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EDITORIAL MARCH 2017 NATURE
In the past few months since the publication of MOCH 1, we are glad to have noticed a growing interest in the magazine. We try our best to deliver content that will entertain students or value-add to their school experience, so it is definitely heartening when students share with us how they enjoyed a certain article or provide constructive feedback so that we can improve. This has been very encouraging, and pushes us to work harder for you guys. For this issue of MOCH, we have chosen the theme Nature and Wildlife, emulating the style of National Geographic magazines. For many of us, the Hwa Chong campus is our natural habitat, and it often appears to contain an entire ecosystem in itself. (For example, H2 Math is my natural predator.) In this issue, you’ll find interviews with both teachers and students who have special relationships with nature, Hwa Chong’s very own survival guide and a dead meme. For C1 students, we have a survival guide to help you navigate the terrain as you embark on your exciting JC journey. In this issue, we are also featuring 2 special guest articles by Outdoor Education Students Committee and Green Council, 2 CCAs that appreciate nature in unique ways.
Of course, this issue would not be possible without the amazing support from the student body and teachers. In particular, thank you to our models, interviewees, Faculty Committees and the aforementioned OESC and Green Council, for taking time off their busy schedules to help us in the creation of MOCH 2. We would also like to thank 43rd PubCo for their invaluable feedback and perpetual enthusiasm. Last but not least, we would like to express our gratitude to our Teacher-Advisor, Ms Cheah Suet Ping, for her guidance and for allowing us the freedom to exercise our creativity. The MOCH journey so far has been an exhilarating experience for us and we hope that we have been able to share this joy with you. At the very least, we hope this issue makes life a little more wild. Regards, Joshua and Yanhua 43rd MOCH Coordinators
THE TEAM Teacher-Advisor Ms Cheah Suet Ping
MOCH Coordinators Joshua Lim | Wang Yanhua
Chairperson Tan Guan Chwen
Art Directors Chan Yi Xuan | Shang Ke
Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Tan
IT Directors Choo Yi Jun | Liang Zhenyong Tong Chen Rong
NSE Attaché Harris Song
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黄城繁花灿 凤迎锦绣春
Wang Songyuan of the Chinese New Year working committee writes about the unique and memorable experience in Hwa Chong. The Chinese New Year celebrations included a spring cleaning session, performances from various CCAs, a street market, and lohei. 除夕当天，升旗礼一结束，各班同学便有条不紊地加入 到全校大扫除的队伍中。有的拿着抹布仔细擦桌椅，有 的则卖力地拖地，还有的提着水桶往课室赶去。同学们 忙碌的身影成为校园一道靓丽的风景。随着大家一点一 滴的努力，学校变得焕然一新，预示着新一年的开始。 大扫除过后是文娱表演，各团体为我们带来精彩的节 目。首先出场的是舞狮队威风凛凛的表演，那栩栩如生 的动作和俏皮的眨眼立马迎来观众如潮水般的掌声。紧 接着是华乐团为大家带来《恭喜恭喜》和《大地回春》 ，精湛的技艺搭配着喜气洋洋的音乐瞬间炒热了现场的 气氛。 随着武术队员的入场，同学们期待已久的武术表演正式 开始。熟练的刀法、剑法和枪法引来观众此起彼伏的叫 好声。看完阳刚的武术，下来是柔美的华族舞蹈，靓丽 的舞者呈献婀娜多姿的《茉莉花》，完美的舞步重现了 一朵朵茉莉花盛开的情景。最后，合唱团响亮和轻快的 歌声为此次表演画上了完美的句号。 等一等，我好像闻到了食物的香味。每年，庆祝会的重 头戏是高二班举办的新年集市，他们准备了各式各样的 趣味游戏、零食和饮料。同学们在享受美食的同时，也 参与了趣味摄影、投磁铁等活动。看着大家脸上的笑 容，忙碌的摊主们都格外开心呢。 最后，随着主持人一声令下，各班围成一桌桌捞鱼生， 为了讨个好彩头，同学们丝毫不顾飞舞的食材，任由它 们黏在手上、脸上，甚至头发上。看着那一张张笑脸， 我觉得几个月的辛苦筹备是值得的。
MESSAGE FROM CNY COMMITTEE
在此，我们谨代表全体学生理事会特别感谢鼎 力支持我们的校领导和老师们。同时，我们也 十分感谢赞助伙伴，为活动尽心准备的课外活 动团体以及高二同学。随着新年庆祝活动的结 束，我们将以彩笔谱写2017年的新篇章！谢谢！
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IT WAS A MORE RELAXED PERFORMANCE FOR US AND IT WAS GREAT TO SEE SO MANY KIDS WALKING AROUND AND STAYING SPECIALLY TO CATCH OUR PERFORMANCE. IT WAS REALLY FUN TOO BECAUSE WE HAD EARLY DISMISSAL AND IT'S ALWAYS FUN WITH WUSHU SO YEAH ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH!
