Flame Newsletter Issue 1, 2023

Principal's Message

Dear CJCians,

We began 2023 on an exciting note by welcoming a new cohort of JC1 students and experiencing the full resumption of college activities, given the easing of COVID restrictions. Our J2s planned a dynamic Open House and Orientation programme for our JC1s and helped induct them into the CJ community. I am proud of the sense of family we have in CJ.

In this first issue of 2023, we celebrate vibrant college events such as our annual Cross Country and the Sports & Aesthetics Carnival which brought the whole college together to bond, build a sense of community and serve the community through partnerships with Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) like the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH). Through such experiences, CJCians gain a better understanding of how to build an inclusive society and serve with empathy and heart.

We also celebrate the commendable A-level results of our Class of 2022. Their achievements are a testament of their hard work and determination as well as resilience in navigating the challenges of the COVID years. We thank the Class of 2022 for their invaluable contributions to the College and wish them every success in their onward journey as thinkers with a mission and leaders with a heart.

Semester 1 also featured an exciting Mental Wellness Week which had a “Be Yourself” Day and our hallmark Rockafella concert featuring student, teacher and alumni bands. The full resumption of the 2023 National School Games and SYF Arts Presentation saw CJCians showcasing their talents and working in teams to scale new heights of excellence. Beyond the notable awards and achievements attained, CJCians learnt the importance of teamwork, determination and sportsmanship which will stand them in good stead in life.

Let us now look forward to an enriching Semester 2 and continue to uphold our college motto “In Veritate Et Caritate” through our leadership and service to the College, community and beyond!

Mrs Phyllis Lim Principal

President’s Message

The theme for this issue is “Light Up Your Path.” Just as the stars shine brightly and illuminate the darkness, we can provide illumination for others with our kindness and generosity as we journey through the year as a CJ family.

During the conceptualisation process for this issue of the FLAME, we thought of creating a fun yet thought-provoking newsletter that would inspire insightful reflections on the college events that took place in the first half of the academic year. It is our hope that FLAME continues to provide a platform for CJCians to share their insights and experiences meaningfully.

In this issue, you will find articles and exclusive interviews highlighting our vibrant college calendar with events such as Orientation, Commencement Mass and Ceremony, the annual Cross Country, National School

Games (NSG), the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation, Good English Week, as well as the Sports and Aesthetics Carnival (SAC). In addition, you can glean advice from the J3 seniors on surviving the A-level examination, as well as fashion tips from our very own CJCians who donned original and quirky outfits on Be Yourself Day. We have also included a specially crafted playlist along with a feature article on the bands that performed for Rockafella! Last but not least, you can also read about the delectable dishes that our very own canteen offers.

I would like to thank all of you for lighting up the last sem¬ester in CJC with your energy, dynamism and hard work. With this, let us all reflect on the achievements we have accomplished, the challenges that we overcame and the memories that we will cherish. Happy reading!

Isabel

Editors

Mr Lester Tan

Ms Suzie Yanti Jumadi

Ms Aster Goh I-Mei

President

Isabel Ng Cardoso

Vice President

Saung La Wunn

EXCO

Tan Shin Shyen

Luke Xavier Cross

Contributors

Naela Bok

Edison Teong

Yong Yan Ting

Emma Chai

Zasha Loh

Megan Ng

Charlene Teo

Tse Ming Hon

Zenn Looi

Xavier Ong

Kimi Tan

Leo Bing Xun

Claudia Fu Dan Wei

Ariel Lim

Bryan Lee

Oh Jing Xuan

The Editorial Club would like to thank the Film, Sound and Video (FSV) Society for rendering their support in the area of photography.

Ng Cardoso (2T02) President of the Editorial Club

ORIENTATION 2023: BEHIND THE SCENES

By Luke Xavier Cross (2T05), Megan Ng (2T05), Zenn Looi (2T14) and Claudia Fu Dan Wei (2T23)

Orion is one of the most recognisable constellations, being one of the few visible from both the North and South Hemispheres. For two millenia, it guided famed explorers such as Posidonius and Christopher Columbus as they embarked on their epic journeys to new and faraway lands. Like the brightest stars in Orion, our JC2 Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) served as effective guides to help the new JC1 students make the transition to studying in a junior college.

Orientation was not only a formative experience for our JC1 students; it has also shaped the JC2 Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) indelibly. The experience tested their mettle, and provided them with an opportunity to grow into thinkers with a mission and leaders with a heart. We interviewed a few JC2 OGLs who shared their reflections on Orientation 2023.

of the Catholic Activities (CA) Wing

OG22 - Polaris

What are your hopes for the new J1s as they embark on their CJ Journey?

