Marymount E-Newsletter

From the Vice Principal’s Desk…

A Publication of Marymount Convent School, 430 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319759 Issue 2, November 2015 2015

2015 has been an enriching and eventful year. It is amazing how quickly time has flown by and we are now into the final stretch of the academic year. It seems only recently that I was posted to the Marymount Convent School to take on the new challenge as a Vice-Principal (Administration). My journey thus far has been an exciting one and I am grateful for the many amazing things that I have experienced and the many people who have shown me much love and support.

Prior to joining the school, I was a HR Partner at MOE’s HR Solutions and Capabilities Division for two years. There, whilst partnering the School Leaders in managing their HR matters, I had the opportunity to work with the School Leaders in Marymount Convent as well as those in our cluster schools. This gave me an advantage in terms of understanding some aspects of the school prior to my posting and helping me to assimilate. My previous experience as an Administration Manager in two mixed primary schools with very diverse pupil profiles, has also helped me to adjust to Marymount Convent School, though the challenges faced now are somewhat different, but equally exciting and rewarding.

Semester 2 saw our pupils participate in many celebratory SG50 events at the school and community levels. Our pupils from the Modern Dance, Chinese Dance and Dance Club were invited to participate in the SG50 Youth Celebrate! and Official Opening of the Singapore Sports Hub. Some of our pupils also contributed interesting articles about Sentosa to MOE’s SG e-book, titled SG50 Reflections: Our Hopes and Memories (HOME). If you have not read it, I would encourage you to read it at www.SG50HOME.sg and like me, be impressed with our pupils’ efforts and contributions. During the mid-autumn season, our choir also took part in the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Their melodious voices and perfect harmony wowed the crowd there as they performed in English and Chinese with their repertoire of classics as well as an upbeat cha-cha song.

Our pupils also continued to excel in the academics and our niche areas in Semester 2. I am proud to share that our ex-pupil, Ashita Ashish Sule, who was in P6 in 2014, was awarded the very prestigious Prime Minister’s Book Prize for PSLE. Our pupils who took part in the Singapore Youth Festival Art Competition also did us proud by obtaining a certificate of recognition in Category A (P1 and P2) and a certificate of participation in Category B & C. In fact, their art pieces were also featured in the SYF 2015 Art Exhibition, a public exhibition, at Raffles City Shopping Centre in July. Casey Wong of 5 Compassion was awarded a merit prize in “My Dream School Bus” art competition.

I would like to commend our pupils for living out our school values. During the recent haze situation, I saw our pupils display perseverance, especially the P6s who pressed on with their work and remained focused on their PSLE. It was also very encouraging to see how the whole school came together to support one another during this challenging period. The P3s switched their air-conditioned classrooms with the P6s in order for them to have the best environment possible to sit for their PSLE. Teachers and support staff stood by each other to help with the last minute changes and parents also responded and co-operated when after school activities had to be cancelled at short notice. This only goes to show that parents and members of the community are our best partners, who can reinforce the values learnt and help build links and bridges between the school and the world beyond school.

Our PERI upgrading project started well and construction works are underway and on schedule. We look forward to the completion of our two additional classroom blocks and the Indoor Sports Hall block which will support us as we press on in our efforts to provide learning opportunities for our pupils to develop holistically through both the formal and informal curriculum. As we approach the end of the term and the year, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a well-deserved year-end break and we look forward to an even more exciting and fruitful 2016.

Mrs Christina Tan

Vice Principal

From the English Department . . . The Media Resource Library (MRL) – The Place To Be

I love reading and I love to spend my time in the library. Reading helps me in English as I learn new words.

This year the library celebrated Singapore’s 50 years of independence by displaying books written by local writers. With the books introduced during assembly, I became a little more interested in the books on display. They gave us more information on what happened in the past and how Mr Lee Kuan Yew and our pioneer leaders built Singapore to what she is today.

The book display was eye-catching and very inspiring as it allowed more pupils to be interested in borrowing and reading the books. The books were also neatly placed so that they looked more inviting to pupils to want to browse them.

