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January Newsletter

2016

Dear Parents and Students, welcome to 2016! We would especially like to welcome the Secondary Ones and their parents to the CHIJ SJC Family.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS We would like to congratulate the Class of 2015 for their hard work and significant value-added achievements at the 2015 N and O-level exams.

N-LEVEL RESULTS 2015 Our Normal Technical student who qualified for a lateral transfer to 4NA:

Briana Teo Yue Cheng

Our Top Performing Normal Technical Students with at least 3 As:

Briana Teo Yue Cheng Chan Cherry Libanan Rachel Ann Lau Shi Qi Natasha Bte Samsudin Dana Bridget Lim Jo-Ee SitiRuhanizah Bte Baha Lucia Maria Dashini D/O K Pooja D/O Arivananthan

Our Top Performing Normal (Academic) Students with at least 5 Distinctions:

Karen Goh Man Ting Clariss Tan Wan Ting Peralta Shue-er Cyri Shameera Shane Goh Chloe Yew Law Cheok Yui Lyka Mae Erodias

Top 6 4NA students with value-added results:

Lim Xin Yi Shameera Sheryl Goh Shu Hui Claudia Francesca Rajasinghe Janelle Thian Xin Hui Law Cheok Yui

O-LEVEL RESULTS 2015 Our Top Express Student with 8 Distinctions:

Celine Timotius (4D) Choo Zhi En (4D) Zoe Ng (4D)

Our Top Express Students with 7 Distinctions:

Zhang Qianxue (4D) Chew Rui Si Germaine (4D) Sabrina Abdul Gahni (4D) Kong Tsin Yee, Michelle (4D) Geraldyne Lee Jia Yee (4D) Christabel Teo (4G) K Sangavi (4E) Seah Jie Ying Jasmine (4H) Low Jia Xuan (4E) Kiang Ye Ping, Pearl (4D)

Our Top Express Students with 6 Distinctions:

Yu Chi Ying, Meryl (4G) Melody Lee Jia Hui (4D) Fiona Wong Swee Qian (4G) Regine Chua Cuan Tian (4F) Kelly Angelina Williem (4E) Naomi Loretta Harjoko (4E) Nur Diana D/O Haja (4D) Hannah Seow Hui Ting (4D) Niveda Jayashankar (4D) Htet Oo May (4D) Gnanasekaran Lepakshi (4D) Patt Wei Qi, Riona (4E) Chong Kai Xin (4E) Nurhannah Qistina Bte Roslan (4H) Nur Sophie-Anne Lim Chiu Mei (4G)

Our Top Express Students with 5 Distinctions:

Farm An Qi (4H) Olivia Kam Jie Qi (4D) Petra Lim Yiqi (4F) Valencia Kwek (4E) Christy Lee Yingxuan (4D) Glenda Chia (4F) Valerie Sim Hwee Ern (4F) Kristie-Mae Baptist (4F) Lim Tsing Yen (4D) Charlotte Lim Xin Pei (4D)

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JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS: ORIENTATION CAMPS SJCians started 2016 with our exciting annual orientation camps. Here are some highlights! CAMP SPIRITO, OUR SECONDARY 1 CAMP THAT IS

RUN BY STUDENT LEADERS AND SJC TEACHERS Camp Spirito inducted Secondary Ones into the IJ Family. Students learnt about the history of the IJ schools as they forged new ties with classmates, schoolmates, seniors and teachers.

