WESTWOOD HEARTBEAT
Issue 1 | 2013
Highlights In This Issue: PRINCIPAL’S FOREWORD 02 SECONDARY ONE ORIENTATION | LEVEL CAMPS 03 JOG-A-THON 04 SPORTS MEET 06 STUDENT LEADER INVESTITURE & CCA PASSING OUT PARADE (POP) 07 AWARDS DAY | ENTREPRENEURSHIP BAZAAR 08 MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES (MTL) FORTNIGHT 10 SINGAPORE YOUTH FESTIVAL (SYF) AESTHETICS GROUPS 11 SPECIAL COMMENDATION 12
PRINCIPAL’S FOREWORD
2013 is only mid-way through and we have welcomed so many students, activities, and achievements into Westwood. Multiple Distinctions and Accomplishments were won by the different CCAs and Clubs after much hard work, and Westwoodians are definitely flying the Westwood flag high. Amongst all the success, students have also been able to join hands to create educational activities that formed strong bonds within the school. The Awards Day cum Entrepreneurship Bazaar is a shining example of our combined strength in success – Westwoodians banded together in support of each other’s academic success, and then celebrated the ‘soft skills’ with creativity abound in the bazaar. With our stakeholders, parents, staff and our twinning school, bonding came in the form of a universal language – sports. The Jog-a-thon raised funds and had the active participation of our stakeholders, creating a vibrant, caring atmosphere in the school. This issue holds so much more than I can say here, so I invite you to take a look into the life of a Westwoodian, as we look forward to more success ahead. Ms Sandra Gwee Principal
WESTWOOD HEARTBEAT EDITORIAL TEAM Lee Chew Yen | Maria Marzuki | Nur Rakeezah Abdul Rahim | Serene Tan | Syed Ali Mohd Alhabshee
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SECONDARY ONE ORIENTATION On 2 January 2013, a fresh batch of Secondary One students was ushered into Westwood for the first time where they later enjoyed an exciting 2-Day 1-Night Orientation Camp organised by the school. During the activity-filled days, the students forged bonds with their new friends and learned more about the culture and values of Westwood through the many creative activities lined up for them. Student facilitators and teachers guided the young West- Secondary Ones participating in ice-breakers in the school hall woodians throughout the duration of the camp. In addition to the energetic, creative games where the students displayed exceptional team work, they also sat through various informative talks conducted by the teachers who shared more about the rules and expectations of the school. The orientation proved to be a hit amongst the students as they were seen with wide smiles at the end of the camp. Student facilitators giving instructions to the next game
LEVEL CAMPS It all started in 2010 and ever since, the Westwood school-wide level camps have been a part of every Westwoodian’s school experience. Held from 30 January to 1 February 2013, the level camps this year were held at three different venues. The Secondary Ones, Fours and Fives had their fun in the school premises; the Secondary Twos went for their adventure at the Ministry of Education Jalan Bahtera Adventure Centre while the Secondary Threes hiked through Mount Ophir for their experiential learning. Secondary Twos working together in a fun obstacle course!
Through a variety of exciting team-building activities and games, Westwoodians were seen having fun with their schoolmates while getting down and dirty at the different camp locations. At the outdoor camps at Jalan Bahtera and Mount Ophir, for example, Westwoodians had a lot of fun undergoing obstacle courses, water games and energetic paintball matches. An elaborate camp fire and lively singing of camp songs also brought the cohort closer together at night.
Water fun for the Secondary Threes at Mount Ophir
Back on Westwood grounds, the Secondary Ones, Fours and Fives also had their share of excitement as the school ground was converted into a major camp site. They played interesting team games and also learnt more about each other during the bonding sessions 3 throughout the camp.
JOG-A-THON
Welcome to the first ever Westwood Jog-a-thon!
Our Indonesian friends joining in the fun
As part of the school’s fund-raising efforts, Westwood organised its first ‘Jog-a-thon’ on 14 March 2013, a fundraising event which involved every Westwoodian across all levels. The event, held at the scenic and tranquil Chinese Garden, was especially colourful, thanks to the presence of the house mascots who cheered the students during their jog. Prior to the actual school-wide jog, the whole school rallied together with their respective classes to raise as much funds as they could. The funds raised would go towards enhancing school programmes and also for future expansion of the school campus.
