: ‘Good
English Starts With Me’
By Mrs Delia Yong
Page 2
Page 5
Page 6
Conversations
with our new VP,
Mr Cecil Ang
Proud recipients of
2011 NYAA Bronze
and Silver Awards
CVSS’ second
OYEA winner:
Ms Edwina Cheng
NORTHSTAR
S C A L I N G
As part of the overarching plans to help our
school community use Standard English, the EL
Department has initiated a gamut of GEM (Staff)
programmes. Each programme is carefully planned
EAS learning tele-communication
and customised to suit the profile and training needs
skills in English
of different groups of CVSS staff. Some of these
workshops include communication training for EAS, as well as writing and public
speaking workshops for English-medium instructors (EMI). With the support from the
rest of the IP departments, a GEM Team that comprises department representatives
(called department GEMs) has also been set up. Special mention goes to an in-house
video production, Mind Your Language at CVSS. Scripted by our department teachers,
and co-produced just-in-time by our AED (EL) for consecutive staff meetings in
Semester 2, it serves to remind and encourage our EMI to
communicate clearly and consistently in our lingua franca.
W I T H
T H E
M I N D S E T
N E W
O F
H E I G H T S
H I G H
E X P E C T A T I O N S
NEWSLETTER . Compassvale Secondary School . Semester 2 | 2011
BEAT
Good-bye Mrs Aslinah Shariff PULSE
of the
NORTHSTAR
Welcome Mr Cecil Ang
You may also catch Mind Your Language at CVSS Episode 1
and Episode 2 on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/
CVSSGoodEnglish
“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.”
CVSS Engages Stakeholders
Military Band – Silver
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan
Our band members gave of their utmost and put
on a great performance at the SYF Central Judging
Competitions. They did the school proud by winning
the Silver Award. It has been nothing short of a
rewarding, fruitful journey. We are thankful to our
Principal, VPs and colleagues for their support and
belief in us. Thank you!
CVSS Observes Earth Day
Parents’ Power on CVSS CaRes Day
CVSS Student Leaders who Serve and Care
Contestants from left: Vinesa Jayaselan (Secondary 1G, Second in Public Speaking), Jury Iskandar
(Secondary 2E, Second in Storytelling) and Nur Ellyana (Secondary 1G, First in Poetry Recital).
2011 N3 Cluster Inaugural Oratorical Competitions
On 26 May 2011, the school hosted and co-organised the inaugural cluster
oratorical competitions for both primary and secondary schools. It was such
an enriching event that left many reflecting and commenting that more of such
competitions should be organised. Our department sent in 3 participants in
different competition categories, and we are very proud to announce that each of
them did the school proud with their on-stage performance and results.
5
To all our students who have successfully –
and tenaciously – completed their Service
Learning Project in fulfilment of their NYAA
requirements, congratulations! This year, 194
Northstars were awarded the NYAA Bronze
Award, while another 23 clinched the NYAA
Silver Award. Fitzgerald Lee
(Secondary 4D), one of the
NYAA Silver Award recipients,
was selected to deliver the
Valedictorian Speech at the
ceremony. During an interview
with a Chinese news reporter
after the event, Fitzgerald
reflected on his own NYAA
journey, and mused that
learning endeavours should
not be confined to merely
academic pursuits. Being able
to making a difference in the
community, he shared, would
be far more meaningful. He
agreed that his involvement
in NYAA, specifically in the
area of Service Learning,
has moulded him to become
a
more
confident
and
compassionate youth.
Parents are very much part of our school community, and they play
an indispensable role in the education of the Northstars. On CVSS
CaRes Day, parent volunteers did their bit to ‘green’ the environment
by collecting recyclable items like newspapers from neighbouring
housing estates.
Parents posing for a group shot with our principal, Mdm Ong, on CVSS CaRes Day
2011 Environment Champion Workshop
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong of 3H
Our school hosted the Environment Champion (EC) Workshop
on 13 and 14 March for all the secondary schools in Singapore.
The workshops received overwhelming responses, with close to
a hundred participants turning up for this event. The workshop
consisted of two modules. The first was primarily on training the
participants’ oral presentation skills, while the second focused on
teaching the participants simple but effective strategies to curb
littering and ways to infuse creative arts into anti-littering messages
and handicraft.
By Marcus Tan (3H)
Do you know that, as part of our school’s efforts to promote
an eco-friendly learning environment, CVSS has zealously
observed this phenomenal global event for the past few years?
This year, our school has once again captivated the attention
and imagination of many students with the introduction of a
poster design competition. The top 3 entries were selected and
exhibited in the canteen for all to see.
Northstar congratulates Mrs Shariff
on her promotion to be the Principal,
Chaoyang School. Though her departure
came sudden and swift, and we are sad
to say farewell to a School Leader who
is steadfast, nurturing and special to us
in so many ways, we are sure she will
continue to be an inspiration to many
more in her new appointment.
Compassvale Secondary School wishes
you all the very best, Mrs Shariff!
Sports Engagement Programme for Primary Schools
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan of 3H
28 May 2011 was the launch of our inaugural Sports Engagement
Programme for Primary Schools. The main aim of the Sports
Engagement Programme was to raise the awareness of CVSS’ sports
and CCA programmes and achievements among primary school
pupils in Seng Kang-Punggol. Through the friendly competitions
and sports clinics organised by the school, the primary school
participants made new friends and had a morning of sweaty fun!
This event was also featured in Schoolbag.sg. Find out more at http://
www.schoolbag.sg/archives/2011/06/engaging_primary_school_
pupils.php
COMPASSVALE
COMPASSVALE SECONDARY
SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL
ADD 51 Compassvale Crescent, Singapore 545083
TEL 6881 5047 FAX 6881 5998 WEB www.compassvalesec.moe.edu.sg
6
Madam Ong presenting an appreciation plaque to Mrs Shariff in
recognition of her dedicated service and contributions to the school
a touche design production @ 6659 1876
From left: Mrs Tung, Mrs Shariff, Mdm Ong, Mr Lee (SAC Chairman),
Dr Ho (SAC Member) and Mr Phang on 2011 Awards Day
EXCLUSIVE!
CVSS Sec 1 student hosts, Justin and Jia Shen,
at the N3 Cluster Oratorical Competitions
Interview with
our New VP
Career history:
• Taught at Temasek Junior College
(TJC) for almost 22 years.
• First appointed as Mathematics
Coordinator, then Deputy Head/
Mathematics before assuming the
headship of Mathematics Department.
• Also covered Vice-Principal and Dean
of Integrated Programme duties and
worked on Special Projects.
2
Advice to fellow colleagues who are parents
themselves:
Every parent would have his or her own parenting
style. He reiterated the fact that we should build up
our children’s self-esteem by filling up their love tank
regularly through the five love languages, namely,
quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, physical
touch and acts of service. Mr Ang highlighted that
teachers can build up students’ self-esteem by
giving words of affirmation to them when they have
done well or shown improvement in their work.
Parents do a lot of acts of service for their children
when they are young, such as feeding, cleaning and
ferrying them. However, when they are of age, they
should be taught how to do things for themselves.
Likewise, teachers need to teach students various
effective life skills which will develop and prepare
them to become World Ready Youth. In short, we
have to teach our teenagers how to fish instead of
giving them fish.
