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In This Issue:Principals Message

Interview With Mdm Chua Eng Eng

Long Service Awards

Mr Steven Wongs Farewell

Bundles of Joy

The P1 Journey Begins

P6 Star Camp

Reflections of P6 pupils

Chinese New Year Celebrations

CNY Community Involvement Programme

NYPS PLC Achievements

NYPS Innovation

Korean Educators @ NYPS

APEC-TSUKUBA Conference VII

Total Defence Day

Reflections on The Nanyang Experience

Cambodia Service Programme

My Familys Participation In A CIP

India Immersion Programme

Shanghai Immersion Programme

Taiwan Immersion Programme

Activity time

Editors Note:Soaring above challenges. Reaching new heights.

Overcoming all obstacles. Let this issue inspire you!

www.nyps.moe.edu.sg May 2013

2Principals Message2013 has arrived with its trove of new

experiences and brings with it, the

eager anticipation of exciting things

that are to come.

It is a new experience to operate from

two campuses. In order for the school

re-building programme to take place

at our Kings Road Campus (KRC), we

chose to house our Primary 1 and 2

pupils at Toh Tuck Campus (TTC). It is

a season for us to return to simplicity.

The second campus offers our young

ones the simple joy of being close to

nature; having an expanse of space

and unobstructed wind flow and being

amidst flora and fauna. It is truly a

place of tranquility. The challenge

we face with such an operation is in

strengthening relationships across

the physical divide between the two

campuses. People need to come

together in order to have meaningful

interaction, and thus, a lot of effort has

been put in place to build bridges and

to gather the school staff and pupil

population together for major events

as a big Nanyang family.

The completion of our new wing at

Kings Road Campus is projected to

take place in two years. The whole

process will understandably bring along

inconvenience, and together with it, a

fair amount of dust and noise. We will

certainly find ways to minimize any form

of disruption and make the school as

inviting as possible during this period.

Sacrifices must be made in anticipation

of a school with full facilities that will

benefit many more generations of

pupils who will walk through the school

gates. I am confident, that for such a

time as this, all the more, all Nanyang

pupils and staff will rise to the occasion

and show our mettle.

Nevertheless, we have our school vision

and mission close to our hearts. The

school has always placed its emphasis

3on the pupils character development.

Over the years, cohorts of Nanyang

pupils have most impressively

memorized the verses of di zi gui.

Now, we want to help them move

beyond recitation to understanding its

application in their day-to-day living.

At the start of the year, I shared these

verses with the school:

Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.

Watch your words, for they become your actions.

Watch your action, for they become your habits.

Watch your habits, for they become your character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

I also shared the importance of the Five

Hearts that I would like the Nanyang

pupils to develop; a respectful heart,

a humble heart, a big heart, a caring

heart and an appreciative heart.

At Nanyang, we do not prepare the

pupils merely for the six years with us.

We want values inculcated in them that

will put them on the road to be useful

citizens and to eventually lead their

own happy and fulfilling family lives.

How quickly time flies!

4

:

5What are the current goals /

objectives of the alumni?

NSAAs purpose is to serve as a link

between Nanyang Alumni and the NY

schools. Over the past 30 years, the

Alumni Association has also influenced

and supported the educational and

cultural life of Nanyang and tried our

best to preserve the tradition and spirit

of Nanyang.

The above objectives of NSAA will

be continued.

Where does NSAA go from here?

Our school will not be the school it is

today without the dedicated Board

members, principals and teachers who

have helped to build up the school over

the past 96 years.

The success of Nanyang does not

depend only on our excellent academic

performance, which is very important

to us, but what differentiates us is

Interview With Mdm Chua Eng EngThe newly elected president Of Nanyang Schools Alumni Association (NSAA)

Mdm. Chua Eng Eng, President of NSAA

6and future, will continue to uphold the

Nanyang Spirit deep in their hearts.

I hope NSAA can play a part to keep

our spirit and traditions alive.

As President of the Alumni, my job is to

help maintain the good traditions that

have been built up. I want to inspire

capable people to help steer the

direction of the Alumni during my term

and to nurture a good team to take

over after my tenure.

How has the alumni grown over the years?

I have just started my term 1 year

ago. While there has been growth, I

think the growth of alumni is not to be

measured by the numbers of members

but by the active support it can give to

the 3 schools.

Last August, with the help and support

of our alumni, NSAA and the 3 schools

organized and celebrated NYs 95th

Anniversary with a musical over 4 nights

with more than 2000 tickets sold.

the tradition and spirit of the school.