I think improvements can be made to the display of books. The books can be arranged according to genres and displayed in such a way that it attracts pupils to want to borrow them. There should also be books that are movie tie-ins, comics and award winning books to interest the readers.

Reported by Gemmy Koh (6 Integrity)

Book Display – Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Book Display - Horror

Book Display – New Books

Book Display – Local Authors

From the Mathematics Department . . .

I LOVE MATHS!

To get our lower primary pupils excited about Mathematics, the Math Committee came up with a way to encourage Primary Two pupils to memorise their multiplication tables.

As an added bonus, there was a “Random Questions” category where pupils could earn additional stamps. The teacher would select a question and the pupil had to give the answer in five seconds or less! Answering one question correctly was enough to earn them a coveted stamp in their booklet. Pupils who collect 30 stamps are given a special reward for demonstrating their mastery of the multiplication tables.

The recitation of multiplication tables is still in progress. So far, pupils have been enthusiastic about it. It is evident that the Primary Two pupils are excited and motivated to learn their multiplication tables!

Reported By: Hemani Kumarasan (5 Compassion)

Pupils were given a ‘I Love Maths’ multiplication booklet and were scheduled by the Maths teacher to recite their multiplication tables. Pupils were given a stamp for each correct recitation.

From the Science Department . . .

Energy Conservation Programme

The Energy Conservation campaign, ‘Energy Heroes: It’s Your Power!’ sponsored by Singapore Power, was launched on 9 July to promote awareness and good practices on energy efficiency. The objective of this campaign was to create awareness of every individual’s energy consumption patterns. It was also aimed at getting the individual to make prudent choices.

The Energy Conservation Programme started off with an assembly talk to educate our pupils on energy consumption. The exhibition was held at the AVA Room from 9th to 10th July and was open to all pupils and staff during the three recesses (9.30am to 11am) and after school (1.30pm to 2.30pm). Upper primary pupils were scheduled to visit the exhibition and learn useful energy saving habits. The programme was especially beneficial to the upper primary pupils as it challenged them to apply their Science concepts. The activities organised were well-received by our pupils and staff.

Station activities for each class after a briefing

The hands-on activities attracted active

participation of pupils during recess

Come join the queue to take part in the quizzes!

MCS No Waste Days Challenge

The ‘No Waste Days Challenge’ was launched on 30 July 2015 with the support of the National Environment Agency (NEA) to challenge all pupils and staff to adopt ‘No Waste Days’. This was aimed at making lifestyle changes to reduce waste and to encourage collective waste reduction efforts that would eventually benefit the environment and community.

Pupils and staff were given ideas on how to practise the 3Rs (Reuse, Reduce and Recycle) through an assembly talk, mobile video show and a mini-bazaar on sale of reused materials at the canteen.

Both our pupils and staff have shown their strong support by their pledges and consistent efforts to reuse, reduce and recycle their waste.

P5 Participants from 5H

Haze Management Programme

Singapore has been affected by severe smoke haze due to forest fires in the region. To prepare and protect our pupils from the ill effects of haze exposure, the school adopted a proactive approach of

briefing the pupils on how they could manage and protect themselves in this haze situation. Pupils were also kept updated on the current Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to monitor the amount of outdoor activities during recess. Teachers were also mindful about keeping the pupils indoors when the PSI hit unhealthy levels.

Competitions

Science Olympiads and Competitions 2015

Pupils from Primary 5 and 6 Humility classes represented our school and participated in the RGS Math and Science Competition (RGSMSC), RI Science Olympiad (RSO) and the

Singapore Primary Science Olympiad (SPSO).

RGS Math and Science Competition (RGSMSC)

P6 Participants from 6H

P5 Participants from 5H

(P5: front row, L to R)Hannah Tan, Estella Tok, Gwyneth Chew (not in picture: Cinderella Du Tingxue)

(P6: back row, L to R) Sulaksha, Mabelle Wijaya and Adele Tay Terri Tan, Emma Quek, Kiran Geofran and Christian Ong

RI Science Olympaid (P5)

(L to R) Zhang Lina, Shayne Teo, Rebecca Leong, Samantha Wong and KG Akshaya Nandhini

Singapore Primary Science Olympaid (P5)

(back row, L to R) Chia Moon Teng, Shannon Sim, Kalea Fhamy Mastuki and Vera Yeong

(front row, L to R) Michelle Shannon Verghese, Wee Sue Yin, Jenell Tan and Zoey Lee

National Environment & Water Quiz 2015

Three of our pupils from Primary 5 Compassion represented our school and participated in the above-mentioned competition on 11 July 2015.