What were your main responsibilities as a Vice-Faction Head?

I mainly assisted the Faction Head. I chose to oversee the “march in” and while we did meet many difficulties along the way, I think we managed to pull it off in the end and it was a fun experience.

How did you manage your faction?

I am really grateful that my faction's OGLs were all nice and we got along. Completing work together was fun and everyone responded well to feedback. We all adapted together and helped one another out.

How did you demonstrate leadership skills in your role as a Vice-Faction Head?

I rarely needed to pull rank because I built a strong rapport with my faction. We knew that even though we faced difficulties, we could handle it as a team. This rapport also allowed me to get to know my faction better and I could capitalise on their strengths to complete tasks.

What was your most memorable moment from Orientation?

My most memorable moment would be when I brought my OG to our external venue for our activities. It was when my OG opened up significantly and bonded through both the games and the picnic.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during Orientation?

My biggest challenge would be juggling my responsibilities as an OGL, managing the well-being of the JC1s and my partner, and running the programme. Although it was stressful, we eventually facilitated an event that was enjoyable for the J1s!

How has Orientation enriched your life as a CJCian?

It has taught me many lessons on time management. It's also become a core memory for me as I have met many new people through OGL training and have had the opportunity to enrich the JC1 cohort’s CJ experience.

I hope that the J1s had an enjoyable orientation and that they will be inspired by their seniors. I also hope to keep the CJ spirit burning hot!

What was your most memorable moment from Orientation?

My most memorable moment from Orientation was definitely the water games we played on the final day. I saw how much the J1s in my group had bonded over the course of Orientation and it was very heartening to see the new friendships they had forged and how we were all having fun together!

What was the biggest challenge you faced during Orientation?

The biggest challenge I faced during Orientation was having to ensure that the J1s were opening up to and making friends with one another because they were all from different secondary schools and most of them didn’t know each other. It was difficult trying to get them to communicate with one another.

Tanisha Murugesh (2T05) Vice-Faction Head - Zosma OG32

Claire Tan (2T05) Vice-President

Hanshika (2T19) OG11 - Maia

How has Orientation enriched your life as a CJCian?

Orientation has allowed me to forge new bonds with my juniors and make new friends. It has also developed my leadership skills.

What are your hopes for the new J1s as they embark on their CJ journey?

I wish that the J1s will seize every opportunity they get because JC life is really short and you have to make the best of it. At the same time, the J1s should also have lots of fun along the way as JC life can be stressful. So, it is important that they have an outlet to release the pressure through participation in college activities.

Marcus Yeo (2T10) OG 21 - Polaris

What was your most memorable moment from Orientation?

The most memorable moment was when we were at the external venue. My OG was usually quiet but during the activities, they started to cheer for and interact with one another more. That sudden change made it very memorable for me.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during Orientation?

The biggest challenge I faced during Orientation Week was having to constantly keep the energy of the OG high and put a smile on my face despite how tired I was feeling. This was hard for me as I am usually a quiet person, preferring not to show my emotions.

How has Orientation enriched your life as a CJCian?

Orientation has enriched my life by giving me many valuable life lessons which I feel that I can apply to my life as a CJCian, such as leadership and time management skills. These valuable life skills have allowed me to carry out my responsibilities in CJ better.

What are your hopes for the new J1s as they embark on their CJ Journey?

My wish for the new J1s is for them to constantly seek opportunities in college and allow these opportunities to further develop their character.

PRIORITISING MENTAL HEALTH

By Isabel Cardoso (2T02) and Yong Yan Ting (2T02)

Mental health can take a backseat at times for junior college students who have to grapple with their busy schedules. However, maintaining good mental health is extremely crucial - even CJ’s top performers did not make it this far without prioritising their mental health. FLAME interviewed four of our College’s top performers for the 2022 GCE A-Level examination to hear about how they maintained their mental wellbeing while preparing for the examination.

Share with us some habits that help you to recharge after a long week of school.

I read books not in my Literature syllabus just for fun; I played musical instruments and I watched videos on YouTube.

Can you describe your study routine? How did it help you stay motivated? I made my study routine day by day. I would plan Tuesday's schedule on Monday and so on, so I didn't actually have much of a fixed schedule. But I think this flexibility is part of what kept me motivated because it gave me leeway to adjust for breaks and change things whenever necessary.

What is your advice for CJCians when it comes to managing their mental health as they prepare for the GCE A-Levels? Everyone's situation is different and unique. If there is a "one-size-fitsall" piece of mental health advice, I have yet to find it. I had, and still have experienced challenges managing my own mental health too. I wasn't and will never be someone who has everything put together. In general, my approach is to take a break once in a while, breathe, and remember that the A-Level examination is not the be-all and end-all. The A-Level examination is extremely important, but try not to get locked into the mindset that the examination is "the end", because it definitely isn’t.