The Alumni Association treasures the

tradition and spirit of Nanyang and

wishes that this should be preserved

and continued.

My hope for the NSAA is that we

continue the good work done by our

predecessors and involve more Alumni

members (whether young or old) in

activities and programmes which we

organize, to provide a platform for

them to bond and connect with their

alma mater.

What are the future challenges?

The main challenge is to attract more

of the younger alumni to join us and

return to serve their alma mater.

What would you like to be

remembered for during your tenure

as president of the alumni?

While the future might be very

different from our past, I certainly hope

that every NY student, past, present

7NSAA has initiated and organized the

CNY celebration with the 3 schools annually for the last 20 years.

It started with the participation of

about 50 teachers and alumni 20 years

ago to a gathering of more than 350

alumni, retired teachers, parents and

students in 2013.We will definitely

continue this tradition that gives a

chance for people connected with the

3 schools, to meet up with one another

and show respect to the teachers of the

school, whether retired or still teaching.

All the activities organized by NSAA would

not have been successful without the active

participation of our Alumni members.

The Alumni Association treasures the

tradition and spirit of Nanyang and wishes that

this should be preserved and

continued.

8Mdm. Yeo Saw Han (25 years)

Mdm. Cynthia Lim (20 years)

Mdm. Lim-Ho Lian Poh (20 years)

Mdm. Neo Hui Wan (20 years)

Mdm. Toh Tan Peng (20 years)

Ms. Soh Sheau Mai (15 years)

MOE Long Service Awardees

9Mr. Jonathan Goh (15 years)

Mdm. Eliane Teo (15 years)

Mrs. Sophia Christian Ang (15 years)

Ms. Mavis Tan (10 years)

Ms. Yasmeen Bte Mohamad (10 years)

Thank you for all your hard work!

Ms. Asfalinda Bte Asmawi (10 years)

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Mdm. Jung Gee Ting (10 years)

Ms. Peh Ying Chyn (10 years)

Mdm. Ong Sze May (10 years)

Mdm. Soh Bin Shin (10 years)

Mdm. Lau Pui San (10 years)

Mr. Brandon Ng (10 years)

(Mrs Eileen Ng on his behalf)

TEACHER

Mrs. Tam-Wong Ting Ting

Ms. Tan Lay Peng

Mr. Tan Ying Kiat

YEARS

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10

10

Those not present at the presentation:

11

Students and teachers of Nanyang

Primary gathered on the morning of

15 March at the basketball court to

bid farewell to our Vice-Principal, Mr.

Wong. Resounding applause echoed

throughout the school compound as

each and every one of the Nanyang

family expressed their heartfelt thanks

to Mr Wong for his two years of

dedication and love.

All of us will miss the familiar friendly

figure that patrolled the school

compound and the bright, cheery smile

Farewell, Mr Wong! We say goodbye to Mr Steven Wong, Vice Principal of NYPS.Written by Lim Zinn-E (6K)

that greeted us every morning. All of

us will miss this pillar of support and we

are extremely thankful and grateful for

all the hard work that Mr. Wong has put

in to take the school to greater heights.

No words can express our appreciation

to Mr. Wong for his willingness to go

above and beyond the call of duty

for the Nanyang family. All of us look

forward to seeing you again and

welcoming you back with open arms.

All the best in your future endeavours!

12

Head Prefect, Nathan Mar giving his appreciation speech to Mr. Wong for his contribution to the school on behalf of the student population.

Nathan presented the gifts that the Prefectorial Board has prepared to Mr. Wong.

Mr. Wong giving a speech to the school

Were sad to see you go.

Exco of the Prefectorial Board with Mr. Wong.

13

Bundles of Joy!

Mdm. Li Zi with her daughter, Elizabeth

Mr. Lim Chee Min with his wife and daughter, Elsa

Mr. Raymond Weng with his daughter, Charlotte

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P1 Journey Begins

On 29 December 2012, many

enthusiastic children and parents

visited the Toh Tuck campus to

familiarise themselves with the new

campus before school started. Many

thanks to our parents for their patience

and understanding. It was indeed an

exciting day for all!

Written by Rebecca Lim

Teachers hard at work, learning how to utilise the facilities in the classrooms

PV Appreciation Ceremony the children expressed their gratitude with handmade cards and notes

15

Excited children ready to start school!

The P1 children were mini-celebrities for the day. Snap! Snap!

We are big kids now!

