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Our Economics teacher, Mr.Chan, showed us his athletic side in the boys A grade 1500m race. Congratulations on winning Mr.Chan! p.7

Veritas Flamma

.9

"A s Pete Seeger has said, 'Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't."' so says Andrew Bray, exchange student from Westville Boys' High School, who concluded he has grown so much during the three-week programme. He feels he has grown so much­mare than he has in the whole year in South Africa and his mind was fit to burst with the novel experiences and knowledge.

Andrew's enrolment in the programme however, was another story. 'It was really weird,' he said with a laugh and shrugged. It was two days

An Interview with exchange student Boys' High School

before the exam when he enrolled for the L...-----programme and received a confirmation notice Having heard from Graham Taschner, by email four days in advance. 'And all of this was the former exchange student, Andrew happening during the exams! I was hoping for a said he was aware of all the sort of cheap holiday and three weeks off' sophisticated laptops and air school!' Quite aside entertainment however, conditioned classrooms and called Andrew was also looking forward to experiencing SPCC a 'first world school'. I thought culture through 'becoming part of someone's every lesson was going to be in family,' he said. 'It is an experience learning how Cantonese and I was surprised by the people live in the city. It is subconscious. You efficiency- it is FAST. It is working. learn so much it is actually scary'. He wanted to WBHS is a good school but it does not come into contact with different classes and run half as well,' Andrew comments. He syllabuses and return to South Africa as a was also impressed by the different person. Co-education was also new to effectiveness of communication with him unlike WBHS. Being surrounded by females technology in SPCC. Nevertheless, of the same age and position, he reckoned Andrew has found SPCC and WBHS students can begin to learn how to be sensitive. 'very ifferent' with "lots of stairs". Back p.lO

Andrew Bray, frotn Westville

, South Africa By 50 Ariel Ng

in WHBS people could see the entire campus unlike SPCC. He found it strange because he could not see the school as a whole and that the end of a hall was not an end, but another corridor that awaited him!

When asked about his first day at school, Andrew replied, 'I felt tiny because the building was so large.' He added that all the official greetings almost intimidated him and class teacher period was formal unlike those in WBHS, which would never have involved taking roll calls and joining assembly every morning. His schedule in WBHS is also completely different. 'We have seven

lessons and each lesson takes about 45 minutes. You have a lot of breaks. We only have half a minute running to the next class- it is very different. We have two 15 minute breaks in the whole day and generally, we start early and end early, at 14:30.'

School life has generally been very different from WBHS, according to Andrew. At home, classes were more interactive. In SPCC, he found teachers 'very proper as they address the classroom as an audience'. 'That is probably why it [education in SPCC] is so efficient.' 'I am surprised by the difference in sporting: WBHS is sports orientated. 70% of the school's budget goes to sports.' He said school ended early to make way for sports, highly encouraged in WBHS, which starts from 14:45-17:00.

Regardless of the differences, Andrew reassures us he has settled down. 'I enjoyed it- it has gone quickly- I can't believe I am in the second week. Everywhere I look I learn something new. It is very different.' And as a science student, SPCC was the first to offer him an enjoyable English lesson.'Maybe because there is a smaller class. I am not afraid of raising my hand and making myself look stupid by asking questions!' 'All in all, SPCC is a really good host. I feel like a special guest! SPCC students are really good friends and they host people very well.' Teachers too did a good job teaching and catering to the class, which was very amazing. Towards the end, Andrew wished SPCC the very best. 'You have taught me so much that I will cherish it forever. All I can say is thank you!'

.11

Lo/4-

• • procrast1nat1on.

To procrastinate or not, that is the question. -Luciana Cheung SF

'Procrastination' seems to appear so often in our actions and conversations. It's magically directing our next moves and dictating our lives. Procrastination is defined as the action of delaying or postponing something. It is noted that human beings follow the pleasure principle of avoiding negative emotions and delaying stressful tasks. Hence it's perfectly normal that we make the choice to procrastinate, even I myself may or may not have procrastinated in writing this article! But here are some tips taken from the book 'The Art of Procrastination', by John Perry to make use of procrastination effectively or simply to avoid it!

• Structured procrastination Procrastination does not necessari~ ~e~n idly ~itting ~r~und, slacking off and doing nothing. On the contrarj,~it can be, .,._as simple ~as doing some other less urgent tasks to put off'ffii most immedia te one .u ntil the absolute deadline for it is due. Hence, yorl•can ma:Ke the :rTtost out ~(procrastination by being a structured procrastilJ.ator, Eir,stly, . m~k~ a' ,lis~ahd rank tasks according to their urgency. Most ofte t erJ ~fi:~. 'tasks, th_at are not as urgent, and of mediocre importan e. o ma~e~o\.u~lft feel better, it's always good to pick tasks to compl e wnic~ ~eem •to .h:~e ·~eadlines, but really don't, they may also seem to 15 o£ nuge impot::tance, t>ut really aren't. By completing these worthwhi~,_ou less imp<n;tari~tasks,4your list gets cleared up. At the end, shuffle yotirJJj'st again {v!J.icn'py~h?IJ: will have less tasks left behind and finish all tasks o~f in Ol)e1go; ~Eve.ntually, you'll find some tasks disappearing upon th~ de~dline• since:..you've~c?one them a long while ago! By such skills, even if you do• grocr~stif!ate, you procrastinate effectively and can manage to get actual work done.