Westwoodians jogging with smiles on their faces
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More Westwoodians and teachers jogging happily
Colourful mascots collecting their prizes
There was an atmosphere of healthy competition in the school as colourful score boards were placed outside the General Office for students to keep track of which class was leading the fund collection ‘race’. In the end, 1B, 1F, 1G, 1H and 2F emerged as the top classes which raised the most funds and were given prizes for their hard work and effort. The day of the event also coincided with the visit from Westwood’s twinning school, 1 Margahayu Bandung School. The Indonesian students readily joined the event and ran enthusiastically alongside Westwoodians. The event culminated in a crescendo when Ms Sandra Gwee, Principal, exchanged souvenirs with the Indonesian school staff, and everyone enjoying refreshing cups of Milo from the iconic green Milo van!
Our Principal exchanging souvenirs with an Indonesian school staff
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SPORTS MEET The much anticipated Westwood annual Sports Meet was held on 5 April 2013 at the Jurong West Sports Stadium. Despite the clouds and the winds threatening the skies, the Westwood runners remain unfazed and still gave the performance of their lives!
The girls’ race to the finish line
Other than the usual sports events, the whole school cheered energetically during the favourite track event, the inter-house relays. Willow House emerged as this year’s champion while Cactus House walked away with the Best Mascot title.
The nail-biting boys’ relay race
However, the fun was not exclusive only to the students; even the teachers and members of the Parent Support Group (PSG) joined in the excitement at the stadium. They proved to be good sport as they participated in the colourful relay games. Much laughter and cheers were heard in the stadium as Westwoodians rooted for their beloved teachers and parents.
Our parents have fun during sports day too!
Nearing the end of the event, trophies were presented to the happy young athletes. The meet finally came to a close with the singing of the National Anthem by everyone at the stadium.
The winning teachers’ team and the house mascots
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STUDENT LEADER (SL) INVESTITURE CCA PASSING OUT PARADE (POP)
The Westwood 11th Student Council
19 April 2013 marked a significant day of pride and honour for all Westwood Student Councillors and Leaders. Held at the school hall, the formal Student Leader (SL) Investiture and CCA Passing Out Parade (POP) Ceremony witnessed the student leaders passing their baton of leadership to the next generation. Westwoodians had the chance to recognise the work and achievements of the outgoing student leaders and also be introduced to the new leaders who would the serve the school. Following heart-warming speeches from the existing and new Student Council (SC) presidents, the existing batch of SCs handed their titles to the Secondary Two and Three SCs who were later sworn into the 11th Student Council in an official ceremony.
The SCs reciting their pledge
Next was the CCA Passing Out Parade (POP). The new batch of leaders from the various clubs and societies, sports and uniformed groups took centre stage to formally take over the leadership roles and responsibilities from their seniors. Overall, it was truly a memorable day for everyone.
CCA leaders gathered on stage
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AWARDS DAY
Westwoodians cheering the award winners
Guest-of-Honour giving his speech
Westwoodians celebrated the phenomenal successes of their comrades on 13 April 2013 during the Awards’ Day ceremony held in the school hall. Parents of the award winners and even Wesley, the Westwood mascot, were present during the formal occasion. During this special event, outstanding Westwoodians went on stage to receive their respective awards from the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Santokh Singh, Director of Communications and Outreach, Nanyang Polytechnic. Besides highlighting the successes of current Westwoodians, the event also highlighted the top ‘O’ and ‘N’ Level students from 2012 who returned to the campus to collect the awards for their remarkable achievements. After the inspirational event ended, the whole school proceeded out of the hall and went to the quadrangle to enjoy the next part of the exciting day – the Westwood Entrepreneurship Bazaar!
