Eye on Nation (EoN)

Total Defence Day 2012

2012-02-11T15:47:00.000+08:00

Total Defence Day is marked annually on February 15 in Singapore to commemorate the anniversary of the surrender of the British to the Japanese on February 15, 1942, precursoring 3 years and 8 months of Japanese Occupation.

Introduced in 1984, the concept of Total Defence (TD) was adapted from the experiences of countries like Switzerland and Sweden. As a young nation with a small population and a conscript armed forces, we needed to draw on the different strengths and abilities of our community to augment our defence capability.

Total Defence has five aspects - Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence. These five aspects represent the key sectors of society.

This year Total Defence Theme is IT'S MY TURN.

The school had a drama performance tilted Me, Myself & My Country on 10 February 2012. The 45 minutes drama is about 4 friends and how they juggle their own personal problems with the challenges that Singapore faces. Issues like home ownership, immigration and further education are explored. Through their ordeals we learn about the 5 pillars of Total Defence and how it shapes the Singaporean identity. The 2010 Total Defence Message “I Will…” is also explored in the play. What WILL you do for Singapore?

NE Lesson Package for the various levels and streams were also crafted and implemented as a post-event reflection. For lower secondary, the focus will be on Social and Civil Defence. For upper secondary, the focus will be on all pillars of Defence (With more focus on Economic, Psychological and Military Defence)

The importance of Total Defence is communicated to the students through the wide variety of programs, In addition, the programs serves as a reminder to students that Singapore is defensible and is worth defending, and only Singaporeans would have the will to defend Singapore.

Changi NE Trail

2012-01-25T13:35:00.000+08:00

A Changi National Education Trail was incorporated into the Orientation Camp from 11 - 12 January 2012, with the purpose of integrating character building and National Education.

During the trail, the Secondary 1 students visited the following Heritage sites: Changi Museum, Changi Prison, Johore Battery (The Bunker), Changi Village and Changi Beach. These places were chosen because of the significance these places had with

Singapore

’s past and their links to present challenges. In addition, the trail also emphasised the need for the students to be united and resilient and not to take things for granted.

1T1 with their Form Teachers: Miss Joanne Ong Yi Boon and Miss Teo Wan Choo

1N1 with their Form Teachers: Mdm Shereen Ling and Mdm Emilia

1N2 with their Form Teachers: Mr Elmi and Miss Farhana

Seeking shelter along the way

After lunch at Johore Battery..time to set off to Changi Beach!

Cheering and singing in high spirits. All for One, One for All!

We can do it!

Determined to complete the journey together as a class!

We finally reached Changi Beach!!!

Racial Harmony Day 2011

2011-07-30T15:08:00.003+08:00

This year’s Racial Harmony theme is "Joint Hopes, Shared Memories". The theme seeks to bring together the aspirations of our future together as a nation and the recollections of our past moments of joy shared with our friends from all races.

We celebrated this occasion on 18 July 2011. Students were encouraged to wear their ethnic costumes or orange t-shirts on the day as the colour orange represents harmony and anti-discrimination worldwide. It is a colour of warmth and kinship.

Here are some photos of the students:

The best dressed male teacher was awarded to:

Mr Shamsul

The best dressed female teacher was awarded to:

Ms Sally Neo

Best dressed teachers

Lastly, the best dressed class was awarded to:

4N1

In addition, the Sec 1 students had organised a carnival for the rest of the school which is part of the CME-NE projects.

Sec 1E1, 1T1 and our Parent Support Group:
- Set up booths to sell various traditional food

Sec 1E2
- Set up various tradditional games stalls

Sec 1E3
- Set up sourvenir booth for students to exchange for their sourvenirs once they have completed their Racial Harmony Day passport

Sec 1E4
- Publicise about the carnival and sell tickets for the purchase of food item.

Sec 1N1 and 1N2
- Write and decorated boards with articles about the different races tradditions for gallery walk.

Some photos of the carnival:

NE Staff Learning Journey (Kampong Glam)

2011-07-02T00:01:00.003+08:00

On 24 June 2011, the staff went on a self-guided NE learning journey to Kampong Glam, the heart of Singapore’s Malay and Arab communities.

This learning journey serves to allow the staff to better appreciate the historical, geographical, cultural and social aspects of Kampong Glam and hence develop a greater sense of belonging to Singapore. In addition, it also provides them with a common experience to come together, have fun and foster friendship.

Staff at Masjid Sultan
(One of the oldest Sultan mosques in Singapore)

Learning Journey to Singapore Discovery Centre

2011-02-23T17:00:00.000+08:00

A learning journey was organised for the Secondary 4 and 5 pupils to the Singapore Discovery Centre on 14 February to commemorate Total Defence Day 2011.

The objectives of the learning journey are:
- to enable the pupils to understand the importance of Total Defence
- to strengthen the pupils’ sense of belonging to Singapore

SDC guide welcoming our students.

Students taking up the firefighter’s challenge.

Let’s work on the cards to win some prizes…

Is it heavy?

Look at me… I can put out a fire!

Macho guys at work!

Exhibit by the Singapore Civil Defence Force:

Light Fire Attack Vehicle

Exhibit by the Singapore Civil Defence Force:

Basic Fire Safety At Home

Exhibit by the Singapore Civil Defence Force:

Personnel Decontamination Vehicle

Changi NE Trail

2011-02-09T16:02:00.002+08:00

The Changi National Education Trail was incorporated into the Secondary 1 orientation camp from 17 - 18 January 2011. During the trail, the Secondary 1 students visited the following historical sites:

1) Changi Chapel and Museum

2) Changi Prison

3) Johore Battery

4) Civil Defence Volunteer Training Centre

5) Changi Beach Massacre

These places were chosen because they remind the students of

Singapore

’s past and present vulnerabilities. In addition, the trail also emphasizes the need for the students to be united and resilient, and not to take things for granted.

Reflection session and cheer leading by the student leaders before
proceeding for Nasi Lemak lunch at Johor Battery.

Post event reflection and consolidation of learning at Changi Beach site

Student completing their NE trail booklets at Changi Beach site

Bonding games facilitated by student leaders

Class 1T1 with their Form Teachers at Changi Beach site

Class 1N2 with their Form Teacher at Changi Beach site

Good News! Free Entry to selected Museums

2010-10-08T13:21:00.002+08:00

1. National Heritage Board: FREE Admission for students to NHB Museums everyday!

Students now enjoy free entry to our museums everyday! And they don’t have to come as part of an organised school group!

To be eligible, students must be a Singaporean or Singapore PR and studying full time. Students need to produce their NRIC and Student Pass at our front desk to gain free admission. If the student is 15 years and below and does not have an IC, then a valid Student Pass will suffice.

