Yuhua Oct 2014 • Issue 2

Yuhua Secondary School

As you all know, our school is shifting

back to its original site at the end of

2014. Most of us are excited about the

new environment, so let’s hear what

some staff and students have to say

about the move.

Q: Why you are excited to move back?

There are more facilities for us. The

buildings and furnishings are new. So

there’s that feeling of excitement to

discovering the new school. – Niranjani

(2E7)

That area was where Yuhua originated

from, so it feels just like coming home.

– Ms Huda.

Q: What you hope to find in the new

school campus?

I hope to get more delicious food, along

with better facilities. – Nur Khayillyana

(3N2)

I hope to serve people better food to

satisfy them more. – Mr Loh Ah Juan

(Stall owner of Mixed Rice)

I would like to achieve better results

and I hope the new school will better

facilitate my learning. – Zheng Da (1E6)

Q: Do you think the new school

will help students to succeed

academically? Why?

We can succeed anywhere we want to as

the will to succeed comes from within.

However, challenges abound so I hope

that the new school environment will be

able to help students to overcome

them. – Ms Huda.

If Yuhuans are able to take care of

the physical environment and

help preserve the new facilities, I

think that they would certainly

improve academically and

holistically. – Miss Lau

Turn the page to read

about what our alumnus

have to say about their

time in Yuhua.

The Big Move

Contents

Editors’ Voice

01 The Big Move: Aspirations for the

new school

02 Of Hopes and Dreams:

The Yuhua Journey

04 Yuphonic Renditions

05 M.A.D in the Community

06 Overseas Learning Journey:

Cambodia

08 Local Learning Journeys

In this issue, themed ‘Of Hopes and Dreams’, we talked to staff and students on their aspirations for the new school as we prepare for the big move at the end of the year. We also interviewed our Yuhua alumni who have performed exceptionally well.

We are proudly showcasing our concert, Yuphonic Renditions as we ask the participants how they felt being part of this event. Also, find out how Yuhuans Made A Difference in the community during the National Day Celebrations at the Jurong neighbourhood.

Lastly, you can’t miss the overseas and local learning journeys that many Yuhuans had the opportunity to be part of. The pictures will speak a thousand words!

Let us end this year on a high note and see you back in 2015 at the new school.

Signing off,Ms Ang Ling See & Ms Suhaila

Reported by Shifa and Lamisa (2E7)

In this segment, the editorial team highlights the journeys of hopes and dreams that some Yuhuans have made. We talked to alumni from the 1997, 2005 and 2013 batches to discover how life in Yuhua as a journey of aspirations and achievements was like.

“When I started studying in YHSS, I was having difficulty with English as I had arrived from the Extended Stream (EM3) in primary school. In 1995, I was on the verge of being channelled from the Express stream to Normal Academic. The school encouraged me to improve in the subject and not lose sight of my academic targets and career aspirations. Without the support I had received from my teachers

and the school leaders then, I would not be able to pursue electrical engineering after secondary school and become a lecturer in ITE.

So, to all Yuhuans out there – believe in yourself, and believe in the school!!”

After graduating from YHSS, Mr Lim went on to study at ITE followed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He then completed his degree studies from the University of South Australia. Today, Mr Lim is a successful lecturer at ITE College West and a valuable member of Institute of Engineering and Technology.

We wish our alumnus, Mr Lim Chin Chwee, continued success in his career and life.

MR LIM CHIN CHWEE (Batch of 1997)

How were your years like as a student in Yuhua?

I joined Yuhua Secondary as a Sec 2 Normal Academic student. I worked hard and was determined to do well. At the end of my Sec 2NA journey, I attained 8 A1’s and 2 A2’s and got laterally promoted to Sec 3 Express (yeah!). I doubted my ability to do well in the Express stream. But once again, my teachers motivated me to put in extra effort. I wanted to go to college real bad, so guess what? I put in that effort. Eventually, I became the top student in my batch at the O-level exam. It was a proud moment for me as my mother was there to witness it.

I was very active in my CCAs as well. I was in the Leo club (helping out with charity organisations and events) and Indian dance. Those were some good times! I must thank Yuhua for making my secondary school years such a memorable journey.

How did being a student feel at your time?

Same as any student feels in school today I guess. Initially, I was a playful boy in primary school. But, when I failed in math at PSLE, I decided to start working hard and have always been a determined person since then. So, I think every student needs a push (not necessarily through failure though) to start doing well in school.

Who/What made a big impact on you?

Among many others, a special mention should go to my Tamil teacher, Mrs Rajoo. I was not a spectacular student in Tamil. But, Mrs Rajoo did not give up on me or on any other student for that matter. She eventually made sure all of us passed Tamil with good grades. We all appreciated that she set up extra lessons for us and gave us more homework (yes, you heard me – homework – that really helped in the long run). Then, one day I realised that her determination to ensure that her students did well was really a praiseworthy adventure. That’s when I made up my mind to do the same thing – to help future students – teach.

