A Publication of Fuchun Primary School

Newsletter 2012 Issue 1 May

Principal’s ForewordIt is an honour and a joy for me to be posted

to Fuchun Primary School. Under the capable leadership of the past Principals, the school is

recognized for providing our pupils with a holistic education delivered by a group of staff who is caring and nurturing. Since joining the school, I am inspired by the dedication of both our teaching and non-teaching staff working together in making the school a happy, vibrant place for our Fuchunians to study and grow. I am also heartened by the support given by the School Advisory Board as well as our parents in working collaboratively with the school.

We hope that you would take the time to read this first newsletter of 2012. It captures the enriching experiences of our staff and Fuchunians in the last few

months. It is also a celebration of our pupils’ achievements at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Central Judging as well as the various competitions. We are proud of our Fuchunians’ display of efforts, teamwork as well as sportsmanship at these various platforms.

As a school, we are committed to providing our pupils with an all-rounded education. Through learning in the classroom as well as a range of school programmes and activities, we strive towards providing a nurturing culture where our pupils enjoy learning and discover their unique talents. At the same time, we are also committed to ensuring that we develop good character in our pupils by instilling in them the Fuchun Values of Care, Integrity, Responsibility, Respect and Perseverance. This year, the school has instituted the Fuchun Values Award recognising individual pupils who are exemplary in demonstrating the school values. This award serves to encourage our Fuchunians to live out the values and make a positive influence on others.

We are proud to announce that our school will be presenting our biennial Fuchun Arts Nite, a showcase of the pupils’ accolades in the Performing Arts and the Visual Arts on 1 June at The Singapore Airlines Theatre, LaSalle College of the Arts. We look forward to your presence at the musical as we celebrate the many talents of our Fuchunians!

Mrs Yap Dai Jee Principal

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.Epictetus

Our VisionA nurturing school that inspires a passion for life-long learning.2

Connecting with Your Child Through PlayAs part of the school’s effort in engaging the parents in their children’s education and helping them in their emotional development, two workshops were organised on 23 March 2012 and 30 March 2012 respectively for parents of P2 to P6 pupils. The workshops were conducted in both English and Mandarin. The topic was “Connecting with Your Child Through Play”. The speaker, Mrs Jasmine Seah, is a social worker from Student Care Service (Yishun) and she is also a professional trained play therapist. During the sessions, she shared useful tips with parents on the role of play in the child’s development and also as a means of bonding with the children. There was a lively exchange of ideas between the speaker and some parents who shared their experiences with other parents. It was a fruitful session and many parents went away with useful take-aways.

Mr Wong Weng Choy HOD, Pupil Management

The Parenting Talk

The different toys displayed for parents’ viewing

Raise A Reader WorkshopIn collaboration with National Library Board Woodlands, our school organised the Raise A Reader workshop for parents of P1 to P3 pupils on 13 April 2012. A total of 33 parents signed up for the workshop to learn ways to cultivate and foster the love for reading in their children in this interactive workshop.

Mr Hussain Bachek and Mr Johan A Rahman, Senior Librarians from NLB shared with parents ways to nurture the young readers and how to introduce children to the world of rhymes. Parents were engaged in activities such as origami and crafts to enhance their story telling. They also shared with parents how to select age-appropriate books for their children based on their reading abilities.

It was indeed a fruitful session for the parents. We certainly hope that our pupils’ learning journey can be all the more enriched and enhanced with the school-home support partnership!

Mdm Doreen TanMRL Coordinator

Parents were engaged in the art of origami.

Each parent received a beautiful folder with useful resources from NLB.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Theodore Roosevelt

Our MissionTo develop a learning and caring community of creative and innovative students,

competent teachers and supportive stakeholders, through collaboration. 3

“How am I supposed to coach my child at home when there aren’t any English textbooks?” is a common refrain from parents whose children are in the lower primary. With that in mind, the English Department conducted a briefing and Reading Tips for Parents on 17 February 2012 to allay the anxiety and help the parents understand how English is taught using the STELLAR approach.

Mdm Fitri Isnawati, the Level Head for English Language, and Mrs Tan Yit Mei, the school’s STELLAR mentors shared with the parents on how English lessons are conducted as well as explained to them how the children will benefit from such an approach in the acquisition of the English Language.