We would appreciate it if you could share this good news with your colleagues, family, friends, students and their parents as many are still unaware of this Free Admission. For more information, please visit:http://www.nhb.gov.sg/www/promotions.html . To find out more about our programmes, visit www.nhb.gov.sg or www.heritagecalendar.sg.

*Note: Teachers also enjoy free admission to our museums. Visit (http://www.nhb.gov.sg/www/promotions.html) for more information.

Participating museums: Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Peranakan Museum, Memories at Old Ford Factory, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Singapore Philatelic Museum

Learn a Foreign Language! It's German (Deutsch) today!

2010-08-13T10:16:00.001+08:00

With the Youth Olympics Games taking place in August 2010, Singaporeans can expect to see their little island city-state bustling with excitement and joyously filled with visitors of different nationalities.

Learn a simple phrases in different foreign languages so that you can greet these newfound friends in their native language.

Surprise your teachers and classmates in school with these greetings!
In English

The chosen English greetings are "Hello!", "How are you?", "Have a nice day.", "Many thanks!" and "Goodbye!"

Today's Translation:

German / Deutsch: "Hallo!" -> "Wie sind Sie?" -> "Haben Sie einen netten Tag." -> "Viele dank!" -> "Auf Wiedersehen!"

In German, the "a" is pronounced as it is in car. The "w' is pronounced like a "v". The "v" is pronounced like a "f".

Wie sind Sie? = How are you?
... Pronounced like "V sin(d) C".

Haben Sie einen netten Tag. = Have you a nice day.
... Pronounced like "Ha-burn C i-nurn net-turn tug".

Viele Dank! = Many thanks!
... Pronounced like "fi-ler dunk". =)

Auf Wiedersehen! = Until we meet again / Goodbye / Farewell.
Sehen refers to "see/meet", "Wieder" means "again" and "Auf" refers to "until".
... Pronounced like "Ow-oof v-durh-c-hurn".

Hope you have learnt something useful today. Try it on your teachers or friends today!

If you would like to know whether you are pronouncing it correctly, do feel free to check with me (Mdm Sharon Seow). =)

Recommended link for translation: http://www.freetranslation.com/

Auf Wiedersehen!

2010 Racial Harmony Celebration in Zhenghua Sec

2010-07-22T10:42:00.010+08:00

As a result of pupils' and staff's feedback obtained over the years, Zhenghua Secondary School's National Education programme was revamped to be more robust and to give pupils and staff more opportunities to serve the school and community.

Given the time to discuss, plan and prepare in class during CME lessons, pupils initiated CME-NE projects and led their fellow classmates in the implementation stages, with the help of teacher-facilitators (their CME teachers). The National Education Committee members stepped in to help with the communications with the School Management and Administration Staff. The Parent Support Group enthusiastically lent their time and expertise to assist in the various celebrations and commemorations.

In February, the Secondary 4 and 5 pupils led the school in the commemoration of Total Defence Day through their service-learning projects. (Check out our February blog entry). This was followed by the commemoration of International Friendship Day led by the Secondary 2 pupils in April.

This month of July has been an exciting one filled with events organised by the Secondary 1 pupils. Read on further for the various service-learning projects undertaken by them with the help of their CME teachers!

August will be yet another thrilling month with the Secondary 3 pupils involved in the National Day celebrations, together with their CME teachers, the NE committee, Uniformed Groups, Symphonic Band and ELDDFS.

Racial Harmony Assembly Concert (19 July)
* Look out for this space. Photos to be uploaded soon!

Mini Carnival (19 July)
* Look out for this space. Photos to be uploaded soon!

Parents Support Group - Indian Food Stall with write-up & ethnic outfits

1E1- Traditional games
1E2- Exhibition to promote RHD

1E4- Traditional games and food stalls
1N1- Traditional games and food stalls

1N2- Henna design
1T1- Traditional games
1T2- Traditional food stalls

Food prepared by Stall 2 and sold by the 1N1 Pupils - Herbal Eggs, Sweet Potato Starch, Traditional Dried Food and Traditional Biscuits
Food prepared by Stall 3 and sold by the 1T2 Pupils - Curry puffs, Roti Buoyan, Kueh Kochi
Food prepared by Stall 7 and sold by the 1E4 Pupils - Pulut Pamggang, Pulut Terati, Pulut Inti, Bandung drink with basil seeds and Onde Onde

Pledge-taking in 4 different languages (21 July)
* Led by 1E3 pupils with the help of Miss Joanne Ong. Look out for this space. Photos to be uploaded soon!

Best Dressed Competition (Nominees for the Class and Individual Categories) (21 July)

CME-NE Lesson Packages (Week of 19 July)
* Look out for this space. Photos to be uploaded soon!

Through this NE Programme, the follow-up reflection done and feedback received, it was obvious that children and adults alike develop greater understanding of the six National Education messages through experiential learning, going through different mediums of education to raise their level of awareness.

A Tribute to the late Mr Goh Keng Swee: Problem-Solver, Innovationist

2010-05-18T07:45:00.001+08:00

The article below is fully extracted from Yahoo! Singapore with the exception of the 2nd photograph which is from a blog.
Remembering Dr. Goh Keng Swee

By Angela Lim – May 14th, 2010

The late Mr Goh Keng Swee

(From left to right) Mr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Toh Chin Chye and Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore’s former Deputy Prime Minister and chief economic architect, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, has passed away after a long illness. He was 91.

Dr Goh is best remembered as one of the key architects behind Singapore’s economic success. His daughter-in-law, Tan Siok Sun described the story of his life in the new book Goh Keng Swee: A Portrait. The biography features many of the key milestones in Singapore’s journey from sleepy backwater to a globalised, First-World city.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, two grandsons and three great grandchildren.

Born into a rich Malacca family, his father, Goh Leng Inn, managed a rubber plantation and his mother was from a family that produced famous Malaysian politicians like Tan Cheng Lock and his son Tan Siew Sin.

Dr. Goh came to Singapore at the age of two, and was later educated at Anglo Chinese School before going on to study economics at Raffles College.

He was active in post-war administration after joining the Department of Social Welfare in 1946. He then tendered his resignation from the civil service to enter politics in 1959. Elected as the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s representative for the Kreta Ayer Constituency, he only retired from the position in 1984.

In 1959, upon taking up the post of Minister of Finance, he once famously described the state of Singapore’s economy as “wretched”. Thanks to his efforts, however, the economy did not stay that way for long.

Twelve years later, in 1979, Dr. Goh made significant contributions to Singapore’s education system, introducing key policies like religious education and streaming in primary schools.

Apart from his role as the Finance Minister, Dr. Goh also became the Minister for Interior and Defence until 1967 following Singapore’s independence. One of the key policies he is credited for is the creation of National Service.

Due to personal reasons, Dr. Goh stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister in 1984. By then, he had been in the Cabinet for 25 years, serving the last 11 as Deputy Prime Minister.