What did you dream of becoming?

Back in primary school, I dreamt of becoming an electrician as the chapter on electricity in the science book definitely got me

interested. Then, when I was a young zoologist (check out the Science Centre’s Young Scientist Cards scheme), I fell in love with the world of animals and hoped to become a zookeeper. Yes, that’s true; I have always been very adventurous! But, my adventure took a whole new route when, in Secondary 2, I was inspired by many of my teachers and seriously started thinking of teaching as a career. My friends also began asking me for help in their work and they started doing well. I thought then perhaps that’s something I could do! Well, guess what I am now!

A few words for current Yuhuans – Education is very important. It lights up the path for your future. Treasure your days in secondary school; I’m very sure you’re going to miss all this in another 10 years. Play hard but work hard as well. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Be thankful and appreciative for all the efforts that your family, friends and teachers have put in. Lastly, keep smiling. You may just make a person’s day much brighter.

MR RAGUVARAN (Batch of 2005 & one of our beloved teachers)

Of Hopes and Dreams: The Yuhua Journey

02

Muhammad Akhbar B Abdul Rahman (5N1, 2013)I would like to thank all teachers who taught me because they had a huge role to play in my recent success at the national exams! Without their encouragement, I would not have had the determination to work towards my dream results.

Munirah Bte Mohamed Sulaiman (5N2, 2013)People were asking me how I managed to do so well. To all Yuhuans out there, please remember to get extra help from your awesome teachers if you are struggling with a concept in class, don’t lose hope; keep persevering instead! That’s exactly what helped me pull off such a performance!

Priscilla Kee Yue Tong (5N2, 2013)Hello people! I am Priscilla. This is a note of appreciation for all teachers out there who supported me and gave me lots of feedback and encouragement. Thank you teachers; it is because of you I was able to hope, dream and achieve.

Chua Jia Jun (5N2, 2013)Hi everyone! I must tell you that I felt really good when the results were announced. What worked for me was my teachers’ advice to come up with a timetable that I would follow very strictly. I wrote all my hopes and dreams on posters and put them up on all the walls in my room to remind myself of where I wanted to be after the O-level exams!

Hong Zhen (5N2, 2013)All I have to say is Yuhua gave me THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT to study! This is where I nurtured my hopes and ambitions with the help of my teachers and friends. Here’s a big ‘thank you’ to all my teachers and friends in Yuhua. Keep those hopes alive as they will keep you going.

Zulfadhli (5N1, 2014)

My hope and dream is to become an interior or a graphic designer. The reason why I want to

pursue this dream is because I have always been fascinated and inspired by my brother who owns an interior design business. We share

the same interests and goals.

Reshanthan s/o D Gunashekharan (4N2, 2014)

I aspire to be a professional footballer and to represent my country Singapore in soccer. However, I would like to continue on to Secondary 5 first so that

I can pursue a diploma in Sports Science at either Singapore or Ngee Ann Polytechnic as I believe

it will help me avchieve my football ambitions.

Muhd Raimi (4T1, 2014)

After I graduate from Yuhua, I’d like to join my preferred course in ITE College Central and do well in it. While studying in ITE, I also like to join local wind bands as music is my passion. I really enjoy playing music in YHCB ever since I first joined the CCA in 2011.

After I finish my education, I’d like to become a full-time musician doing what I love and do my best every single day.

Maryam Marinah (5N1, 2014)

I want to be a nurse after I complete my studies because I like caring

for other people.

Tan Kai Lin (5N1, 2014)

I would like to be a childcare teacher as

I want to teach children.

They are cute and easier to handle.

Reported by Hazel and Najihah (2E7)

Daphne Koh (5N1, 2014)

I would like to be a lawyer because I like debating.

Of Hopes and Dreams: Aspirations and Salutations

03

Music Is Yuhua: MELODY

YUPHONIC

RENDITIONS

Yuphonic Renditions was Yuhua’s first ever big-scaled event that was open to the public. We were proud to have SPS Mr. Hawazi Daipi as our guest of honour. It was a musical offering that took the audience on an insightful journey to uncover the meaning of our four school values: Clarity, Courage, Confidence and Commitment. These values were embodied through visually stunning, creative and energetic performances by our multi talented Yuhuans. And each act was opened by a dramatic oral rendition by the Three Muses.

