L ght of OLGC CHIJ 2C Burghley Drive, Singapore 558979 S I M P L E
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V I R T U E ,
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Tel: 6288 6930
S T E A D F A S T
May 2017
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D U T Y
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
http://www.moe.edu.sg/schools/olgc
Vice Principal’s Message
t wasn’t so long ago that I wrote for the newsletter. This was when I first came to the school in 2015. I remember feeling honoured and welcomed to have the opportunity to introduce myself through the newsletter. This year I have the honour again to be able to pen my thoughts for the newsletter, though this time it is filled with a tinge of sadness as my journey in CHIJ OLGC would have come to an end. I would liken this journey to be a train ride, with a train-load of wonderful people, which takes us to many enriching learning stops. Some stops take us hundreds of miles away from home to places like Penang, Brunei and China. I had the opportunity to travel to Beijing, China, last year with some P4 and P5 pupils. Throughout the trip, I witnessed the love and warmth of the teachers shown towards them which comes from more than just a sense of duty of care. I also witnessed how independent and responsible the girls are when they have to rise to the occasion to take care of themselves and their friends. Not only have they learnt more about the history of China and to speak more confidently in the Chinese Language, they have also grown in their global awareness of other cultures. Some stops bring us to amazing performances like the year-end musical, All that Glitters, and leave us captivated by the talents of our pupils and staff. The musical, which was fully produced in-house, had a powerful theme on forgiveness and love. The relatable theme, coupled with the clever weaving in of popular fairy tales, contributed to the success of the Musical. It was very well-received with good reviews from the Guest-OfHonour. The rides to these stops are not often smooth and enjoyable, at times, they could be bumpy and uncomfortable. Regardless, the experience from these rides would always result in growth and improvement. One such bumpy ride was when the P5 pupils had to come out of their comfort zone to experience challenges at the camp. Many of them came back a lot more confident, having forged strong friendships with their peers. The train ride would also bring us through the yearly cycle of saying our goodbyes to one cohort of P6 pupils and welcoming a new cohort of P1
pupils on board. Each year the sentiments and emotions are just as raw and fresh as if it was the first time we were going through the experiences. We feel our pride swell when we send off our P6 girls for having completed a significant milestone in their lives and move on to greater achievements and accomplishments. To them, we say with pride that they have indeed grown to be ladies of grace and character and leaders of the future. Last year, our P6 girls did the school proud by having done well in the PSLE. I am sure our current batch of graduating pupils who are still on board with us will certainly continue to do us proud. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, girls! Just as we were saying our goodbyes to our P6 2016, we were also busy welcoming our little ones, the P1 2017, on board. The pre-orientation and orientation programmes, with the buddy programme for the first few days of school helped make the ride a little less scary for the little ones. We are proud to see many of them settling in very quickly and speaking confidently with their friends and teachers. Well done, Primary Ones! We are proud of you! This year it would be my turn to alight from the train. It has been a fulfilling journey these past two years. I have learnt much from many people around me. My Principal and mentor, Mrs Seah, my comrade through thick and thin, Mrs Angelina Wong, my supportive and patient colleagues who have shown me much grace, as well as parents and pupils, you all have helped me grow in my effectiveness as a school leader, and more importantly, in the process, I have become a better person. So thank you for all the love and care and you have all shown me what the IJ spirit is about. Today, I leave with a deeper understanding and conviction of the school mission and I know I have taken with me the IJ spirit. I will leave with a verse from the bible that I hope will encourage you to live on the IJ spirit. This is taken from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on your guard; Stand firm in the faith; Be Courageous; Be Strong. Do Everything in Love.” May this verse anchor you firmly as you live out the school motto, “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”. Mrs Anne Quek Vice-Principal
Our Vision Ladies of GRACE and Character, Leaders of the Future. We envision our pupils to be Global, Resilient, Aware, Confident & Enterprising Our Mission Together, we build a Christ-centred community for the promotion of truth, justice, freedom and love, nurturing and developing our pupils to their full potential with special reference to the needs of pupils who are disadvantaged in any way.
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2016 Awards Day
wards Day was held on 16 November 2016. This day was dedicated to acknowledge and recognise our pupils’ academic and non-academic achievements. We also used this opportunity to show our appreciation to our stakeholders and partners.
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2016 P6 Graduation Hi-Tea Party
he P6 Graduation Hi-Tea party was held on 11 November 2016 in the school hall. The theme was ‘Mad Hatters’. A total of 121 P6 pupils attended the event which was a fitting farewell event with lots of fun and meaningful recollections of their time in OLGC. The Guest-of-Honour for the event was Mrs Serena Yeong, our Alumna who has contributed to the many school programmes pertaining to student development and partnerships.