Famed for his legendary thriftiness, President S.R. Nathan, who once worked with Goh in the defence ministry in the 1970s, observed that he was so averse to the idea of spending that he would carry soap flakes to wash his clothing in the hotel bathroom whenever he travelled.

Retired civil servant Oon Lye Kim, 70, told Yahoo! Singapore, “Dr. Goh wasn’t much of a talker but he was a brilliant economist. He really laid the foundations for Singapore’s economic success. He was also instrumental in developing Jurong Island, then just a wild jungle, thereby giving jobs to thousands.”

Another retiree, Paul Loh, 63 said, “He was a very tough but also prudent man, especially when Singapore broke away from Malaysia and we were left on our own. People respect him for what he has done.”

My condolences to his family.

Thank you, Dr. Goh. Rest in peace.

Editor’s note: Former DPM Goh Keng Swee will receive a state funeral. On Monday and Tuesday, Dr. Goh’s body will lie at Parliament House before the state funeral.

LOOK OUT FOR THIS SPACE! On IFD 2010

2010-05-10T12:58:00.008+08:00

MORE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY UPDATES COMING SOON!

Calling out for photographs and pupils' reflections. Feel free to leave your comments about the various activities that were planned and organised by the different Sec 2 classes. =)

CLASS; Activity; Within/Outside Sch Teacher i/c

2E1; Maze with IFD info; Within; Miss Patricia Lee

2E2; Sale of craft items by students for charity; Within; Mr Neo Tiong Suan

2E3; Sale of craft items by students for charity; Within; Mr Ong Pang Soon

2E4; Giving out info on IFD to residents of selected Bukit Panjang blocks of flats; Outside; Mr Aljunied

2E5; To teach sec 2 pupils to create friendship bands via posters and creation of a friendship band installation;Within; Miss Natalie Tan
2N1; Creation and sale of friendship bands by pupils; Within; Mr Allan Kok

2N2; Visual displays on IFD; Within; Mdm Zanariah

2T1; Creation of IFD bookmarks for sale; Within; Mr Leslie Tan

2T2; Visual displays on IFD; Within; Mrs Shereen Lee

More photos of Total Defence Activities in Zhenghua Sec

2010-03-05T11:10:00.000+08:00

Down with Complacency. Ready with Alertness to Defend!

2010-03-05T11:06:00.000+08:00

Headline reads: Patrols stepped up over threat to Malacca Strait shipping

Photo taken from this website:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100304/tap-singapore-attacks-shipping-06f3cb7.html

ZSS Total Defence Activities Initiated & Implemented by the Sec 4 and 5 Pupils

2010-03-05T09:47:00.004+08:00

Thank you, PSG!

<4 PSG members came down to man the store.

2 parents shared their own parents' WWII stories with us.>

Lucky Draw!

Discussion Point - Chilean Earthquake

2010-03-03T13:00:00.001+08:00

Chile Earthquake (8.8 on the Richter magnitude scale) vs. Haiti earthquake (7.9)
Youtube Video [1]
Youtube Video [2]
Discussion Point:

1) How do you feel about the Chilean disaster?

2) If you wish to help, what do you think you can do and how can you go about helping?
- Did you know that Chile is the YOG participating country that Zhenghua Sec Sch is twinned with?
- More information on the Chilean disaster and general information about Chile will be given in your CME-NE lesson.
- Did you also know that our school is raising funds to assist the Chilean disaster victims? Do your part and donate!

3) Reflecting on natural disasters happening in Chile and other disaster-prone countries, how do you feel about living in Singapore?

4) There are obviously problems that need to be solved (as seen in the video clip). What do you think the government needs to do at this stage and in the future?
- You may wish to consider the psychological and physical impact of the earthquake and tsunami on the Chileans as well as on their neighbours.

NE Ambassador Training Workshop

2010-02-26T20:08:00.004+08:00

TO THE MUSEUM!!!! =)

Share what you have seen and experienced at the National Museum of Singapore on 26 Feb 2010.

Back in School, the Training continues...

Consolidating What We Have Learnt

To Be Good Leaders

Total Defence 2010 Assembly 'I will..."

2010-02-01T15:32:00.001+08:00

White Cranes folded by 4N3 symbolising Peace and Harmony

Ms Seow, the NE Coordinator, introducing the ZSS NE Framework and Blueprint to the whole school

An exciting year ahead with Sec 1 to 5 classes having more autonomy to plan and implement activities to lead Zhenghua Sec Sch in the commemoration of NE Activities

Win Prizes for the Best Comment made in our School NE Blog!

Jeichiel 4E1 & Sakinah 5N1, the emcees for Total Defence Assembly Talk

- Wonderful job, girls!

Teachers and Pupils are all ears about Total Defence

and the Programmes lined up by the Sec 4 and 5 classes

After watching the last segment of the talk which is a very touching clip on what we hold dear to our hearts, what WILL YOU DEFEND?

I WILL ...

Total Defence Assembly: Accolades

A BIG 'Thank You' to all Sec 4 & 5 CME teachers

NE Level Coordinators (Ms Rafiyah, Mrs Shereen Lee & Mr Michael Lim)

Principal Mr Lim, Vice-Principals Mdm Lee & Mr Kalvindar Singh for their support.

Discussion Point - Haiti Earthquake Aftermath

2010-01-26T14:11:00.004+08:00

Video extracted from CBS News for educational purpose.
Discussion Point:
1) How do you feel after watching the video clip?
2) If you wish to help, what do you think you can do and how can you go about helping?
3) Reflecting on natural disasters happening in Haiti and other disaster-prone countries, how do you feel about living in Singapore?
4) There are obviously problems that are needed to be solved (as seen in the video clip). What do you think the government needs to do at this stage and in the future?

Voting for the best N.E.mation clip!

2010-01-26T14:02:00.001+08:00

10 finalist teams' animation clips for N.E.mation! Season 4 are now unveiled! The students spent their year-end holidays pouring in intensive effort to turn their stories into animations.

Log on to www.nemation.sg to view their masterpieces and support them with your vote!

Your decision will help one of the teams realise their dream of visiting DreamWorks Animation in the USA. Public voting is on till 1 Feb 2010.

Total Defence 2010 - 'I Will'

2010-01-26T13:59:00.002+08:00

In 2009, we asked Singaporeans "What Will You Defend?". Total Defence 2010 takes the theme of self-reflection forward into personal action with "I Will".

Singapore is home. There are many things we can do to protect our home and way of life. It could be learning a personal skill, taking better care of the environment, donating blood, or helping other Singaporeans. It starts with two simple words: "I Will".

Think about your "I Will" and express your personal pledge in text, pictures or videos, and post your "I Will" online at the website http://www.iwill.sg. Encourage your colleagues and students to do the same, for great prizes worth a total of $8000 are up for grabs! The contest will run from 15 Dec 2009 to 15 Mar 2010.