• To-do lists One important action that can make you feel like you accomplished something is ticking off your to-do lists. To-do lists can be compiled of numerous trivial tasks, daily tasks that you can complete without writing them down to remind yourself. Break tasks into smaller subtasks that are easier to complete, even put down don't-do tasks! This way, you can grant your lists generous ticks easily. Such practice allows you to build up a solid foundation of confidence and self-satisfaction for a good productive day.Little ticks on to-do lists are like psychological momentums, they certainly lift your spirit, make you feel like an accomplished person and allows you to enjoy the victory of being able to finish many tasks! To-do list is not a direct cure for procrastination, but it's definitely one useful motivator.

p.14

sc a e

The terms K-Pop and K-Culture have probably defined our generation's tastes in more ways than we could possibly imagine. Whether you like it or not, there is no denying the huge impact that Korean culture, especially its music has had on us. Once one launches into a discussion about K-Pop, there is definitely one iconic boy band that is synonymous with the craze that has taken over the world--- Big Bang.

All 5 of them were relatively unknown until they took over the Korean music scene by storm in 2007. In a society that has been known to prioritize looks above all, it was rare that a boy band consisting of such a unique variety of members, each with different specialties and characteristics would be able to redefine the entire music scene. They did it anyway. Being at the helm of this incredibly diverse band was no easy task but Kwon Ji Yong (more commonly known as G-Dragon) managed to accomplish that and so much more.

Following their debut, G-Dragon quickly gained recognition for his flamboyant stage outfits and unique sense of style. He also managed to establish a reputation as a talented singer, rapper, songwriter, music producer, lyricist and charismatic fashion icon. In 2009, he debuted his first solo album-Heartbreaker, that garnered huge success and cemented his status not only as a member of Big Bang but also as a gifted solo artist. In 2012, he then released his second solo album, "One of a Kind" which was a great hit.

p.18

Coup D'etat is his second studio album

and a culmination of his experiences all

throughout his career beautifully

expressed through each and every song. The album involves G-Dragon's

collaboration with various artists such as

Missy Elliot, lydia Paek, Diplo, Jennie Kim,

Sky Ferreira, Boys Noize and Baauer. Every

song on the album has G-Dragon's

personal involvement in it, ranging from

the composing of the song to the writing

of its lyrics.

The title song "Coup D'etat" gained instant recognition after its release for its wonderfully unique music video, which has garnered a lot of attention as well as lots of different analyses

regarding the hidden messages in the video. Overall, a general interpretation of the song and video reveals how G-Dragon has struggled and battled numerous scandals, rumors, doubts and hardships to get to where he is today. His journey towards success may have been fraught with heartache and pain but he has overcome all of that to become the revolutionized and reborn G-Dragon that he is now.

We are often quick to pass judgment and make assumptions regarding the lives of the rich and famous without ever bothering to

Yeritas :t{amma consider the hardships or struggles they may have faced. G-Dragon attempts to humanize himself in this album and tear down the image of a "perfect" idol through this album. The songs "Crooked", "Black", "Window" and "Who You" are a departure from the catchy and upbeat songs like "Crayon" or "One Of A Kind" in his previous album and reveal a more vulnerable and melancholic side of the upbeat performer we see onscreen. In this album, I have to say "Crooked" is my favorite. Gloriously depressing lyrics paired with upbeat and catchy music is a really unique combination that never fails to lift my spirits whenever I feel down in the dumps.

Having just completed my high school back in Malaysia as well as recently ending my life as an exchange student in the Golden State of California where I was hosted for 6 months, the lyrics in "Crooked" really strikes a chord within me. "Nothing ever lasts forever" holds true for me, but as I reminisce on the past, I have come to realize just how much each and every experience has enriched and changed my life, molding me into the person I am today. I may be left alone but I have also learnt to embrace my solitude with more passion everyday.

This is an album filled with the conflicting pairs of hope and despair, vitality and weariness, love and hate, joy and anguish.

Listen and embrace this revolution of music. You will not regret it.

p.l9

c :t cor•e • 1 b,,, .....

2

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ST""IJ:I>ElfT ATTiliE""IJTES ~IlOSSWOil:l>

13

I I I I I 4

I

5

16 I I

r 1 I I I I I 8

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9

I I Across

3. being accountable for one's own actions and decisions

6. stepping out of one's 'comfort zone'

7. thinking 'outside the box'

8. showing compassion and empathy

9. being in harmonious or proper arrangement or adjustment, proportion, etc.