STELLAR aims to strengthen both language and reading skills as well as promote a positive attitude towards reading in the foundational years. This is achieved through the use of well-established, learner-centred and developmentally appropriate pedagogical approaches using authentic children’s literature. The lessons conducted are designed to help pupils acquire English Language skills through activities in listening, speaking, reading, writing and visual literacy. There were even videos shown of the different types of lessons taught

STELLAR Briefing & Reading Tips For Primary 1 Parents

using the different approaches in programme such as the Shared Book Approach (SBA), the Modifified Language Experience Approach (MLEA) and the use of Learning Centres (LC).

Mdm Fitri also shared valuable tips on how parents can support and further reinforce what is taught in school by fostering a love for reading.

Parents were invited to visit a STELLAR classroom at the end of the briefing. They also browsed through some resources displayed at the different stations. Through the feedback forms, the participants indicated that they found the session informative and beneficial. The English Department looks forward to more of such platforms to work hand in hand with parents, our partners in education.

Ms Denise WongEnglish Department

Oh! So this is what my child is learning in class! How interesting!

A group of seven pupils from Primary 4 under the guidance of Mrs Tan Yit Mei, Mr See Yeow Chi and Ms Denise Wong participated in the competition on 12 April 2012. The OM Competition is an international, educational friendly competition which aims to promote creativity and team-created solutions. It comprises a culminating Long-term Problem (LTP) performance and a Spontaneous competition.

The pupils wrote their own script and enacted their interpretation of the Long Term question “Odyssey Angels”. They put up such an entertaining performance that the audience roared with laughter. The young team did us proud by emerging 3rd place in their division (below 13 years old). Well done, team! We would also like to say a big THANK YOU to the parents who came out in full force to support the children that day!

Mrs Fiona TanHOD, English Language Department

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND COMPETITION (OM) SINGAPORE FINALS

I am lion, hear me roar! Grrrr!

Well done! 3rd place!

The annual P5 Outdoor Adventure Camp was held from 7 March to 9 March this year. A total of 306 pupils participated in the 3D2N camp at the MOE Jalan Bahtera Campsite.

The theme for this year’s camp was “Building Self, Leading Others”. Activities such as the high and low elements and mass team bonding games aimed at building confidence and character in our pupils.

The campfire was the highlight on the final night. Each group of pupils came up with a performance. With the little time they had to prepare, they showcased their talents brilliantly.

For the three days, it was certainly not just a time of fun, the pupils learnt the importance of caring for one another and the meaning of teamwork.

It was indeed a memorable experience for all the campers!

Mdm Candice LeeP5 Camp Commandant 2012Student Leadership

Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation.Jack Nicklaus

Core Values: CareA person who is caring acts with kindness and compassion.

He contributes to the betterment of the community and the whole.

P5 Outdoor Adventure Camp

Clearing High Element built their courage, determination and

perseverance

Let’s do it together!

Mass Activity – Dry Rafting

4

When you play, play hard; when you work, don’t play at all.Theodore Roosevelt

Core Values: IntegrityA person of integrity upholds ethical principles and has

the moral courage to stand up for what is right. 5

Fuchun Play Day Our school kicked off the year in high spirits as we celebrated the 6th Fuchun Play Day on 3 February 2012. The P4, 5 & 6 pupils showed high enthusiasm as they competed amongst themselves in their individual levels to clench the top positions for their classes. The aims of this event were to show camaraderie among players and uphold a good sense of fair play. The school was pleased to have the Vice-Chairman of our School Advisory Committee, Mr Lee Kek Ming, to grace the event.

The P4 pupils showed off their ball-passing and goal-shooting skills in the exciting game of Captain’s Ball. At the Parade square, the P5 pupils were embroiled in the fast-paced game of Floorball. Things heated up at the field as the P6 pupils jumped and swerved towards victory in their Frisbee game.

For the pupils who were looking for more relaxed activities, exciting telematches and orienteering games that challenged their creativity were organised. And what would Play Day be without the Milo Van? Smiling faces were seen as the pupils lined up to get their share of the refreshing Milo drinks to give them that extra boost!

The pupils loved the time they spent bonding with their classmates. They were also pleased with the souvenirs of travel games. The day ended on a high note as claps and cheers pierced through the hall as the winning teams were announced.

Champion Class for P6 – Pri 6EChampion Class for P5 – Pri 5AChampion Class for P4 – Pri 4B

Mdm Samemmah Nacha Haji SulaimanAssistant Overall in-charge PE/HE Department

Frisbee players pulling out all the stops and giving their best shot!