Below are some examples of how some Singaporeans have used the "I Will" online contest to rally for support for their pledges.

I WILL uphold proper MRT etiquette http://www.iwill.sg/pledge/pledge_details.aspx?pledge_code=D5h3Y2e3rDOv

I WILL reduce my plastic bag usage by using at least one less bag per dayhttp://www.iwill.sg/pledge/pledge_details.aspx?pledge_code=Bf7oe9NqOD4k&type=recent&b=home.aspx&c1=10

Sec 1 to 3 pupils from ZSS had written their pledges on pledge cards and submitted them to Nexus on 25 Jan 2010. Selected entries will be used to create an art installation demonstrating our "collective will" to be unveiled during the commemorative event on 11 Feb 2010, graced by DPM Teo Chee Hean.

As our school moves into Total Defence Day commemorations that are initiated and implemented by the Sec 4 and 5 pupils (facilitated by their CME teachers, coordinated by Ms Rafiyah and Ms Shereen), we hope that you will continue to give everyone your support and encouragement.

Thank you!

19 and 20 JAN 2010 - NE Hike at Changi

2010-01-26T13:28:00.005+08:00

Station 3: Johore Battery

Lunch at the Johore Battery

The hike to the Changi Beach continues

Spirits are up!

All smiles for the camera.

"We still have water!"

Finally at the Last Station

Reading of Poems written by Prisoners (Changi Prison)

Reflecting on the Syonanto Days at the Sook Ching Massacre Site

A big THANK YOU to ALL Sec 1 hikers, facilitators and teachers who have helped to make this hike a success!

A NEW YEAR

2010-01-26T13:20:00.002+08:00

Welcome back to a new year of National Education.

Nationbulding Efforts in 2010 will see a more vibrant Zhenghua Secondary School where pupils are given more autonomy to commemorate the major NE events the way they want with greater involvement from the community and stakeholders.

Visit this blog regularly, "Eye on Nation" to fnd out more about what exciting activities ALL the different classes have lined up for Total Defence (15 Feb), International Friendship Day (16 Apr), Racial Harmony Day (21 July) and National Day (9 August).

Cheers!
NE Committee

Racial Harmony Day Photos

2009-08-13T10:00:00.004+08:00

ZSS National Day Celebrations Preparation

2009-08-01T00:17:00.010+08:00

Behind the Scenes: Zhenghua's National Day Celebration

Birthday Greetings to Singapore from Zhenghua Sec

My dream for Singapore is...

The Flags

COMING TOGETHER: WE ARE ONE!

We love Singapore!

Zhenghua's 2009 National Day Banner

Coming Together to Paint =)

Different Age.

Different Gender.

Different CCA.

Different Culture.

Different Race.

ONE People.

ONE Singapore.

OUR Singapore.

Prizes to be won! (Online Photo Competition)

2009-07-25T12:50:00.001+08:00

National Library Board's online photo competition

To celebrate racial harmony 2009, NLB is organising an online photo competition entitled "Racial Harmony in Action" via their photo gallery called JUST SHARE.

The competition which starts from 6 Jul to 31 Jul 2009 is opened to the general public.

There are 3 prizes to be won: $500 vouchers for 1st prize, $300 for second prize, and $200 for third prize.

Details of the competition can be found at http://www.pl.sg/page/PlBrowsePhotos/BrowsePhotoMain&_nfls=false

2009 Total Defence Day Commemoration at the 42nd War Memorial Service

2009-07-16T10:25:00.003+08:00

Advertisement from the National Library Board

2009-07-16T09:51:00.003+08:00

Do you remember the first broadcast of Television Singapura?
Do you remember the opening of People’s Park?
Do you remember the withdrawal of the British military?
Do you remember the SARS epidemic?

These are events that have transpired in the annals of Singapore’s history and have in one way or the other shaped Singapore in its present form, but more importantly, we want to hear from you about these events, and others that have happened in your own life set against the backdrop of these significant events in the last 50 years.

Were you there to witness any of the historic events or major milestones as part of Singapore's history? As part of National Library's upcoming Heritage Road Show event, we are calling for stories or photographs that can best illustrate the major 50 years milestones of Singapore's history from 1959 - 2009. Submit your stories and photographs to us from now till 1 August and you stand a chance to win CASH prizes of up to $5,000! Hurry! You could be one of our lucky prize winners!

For more details on how to donate your stories and photographs, click on to the url link, http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/Features.aspx?Title=Photos+and+stories+donation+for+%22I+remember.sg%22..

You are also invited to the launch of this year's Heritage Road Show event happening on Saturday, 1 August 2009. You can experience our 'Changing Landscapes of Singapore' photography exhibition, listen to a 'live radio' interview from our donors as well as walk through the visual geography changing landscapes of Singapore from the 'I remember.sg' visual wall.

For more details, surf on to our Go! Library channel link, http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg/Channel.aspx?Channel=075

From 1 July 2009, basic library members will be able to borrow up to 6 items, inclusive of a maximum of 2 audio visual items! Library users may also sign up as Premium Plus members and borrow up to 16 items, inclusive of a maximum of 8 audio visual items - for just $42 a year. For more information, please visit www.pl.sg.

Buy unique gifts and publications online from The Library Shop and have them delivered right to your doorstep! Start shopping now at http://shop.nlb.gov.sg!
This service is available to both local and overseas customers.

Learn more about the thousands of eMagazines, eNewspapers and eBooks from our eResources website at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg

Sec 3 Learning Journey to the Singapore Flyer (25 May 2009)

2009-07-12T03:22:00.009+08:00

Sec 4N2 during Social Studies eLearning lesson

2009-07-12T02:34:00.008+08:00

Check out our comments in eyeonnation!

N.E.mation is BACK! Win a trip to visit DreamWorks Animation Studio in USA!

2009-07-02T15:04:00.003+08:00

Stand to win a trip to DreamWorks Animation Studio in USA!

Interested participants, please form a team of 3 - 4 and inform any teacher from the NE Committee. They are Mrs Tan, Mr Aljunied, Ms Rafiyah, Mdm Ho Woan Shay, Mr Chua Chin Haw and Ms Natalie Tan.

Simply create an animation. No prior experience needed. Free training (Content Development Workshops) will be provided for teachers and students to learn basic animation skills.

Theme: 'Why I care about Singapore'.

More information can be found in http://nemation.sg/. Wait no more! Sign up now!

Discussion thread for 4N2's Social Studies eLearning Programme

2009-05-22T10:56:00.006+08:00

Dear 4N2 pupils,

By now, you would have explored either or both programme(s):
i) Civilization 3 (linked to Sec 3 Chap 2 on Governance and Sec 3 Chap 6 on Conflict among Countries - Diplomacy & Deterrence)
ii) Costlife (linked to Sec 4 Globalisation)

Kindly answer the following questions:
i) How do you feel after playing the game?
ii) Do you wish to be taught Social Studies concepts in future using such programmes?
iii) Name two things you have learnt about the world we live in.
iv) What is one thing you can do to help your community/country?