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2013 P6 Star CampThe 2-day camp was held from 17 to 18

January 2013 and this camp is in its

seventh year. It was planned for all P6

pupils to achieve the following objectives:

Written by Mdm. Jean Lai

Set realistic personal goals, acquire

effective and practical homework

and study skills

Promote team spirit among

pupils and teachers

Instill discipline

Enhance Moral Education by

anchoring the R3ICH values

Enhance pupils Social

Emotional Learning

Enhance National Education (NE)

varied cultural experiences

Explore the Eco-garden in Science

Centre to learn about natural Science

On the first day of the camp, pupils

had a number of ice-breaker games

to help them mingle well with their

group mates. They were also involved

in coming up with a group name and

group cheer to promote team spirit

among group members.

Our school values Respect,

Responsibility, Resilience, Integrity,

Compassion and Harmony were also

carefully weaved into the programme so

that our pupils would learn these values

in an authentic setting.

Apart from the above, pupils had the

opportunity to visit the eco-garden at

the Singapore Science Centre to study

about Leaf Litter and Aquatic animals.

Pupils had first-hand experience

digging for worms, catching butterflies

and observing live specimens of

aquatic animals.

17

Learning patience, team work and compassion while having fun!

The boys learning how to tie a sarong

Im aiming for my goal!

18

With effective time management and good study techniques, you can achieve your dream score.

Cheering each other on! Om nom nom...Breaking the ice with games

18

19

Another aspect of the camp focused

on helping our pupils set realistic goals

for PSLE. They were taken through

an engaging session conducted by

professionals to set realistic academic

goals for the year. They also learnt

various study techniques and skills

along with effective time management.

As part of their cultural experience,

pupils went through a series of hands-

on activities in the Cultural Quest to

learn more about the Indian and Malay

cultures. Pupils learnt some simple

Bollywood and Silat moves. They

also acquired first-hand experience in

the tying of the sarong and the sari.

Besides the hands-on activities, pupils

were also introduced to Malay and

Indian cuisines during their meals.

The highlight of the camp was

the campfire. Pupils put up class

performances. The performances

included Bollywood dancing, singing,

Silat moves and modern dancing. The

energetic instructors also led the pupils

in a series of camp songs and cheers.

On the whole, the P6 STAR, though short,

was a fruitful one for pupils and teachers

as we concluded on a high note.

I will study smart and do

my best!

The highlight of the camp was the campfire.

20

Soundbites:Reflectionsof P6 pupils (2013)

It was a great camp! I enjoyed the trip to Science Centre the most! It bonded us, proud students of 6 Resilience together, as we went through the team-building activities. I am proud to be from 6 Resilience!

Cherie Anne Lee (6 Resilience)

It was a great camp, and I liked it. The thing I liked most was the multi-levelled Captains Ball. It was very fun. My class displayed teamwork when we worked together to try to win. We learnt to work together and we won! I look forward to other such activities in the future.James Wen (6 Responsibility)

21

The activities were fun and I enjoyed it. The food was delicious and I feel that I have learnt a lot from this camp. It has been a positive experience for me on the whole.Aidan Ong (6 Respect)

The P6 Camp was very fun! I found the team-building activities very important and interesting. I learnt to work together with my classmates and my friends to achieve a common goal. We had to co-operate to achieve our goal. This camp has indeed taught me much and I hope to participate in similar activities in the future!

Christian Liu (6 Resilience)

Listen to our voices here:

http://youtu.be/UrBBXjNxe9Y

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214

: 2013

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Chinese New Year Community Involvement Programme On 6th February 2013, Primary 3 and 5

teachers represented Nanyang Primary

in delivering food packages and red

packets to the elderly and needy

residents of Meiling Street for Chinese

New Year. Our teachers worked in

collaboration with the Lions Befrienders

(Meiling Street Branch) to distribute the

food items which were kindly donated

by our school parents and students.

The students also helped to sort and

pack the food packages.

Written by Mr. Eugene Ng & Mrs. Manjula Menon

At the Toh Tuck Campus, with the help

of some dedicated Parent Volunteers

and the librarian, Ms Judy, we also

gathered foodstuff from Primary 1 and

2 pupils at the library. The foodstuff

was donated to Willing Hearts

Organisation who distributed the items

to the needy residents in different

parts of Singapore. Together, we did

our best to fulfill the theme of our

Community Involvement Programme

< > As we welcome the New Spring, let us share

our love and joy.Its such a joy to help the needy!

28

NYPS Professional Learning Communities Achievements (2012)

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4 NYPS Learning Teams presented at the WALS International Conference (World

Association of Lesson Study Conference) which was held in National Institute of

Education from 28th to 30th November in 2012.