The performers consisted mainly of members from CCA groups like Malay Dance, Chinese Dance, Indian Dance, NCC, NCDCC, Wushu, ELDDS, Harmonica Band and Concert Band. One of the performances, which is the Sports Dance, is a voluntary performance by students from different CCAs. These students put in their best efforts by having practices during the school holidays to perfect their dance choreography. All the time that they had sacrificed paid off as the flawless performance was well-received by the audience. Also, in this segment on “Courage”, roaring Taiko drum beats challenged and accompanied a superb performance of flags, weaponry, jumps, splits and other stunts by the Wushu and NCC groups. The NCC also performed their famous war cry, The Hakka. They looked fabulously courageous in their camouflage jungle attire.

The Chinese Language Drama & Debate Society, Stage Wright, Harmonica Band and all the three Chinese, Indian & Malay cultural dances contributed to a segment of the concert entitled “Clarity”. Here, the dancers proudly showed their perfectly-rehearsed and well-synchronised movements with grace and elegance. The dancers embraced the value “Clarity” in their dance routines and performance, never missing a step or a gesture that tells their dance story.

Lastly the Concert Band and its Stomp group captivated the audience with their lyrical repertoire of songs as well as their glorious musical gimmicks. It was an excellent mix of musical and dancing abilities, all clearly demonstrating a high level of “Commitment” to their aesthetic pursuits and final stage performance.

The emcee for the event was none other than our Student Council president, Ng Ming Feng (3E6). She felt honoured to be chosen as the emcee and that it was a great opportunity for her to build her level of “Confidence” and hone her public speaking skills. The applause from the audience meant more than just the end of the concert. It signified the recognition of the efforts and hard work put in by the performers and organising committee members lead by Ms Claire Lee and Mdm Huzaimah.

On a final high note, everyone in the audience joined in to sing “One Moment in Time” demonstrating their solidarity as one Yuhua family. The memories of Yuphonics Rendition will stay in our hearts forever!

Reported by: Amanda Thong (3E8) and Ng Min Feng (3E6).

04

Making A

Difference 2014

On 2-3 August 2014 Yuhua Secondary School collaborated with the Jurong Spring Community Centre in a series of Community Service Projects to celebrate Singapore’s 49th birthday. It was a meaningful way to spend a Saturday and a deeply satisfying time to be caring neighbours in Jurong West. This is what we did:

• Breakfast with Love

5N1 students together with their form teachers, school leaders and staff members assisted joyfully in packing and delivering breakfast to residents of Zone B.

• Joy of Crafting

Volunteers fixed up homemade windmills to be distributed along with parcels of food items provided by Lakeside Family Centre.

• Tea with Pioneer Generation

Student counsellors turned carollers and sang their hearts out to herald in the ‘red and white’ birthday mood. They performed a medley including ‘Stand up for Singapore’, ‘Where I Belong’ and ‘Home’ accompanied by choreography. They also sang and strummed the tune of ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ on ukuleles.

• Zone D Fruit Party

Our NCC boys had facilitated the ‘A Minute to Win It’ games. Many residents came by to play the Watermelon Card Ninja and Cup Tower Stack-up game.

• Kampong Days at Blk 444

The Harmonica Band played local favourites such as ‘Singapore Town’ and ‘Burung Kakak Tua’. This was nostalgic to the seniors present and they sang along heartily.

Beaming smiles all around made it clear that Yuhua Secondary had enlivened and touched the community right at the pulse of life, in special ways. Ties were established with the residents who brought their little ones as well as with the elderly who came to the various events and the name of Yuhua Secondary School was lifted high that weekend.

05

Overseas Learning Journey: Cambodia

Humanities Department Overseas Trip to Cambodia

Written by: Ian Hiedie (3N2) and Nicole Poon (3N3)Photographs by: Lee Hong Jun (3E6)

From 1 to 5 June 2014, the Humanities Department brought a group of 15 Sec 3 students for an overseas fieldtrip to Cambodia. They visited one of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Angkor Wat, to learn about its history. They also did some volunteer work and experienced the life of the Cambodians.

Read on to find out more on what they did!

Day 1:

We all gathered at Changi Airport to depart for Siem Reap, Cambodia. I was really excited as I love travelling and I wanted to see and experience the life of a Cambodian. After we landed, we headed off to the Eco-Village where we would stay for a day and a half. The unique part about the village is that it has no carbon footprints. All electricity came from solar panels and their water came from the lake and underground sources. After dinner that night we were taught how to make Bamboo Rice which cooked overnight on the charcoals. It was really interesting! After that we were separated into 3 different groups to make Sky Lanterns. We had to tape pieces of paper together with glue and then we wrote our wishes on them. We then set them off and watch them fly across the star-filled night sky. While stargazing, I saw 2 shooting stars, it was the

most memorable experience I had at the Eco-Village, besides the humongous bugs and flying cockroaches.Day 1 is fun-filled awesomeness!

