1212A Daughter of St. Patrick’s School

KNOWSCOPEKNOWSCOPEA 2019 publication by St. Patrick’s School Journalism Club

Page 1

St. Patrick’s School is not totally new to Ms Ng as she has been living in the East and her cousin is a St. Patrick’s alumni. Since joining the school, she has discovered that despite Patricians’ reputation for being mischievous, when they set their minds to doing something, they will do it well. She breaks into a smile as she recalls the dedication and passion of Patricians during the CCA Fair.

Ms Ng first started teaching in 1988 but took a break after three years to pursue a degree. She joined Dunman Secondary School and assumed the role of Subject Head for eleven years. She was a Vice-Principal for three years before returning to MOE (Ministry of Education) headquarters. This year, she starts her journey as one of the Vice-Principals of St. Patrick’s School.

She believes that the most important value, especially for those leading others, would be humility. It also helps a person to be more open to new learning experiences and through that process, build better relationships with others. She wants students to know her as a down-to-earth person, and whom students can relate with.

Ms Ng’s advice to Patricians is that life is a journey of self-discovery and learning. She adds that Patricians must learn to treat obstacles, such as examinations and competitions, as checkpoints to guide and challenge themselves. She wants students to focus on the process, and not just the outcome. Failure does not mean the end of the road, as it is the process that matters most. In fact, she feels that a change of mindset that embraces problem-solving, is a significant part of growth. The real failure is when we throw in the towel.

Written by Myron Tee, Secondary 3D

S S S S P P

The 2019 Inaugural Prayers Service began with the entry of the processional party. It consisted of student leaders, HODs, Year Heads, the Vice-Principals, and our Principal, Mr Eric Lee. After the first hymn, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow, one of the emcees, Erwin Francis, explained the significance of this religious event.

On the 16th of January 1933, this same event was held on the first day of school for the very first batch of Patricians, 86 years ago. The second emcee, Johann Rala, then mentioned that this event served a dual purpose. Firstly, it introduced the executive committees from the four student leader boards. Secondly, it was to seek God’s guidance and blessings for the year ahead.

The Head Prefect, Samuel Patrick Lee of Secondary 4E, stood on the stage to ring an old-school bell to welcome the Secondary One students. As the new students made their way into the hall, the song, We Are Lasallian, played in the background. Students took to the stage to recite prayers from the three different faiths - Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Father Ignatius Yeo said an opening prayer, and continued with a Scripture reading and reflection, from the letter of St. Peter, on Service From The Heart (our school theme for this year).

This was followed by the investiture of the Exco members from the four student leaders’ boards - the Prefectorial Board, the Peer Leaders’ Council, the Patrician Ambassadors and the Sports Leaders’ Council. After the intercessory prayers, Mr Eric Lee led us in a closing prayer. Finally, Father Ignatius Yeo gave a final blessing, and the Inaugural Prayers Service came to an end.

Page 2

Inaugural Prayers Service

Written by Denzel Fernandez, Secondary 4E

Page 3

Total Defence Day was a day when Singaporeans commemorated the anniversary of the surrender of the British to the Japanese on February 15, 1942. Singapore was under Japanese rule for three years and eight months.In St. Patrick’s School, Total Defence Day started with a member of the Military Band playing The Last Post on the trumpet. Two student leaders went up to the podium and gave the school an insight into the significance of Total Defence. The activities, however, did not end there.

The next day, students assembled in the hall to watch an entertaining play by four extremely talented actors and actresses. Back in class, we had an extremely challenging but entertaining card game that was related to Total Defence. Players had to come up with strategies on how to invest our resources and money into important things that were related to our six pillars of defence. The students of the various Uniformed Groups helped to facilitate the games. Through play, we bonded with our friends and gained knowledge about Total Defence. More importantly, we realised that the pillars of Total Defence were vital in keeping our nation strong and prosperous.

The upper secondary classes had Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons that taught us the importance of staying vigilant to ensure the safety and security of Singapore. Students were advised to download the SG (Singapore) secure application on our mobile phones. This would enable us to offer our assistance or report any potentially dangerous items. We can defend ourselves and our country as long as we stay alert and united.

Total Defence Week

Written by Isaac Lee, Secondary 3D & Dylan De Silva, Secondary 2B

Page 4

Chinese New Year

In the spirit of this festive event, most students and teachers wore red shirts or outfits. Students began the day with Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons about the origin of Chinese New Year. Students were informed of the different ways that the festival was celebrated in other countries.

It would not be a celebration without the annual Chinese New Year concert. The concert kicked off with a spectacular performance from the Military Band. The concert continued with a medley of songs from the different ethnic groups. This truly reflects the inclusive society that we live in.