Share with us some habits that help you to recharge after a long week of school.

I made sure to incorporate physical activity, be it a fun sport with friends, or exercising at home. Physical activity helped me to fix my mind on something other than studies and made me feel refreshed after a gruelling week of school. I also listened to music and played the piano as such hobbies helped me to destress. Most importantly, spending quality time with my family helped me greatly to recharge myself and get ready to start a new week with a positive mindset.

How did you balance your studies with the demands of your personal life? Through proper planning, I found it possible to plan personal activities such as meeting friends and playing sports without compromising the quality of my study time. It is also important to have a focused mindset while studying to ensure optimal learning and revision, so that you can make full use of your study time without any regrets.

What is your advice for CJCians when it comes to managing their mental health as they prepare for the GCE A-Levels?

I would advise them to focus on improving themselves by figuring out their weaknesses and working on those areas. Ultimately, that is how you improve your ability and truly do give your best in any task that you do.

Share with us some habits that help you to recharge after a long week of school.

After studying, I would often use CCA as a break to de-stress and get in some exercise. I also enjoy baking and cooking when I can. Most importantly, maintain a good sleep schedule to recharge yourself daily.

How did you balance your studies with the demands of your personal life?

To be candid, balance is hard to achieve. Be willing to make sacrifices when it comes to your social life but do not completely neglect it. I personally maintained my friendships by supporting and encouraging my friends to push on.

Can you describe your study routine? How did it help you stay motivated?

My daily study routine spanned 9-12 hours. As an Arts Student, I trained myself to be able to study for 3-hour intervals with no breaks in between because that is the average duration of an Arts subject examination. Having a visible countdown timer was also very helpful and motivating. It was also helpful to know that studying 12 hours a day would comfortably leave me with 8 hours of sleep and 4 hours of rest.

What is your advice for CJCians when it comes to managing their mental health as they prepare for the GCE A-Levels?

My advice for CJC students is to know when to take a break and when to push yourself. Rely on your support system for strength and help others when you can. All the best for your exams!

Share with us some habits that help you to recharge after a long week of school.

Maybe once or twice a week in the evenings after school, I would go for a walk or jog at the park near my house. It is a great way for me to unwind and slow down from my hectic study schedule. In the lead up to the exams, it’s really important to take time for walks to calm down and give yourself a rest. Besides that, during the weekends my family would always have dinner outside. I think that making it a point to go out during the weekend is a great way to to stop you from thinking about school and exams. Plus, it helps to break the routine of school and revision.

How did you balance your studies with the demands of your personal life? In order to focus on doing well in school, you need to make sacrifices along the way. For me it meant that I had to watch fewer television dramas.

Can you describe your study routine? How did it help you stay motivated?

My Home Tutor, Mr David Fahy once said that if we wanted to do well in JC we needed to put in at least 3 hours of study time every day after school, and on weekends we should double that. So I did make a conscious effort to study for 3 hours every day, but of course on CCA days it was difficult to achieve that. Ultimately, it’s good to have a standard goal to follow, but do keep in mind that this is not a one-size-fits-all routine. If you’re really tired or feel unmotivated to study, then it is best to just take a break and rest so that you can feel better the next day. There’s no need to beat yourself up for not studying long enough that day, because in the long run, the consistent effort you make is what’s going to make a difference in your studies.

What is your advice for CJC students when it comes to managing their mental health as they prepare for the GCE A-Levels?

The A-Levels is a test of your knowledge and a test of your grit. Stay calm and don’t let the exam overwhelm you. That way you can perform well in the exam.

ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY 2023

By Isabel Cardoso (2T02), Yong Yan Ting (2T02) and Kimi Tan (2T18)

Catholic Junior College’s annual Cross Country was held at Pasir Ris Park this year. This year’s event was especially meaningful: CJ students and staff collaborated with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) to plan and execute the event. Visually impaired representatives from SAVH also participated in the event with the aid of CJ students and staff who ran and walked alongside them.

The event aimed to promote the importance of accepting visually handicapped individuals, and recognising their worth in society. FLAME spoke to a student winner, a House vice-captain, a representative from SAVH, Mr Roger Tan, as well as Mr Austin Ong from the Physical Education department about their experiences of this event.

How do you feel about coming in second?

I'm definitely elated. I've joined Cross Country since JC1 and I feel like I have made significant progress. It feels nice to know that my training was not in vain since I finally produced a good result: second spot in this year's Cross Country.

Although I still feel a bit disappointed as I was aiming for first place, I think that I have trained really hard. Race days are unpredictable, so I feel that second place is not too bad.