In line with MOE’s initiative of deepening students’ appreciation for their Mother
Tongue (MT), a series of cultural activities, also known as ‘Mother Tongue Fortnight’,
was organised by the MT Department in Term 3. Here in this issue, in the spirit of
injecting a more bilingual feel, Northstar presents two write-ups contributed by
our MT teachers, filling us in on this inaugural event.
This year, the students examined the local and global challenges
of managing and sustaining the scarce physical resource,
water. Working in teams, students carried out a research on this
topic. They also gained deeper insights into ways to manage
and sustain this resource through visits to the NEWater Plant,
ENVision Gallery and Marina Barrage. The climax of this
programme would most certainly be the signature 3-day-2night overseas learning journey to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
There, they visited water treatment plants, a dam, bottled water
assembly lines in factories and a water theme park to understand
how water is effectively managed beyond Singapore’s shores.
The students produced a documentary as their performance
task to demonstrate their learning gleaned from this holistic 15week inter-disciplinary programme.
By Ms Tan Chwee Kim
On how he juggles work and family:
Mr Ang believes that striking a balance between
family and work requires the cultivation of selfdiscipline. There are definitely many things to do
and accomplish in our lives but we have to learn
how to prioritise our work and relationships. For
him, it is a habit which started in his teenage years
when he was a student. Discipline begins with the
little things in life, like being punctual for school
and lessons, and progressing to clearing work
assignments promptly, and not letting laziness get
the better of you. Mr Ang uses his mobile phone to
remind him of activities both in school and at home.
Writing down tasks that one needs to accomplish for
the day is also a good habit to inculcate. Apart from
spending time with family members on outings, time
spent having meals together is also very important.
2011 Secondary 2 Integrated Curriculum
By Mrs Yoga
Mr Cecil Ang gives Northstar an insight into his
work life, family life and how he keeps them in
harmony.
Family and parenting style:
• Married with two teenaged daughters.
• Practises open and honest communication.
• Coaches his daughters English and Math, engages
them in discussions on current issues and seizes
teachable moments to inculcate values.
• Believes in spending quality time (such as eating
dinner together each day) and capitalising learning
opportunities and their interests.
Inaugural Mother Tongue Fortnight
Deepening our Understanding of WATER
康柏中学母语双周介绍
廖咏梅老师
2011年，教育部倡导了母语双周及文化
营活动并在全岛范围内的所有中、小学、高中
以及初级学院广泛推行，意在更好地灌输母族
传统文化和价值观，让学生在浓厚的文化气氛
中学习母语。
Thrills and Spills,
Northstars moving their Heels
MacRitchie X-Country Run
Learning more about self and others
CVSS had some sweaty fun on 23 July
2011 when more than 1,500 students and
teachers gamely took on the challenge of
completing a 3.2 km-run at the MacRitchie
Reservoir that Saturday morning. There
was also a tangible presence of esprit de
corps and show of camaraderie by the
Northstars. Many were observed giving
encouragement and mutual support to
their friends and classmates, spurring them
on to complete the race. The event ended
on a rousing note with the prize-giving
ceremony where trophies and medals were
given out by our School Leaders to the
fastest runners for both student and staff
categories.
2011 Secondary 2 Experiential Learning
Striving Towards
Student-Centric
Meritocracy
Good English Movement at CVSS:
‘Good English Starts With Me’
By Mdm Aiyavoo
The Good English Movement (Students) began with the objective of
developing Northstars into effective communicators. With the setting up
of the EL Talent Academy earlier this year, students from all streams were
identified by their Language Arts/ EL teachers based on their linguistic
abilities, interest in or flair for the language. ‘Northstar Highlights’,
an EL Talent Academy video production, was screened termly during
assembly to inform the students of upcoming events. This is both a
creative strategy to showcase good oral communication skills and an
effective platform to publicise school events. Students in the academy
who underwent the Speech and Drama course organised by the school
applied their learning by serving as emcees for various major school and
cluster events. Some of these include our Cross-Country Run and N3
Cluster Oratorical Competitions. Others were also granted the chance of
presenting motivational stories during school assembly, a dual-pronged
approach to honing the presenters’ craft of public speaking and boosting
the morale and emotional well-being of our general student audience.
Our school dramalites, playing an integral role in this school-wide Good
English Movement, further reinforced the need for clear speech at all
times. Acting as ambassadors, they championed tirelessly the use of
Standard English in and beyond the classroom.
What better way is there to nurture soft skills and acquire a
host of other 21st century competencies than to do so through
a fun-filled, exhilarating and educational experience? Well, our
Secondary 2 Normal Academic and Normal Technical students
had the chance to do just that at the end of Term 1. Through
group activities, outdoor challenges and an array of teambonding and confidence building activities, these students
learnt to be more socially sensitive of their emotions and
behaviour, and gained practical skills of relating to their team
mates more effectively.
Ulu Tiram: Here We Come!
2011 Secondary 3 Overseas Adventure Camp
我校母语部从四月即开始筹划活动。在整
个母语双周中，每天都有活动让不同年级与源
流的学生参加。校园也配合活动主题装饰布置
起来，使学生感受到母语双周的气氛。为了培
养学生良好的阅读习惯并促进阅读，由老师利
用华文课内时间带学生去图书馆借阅图书。放
学后也展开一系列丰富多彩的活动吸引学生参
To overcome one’s shadow, a test of selfconfidence is essential in bringing forth one’s
character. Through the Secondary 3 Overseas
Adventure Camp 2011 held in Ulu Tiram,
Malaysia, students tasted how crucial team work
and self-management are in overcoming arduous
physical challenges such as wall-scaling and rope
climbing. Aimed at promoting an adventurous
spirit and a can-do attitude, the camp was
nothing less than a whopping success!
Girding Ourselves for the 21st century
2011 Secondary 4 ‘Ready for the World’ Programme
‘Ready for the World’ programme aims to equip our
graduating Northstars with essential 21st century skills,
values and attitudes. This year, our students were treated
to a spread of courses, ranging from Social Etiquette
to Financial Literacy, and talks given by representatives
from post-secondary institutions. The highlight of this
3-day programme would undoubtedly be the talk show
cum interview with athletes from Team Singapore, with
the special appearance of Mr C Kunalan – Singapore’s
greatest sprinter and most successful national track and
field sportsman. Mr Kunalan and the rest of the athletes
shared candidly about their sporting experiences and
achievements, and their valuable insights into life and
success, and the importance of having discipline.
3
通过调查了解，学生在异彩纷呈的活动
中浸濡传统文化，提高了学习兴趣，对于传统
文化有了进一步的了解和认知，参与的热情很
高，他们的作品不乏颇具创意及匠心的精美佳
作，家长也积极参与配合，使初次举办的母语
双周及文化营活动取得圆满成功。
Mother Tongue Fortnight (in Malay Language)
By Mdm Lila
Jabatan
Bahasa
Ibunda
Sekolah
Menengah
Compassvale
telah
menganjurkan
Dwiminggu
dan
Perkhemahan Bahasa Ibunda yang
dijalankan baru-baru ini. Program
yang bermula dari 22 Ogos hingga 1
September 2011 ini telah dijalankan
serentak dengan aktiviti-aktiviti yang
dijalankan oleh Jabatan Bahasa Ibunda
yang lain. Pelbagai aktiviti kebudayaan
telah dijalankan dengan tujuan memberi
peluang kepada para pelajar untuk
mengenali dan menghargai kebudayaan
dalam persekitaran yang kondusif.
