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"Gong Xi Fa Chai ... Happy Chinese New Year"

Hello. My name is Carter Ballang Kapong. I am the Head of National Secondary at Tunku Putra School since 1st January 2017. Firstly, I would like to introduce myself as I am new in the school. I am a Kelabit, hailing from the highland of Sarawak, Bario in Miri Division. I am married to a Kelabit lady, Suzanne Abang Balla, who is currently a school teacher at a government secondary school in Kuching. We have 3 grown up children, Kedung, Lian and Agan.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hon) with Education from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1979. Then, in 2010, I completed my studies with a Masters of Science (Human Resource Development) from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

I have been working with the Sarawak State Education Department in various capacities for 37 years prior to my retirement in October, 2016. Among the positions held during those years were: a school teacher teaching 'Sejarah' (History) in 7 secondary schools, an educational phycology lecturer at Rejang Teachers’ Training College, the Assistant Divisional Education Officer of Miri Division, the head of School Inspectorate of Zone 3 (Miri/Bintulu/Limbang divisions), Divisional Education Officer of Kapit Division, the Deputy Assistant Director (Personnel and General Administration) of State Education Department and as a school Principal in 7 secondary schools of which 3 were Vocational (and Technical) schools. Six of these schools were boarding schools. My last posting was at SMK Tebakang in Serian Division.

I am indeed very grateful for the warm welcome accorded to me by our Principal, Ms Susan Holmes and Deputy Principal, Mr Phang Chun Yow and the friendship of all Tunku Putra School (TPS) staff. My first month in TPS had been quite stressful as I had to get myself adjusted to the school environment and adapted to the school culture as fast as I could in order to 'fit in'. However, I believe that is practically a normal feeling for being new in a work place and of course, after being around in the School these few weeks, I felt the acceptance from the wonderful people in the School. That made it easy for me to get adjusted to the new environment.

Looking forward to a great working relationship with the Tunku Putra School community to make TPS the school of choice among the private schools in Sarawak and the pride of our parent company, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad.

‘Kita Boleh’ ‘We Can’

Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya

93050 Kuching Sarawak

Malaysia

Phone: 082 313 900

Fax: 082 313 970

email: info@tps.edu.my

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Tunku Putra Weekly News

Any Newsletter comments or contributions, please contact

Ms Sindy (sindyt@tps.edu.my)

Mr Carter , Head of National Secondary

6 Feb ● CIE IGCSE Forms Due

10 Feb ● Chinese New Year Special Assembly

13-16 ● Kindy PTI Feb

14-15 ● IS PTI - Yr9, 10 & 11 Feb

17 Feb ● Primary House Event ● Secondary Assembly

24 Feb ● Primary Assembly ● Secondary House Event

27 Feb ● IP - Book Week

ACTING ON OUR GOALS

With this opportunity given to me to write in the School newsletter, I would like to write about acting on the goals that we have set for this year as I thought it is appropriate to do so early in the year. At the beginning of the year, people talk about their new year resolutions and most choose to work on areas in their life that they want to be better at. Similarly, as a student, it cannot be denied, most of you want to excel in your studies. Some might be looking at excellent academic achievement. Thus, you look forward to learn new skills and acquire enormous volumes of knowledge. On the other hand, some of you are working at reaching out to maximize your personal potential. These are personal preferences.

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Report on Badminton Kuching Inter School Badminton Competition

Held from 18-20 January 2017, Tunku Putra School was represented by three players; two for under 12 and one for under 15. The competition was held in two different venues; Tunku Putra School Multi-Purpose Hall for the Under 12 category and for the under 15 the venue was at the Bumiputera Badminton Association Hall.

Now that we are in the second month of the year, I would like to remind our students to have a closer look at the goal(s) they have set out to achieve in life for themselves, family and society. Whatever goal one sets for oneself, it must be worked on tenaciously for it to materialize or else it will be a mere dream. So strive to crystalize your goal(s). A renowned motivator, Om Swami shared 5 simple principles to attain success and one must work out these HABITS to succeed. Since this write up is about acting on our goals, I would like to share with you the 5 principles. Firstly, think positive of yourself at all time. It starts from you by having good thoughts about yourself. Never underestimate your capability. Your thoughts alone can open or limit your horizon. In other words, it means you are in control of your success. So, strive to chase after your dream with a heart fill with conviction.

Secondly, cultivate the habit of patience. When time seems tough, remind yourself that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. Just stay the course by taking one step at a time and you will accomplish your goal. (In the same token, skills and habits take time to develop). Success comes a long way but that makes it sweet. In fact, you are actually building it up over a course of time.