What were some highlights of the event for you?

One memorable moment was when our Principal, Mrs Phyllis Lim, first sounded the air horns to indicate the start of the race for the students. It was gratifying to see them fly past the start line. In addition, it was gratifying to address my Sports Leaders after the event had concluded. I was extremely grateful for all the time and effort they had put aside to plan the event and to make sure everything went smoothly. Without this amazing team, the event and all the planning that came before would not have been possible for sure.

The biggest highlight for me was gaining access to the Film, Sound and Video Society’s photo collection folder after the event. I was able to see all the pictures they had taken of us during the event, and it was fulfilling to view the fruits of my labour. It was really satisfying to see that it had all gone well, and it made me really proud of my team of Sports Leaders, as well as the other Vice-Captains.

Ignatius Khoo, 2T15 (Joseph House Vice Captain)

Ignatius Khoo (2T15) (Student on the extreme right)

Tham Jun Yang, 2T05 (Second Place, JC2 Boys Category)

Tham Jun Yang (2T05) (Fifth from the left of photo)

How did you find the experience of partnering with Catholic Junior College for the recent Cross Country event? What was one highlight of this collaboration?

The experience was great and the highlight of the collaboration is the training conducted for the CJC student volunteers where they learnt more about visual impairment and how to help the beneficiaries. The event helped to promote inclusivity and also to boost awareness of the challenges faced by the visually impaired.

What were some challenges you faced while preparing and planning for the Cross Country event? How did you overcome those challenges?

One of the challenges we faced was planning how to transport the clients to the park. The support from Mr Austin Ong and the student leaders was great as they planned everything well and also took into consideration the safety of the beneficiaries. They went on multiple recce trips and ensured that the volunteers got the most out of the programme. They were also very flexible and accommodating.

How do you think the Cross Country event impacted the visually handicapped participants from your organisation?

As Singapore is moving towards becoming more inclusive, the event demonstrated that the beneficiaries need not be limited by their visual impairment; for example, some of them achieved a commendable timing with the help of the CJC volunteers who ran with them. This would not have happened if the participants did not trust the CJC volunteers.

Why do you think events like the Cross Country event organised by Catholic Junior College in partnership with SAVH are meaningful and important?

It is meaningful and important as such events help to promote inclusivity. Members of the public will be able to see the good work done by CJC and hopefully be inspired to think of ways to support the visually handicapped.

Mr Roger Tan, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Fundraising and Volunteer Management

Mr Austin Ong, PE teacher

We were all quite amused by the kidnapping publicity act. May I ask what was the rationale behind that?

The "kidnapping" symbolises the three years of COVID restrictions that were "taken away" from all the mass sports events. This year’s Cross Country was the College’s first mass participation physical event without any COVID restrictions.

Why was SAVH involved in our Cross Country this year?

Sports is a powerful platform for inclusion. It is a common language that transcends cultural and societal barriers. Very often there is a stigma that people with disabilities cannot partake in sports. We wanted to show our students that despite whatever disabilities you may have, you can still be active in sports.

Despite their physical impairment, the runners from SAVH were still able to complete the run alongside our students. Our student volunteers who were guide runners learnt not only to look after themselves, but to care for the visually impaired runners they were with. We hope that after this event, our volunteers will become advocates for the visually impaired. To share what the staff from SAVH said to our volunteers: “Rather than focus on what they cannot do, how about you focus on what they can do?”

How do you think the event went as a whole? What were some highlights of the event for you?

What’s different about this year’s Cross Country as compared to last year’s?

This year's Cross Country was the first time that CJC held the event outside of school since COVID. Due to SMM restrictions last year, we could not even do a small-scale event in school and had to organise a virtual one. With the easing of the SMM restrictions, the Vice-Captains of the Houses wanted to bring back the House and College Spirit by adding a theme to this year's Cross Country.

And instead of a mass run, this year's Cross Country had two categories: Competitors (students who wanted to compete for a position) and Challengers (students who wanted to challenge themselves to complete the route). The last difference is the incorporation of a Housebased LSLP. This year, SAVH joined us for the event which inspired many of our students to persevere and continue their run.

We were happy with the event. We were grateful that we had good weather and that our event was able to run smoothly from the setup the day before, to the race itself, and to finally the dance and the prize presentation. We were heartened to see the students enjoying themselves and giving their best effort during the run.

There were three standout moments for me. The first moment was when we flagged off our SAVH running contingent. It was really heartening to see our student volunteers run alongside their visually impaired partners. The second moment was when we revealed who kidnapped Mr Foo.