The students were excited to partake in the mini quiz. The questions were based on the things that students learnt during their CCE lessons. Many of them were very enthusiastic about answering the questions and the winners were awarded prizes.

This year, the Secondary Two cohort was tasked to create a Chinese New Year mascot. The audience watched entertaining videos of these mascots. All the mascots were creative and received cheers from the audience. The other classes participated in the Noticeboard Decoration competition. The audience clapped loudly as the winners were announced.

The audience had a good time with each performance that graced the stage. It was amazing to see the talents of our peers and teachers. Guest performers were a pleasant surprise. A group of Chinese artistes put on show-stopping acrobatic acts that left the audience in awe. There was also a musical item by a talented group of Malay performers. Some of them played traditional instruments while others used fascinating props.

It was a truly unique day to start the festive season. It was a also a welcome break after an intense academic month. We could not wait to see what the Chinese New Year 2020 celebration would have in store for us!

Written by Kieran Chuang, Secondary 3E

Page 5

Chinese New Year

Page 6

The annual Cross Country was held on 14 February at the Singapore Sports Hub. It was an unconventional but fun way to mark Valentine’s Day. Our Principal, Mr Eric Lee, gave a very enthusiastic and motivational speech to spur on the teachers and students. The calming waters of Kallang Basin was a welcoming sight. The view was charming in a contemporary way, with the tall buildings looking over the greenery.

The weather was perfect for those gearing up for a race. Each participant was given a race belt and bib. As each class started down the running route, teachers were seen joining their students. The people living in the nearby residences saw waves of colours as students tried to outrun each other. It was a worthwhile effort when medals and cheers were given to the individual winners and triumphant classes.

At the end of the event, we were worn out but felt a sense of accomplishment. Not only did this event strengthen our brotherhood, but it also created strong camaraderie amongst students and teachers. We would eagerly look forward to this event next year.

Cross Country

Written by Samuel Chan, Secondary 32

Cross Country

Page 7

Page 8

All We Need Is Love

Love gives hope to the weary and a way to the lostIt cannot be bought, sought or sold at any costRather, love is an emotion that joins us with one anotherJust like space and time holding the universe together

This love was showered upon me when I first met youExpressed in paper envelopesAnd later in the words “I do”

Nothing could describe the moment I met our firstborn It was like sunshine and rainbows after a long storm

Despite our happy moments and loving memories I wanted much moreI wanted us to be rich and prosperous a desire not truly needed for

I worked long hours and wasted my timeour child never had a Father teaching him ABCs and rhymes

Only now I regretthe time I have wastedOnly now am I able to seeOur family’s broken faces Only now I regretnot taking him to school and quarrelling with youfor I was the fool

Now that you have left I am torn apartI am a waterless oceanwith an empty broken heart

My wifeMy childI am sorryNow I know that all we need is love not plain worthless moneyfor what happiness does it bringnow that you are gone

Submitted byJesmond Dave Brual Lagado, Secondary 4D

READER FEATUREREADER FEATURE

Page 9

Untitled Poem

Love is like a bat, blind but can findJust like you and me, with due respect to timeThe first time I saw you, your image stuck in my mindAnd that was when I knew, you will always be mine Whenever I ask you out, you always declinedUntil you heard about me, from the grapevineWhenever we go out, we had a great timeWhen I am not with you, you will be running through my mind Time flies past, and we tied the knotWe did all of it, without a thoughtWe planned to have kids, but I guess notFor something happened, which made me distraught

I couldn’t save you, when the robbery went wrongI was pinned down, for just too longWhen the coast was cleared, my heart died insideI cried from dusk to dawn, but you never came alongWhen it was time for you to go, I was not prepared at all Even though you are gone, you will always be in my mind I wanted to join you, then I realised I should live my life for you, and carry on my lifeI love you, My Valentine.

Submitted byArthur Yap & Triszen Phua (Secondary 4D)

A pointless pursuitA temporary euphoria

A false delusionA distraction:

Submitted by Denzel Yang Fernandez, Secondary 4E

With you, in brightly lit streetsThrough the city in the night, wondering...Till you told me otherwise, and delivered meFrom the blurred agony of life:

READER FEATUREREADER FEATURE

TEENAGED LOVE

Page 10

Check out our YouTube channel: St Pat’s Journalism Club

Advisor: Mrs Juliana Er Editor-in-Chief: Ms Haida AbdullahStudent Editors: Daniel Galaura & Myron Tee Student Co-Editors: Jeremy Sng, Denzel Fernandez, Ethan Tan, Jethro Kwok, Isaac Lee & Kieran ChuangGraphics Editors: Johann Rala, Zhan Quan & Terrence KwokPhotographs: The Media Design Club