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NEWSLETTER . Compassvale Secondary School . Semester 1 | 201212

W I T H T H E M I N D S E T O F H I G H E X P E C T A T I O N S

S C A L I N G N E W H E I G H T S

Page 4Overseas Service Learning Trips to Laos and Cambodia

Page 7CVSS Staff CIP in the News

Congratulations, 2011 Secondary 4 Express and 5NA Northstars!

CVSS soared to greater heights of academic excellence with the release of the 2011 GCE ‘O’ Level Results on 9 January 2012. We achieved our best ever results for 4 Express, witnessing a significant improvement in our academic achievements.

2011 4 Express GCE ‘O’ Level• 5 or more subject passes: 97.4%• 6 or more subject passes: 93.3%• Eligibility for Polytechnic: 99.5%• Eligibility for JC: 79.8%

Students huddle together to celebrate each other’s achievements

Page 3Best Design Award in The Straits Times National Schools Newspaper Competition 2011

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An exemplary Northstar: Kok Hui YuanBy Nur Amira of 4H, Student Editor

4 Distinctions for Peh Yong Sin of Sec 5NA By Marcus Tan of 4H, Student Editor

“I didn’t see it coming at all...” were the only words that came out of Peh Yong Sin’s mouth when fi rst enquired about his feelings after collecting his results. Everything seemed surreal to the astounded Secondary 5 student at that time, who could not fathom how he could attain the meritorious result of

4 distinctions.

Just like how it was for the others, the preparation process was an arduous one for Yong Sin. However, the assiduous student long knew that his entry into Compassvale Secondary School marked the start of his preparation for the ‘O’ level examinations. “It starts right from the beginning - that’s where the crucial fundamentals are established,” he quipped. He urged his junior Northstars to keep asking questions whenever faced with uncertainties.

Yong Sin conveyed his utmost gratitude to his family and friends who had supported and guided him. Specifi cally, his CCA, Red Cross Youth, was cited as where he forged many valued friendships. He is also especially beholden to his teachers who painstakingly imparted knowledge to him.

Our heartiest congratulations to Yong Sin and all other students who have made us proud!

Student AchievementsYMCA Plain English Speaking (PESA) Awards 2011 – Bronze Honour Roll

By Christabel Francis of 2G, Student Editor

Selwyn Seah of 4H was given the opportunity to participate in the YMCA Plain English Speaking Competition (PESA), where he pitted himself against several other talented secondary school students at the Tampines Regional Library.

Participants were required to deliver a prepared speech in front of a panel of 8 judges.

Selwyn, who had chosen to speak about how domestic helpers are spoiling our generation of youth, refl ected that the event had benefi ted him greatly. Training rigorously with the school’s English teachers, he gained confi dence in public speaking and developed his communicative competencies to the fullest. Selwyn felt that such a prestigious competition had provided him good exposure and prepared him for future challenges.

“Although it was very tiring and strenuous for me to rehearse for the competition, I still found it very enjoyable as it had given me a rare and wonderful opportunity to compete against other students from top-notch schools ,” noted Selwyn.

(from left) Selwyn Seah of 4H and Mr Cecil Ang (Vice-Principal)

It was an emotional moment for Kok Hui Yuan as he stood in front of the 2011 and 2012 Sec 4/5 cohorts – with a microphone in one hand, and his GCE ‘O’ level certifi cate

trembling in the other.

Indeed, it had been quite a journey for Hui Yuan. 2011 was the year for Singapore Youth Festival competitions. Hence, he had to fi nd ways to divide his time between studying for the ‘O’ Level examinations, and his responsibilities as the Drum Major for the Band CCA. “I resorted to extremities,” he recalled. “I would even bring some books along with me whenever I went out, and I’d study any chance I got. Every second was too precious to lose.”

Coming from a Mandarin-speaking family, he was at fi rst least confi dent about his command of the English Language. “However my teachers pushed me to do better and better,” he gushed, and particularly attributed his academic success to his subject teachers who showed strong support and belief in him.

Well, his hard work and commitment certainly paid off. Standing tall and proud with a total of 8 distinctions, Hui Yuan knew exactly where he wanted to go next. “I want to pursue JC education at Nanyang Junior College (NYJC),” said the valedictorian.