This was a hot topic in school and to finally reveal the kidnapper after building up the hype for a whole term was a nice end to the event. And finally, when we all gathered together to take a big group photo as one CJ Family in our bright colours. We have missed Cross Country (and many other college events) for three years and to finally gather together for a large college event was really special.

Mr Austin Ong (in the foreground of the photo)

EMBARKING ON A NEW CHAPTER

By Ariel Lim (2T23), Naela Bok (2T01) and Tse Ming Hon (2T11)

On 20 February, CJC held its Welcoming and Commencement Ceremony to welcome the new batch of JC1s. When asked about how this year’s event has impacted her, Nitra Natasha Vincent (1T06) shared that “the Welcoming and Commencement Ceremony gave an impression of togetherness. Everyone here is connected as one big family and cares about each other as such.”

It is responses like these that truly highlight the purpose of the event: to cultivate a bond between the JC2s and the new JC1s, and to forge a sense of community in CJC. JC2 Student Councillor Wong

Ke Xuan (2T01) was part of a team of student councillors who were involved in planning the ceremony. According to Ke Xuan, the student councillors aimed to “build the CJ spirit amongst the JC1 students and

develop their sense of pride and belonging to the college so that they will enjoy their time here in CJ." For the first time since the pandemic, CJC was able to gather the JC1 and JC2 cohorts in the auditorium without the restrictions imposed by safe management measures.

This marked a meaningful and welcomed move for CJC. “It was a very significant moment which allows us to develop a sense of belonging to the college and to build the college community,” said Mr Sandanam Marimuthu, Head of the Leadership and Culture committee who spearheaded the planning and execution of the event.

This year’s ceremony was a unique one as it was the first time that a Catholic mass was held as part of the proceedings. Ke Xuan reflected that “The mass was interesting to witness

as a non-Catholic, especially as someone who is not exposed to such practices.”

Prior to the commencement ceremony, the JC1s and JC2s were given the opportunity to play fun-filled games with their buddy classes and forge new friendships.

“I enjoyed the bonding session greatly as it made me feel close to my schoolmates outside of my cohort which I believe makes the entire CJ community more bonded,” said Natasha.

All in all, CJCians left the ceremony feeling rejuvenated and inspired. As the JC1 students embark on their journey in CJ, we hope they will always know that they have the support of their CJ family!

FORGED IN FIRE

By Charlene Teo (2T05) and Leo Bing Xun (2T22)

Victory is in the air this year as many of our CJCians who competed in the annual National School Games (NSG) and Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation clinched medals and Certificates of Distinction. In interviews with FLAME, they shared with us the reasons for their successes, as well as gems of insight they have gained from their struggles.

“Due to our initial lack of experience in Guzheng, we needed to build our foundational skills and push ourselves to the same standard as many other more experienced junior colleges, all within the span of a few months. We accomplished our success due to the camaraderie of the ensemble, where we were each other’s comfort as we laughed and cried together and looked after each other like a family.”

“In the process of preparing for the competition, we all came to a common agreement of putting in our best effort in every training session. Through initiating morning trainings and weekly gym sessions, we believed we could progress faster. The mental resilience this required stood out the most to my team members and I. Our perseverance is something that I will always be grateful for.”

- Tan Wen Ru Reena (2T08) Canoeing (Girls)

“What I would miss the most from SYF is the preparation period. The ten minutes we spent on stage were a reflection of the weeks and months of hard work by our members. The times when each of the sections would spend hours learning the respective pieces together. The times when individual sectional practices would become spontaneous combined sessions. The times when we would start playing our Open House pieces to briefly get our minds off SYF.”

- Chin Syn Si Cheri (2T19) Guzheng Ensemble

- Hannah Lorraine De Los Santos (2T19) Guitar Ensemble

“During our sound check, our confidence hit an all-time low, but instead of letting it affect us, we kept working hard to improve and never gave up. After knowing how it felt to hit rock bottom, it was even more fulfilling to walk off the stage that day, knowing we had given our best and exceeded our own expectations.”

- Seah En Rui Genevieve (2T23) Choir

“I believe that every competition is a competition against myself and that the placings do not matter. A setback that was out of my control, however, was the slip disc injury I suffered earlier in the year. I refused to let it stop me from giving it my all, and I challenged my limits to finally achieve what I have been working towards for most of my life. I could never have done it without the support of my family, friends and CJCians who rallied behind me to help me achieve success.”

- Hannah Loh Xin Ern (2T22) Gymnastics (Trampoline)

Congratulations to our CJCians!