Di dalam bilik darjah, pengajaran
tertumpu kepada pendedahan dari segi
genre penulisan yang popular di kalangan
masyarakat Melayu. Pendekatan rentas
cipta telah dijalankan oleh guru-guru dan
diikuti dengan peraduan menulis esei,
membuat kad raya dan Projek Geylang
Serai untuk semua pelajar dari menengah
1 hingga menengah 3.
Selepas waktu kurikulum, para pelajar
berkesempatan
mengikuti
aktiviti
kebudayaan seperti
permainan alat
muzik kompang, pengenalan pada
tarian, permainan tradisional seperti
congkak, batu serembat dan gasing
serta pembikinan kraftangan tradisional.
Perlawanan Sahibba juga diselitkan
memandangkan
bahasa
Melayu
sememangnya tidak dapat dipisahkan
daripada budaya kita.
Pelajar-pelajar menengah 2NA & 2Ekspres
pula berkesempatan melawati Geylang
Serai yang merupakan nadi kegiatan
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
Mr Kunalan and Team Singapore athletes wth
Mdm Ong at the end of the talk show
活动为期两周，通过多种生动有趣的形式
组织活动，使学生积极参与。同时还特别鼓励
家长的积极参与，以期营造有利于学习母语的
家庭氛围。
加。我们为全体中一学生举办了文化营，学生
在了解传统文化知识的同时，亲手制作剪纸、
豆画、泥塑、中国结、脸谱等传统手工艺品，
获益匪浅；我们组织中二学生外出观赏写实及
贴近学生生活的戏剧“我爱阿爱”和“莎莎”
，并举办了传统游戏，寓教于乐；中三学生观
摩了传统美食粽子和饺子的制作过程，也亲自
动手尝试并品尝了传统美食，兴致勃勃；我们
还为中一、中二的低年级学生举办了拼字游戏
比赛，学生们踊跃参与，争先恐后。
orang Melayu terutama dalam kesibukan
menyambut Hari Raya. Para pelajar bukan
sahaja seronok mengkaji seni bina Melayu
dan memerhatikan kegiatan harian di
sana, malah tidak melepaskan peluang
membeli juadah-juadah tradisional untuk
berbuka puasa.
Bagi menyemarakkan lagi suasana di
sekolah, pameran yang bertemakan
adat perkahwinan orang Melayu telah
diadakan di kantin sekolah untuk para
pelajar agar mereka mengetahui lebih
mendalam lagi tentang adat tersebut.
Ini termasuklah pameran bahan-bahan
seperti kad jemputan, berkat, sireh dara
dan bunga pahar. Pameran ini disertai
juga dengan kuiz untuk menguji minda
dan pemahaman pelajar serta memberi
mereka peluang untuk memenangi
hadiah yang menarik.
Acara ini diakhiri dengan pemberian
hadiah kepada para pemenang. Secara
keseluruhan, acara tahunan ini pastinya
telah membuka lembaran baru bagi para
pelajar di CVSS untuk mendekatkan diri
mereka dengan bahasa dan budaya
warisan datuk nenek moyang kita.
4
EXCLUSIVE!
CVSS Sec 1 student hosts, Justin and Jia Shen, at
the N3 Cluster Oratorical Competitions
Interview with
our New VP
Career history:
• Taught at Temasek Junior College
(TJC) for almost 22 years.
• First appointed as Mathematics
Coordinator, then Deputy Head/
Mathematics before assuming the
headship of Mathematics Department.
• Also covered Vice-Principal and Dean
of Integrated Programme duties and
worked on Special Projects.
2
Advice to fellow colleagues who are parents
themselves:
Every parent would have his or her own parenting
style. He reiterated the fact that we should build up
our children’s self-esteem by filling up their love tank
regularly through the five love languages, namely,
quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, physical
touch and acts of service. Mr Ang highlighted that
teachers can build up students’ self-esteem by
giving words of affirmation to them when they have
done well or shown improvement in their work.
Parents do a lot of acts of service for their children
when they are young, such as feeding, cleaning and
ferrying them. However, when they are of age, they
should be taught how to do things for themselves.
Likewise, teachers need to teach students various
effective life skills which will develop and prepare
them to become World Ready Youth. In short, we
have to teach our teenagers how to fish instead of
giving them fish.
In line with MOE’s initiative of deepening students’ appreciation for their Mother
Tongue (MT), a series of cultural activities, also known as ‘Mother Tongue Fortnight’,
was organised by the MT Department in Term 3. Here in this issue, in the spirit of
injecting a more bilingual feel, Northstar presents two write-ups contributed by
our MT teachers, filling us in on this inaugural event.
This year, the students examined the local and global challenges
of managing and sustaining the scarce physical resource,
water. Working in teams, students carried out a research on this
topic. They also gained deeper insights into ways to manage
and sustain this resource through visits to the NEWater Plant,
ENVision Gallery and Marina Barrage. The climax of this
programme would most certainly be the signature 3-day-2night overseas learning journey to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
There, they visited water treatment plants, a dam, bottled water
assembly lines in factories and a water theme park to understand
how water is effectively managed beyond Singapore’s shores.
The students produced a documentary as their performance
task to demonstrate their learning gleaned from this holistic 15week inter-disciplinary programme.
By Ms Tan Chwee Kim
On how he juggles work and family:
Mr Ang believes that striking a balance between
family and work requires the cultivation of selfdiscipline. There are definitely many things to do
and accomplish in our lives but we have to learn
how to prioritise our work and relationships. For
him, it is a habit which started in his teenage years
when he was a student. Discipline begins with the
little things in life, like being punctual for school
and lessons, and progressing to clearing work
assignments promptly, and not letting laziness get
the better of you. Mr Ang uses his mobile phone to
remind him of activities both in school and at home.
Writing down tasks that one needs to accomplish for
the day is also a good habit to inculcate. Apart from
spending time with family members on outings, time
spent having meals together is also very important.
2011 Secondary 2 Integrated Curriculum
By Mrs Yoga
Mr Cecil Ang gives Northstar an insight into his
work life, family life and how he keeps them in
harmony.
Family and parenting style:
• Married with two teenaged daughters.
• Practises open and honest communication.
• Coaches his daughters English and Math, engages
them in discussions on current issues and seizes
teachable moments to inculcate values.
• Believes in spending quality time (such as eating
dinner together each day) and capitalising learning
opportunities and their interests.
Inaugural Mother Tongue Fortnight
Deepening our Understanding of WATER
康柏中学母语双周介绍
廖咏梅老师
2011年，教育部倡导了母语双周及文化
营活动并在全岛范围内的所有中、小学、高中
以及初级学院广泛推行，意在更好地灌输母族
传统文化和价值观，让学生在浓厚的文化气氛
中学习母语。
Thrills and Spills,
Northstars moving their Heels
MacRitchie X-Country Run
Learning more about self and others
CVSS had some sweaty fun on 23 July
2011 when more than 1,500 students and
teachers gamely took on the challenge of
completing a 3.2 km-run at the MacRitchie
Reservoir that Saturday morning. There
was also a tangible presence of esprit de
corps and show of camaraderie by the
Northstars. Many were observed giving
encouragement and mutual support to
their friends and classmates, spurring them
on to complete the race. The event ended
on a rousing note with the prize-giving
ceremony where trophies and medals were
given out by our School Leaders to the
fastest runners for both student and staff
categories.