OPEN HOUSE 2017
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OPEN HOUSE 2017 WAS LOUD, VIBRANT AND COLOURFUL. THE ATMOSPHERE, OF COURSE, WAS WARM AND WELCOMING, THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PLAYED A PART.
DR MELVYN LIM, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL/STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
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CHOO YANQI WUSHU
IT WAS JUST LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS BEING GUIDED BY A VERY FRIENDLY TOUR GUIDE AROUND THE SCHOOL LAST YEAR, WALKING AROUND THE CAMPUS AND LOOKING AT ALL THE CCA BOOTHS. NOW THE ROLE'S BEING REVERSED!
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VALERIE TAN TOUR GUIDE
I REALLY ENJOYED THE DAY AND I GOT TO TALK TO MANY JUNIORS AS WELL AS VISITORS. WE WERE WALKING AROUND GIVING SWEETS TO PEOPLE! IT WAS A REALLY FUN WAY TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE AND I GOT TO WATCH PERFORMANCES PUT UP BY ALL THE CCAS TOO.
WONG XIAOQING, TAEKWONDO
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THE OPEN HOUSE WAS VERY VIBRANT AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS VERY FRIENDLY. WHAT REALLY AMAZES ME WAS THE DECORATIONS THAT THEY HAVE PUT UP IN THE SKY, AND THE FOUNTAIN WAS PRETTY COOL TOO.
NG JIA YEONG, SECONDARY 4 CLASS OF 2016, VICTORIA SCHOOL
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IT IS REALLY HEARTWARMING SEEING THE ENTIRE SCHOOL COME TOGETHER AS ONE HWA CHONG TO MAKE OPEN HOUSE POSSIBLE. I AM REALLY GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HELPED OUT IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HOPE YOU HAD FUN! LEE XIN KAI, OPEN HOUSE CHAIRPERSON
off the beaten path:
by hwachong oesc
FINDING NATURE IN A concrete jungle
L
iving in sunny Singapore does have its downsides - though vibrant with great food and comfortable weather, Singaporeans often find themselves accustomed to and pampered by the first-world luxuries of living in an affluent society. Increased modernisation and urbanisation in recent decades has resulted in a disconnect from nature in our daily lives, and it is not hard to see why surrounded by concrete high-rises and steel skyscrapers, our regular contact with nature is usually limited to the ubiquitous roadside angsana trees and bougainvillea bushes that dot the city. With this in mind, it is not surprising that many of us occasionally find ourselves craving for a bit of greenery to loosen up and unwind. The Hwa Chong Outdoor Education Student Committee (OESC) was founded for this very reason: to satisfy the thirst for nature and adventure present in all of us.
ABOUT OESC
-and’s clear waters, or trawling through the mysterious swamps of Chek Jawa Wetlands, one can definitely experience nature not too far from our shores. Roasting chickens behind science labs.