Singapore Youth Festival (2023)

Performing Arts CCAs Achievements

Guzheng Ensemble Certificate of Distinction

Choir Certificate of Distinction

Guitar Ensemble Certificate of Distinction

Modern Dance Certificate of Distinction

Concert Band Certificate of Accomplishment

National School Games (Team) CCA Name of Competition Achievements

Canoeing (Girls) NSG 3rd place

Shooting Air Pistol (Men) NSG 4th place

Floorball (Girls) NSG 4th place

Ultimate (Mixed) NSG 2nd place Judo (Men) NSG 3rd place

place

Raphael Tan Juan Kang NSG Fencing (Boys)

Hannah Loh NSG Gymnastics (Trampoline)

Sean Loo NSG Judo (73 kg Boys)

Chelsea Xie NSG Judo (52 kg Girls)

John Ng NSG Judo (73 kg Boys)

place

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place

place

place

ROCKING IT WITH CJ!

By Isabel Cardoso (2T02) and Saung La Wunn (2T05)

Rockafella XVII: Reborn Performers was held on 28 April 2023, providing CJC with yet another show-stopping conclusion to its annual Mental Wellness Week. Rockafella is a rock concert put together by our very own talents – students and teachers alike – and this year's event saw an auditorium full of spirited screaming, as always, as we cheered our friends and classmates on. Here’s what some performers had to say about their experiences!

What inspired you to perform for Rockafella? Why have you been performing consistently throughout the years? Rockafella is now the one annual event that forces me to take my guitars out from their dusty corners, and reminds me of the joy of making music. Over the years, Rockafella has also become personally meaningful because I’ve formed good friendships with my colleagues in the Teachers’ Band.

What inspired you to perform for Rockafella? Actually it just happened completely by chance. I was having lunch, Ms Tan Wei Jun and Mr Amos Yang were also having lunch, and they were talking about Rockafella. I just happened to be at the same table, so I asked them what they were talking about, and they told me they needed a female singer for Rockafella. Then they asked me if I could sing and I was, like, “Uh yeah”, and I was in!

What is music to you?

Music is a universal language that brings people together, even if it is just for a moment. Whether you are a teacher or a student, whether you are on stage or in the audience, whether you are singing aloud or clapping along, everyone contributes to the collective experience of making music.

Were there any memorable moments during rehearsals?

I remember when we practised the belt that I do in ‘Zombie’...it actually just came out very suddenly, because we were on such a high. I was about to reach the end of the song and I decided to just do it because I felt like it. And I remember when I did that, everybody was like, “Oh! We’re keeping that!”

Ms Tan Wei Jun (Teachers’ Band member since 2014)

Ms MacKenzie Rae Schoon (new vocalist of the Teachers’ Band)

Juan Zoey Nicole Puente (1T05), guitarist of The 05

How did you find your first Rockafella? It went way better than I expected. I was a little stressed about performing in front of many, many people, and it was quite hectic as we were also in the midst of preparing for CA1. We were also still getting used to the JC experience, so it was quite stressful. But during the actual performance, people were cheering for us, and it was a really adrenaline-inducing experience.

Winning band: My Chemical Bromance Group members: Kai En (2T28), Gideon, Shang, Christian (2T18)

What is music to you?

Kai En: Music is something I enjoy. It's something I like to explore. It's fun to do – if you do it properly or well.

Shang: For me, it's an escape.

Gideon: I think I share the same opinion as Shang. I think I can't go a day without music because there are too many thoughts in my head, and music just calms me down. And the drums are so stress relieving, and it's really fun to just play along to your favourite song.

Christian: Music is just a hobby to me.

How did you make time for practising amidst your other responsibilities?

We had allocated rehearsal days, so sometimes we’d go to one of the members’ houses for practice if we were dismissed early. We tried to make the most out of our allocated rehearsal times. And to manage my time better, I tried to finish all my homework before practising.

Spotify Playlist

Inspired by our talented fellow CJCians and teachers, we’ve compiled a Spotify playlist of songs that ignite our lives.

If you’re finding yourself lost in the dark, we hope it will at least cheer you up!

Remember to ‘like’ our playlist!

Spotify link: https://tinyurl.com/ liveloveTMLH

Alternatively, y ou can scanthe QR code below!

Were there any funny or memorable moments during rehearsals?

Gideon: Kai En is the only one who is familiar with music theory, so he was talking about how we should downscale or upscale…

Shang: or transpose

Gideon: We had no idea what he was talking about, and he was mad at us.

Kai En: I wasn't mad, I was just trying to get you guys to understand the letters!

San

CANTEEN FOOD UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

By Tan Shin Shyen (2T02), Zenn Looi (2T14), Xavier Ong (2T16) and Bryan Lee (2T27)

Photography Credits: Film, Sound, Video Club

If you ever find yourself under pressure to make some very tough decisions on what to eat for lunch as the queues begin to build at the canteen, we hope this list of our canteen stalls’ signature dishes would provide you with some inspiration! Check out these dishes as recommended by our canteen stall owners!