2011 Secondary 2 Experiential Learning
Striving Towards
Student-Centric
Meritocracy
Good English Movement at CVSS:
‘Good English Starts With Me’
By Mdm Aiyavoo
The Good English Movement (Students) began with the objective of
developing Northstars into effective communicators. With the setting up
of the EL Talent Academy earlier this year, students from all streams were
identified by their Language Arts/ EL teachers based on their linguistic
abilities, interest in or flair for the language. ‘Northstar Highlights’,
an EL Talent Academy video production, was screened termly during
assembly to inform the students of upcoming events. This is both a
creative strategy to showcase good oral communication skills and an
effective platform to publicise school events. Students in the academy
who underwent the Speech and Drama course organised by the school
applied their learning by serving as emcees for various major school and
cluster events. Some of these include our Cross-Country Run and N3
Cluster Oratorical Competitions. Others were also granted the chance of
presenting motivational stories during school assembly, a dual-pronged
approach to honing the presenters’ craft of public speaking and boosting
the morale and emotional well-being of our general student audience.
Our school dramalites, playing an integral role in this school-wide Good
English Movement, further reinforced the need for clear speech at all
times. Acting as ambassadors, they championed tirelessly the use of
Standard English in and beyond the classroom.
What better way is there to nurture soft skills and acquire a
host of other 21st century competencies than to do so through
a fun-filled, exhilarating and educational experience? Well, our
Secondary 2 Normal Academic and Normal Technical students
had the chance to do just that at the end of Term 1. Through
group activities, outdoor challenges and an array of teambonding and confidence building activities, these students
learnt to be more socially sensitive of their emotions and
behaviour, and gained practical skills of relating to their team
mates more effectively.
Ulu Tiram: Here We Come!
2011 Secondary 3 Overseas Adventure Camp
我校母语部从四月即开始筹划活动。在整
个母语双周中，每天都有活动让不同年级与源
流的学生参加。校园也配合活动主题装饰布置
起来，使学生感受到母语双周的气氛。为了培
养学生良好的阅读习惯并促进阅读，由老师利
用华文课内时间带学生去图书馆借阅图书。放
学后也展开一系列丰富多彩的活动吸引学生参
To overcome one’s shadow, a test of selfconfidence is essential in bringing forth one’s
character. Through the Secondary 3 Overseas
Adventure Camp 2011 held in Ulu Tiram,
Malaysia, students tasted how crucial team work
and self-management are in overcoming arduous
physical challenges such as wall-scaling and rope
climbing. Aimed at promoting an adventurous
spirit and a can-do attitude, the camp was
nothing less than a whopping success!
Girding Ourselves for the 21st century
2011 Secondary 4 ‘Ready for the World’ Programme
‘Ready for the World’ programme aims to equip our
graduating Northstars with essential 21st century skills,
values and attitudes. This year, our students were treated
to a spread of courses, ranging from Social Etiquette
to Financial Literacy, and talks given by representatives
from post-secondary institutions. The highlight of this
3-day programme would undoubtedly be the talk show
cum interview with athletes from Team Singapore, with
the special appearance of Mr C Kunalan – Singapore’s
greatest sprinter and most successful national track and
field sportsman. Mr Kunalan and the rest of the athletes
shared candidly about their sporting experiences and
achievements, and their valuable insights into life and
success, and the importance of having discipline.
3
通过调查了解，学生在异彩纷呈的活动
中浸濡传统文化，提高了学习兴趣，对于传统
文化有了进一步的了解和认知，参与的热情很
高，他们的作品不乏颇具创意及匠心的精美佳
作，家长也积极参与配合，使初次举办的母语
双周及文化营活动取得圆满成功。
Mother Tongue Fortnight (in Malay Language)
By Mdm Lila
Jabatan
Bahasa
Ibunda
Sekolah
Menengah
Compassvale
telah
menganjurkan
Dwiminggu
dan
Perkhemahan Bahasa Ibunda yang
dijalankan baru-baru ini. Program
yang bermula dari 22 Ogos hingga 1
September 2011 ini telah dijalankan
serentak dengan aktiviti-aktiviti yang
dijalankan oleh Jabatan Bahasa Ibunda
yang lain. Pelbagai aktiviti kebudayaan
telah dijalankan dengan tujuan memberi
peluang kepada para pelajar untuk
mengenali dan menghargai kebudayaan
dalam persekitaran yang kondusif.
Di dalam bilik darjah, pengajaran
tertumpu kepada pendedahan dari segi
genre penulisan yang popular di kalangan
masyarakat Melayu. Pendekatan rentas
cipta telah dijalankan oleh guru-guru dan
diikuti dengan peraduan menulis esei,
membuat kad raya dan Projek Geylang
Serai untuk semua pelajar dari menengah
1 hingga menengah 3.
Selepas waktu kurikulum, para pelajar
berkesempatan
mengikuti
aktiviti
kebudayaan seperti
permainan alat
muzik kompang, pengenalan pada
tarian, permainan tradisional seperti
congkak, batu serembat dan gasing
serta pembikinan kraftangan tradisional.
Perlawanan Sahibba juga diselitkan
memandangkan
bahasa
Melayu
sememangnya tidak dapat dipisahkan
daripada budaya kita.
Pelajar-pelajar menengah 2NA & 2Ekspres
pula berkesempatan melawati Geylang
Serai yang merupakan nadi kegiatan
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
Mr Kunalan and Team Singapore athletes wth
Mdm Ong at the end of the talk show
活动为期两周，通过多种生动有趣的形式
组织活动，使学生积极参与。同时还特别鼓励
家长的积极参与，以期营造有利于学习母语的
家庭氛围。
加。我们为全体中一学生举办了文化营，学生
在了解传统文化知识的同时，亲手制作剪纸、
豆画、泥塑、中国结、脸谱等传统手工艺品，
获益匪浅；我们组织中二学生外出观赏写实及
贴近学生生活的戏剧“我爱阿爱”和“莎莎”
，并举办了传统游戏，寓教于乐；中三学生观
摩了传统美食粽子和饺子的制作过程，也亲自
动手尝试并品尝了传统美食，兴致勃勃；我们
还为中一、中二的低年级学生举办了拼字游戏
比赛，学生们踊跃参与，争先恐后。
orang Melayu terutama dalam kesibukan
menyambut Hari Raya. Para pelajar bukan
sahaja seronok mengkaji seni bina Melayu
dan memerhatikan kegiatan harian di
sana, malah tidak melepaskan peluang
membeli juadah-juadah tradisional untuk
berbuka puasa.
Bagi menyemarakkan lagi suasana di
sekolah, pameran yang bertemakan
adat perkahwinan orang Melayu telah
diadakan di kantin sekolah untuk para
pelajar agar mereka mengetahui lebih
mendalam lagi tentang adat tersebut.
Ini termasuklah pameran bahan-bahan
seperti kad jemputan, berkat, sireh dara
dan bunga pahar. Pameran ini disertai
juga dengan kuiz untuk menguji minda
dan pemahaman pelajar serta memberi
mereka peluang untuk memenangi
hadiah yang menarik.