OESC on a tree
Outdoor Education is also an integral part of learning how to experience nature safely and enjoyably. As such, Hwa Chong OESC also equips students with various proficiencies including outdoor cooking, climbing, pioneering and kayaking, allowing students to make the most of their outdoor trips. We regularly conduct training sessions for participants in various OE trips to places such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Also, any CCA in Hwa Chong can apply for sponsored weekend trips to Malaysia led by OESC! On top of the world at Mt. Ophir.
OESC caving trip in Malaysia, May 2016
Of course, the pristine beaches of Phuket or Batam are but a short flight away, but why travel when you can experience nature conveniently within our borders? Hwa Chong OESC frequently organises trips to various local destinations, allowing students to experience the outdoors once again and reconnect with nature within the locality. Though not as spectacular as attractions like Mount Kinabalu or Ha Long Bay, many local attractions are exciting enough to offer a break from the monotony of city life. Whether it is taking a stroll along Lazarus Isl
Preparing for action at Climber’s Lab, a local climbing gym in Jurong
If you’ve always been an outdoors enthusiast and adventurer at heart, then wait no further. Sign up at your local rock climbing gym or take a ferry ride to one of Singapore’s many islands - the options for experiencing nature and adventure are surprisingly varied in Singapore. And if you’re interested in getting away from the urban landscape for a while, contact any OESC member- we’re here to help.
tree huggers Be sure to smell the flowers along the way. Walter Hagen
In this article, we interviewed 4 people in school with a particular love for nature. They spend extensive time in the wilderness to painstakingly capture fleeting moments of insects at rest or birds in flight, tend to our school’s greenery, and head efforts in making our daily practices in school more environmentally friendly. If you, too, pause for a while to connect with nature, who knows what it will inspire in you?
Damselfly. Photo by Mr. Lim Jun Yang
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Hwa Chong's Own Magazine: Tree Huggers
MR. LIM JUNYANG, CHEMISTRY TUTOR The world of creepy-crawlies may send HIS EXPERIENCES WITH
shivers down the spines of many, but Mr. Lim is not one to be afraid of them. Mesmerised by the bulging compound eyes of a dragonfly, woolly antennae of a moth, or a bee cradled by a flower, he is willing to brave the rain, harsh sun and ferocious mosquitos to get close to them just for a good shot.
DIFFERENT INSECTS
Since young, Mr. Lim was already drawn towards all kinds of insects, spiders, and reptiles. After borrowing his first digital camera when he was 21, he fell in love Bees are a favourite among his friends and students. with the detail that could be captured on camera, and Capturing them is no easy task, as he needs to spam that sparked off his unique hobby of shooting insects. shots within the short window of time that the bee collects nectar. With immense patience and a stroke Mr. Lim has since moved on to Lego photography. of luck, he may be rewarded with a satisfactory photo You can follow him on Instagram @the_mould. only after half an hour among the flowers.
Butterflies are pretty, but they are the most challenging to capture because they are extremely sensitive to movement and will flutter away when you are a metre away. There is no trick to it, and you have to depend purely on luck to encounter “the more lethargic ones�.
Photos by Mr. Lim Jun Yang
Taking close-up shots of insects evidently requires placing your face and camera unusually near them. However, his models sometimes do not enjoy the spotlight (Mr. Lim explained his DSLR is perceived as a threat or intrusion) and make their displeasure clear. Once, a praying mantis mysteriously disappeared from his frame only to be found perched on his DSLR.
Hwa Chong's Own Magazine: Tree Huggers
Besides
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MR. TANG KOON LOON, PHYSICS TUTOR
university and work. This does not come as a surprise, as the common pigeon, mynah, or interaction with nature is known to reap crow, have you noticed any other species of psychological benefits. He admits that it bird sharing the same living space as you? is also a means for him to exercise more instead of staying indoors, such as in venues like Do you know that our school gets visits from hornbills? air-conditioned lecture theatres or physics labs. Mr. Tang has spotted these special and unexpected visitors at least thrice in the College section of the school (yes, just the College section). Besides the hornbill, he has also seen a woodpecker outside a lecture theatre before, repeatedly hurling itself against the glass. Upon seeing it, he caught it and released it into the trees. The sprawling Hwa Chong campus, if you would take a closer look, is brimming with wildlife. Golden-Backed Weaver The benefit which he enjoys the most, however, may be learning to better love and appreciate nature.