PRESENTED BY

P5 Science teachers: Ms. Peh Yunn

Chyn and Mdm. Brenda Kok Wei Ling

Teachers from the Music Department:

Ms. Tan Jiak Shiang, Mdm. Joyce Ang

Bee Gaik and Mdm. Mok Sze Hui

P5 Chinese teachers: Mdm. Tee Guat

Hwa, Mr. Fei Meng

P3 Mathematics teachers: Mdm. Tan

Bee Bee, Mdm. Amanda Mak and Mr.

Brandon Ng

TOPIC

Designing a Science lesson with

Anchored Instruction using Lesson

Study Approach

Designing a Song Writing unit with

Learner-Centered Teaching using Lesson

Study Approach

Designing A Questioning Model

based on Blooms Taxonomy to teach

comprehension skills using the Lesson

Study Approach

The Impact of Lesson Study Approach

on Improving Teaching Competency

World Association of Lesson Study Conference

Lesson Study Open Lesson presentation was held at Nanyang Primary School on

2 May 2012. It was facilitated by Dr Yeap Ban Har from Marshal Cavendish for the

staff of NYPS and participants from W5 Cluster schools were invited.

Lesson Study Open Lesson

30

Learning Teams that presented at Nanyang Conference on 20 November 2012.

Participants and presenters included teachers from W5 Cluster Schools.

PRESENTED BY

Chinese teachers: Ms. Ng Huey Fern,

Ms. Yeow Kay Ngee, Mdm. Yow Seet

Mui, Mdm. Lim Kexin, Ms. Shen Yue

Hong and Ms. Wang Yin Xia

Chinese teachers: Mdm. Tee Guat Hwa,

Mr. Liu Zhao, Mdm. Tan Siow Hwee,

Ms. Bai Qiong and Mr. Fei Meng

Chinese teachers: Ms. Chua Hock Yen,

Mdm. Tay Wan Cheng and Ms. Soh

Sheau Mai

Science teachers: Mr. Pang Kia Kheng,

Ms. Jayla Tan, Mdm. Peng Yee Peng

and Mr. Melzone Chan

Science teachers: Ms. Peh Yunn Chyn

Clare, Mdm. Brenda Kok Wei Ling,

Mdm. Sunnie Tang

Ms Serene Yeo

Mathematics teachers: Mdm. Tan Bee

Bee, Mdm. Amanda and Mr. Brandon Ng

GEP teachers: Mr. Teo Wee Toon and

Mdm. Ho Siew Hoon

Mdm. Jacqueline Yeo, Mr. Wilson Kwa,

Mdm. Eliane Teo, Ms. Lee Wee Bee and

Ms. Caitlyn Huang

TOPIC

Designing a Chinese lesson to teach

inference skills using the Lesson Study

Approach

Designing A Questioning Model based

on the revised Blooms Taxonomy to

teach Chinese comprehension skills

using Lesson Study Approach

Bilingual Programme in Nanyang

Primary School

Science Learning Journey Portfolio

Designing a Science lesson with

Anchored Instruction using Lesson

Study Approach

Something Lost, Something Gained

Body Fats

The Impact of Lesson Study Approach

on Improving Teaching Competency

Building up competency in teaching

Nets, Solid Figures & Area of Circles

Off-The-Cuff Activities as a tool for

PSLE Oral Preparation

Nanyang Conference

31

TOPIC

Enhancing Pupils Understanding of

Comprehension Questions Through

Cooperative Learning Strategy

Improve Teaching of Physical Education

using Lesson Study

Infusing Mutiple Intelligence in

the classroom

PRESENTED BY

Mdm. Jacqueline Yeo, Mdm.

Magdalene Wee, Mdm. Kam Hui Bin

and Mr. Saravanan

PE teachers: Mrs. Sabrina Tan, Mdm.

Tang Lee Ping, Ms. Liu Wan Fern, Mr.

Lim Chee Min, Ms. Yang Yumei, Ms.

Marie Lim, Mr. Cha Ming Cheng and

Ms. Eng Li Li

Teachers from W5 Cluster School (West

View Primary School): Mdm. Surianin

Othman and Mrs. Esther Chan

A very engaging session with our parent, Mr Bill Chang, CEO of Group ICT, SingTel

32

NYPS InnovationThe Innovation Committee is very excited to

have launched our Innovation website. The

initial idea was to produce newsletter but

we thought a website would serve everyone

better! The features of this website include

innovation ideas that have been implemented,

tutorial section to promote productivity and

useful links!