To the next batch of students taking the GCE ‘O’ Levels, Hui Yuan offered the following advice: “In order to achieve your goals, you have to be 100% committed. But the most important thing is to work hard. Just work hard.”

Kok Hui Yuan scored 8 distinctions in GCE ‘O’ Level 2011

Sec 5 Normal Academic students who scored 3 & 4 Distinctions: (fi rst row, from left) Mr Phang (VP Admin), Heng Man Ting, Lim Si Hui, Yeo Hui Yee, Mdm Ong (Principal), Mr Cecil Ang (VP Academic); (second row, from left) Soh Wei Min, Peh Yong Sin, Peh Ting Yong, (back row, from left) Phang Kuan Yi, Muhd Yusri

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Red Cross Youth Cadets maintain their track record of outstanding performance in 2011

Student Editors: (from left) Wilbur Lim, Selwyn Seah, Nur Amira and Lynn Chia, all from Sec 4H

Congratulations to the winning teams and their teacher, Mr Tay Zhi Xiong, for their achievements

Boys Brigade does the school proud again by clinching another major award in recognition of Unit Excellence

CVSS Girl Guides with their Teachers-in-charge Ms Suraiya (left) and Ms Diana Loi (right)

Red Cross YouthThe Red Cross Youth Unit attained the Excellent Unit Award (Gold) and Community Service Award (Gold) in recognition of the Unit’s performance in 2011. This is the seventh consecutive year that the unit is receiving these awards.

Best Design Award in The Straits Times National Schools Newspaper Competition 2011

By Bryna Chong of 2G, Student Editor

We are immensely proud of our pioneer Student Editors for clinching two awards in the National Schools Newspaper Competition. Preparation was largely self-directed and it was the fi rst time our school participated in this competition. In

the 24-hr challenge, our students fought against fatigue with unyielding teamwork and impressed the judges with their good writing and design skills.

Their achievements were notably mentioned in an article in The Sunday Times (18 Dec 2011 edition) in the Home section (page 16).

Nanyang Polytechnic MBS Hospitality Video Competition 2011 – Gold AwardOnline Voting – 3rd Prize

By Sylvia Tan of 2G, Student Editor

During the 2011 December holidays,

3 Northstars from the Videography division of Infocomm Club did the school proud by clinching the Gold award for the Nanyang Polytechnic Marina Bay Sands Hospitality Video Contest. They came in top for the video skills and entertainment value displayed in their created video.

They also achieved the third position in an online voting segment – a further affirmation of the hard work they had put in for the contest.

Boys’ BrigadeThe Boys’ Brigade 36th Company attained a Silver award for the JM Fraser Award for Unit Excellence for the assessment year 2011/2012. The Company is delighted to receive this for the sixth consecutive year, and hopes to strive for even better results in the coming year.

Girl GuidesThe Girl Guides received a Silver Award for the prestigious Puan Noor Aisha (PNA) Award – an award that every Girl Guides company strives to attain.

CVSS Uniformed Groups put on a stellar showing once more at various UG awards for 2011:

Uniformed Groups

Singapore 3G Reader Club-Blogging Competition Champion Team

康柏中学华文部在2011年7月参与了由本地“第三代读书会”主办的“观察生活 * 关心生态”——《海神的信差》学生博客比赛，并获得金奖。获奖学生为：陈瑞芳（3I） 吴诗绮（3I） 姚梦玲（3I）。

学生们在华文部老师的引领下，通过为期一个月的博客写作，阅读《海神的信差》一书的章节，跟着作者探索、观察、体会海洋的世界，了解讨海人的生活；学习作者从生活中创作的写作理念。

从导读到阅读活动，老师们让学生学会利用身边的事物练习如何将体会化为创作，也把课堂中的导读活动推展成户外创作，鼓励学生以新的观点和题材进行创作，培养独特的创意思考能力。

从观察生活延跨到关心生态，让学生用同样的眼睛、心灵和创作笔触寻觅岛国仅有的生态环境。这是岛国年轻人的一幅生态文学拼图，体现了年轻一代对生命的关怀。 王竹慧校长与 比赛获奖学生合影

Student Achievements

These proud Northstars are (from left): Wong Wei Xun (4H), Chew Yun Jin (4H) and Pee Kai Li (4I)

Inter-School Robotics Challenge 2012In the recent Inter-school Robotics Challenge 2012, the Infocomm Club (PA/AVA) achieved the 2nd and 3rd prizes in the Obstacle Avoidance Category and attained the Merit award for the Line Tracking Category. Well done!