Mr Lee Kek Ming giving out the challenge trophy to the P6 Champion Class 2012 – 6E.

Players from the Floorball team, keeping their eyes on the goal.

Pupils putting on their thinking hats and strategising to find the answers to the clue, in the game of Orienteering.

It does not matter how slowly you go up, so long as you don’t stop.Confucius

Core Values: RespectA person demonstrates respect when he believes in

his own self-worth and the intrinsic worth of all people.6

Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging 2012

Ch

inese DanceGoLD

WiTH HoNourS

AWArD

Strin

g EnsembleGoLD WiTH

HoNourS AWArD

Brass Band

GoLD WiTH

HoNourS AWArD

The best dreams happen when you are awake.Cherie Gilderbloom

Core Values: ResponsibilityA person who is responsible recognises that he has a duty to himself, his family,

community, nation and the world. He fulfils his responsibilities with love and commitment. 7

Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging 2012

Ch

inese Dance

Brass Band

GoLD WiTH

HoNourS AWArD

SiLver AWArD

Malay Dance

SiLver AWArD

Gui

tar Ensemble

SiLver AWArD

Choir

BroNZe AWArD

In

dian Dance

Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.Mark Twain

Core Values: PerseveranceA person who displays perseverance in the face of challenges has emotional strength.

He manifests courage, optimism, adaptability and resourcefulness.8

Four P5 pupils from our school’s Information Communications Technology (ICT) Club were affirmed for their creative abilities in video production after clinching a Gold Award in the Schools Digital Media Awards Competition held at the end of last year.

Organised by the Educational Technology Division, Ministry of Education, and the School of Film and Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, the national competition attracted a total of 470 student entries.

Under the thoughtful guidance of their teacher facilitators, Ms Ha Siao Teng and Mdm Rasilah, the pupils worked together to develop the script and storyboard for their video. They also learnt various skills such as props creation, filming, and even acted in their own video to produce their winning entry titled “Do The Right Thing!” that promoted the messages of caring for the environment and emphasised on the importance of recycling.

Participating in this competition had been a truly rewarding experience for our pupils as they learnt the values of teamwork and collaboration and gained greater confidence and moral courage to speak up on important issues such as Earth Conservation. This will be the start of many more opportunities for our pupils to grow in their abilities to harness technology creatively and responsibly.

To view the pupils’ video entry, simply visit the SDMA website at http://sdma.edumall.sg.

Mr Joshua LengTeam Advisor for SDMA 2012 LH/ ICT Department

Schools Digital Media Awards Competition (SDMA)

It’s all smiles for the camera as Mrs Yap Dai Jee, our Principal, celebrates together with the pupils on their achievement!

P2 Sports Enrichment Program – Inline SkatingAs the saying goes, “The best way to learn is to do”, and that was exactly what a group of 87 P2 pupils did when they signed up for the Sport Enrichment Program (SEP) during the March holidays. The objectives of the SEP were to develop pupils’ interest in a new sport and provide opportunities for pupils to be physically involved in a sport. The two-day course was designed to equip the pupils with the basics of inline skating and develop the pupils’ confidence while skating in public places individually or as a group.

On the first day, the pupils were taught about the safety gears and how to wear them correctly. They also learnt the proper techniques for falling and that was essential to minimise any injuries during skating. The pupils’ faces were breaming with excitement as they donned the safety gears and skates. Our fearless P2 warriors were ready to learn how to stand up, balance and walk slowly with the inline skates. Beads of perspiration were visible as some of the pupils kept falling but it was extremely encouraging that not even one pupil gave up. The school’s value of perseverance was deeply ingrained in our pupils’ minds.

By the end of the second day, all our pupils were able to walk with the inline skates and most of them even managed to skate confidently around the training areas. We are very proud of all the participants.

Mr oh Poh HuatPE/HE Department

All ready to go

Donning the safety gears

Pupils from left: Kenny Goh, Bryan Loo, Chan Chun Jie and Oh Hui Min and their teacher facilitators, Mdm Rasilah & Ms Ha Siao Teng receiving the Gold Award at the Schools Digital Media Awards (SDMA) 2012 presentation ceremony held at MOE.

Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.Wintson Churchill

Core Values: CareA person who is caring acts with kindness and compassion.