Check it out today!

http://nypsinnovation.wordpress.com

We hope you have a meaningful learning

experience while you visit the site.

Rethink. Reinvent. Revitalize.

Written by Ms. Doreen Thiam

3333

Korean Educators @ NYPS We were pleased to receive our first group

of visitors to Nanyang Primary School for the

year 2013 on 18th January. They were a group

of Korean delegates visiting Singapore to learn

more about the GEP system. Our Principal,

Mrs Lee gave our visitors a brief history of

the GEP system in Singapore as well as its

evolution in our school. Our visitors were also

given the opportunity to observe a GEP lesson

and interact with our GEP students.

Written by Mina Wong

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APEC-TSUKUBA International Conference VIIAmanda and I have definitely benefited from

the short trip to Japan for the APEC-TSUKUBA

International Conference VII from 13th to 17th

February this year. We are thankful to the school for

providing us with such a good opportunity to learn

more about lesson studies. I will share what I had

learnt about the lessons during the Time-Tabled Time

(TTT) this year.

Written by Mdm Tan Bee Bee (HOD/ Maths)

37

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Total Defence helps the country to defend itself, becoming a greater and better city; making it safer for us and we will love our country more.Lee Yng-Yng from 5C

Total Defence Day talk titled Will you stand with me?

39

Total Defence DayOur school had planned various

activities to commemorate Total

Defence Day this year. The first activity

was a slideshow conducted in the

hall before the Chinese New Year

Concert. We learnt many things about

Total Defence such as the 5 Pillars of

Defence, namely Military Defence,

Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil

Defence and Psychological Defence.

We also learnt that we must have

the will and resilience to overcome

challenges. Whatever the crisis or

challenge, our ability to overcome

challenges depends on how mentally

strong we are as one entity. It is the will

and commitment of our people that will

decide how strong we are as a nation.

The following day, a fire drill was

conducted and we had to evacuate

our classroom as fast as possible. We

managed to escape out of the school

building and reach the open field in 5

minutes and 35 seconds.

Written by Serena Lee Oh & Yeong Kai Xuan (5C)Edited by Mrs Rebecca Goh & Mdm Serene Leong

During our Social Studies lesson, our

teacher went through the meaning

of Total Defence thoroughly. She

related that Total Defence Day is

commemorated on 15 February each

year as it was the day when Singapore

fell to the Japanese during World War

II while we were under the British rule.

We were divided into groups and

created comic strips to show how Total

Defence could be carried out in Singapore.

We learnt a lot about Total Defence

and look forward to more of such

activities in future, so that we can build

a strong Singaporean identity.

40

Reflections Of A Mother On Her Sons Nanyang ExperienceWritten by Mrs. Angeline Teo, Mother of Kyron Teo 6K (Vice-Head Prefect 2012)

41

Being a parent requires much

persistence and determination in order

to bring out the best in our children.

Indeed, being a parent is a difficult

task. However, having a conducive

school environment, and with the

support of good teachers working

efficiently hand in hand, we will then

be able to groom our children into fine

successful individuals.

My child has truly benefitted from

being a Nanyang student. His ability

has been stretched to its fullest

holistically. He was not only stretched

academically but also given various

opportunities to explore other aspects

such as arts, cultures, music and sports.

I am extremely pleased to see how

my child has grown and thoroughly

enjoyed his six years in Nanyang

Primary School. The various events

that he has participated in will certainly

bring back fond memories and will be

etched in his heart forever.

The first 6 years of education is

a critical part of a childs life. It is

establishing the pillar of a childs

knowledge and character. Education

is not confined to the academics,

but includes character-building and

creativity. I feel so fortunate that my

son had been taken under Nanyangs

wings, not only to gain knowledge

but also to maximise his potential

and creativity.

Next, a special mention of the Nanyang

Prefectorial Board. A a member of the

Prefectorial Board, my son has benefited

from this great opportunity to be

groomed with outstanding leadership

qualities and sound values. I would

like to thank the Nanyang Prefectorial

Board for giving my son this privilege in

learning to lead. Also, heartfelt thanks

to the Prefectorial Board Headmaster,

Mr Weng Soo Koon, for his meritorious

guidance and care. He is truly a

dedicated and caring teacher.

42

We, the pupils of Nanyang Primary School, pledge ourselves to be good students and respectful of our elders...