Acara ini diakhiri dengan pemberian
hadiah kepada para pemenang. Secara
keseluruhan, acara tahunan ini pastinya
telah membuka lembaran baru bagi para
pelajar di CVSS untuk mendekatkan diri
mereka dengan bahasa dan budaya
warisan datuk nenek moyang kita.
4
EXCLUSIVE!
CVSS Sec 1 student hosts, Justin and Jia Shen, at
the N3 Cluster Oratorical Competitions
Interview with
our New VP
Career history:
• Taught at Temasek Junior College
(TJC) for almost 22 years.
• First appointed as Mathematics
Coordinator, then Deputy Head/
Mathematics before assuming the
headship of Mathematics Department.
• Also covered Vice-Principal and Dean
of Integrated Programme duties and
worked on Special Projects.
2
Advice to fellow colleagues who are parents
themselves:
Every parent would have his or her own parenting
style. He reiterated the fact that we should build up
our children’s self-esteem by filling up their love tank
regularly through the five love languages, namely,
quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, physical
touch and acts of service. Mr Ang highlighted that
teachers can build up students’ self-esteem by
giving words of affirmation to them when they have
done well or shown improvement in their work.
Parents do a lot of acts of service for their children
when they are young, such as feeding, cleaning and
ferrying them. However, when they are of age, they
should be taught how to do things for themselves.
Likewise, teachers need to teach students various
effective life skills which will develop and prepare
them to become World Ready Youth. In short, we
have to teach our teenagers how to fish instead of
giving them fish.
In line with MOE’s initiative of deepening students’ appreciation for their Mother
Tongue (MT), a series of cultural activities, also known as ‘Mother Tongue Fortnight’,
was organised by the MT Department in Term 3. Here in this issue, in the spirit of
injecting a more bilingual feel, Northstar presents two write-ups contributed by
our MT teachers, filling us in on this inaugural event.
This year, the students examined the local and global challenges
of managing and sustaining the scarce physical resource,
water. Working in teams, students carried out a research on this
topic. They also gained deeper insights into ways to manage
and sustain this resource through visits to the NEWater Plant,
ENVision Gallery and Marina Barrage. The climax of this
programme would most certainly be the signature 3-day-2night overseas learning journey to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
There, they visited water treatment plants, a dam, bottled water
assembly lines in factories and a water theme park to understand
how water is effectively managed beyond Singapore’s shores.
The students produced a documentary as their performance
task to demonstrate their learning gleaned from this holistic 15week inter-disciplinary programme.
By Ms Tan Chwee Kim
On how he juggles work and family:
Mr Ang believes that striking a balance between
family and work requires the cultivation of selfdiscipline. There are definitely many things to do
and accomplish in our lives but we have to learn
how to prioritise our work and relationships. For
him, it is a habit which started in his teenage years
when he was a student. Discipline begins with the
little things in life, like being punctual for school
and lessons, and progressing to clearing work
assignments promptly, and not letting laziness get
the better of you. Mr Ang uses his mobile phone to
remind him of activities both in school and at home.
Writing down tasks that one needs to accomplish for
the day is also a good habit to inculcate. Apart from
spending time with family members on outings, time
spent having meals together is also very important.
2011 Secondary 2 Integrated Curriculum
By Mrs Yoga
Mr Cecil Ang gives Northstar an insight into his
work life, family life and how he keeps them in
harmony.
Family and parenting style:
• Married with two teenaged daughters.
• Practises open and honest communication.
• Coaches his daughters English and Math, engages
them in discussions on current issues and seizes
teachable moments to inculcate values.
• Believes in spending quality time (such as eating
dinner together each day) and capitalising learning
opportunities and their interests.
Inaugural Mother Tongue Fortnight
Deepening our Understanding of WATER
康柏中学母语双周介绍
廖咏梅老师
2011年，教育部倡导了母语双周及文化
营活动并在全岛范围内的所有中、小学、高中
以及初级学院广泛推行，意在更好地灌输母族
传统文化和价值观，让学生在浓厚的文化气氛
中学习母语。
Thrills and Spills,
Northstars moving their Heels
MacRitchie X-Country Run
Learning more about self and others
CVSS had some sweaty fun on 23 July
2011 when more than 1,500 students and
teachers gamely took on the challenge of
completing a 3.2 km-run at the MacRitchie
Reservoir that Saturday morning. There
was also a tangible presence of esprit de
corps and show of camaraderie by the
Northstars. Many were observed giving
encouragement and mutual support to
their friends and classmates, spurring them
on to complete the race. The event ended
on a rousing note with the prize-giving
ceremony where trophies and medals were
given out by our School Leaders to the
fastest runners for both student and staff
categories.
2011 Secondary 2 Experiential Learning
Striving Towards
Student-Centric
Meritocracy
Good English Movement at CVSS:
‘Good English Starts With Me’
By Mdm Aiyavoo
The Good English Movement (Students) began with the objective of
developing Northstars into effective communicators. With the setting up
of the EL Talent Academy earlier this year, students from all streams were
identified by their Language Arts/ EL teachers based on their linguistic
abilities, interest in or flair for the language. ‘Northstar Highlights’,
an EL Talent Academy video production, was screened termly during
assembly to inform the students of upcoming events. This is both a
creative strategy to showcase good oral communication skills and an
effective platform to publicise school events. Students in the academy
who underwent the Speech and Drama course organised by the school
applied their learning by serving as emcees for various major school and
cluster events. Some of these include our Cross-Country Run and N3
Cluster Oratorical Competitions. Others were also granted the chance of
presenting motivational stories during school assembly, a dual-pronged
approach to honing the presenters’ craft of public speaking and boosting
the morale and emotional well-being of our general student audience.
Our school dramalites, playing an integral role in this school-wide Good
English Movement, further reinforced the need for clear speech at all
times. Acting as ambassadors, they championed tirelessly the use of
Standard English in and beyond the classroom.
What better way is there to nurture soft skills and acquire a
host of other 21st century competencies than to do so through
a fun-filled, exhilarating and educational experience? Well, our
Secondary 2 Normal Academic and Normal Technical students
had the chance to do just that at the end of Term 1. Through
group activities, outdoor challenges and an array of teambonding and confidence building activities, these students
learnt to be more socially sensitive of their emotions and
behaviour, and gained practical skills of relating to their team
mates more effectively.
Ulu Tiram: Here We Come!
2011 Secondary 3 Overseas Adventure Camp
我校母语部从四月即开始筹划活动。在整
个母语双周中，每天都有活动让不同年级与源
流的学生参加。校园也配合活动主题装饰布置
起来，使学生感受到母语双周的气氛。为了培
养学生良好的阅读习惯并促进阅读，由老师利
用华文课内时间带学生去图书馆借阅图书。放
学后也展开一系列丰富多彩的活动吸引学生参
To overcome one’s shadow, a test of selfconfidence is essential in bringing forth one’s
character. Through the Secondary 3 Overseas
Adventure Camp 2011 held in Ulu Tiram,
Malaysia, students tasted how crucial team work
and self-management are in overcoming arduous
physical challenges such as wall-scaling and rope
climbing. Aimed at promoting an adventurous
spirit and a can-do attitude, the camp was
nothing less than a whopping success!