Oriental Pied Hornbill. Mr. Tang distinctly remembers seeing one of these magnificent birds on the large raintree outside the hall. A piece of valuable advice from him: If you open your eyes to the world around you, you can see so much more. BIRD-WATCHING OR NATURE'S YOGA? If you feel insupportably stressed or trapped in a sedentary routine, birdwatching might turn out to be a wonderful option. Mr. Tang started bird-watching when he was an engineering student in National University of Singapore, after he attended a session organised by the Nature Society. Since then, he has continued this hobby for around 5 to 10 years. Bird-watching has been one of key stress-relief outlets
Mr. Tang's throughout
Photos by Mr. Tang Koon Loon
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Hwa Chong's Own Magazine: Tree Huggers
MR. SIM CHYE POOK, ESTATE MANAGEMENT Early
in the morning, we saw him watching over a group of high school boys removing tough weeds from the ground, wearing a Hwa Chong sun cap and shovel in hand. He sounds amused as he comments on how so many of them are clumsily engaged in a task that could easily be accomplished by one person. His fondness towards the students is easily evident in his gentle laughter and small shake of his head.
Mr. Sim is one of the four gardeners who maintain our school’s vast stretch of greenery. It isn’t easy; a normal work day for Mr. Sim starts at 6.30am, when the sky is still dark and most students are not in school yet. Most of the day is spent watering the plants and removing weeds. If you were from the High School, you would probably have seen him around, tending to the shrubbery around Block A at the high school side of the campus. He has been working in Hwa Chong for eight years now, a beloved figure in school who would smile, greet students and occasionally chat with them. However, if you were asked to guess his age, you would probably not get it right. At 73 years old, Mr. Sim has the energy and vivacity of a much younger person, working tirelessly five days a week. MEMORIES OF LIFE IN A VILLAGE Mr. Sim's earliest memories involve growing up in a village at Thomson road now overgrown by trees. He remembers a time when sugar was sold at a few cents for half a kilogram. Life back then was quiet and idyllic. He was especially fond of the pigs, ducks, and chickens that his family reared. Mr. Sim has worked various odd jobs throughout his life. At 18, he earned $120 as a shopkeeper at a grocery store. He also spent years as a golf caddy at the history-rich Singapore Island Country Club, located next to his village. LIFELONG ZEST Mr. Sim is determined to work for as long as he can. Being a gardener here makes him very content. His favourite part of the job is meeting the students of Hwa Chong. While his own education ended in primary school, he delights in interacting with the students here, whom he calls “人才” (talents). Along the way, we have learnt many important lessons from Mr. Sim—his dedication to his work, his resilience throughout the years, and his zest for life.
Hwa Chong's Own Magazine: Tree Huggers
Behind
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NICOLE HAN, PRESIDENT OF GREEN COUNCIL
efforts to make Hwa Chong more environmentally sustainable is a group of students dedicated to the environmental cause. We interviewed Nicole, President of Green Council, to find out more about her experience leading her CCA.
ensures that she does not use too much electricity and water in school or at home. She still feels that there remain areas in which she can improve in – such as cutting down on her consumption of meat. HOW LEADING GREEN COUNCIL IS LIKE Nicole ran for President as she identified with the goals and motivations of Green Council, and appreciated the efforts of her teachers, seniors and batchmates.
“Out of all those millions and millions of planets floating around there in space, this is our planet, this is our little one, so we just got to be aware of it and take care of it.” Paul McCartney Nicole feels very strongly about protecting the environment. "The Earth is the only home we have, at least for the foreseeable future," she says, "If we want to maintain (or perhaps even elevate) our current standard of living, we have to do our part to protect the environment. By allowing the environment to deteriorate, we are bringing suffering upon ourselves."