Finally, a big THANK YOU to the

Nanyang Principals and teachers for

all their hard work in grooming the

Nanyang children into fine young

individuals. I am indeed thankful and

grateful for the six years of education

that my son had in Nanyang Primary

School. My son has been so blessed

with the invaluable guidance and

opportunities given by his teachers to

achieve his fullest potential in his first 6

years of formal education.

The Nanyang Experience has truly been

a wonderful journey for both my child

and me. A special note to Mrs Lee, the

Vice-Principals and teachers: All of you

have truly upheld and escalated the

spirit and the legend of Nanyang! Your

efforts have really brought out the best

in our children!

43

Click on the following links

for the 2012 P6 Graduation Ceremony:

http://youtu.be/v95x7e7lRfo

http://youtu.be/GRUJsgO7h00

http://youtu.be/5Z8SDYxL2cg http://youtu.be/9URf5s-zflE

44

From 4 December to 11 December

2012, a group of 30 people participated

in Nanyang Primary School

International Service Programmes 2012

@ Cambodia (Koh Rokar). This group,

consisting of 6 families and 5 teaching

staff led by Ms Joyce Yu from YMCA,

embarked on a service learning project

to help children studying at Koh Koul

Primary School. The school is located

in Koh Rokar village, Kampong Cham

Province, Cambodia.

During our short stay at Koh Koul

Primary School, we painted murals

for one of their classrooms, varnished

NYPS International Service Programmes 2012 @ Cambodia (Koh Rokar)Written by Ms. Peh Yunn Chyn

their classroom furniture, conducted

lessons for the local pupils, performed

in the opening ceremony of the school

and interacted with the children.

Furthermore, we also helped out in the

Rice Soup Programme in the Kampong

Tom Province.

Besides helping the poor in Cambodia,

we also visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide

Museum, Cheoung Ek Killing Fields

at Phnom Penh and Angkor Temple in

Siem Reap.

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Brightening the walls!

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Samuel Wee, 6E I was excited that our job at Koh Koul

Primary School was finally finished.

The part I enjoyed most in this trip was

teaching the Cambodian children. This

trip was fun!

Stacey Jade Lo, 5A It was very fun teaching the students

at Koh Koul Primary School. Amanda,

Chen Xi, Angela, Stephanie, my

sister and I helped Auntie Siew Li in

conducting these lessons. I hope to

visit again.

Ryan Ong, 5A We needed to paint pictures in one

classroom. It was a lot of fun. We also

helped to varnish the chairs and tables.

Some of us taught the students in the

school. My favourite job was painting

the walls as we could all work together

to create a beautiful classroom.

Performing Singapore Town at the

opening of Koh Koul Primary School

was a lot of fun. It actually brought all

the children a lot closer. I really hope to

come back to Cambodia and help out

next year!

Justine Hong, 6M 2012 CIP trip to Cambodia was another

great experience for me. I went to help

and teach at Koh Koul Primary School

in Koh Rokar village in 2011. I knew we

would have to work hard and that it

would not be a holiday trip. It was very

hot as there was no running water or

electricity or even proper toilets in the

village. Nevertheless, I was happy to

be able to help out again. I was very

pleased to see many familiar faces,

especially a good friend, Hua whom I

had made. It was satisfying to see that

the school had turned out well with the

help from us. I felt very happy to see

the Cambodian children studying in

their new school with better facilities.

Once again, I was reminded of how

lucky I am to live in a prosperous

country like Singapore, where we are

safe and do not have to worry about

These are ref lections written by some of the participants from this trip:

49

our next meal. I have learnt a very

important lesson: Contentment is not

the fulfillment of what you want. It is

the realization of what you already

have. There is still so much to be done

and so many Cambodians who need

help. I would like to help out again.

Cheng Xi, 6E I enjoyed the food in Cambodia

especially the bread that we ate during

dinner on the first day. The food that I

tried for the first time was the coconut

ice-cream. It was tasty although it

looked weird. If I have a chance to go

to Cambodia again, I would like to try

these yummy dishes again.

Aaron Zhou Liman, 5H I enjoyed the trip as many activities

were interesting and fun. I liked the

transportation in Cambodia as it was

different from what I take in Singapore.

For example, e.g. we stood on the lorry

and rode the Tutu taxi. I also enjoyed

playing with the Cambodian children.

Walking was interesting and fun too

as we walked from the church to the

school. Along the way, I saw that most

of the families have cows and there was

cow dung all over on the road. We also

walked from the church to the bus after

dinner. It was so dark and we needed

to use the torch to light our way. I

realized the sky has many stars and

these stars are brighter than what I see

in Singapore. I liked the last two nights

at Kampong Cham the most. I had my

supper at the Smile Restaurant where

the food was delicious! I hope I can go

to Cambodia again next year.