Please click on "comment" to post your answer to Qns (i)-(iv).

Thank you!
Mrs Tan

It's International Friendship Day! 17 April 2009

2009-04-17T11:23:00.003+08:00

Commemoration for 2009 International Friendship Day (IFD)kickstarts today!

This year's IFD theme is "Getting to know ASEAN".

Fri 17 April 2009:
- Book Sale on Singapore history, heritage and culture
- Asian Youth Games (AYG) Roadshow
- Library Display of books related to International Cultures
- Staff in National / Ethnic Costume.

Sat 18 April 2009:
- Pupil participation in CAN! Discover, in *Scape Youth Park (W.A.D.! In the World and VisOut)

Mon - Fri, 20 - 24 April 2009:
- IFD-CME lessons on ASEAN and Chile (ZSS's twinning country) including quiz and reflections

Book sale

Lend your support to Team Singapore - Send your well wishes!

The Sporting Spirit!

Sports transcends race, religion and gender

Pupils drawn to the Asian Youth Games (AYG) roadshow

Know more about the AYG 2009 on the left

Get free 100 Plus drinks on the right

Support "Nation Moulders" for Viewer's Choice 2008

2009-02-27T18:13:00.002+08:00

The champion clip for N.E.mation! II, "Nation Moulders", won top honours for its simple yet impactful potrayal of the 5 aspects of Total Defence. Now, it has been shortlisted as one of the top finalists in Mediacorp's Viewer's Choice 2008!

A contest for the public to choose their favourite local and international TV commercials, voting is open from now till 13 March 2009.

Vote now by SMSing [E.g. VC L7 S1234567A John] to 73388 and stand to win attractive prizes.

You may view the clip created by Team JJ AVAC of Jurong Junior College at website: http://www.mediacorp.com.sg/viewerschoice2008/contest.htm

*Each SMS costs 20 cents and will be charged to your mobile phone bill. Participants under the age of 18 years must seek parental consent.*

Note: The above-mentioned announcement is adapted from a National Education Branch circular to schools.

Total Defence Day Commemoration!

2009-02-22T14:42:00.003+08:00

Starting from 2 Feb 2009, Zhenghua Sec began its Total Defence Day commemoration. It was a 3-week long commemoration to raise students' and teachers' awareness of importance of Total Defence in our world today.

2 Feb 2009: Assembly talk on Total Defence for upper and lower scondary students using examples from the threat on Yishun MRT station (Singapore), the London bomb attacks, the escape of Mas Selamat, the Mumbai attacks among others.

7 Feb 2009: A temperature-taking exercise was done in school immediately after the morning assembly.

14 Feb 2009: A safety/fire drill was conducted to test the readiness of the whole school (staff, students, canteen vendors and etc) in times of emergency.

15 Feb 2009: A group of students and a teacher attended the 42nd War Memorial Service at the War Memorial Service at the invitation of the Singapore Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).

2 Feb 2009 - 20 Feb 2009: Special CME Lessons using the 'Budget 2009: Resilience Package' as a talking point for Upper Sec and 'Responses to Threats' for Lower Sec.

Thank you, one and all, for your support!
NE Committee

* Look out for related photos. To be uploaded soon!!

New Year Message

2009-01-01T18:41:00.003+08:00

Singapore leader urges vigilance against terror attacks

Singapore is doing its best to protect its people from terror attacks but there is no "100 percent guarantee" it will never be hit, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned Wednesday.

"Extremist terrorism is a continuing threat," he said in a New Year's Day message.
He cited the recent attacks in Mumbai in which a 28-year-old Singaporean was among more than 100 people killed in a shooting and grenade rampage by militants in the Indian city.

"We are doing our utmost to prevent something like this from happening here. Our security and intelligence agencies monitor potential threats closely and cooperate quietly with their counterparts in neighbouring countries," Lee said.

"We are tightening up border security and taking physical precautions at major events. Ordinary citizens can help in this too by being on the alert and reporting anything suspicious."

He cautioned however that "there is no 100 percent guarantee that we will never be hit" and called on citizens to be prepared in case extremists succeeded.

"We must strengthen our psychological resilience and our social cohesion so that, should an attack ever occur despite all our efforts, we can absorb the shock, pull together and recover from the blow," he said.

In 2001 and 2002, 32 members of regional extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah were arrested with bomb-making instructions, photographs and videos of local targets including a subway station and naval base, according to the government.

The above was extracted from: http://news.sg.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1898809

From details on the Prime Minister's New Year message, click on the following link:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/annex/PM_2009.htm

2008 FLASHBACK

2008-12-14T19:01:00.007+08:00

COMPETITION CLOSED. Thank you for your support! 12 Feb 2009

EoN needs your HELP!
In your opinion, what has been the most eventful thing/incident (be it a happy or sad occasion) to happen to Singapore in 2008?

Was it the wonderful National Day Parade as seen in the photos above? SHARE WITH US! Add your comments here.

Closing date: 30 January 2009. The best entry gets a prize! Winners will be announced on EoN in February 2009.

What's up, Neighbour?

2008-12-14T18:55:00.001+08:00

A Short Quiz for Yourself:

1) Do you feel a sense of belonging to your neighbourhood/housing estate? Yes/No.

2) Do you feel happy living in your neighbourhood/housing estate? Yes/No.

3) Do you know the names of at least 2 neighbours? Yes/No.

4) Have you greeted (e.g. say hi or bye) at least one neighbour this week? Yes/No.

5) Do you know who the Member of Parliament in charge of your estate is? Yes/No.

If you have 3 or more 'Yes' to the 5 questions above, GOOD for you! You can give yourself a pat on your back! keep up the good work! =)

If you have less than 3 'Yes', perhaps you will need to ask yourself why the many 'No'. Tell us what you think can make you feel a stronger sense of belonging to your neighbourhood. Drop us a comment in this blog!

Look out for the contest that will be launched in January 2009. It has something to do with your neighbourhood... maybe something to do with photographs... maybe something to do with manga drawing... maybe something to do with poetry.

Headline News from Channelnewsasia

2008-12-14T18:48:00.003+08:00

HOW WILL THIS AFFECT YOU AND/OR YOUR FAMILY ESPECIALLY YOUR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS?

80,000 needy elderly to benefit with expansion of medical subsidy scheme
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 14 December 2008 1710 hrs

The following is an extract from the above Channelnewsasia article.

"SINGAPORE: Come January 2009, some 80,000 senior citizens stand to benefit once a national medical subsidy scheme for needy elderly is expanded to include chronic diseases like diabetes. That's a four-fold jump from the 19,000 who are currently on the Primary Care Partnership Scheme.