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Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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In the Footsteps of Mother Mathilde - A Learning Journey to Penang
total of 20 Primary 6 pupils and 4 teachers went on a learning journey to Penang from 8 March to 10 March 2017. The objective of the learning journey is for pupils to learn more about the IJ history.
The teachers and pupils visited the Convent Light Street (CLS) school and the Methodist Girls’ school on the second day of the learning journey. They were given a brief introduction of CLS and they were also brought on a school tour where they visited many historical sites such as the Francis Light’s Well and the Government House. At Methodist Girls’ school, they were taken on a visit to their library and cyber wellness corner. Besides the school visit, our teachers and pupils also visited the various places of interests in Penang to broaden and deepen their appreciation of the historical and cultural past of Penang.
A group photo taken at CLS together with the staff and student leaders
Our girls with the student leaders of MGS
Our girls having their
Jetty upon ils visited the Chew The teachers and pup s the jetty in which wa s Thi 1. y Da in reaching Penang Paris when she came from Mother Mathilde landed
refreshment at MGS
of CLS
Our girls listening attentively to the commentary by the guide in the Penang Peranakan Museum
Our girls at Penang Hill, the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia, dated late 1700’s
Nativity Play T
he Nativity play is a special annual performance in OLGC by our graduating P6 girls. This play is performed during the Christmas season representing the scene of the birth of Jesus in the manger.
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Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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Prefects’ Investiture
he annual Prefects’ Investiture was held on 3 February 2017. Raeanne Yap of 6 Integrity took her pledge as Head Prefect for 2017. She is assisted by Vice Head Prefect, Ashley Tan of 6 Integrity and Honorary Secretary, Son Seo Yoon of 6 Perseverance in overseeing the daily operations managed by the prefects. Led by Son Seo Yoon, the prefects pledged “to be faithful and cheerful” when performing their duties, to be good role models and to live up to the School Motto:
“Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”
Student Leaders’ Investiture T
he annual Student Leaders’ Investiture was held on 24 February 2017. The student leaders comprising of Cyber wellness, Environment and NE ambassadors, House Captains and CCA leaders were formally introduced and appointed. Rhea Kaur (Cyber wellness Ambassador) and Ally Chong (CCA Leader) led the student leaders to pledge their commitment, time and effort in serving the school with pride and inspiring others to be good leaders.
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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Student Leadership
ur student leaders went on a team building activity at Xcape Singapore on 31 March and 3 April 2017. Through this team bonding activity, they learnt a wide variety of skills such as creativity, communication, problem solving and time management. This activity is one way we imbue our pupils with leadership skills. Our student leadership programme focuses on building leadership awareness, equipping pupils with leadership skills and competencies and providing them with opportunities to lead.
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Our house captains had a great time at the Xcape room
Our CCA le aders shared that they le teams and arnt how to manage thei work in r time from the activity
It was an enriching experien ce for our CCA leaders, being the first time for mos t of them in an escape room
P5 Camp
n the yearly P5 outdoor adventure camp, pupils learn the CHIP values via hands-on experiential activities planned over 3 days and 2 nights. The programme focused on building outdoor awareness, providing opportunities for collaboration and the strengthening of 21st century competencies with shared leadership roles. Pupils are encouraged to develop their leadership qualities through the challenge by choice approach. Camp activities also centred on the over-arching theme of social responsibility, environmental awareness and protection.
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Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
Total Defence Day T
otal Defence Day (TDD) falls on 15 February every year. We commemorate it to remind ourselves of what could happen to us if we are unable to defend Singapore ourselves. TDD was commemorated on 17 February in OLGC this year.
Drama Arts performers
Various recess activities were lined up for our girls leading up to 17 February. Our girls had the opportunity to try quizzes, watch videos and even tried some sweet potatoes from the school canteen. They also had the opportunity to watch a poignant performance by Drama Arts Centre. All in all, the TDD programme was impactful and we will continue to strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe.
ing the quiz
A parent carefully explain
Pupil looking
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for the answer
intently
International Friendship Day
nternational Friendship Day (IFD) was commemorated on 7 April in OLGC this year. The theme for this year’s IFD is ASEAN 50. It is a significant moment for us as we celebrate the 50th year of ASEAN’s existence.
lintang
Playing the Ko
We were very privileged to have students from Sanyu Adventist School grace our event for the second year running. They put up a lovely performance consisting of a Thai song and dance item as well as a Vietnamese poem.