During the IJ Trail, I knew more about the abandoned babies, how the nuns sacrificed their lives in the past to raise the babies. I now realise how fortunate we are today. From the Team-building Games, I learnt how important it was to communicate with one another, the need to work together as a team and to be patient with my team members. I also learnt not to give up, no matter how hard. On the Sengkang Trail, the ping pong challenge was the most interesting station as it helped us bond as a class. We almost gave up when the ball kept dropping. But we learnt not to and continued till the end. I learnt to be respectful and also learnt to be more gracious and patient. In SJC, no matter what challenges I face, I will never give up and will study hard and learn to be independent to overcome challenges. - Nur Elnira Ummairah, 1A I have learnt a lot more about Sengkang and my classmates. Although we did not win the Trail Competition, we had loads of fun. I really enjoyed the camp, especially the making of the snow globe as this was my first time. I truly appreciate everyone for their help and kindness. I hope that the friendship between my new classmates and I will get stronger. - Lee Qian Mei Alicia, 1C

Amanda Poh Cjia En (4D) Tan Si Jie Vanessa (4E) Crystal Yeap Jing Yi (4E) Yeo Xin Hui Alicia (4H) Cherie Chow Jing Yi (4F) Yeo Hui Wen Bernadette (4H) Sim Hui Shi (4D) Juan Su Yen Grace (4D) Au Shi Ying, Genevieve (4G) Nadiah Bte Sunam (4H) Alicia Lim Xin Jie (4F) Gabrielle Er Jie Ning (4F) Megan Melvyn Pereira (4F) Lu Yuhan (4F)

Our Top Sec 5NA Students with 3 or More Distinctions:

Shah Vartika Piyush (5A) Judith Ashla Pereira (5A) Valerie Mok Wen Yan (5A) Amanda Tay (5B) Natasha Ananda (5B)

Our L1B5 and L1B4 improved noticeably. They are 15.4 and 20.6 for the Sec 4Express and Sec 5 respectively. 98.8% and 83.4% of the 2015 Sec 4Express cohort qualified for Polytechnic and JC respectively. 78.6% and 16.5% of the Sec 5 cohort qualified for Polytechnic and JC respectively. We would like to thank Parents and the PSG for their support. The following is a reflection from a member of our class of 2015: There is no secret to success other than sheer hard work. What I did was to cut off all social media for the whole year. It was really hard for me at first, but with time, things got better. I got used to it and I found out that it is really possible to drop social media for one year. I think this “sacrifice” is actually the ticket to success. The school also invited special speakers to motivate us, providing inspiration and that helped me as well. I remember they invited a professor and she gave a lot of advice on how to excel academically and she said this one phrase that really resonated with me. She said that one could actually get addicted to success and I took that to heart. I think that it is true that if you succeed once you will want to succeed even more. That was really a good source of motivation for my O Levels.

- Sabrina Abdul Gahni (4D)

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I think that this year’s camp was very enjoyable as the seniors put in a lot of effort to make the games fun and exciting. Secondary school camp is very different from primary school camp as we are all more grown up, so we have the freedom to do things we would not have been able to do in primary school. The games that the instructors set up for us were a bit more challenging as they required a bit more teamwork to complete them. For me, the most exciting and fun part of the camp were the cheers. After cheering, we all became more energized and we were able to work better as a team. The cheers were all very engaging. I even saw some quiet girls participating. At night, when the whole class gathered and reflected together, I felt like we developed a special bond and that we became closer as a class. All the games and activities held in school helped us to get more familiar and comfortable with the environment and the school campus. The instructors, leaders and alumni were very friendly and I felt like I could approach them for anything. I did not look up to them as authority but as big sisters: kind of strict in a caring way. Also, I am very grateful to the amount of effort they put in to make this camp a very memorable one. Overall, I felt extremely welcomed and I am proud to be part of

the SJC family. - Tilly-Anne Humphrey, 1E

We played many team building games. I did not expect such simple games to relate to so many values. The games were fun but also allowed us to understand the school values better. The debrief sessions by the student leaders after every station definitely helped us too. They allowed us to reflect on what was done well and what needed to be improved. These also encouraged us to be more confident to speak up. During the IJ trail, I understood the history of the CHIJ schools better. I learnt that the IJ schools started with simple beginnings and limited resources but the nuns were selfless and compassionate towards the orphans. I learnt that we need to persevere because secondary school life will not be as easy as primary school life and we have to be positive. - Cynthia Shi, 1F