Currently, needy elderly registered with the Primary Care Partnership Scheme can get a subsidy when seeing their neighbourhood doctors for acute conditions like coughs and colds.

But for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, they'll need to wait their turn in crowded polyclinics to get subsidised care.

But come January, patients with chronic diseases can get an annual subsidy of up to S$360 to see their neighbourhood general practitioners. It is much more convenient than going to the polyclinics, and it also means a more personal relationship with one's doctor.

The Health Ministry said the subsidy will cover about 70 to 90 per cent of their total medication cost, assuming generic drugs are used where possible.

However, for a small group of patients who require many types of drugs, their medicine bills may still cost less in polyclinics than at neighbourhood clinics.

It'll cost the government S$10 million a year but some doctors feel the government should spend more." ... WHY?

Read more to find out. Click on the link below. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/396249/1/.html

The Two 'R's

2008-11-14T03:31:00.003+08:00

RECESSION

Read up about other Singaporeans' views on the recession and other concerns in www.reach.gov.sg. REACH is the Singapore government's feedback arm.

RESILIENCE

What part do you play to help see Singapore through the recession?

Results: “Your Singapore Through Their Eyes: A Literary Competition”

2008-08-20T09:03:00.006+08:00

Congratulations to Davita Koh and Erahilwana of 4E2!

In May, a group of students participated in a literary competition organised by Nanyang Girls' High School. “Your Singapore Through Their Eyes: A Literary Competition” or YSTTE, is a student initiative of Nanyang Girls’ High School, under the auspices of the school’s National Education Committee. This writing competition was open to all students between the ages of 7 to 16. Students were given free rein to pen their literary creations on the theme of “What makes Singapore, Singapore?”

The aims of this competition were to:
- Allow students to polish their literary skills in creative writing
- Provide young students with the opportunity to look at Singapore in another perspective
- Let these young students realise the uniqueness of Singapore and her culture in their own way
- Promote national identity from an early stage
- Allow students to unreservedly put across their views of Singapore

We are pleased to announce that after much consideration by the organising committee and various teachers (National Education, English Language and Oxford graduate teachers), Davita's poem came in second, out of 60-odd entries received. Erahilwana's poem received commendation.

The winning entries will be published on the organiser's website shortly. http://www.ystte.com/html/winning_entries.html. There are future plans to publish the top 30 entries in a book entitled "Your Singapore through Their Eyes".

Davita's prize (Cat C - Secondary School Category):

One shoebag (grey) containing various stationary, e.g. highlighters, laser pointers, notebooks, pens, etc.

One notebook (again, of a non-conventional sort)

One slingbag

Certificate as endorsed by the principal

Once again, congratulations to both of you, Era & Davita!

3RD in the Cluster West 6 Heritage Race!

2008-08-18T23:38:00.004+08:00

On 2 August 2008, Zhenghua Secondary School participated in the Cluster West 6 Amazing Race. The race has two components, namely the History Leg and the Culture Leg. With the aid of our home team that was based in Assumption English School, the two other ZSS teams spent the morning solving puzzles and overcoming challenges to emerge THIRD in the race. Congratulations to our ZSS teams and the volunteers who were stationmasters and first aiders!

Watch out for this space! Photographs will be uploaded very soon! =)

Watch Out for this Space!

2008-08-14T17:15:00.001+08:00

Highlights from Zhenghua Sec Sch's National Day is coming out soon!

Commemorating Racial Harmony Day the Zhenghua way

2008-08-14T15:11:00.005+08:00

Mr Lim cutting the ribbon to signify the start of Zhenghua Sec's Racial Harmony Day commemoration
The dedicated parents from the PSG behind the sweet success of the food stall

Malay teachers imparting the skill of ketupat-weaving to colleagues and pupils

Nothing like a spread of traditional food to unite Singaporeans

VP2 Mdm Lee - One of the supportive Zhenghua family members in the traditional Indian outfit

In the one week leading to Racial Harmony Day on 21 July 2008, Zhenghua Secondary School pupils had the opportunity to try out traditional games e.g. chapteh during their PE lessons. They were also educated on the causes and consequences of the racial riots of 1950, 1964 and 1969 that threw Singapore into turbulent times during CME (for Lower Sec) and Lifeskill (for Upper Sec) lessons. With the above-mentioned experiences and knowledge, our school was ready to fully appreciate the Racial Harmony Day commemoration that took place on 21 July 2008, with the help of the Parents Support Group!

THE SINGAPORE HERITAGEFEST 2008 (12 - 27 JULY)

2008-07-09T20:34:00.004+08:00

THE SINGAPORE HERITAGEFEST 2008 (12-27 July), “WHO’S YOUR HERO?”

... brought to you by the Education & Outreach Division, National Heritage Board

The annual Singapore HeritageFest (SHF), a nationwide festival is held in July every year since 2004 to celebrate our multi-cultural heritage and through that, raises the level of understanding and appreciation for our heritage and history.

The year’s festival celebrates and remembers our Singapore Heroes. These are people who have contributed to Singapore both in big and small ways - the many ordinary and unsung heroes, and the heroes in all of us that together make up the unique Singaporean story. Through the fun-filled yet educational festival activities and programmes, the Festival aims to make Singaporeans realise that everyone plays a part in shaping the history and heritage of the future, and that the personal and collective stories of Singaporeans is what makes our multi-cultural heritage rich, interesting and unique.

Festival Highlights
To make the festival come alive, there will be a whole range of activities from exhibitions, performances, talks to concerts. For more details, please check out the festival website http://www.heritagefest.org.sg/ or call our festival hotline at 6736 0503.

Some highlights which are relevant to Social Studies/History are:-
a) Festival Hub@Suntec City: Anchor Exhibition: “Who’s Your Hero?” & Stage performances
Kids’ Zone: “Who’s Your Hero?” (available for school bookings)
The Heroes Patch & Children’s Hero Activities

b) “My Hero” Writing Contest
Mystory Portal where students can write and share stories about their heroes or even take part in a writing contest. For more information, please log on to http://www.mystory.sg/.

c) Kids’ On Board@Compass Point (exhibition, puppet shows, children’s plays, costume dressing contest & stage performances)

Come, Discover and Celebrate Your Heroes This July at the Singapore HeritageFest 2008! Exciting events are waiting for your participation!

Commemoration of Racial Harmony Day

2008-07-03T21:46:00.005+08:00

Dear school,

As a way of commemorating Racial Harmony which falls on 21 July 2008, you can look forward to playing traditional games during your PE lessons from 14 to 18 July 2008!

You are strongly encouraged to come to school dressed in your ethnic costume on Friday 18 July 2008. Better still, wear an ethnic costume that is not from your own ethnic group!