He contributes to the betterment of the community and the whole.9

In our effort to equip our pupils with essential knowledge and skills in leadership through experiential learning and pragmatic education, 30 P6 CCA leaders and prefects embarked on a 4D3N Outstanding Leadership Training in Hanoi, Vietnam. This overseas training not only aimed to inculcate determination and teamwork in every student leader, it also encouraged the leaders to step out of their comfort zone and strengthen their outdoor skills.

Prior to the trip, our student leaders went through physical training which included a hike at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and team-building activities to get to know one another better. Bearing in mind the vision of our Fuchun’s student leaders - “To lead, care and contribute”, our dedicated team of teachers also led them into a series of brainstorming, sharing and preparation sessions to ensure that they take ownership in planning for a meaningful cultural exchange programme for the children in Ta Van Primary School in Hanoi.

During the school visit, we were warmly welcomed by the locals with a traditional mass dance and were invited to participate in their famous ‘bamboo pole dance’. Our pupils also got to teach the local children, in simple Vietnamese language, how to create skipping ropes with rubber bands before a skipping competition took place. Finally, the memorable session ended with a heart-warming gift presentation session where our pupils presented souvenirs, candies and stationery which they brought from Singapore to their new friends in Vietnam.

While practising good team work and a spirit of resilience during the trekking towards Sapa’s hill tribe villages, our pupils also had the opportunity to interact with families who live there. It was an eye-opener for them as they observed the difference in culture and traditions; how the locals gathered firewood, fed their animals and did their farming at a young age. This exposure was certainly enriching for our pupils.

At the end of each day, pupils were expected to reflect on their learning based on the five Social Emotional Learning Competencies - Self Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management, Relationship Management and Responsible Decision Making. They also fortified their relationship and collective thinking during one exciting session of ‘Leaders Life Teambuilding Activities’ programme.

Throughout this trip, the teachers witnessed how our student leaders applied their essential knowledge and skills in leadership and how they discovered the leadership qualities and potential in themselves. This reminds me of a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Indeed, from the reflections of our student leaders, they have shown how this training helped them to accept challenges and stretch beyond their self-imposed limits.

Ms Mandy TanTeacher-in-chargeOutstanding Leadership TrainingStudent Leadership

P6 Overseas Outstanding Leadership Training in Hanoi, Vietnam

Bamboo pole dancing with my new friend!

Indeed, caring is sharing.

Whoopee!! We love our self-made ‘rubbery’ skipping rope!

Cultural exchange programme with the pupils in Ta Van Primary School!

A cold night in the train to Sapa!

All smiles and determined to complete our trekking with the team!

My goodness… How long more do we have to sit on one another’s laps?

Our teachers says ‘Xin chao’ to the locals in Hanoi! (‘Hi’ in Vietnamese language)

Our Badminton Junior Boys Team clinched the 3rd place at the North Zone Inter-school Badminton Tournament 2012. With great determination and perseverance, the team moved on to the next round and was one of the Top 8 schools at the National Competition. Well done, boys!

Mr Muhammad Faris Bydawi PE/HE Department

SMOPS is an annual national Mathematics competition organised for the P6 pupils in Singapore. The aim of the competition is to generate greater interest in Mathematics among pupils in primary schools. It is an excellent opportunity for them to identify and explore their talent in Mathematics. It also provides them the platform to spar with their peers and sharpen their problem-solving skills. We are proud to announce that four of our pupils have brought glory to the school. Fong Huan Ting was invited to participate in the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools (APMOPS).

Ms Belinda HengUpper Primary Mathematics CoordinatorMathematics Department

In conjunction with the Tamil Language Festival 2012, National Library Board together with Ivann Productions, an Independent Theatre House committed to the development of the Arts organised the Kalakkal Drama Festival for Primary and Secondary pupils. This festival which has been successively held for the past three years, has attracted participants from many Primary and Secondary schools all over Singapore. Eight of our P5 and 6 Tamil Language pupils represented the school in the festival, putting their acting skills to the test and were rewarded when we walked away with the consolation prize as well as the award for the best-supporting actress to J. Gowri of P5H. For the first attempt in this drama festival, our Fuchunians have indeed done us proud through their achievements.

Mdm Parameshwari S. KunjuMother Tongue Language Department

our Accolades:Name of Pupil AwardFong Huan Ting GoldWang Shuning Silver

Bjorn Lee Yu Xuan BronzeYeo Shi Wei Bronze

Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools (SMOPS)

Kalakkal Drama Festival

Mr Krishnan Nair, Ms Kek Chiew Ching, Mrs Yap Dai Jee, Mdm Szeto Wingyi and our Junior Boys Team.

Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.Christopher Reeve

Core Values: Integrity A person of integrity upholds ethical principles and has

the moral courage to stand up for what is right.

Badminton Competition

Yeo Shi Wei, Wang Shuning, Fong Huan Ting and Bjourn Lee

Our pupils with their prizes

10

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?Vincent Van Gogh

Core Values: RespectA person demonstrates respect when he believes in

his own self-worth and the intrinsic worth of all people.11

MOE ExCEL Fest is an annual event by the Ministry of Education that celebrates innovative practices in schools and allows parents and members of the public to find out more about the latest developments in Singapore’s education landscape. The theme for 2012 ExCEL Fest “Nurturing the Whole Child, Opportunities for All” turns the spotlight on the initiatives in holistic education for our children to prepare them to meet the challenges of the future. We are proud to announce that during the ExCEL Fest, a group of our Chinese Language teachers was selected by the ExCEL Fest 2012 Steering Committee to present their innovative ideas on Chinese Language Composition Package (CLCP) to the public. The package came about through the network of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within our school. PLC offers a platform for our teachers to come together regularly to share and learn from one other, fostering a culture of commitment to improving the instructional practice and improved student learning outcomes. The sharing by our teachers was well received by the participants and many had questions for the team to find out more about the package.

Mrs Dolly ChanSH, School Staff Developer

Staff Updates

MOE ExCEL FestMrs Wong Shok Chin, HOD, Mother Tongue Language Department, presenting the Chinese Language Composition Package (CLCP) at the MOE ExCEL Fest.

Welcome to our FCPS Family!education officers1) Ms Azlin Arziana Bte Anwar2) Mdm Jeann Oh Chui Yian3) Mdm Mohaya Monamed4) Ms Nazeera Sulaimi5) Ms Siti Nur Ain Bte Mohammad6) Ms Toh Sock Ruan7) Mr Wong Wei Xiang Darren

eAS 1) Mr Mohammad Khatib Bin Yus2) Mdm Ruzita Bte Saliman

Farewell and Best Wishes!1) Mr Deng Liqiang2) Mdm Joyce Ye Mei Tien3) Mrs Tan Mee Lin4) Mrs Wong Yook Ying5) Mr Wong Kar Sen6) Mr Zahrul Bin Zaiden

Congratulations to our Newlyweds1) Mdm Kok Jing Er2) Mr Kumaran Palani3) Mdm Rasilah Rahmat4) Mdm Sng Yi Hui

Congratulations to our Staff who have been promoted in 2012Mdm Asmidah Bte Mohd JailaniMs Farhana binte Hassan (AED LBS)Mdm Gunasundari d/o ManianMdm Hajjah Marzia Bte Abd RahmanMs Ha Siao TengMdm Hoo Bee TengMdm Hun Shiew YoungMdm Leow Weizhen Mr Lo Chien-ChiMs Ng Yim Hing Ms Norhaihan Bte SariffMdm Nur Azah Binte RoslanMdm Oh Mee Choo JennyMs Phua Soo ChinMdm Rohani Binte Talib Mdm Sng Yi HuiMs Teo Su Zhen PorciaMs Zhuang Huifen

It was a proud moment for all on 11 November 2011 as 450 P6 pupils received their Leaving School Certificate, marking the end of their Primary School education. This special ceremony began with an inspiring commencement speech given by Mrs Koh Ai Lay, ex-principal of Fuchun Primary School. She reminisced the six years she had spent together with the graduating batch and ended her speech by reminding the pupils to always give their best to themselves. The audience was then treated to a night filled with upbeat music and entertaining performances put up by the talented pupils and teachers. The effort they put into perfecting their performance during the rehearsals paid off as each group of performers received rounds of applause from their teachers and peers. As the night drew to an end, the camaraderie among the pupils was apparent as they congratulated each other and left the hall with the promise to stay in touch in the future.

Mdm Lee Wen YenChairperson, Graduation Night Committee 2011

12

Our very own Fuchun band!

In reminiscence… GRADUATION NIGHT 2011

The proud graduates with Mrs Koh Ai Lay

Teachers and pupils dancing together

Taking a bow after an amazing performance

editorial TeamAdvisor: Mr Long Tien Ho VP (Admin)Editors: Mrs Korine Kong SH/Pastoral Care Mrs Sujatha Prakas LH/TL & CME