Iron Chef

Signature dish: Tomato eggs and Cereal Chicken

These two homemade dishes have grown steadily in popularity amongst the students and staff in CJC. The chicken is deliciously crispy and fragrant, while the tomato eggs are satisfyingly pillowy. Both dishes complement each other perfectly.

Noodle King

Signature dish: Wonton Noodles

Noodle King's wonton noodles comprises QQ (springy) egg noodles that are coated with a flavourful sauce, topped with a serving of succulent char siew and served with a bowl of wonton soup on the side. Each bowl of noodles is cooked upon order by the experienced vendors with love, ensuring the highest quality possible. Noodles are customisable in a variety of ways: Customers can request to add Malaysian dark soy sauce, ketchup, chilli and more. The wontons, char siew and other toppings featured proudly on the stall's display rack are also handmade!

Oishi

Signature dish: Beef Chicken Bento

Oishi's beef chicken bento comprises a serving of rice, stir-fried beef, breaded chicken fillets and vegetables served in a traditional bento tray. The breaded chicken fillet is handmade by the vendor, Mr Kang, who learnt this recipe from a Japanese restaurant. Each piece of chicken is filleted, marinated, coated with a layer of flour and then pan-fried to perfection. The end result is a distinctive and scrumptious dish. Despite having more than a decade of restaurant experience under his belt, Mr Kang is a passionate chef who always seeks to learn new recipes and cooking methods!

Quench

Signature drink and dish: Iced Black Coffee (Kopi-O Peng) And Chocolate Waffle

Specialising in drinks and snacks, the stall’s signature waffle, nicknamed the ‘CJC waffle’, is a beloved snack in CJC. The chocolate sandwiched between each chocolate waffle is rich and velvety – as it should be.

"We want to ensure we cook a bowl of noodles that will make students happy. That way, they will be happy while studying too!", said the bubbly uncle who runs the stall.

Another recommended dish: Mala Karaage Chicken

DELIghts

Signature dish: Crispy Chicken

Rice

Fruity Paradise

Signature drink: ABC Juice

Something Fishy

Signature dish: Fish Noodle Soup

Oishi's beef chicken bento What makes this dish so appealing is the rich fragrance of the rice and the chicken which is perfectly golden and crispy! The Hainanese stall owner also offers homemade ginger and chilli. In addition, she would definitely recommend her tasty hor fun dish as well, which according to her, even our Principal, Mrs Lim, enjoys!

Another recommended dish: Hor Fun

Apple. Beetroot. Carrot. Introducing the ABC juice! Packed with vitamins A, B and C, the nutritious drink is a healthy choice with no artificial sugar. Each drink consists of two apples and a smaller ratio of carrots and beetroot, creating a bittersweet taste. Some customers even choose to forgo the apples to reduce the drink’s sweetness!

Another bestseller is the mango milkshake which is a refreshing treat on hot days.

Another recommended drink: Mango Milkshake

Students and staff can customise their food by adding eggs, milk or vegetables. Even a tom yum version of the dish is available!

The sweet and cheerful stall auntie maintains close friendships with students, listening to their troubles or offering to put off payments whenever they forget their wallets.

Today, alumni still visit her to repay the money they owe her from years ago!

Another recommended dish: Tom Yum Noodle Soup

Wild Wild West

Signature dish: Japanese Curry with Grilled Chicken

Japanese curry with grilled chicken is the signature dish of Wild Wild West. Think of luscious curry that is slathered over rice. The stall also sells creamy carbonara which is especially comforting to eat on rainy days.

Another recommended dish: Carbonara

= Recommended by Vendor

GOOD ENGLISH WEEK

(FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AN ELL STUDENT)

By Saung La Wunn (2T05) and Charlene Teo (2T05)

12 May 2023

Dear Diary,

The ELL Symposium just ended, and what a fitting ending to Good English Week it was. We were joined by many students from other junior colleges offering ELL, as well as CJC’s affiliated secondary schools. We heard from guest speakers about their views on Singlish! Dr. Tay May Yin, Principal Master Teacher at the English Language Institute of Singapore (ELIS) provided intriguing insights into the perspective of national policy. Assistant Professors Luke Lu, from NTU, and Geraldine Kwek, from NIE, offered us their views on the use of Singlish in the classroom and in society.