(L to R): Charmaine Chan, Rebecca Teo , Megan Wong (5 Compassion)

From the Mother Tongue Department …

Keputusan Peraduan Penulisan Kreatif 2015

Hari yang dinanti-nantikan telah tiba. Keputusan Peraduan Penulisan Kreatif yang dianjurkan oleh pihak EDN Media Consultant dalam semester 2 2015 telah diumumkan. Alangkah gembiranya saya apabila dipilih sebagai salah seorang juara daripada tiga pemenang yang dianugerahkan pingat emas 2015 yang tertinggi di antara seluruh sekolah di Singapura yang telah mengambil bahagian dalam peraduan tersebut.

Rakan-rakan yang lain yang memenangi pingat emas yang dianjurkan oleh pihak EDN Media Consultant Pte Ltd dan Pusat Nusa Bahasa ialah Ariya Menon (6 Simpati), Nikita Khanna (6 Simpati) dan Ajlaa Farhana (6 Rendah Hati).

Pengalaman yang kami perolehi sungguh menarik dan sukar dilupakan. Kami pasti akan menyertai peraduan tersebut lagi pada masa hadapan jika diberi peluang.

Reported by Anusha Judith Corray (6 Gratitude)

Active Kids Programme (AKP)

The Active Kids Programme (AKP), an activity based programme, was structured and conducted in a joint partnership by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and our school to help students live a healthier lifestyle and take better care of their health and body. The programme was conducted in sessions between the months of July and November. There was one parent-and-child session, followed by 4 sessions conducted for the students. The sessions were quite informative and enlightening. AKP has helped inculcate healthy eating habits and promote an active lifestyle amongst both students and parents. The AKP programme proved to be instrumental in shaping the character and confidence of the students.

Reported by Jiya Jikku (4 Gratitude)

From the Physical, Health Education and Co-Curricular Activities Department . . .

Dari Kiri, Ariya Menon (6 Simpati – 1 pingat emas dan 1 pingat perak), Ajlaa Farhana (6 Rendah Hati – 2 pingat emas), Nikita Khanna ( 6 Simpati – 1 pingat emas) dan Anusha Judith Corray – tiada di dalam gambar (6 Kesyukuran – 1 pingat emas).

Tennis Learning Journey

On the 14th of September 2015, Marymount Convent School had the pleasure of inviting World Sports Group to conduct a learning journey for 40 pupils. The pupils had the opportunity to participate in various game stations where they learnt about the different playing surfaces, how to be a ball kid and the rules of tennis. The highlight of the learning journey was playing a game of modified tennis. Low compression balls, lighter rackets and lower nets ensured a high success rate for beginning players. Intermediate and advance players received valuable tips from the coaches present. The short waiting time ensured that all pupils had maximum participation and fun. The workshop has elevated the pupils’ level of interest in tennis.

Reported by Mr Phua Yu Jim (PE Teacher)

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Our Rhythmic Gymnasts went through rigorous training every week in preparation for the Singapore Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held from 10th to 13th September 2015. Their efforts have paid off handsomely and we are proud to announce the following awards clinched by our gymnasts:

Individual Events

Level 1(Freehand) Loy Shan Xuan Joy (2H) ! 1st Sheer Ng Xi Er (2Z) ! 1st

Level 2 Pebbyl Ang Jing Ya (2H) ! 5th (Ball) 4th (Rope) 3rd (All-Around) Lae Ein Ee,Raelene (2Ry) ! 6th (Rope) ! 6th (All-Around) Jung Sumin (3I) ! 3rd (Rope) ! 2nd (All-Around) Summer Koh Kai En (4H) ! 1st (Ball) ! 2nd (Rope) Cheong Wai Xin Stacia (5Z) ! 5th (Ball) ! 6th (Rope) Jobina Chan Shi Hui (4C) ! 4th (Freehand) Pang Yan Ling Calista (4I) ! 3rd (Freehand) Stage 2 Alyssia Woo (3H) ! 4th (Freehand) ! 1st (Hoop) ! 4th (Clubs) Au Yu Jing,Angeline (4C) ! 6th (Freehand) ! 3rd (Rope) ! 2nd (Clubs)

