IssueNo. 12011

ContentsPg 1: Cover PagePg 2: Message from the Principal PSLE Results 2010Pg 3: The Road to PSLESchool ActivitiesPg 4&5: Speech Day Awards 2010Pg 6: Primary One Buffet Our First Day At SchoolPg 7: My First Week In School Welcome Lunch For New RiverlitesPg 8: Secondary School Fair 2010 Graduation Party 2010Learning JourneysPg 9: Islandwide NE Trail Learning Journey to VietnamPg 10: Performance at Hongkong Disneyland Robotics Competition In BrisbaneNational AchievementsPg 11: National Day Awards - Long Service Awards SPH Little Red Dot ChallengeCollaboration Pg 12: School- Family Education Talk Staff CIP

80, Rivervale Drive, Singapore 545092 Tel : 63887450 Fax : 63887449 Email: rivervale_ps@moe.edu.sg

Editorial Team:Advisors : Mr Andrew Mah, Mdm Maria Salim, Mrs Joyce CheongEditor : Mr Julian Victor, Ms Nicole Marie De SouzaStudent Contributors : Loo Yu Xi, Terence Lee, Bu Jing Yi, Loo Yu Hao, Md Ilhan, Christine Ng, Timothy Ng, Adil Abdullah, Wan Xin Ping, Goh Sing Hong, Ng Yu Qi, Muhd Mustaqim, Melvin Goh, Yurika Asai, Sahana, Jonathan Chin, Chaitanyasre LeninAdult Contributors : Ms Goh Soo Ying, Mr Simon Neo, Ms Chwee-Pheng, Mr Eu Kong Leong, Ms Sukarni, Mrs Lalitha Augustin, Ms Ng Wan JunStudent Photographer : Christophe TayAdult Photographers : Mr Zakir, Mr Lawrence, Mr Budiman

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Message From The PrincipalRivervale Primary has done well in 2010, having exceeded our targets in many areas. Our P6 pupils have done better in their PSLE, with more pupils going to secondary schools as compared to the National statistic, more pupils scoring above 250 and more promoted to the Express stream against comparable schools. Our SYF accolades are a testament to the well-rounded education we provide. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful Parents for their unwavering support of the school and their willingness to work together for the betterment of the pupils. I would also like to thank my Staff for their hard work in meeting the school’s objectives and concurrently looking into the needs of every pupil. To the Pupils of Rivervale, both past and present, I thank you for your love. At Rivervale Primary, we take pride in working towards our school’s Vision of “The Rivervale – School of Excellence, Individuals of Character”. Our focus for 2011 are:• Synergistic Partnership • Inviting School Environment • Servant Leadership The School Leaders and Staff strongly believe that the 5 values of the school, namely Positive Attitude, Hardworking, Caring, Loyalty and Teamwork will be manifested in these 2011 focus for our Pupils:

• Competencies for the 21st Century • Leaders of Tomorrow • Disciplined Individuals, Concern for Others

To better meet the needs of pupils, staff and parents, 3 consortiums headed by School Leaders are created:The P1 and 2 Consortium will be headed by Vice Principal, Mrs Joyce CheongThe P3 and 4 Consortium by Vice Principal, Mdm Maria SalimThe P5 and 6 Consortium by School Staff Developer, Mrs Gayle Ng and the Principal 2011 is here and let’s work together towards Valuing Individuals, Valuing All.

Succeed and Excel!

Andrew MahPrincipalRivervale Primary

PSLE RESULTS 20102009 2010

PSLE Mean T-Score 199.4 199.8% pass at PSLE (eligible for Secondary education) 97.3 98.6

Our Top PerformersPosition Name Class Aggregate

1 TERENCE LEE JI HUI 6A 267

2 GOH KAY HIN 6A 266

3 LOO YU XI 6A 266

4 PETRINA LEOW WAN LENG 6A 266

5 CHUA YONG JUN 6A 265

6 JOEY GOH SI YING 6A 265

7 DOMINIC TAN JUN JIE 6A 263

8 JERALDINE LOW JIA YU 6A 262

9 RAEBURN ANDREA CHRISTINE 6A 261

10 TAN KANG TING 6A 261

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The Road To PSLE2010 was an exciting year for me, filled with many memorable events.On the first day of the year, I was slightly worried as I thought that it would be a stressful

year with the upcoming PSLE. However, as time passed, I realised that it was as awesome as any

other year! Although we had to study harder, we still had time to play hard. It was just a matter of time

management.