Thirdly, work persistently, just as great sportsmen such as the 3 time world heavyweight boxing champion, Mohamad Ali. Meanwhile, the famous scientist, Albert Einstein said he had been successful not because he was smarter but because he stayed with the problem longer. Keep working those failures into success. Of course, many would say that it is easier said than done. It is all about being persistent. You focus on your goals regardless what challenges you face. Do not dwell on the challenges. For instance, you only know how to complain and blame others for not being able to perform. Instead, being persistent is learning to find solutions to overcome your challenges. You will surely progress and fulfill your dreams.

Fourthly, it is about self-discipline. Discipline necessitates one to take action of what one had planned for. If for example, you had planned to revise your lessons 2 hours nightly, then, act to that effect. A goal stated without the discipline to follow through will be merely a dream. In order to turn those goals to reality, it requires sacrifices at times. You might have to sacrifice your holidays to attend a training session.

Finally, visualize what would it be like when you achieve your goal or otherwise. It would be awesome to celebrate achievement rather than feeling defeated! Thus, whatever the outcome will be, it will depend largely on you as you are responsible for your own success. Wishing all TPS students all the best as you strive your best to achieve the goals that you have envisage for yourself this year.

Boys Under 12 1. Isaac Sia from Year 7: Lost in the first round 2. Lu Chan from Year 7: Lost in the first round Boys Under 15 1. Brendan Goh from TK 1 won the first three matches before losing in the quarter finals.

Isaac and Lu Chan Ms Susan with winners for the Boys and

Girls under 12

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Under-18 Inter School Basketball

Matches played: 3 matches, Lost 3 Basketball is one of the famous team games in TPS. For the past six years we have been actively participating in various basketball competitions. Grouped together with SMK SIBURAN, SMK SUNGAI MAONG and SMK TUN ABDUL RAZAK, the boys had a tough first match against SMK SIBURAN losing badly 14-92. In the second game against SMK Sungai Maong our boys fought really hard before losing narrowly 29-22. Similar to the second game, in the final group match the players gave everything they had before going down 28-41 to SMK Tun Abdul Razak. On the positive note, this was a great exposure for the new players (the majority of the squad members are only 15 years old) and it is hoped that they will mature in years to come.

TPS players doing a pre match warm up

Team captain, Owen Lee getting ready for free throws

against SMK Tun Abdul Razak

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Report on Inter School Squash

The Inter School Squash took place at its usual venue, St Joseph’s School Squash Centre and was held from 23-25 January 2017. Tunku Putra School sent two competitors for this competition; Putera Farrock from TK5 competing in the Boys under 18 category and Christabelle Choo from IP6 playing in the Girls under 12 category.

Christabelle, in her first inter school competition, did really well finishing third by beating her opponent, Damia in the third and fourth placing playoff match, and given that she is only 11 years old, there is a bright future for her in squash. Meanwhile Farrock, the second seed, had an

easy path en route to semi-final by winning all his matches in straight sets. In the semi-final he also outclassed his opponent, Bryan Tan from Kuching High School in straight games thus setting up a mouthwatering final clash against Kueh Jong Jian of Lodge. In the final match, both players played their best. However, lady luck was in Jong Jian’s favour as he won the match in four intriguing sets. Finishing as the runner up means that Farrock will once again represent the Kuching division for the Sarawak School’s Council Squash Competition going to be held in Sibu from 14-16 February 2016. This is Farrock’s sixth consecutive year competing in the inter division competition and we wish him the very best.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CHARITY DRIVE 2017

When some prepared for the Chinese New Year Celebration, Tunku Putra Communities remembered those who are unfortunate and the needy. We showed our generosity and support by donating non-perishable items and cash.

The charity drive began on 19 January 2017 and ended on 25 January 2017. It was an overwhelming response from the parents. There were boxes of biscuits, candies, drinks, snacks, can foods and personal hygiene items. Some donated cash which was divided accordingly by the persons-in-charge. With the help of prefects, teachers and librarians, the items were arranged nicely in front of the foyer at 11.00 am. Before 12 noon, Father Albert who is Head of St. Joseph Catholic Church came to collect the items. The items

and a cash donation were handed over by Ms Susan, the Principal and witnessed by Mr Phang. Madam Manjeet Kaur Sidhu (PPIS), representative for three single mothers collected the items by 2.00 pm together with a cash donation from Ms Susan in the School library. The Tunku Putra School Fundraising Committee and P&T would like to express their thanks to all the Tunku Putra families for their support. Ms Rowena Nelson Goba, Secretary

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