Girding Ourselves for the 21st century
2011 Secondary 4 ‘Ready for the World’ Programme
‘Ready for the World’ programme aims to equip our
graduating Northstars with essential 21st century skills,
values and attitudes. This year, our students were treated
to a spread of courses, ranging from Social Etiquette
to Financial Literacy, and talks given by representatives
from post-secondary institutions. The highlight of this
3-day programme would undoubtedly be the talk show
cum interview with athletes from Team Singapore, with
the special appearance of Mr C Kunalan – Singapore’s
greatest sprinter and most successful national track and
field sportsman. Mr Kunalan and the rest of the athletes
shared candidly about their sporting experiences and
achievements, and their valuable insights into life and
success, and the importance of having discipline.
3
通过调查了解，学生在异彩纷呈的活动
中浸濡传统文化，提高了学习兴趣，对于传统
文化有了进一步的了解和认知，参与的热情很
高，他们的作品不乏颇具创意及匠心的精美佳
作，家长也积极参与配合，使初次举办的母语
双周及文化营活动取得圆满成功。
Mother Tongue Fortnight (in Malay Language)
By Mdm Lila
Jabatan
Bahasa
Ibunda
Sekolah
Menengah
Compassvale
telah
menganjurkan
Dwiminggu
dan
Perkhemahan Bahasa Ibunda yang
dijalankan baru-baru ini. Program
yang bermula dari 22 Ogos hingga 1
September 2011 ini telah dijalankan
serentak dengan aktiviti-aktiviti yang
dijalankan oleh Jabatan Bahasa Ibunda
yang lain. Pelbagai aktiviti kebudayaan
telah dijalankan dengan tujuan memberi
peluang kepada para pelajar untuk
mengenali dan menghargai kebudayaan
dalam persekitaran yang kondusif.
Di dalam bilik darjah, pengajaran
tertumpu kepada pendedahan dari segi
genre penulisan yang popular di kalangan
masyarakat Melayu. Pendekatan rentas
cipta telah dijalankan oleh guru-guru dan
diikuti dengan peraduan menulis esei,
membuat kad raya dan Projek Geylang
Serai untuk semua pelajar dari menengah
1 hingga menengah 3.
Selepas waktu kurikulum, para pelajar
berkesempatan
mengikuti
aktiviti
kebudayaan seperti
permainan alat
muzik kompang, pengenalan pada
tarian, permainan tradisional seperti
congkak, batu serembat dan gasing
serta pembikinan kraftangan tradisional.
Perlawanan Sahibba juga diselitkan
memandangkan
bahasa
Melayu
sememangnya tidak dapat dipisahkan
daripada budaya kita.
Pelajar-pelajar menengah 2NA & 2Ekspres
pula berkesempatan melawati Geylang
Serai yang merupakan nadi kegiatan
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
Mr Kunalan and Team Singapore athletes wth
Mdm Ong at the end of the talk show
活动为期两周，通过多种生动有趣的形式
组织活动，使学生积极参与。同时还特别鼓励
家长的积极参与，以期营造有利于学习母语的
家庭氛围。
加。我们为全体中一学生举办了文化营，学生
在了解传统文化知识的同时，亲手制作剪纸、
豆画、泥塑、中国结、脸谱等传统手工艺品，
获益匪浅；我们组织中二学生外出观赏写实及
贴近学生生活的戏剧“我爱阿爱”和“莎莎”
，并举办了传统游戏，寓教于乐；中三学生观
摩了传统美食粽子和饺子的制作过程，也亲自
动手尝试并品尝了传统美食，兴致勃勃；我们
还为中一、中二的低年级学生举办了拼字游戏
比赛，学生们踊跃参与，争先恐后。
orang Melayu terutama dalam kesibukan
menyambut Hari Raya. Para pelajar bukan
sahaja seronok mengkaji seni bina Melayu
dan memerhatikan kegiatan harian di
sana, malah tidak melepaskan peluang
membeli juadah-juadah tradisional untuk
berbuka puasa.
Bagi menyemarakkan lagi suasana di
sekolah, pameran yang bertemakan
adat perkahwinan orang Melayu telah
diadakan di kantin sekolah untuk para
pelajar agar mereka mengetahui lebih
mendalam lagi tentang adat tersebut.
Ini termasuklah pameran bahan-bahan
seperti kad jemputan, berkat, sireh dara
dan bunga pahar. Pameran ini disertai
juga dengan kuiz untuk menguji minda
dan pemahaman pelajar serta memberi
mereka peluang untuk memenangi
hadiah yang menarik.
Acara ini diakhiri dengan pemberian
hadiah kepada para pemenang. Secara
keseluruhan, acara tahunan ini pastinya
telah membuka lembaran baru bagi para
pelajar di CVSS untuk mendekatkan diri
mereka dengan bahasa dan budaya
warisan datuk nenek moyang kita.
4
Shining like Stars, Celebrating as a Family: Student Achievements
Staff Accolades
2011 SYF Central Judging
CVSS produces her second OYEA Winner
Choir – Silver
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
The Choir members’ hard work has enabled them to
clinch a Silver Award at 2011 Singapore Youth Festival
(SYF) Central Judging. Indeed, this would not be
possible without the support of our school leaders
and the dedication of all students, instructor and
teachers-in-charge. The experience has taught Choir
members the importance of resilience in their pursuit
for excellence.
Dance – Gold
Malay Language Debate
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
By Mdm Lila
Entitled ‘Reconciliation’, Compassvale
Secondary School dancers wowed the
judges and audience with their fine
choreography and sleek moves. For their
impressive show they were duly awarded
with a Gold Award.
Compassvale Secondary School participated
in the prestigious Inter-Secondary School
Malay Debate Competition organised by Berita
Harian for the first time. The team consisted
of 5 speakers: Zainurwarna Binte Zainuri, Siti
Syafiqah Binte Sukri, Albet Nego, Akiq Syazani
Shubi Din and Abdul Akif Bin Rosli. The team
made it to the quarter final round, and attracting
media interest, it was featured in Berita Harian.
The team, however, did not accumulate enough
points to proceed to the semi-finals, with only
Zainurwarna (Secondary 3I) moving on to the
next round for the individual category. Overall,
participating in this national debate has expanded
the debaters’ knowledge and horizon, boosting
their confidence in using their Mother Tongue,
the Malay Language.
Drama – Silver
By Mdm Aiyavoo
It is our best showing ever, and we are thrilled and
humbled at the same time. The dramalites worked very
hard with discipline and determination to showcase
an excellent performance. The journey in preparation
for the SYF was a memorable one for it had instilled
in the dramalites essential life skills and values. This
achievement would certainly serve as a benchmark for
future drama productions and competitions.
Northstar is thrilled
to announce that
Ms Edwina Cheng
has been conferred
the
prestigious
national
award,
2011 Outstanding
Youth in Education
Award (OYEA), for
being a shining
example of what
it means to be a
caring, committed and effective educator. Let’s give
Ms Cheng our heartiest congratulations!
The full write-up on 2011 OYEA Winners can be
found in Schoolbag.sg at http://www.schoolbag.
sg/archives/2011/08/teachers_who_make_a_
difference.php
Ms Cheng is the second OYEA Winner in the short
history of Compassvale Secondary School.