Day 2:

We had another great day! We went to Sa La Thom Primary School and we taught them numbers, how to brush their teeth, how to wash their hands and played bonding games. The kids were really shy at first, but over time they became really open. They laughed and smiled. What touched us most was that, the day we visited was actually a school holiday but they sacrificed their holiday and came back to school for us. We only had 3 hours with them. I wish we had more time! After that, we went padi farming, we planted rice plants into the padi field and it was really a new experience! I finally know how much hard work farmers put in to grow rice. Later that day we went to the Angkor National Museum and they showcased many old relics during the Khmer Empire, it really opened my eyes as I could not believe that a thousand years ago the people then could create such beautiful carvings and sophisticated weaponry. That night, we checked into our beautiful hotel, Empress Hotel.

The thing I loved most about the eco-village was that it doesn’t have a carbon footprint. Electricity came from solar panels and their water came from the lake and from the ground. –Sumirul

We were rewarded with a nice view of the waterfall and nice ancient carvings after climbing Kbal Spean under the scorching Sun! –Seri

Waterfall at the top of Kbal Spean

This kampong house reminded me of mine. Except mine was on stilts and was above water. –Seri

At Eco-Village

At Eco-Village

We also performed for them ‘Happy’ and ‘Rasa sayang’; they were clapping their hands happily at the end. –Poomesha

At Eco Village school

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Day 3:

After breakfast we went to Angkor Archaeological site where we visited the Kbal Spean to locate the River of a Thousand Linggas. These linggas were carvings made into the riverbeds, right inside a jungle on top of a hill. It sure was hard work! But they did it as an expression of their faith, Hinduism.

The climb was more fun than tiring as we went as a group. We did sketches of the waterfall and conducted a study of the weather. There were differences in the weather readings between the start of the trek and the top of the hill. We then went to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, where Sophal, our excellent guide, gave us much background information like the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire and insights into the Angkor Civilization. After that, we took an ox-cart ride to visit Ta Phrom where the movie Tomb Raider was filmed. It was really a novelty as we traversed through their village! Kampong spirit!

Day 4:

We woke up early to view the sunset at Angkor Wat, it was beautiful! I had never seen something so iconic and such a strong symbolism of a nation’s history. We also conducted interviews of tourists on why did they visited Cambodia. Many came because of their interest in ancient civilisation and some came from as far as San Francisco!

Following that we went to the Farm Orphanage where we learned how to weave baskets and viewed the Aspara dance put up by the children. When we arrived, they brought us to a hut where we were taught to weave baskets. I was walking alone when suddenly a little boy named Emy grabbed my hand (with a smile that reached ear to ear) and led me to the hut. I was so touched and I felt very happy! The orphanage also gave us headbands, rings and bracelets woven out of palm leaves from their national palm. The shimmer in their eyes when they laugh or smile makes me feel so happy because even though they do not have any parents, they could be contented with what they have.

Day 5:

Sadly, it was the last day. We had breakfast before going to the Tonlé Sap, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. We took a boat through the river islets and out to the open lake. A floating platform on the river had a crocodile farm where they reared crocodiles, catfishes and even snakes! The lake is so big that it looked like an ocean! We also made a stop at a local farm where they showed us how they made silk from lotus stems. It was really an eye-opener! It looked easy to weave but to us, it was really hard!

Our last point of visit was a temple where unclaimed skeletons taken from the Killing Fields were given a resting place. This was a terrible era in Cambodia’s history. It was a grave reminder of how we cannot take our peace for granted. With that as an ending note, we set off for the airport and took our flight home.

Personal Reflections:

Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed Cambodia and it is all because I was with my friends, teachers and the tour manager/guide. So much laughter and fun was going around. The air was fresh and clean, and we bonded really well for a group of 20 people. I became better friends with everyone and I even made new ones! This trip has taught me a lot to appreciate what I have here in Singapore; friends and family, a clean and green country, and most importantly a safe country. I would really love to help Cambodians who are in need as I found out how the Farm Orphanage is often in need of rice. Cambodia also taught me how to appreciate what we have now, and not take anything for granted.

Sabrina, Ain and I had a really good experience riding the ox-cart. –Nicole

Towards Ta Phrom on ox-carts

The most beautiful sunrise ever! The scenery was just WOW! The temple + sun + lake = PERFECT! -Sabby

Morning in Angkor Wat

THE PERFECT SHOT!!

During these past 5 days, all of us have honestly grown so close to each other like we’re one big family and I now fear that we would grow apart too soon. –Nicole

A shot together

The shimmer in their eyes when they laugh or smile makes me feel so happy because even though they do not have any parents, they could be contented with what they have. –Hiedie

At the Farm Orphanage

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Local Learning Journeys Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Sea Aquarium Sentosa

Navy Open House Sungei Buloh Nature ReserveMeeting the seafarers and guardians of our land.

Curiosity Satisfies

Nature beckons

Surprises and marvels at the fascinating Underwater World.

Appreciating our history and past struggles.

Investigations enlighten...

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