In the blink of an eye, the PSLE rolled around. I did my final revision, looking through my books and assessment

papers. When the PSLE was over, I was in paradise! There were loads of fun-filled activities that the school

organised for us, such as archery and manga drawing.Soon, the day of reckoning arrived. It was the release of PSLE results! When the Principal announced that I had achieved

a good score, I was delighted as I was eligible for my dream school. Throughout the year, my teachers, friends and I had

gone through many hardships together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Principal, Vice Principals,

teachers and friends who had brought the best out of me. I wish this year’s primary six pupils the best of luck for their

upcoming PSLE!

Loo Yu Xi (6A) 2010

At the beginning of the

year, I felt stressed at the thought of

PSLE at the end of the year. However, with the

encouragement from my teachers, I worked doubly

hard, doing practice papers given by the school and

my tuition teacher. I began to revise the topics for all

subjects to make myself more prepared. Though the pressure was

there, I continued to persevere and motivate myself to work hard.

After my PSLE was over, I felt relieved yet nervous about my results. The

waiting period for my PSLE results was tormenting. When I received my

PSLE results, I was contented. All my teachers played an important role in

my years in school, especially Mr Soh and Ms Wee, both of whom made

tremendous efforts in pushing us to work harder. I would like to thank the

school and Mr Mah for the wonderful education I have received.

Terence Lee Ji Hui 6A (2010) 3

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Speech Day Awards 2010

In the blink of an eye, it was my third year in the teaching profession. I joined the service in 2007 after having worked in various jobs in the private sector. Upon reflection, I would say that teaching is one of the most satisfying careers I

have had. The rewards of teaching cannot be measured extrinsically. The intrinsic gratification of seeing a child

grow up, learn and appreciate life goes beyond monetary rewards. At times, I feel overwhelmed and contemplate leaving the service, but the moment I see the smiling faces of my pupils, the desire just fades away.

Mr Simon Neo

I was very happy

to receive the 3-year Service

Award together with my colleagues

and friends who graduated from NIE

with me. Rivervale Primary has provided a

good starting platform for beginning teachers

like me to start our teaching careers. The various

programmes and activities in school have provided

me with valuable and enriching experiences for

my teaching as well as my self development. I

am looking forward to many more years in the

teaching service.

Ms Goh Soo Ying4

The Speech Day in 2010 was conducted differently from previous years. For the first time, the top three pupils of each class were invited on stage to receive their prizes from the Principal. This was to acknowledge

and reward them for their excellent performance and recognize all the hard work that they had put in. Pupils also had to write a note to their parents. In the note, the pupils

thanked their parents for the support and encouragement they had received from them. This gesture was to recognise the idea that the education of a child requires collaboration between the parents and the school. The school also acknowledged and presented awards to our

stakeholders - the SAC members, Parent Volunteers and Student Alumni - for their unwavering support to the

school.

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Last year, when I was in primary five, I was the top pupil for all my subjects. I was elated as I had not only

maintained my position but I had also improved!

Everyday, I conscientiously revised my work. I read through my notes and took note of the mistakes that I had made. I told myself not to repeat them again. I also

did examination papers from other schools to prepare myself thoroughly for the exams.

Whenever I came across challenging questions, I would approach my parents for help. They would explain the questions to me until I understood them. My classmates and I also discussed the problems together. My teacher gave me many opportunities to test myself against others by allowing me to participate in the Math and Science Olympiad. These helped me gain a lot of knowledge and exposed me to various challenges and situations.

I am grateful to my teachers, parents and friends for all their help and support. I must work harder and aim for the skies for my PSLE this year.