Top ‘O’ and ‘N’ Level students of 2012
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Ms Gwee, Wesley and other guests heading to the bazaar
ENTREPRENEURSHIP BAZAAR
The colourful PhotoPoodle booth
Mr Santokh Singh having fun at the game stalls
The vibrant bazaar was organised by the Business Studies Department where Secondary 2 classes were in charge of manning their own stalls! Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves tremendously – even Mr Santokh Singh was seen playing happily at the game stalls. Besides the regular food and games stalls, and the evergreen haunted mansion, there was a ‘PhotoPoodle’ booth where Westwoodians could get the chance to take pictures with cute and adorable poodles. There was also a ‘dark’ stall where bazaar guests got to experience buying things in the dark – something very out of the norm. On top of these interesting stalls and booths, an elaborate obstacle course à la the famous Japanese game show, ‘Sasuke’, was erected in the middle of the quadrangle and became the most popular fixture of the bazaar! It was extremely exhilarating to see sporting Westwoodians trying their shot in the Westwood Sasuke Challenge with much vigour and enthusiasm. Cheers and laughter erupted from the quadrangle as other Westwoodians encouraged the participants from the sidelines.
The overview of the Sasuke Westwood obstacles
The great ‘Sasuke Westwood’ obstacle course
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MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES (MTL) FORTNIGHT To inject fun back into cultural learning, a colourful and enriching Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight was organised by the Mother Tongue (MT) Department from 4 to 15 March 2013.
Engrossed with designing the Malay puppet
Numerous exciting cultural activities were lined up for Westwoodians to gain a deeper insight into each other’s unique cultures and also learn more about their own roots.
Westwoodians colouring their Chinese masks
Some of the fun hands-on activities included Chinese mask and Malay puppet decorating, colouring of batiks and lantern-making. A mass Malay dance lesson was also held at the school hall for the Westwoodians where they get to learn gentle dance moves. The students participating in the activities held around the school premises were seen completing their masterpieces with much energy and smiles on their faces. The completed works of the students were then proudly displayed at the foyer.
Pretty batik paintings by Westwoodians
A mass Malay dance lesson for all
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SINGAPORE YOUTH FESTIVAL (SYF) AESTHETICS GROUPS
Clockwise from top left: CHOIR, CONCERT BAND, GUZHENG ENSEMBLE, LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION CLUB AND GUITAR ENSEMBLE
Congratulations to the Westwood Aesthetics Groups for their amazing accomplishments in the 2013 Singapore Youth Festival Arts presentation! After all the hard work, tears and sweat, Westwoodians in the various groups brought glory and pride to the school with their brilliant performances. These are the aesthetic groups and their successes: Choir: Distinction Concert Band: Distinction Guitar Ensemble: Distinction Guzheng Ensemble: Accomplishment Language & Communication Club: Accomplishment Here’s to many more years of amazing achievements!
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SPECIAL COMMENDATION In this issue of Westwood heartbeat, we would like to highlight two special Westwoodians who beat the odds to attain credible performances in their studies and their lives. Meet Boi Yu Shan and Chong Miki, and be inspired by their stories!
Boi Yu Shan was an extremely busy student. As the Vice Chairperson of the school Choir, she had to spend time outside of school hours to organise events for the CCA. She also had to coordinate Choir practices and was especially busy when the Choir had major performances both inside and outside of school. Because she had less time than other normal students due to her responsibilities, Yu Shan initially had difficulty juggling her school work and CCA duties. It was even harder for her to catch up with her daily school work. At one point, she felt so pressurised that she almost gave up. One day, however, something struck in Yu Shan that propelled her to put her act together. She remembered her dreams and aspirations in life and realised that they would only come true if she gave her best in school. She decided to set realistic goals and began working on them with full force. Soon, her grades started showing results, and true enough – her ‘O’ Levels results proved to be exceptional! Yu Shan is also our 2012 valedictorian.
Boi Yu Shan Vice-chairperson of Choir Valedictorian 2012
Being diagnosed with a sleeping disorder was never an excuse for Miki Chong, at least not in his studies and his passion for short track speed skating. In fact, just this year alone, the active Westwoodian has participated in two major competitions. They were the World Junior Championship held in Poland in February and the World Development Trophy held in Singapore recently in April. In the second competition, Miki faced a formidable group of competitors and clinched a respectable Overall 5th Position. As training for the competitions takes up most of his time after school, Miki ensures that he spends his time in class fruitfully. Whenever he is in doubt, he would never hesitate to approach his teachers or peers for help. At home, he would always complete his school assignments on time for class the next day.
Miki Chong (4F 2013)
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Miki believes that by maximising his time in school, he would not have to stress about school during his training and competitions. Not bad for a guy with a sleeping disorder.