Do borrow an ethnic costume from a friend if you don't have one. Join in the fun! Certificates and token gifts will be given to the best dressed classes in the lower and upper secondary levels.

Also on 18 July 2008, traditional Malay food will be sold just outside the canteen. Special thanks must be given to our school canteen Stall 7 vendor for the provision of the food items for sale and the Parents Support Group for manning the food stall.

Looking forward to your active participation on Friday 18 July. Come prepared for a day of kaleidoscopic colours and gastronomic treats!

With warm wishes,
ZSS NE committee

2008 NE Ambassadors

2008-06-30T11:52:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to the following pupils for being Zhenghua Secondary School's NE Ambassador!

1E1: Neo Xue Ying
1E2: Muhammad Shahidin B Razali
1E3: Ong Sai Yun
1E4: Lim Wei Cher
1E5: Syazirah Bte Abdullah
1N1: Reno Erwinshah Bin Julaimi
1N2: Chew Chang Zheng
1T1: Mohamed Salleh Abdul Shukor

2E1: Chan Jun Jie
2E2: Clara Ng
2E3: Rebecca Yeo Yong Xi
2E4: Ong Jing Wen
2E5: Ong Wei Jie
2N1: Nur Amira Bte Zaenal
2N2: Sri Nur Rafiqah Bte Paiman
2N3: Muhammad Najiy B Zawawi
2T1: Kevin Siah Min Wei

3E1: Siti Nurzakiah Bte Hashim
3E2: Musliha Bte Selamat
3E3: Daniel Hu Kai Wen
3E4: Nur Ain Bte Suhaimi
3E5: Nurjannah Bte Zulkifli
3N1: Lim Hui Jia
3N2: Nur Eliyana Bte Mohammed Tahir
3T1: Nurfana Bte Pawzi

4E1: Ben Tiong
4E2: Lau Feng Yuan
4E3: Khoo Chong En
4E4: Lee Yu Xian
4E5: Wong Yoke Heng
4N1: Nur Lydiawati Bte Juraimi
4N2: Muhd Faiz B Rahim
4N3: Yip Jun Wei Aron
4T1: Achmad Susanto B Noor Mohammad

5N1: Matin Faruq B Abdul Haddy
5N2: Azdiyatul Akhmah Bte Aziz
5N3: Jyothi Rajendran

International Friendship Day celebration in Zhenghua

2008-06-23T15:30:00.004+08:00

Commemorating

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

on 11 April 2008

A procession of peace and friendship…..our pupils taking up their positions

Getting ready to address the school in their full national & ethnic splendour

Not quite Moses parting the Red Sea but nevertheless our pupils are spreading their Messiah of Friendship and Understanding through the Youth Olympic Games

Red and rapturous, Zhenghua pupils listen as the spirit of international friendship touches their hearts

Zhenghua - a microcosm of internationalism and friendship that knows no boundaries
A picture perfect embodiment of friendship, peace and unity
The Youth Olympic Games in Singapore: Circles in unison, hearts in harmony, friendship abound

The principal congratulating the pupils for spreading the spirit of international friendship in Zhenghua

Read about the "Food and Energy Crisis" Interview-Programme hosted by Melissa Hyak on Channelnews Asia

2008-06-19T21:32:00.008+08:00

Food and Energy Crisis

Thursday, 19 June 2008
CNAS 8:30pm CNAI 8:30pm(Singapore time)

Global food prices are skyrocketing along with soaring fuel costs - but are cartels, export curbs, science and subsidies offering a way out?

Is there a solution as the silent tsunami sweeps across the world?

Join Melissa Hyak and her guests as they explore the link between rising food and fuel costs, and their implications.

Panel members:

Dr Asanga Gunawansa
Assistant Professor, Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore

The Problem
The recent skyrocketing cost of world food prices is stoked by rising fuel prices, unpredictable weather and the ever growing demand for food from countries such as India and China.
According to the World Bank price of rice has more than doubled during the period March - April 2008. Further, the World Bank estimates that food prices have risen by 83 percent in the last three years alone.

Unrest over the food crisis has led to deaths in Cameroon and Haiti, and caused hungry textile workers to clash with police in Bangladesh.

According to Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, rising food costs threaten to cancel strides made toward the goal of cutting world poverty in half by 2015.
-----------------------

Joergen Oerstroem Moeller
Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

Over the last 200 years the world has lived in an era of plenty. There has been enough of food, raw materials, energy with low prices stimulating industrialization and energy intensive societies. Water has not been scarce except in a few places and clean environment was not included in economic calculations. All this turns around right now. We move into an era of scarcity. Food prices will go up with more people and more people having money to pay for better food, the growing economies need more raw materials, demand for energy is on a steep upward curve, water is beginning to be scarce in many areas including some traditional food export regions and clean environment is on the agenda under the name of global warming/climate change. Put on top of this that if we try to solve one of these problems others will aggravate. We can for example move for desalination, but that requires energy. What will it mean for solidarity inside our countries? The only way to manage the threat of environmental degradation is to devise new forms of international governance, how do we do that?
--------------------------

Assistant Professor Davin Chor
School of Economics, Singapore Management University

The current rise in world food and commodity prices has raised fears that the world may be facing an impending food and energy crisis, in which the poor in many developing countries will likely take the largest hit. A confluence of several forces has been driving this upward trend, namely the strong demand from fast-growing developing countries, coupled with tight supply conditions in world markets. Neither of these fundamental forces is likely to let up in the short term, which means that we cannot expect prices to recede anytime soon. For the longer-term outlook, technological advances are likely to hold the key to reversing these recent trends. It is crucial that the OECD countries take the lead now to channel R&D efforts towards improving agricultural productivity and inventing more fuel-efficient technologies, as well as to ensure the swift diffusion of any new best-practices that are developed.
-------------------------

"Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence" Essay Competition by NLB

2008-05-30T16:40:00.004+08:00

Dear pupils,

Keen to participate in a National Library Board (NLB) Competition? Make good use of your time this holiday to pen a composition on the topic, "Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence". Take note that the deadline for the competition is Friday 20 June 2008.

The maximum number of words is 500 and 800 for lower and upper secondary students, respectively. Submissions must be made online stating details such as name, school, address, birth-date and competition category.

For more information (especially on rules and regulation), please go to this website: http://firstcabinet.nl.sg/.

All the best to you!

Hands-on Activity for the NE Ambassadors

2008-04-08T22:44:00.005+08:00

Common experiences and shared interests are some things that help residents in a community bond and society to become more cohesive. Your task is as follows:

1) Contribute to the community by conduct an online research on the Bukit Panjang estate. Find out information about the history of road names and, better yet, the history of Zhenghua! =)
2) Write a 50-word blog entry about what you have found from your research about Bukit Panjang estate.
3) Post your comments here by clicking on "comments" or "the pencil" at the bottom right hand corner of this blog entry.