Down

1. having a strong sense of belonging and commitment to the school

2. willing to listen, participate actively and respond to others' viewpoints

4. learners being intellectually curious, showing diligence, perseverance and

determination

5. thinking open-mindedly and being receptive to multiple perspectives and

contexts

p.22

(})ear PeCCow ScliooCmates,

CJ@natif ~agan, tlie 40tli Chesident of tlie Vnited States, once said, ":My pliiCosopliy of Cife is tliat if we maR! up our mind wliat we are going to maR! of our fives, tlien work_ liard toward tliat ·goa~ we never Cose - somehow we win out." q}i,ougli our goafs and efforts are far Cess infCuentiaC tlian tliat of an }fmerican Chesident, we, as a team Jiave tried our 6est to set feasi6Ce goafs from tlie very 6eginning of our campaign, and do everything we can to achieve tliese goafs. Jfaving reached tlie "Jia{fway marR;' of our work_ in tliis academic year, I'd fiRs to reiterate some of tlie goafs · we Jiave set, and iCCustrate Jiow tliese goafs Jiave 6een met and wiCC 6e met in tlie near future.

One of our major priorities tliis year is to represent and uplioCd students' interests and core vaCues. CJ'Jiis is, afteraC~ tlie main reason wliy a student union e~ts - to 6e students' voices, and maR! sure students' riglits and concerns are fuC[y refCected to otlier parties invoCved in sclioof-refated matters. CJJu6fic opinion is everything to us, as we 6efieve tlie student 6ody is tlie critic wliose opinion is of tlie greatest vaCue. Prom ear[y Septem6er, we Jiave continuaC[y stressed tlie importance of Cetting us k_now wliat you tliinft and wliat you want tlirougli different cliannefs of communication. We are pCeased to report tliat we Jiave Jieard from various students, and coCCected a wide range of opinions, most[y tlirougli onfine pCatforms. Some students Jiave e~ressed tlieir opinion on some of tlie activities we offer, and we Jiave received various constructive suggestions wliicli Jiave 6een incorporated into our events. :NevertlieCess, we Jiope tliat more of you wiCC teCC us your views towards us or towards different sclioof-refated affairs. ~our opinions form tlie 6asis of our worft and motivate us to strive for e~ceCCence. Witli tlie fauncli of tlie opinion programme in tlie coming weeR§, we e~ect to Jiear a Cot more from you, especiaC[y on tlie su6ject of our very own student union, tlie tlieme of tliis year's Opinion cp,ogramme.

q}iis term, we liave made ju[[ use of our Pace6ook_page to R!ep St. Cl'aufians posted witli updates of our sclioo[ teams. Students liave 6een informed a6out different competitions our teams participate in, and for tliose wlio couUn 't attend, we posted updates of respective results as soon as we could. o/ideos of matcli liiglifiglits were also posted onto our page so tliat students cou[d sliare tlie feefings and tlie spirit of sclioo[ team mem6ers and tlieir supporters. In addition, a tote 6ag representing SCl'CC wi[[ 6e avai[a6[e for purcliase in a few mont/is' time. q}iis is definitely a unique product tliat a[[ of us can taR! pride in, and tlie 6ag wi[[ 6e designed 6y one of our students. We wi[[ carry on promoting sclioo[ team events, and do our 6est to attract more students to participate and attend.

q}ie Student Vnion depends on your active involvement, and your voices are essential to our functioning. We are very liappy to see your participation in our activities and grateful for your constructive suggestions. Cl'[ease, fee[ free to send us an emai[ or a Pace6ook_ message, or approacli any one of our committee and e.zycutive committee mem6ers to raise any of your concerns or ideas, and I assure you tliat a[[ your constructive suggestions wi[[ 6e taR!n seriously.

Last 6ut not [east, w/ii[e tlie Student Vnion appreciates opinions of a[[ Rjnds, positive or negative, we liope tliat students can work_liand in liand witli us and otlier student 6odies to 6ring our sclioo[ to new lieiglits. ')I liouse divided against itself cannot stand", and it is only witli unity tliat we can move forward as one, and venture into e~ce[[ence.

Louis Clieng, cp,esident of Xire

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Student Union: ~'s official Student Post 1J tritag jflamma Jfggue# l

CREDITS Members of the Veritas Flamma:

P.iator-in-cliief 5q (5) :M.icliae{ Li

4(}3 (20) Siu Pine Clii Sienna 4Jf (18) fJ'anya cram

2C (10) Jonatlian Lo (Junior(}3oard) 2(])(10) :M.attliew Li (Junior(}3oard)

3}1 (28) crim Constance Scar{ett 4q (16) 'l(wan Jfiu fJ'une Corinna 5q (13):Ne :Nea ct'ee}lrie{ 5P (11) Luciana Clieune 5P(15) Lim Sliu Pei 41 (12) qeoreina Lees 4C (15) Jac~e Leune 4J (11) cp,utfence Clieune 3}1(20) Leune Sum cri, 'l(aren

Specia[ than~ to our teacher advisors: :M.r.CJ>au{ Chan :M.s. (])oro thy qreoory :M.r. P.ric Chan :M.s. Chik..,Shuk..,:M.ei ~hee.

'F )1 /( ;Ms. I noritf q'o

resident, Louis Cheng Vice President, Tiffan Chang

' Internal Direetor, Jade Li External Director, Justin Wong Publicity Director, Ivan Ho General Secretary, Jocelyn Chan Financial Secratary, Tifany Chung Editor-In-Chief, Michael Li

p.27