Professional Development
School-wide Good English Movement: ‘Good
English Starts With Me’
By Mrs Delia Yong
Page 2
Page 5
Page 6
Conversations
with our new VP,
Mr Cecil Ang
Proud recipients of
2011 NYAA Bronze
and Silver Awards
CVSS’ second
OYEA winner:
Ms Edwina Cheng
NORTHSTAR
S C A L I N G
As part of the overarching plans to help our
school community use Standard English, the EL
Department has initiated a gamut of GEM (Staff)
programmes. Each programme is carefully planned
EAS learning tele-communication
and customised to suit the profile and training needs
skills in English
of different groups of CVSS staff. Some of these
workshops include communication training for EAS, as well as writing and public
speaking workshops for English-medium instructors (EMI). With the support from the
rest of the IP departments, a GEM Team that comprises department representatives
(called department GEMs) has also been set up. Special mention goes to an in-house
video production, Mind Your Language at CVSS. Scripted by our department teachers,
and co-produced just-in-time by our AED (EL) for consecutive staff meetings in
Semester 2, it serves to remind and encourage our EMI to
communicate clearly and consistently in our lingua franca.
W I T H
T H E
M I N D S E T
N E W
O F
H E I G H T S
H I G H
E X P E C T A T I O N S
NEWSLETTER . Compassvale Secondary School . Semester 2 | 2011
BEAT
Good-bye Mrs Aslinah Shariff PULSE
of the
NORTHSTAR
Welcome Mr Cecil Ang
You may also catch Mind Your Language at CVSS Episode 1
and Episode 2 on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/
CVSSGoodEnglish
“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.”
CVSS Engages Stakeholders
Military Band – Silver
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan
Our band members gave of their utmost and put
on a great performance at the SYF Central Judging
Competitions. They did the school proud by winning
the Silver Award. It has been nothing short of a
rewarding, fruitful journey. We are thankful to our
Principal, VPs and colleagues for their support and
belief in us. Thank you!
CVSS Observes Earth Day
Parents’ Power on CVSS CaRes Day
CVSS Student Leaders who Serve and Care
Contestants from left: Vinesa Jayaselan (Secondary 1G, Second in Public Speaking), Jury Iskandar
(Secondary 2E, Second in Storytelling) and Nur Ellyana (Secondary 1G, First in Poetry Recital)
2011 N3 Cluster Inaugural Oratorical Competitions
On 26 May 2011, the school hosted and co-organised the inaugural cluster
oratorical competitions for both primary and secondary schools. It was such
an enriching event that left many reflecting and commenting that more of such
competitions should be organised. Our department sent in 3 participants in
different competition categories, and we are very proud to announce that each of
them did the school proud with their on-stage performance and results.
5
To all our students who have successfully –
and tenaciously – completed their Service
Learning Project in fulfilment of their NYAA
requirements, congratulations! This year, 194
Northstars were awarded the NYAA Bronze
Award, while another 23 clinched the NYAA
Silver Award. Fitzgerald Lee
(Secondary 4D), one of the
NYAA Silver Award recipients,
was selected to deliver the
Valedictorian Speech at the
ceremony. During an interview
with a Chinese news reporter
after the event, Fitzgerald
reflected on his own NYAA
journey, and mused that
learning endeavours should
not be confined to merely
academic pursuits. Being able
to making a difference in the
community, he shared, would
be far more meaningful. He
agreed that his involvement
in NYAA, specifically in the
area of Service Learning,
has moulded him to become
a
more
confident
and
compassionate youth.
Parents are very much part of our school community, and they play
an indispensable role in the education of the Northstars. On CVSS
CaRes Day, parent volunteers did their bit to ‘green’ the environment
by collecting recyclable items like newspapers from neighbouring
housing estates.
Parents posing for a group shot with our principal, Mdm Ong, on CVSS CaRes Day
2011 Environment Champion Workshop
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong of 3H
Our school hosted the Environment Champion (EC) Workshop
on 13 and 14 March for all the secondary schools in Singapore.
The workshops received overwhelming responses, with close to
a hundred participants turning up for this event. The workshop
consisted of two modules. The first was primarily on training the
participants’ oral presentation skills, while the second focused on
teaching the participants simple but effective strategies to curb
littering and ways to infuse creative arts into anti-littering messages
and handicraft.
By Marcus Tan (3H)
Do you know that, as part of our school’s efforts to promote
an eco-friendly learning environment, CVSS has zealously
observed this phenomenal global event for the past few years?
This year, our school has once again captivated the attention
and imagination of many students with the introduction of a
poster design competition. The top 3 entries were selected and
exhibited in the canteen for all to see.
Northstar congratulates Mrs Shariff
on her promotion to be the Principal,
Chaoyang School. Though her departure
came sudden and swift, and we are sad
to say farewell to a School Leader who
is steadfast, nurturing and special to us
in so many ways, we are sure she will
continue to be an inspiration to many
more in her new appointment.
Compassvale Secondary School wishes
you all the very best, Mrs Shariff!
Sports Engagement Programme for Primary Schools
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan of 3H
28 May 2011 was the launch of our inaugural Sports Engagement
Programme for Primary Schools. The main aim of the Sports
Engagement Programme was to raise the awareness of CVSS’ sports
and CCA programmes and achievements among primary school
pupils in Seng Kang-Punggol. Through the friendly competitions
and sports clinics organised by the school, the primary school
participants made new friends and had a morning of sweaty fun!
This event was also featured in Schoolbag.sg. Find out more at http://
www.schoolbag.sg/archives/2011/06/engaging_primary_school_
pupils.php
COMPASSVALE
COMPASSVALE SECONDARY
SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL
ADD 51 Compassvale Crescent, Singapore 545083
TEL 6881 5047 FAX 6881 5998 WEB www.compassvalesec.moe.edu.sg
6
Madam Ong presenting an appreciation plaque to Mrs Shariff in
recognition of her dedicated service and contributions to the school
a touche design production @ 6659 1876
From left: Mrs Tung, Mrs Shariff, Mdm Ong, Mr Lee (SAC Chairman),
Dr Ho (SAC Member) and Mr Phang on 2011 Awards Day
Shining like Stars, Celebrating as a Family: Students’ Achievements
Staff Accolades
2011 SYF Central Judging
CVSS produces her second OYEA Winner
Choir – Silver
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
The Choir members’ hard work has enabled them to
clinch a Silver Award at 2011 Singapore Youth Festival
(SYF) Central Judging. Indeed, this would not be
possible without the support of our school leaders
and the dedication of all students, instructor and
teachers-in-charge. The experience has taught Choir
members the importance of resilience in their pursuit
for excellence.
Dance – Gold
Malay Language Debate
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong
By Mdm Lila
Entitled ‘Reconciliation’, Compassvale
Secondary School dancers wowed the
judges and audience with their fine
choreography and sleek moves. For their
impressive show they were duly awarded
with a Gold Award.
Compassvale Secondary School participated
in the prestigious Inter-Secondary School
Malay Debate Competition organised by Berita
Harian for the first time. The team consisted
of 5 speakers: Zainurwarna Binte Zainuri, Siti
Syafiqah Binte Sukri, Albet Nego, Akiq Syazani
Shubi Din and Abdul Akif Bin Rosli. The team
made it to the quarter final round, and attracting
media interest, it was featured in Berita Harian.