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Last December, my family and

I participated in a Community

Involvement Programme (CIP) trip to

Cambodia. It was the second time that

I was immersed in such an experience.

In 2011, our team of volunteers helped

to teach the children at a school in

Koh Rokar village. However, Koh Koul

School had a classroom that was

termite-infested, and the wooden walls

could collapse any time. Moreover, as

Cambodia was hit by floods that year,

the classrooms were caked with mud.

Koh Koul School definitely needed a

My Familys Participation in a CIP to CambodiaWritten by Jillian Hong (6N)

new school compound. We helped to

carry bricks and laid foundations for the

new Koh Koul School on a plot of land

donated by a group of monks.

This year, we arrived just before the

official opening of the school and we

were delighted to find nine classrooms

located in two blocks. The school

even had its own library, playground

and toilets. These had been put up by

successive teams of volunteers after the

departure of our team in 2011.

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Phew, this is hard work!

We were there to put the finishing

touches to the school. These included

decorating the kindergarten classroom

and lacquering the tables and chairs.

We decided to paint murals based on

the garden theme. No one in the group

had done that before and we were

worried that we could not complete the

task in the duration that we were there.

We had four whole walls on which to

paint trees, fences, flowers and more.

It turned out well and I felt that the

classroom was truly beautiful.

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I miss them!

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There were many tables to lacquer in

the classrooms. It was very hard work

as there were many surfaces to cover

and we had to continually bend over to

reach inaccessible areas. We also had

to avoid getting lacquer on our bodies

and clothes which was impossible

to clean off. When we finished, the

classrooms looked newer.

While we were lacquering, some

of the other children played on the

swings. I wanted to join them instead

of enduring the horrible smell of the

lacquer. However, I knew that I should

work as I had come on the trip to serve.

Although I was very tired, I continued

to work with my back and my legs

aching. At the end of the day, I was

proud of myself. It was a great feeling

and I was extremely happy about what

I did.

I learnt about contentment. Even

though the Cambodian children did

not have much, they were happy. They

did not have any computer games.

Instead, they made up their own games

and let us join in. I felt sorry for these

children, as they did not have adequate

resources and were not taught well.

They were unlikely to progress and would

probably stay in the village to farm.

On the last day in the village, some of

us delivered basic food supplies to the

poorer families. I wanted to see what

the Cambodian houses were like so I

volunteered together with my mother.

We brought necessities such as rice and

oil to three families. One of the families

that we went to , lived in a small hut that

we had walked past every day. I could

not believe that that dilapidated and

miniscule hut was actually someones

home! A whole family slept in a tiny

space which was probably the same

size as my toilet. Another home that we

went to, belonged to an old man who

lived alone. I felt very sorry for him. I was

not sure whether he was going to cope.

Now, I still think about these families.

I really hope that they can manage.

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Learning and growing as

a family

Another experience that I cannot

forget is the Rice Soup Programme

which we also participated in the year

before. On the way to Siem Reap, we

stopped by a floating village, Kampong

Khleang on Tonle Sap Lake. Twice every

week, 260 children would gather at

this church to receive a free serving of

porridge. We helped to entertain these

children while it was being cooked. We

also formed a human chain to give out

bowls of rice soup to the children. My

mother told me that US$50 could feed

these 260 children. I was shocked when

I realised that one portion of beef steak

that I love so much could pay for one of

these meals.

Cambodia is such a different place

from Singapore. Here in first-world

Singapore, we are blessed to have great

schools and opportunities to learn. I

feel that visiting Cambodia opened my

eyes to other parts of the world and

less fortunate people. This experience

will spur me on to do more for the

disadvantaged. I definitely recommend

this trip to all of my friends.

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Rice delivery!

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Learning the traditional Indian greetings Video conferencing with our Indian buddies

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A group of 10 pupils, comprising 5 boys, 5 girls and 3

teachers left for Delhi, India on the evening of 2 November

2012 for a 10- days immersion at Raghubir Singh Junior

Modern School (RSJMS). RSJMS had sent about 25 to 30

pupils for immersion in our school every February since

2008. This would be our third batch of pupils participating in

this immersion to RSJMS.

What was different this time round was the inclusion of a

common project undertaken by pupils from both countries.