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NE Ambassadors explainin about ASEAN countries
We also organised recess activities during the week. Our girls had the chance to play traditional games like capteh, five stones, congkak as well as play traditional instruments such as the kolintang. We were also very lucky to have our International pupils share trinkets and costumes from their culture so that everyone has a greater appreciation of cultural diversity.
Playing the An
gklung
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Values In Action (VIA)
n OLGC, Values In Action (VIA) is weaved into daily routines. This is to inculcate good habits in our girls and teach them responsibility towards the community. Through the Clean Canteen Project, Primary 3 to 6 pupils learn to clean up after themselves and ensure that the canteen is kept clean for other users.
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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Cyber Wellness poster
design competition
C Start having incredible net experience
Cyber Wellness Programme @OLGC
yber Wellness is extremely important in this digital age and our school promotes Cyber Wellness through various fun and engaging ways. During Cyberwellness@ Recess, our pupils are engaged through hands-on interactive learning so that they get to apply what they have learnt about cyber wellness in the curriculum. A photo booth was set up for pupils to declare their support for good cyber wellness practices. Cyber Wellness Ambassadors and Infocomm Club members performed a skit and shared their knowledge during Cyberwellness@Assembly. The topics covered include Cyber Bullying and Controlling Screen Time.
Learning to be safe using the Internet
Through fun and games we learn
WE have learnt to SHINE online
Winners of the poster designs
Cyber Wellness leaders
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Congratulations to Team OLGC for Winning Gold Award at Moo-O Awards 2017 for the 2nd Consecutive Year!
his is the fifth year that CHIJ OLGC is organising the National Moo-O Awards Digital Story-Telling Competition in support of the Speak Good English Movement. This competition is aligned to the objectives of our Drama & Literary Arts Applied Learning Programme (ALP) to encourage language arts learning and appreciation. A total of 42 schools participated in the competition this year. This year is extra special for OLGC as it is the second year in a row that Team OLGC clinched the Gold Award for the Moo-O Awards. The team this year consisted of our P3 girls – Sophie Khng, Eunice Angelica Rahardja and Katarina Wong. They were mentored by Mdm Claire Thamboo.
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Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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English Department
n tandem with the National Reading Movement, the English department will focus on the promotion of reading this year. Many programmes have been planned over and above the existing Literature Programme, Bulk Borrowing activities and Reading Journals. To ensure the success of the promotion of reading, we are lucky to have the support of parents from the Mum’s Club. With the expertise of these volunteers, the book exchange programme has been successfully implemented. Parents are involved in the promotion of the activity. They have also set up a collection of books at the canteen where pupils are free to pick a book each, read it and to donate any books that they have read so that their schoolmates can get the opportunity to read them. In addition to this, parents conduct storytelling during recess at the school library. We would like to thank parents who have helped to support the school in the promotion of the English language and have instilled a passion for language learning. To provide platforms to improve oracy skills and build confidence, pupils have been given opportunities to give book talks during English lessons. They go to various classes at their grade levels and introduce books that they have read and recommend that the peers read them. A big thank you for all pupils for actively participating in this. You have done well. The English department will continue to imbue a passion for language learning and to give pupils opportunities to develop their confidence and communication skills.
Chinese Language Department L
ast November, a group of Primary 4 and 5 pupils took part in a cultural immersion programme to China. Through this programme, our pupils visited historical sites, made new friends and most importantly, gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture and tradition.
China Trip 2016
This year, the CL department has also incorporated a level wide Chinese speech and drama programme for the Primary 1 and 2 pupils. The pupils learn public speaking techniques and moral values from Chinese stories, poems and songs. Upon completing the programme, all pupils will showcase what they have learnt to their peers in the same level. The department also organises various enrichment programmes so that our girls have a greater exposure to Chinese culture. These include a Calligraphy and Brush Painting programme, creative writing programme and cultural camps.
CL Speech and Drama Programme
CL Holiday Camp during the March Holidays
CL Moo-O Awards 2016
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Fruit Farm Visit in Chi
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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taken with the Udjo Anklung photo talented performers
Visited Selasar Sunarya Art
Darul Hakam Primary School photo session with the
Space
P6 local pupils
Malay Department T
en upper primary pupils taking Malay Language went for a 4 day 3 night educational trip to Bandung, Indonesia last March. They took part in an exchange programme with a local school, Darul Hakam Primary School. Through this trip, our pupils interacted with their Bandung friends through the school experience and even had the chance to show compassion by volunteering in a local orphanage, Bayi Sehat. Besides donating English books and stationery to the orphanage, our pupils also patiently taught the orphans how to make bears using towels. The activity brought a lot of joy to the orphans.