Level 3 Neomi Ng Kai Qing (5H) ! 4th (Hoop) ! 1st (Clubs) ! 1st (Freehand) ! 1st (All-Around) Mia Ng Mi Er (5I) ! 6th (Clubs) ! 2nd (Freehand) !1st (Hoop) ! 3rd (All-Around) Rachel Soh (5P) ! 6th (Freehand) ! 3rd (Clubs) ! 2nd (Hoop) ! 2nd (All-Around) Stage 3 Zoey Lee Zhimin (5H) ! 3rd (Freehand) ! 1st (Clubs) ! 5th (Hoop)

Group Events

Level 2 (Group Freehand) ! 1st

1. Pebbyl Ang Jing Ya (2H)

2. Nicole Lim Zi Qing (2I)

3. Lae Ein Ee,Raelene (2Ry)

4. Jung Sumin (3I)

5. Summer Koh Kai En (4H)

Youth Celebrate! 2015

On 26 July this year, Marymount Convent School’s Dance pupils took part in Youth Celebrate! 2015, in conjunction with Youth Day and the opening of the Singapore Sports Hub. All eighty of us, from P2 and P3 Dance Club, Chinese Dance and Modern Dance, felt honoured to be part of an exciting performance and celebration.

We trained very hard but it was all worth it. Dancing in front of the VIPs was indeed an honour. We also had the opportunity to meet cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister, Mr Lee, and national athletes during the finale. Their words of encouragement motivated us to perform our best.

We were honoured to be part of this once in a lifetime experience as it truly strengthened the bond among the different dance clubs. We will definitely cherish these moments.

Reported by Tan Jing En & Charlene Yang (6 Humility)

From the Aesthetics Department . . .

Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2015

Our school has many interesting Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that pupils take part in. Many of them require a lot of strengh, perseverance, time and training. Some of our pupils represented our school in different competitions. One of them was the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF).

The humble beginnings of the SYF could be traced to its roots in Jalan Besar Stadium. Launched on 18 July 1967 by President Yusof Ishak, the SYF was a festival that involved 24,000 pupils from primary and secondary schools in a two-week long celebration. It has metamorphosed into an annual kaleidoscopic showcase of talents involving more than 40,000 pupils in the month of July.

Our Art Club pupils participated in the SYF Visual Arts segment and we are pleased to say that they have made us very proud. Our P1 and P2 pupils created a piece called "Bubbling Thoughts of Life". Our P3 and P4 pupils created "Children of the Garden City' and the P5 and P6 pupils created the artwork "Across the World We Live In".

Dhareshwar Sanchita, from 5 Humility, has learnt many things from the SYF. She had to put in a lot of effort together with her group mates to create the art piece. They reviewed many designs and made a masterpiece depicting their perception of the world.

A group of Primary 1 girls, all from the Art Club, made their own work of art with their P2 group mates. They were ecstatic when their Art instructor gave them a circular piece of paper and told them to draw. They also got the opportunity to paint their art piece. They learnt values such as time management and responsibility.

The "Bubbling Thoughts of Life" art piece, by the P1 and 2 pupils, was selected for the SYF exhibition. The exhibition was held at Raffles City Shopping Centre, which was open to the public, from 10th to 19th July 2015. "It was very fun and interesting. There were many different pieces of art," commented Ng Ling Hui Charlotte, from 1 Humility. The art exhibition displayed many different and unique art pieces.

As we celebrate SG50 this year, this year’s SYF will not be forgotten.

Reported by Balachandar Srividya (5 Humility) and Tiffany Zee (5 Compassion)

Children of Garden

Across the World We Live In

From the NE/Social Studies Department . . .