Bu Jing Yi (6A)

Speech Day Awards 2010

19 Nov 2010 was a memorable day for me as it was the first time I walked on stage to receive a prize on Speech Day. Some of you may wonder how I achieved my results. My advice is that revising your worksheets is not enough. You must also do

extra worksheets on top of your school work. If you feel stressed, you should take a short break and play some games. Most importantly, you should not wait for the day before the exams to revise. You should revise and do extra practices throughout the year.

Achieving the first place was not entirely my effort. My patient and caring teachers and parents have guided me in my

studies. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank my parents and teachers for helping me to achieve my

good results!

Loo Yu Hao (5A)

I was extremely happy to go up on stage to receive a prize on Speech Day last year. I received a prize for having done very well in my final examinations. Initially, I was nervous about going up on stage but I was excited about the support I received when I

received my prize. I studied very hard to obtain my good results and I felt that it was worth it. This year, I am planning on studying just as hard so that I can go to a good secondary school. I am thankful for the kind teachers and friends in Rivervale and I will miss them all when

I graduate.

Lim Shi Wei 6I5

Last year, I won an award for being the top pupil for English Language, Mathematics and Science. I felt great to receive the award from the school for being the top pupil in 4A. I worked very hard throughout the whole year. I studied for my English and Science by consistently revising all

the work my teacher taught in class. Mathematics was slightly difficult but I persevered and practised doing problem sums until I was able to do them. I would like to thank all my teachers and friends for helping me to achieve my goal of being the top pupil.

Joel Ho 5G

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Primary One BuffetOn the first week of school, I felt shy as I was afraid to make new friends. After alighting from the school bus, I walked to the canteen and waited there until everyone was asked to go to the hall. In the hall, I met my classmates for the second time and learnt how to take my own temperature. I learnt the pledge and the national anthem too. I was taught how to eat healthily in the Eat-Right-Program.

I was looking forward to recess as I was hungry. I was going to eat right! I was excited about the different kinds of food they would be serving. Mdm Hamimah had said that I should get my food from the Halal food section but I should not worry too much because my buddy, Famida, would be there to help me.

The food was delicious. I loved the fruits best. I had to eat quickly so as not to be late. I was sure that I would enjoy the buffet spread over the next ten days. My Grandma will be packing food for me after that. I am sure it will be just as delicious!

Md Ilhan Md Razif (1A)

Our First Day At School

On the first day

of school, I woke up at nine

in the morning. A photojournalist,

Xiaobin, had stayed over in my house.

She took photographs of my brother and I as

we prepared for school. My mother, together

with my grandmother, drove us to school.

I was afraid at first but my mother and my

form teacher, Ms Aishah, assured me that

everything would be fine. Liv Tan became

my best friend after she lent me her eraser.

Xiaobin followed us everywhere, from

my classroom, to the hall and even

to the canteen during recess. I

had a lot of fun on my first day at

school. I love school!

Christine Ng (1B)

I was happy when the reporter came to my house. Packing my schoolbag made me so tired that before long, I went to sleep. In the morning, I did not want to go to school. I wanted to stay at home

and watch television. I had some difficulty putting on my uniform.

When I met my form teacher, Mrs Yong, I was happy. Mother’s presence on the first day also helped to reassure me. During recess, I ate a bread roll and it was delicious. Although I was frightened to be in school in the beginning, I am not anymore and I enjoy going to school.

Timothy Ng (1C)

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My First Week In School

Welcome Lunch For New

RiverlitesOn 12 January 2011, 20 new students, from

primary two to primary six, were invited to a welcome lunch. The Get-to-know-you Session was part of a

programme to provide a smooth transition for these new students as they adjust to their new learning environment.

Our Allied Educator (Counselling), Ms Pheng, was at the welcome lunch to assist these students familiarise themselves with the new school setting, rules and routines as well as to support their social and emotional needs. Five student leaders were tasked to engage the new students with ice-breaker games.

The new students enjoyed the get-together session and many found the games fun and the prefects friendly. They enjoyed it so much

that they wished that it had not ended so quickly.

Ms Chwee-Pheng Allied Educator (Counselling)

My first week in school was very fun. I experienced so many new things like taking the school bus to school for the first time. My mother also gave me money which I had to spend wisely to buy food during recess.