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A Breakfast to Remember – Breakfast with CTsBy Wilbur Lim of 4H, Student Editor

Held at the end of each semester on the last day of school, the biannual ‘Breakfast with CTs’ session provides a platform for students and teachers to foster deeper rapport and bonding, in celebration of a fruitful and accomplished year.

On the morning of 28 Oct, individual classes held distinct activities - some expressed their gratitude to their teachers via published pod-casts which showcased photos of their experiences over the year. Other classes enjoyed bonding games to further strengthen their class spirit. Laughter and excitement were the order of the day as memorable class photos were taken.

Most students and staff interviewed hailed the event a tremendous success, and anticipate with ebullience upcoming breakfast gatherings in future terms.Students and teachers working together to prepare a

variety of food items for the event

Our students painting murals on the walls of Ban Pakhao Primary School, Laos

CVSS students at Pathana School, Laos

Northstars interacting with the students at Ban Pahkao Primary School, Laos

International Coastal Clean-Up By Lim Hwee Zhian and Chee Kay Yee of 3I, Student Editors

19 August 2011 was a day well-spent for Northstars who visited sandy Changi Beach, not for a leisurely stroll, but to play a part in protecting marine life by cleaning up the coast. In collaboration with the ICSS, NUS and the Raffl es Museum of Biodiversity Research, the Environment Club organised a coastal clean-up activity. Overwhelming response was elicited from the various CCAs invited to participate. It was hoped that the event would raise students’ environmental awareness. On this day, streams of students clad in their PE attire were bubbling with excitement as they assembled at the coast. The afternoon heat beat down on them mercilessly. However, having been imbued with the school value of Resilience, Northstars worked hard at picking up rubbish and sorting items for recycling.

At the end of the event, cheers of achievement were clearly audible. Students unanimously agreed that it was a wondrous learning experience and hoped that more of such activities could be organised. All participants deserve a pat on their backs for a job well done!

Students actively record the types of trash found at the beach

Students armed with tools to clear up the beach

Students hard at work in cleaning up the coast

Overseas Service Learning and Leadership Training Trips to Laos and Cambodia

Highlights of 2011

In November 2011, Sec 2 and 3 students with good conduct and leadership potential were selected to participate in Service Learning Trips to either Laos or Cambodia. There, students participated in meaningful projects such as the refurbishment of village schools and engaged the locals in activities that promote cultural exchange.

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Strategic Planning Workshop for 2012By Mr Cheong Tien Beng (HOD Science)

The key objective of the annual Strategic Planning Workshop is to involve staff in the school’s strategic planning process. Through staff involvement, the committee seeks to generate a shared understanding of and commitment towards the school’s future direction.

The second strategic planning workshop was conducted last November. This time, apart from staff, student leaders and members of the School Advisory Committee and Parent Support Group were invited to participate in the workshop. Lively discussions and many good ideas were generated and exchanged over two days. The workshop enhanced staff and stakeholder’s understanding of the strategic planning process through activities that encouraged active participation and engaging discussion at the level of groups.

Staff Professional Development and Retreat DayOn 17 November 2011, CVSS staff shared valuable fi ndings from their Professional Learning Team (PLT) research projects. Through these projects, they help improve our school processes and pedagogies. Staff were also treated to a learning journey on a Southern Island Cruise and an exploration of Kusu Island thereafter.

Inaugural Staff DebateAs part of the school’s Good English Movement (GEM), CVSS staff pitted themselves against one other in a gruelling battle of wits and substance at the inaugural Staff Debate, held on 4 and 9 Nov 2011 (preliminary round and fi nals respectively).