NE Learning Journeys

Primary 1- Peranakan Museum and Merlion Park

The Primary 1 pupils went on a trail of colourful treasures as they explored the Peranakan culture. Through the themed galleries, the pupils learnt about the Peranakan culture, such as wedding and religion. A short video presentation familiarised them with well-known Peranakans who have contributed significantly to the nation.

The adventurous girls did not stop just at the Peranakan Museum. They took a walk to the nearby Merlion Park too. The Merlion and bronze statues displayed along the route served as reminders of Singapore’s humble origins.

P3 Learning Journey to Kampong Glam

The P3 pupils visited Kampong Glam, one of Singapore's greatest heritage trails. As we all know, Kampong Glam is home to a number of eye-catchers, like the Sultan Mosque and the Cajaput tree, locally known as the Gelam tree. The pupils learnt many interesting facts.

The domes on top of the Sultan Mosque are held up by rings of glass bottles and the base of each dome is ornamented with glass bottles.

The bark of the Gelam trees, which are smooth and soft unlike most trees, was commonly used to mend boats. The leaves have healing properties and are used in ointments to treat muscle aches, pains and respiratory problems.

P5 Learning Journey to Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) should be in the itinerary of every visitor to Singapore, as it provides a comprehensive view of the sophistication of East Asia's cultures.

The Primary 5 pupils of Marymount Convent School visited ACM and were intrigued by what they learnt. Most listened attentively to their teachers as they explained the artefacts in relation to the various Asian cultures. To the pupils, the various religious statues displayed are wonderful visual reminders of different faiths and unity. The trip definitely broadened their minds.

Primary 6 - Bukit Chandu and Old Ford Factory

The visit to Bukit Chandu and Old Ford Factory was an informational and heart-wrenching trip for the Primary 6 pupils. The galleries showcased the photographs, maps and artefacts of World War II. The girls got all serious as they read the information displayed. They took down notes earnestly and reflected on their experience. Here are some reflections…

“The recorded conversations from the war survivors were painful to hear. I could sense the agony of going through the unfair routines”

“The weapons used during the war looked intimidating.

I wouldn’t want to experience war.

Living in unity is the best! “The invasion and mission plans on display were

so detailed. Many families were displaced as

these plans were executed. I admire the sheer grit

of our pioneers to stand up against the perpetrators”

NE Show 2015

This year, the P5 students had the privilege of witnessing the NE Golden Jubilee Show at the historic venue, Padang. The students looked forward to celebrating the 50th year of independence with much pride, having learnt about the early struggles of our country.

The march past by our retired army personnel was remarkable and reminded us of their enduring spirit and efforts put in to develop Singapore to where it stands now. The Kallang Wave was an enjoyable moment felt by all as we cheered boisterously, standing up and waving our flags and banners. The crowd’s favourite, Aerial Display by the Black Knights of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, left us awe struck. Capping the NE show was the beautiful firework display which brightened up the dark skies.

Fellow schoolmates, Adelia Ramli and Gita Sri, commented that they were totally awed by the cooperation and coordination displayed by performers and their efforts proved meaningful. NE Show 2015 was indeed memorable as it gave students an opportunity to be filled with pride for being a Singaporean. Onward Singapore!

Reported By Ashika C (5 Compassion)

Celebrations . . .

Children’s Day 2015

As the final months of our primary school days draw near, we could not help but reminisce about the wonderful times we had. Children’s Day was unforgettable, especially since it was our last. The many well-wishes and gifts our teachers gave us made us feel really special.This year, we feasted on ice cream and popcorn, played games and watched a concert put up by our teachers.

We fostered closer bonds with both our teachers and classmates. We also learnt about the less fortunate and were encouraged to give back to society by donating to the underprivileged and the needy.

We truly enjoyed ourselves. It made us realise that we should make the best of our times with our friends and teachers because all this will come to an end.

Reported by Charlotte Mak Ler Ee and Nazra Shahnaz Zafar (6 Compassion)

Advisors: Ms Cecilia Lim (Principal) Ms Lynette Fernandez (Vice Principal)

Teachers: Corporate Communications Committee, HODs, LH/SHs and Coordinators

Editorial Team