On the first day of school, I was looking forward to meeting some of my friends whom I had met during the Primary One Orientation. I was also very excited to make new friends. I was happy to see my form teacher, Mdm Hamimah, as she is a fun but firm teacher.

I am very excited and happy to be in school. I love to play and run around the school field with all my new friends. I hope to learn many interesting and new things throughout the rest of the year.

Adil Abdullah (1A)

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Secondary School Fair 2010On 28 and 29 October 2010, a Secondary School Fair was organized for the Primary 6 pupils and their parents. The participating schools sent representatives to tell us about their niche programmes, CCAs and activities, thus allowing us to make informed choices. During recess, we visited the booths that were set up to find out more about the schools we were interested in. During the fair, we were also informed of the aggregate scores needed to enter these

schools. This helped us to plan our targets effectively and to make sure that the amount of work we were putting in was sufficient.

We feel that such a fair is useful and informative for both the pupils and parents. We thank the school for organizing such an event.

Wan Xin Ping and Goh Sing Hong (6C) 2010

Primary Six Graduation Party 2010Last year, we attended a graduation party

which was organized for all Primary Six

pupils. We had an unforgettable time. After all the hard work

that we had put in since the beginning of the year, it was truly

a time for us to bond as a class for the last time.

One of the highlights of the party was the items put up by every

class and the delicious dinner. We practised really hard for our

song item prior to the party. Our teachers prepared a video which

celebrated our journey in school. The video was very touching

as it brought back a lot of memories and most importantly, it

reminded us of our unforgettable journey in RVPS.

All of us enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We would like to thank

our thoughful teachers for organising the party for us.

Ng Yuqi (6E) and Muhammad Mustaqim (6I) 2010

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It was my first time participating in the National Education Trail and I was nervous and excited even though I had heard my friends talk about their experiences many times before. On that particular morning, we gathered in the hall and listened to the briefing. This year was slightly different as we were given iPhones to key in our answers to the questions and to take pictures of the various locations we were going to visit. After the briefing, we shouted out our group cheer and left the school for the

trail. We had to go to four different locations around Singapore and complete the questionnaire. Along the way, we learnt

interesting bits of history of Singapore and facts that we were unaware of. After a break at a fast food restaurant, we headed back to school.

In school, we had lunch before starting work on our collage. Ms Ang Tze Yin helped us to decorate and complete it. Soon, it was the time for shortlisting the winning entries and my team’s collage was chosen. We waited anxiously for the results. After a number of nail-biting minutes, my team emerged the winners for the event. Through this experience, we have learnt to take care of one another and to work together.

Melvin Goh (6B)

Learning Journey to VietnamOn 16 November 2010, 14 pupils and 2 teachers went on a home-stay immersion programme to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. This city was formerly called Saigon. We went to many interesting places such as the Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnel System and Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station. We stayed at the Kingston Hotel for 8 days and 7 nights.

We were very excited when we started our homestay. Most of the houses were big and had many levels. The houses were, on average, between five to seven storeys tall. My Vietnamese buddy, Ngoi Minh, was in Primary Five. She was very talkative and funny!

Soon it was time to return to Singapore and on 23 November, we left for home feeling both happy and a little sad. I will miss the beautiful sights in Vietnam and more importantly, the people that I met.

Yurika Asai (5B)

Islandwide NE Trail

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Indian Dance Performance atHongkong DisneylandThe dance practices were completed and it was time to turn in for the night. As

a result of the strenuous schedule we had over the last three days in Hongkong,

we all drifted off to sleep quickly. The next day, we waited patiently for our turn to perform. When the announcer

announced our school’s name, my heart started pounding furiously. As it was a street

parade, our ‘stage’ was the roads of Disneyland. We made our way to the beginning of

the road to wait for the music to start. When it began, we danced on cue and repeated the dance at least seven times before reaching

the end of the road.After all that hard work, it was time for fun! We watched the rest of the parade and saw most of

the Disney characters. Some tourists even came up to take photographs with us. We felt like

celebrities! We then asked our teachers if we could sit on some of the rides and when they agreed,

we jumped for joy. After one of the rides, we received a certificate signed by Mickey. I had an extremely enjoyable time and the hard work we put in was all worth it! It is definitely

an experience I would want to go through again.Sahana (6D)

Robotics Competition In BrisbaneWhen we reported to the Tallebudgera Recreation Hall, we found out that the competition was starting the next day. This was good news as we had ample time to do sight-seeing and to soak in the beautiful Australian weather. We headed to Movie World where the boys were separated from the men! The “men” enjoyed all the thrilling rides while those who were faint-hearted tried the less adventurous ones.