Personally, she considers Clean & Green Week and the Primary School June Camp to be the greatest and most meaningful successes. Both activities raise awareness about environmental conservation and encourage students to do their part to reduce their carbon footprint. Year after year, participants (both Hwa Chong and primary school students) tell Green Council that they have learnt more about the severity of climate change and the importance of environmental conservation. While there are individuals in Hwa Chong who do their part to reduce their impact on the environment, Nicole thinks that the student population as a whole can still strive to be more environmentally-friendly. "It is not that the students are unaware of the impacts of their actions, it is just that they do not think that their small actions will have a direct impact on them, at least in the near future," she says. However, while the impact of our individual actions may seem small, the collective impact of our daily actions is, in actual fact, significant. As such, she believes that Hwa Chong students could do more in their individual capacity to protect and conserve the environment. They could start by adopting simple actions, such as avoiding the unnecessary usage of disposables and recycling.
Moreover, humans are not the sole inhabitants of the Earth. There are animals and plants out there (some of which we do not even know exist) that depend on What Nicole wants to tell all Hwa Chong students: the environment for survival. This means that these The Earth is our home. If we don’t protect it, who will? living forms are indirectly affected by the negative consequences of human beings’ selfish, destructive behaviour. This is why Nicole tries to avoid using disposables as much as possible. When she does use them, she always recycles them. She also actively avoids purchasing products that are heavily packaged and
Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine: Centrespread
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NATURAL HABITAT What’re Hwa Chong students up to? Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday school life, Hwa Chong students have not forgotten their roots. MOCH went around school to witness students unleashing their inner beasts.
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Orientation: Prologue
Charlene Kho
WHAT ARE THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS DURING ORIENTATION? War Games and Campfire! For campfire, everybody was cheering for the other faculties during performances, despite the friendly competition that was going on, demonstrating supportiveness and the spirit of 4 Facs 1 Hwach! It was heartening to see everybody enjoying the SODACHE session, becoming really hyped up and crazy, singing along to the melodious tunes, dancing, and cheering with school pride. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SODACHE ITEM? EVERYTHINGGGG especially song and dance! The dances are really simple with addictive chants in Electric Dreams, and the songs are very catchy!
Gerald Wong
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GAME STATION? I enjoyed the canvas volleyball game a lot. Not only was it a unique game, it really helped us to get closer and work together as a team which was especially important as we were still awkward with each other then. As we had to pair up with two girls that we hardly spoke to at all, it was hard to communicate while practising, but we slowly got the hang of it after we started to assist and communicate with each other. As we had 2 groups of 4 from each OG, we also had to ensure that the other group of 4 could work well with us, which laid the foundation for our friendship. IF YOU HAD TO SUM UP ORIENTATION IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Fun!
Orientation: Prologue
Mavis Zhang
HOW WAS YOUR OG EXPERIENCE? I’m very thankful as I had a pretty friendly and lovely OG who bonded over games and dinners. Orientation was a great way to start the school year and I enjoyed myself really thoroughly. All in all, my OG experience was fun and memorable, and something I will always look back on when school inevitably gets intense. DESCRIBE YOUR FEELINGS DURING CAMPFIRE. I was so hyped up and doing all the dances with my friends (especially the penguin part in Celebrate) and screaming my head off chanting the cheers. The bonfire was really epic and beautiful; kudos to Students' Council for organizing such a wonderful orientation for us C1s. At the same time, it was kind of sad because it was our last orientation activity before school started.