Tamil Department
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Learning Journey for the Harvest Festival, Pongal
n Thursday 12 of January 2017, our P4 pupils went to Little India for the Pongal Festival. The objective of the learning journey was to explore and experience Indian tradition through an authentic experience. The girls were able to see how Pongal, a sweet rice dish, was made. Pongal is offered to thank nature for the abundance of crop harvested.
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Annual IJ Combined P6 Cultural Camp 2017
ur P6 pupils took part in the annual IJ Combined Camp in March. This camp is a collaboration among five IJ schools. This camp’s main objective is to provide a platform for Tamil pupils the 5 IJ primary schools to bond through various cultural activities. Different stations were set up during the camp to engage the pupils. These included saree-tying, folk dance, traditional Indian games (Pallanguzhi Station), kolam creation and also tying of the Thoranam. Another activity the pupils all loved was the Mass Dance session where pupils learnt some Indian Classical dance and fusion dance steps. Our pupils truly had an enjoyable and meaningful cultural camp.
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Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
Mathematics Department
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he joy for learning goes beyond making lessons fun but it is about making learning meaningful and engaging to the child. The Mathematics Department believes in nurturing the joy of learning in the child through hands-on activities for pupils so that learning can take on real-world meaning and relevance. The Math Fun@recess and Learning Centres in P1 and P2 classes are examples of these activities. Teachers are also encouraged to provide learning experiences in the delivery of their lessons. Through the various platforms, the department hopes that pupils will be intrinsically motivated to explore and discover in the area of Mathematics.
pens a second Giving our used red
life
Interactive games (by Singapore
ion
Power) to learn energy conservat
Science Department T
Spot the ways to conserve energ
o realise the vision of the school, the Science Department has made enhancements to provide more authentic learning. The OLGC Earth Week saw active participation by both pupils and staff to contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment. Through a series of interactive games, skits and activities, the whole school learns more about what it means by “Going Green� and picks up practical tips on how to conserve energy to save our environment. Pupils and staff also contribute used pens which will be given a second life after refills are put in by kind sponsors. These will then be given to needy families and their children to help them reduce their financial burden.
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Pupils at play to learn about going green
parent volunteers Our always helpful ent Week nm viro En ing dur
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference
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OLGC Parent Support Group (PSG)
ing useful member shar Mums’ Club at th our girls inform ion wi
Dads’ Club Photo Booth @ Family Fun Day 2017
Mums’ Club Candy Land @ Family Fun Day
2017
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aring useful b member sh r girls ou Mums’ Clu ith w n io informat
he purpose of the OLGC PSG is to enhance the education of our children and to contribute to the development and improvement of all aspects of school life by supporting the staff of CHIJ OLGC in advancing the interests of the school and in promoting the well-being of our pupils, parents, teachers and community. We strongly believe that the two wings of the OLGC PSG, namely the Dads’ Club & Mums’ Club, will greatly enhance the role of parent volunteers in strengthening the support to the school. This will in turn value-add to the learning experiences of pupils in OLGC. The PSG enhance our school capabilities by partnering the school to organize activities and contribute manpower to ensure programmes run effectively and effectively.
Staff Updates
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s a new year begins, we bid farewell to Mrs Anne Quek, Mdm Loh Kah Ghek, Mrs Navena Gopal, Ms Nazurah, Mrs Cham Chong, Mr Desmond Ng, Mr Clive Heng and Mr Edwin Koh. We thank them for their contribution to our school and wish them the best for the future.
At the same time, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Amy Phang, Ms Prasanna, Mr Ahmad Fahmi, Ms Ummi, Mdm Valli, Mdm Nurashikin, Mrs Tan Jia Sian, Mrs Seah Siew Ping, Mdm Li Gui Mei, Ms Casey Tan and Mdm Umi Khalsom. All the best with your stint in OLGC!
New Staff
Ms Amy Phang SH CCE
Mrs Tan Jia Sian Assistant Year Head
Mr Ahmad Fahmi
Ms Prasanna Ramdas
Ms Nurashikin
Ms Casey Tan Technology Assistant
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Mdm Seah Siew Ping
Mdm Valli
Mdm Li Gui Mei
Mdm Ummi
Ms Umi Kalsom IT Training Executive
Living the IJ Spirit Serving with Love and Joy Courage to make a difference