They met through video conferencing twice to discuss their

projects in small groups. Over the 5 days of immersion

at RSJMS, the groups of pupils would discuss further and

round off their discussion with a presentation to Year 4 and

5 pupils on the last day.

The trip started off with a delay at Changi Airport that

lasted for 5 hours. We were finally able to depart at

11.30pm. Upon reaching Delhi, we were transferred to our

hotel in the early hours of the morning. To allow sufficient

rest for the children, we departed for Agra only in the

afternoon, finally reaching our destination at about 7pm in

the evening.

India Immersion Programme @ Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School (RSJMS)Written by Mdm. Lau Pui San, Mdm. Siti Nurbaya binte Jumain and Mr Ting Huat Seng

58

The group toured Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal on Sunday,

4 November, before embarking on the long journey back

to Delhi. We also managed to visit Missionaries of Charity,

Mother Teresa Centre in Agra. We brought along gifts for

the residents of the centre. The group went away with a

deep impression of the wonderful work that continued

after the passing of Mother Teresa.

The next day, we were warmly welcomed at RSJMS with

a special assembly in the morning. Over the next 5 days,

other than working on the common project, our pupils

learnt about Indian culture, participating in yoga, cooking,

pottery, Art and Mathematics lessons. We also found time to

play a game of basketball and football with the pupils from

RSJMS. In the afternoon, we toured different parts of Delhi

accompanied by the childrens buddies and teachers. The

places that we visited included Gandhi Smriti at Birla House,

the location where the Father of India was assassinated, Raj

Ghat (the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial), Qutab Minar, Lotus

Temple, Iskcon Temple, Akshardham Temple, India Gate and

Railway Museum. The children were exposed to the heritage

and culture of India during the trip including the best of Indian

cuisine from North and South India and vegetarian meals.

Meeting the friendly nuns and residents at Mother Teresa Centre in Agra

59

Our pupils brought gifts and cheer to the disadvantaged

pupils in nursery classes housed at the A New Friends

Colony school, a non-profit venture by the Delhi State

Council of Women. This was the highlight of our trip as our

children had a chance to interact with the young children

receiving free education at the centre.

On the last day, our pupils put up a performance to thank

the headmistress, staff and pupils of our hosting school

for their hospitality. There is much that the pupils have

learned from this immersion including how fortunate they

are compared to many children in India. The element of

community involvement definitely helps to enhance their

experience. More importantly, they have found many good

friends among their Indian buddies.

Look, Mommy! A card from my Indian buddy. Bringing cheer and joy to young pupils in nursery class

60

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2013 marks the 6th year of the Overseas Immersion

Programme in Shanghai. On the 14th of March 2013,

thirty-eight Primary 4 pupils accompanied by four teachers

embarked on the immersion programme. This is truly a

platform for pupils and teachers from Singapore to immerse

themselves in the rich and diverse culture of Shanghai. The

strong collaboration with the host school, Fudan-Vanke

Experimental Private School, has enabled the pupils to have

three days of homestay and school immersion. The pupils

enjoyed themselves, learning about the lives of pupils in

Shanghai and forging new friendships.

The programme that ended on the 20th March 2013

allowed the students to visit various attractions such as the

Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai Qingpu

Oriental Land, Qibao Ancient Town and Shanghai Aerospace

Enthusiasts Center. The pupils also visited a silk factory in

Suzhou where they gained insights into the life-cycle of the

silkworm, mulberry planting, silkworm raising, silk reeling

and weaving.

On their return to Singapore, the pupils compiled all their

personal photographs and precious experiential learning in

their Learning Journey Portfolio. It would capture all their

learning points and reflections for their memorable trip to

Shanghai indeed.

Written by Peng Yee Ping

The Shanghai Experience!

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(5B)

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Global

Learning

Tradition

Community

Contentment

Enthusiastic

Innovation

Resilience

Do you have a sharp eye? Look for the 8 words below that were in this issue. They are spelt forwards, backwards and diagonally.

H T B V L I N N O V A T I O N

O F B E C N E I L I S E R M C

I V E T W X C O M M U N I T Y

I K G N U L X A R C M S E Q J

U F N Q O G M A V S B N I C U

J D I Z C A W K K K T O F O W

H F N N K S G B B H B I G N S

P N R F P I X R U R R T A T V

R D A V O O F S Y T C I G E Z

Q Q E S X R I U Y Y M D O N L

S E L U P A V L H W G A Y T Z

B M O H S L H J R H A R I M Z

X A T T W Y G K K Y P T E E O

K P I V G W U G Y G U F R N C

P C J K L A B O L G P R J T N

Activity time!