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Samuel Quek
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT WAR GAMES? I got to play with my friends as a cohort and team up with them to attack the shirts of other faculties. It was a very unique experience as I had never participated in such a large-scale game before. I had lots of fun engaging in friendly competition with the rest of the faculties outdoors. HOW DIFFERENT DID IT FEEL ON THE FIRST DAY VS DURING CAMPFIRE? At the start, I was fortunate that a number of my friends made it to the same JC as me. Even so, there were still many unfamiliar faces. I barely knew the people in my OG but as time passed, I made new friends both within and outside my OG. Campfire night brought me even closer to my new schoolmates. Photos by Hwa Chong Photographic Society
Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine: Survival Guide
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HWACHONG
SURVIVAL GUIDE
So you’ve spent about 2 weeks in Hwa Chong and you’re about to plunge into studying for real now. For many, this 2-year journey ahead looms over us like the shadow of Mount Everest, inspiring both trepidation and anticipation. But even brave adventurers who take on Everest enlist the help of the sherpa, the mountain guides. Likewise, this article aims to help you start your Hwa Chong journey on the right footing. Below you will find a trail map of the Hwa Chong campus, and on the next page you will see primers of various skills crucial for your survival over the next 2 years.
THE CAMPUS
To the uninitiated, the school grounds might appear as much of a labyrinth as the lush jungles of the Amazon. This map will serve to help you navigate the boundless expanse of the Central Plaza Plains, the towering peak of Mount Tian Tang, the shivering embrace of the Cheng Yi Glacier and, of course, the hidden cove that is the Zen Garden Benches.
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Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine: Survival Guide
SURVIVAL SKILLS NAVIGATING
Even with a map, the unfamiliar terrain of the wilderness can often lead one to lose their bearings. However, a compass allows one to easily re-orientate themselves and to find the right direction. Similarly, it is easy to lose your sense of purpose in the perpetual flurry of JC life. In times like this, you will need something to give you direction. Having concrete and tangible goals can be your “compass”. What do you want to study in university? What kind of career do you want to have in the future? While such considerations can seem premature, it is important to think about these questions for two reasons. The first is that your years in Hwa Chong will pass much quicker than you think. The second is that they are able to give you direction in what kind of events or programmes to sign up for and what extracurricular activities to participate in, among other areas. Need a place to start? Block D is the perfect location - with the ECG unit located there and the scenic sunrises being just what you need for inspiration.
SETTING UP CAMP
As you spend more time in Hwa Chong, you will realise that school becomes your second home. Many students often stay in school until around sunset, whether for CCA, to work on a project, or just good old homework. These are the 3 main areas in school that students choose to set up camp in, each with its own unique characteristics.
Consultation Area
Consultation Area
The Common Room
Reading Room
The second best thing about the consultation area (or consult as it is affectionately known) is that it is right next to the staff room, which makes it easy to meet teachers for consultations. The best thing, however, about the consult is that it is extremely close to the one of the coldest water coolers in school. Another added bonus for students who use their laptop, iPad and phone concurrently while studying (clearly to maximise the school’s generous offering of online resources), you will find consult’s wide array of power points suitable for you.
The Common Room
Once home to the school cafe (Chill@HC), the Common Room’s atmosphere bears remarkable resemblance to the name of its predecessor. If you like to study comfortably, the Common Room should be your chosen place of Zen. You could chill on the sofa with your Econs notes or type away at your PI on one of the high chairs facing the windows. The warm lighting coupled with the cool breeze of the air conditioning makes this study spot juuuust right.
Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine: Survival Guide
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Reading Room For some students, the quiet falling of a leaf in the distance is more than enough to distract them from the task at hand. If this is you, the Reading Room is the right place. The sheer mind-numbing silence will ensure there are no stray noises to peel you away from the pages of your Maths tutorial. Furthermore, you will be surrounded by fellow schoolmates who are also deeply engrossed in their work, sitting in almost military-like rows. The layout of the room itself compels you to sit down and focus.
HUNTING FOR As
You will soon find that you primary source of sustenance - grades - are not the easiest to come by, and require certain technique to attain. These tips will help you hunt for elusive As, making sure you are well-nourished throughout your journey.