The team, however, did not accumulate enough
points to proceed to the semi-finals, with only
Zainurwarna (Secondary 3I) moving on to the
next round for the individual category. Overall,
participating in this national debate has expanded
the debaters’ knowledge and horizon, boosting
their confidence in using their Mother Tongue,
the Malay Language.
Drama – Silver
By Mdm Aiyavoo
It is our best showing ever, and we are thrilled and
humbled at the same time. The dramalites worked very
hard with discipline and determination to showcase
an excellent performance. The journey in preparation
for the SYF was a memorable one for it had instilled
in the dramalites essential life skills and values. This
achievement would certainly serve as a benchmark for
future drama productions and competitions.
Northstar is thrilled
to announce that
Ms Edwina Cheng
has been conferred
the
prestigious
national
award,
2011 Outstanding
Youth in Education
Award (OYEA), for
being a shining
example of what
it means to be a
caring, committed and effective educator. Let’s give
Ms Cheng our heartiest congratulations!
The full write-up on 2011 OYEA Winners can be
found in Schoolbag.sg at http://www.schoolbag.
sg/archives/2011/08/teachers_who_make_a_
difference.php
Ms Cheng is the second OYEA Winner in the short
history of Compassvale Secondary School.
Professional Development
School-wide Good English Movement: ‘Good
English Starts With Me’
By Mrs Delia Yong
Page 2
Page 5
Page 6
Conversations
with our new VP,
Mr Cecil Ang
Proud recipients of
2011 NYAA Bronze
and Silver Awards
CVSS’ second
OYEA winner:
Ms Edwina Cheng
NORTHSTAR
S C A L I N G
As part of the overarching plans to help our
school community use Standard English, the EL
Department has initiated a gamut of GEM (Staff)
programmes. Each programme is carefully planned
EAS learning tele-communication
and customised to suit the profile and training needs
skills in English
of different groups of CVSS staff. Some of these
workshops include communication training for EAS, as well as writing and public
speaking workshops for English-medium instructors (EMI). With the support from the
rest of the IP departments, a GEM Team that comprises department representatives
(called department GEMs) has also been set up. Special mention goes to an in-house
video production, Mind Your Language at CVSS. Scripted by our department teachers,
and co-produced just-in-time by our AED (EL) for consecutive staff meetings in
Semester 2, it serves to remind and encourage our EMI to
communicate clearly and consistently in our lingua franca.
W I T H
T H E
M I N D S E T
N E W
O F
H E I G H T S
H I G H
E X P E C T A T I O N S
NEWSLETTER . Compassvale Secondary School . Semester 2 | 2011
BEAT
Good-bye Mrs Aslinah Shariff PULSE
of the
NORTHSTAR
Welcome Mr Cecil Ang
You may also catch Mind Your Language at CVSS Episode 1
and Episode 2 on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/
CVSSGoodEnglish
“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.”
CVSS Engages Stakeholders
Military Band – Silver
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan
Our band members gave of their utmost and put
on a great performance at the SYF Central Judging
Competitions. They did the school proud by winning
the Silver Award. It has been nothing short of a
rewarding, fruitful journey. We are thankful to our
Principal, VPs and colleagues for their support and
belief in us. Thank you!
CVSS Observes Earth Day
Parents’ Power on CVSS CaRes Day
CVSS Student Leaders who Serve and Care
Contestants from left: Vinesa Jayaselan (Secondary 1G, Second in Public Speaking), Jury Iskandar
(Secondary 2E, Second in Storytelling) and Nur Ellyana (Secondary 1G, First in Poetry Recital).
2011 N3 Cluster Inaugural Oratorical Competitions
On 26 May 2011, the school hosted and co-organised the inaugural cluster
oratorical competitions for both primary and secondary schools. It was such
an enriching event that left many reflecting and commenting that more of such
competitions should be organised. Our department sent in 3 participants in
different competition categories, and we are very proud to announce that each of
them did the school proud with their on-stage performance and results.
5
To all our students who have successfully –
and tenaciously – completed their Service
Learning Project in fulfilment of their NYAA
requirements, congratulations! This year, 194
Northstars were awarded the NYAA Bronze
Award, while another 23 clinched the NYAA
Silver Award. Fitzgerald Lee
(Secondary 4D), one of the
NYAA Silver Award recipients,
was selected to deliver the
Valedictorian Speech at the
ceremony. During an interview
with a Chinese news reporter
after the event, Fitzgerald
reflected on his own NYAA
journey, and mused that
learning endeavours should
not be confined to merely
academic pursuits. Being able
to making a difference in the
community, he shared, would
be far more meaningful. He
agreed that his involvement
in NYAA, specifically in the
area of Service Learning,
has moulded him to become
a
more
confident
and
compassionate youth.
Parents are very much part of our school community, and they play
an indispensable role in the education of the Northstars. On CVSS
CaRes Day, parent volunteers did their bit to ‘green’ the environment
by collecting recyclable items like newspapers from neighbouring
housing estates.
Parents posing for a group shot with our principal, Mdm Ong, on CVSS CaRes Day
2011 Environment Champion Workshop
By Selwyn Seah and Wilbur Yong of 3H
Our school hosted the Environment Champion (EC) Workshop
on 13 and 14 March for all the secondary schools in Singapore.
The workshops received overwhelming responses, with close to
a hundred participants turning up for this event. The workshop
consisted of two modules. The first was primarily on training the
participants’ oral presentation skills, while the second focused on
teaching the participants simple but effective strategies to curb
littering and ways to infuse creative arts into anti-littering messages
and handicraft.
By Marcus Tan (3H)
Do you know that, as part of our school’s efforts to promote
an eco-friendly learning environment, CVSS has zealously
observed this phenomenal global event for the past few years?
This year, our school has once again captivated the attention
and imagination of many students with the introduction of a
poster design competition. The top 3 entries were selected and
exhibited in the canteen for all to see.
Northstar congratulates Mrs Shariff
on her promotion to be the Principal,
Chaoyang School. Though her departure
came sudden and swift, and we are sad
to say farewell to a School Leader who
is steadfast, nurturing and special to us
in so many ways, we are sure she will
continue to be an inspiration to many
more in her new appointment.
Compassvale Secondary School wishes
you all the very best, Mrs Shariff!
Sports Engagement Programme for Primary Schools
By Nur Amira Bte Roslan of 3H
28 May 2011 was the launch of our inaugural Sports Engagement
Programme for Primary Schools. The main aim of the Sports
Engagement Programme was to raise the awareness of CVSS’ sports
and CCA programmes and achievements among primary school
pupils in Seng Kang-Punggol. Through the friendly competitions
and sports clinics organised by the school, the primary school
participants made new friends and had a morning of sweaty fun!
This event was also featured in Schoolbag.sg. Find out more at http://
www.schoolbag.sg/archives/2011/06/engaging_primary_school_
pupils.php
COMPASSVALE
COMPASSVALE SECONDARY
SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL
ADD 51 Compassvale Crescent, Singapore 545083
TEL 6881 5047 FAX 6881 5998 WEB www.compassvalesec.moe.edu.sg
6
Madam Ong presenting an appreciation plaque to Mrs Shariff in
recognition of her dedicated service and contributions to the school
a touche design production @ 6659 1876
From left: Mrs Tung, Mrs Shariff, Mdm Ong, Mr Lee (SAC Chairman),
Dr Ho (SAC Member) and Mr Phang on 2011 Awards Day