Last month’s events during Good English Week reinforced this unique celebration of our local variety of English, with an insightful exhibition set up in the foyer about the role that Singlish plays in Singapore. The JC2 ELL students also created bookmarks with commonly used Singlish phrases such as “kancheong spider” and “blur like sotong.” There was also a story writing contest, where the challenge was to write our story about a familiar local experience in only six words. I had so much fun trying to come up with my own! The excitement did not end there, as there was also a film screening held on 27 April where two short local films from a collection titled “7 Letters” were screened. They were both moving and relatable, and the dialogue afterwards challenged my perception of the function of English in Singapore society, and gave me insights into how language constructs our identities as both Singaporeans and individuals.

My friends and ELL teacher, Ms Alexandra Hofbauer, had much to share about their own experiences with Singlish and the study of linguistics.

“Learning about how language influences the way we perceive people and the way we speak will really help us in career paths like public relations, by teaching us to adapt the way we speak to people, and also help us understand what people's attitudes are towards certain subjects through the way they speak to us.”

VS Samyukhtha (2T05), an ELES scholar

“Good English Week is a nationwide initiative that provides a valuable opportunity for students to explore language issues, to sharpen their language skills and to discover how they can communicate creatively. Whether it be writing in a targeted manner for an audience or cause, or analysing cultural differences on the basis ofparticular vocabulary, a linguistic perspective is powerful in processing an increasingly diverse and complex world.”

Ms Alexandra Hofbauer, ELL teacher

DRESS TO EXPRESS

By Kimi Tan (2T18), Tan Shin Shyen (2T02), Edison Teong (2T02)

On 28 April 2023, Mental Wellness Week came to a close with the highly anticipated Be Yourself Day. A day for self-expression and uniqueness, students were allowed to come to school dressed in outfits of their choice. This year’s Be Yourself Day was even more exciting than last year’s event as students were given the freedom to wear non-college bottoms to school. This gave students the opportunity to don more elaborate and detailed outfits, adding more fun to the already colourful event.

Some students displayed their pride for their favourite football teams by wearing football jerseys, while others wore humorous outfits. Some printed pictures of themselves or their friends on customised shirts. The creativity on display was almost dizzying.

It was a refreshing experience to walk around campus seeing a wide variety of clothing, and it sparked many conversations between students. Some students even had some fashion tips to offer!

“Finding your fashion style is all about experimenting. It takes time to figure out what really works for you, but don’t give up! There’s a lot of inspiration online from Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok for example. So go on and look for your own inspiration!”

Nyi(2T27)

Kaisah Itqan (2T13)

Students from 2T13

“I’m wearing a bright giraffe onesie, but I wouldn’t wear this on a regular basis. It’s something out ofmy comfort zone.”

Renee Yee (1T02)

(L-R)Renee(1T02), SamaireSydelle(1T02), (1T17)

“I’mwearingAmong Uspatternedpyjamas (bottoms)andIthinkit reflectsmypersonality becauseIlovewearing colours,andmypants todayareverycolourful!”

SydelleDsouza(1T02)

SPORTS AND SPECTACLE

By Emma Chai (2T04) and Zasha Loh (2T04)

The Sports and Aesthetics Carnival (SAC) held after the mid-year examinations, blended athleticism and artistry, uniting the college in a vibrant atmosphere of House spirit. A variety of sports games were organised to cater to the diverse interests and talents of CJCians. From intense basketball matches to exhilarating badminton games, the carnival offered a wide range of sporting activities that kept participants on their toes.

The games were carefully planned and executed by the Sports Leaders. Despite facing challenges along the way, such as unpredictable weather conditions, the Sports Leaders demonstrated remarkable adaptability and quick thinking to ensure the smooth running of the event. From the intense Angry Bird Game Fight to the exhilarating Find the Birds' Eggs Amazing Race, each game brought immense enjoyment.

The event culminated in a joyous celebration of lively tunes and rhythmic beats as the sun shone brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow over the dancing students. With infectious enthusiasm, students cheered for their Houses, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

“The transition from wet weather to dry weather games was heartwarming, allowing students to participate and cheer for their teammates.”

Nicodemus Lai Kye Juun (2T05, Patrick House Captain)

"Coordinating logistics and sorting out details required a lot of effort. Despite hurdles, we delivered a successful event."

Portillo Justin Adam Conde (2T15, Angry Bird Chess I/C)

“Watching students enjoy sports together showcased CJ's spirit and vibrancy. The event was successful, considering the constraints, as students demonstrated teamwork and leadership."

Tay Hui Xin Sharon (2T01, Joseph House Captain)

"The Escape Room activity was a highlight where participants demonstrated problemsolving abilities and effective communication."

Vivi Lu (2T05, Escape room I/C)

"The Mascot Design activity allowed CJCians to be creative. Each team brought their own distinct style and vision, resulting in a wide array of standout mascots."

Chen Xuwen (2T13, Mascot Design participant)