Have the Right Equipment Of course, to hunt well you must first equip yourself properly. In the hunt for As, the most important weapon can be found at the Canteen and the Printing Shop. Located close to the other, the Canteen and Printing Shop will provide you with the essentials - food and your notes. If you are unable to make it in time to these places, don’t worry. The Welfare Room is open and provides various snacks until 6pm, while the school library is open till 5.30pm, giving you ample time to print or photocopy your notes.
Shooting Straight Practice makes perfect. Even with the necessary equipment, you will still need to practise to shoot straight. Plan and strategise your time well in order to practise in areas you are lacking. Remember to arrange consultations with your tutors as well to get more tips from them.
STARTING A FIRE
Lastly, nothing’s more important for survival than a fire. Get ready to ignite your passion for the school, as there are many exciting events lined up for you, from the competition season to Faculty Outings to the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. On top of that, familiar places in school such as The Common Room and the Welfare Room provide space and games for you to enjoy your time with your friends.
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Hwa Chong’s Own Magazine: Satire
H A RA M B E 28th May 2016
It was a sad day all around. For some of us, it was the painful epiphany that Block Tests were only one month away; for many others, it was the cruel and untimely death of Harambe, the Silverback gorilla from the Cincinnati Zoo. This article is a celebration of the life, the character and the spirit of Harambe. Needless to say, Harambe was not a Hwa Chong student. But when grief engulfs us, we often try to relate what happened with what we are comfortable with. It would not be hard to imagine Harambe as a model student, someone able to attain both the All-Round Excellence Award and Hwa Chong Diploma with ease. First off, he was known to be a profoundly mature leader. As an adult male Silverback gorilla, he was responsible for the protection of his pack. Going beyond his given responsibilities, he was promoted to the rank of Alpha Male, often described as the zoological version of Student
Harambe showed profound leadership, academic and physical ability. Picture credits: Shannon Doyle
Council President. Furthermore, Harambe showed unique academic prowess. When he was just 3 months old, he could understand and communicate more than 200 different words in sign language, his favourites being “banana” and “饮水思源”. Such sophisticated linguistic ability would have served him well if he was a Hwa Chong student, perhaps being someone who could have obtained an A for GP. Last but not least, Harambe also showed signs of being very physically capable. According to eyewitness reports, he was able to carry and drag around the weight of a young child.
“Harambe” is a Swahili meaning to unite. In the shadow of his passing, we must remember this more than ever. Harambe represented more than simply holistic excellence. He taught us the power of resilience and grit in achieving your goals, even if you’re just a gorilla in a zoo. Only by truly giving our best to always improve ourselves, will we do his legacy justice. Rest in peace you magnificent monkey. RIP Harambe, 1999 - 2016
Student Dedications “Rain drop Drop top Harambe wouldn’t be dead if the kid didn’t go hop hop”
“While you can shoot the alpha male, a kingdom cannot be derailed. Under the canopy, or in the soft copy, he’ll carve out a throne or a tale.”
“I’ll tell you something real bizarre that happened to a gorilla. They took all his screams, turned them into memes, and now he’s a cyberspace star.”
- Anonymous student
- Albert Lee*
- Ronald Tan* *These names are pseudonyms
Clean & Green Week A week which aims to promote environmental conservation and cleanliness in Hwa Chong. Join us for activities such as talks/movie screenings and maybe even bring home a small souvenir in the form of a succulent!
Aircon Policy Did you know that use of airconditioning accounts for 85% of Hwa Chong's total electricity consumption?
We propose and implement policies which aim to reduce Hwa Chong's impact on the environment and organise activities that serve to educate the student body
Through the Aircon Policy, we hope to seek your help in conserving electricity here in Hwa Chong.
Spring Cleaning Held twice a year, the Spring Cleaning initiative aims to keep our learning environment clean
about the importance of
and tidy.
environmental
Primary School Green Camp
conservation.
The PSGC aims to educate primary school students about environmental issues and promote a green mindset. If you like interacting with others, why not join us as a facilitator?
@hcgreenmovement @hc_green_council hwachonggreencouncil@
Sign up as a volunteer to help to