2011 Staff Retreat

Science Department representatives: (from left) Mdm Preeti Palkar, Mr Ng Junjie, Mr Nicholas Choy and Mr Tan Chun Ming

Staff members share important research fi ndings with each other to help better teaching and learning processes

Mr Lee Kang Hwa, Chairman of the SAC (third from left), and representatives of the PSG committee pose for a picture with school leaders at the workshop

A happy excursion for both staff and their children at Kusu Island Mrs Koh Li Li making a wish at the lotus well

A student leader, Janice Law of 4I, expresses her views confi dently at the workshop

Teachers worked as groups in the various planning and discussion activities

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The school warmly welcomes Mdm Ellen Wang, our new Subject Head for Aesthetics, who enthralls our Lower Secondary Students with many musical instruments in her music lessons

(front row from left) Christabel (2G), Caleb Tan (2F), Bryna Chong (2G), Joanne Lee (2G), Vinesa Jayaselan (2G) and Sylvia Tan (2G); (Back row from left) Lim Hwee Zhian (3I), Chee Kay Yee (3I) and Iskandar (3H)

What’s New in School

Music LessonsBy Selwyn Seah of 4H, Student Editor

Our two new music teachers, Mdm Ellen Wang and Ms Melanie Sim, have heralded

the inception of music lessons into our school curriculum, which aims to further develop in our students an appreciation for the aesthetic arts. Our Lower Secondary students can now look forward to an hour of music lessons weekly. For Secondary Two Express students, lessons will be held in the fi rst semester, whereas our Secondary One Express students will be exposed to music in the second semester. For Secondary One and Two N(A) and N(T) students, music lessons will be available all year round.Students will be taught to play basic percussion instruments, as well as the methods of constructing simple percussion instruments. Besides immersing themselves in the enthralling world of music performance, students also gain insight into the lives and works of famous musicians, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, most notable for his timeless masterpieces such as the world-renowned Cello Suite.

New Student Editorial TeamBy Caleb Tan of 2F, Student Editor

The School Publications Committee warmly welcomes 10 new student editors - Secondary

2 and 3 students who will work very closely with teachers on various school publications. They will author articles on major school events and take part in workshops and competitions to hone their skills in journalistic writing and publishing.

Our heartfelt appreciation extends to the outgoing senior editors of 2011 – Selwyn, Wilbur, Lynn, Amira and Marcus of 4H – who have delighted many readers with their outstanding reports on school events in the past year.

To Grill or Not To Grill?By Nur Amira of 4H, Student Editor

With the recent addition of 3 barbeque pits in front of the Counselling room in November 2011, students and staff

members no longer have to look far and beyond when it comes to fi nding the perfect spot for CCA and class activities, staff meetings, or even family gatherings!

With these new barbeque pits, there will be more opportunities for quality bonding activities between staff and students, as well as staff and their family members. “We can use them for our Breakfast with CTs sessions,” suggested Jonas Lee of Sec 4E.

Indeed, the BBQ pits have been generating much buzz since their arrival. As demand is expected to be high, interested users must make a booking two weeks in advance with the school administration for use of the pits.

Enhanced Mac Laboratory By Wilbur Lim of 4H, Student Editor

As the development of technology is ever rapid and dynamic, there is a constant need to upgrade our equipment

and systems to facilitate the development of ICT skills in our staff and students. As such, the school has re-furbished the existing Mac laboratory. The laboratory is now home to 40 new Mac computers. With higher RAM, an upgraded OS-System and better memory, we bid farewell to the slow speed of processing users often experienced previously. Equipped with i7 processors, “thunderbolt” data transfer, along with a high-defi nition face-time camera, our capacity to develop avid fi lm-making individuals among our students, in particular, will be greatly enhanced. The laboratory is certainly an even greater asset now for teaching and learning, in view of the improved range of cutting-edge hardware and software available.

School Enhanced Security SystemBy Marcus Tan of 4H, Student Editor

In July 2011, a card access systems was installed for all classrooms and major school

facilities. The implementation of the system was aimed at safeguarding not only the school’s property, but also students’ valuables. Only those with access cards are allowed entry into these rooms and

these access cards are exclusively granted to staff of the school. Thus, students are allowed access to these rooms only when a staff member is present at any point in time. This system is likely to ensure the maintenance of a safe and more conducive school environment for learning where the use of facilities can be better monitored.