The first day of the competition was uneventful and we made use of that time to observe and strategise our game plan. The following days were extremely exciting as all our players tried their best against our opponents from Korea, China and the Philippines.

The creative team prepared a poster which stood up well to the scrutiny of the Indonesian and Israeli judges. They managed to bag the Technical Award – a proud achievement for the school.

Although we were glad to be back as we had been away from Singapore and our families for a week, the experience more than made up for it. Here’s to the next competition in Jakarta!

Jonathan Chin (6A)

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Long Service Awards

After receiving the National Day Award (Long Service Medal)

for twenty five years as an educator, I thought I would feel old

but that was not the case. Being surrounded by 11 and 12 year olds

everyday makes me feel extremely young. There are few vocations in

the world that gives one the privilege to be surrounded and immersed

amongst such vibrant individuals, day after day. This has impacted me

positively and for this reason, I will continue my journey of educating the young

passionately.

I hope that I continue to have this passion and experience the joy and

contentment of moulding the future of our nation for many years to come.

Mr Eu Kong Leong

SPH Little Red Dot YOG Passport ChallengeAfter conscientiously completing the six weeks of assignments, I wrote down my essay and mailed it to Singapore

Press Holdings. Many months passed and I forgot all about my submission. Imagine my surprise when one day,

someone from SPH called the school to inform my form teacher, Ms Thong, that I had won. I was overjoyed to hear the

good news!

I was extremely excited on the day of the prize presentation. The team congratulated me on my submission and told me

that I should consider becoming a writer. My prize was a “Universal Studios Annual Pass” for myself and my family.

I would like to thank my parents, my brother and all my teachers for their help and support along the way.

I am looking forward to taking part in more of such contests to make my school proud!Chaitanyasre Lenin (6A)

Long Service Awards

I was indeed honoured and proud to be awarded with the National Day Long Service Medal

in 2010 for twenty five years of public service. I was also grateful that my years of dedicated service

were recognised and acknowledged at the National level. This inspires me to continue to do my best.

I joined Rivervale Primary almost eight years ago and sometimes, I wonder where the time has flown! I

would like to thank the school leaders and all my colleagues for providing me with their support during

the course of my work. I wish the school all the best and that the school will continue to succeed and

excel.

Ms Sukarni

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SFE Talk

Staff CIPOn 23 Nov, the staff of Rivervale Primary School had their annual staff Community Involvement Programme (CIP). The senior citizens from the Banyan Home and Grace Lodge visited the school in the morning. The canteen vendors helped to prepare the food and the staff acted as waiters and waitresses, serving the food to the senior citizens. The staff also put up a variety of performances. These included singing, dancing and playing many interesting games. The visitors had a great time playing the games and they won many interesting prizes. As we interacted with the visitors, we learnt many things about them, thus allowing us to understand them better.

At the end of the visit, all the visitors were given a windmill, signifying the well wishes we had for them. The smiles they had on their faces showed that, sometimes, all that is required to make someone else’s day is a small act of kindness. The staff of Rivervale were glad that they could do their part for the community.

Being a parent is a challenging task and there are always questions as to whether what we are doing is the absolute ‘right’ way. As a result, courses like “Setting the Boundaries” was really an eye-opener. It taught me that there is no right or wrong way. There is only one way, the ‘JUST’ way. This way is built on communication because it is only through communication with our children that we are able to create a bond. Communication is the foundation of all relationships.

From the workshop, I also learnt how to talk to children so that they would listen and how to listen so that they would talk. I am glad I attended this workshop because it made me realize that children need our continuous support. I am proud to say that as a result of this workshop, I am a better parent today than I was yesterday.

Mrs Lalitha AugustinParent of Charisse Augustin (2B)

Ms Ng Wan Jun12