If you have any questions, please feel free to approach any NE Committee Teacher.

Cheers!
Mrs Sharon Tan

ANNOUNCEMENT: NE Workshop on Monday 14 April 2008

2008-04-08T22:38:00.005+08:00

Name of Activity: NE Ambassador Training Workshop
Venue: Comlab 3, Zhenghua Sec Sch
Date: Monday, 14 April 2008
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Participants: ALL Sec 1 to 5 NE AMBASSADORS

Light refreshments will be served. Attendance is compulsory. Please come with an open mind and a willing heart to learn and share. =)

See you there!

Mrs Sharon Tan
On behalf of the ZSS National Education (NE) Committee

A visit to the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps Day Openhouse on 8 March 2008

2008-03-17T22:18:00.008+08:00

Civil Defence - One of the five aspects of Singapore's Total Defence. Do you know the other four?

Nicholas Koh, 1E5, would recommend others to attend the NCDCC Openhouse in future. He says, "the NCDCC Openhouse is quite fun except that we could not try everything there, it was good."

Zhenghua Sec Sch Rallies Behind Singapore in Islandwide Flag Relay

2008-03-17T21:52:00.007+08:00

... for YOG!!! Loving Singapore... Zhenghua Secondary School participates in the Islandwide Flag Relay organised by Hwa Chong Junior College. It was held on Thursday, 21 February 2008. Pupils from various CCAs such as the Drums Ensemble, Girl Guides, NPCC and Scouts came together to rally for Singapore in her bid to host the Youth Olympic Games 2010. Pupils whose classes just ended thronged to the scene to support their school runners - a team comprising the Girl Guides and Scouts. Mr Hanif and Ms Chin gamely ran with the team ALL THE WAY! What a display of unity! Way to go!!

It is confirmed: The Youth Olympic Games 2010 will be held in Singapore! =)

Brought to you by Mrs Tan... =) Stay tuned for updates on our visit to the NCDCC Openhouse!

Exemplary behaviour from volunteers

2008-03-15T16:41:00.004+08:00

The search is still on. Watch how volunteers from residents to students work together to spread the word. Click on the link below:

http://www.straitstimes.com/Video+News/Singapore/STIVodcast_3740.html?playid=3740&type=Singapore

Everyone has a part to play. What's yours? =)

A Lesson on Complacency

2008-03-08T17:51:00.003+08:00

Below is an extract from a Channel News Asia article dated 7 March 2008:

Mr Lee said Mas Selamat is a wily person who could persuade his custodians and Singapore has learnt an important lesson on complacency from the episode.

"I give him full marks for winning the confidence of his custodians – that he's completely docile, completely passive and he's going to remain in captivity. It is... stupid to believe we are infallible. We are not infallible. One mistake and we get a big explosive in your midst. So let's not take this lightly. I think it's a very severe lesson of complacency," said Mr Lee.

Since Mas Selamat's escape, police have received 950 calls and email messages about the case. Anyone with information on the fugitive should call the police at 999 or email them at spf_police_information@spf.gov.sg.

----------------------------
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/333576/1/.html
----------------------------

How can you help?
Recommended Websites: Youth Bank http://www.heartware.org/

Read more about it at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/332281/1/.html

The World and Us ... And a game.

2008-02-29T16:21:00.007+08:00

Life isn't
as simple as we think.
Our world is large.
We can't cover
all vast expanse
of the land
on feet

Yet it is small
enough
for us to feel
for us to pity
for us to be guilty

Ever so oft
we exclaim
misery
we proclaim
ourselves
victimised

It is the I
It is we
Versus them
Who are they anyway?
Do you see them?
How much is my fault?
My every action
What I do
What I don't
Is it my fault
or yours?

I cannot pity
If pity is condescending
I don't know
where to begin
How
to help
But at least
a good start
I know
that the world is large
I am
Not Alone.

---------------------------------- Mrs Tan, 29/2/2008, 4.30pm

A challenging role-playing game that allows you to play a character who decides the fate of a family living in a poor country: www.costlife.org

29 February 2008 - A leap year.

2008-02-29T15:52:00.006+08:00

2008 has only just begun, but Singapore has already taken many leaps to assure her survival and success in the near future. (Why do I choose to say 'near future'? Think about it.)

For one, we have won the bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010. 2008 is also the year in which the historic Formula One night race will be held. Indeed, the year 2008 is a year of many firsts.

For more information on these events, do check out the links mentioned below:

1) Youth Olympics Games (2010): http://www.singapore2010.sg/day/index.htm,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_Olympic_Games,
2) Formula One Night Race (26-28 Sept 2008): http://www.singaporegp.sg/, http://www.formula1.com/

Congratulations, Singapore! What lies ahead of us is a new challenge to deliver what we have promised to the world. The next lap will see how we - as a nation - work together to overcome any obstacles.

To my fellow Singaporeans, be cohesive and patient even in trying times. To quote a song I heard when I was young, "There was a time when people said that Singapore won't make it, but we did. There was a time when troubles seem too much for us to take, but we did." We can make it. Together, we can make it.

Cheers!
Mrs S. Tan

BUDGET TIME =)

2008-02-15T01:41:00.004+08:00

Hi, everyone!

http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/ is the official website for Budget 2008.

Try this game! There's more than meets the eye. Here's the link to the "If I Were The Finance Minister" Game. http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/choice/fiscal_choices.html

Click on the link below to read about what analysts expect from the Budget. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/328826/1/.html
'Analysts expect more generous Budget for elderly and poor', by Hasnita A Majid, 14/2/2008

Smiles... =)
Mrs Tan

REACHing out to us...

2008-01-19T17:28:00.000+08:00

To those of you who wish to share ideas and work out solutions with the government, LOOK no further! Set up in October 2006, REACH - which stands for 'reaching everyone for active citizenry@ home' - is an avenue for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to be engaged and become more participative and involved. Click on this link: http://www.reach.gov.sg/. =)

Highly recommended website by EoN!

2008-01-19T12:33:00.000+08:00

A really great website to learn about Singapore. A light but interesting read. Highly recommended.

http://www.yesterday.sg/

To better understand Chapter 2 on Population

2008-01-12T20:12:00.000+08:00

My dear Sec 5 pupils,

To help you better understand the chapter that we are currently studying, please refer to the CPF website which offers up-to-date information on the Singapore government's CPF policies. Here's the link: http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/About-Us/Intro/Intro.htm.

Cheers!

2008-01-01T15:00:00.000+08:00

my Eye sees
though my mind
seems to drift

my Eye sees
though my ears
are deafened

my Eye sees
though my tongue
speaks different

my Eye sees
what senses
mine defy

my Eye sees
laughter, tears
young and old

my Eye sees
a future
You and I

through this site
let words roll
Speak, my Eyes.

Mrs Sharon Tan, 1/1/2008, 3pm (SG)