Mobile School Attendance-Taking SystemBy Lynn Chia of 4H, Student Editor

In late September, the school’s attendance-taking system received a revolutionary upgrade. An

advanced mobile attendance-taking module was implemented, which allows the real-time updating of students’ attendance records via the use of an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Tapping on a network server, the state-of-the-art module allows teachers to update student attendances during morning assemblies and at CCA trainings via mere touches on a screen. Several valuable features are programmed. Parents and guardians would be informed promptly in the event of a student’s absence from school or CCA programmes. An automated SMS would be relayed via the school’s server at a stipulated time each day.

Without a shadow of doubt, the new attendance-taking system has facilitated greater effi ciency in an important school process.

Girl Guides are among the many staff and students delighted over the installation of the BBQ pits

New and improved equipment in the Mac lab

New card access systems allow for better safeguarding of the use of school facilities and students’ valuables

Teachers are now equipped with iPhones or iPod touches to facilitate attendance-taking via a specially-created application for attendance-taking

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Sec 1 Bonding Camp 2012 By Marcus Tan of 4H, Student Editor

It was an unforgettable time for fostering friendships and cohesiveness among the Secondary

1 freshmen in our school. Students revelled in these precious moments of fun before lessons offi cially started at the Secondary 1 Bonding Camp 2012.

To promote team bonding, classes competed against each other in a range of activities. In particular, classes exhibited great camaraderie during the Performance Night in spite of the short span of time given for preparation. Items performed by the students include dancing, singing and cheering items. CCA Auditions were also incorporated into the camp where the students were able to discover their different talents and abilities. At the end of the camp, 1F emerged victorious for winning the most points throughout the camp. From the happy smiles on campers’ faces, it was clear that the camp was nothing short of successful. Many thanks to the teachers and facilitators who made the camp teachers and facilitators who made the camp possible!

CVSS @ Chingay 2012 Our Secondary 4 and 5 students participated in Chingay 2012 as part of a fl ash card display contingent, representing the People’s Association’s PA’s Got Talent wing. Our students worked in sync to showcase beautiful art pieces on fl ash cards with coordinated timings. We had the great honour of performing in front of Singapore’s political leaders, including President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Although time-consuming, most students expressed joy over having had the valuable experience to participate in this national event.

The following are some memorable scenes from the rehearsals and actual event:

A student eagerly shares her views on the event:“This experience of Chingay 2012 has truly been enriching and unique. Being a part of the performance, I’ve defi nitely learnt the importance of teamwork in producing a coordinated and attractive fl ash card display. Being at the performance itself is far more exciting and exhilarating than viewing the TV telecast. A truly eye opening and marvellous experience it has been.”-- Chia Lynne, 4H (Performer)

An Eventful Start to 2012

CVSS Staff CIP in the NewsCelebrating Chinese New Year in CVSS took on a greater meaning as teachers and school leaders played host to visitors from AWWA Community Home. They were treated to breakfast and CNY performances at our school, which hopefully made them feel welcome and cared for on this festive occasion. The event was featured in The Straits Times - IN Magazine for being a meaningful outreach programme that allowed staff to be a good role model to our students through our participation.

ve occasion The event was featured in The Straits Times

Sec Ones enjoying themselves in a Kite-Flying activity

Sec Ones enjoying their Mass Dance session

Practising hard even in their classrooms!

Staff go the extra mile to make our friends from AWWA feel cared for

Mr Cecil Ang extends a warm handshake to welcome our elderly guests

Our principal, Mdm Ong, leads the way in showing care and concern for our AWWA friends

All smiles and excitement before the performance

Actual Performance: students are all busy getting their fl ashcards ready

A well-coordinated formation made possible with the effort of our student participants. Well done!

Getting familiarized with equipment and performance fl ow at rehearsals

Sec 1 Sports Classes By Nur Amira of 4H, Student Editor

At the end of Sec 1 Orientation Week, Sec One Express and NA students who have been allocated Sports or Dance as their CCAs were re-grouped into new permanent classes known as ‘Sports Classes’.

Students in these classes will experience specially-tailored PE lessons in their curriculum to boost their fi tness and stamina, in preparation for future rigorous trainings, performances and competitions. Newly introduced this year, it is hoped that the initiative will allow our athletes and dancers to be developed to their fullest potential.

Newly formed Sports Class Sec 1H is all geared up for a great school year

CVSS EAS staff Mdm Merinda Tan (left) and Mdm Pong Yong Moi (right)

Students were thoroughly attentive as Mr Neil Humphreys shared inspiring and humourous life stories

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ADD 51 Compassvale Crescent, Singapore 545083TEL 6881 5047 FAX 6881 5998 WEB www.compassvalesec.moe.edu.sg

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Development Award(National Education)

An Eventful Start to 2012Talk by author Neil Humphreys As an extension to the school-wide Reading Programme, the EL Department invited Mr Neil Humphreys, an international best-selling author, journalist and former newspaper editor, to give a talk to our Sec 1 students on 5 March (Mon). In the 90-min session, he thoroughly captivated and delighted the audience with his many stories – his experiences of growing up in a single-parent family, living in a poor estate and studying in one of the most notorious schools in the UK. What was his message? To urge students to believe in themselves, even when others do not, and work hard towards achieving their goals. The talk certainly proved to be a resounding success. All his books which were on sale after the talk were sold out within half an hour!

Launch of CVSS Donation Drive 2012 at Total Defence Day CVSS commemorated Total Defence Day with a slew of momentous activities – one of them being the launch of our school-wide Donation Drive. With the efforts of all its staff and students, the school hopes to raise funds to help our needy students, improve our school programmes, and contribute to the larger community. 10% of the funds collected will go to Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), our adopted benefi ciary.

Attractive Front Cover of Donation Cards designed by our ex-Northstars

Staff AccoladesWinners of the Excellent Service Award (EXSA)Coordinated and presented by SPRING Singapore, the EXSA recognises individuals in the public and private sectors “who have delivered outstanding service” to their organisations. We are very proud that two of our EAS staff, Mdm Merinda Tee and Mdm Pong, have clinched this national award. Congratulations!

MOE Service Excellence AwardOur heartiest congratulations to Mdm Yeo Hui Lee for clinching the MOE Service Excellence Award, an award that is given to offi cers who have continuously delivered service excellence by handling internal and external customers with CARE - Courtesy, Accessibility, Responsiveness and Effectiveness, and inspire their colleagues to do likewise.

Mdm Ong with OCA Team Representatives (from left) Mrs Delia Yong (English Language Department), Mrs Lee Sear Yeen (National Education Committee), Mdm Ong Teck Hui (Principal) and Mrs Maureen Tung (Staff Well-Being Committee)

Mdm Ong with OCA Individuals (from left) Miss Teng Siew Lee (Senior Teacher, Science), Mdm Chua Seow Ling (Senior Teacher, Mathematics), Mdm Ong Teck Hui (Principal) and Mr Lee Boon Siang (HOD, Craft & Technology)

2011 OCA Award WinnersPresented at the year-end staff meeting were the Outstanding Contribution Awards (OCA) to 3 teams and 3 individuals in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made to the school community. After a round of voting by all staff, the top three teams and individuals were then shortlisted for consideration and confi rmation by the OCA panel, an independent committee headed by the Principal, Mdm Ong.

Other Noteworthy Achievements • Staff Development and Professional Sharing: CVSS

teachers presented at no less than 28 cluster, zonal, national and international platforms in 2011. This is both a testament of our school’s commitment to professional development as well as an encouraging affi rmation of our staff competency and capacity.

• School-Family Partnerships: Having conducted more than 100 hours of School Family Education (SFE) Programmes, with the aim of strengthening school-family partnerships, CVSS is one of the few secondary schools that has been recognised as an outstanding SFE school in 2011. Mdm Ong and members of our Parents Support Group (PSG) whom we are thankful to have as valuable

supporters of the school in its programmes and initiatives