JANUARY ORIENTATION CAMPS The Team-building Games helped me know my classmates better because we lent a listening ear to everyone and respected one another’s opinions during the different games. I began to understand that my classmates are positive and united. They strived to achieve and were brimming with ideas. Through the games, I also developed trust for them and became confident that we could journey together as a class. Furthermore, after the transition talk, it dawned on me that I must get rid of some bad habits I had in the past and start secondary school life afresh. I should set new goals for myself now and give my best in whatever I do. I know I will be able to overcome challenges in SJC with perseverance and the right attitude. - Lea Grace, 1B

I learnt how to appreciate the resources we have now as in the olden days humans did not have enough materials. I learnt how to respect others’ decisions because we are different in many ways. I learnt how to be self-disciplined and patient during the trail. I learnt how to have teamwork so that whenever we have problems we can help each other. – Naomi Tan, 1H

I know more about my classmates. I also like the transition talk by the alumni as they were very inspiring and fun. During the team-building games, we went around almost the whole school so now I am a little bit more familiar with the school. I learnt new values like freedom and love. - Lorenzo Maryse Kristen B, 1D CAMP CHALLENGE – THE 3D2N SEC 2 ADVENTURE

CAMP.

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I learnt that teamwork is very important even though we knew one another from primary school. I could see many of my new classmates trying to include everyone in the activities. Even though I was a little homesick and tired at night, I felt that my friends were always there for me. I feel that the camp was a great learning experience for us! - Yap An Qin Michelle Natania, 1G

The success of the annual Sec 1 Orientation Camp is made possible by the LTC Student Leaders who are made up of Sec 2 to 5 students as well as alumni seniors who voluntarily return each year to serve. Here are reflections from 3 of our LTC Student Leaders: I was a class facilitator for the 2015 and 2016 Sec One Orientation Camp. When I was a leader, my partner was an alumni, therefore, it felt as though there would be a safety net when something goes wrong or perhaps, if I had any difficult campers to handle, it would not be as hard. However, this year, I was partnered with a leader who would depend on me as much as I previously depended on my alumni. I felt that I have grown a lot as I used to not have much confidence in my decisions as I was afraid something would go wrong. But now, I managed to make decisions by myself without having to consult anyone and also helped my leader in the decisions she made. That is one of the personal goals I have set for myself since I was a leader and I am proud to say that I have achieved it throughout my entire process in the LTC journey. - Karene Leong, 4H My experience as the Assistant In-Charge of IJ Trail was extremely enriching. I felt that I was responsible for all my department members’ actions

and that I played a big role in helping them take away as much knowledge as possible throughout the planning stage and during the actual camp. As AIC, I learnt to be more understanding and patient as I tried my best to listen to everyone’s views and to understand where they were coming from even if I may not agree with initially. It was our first time planning for Camp Finale and all of us were foreign to it. At the early stages of the planning process, I felt slightly more stressed. I felt that I had to make sure that the leaders are taught well so that they would also be able to teach the next generation of student leaders too. - Chloe Ng, 4E

It was hard for me at first to speak in front of a crowd. I felt very nervous that I might say something wrong. It was also very tough, especially during the planning period as I had many commitments such as my family, my friends, my studies, CCA and LTC. There were many times that I wanted to quit, however, as I did not want to burden anyone I decided not to and just pushed through. The camp itself was very rewarding for me as I got to bond closer with the TEAM and I was able to step out of my comfort zone as after a few classes I got the hang of talking in front of the campers. It was also very tough as I had to manage a station by myself and some Class Facilitators didn’t help me much either so it was a very big struggle. However, I felt accomplished every time I finished a rotation as it showed how I managed to complete it by myself. With the feedback given by my department members and alumni, I was able to improve myself. At the same time, I was also able to get to know some of the campers during this camp. Overall, this whole journey has been very rewarding for me. The end of this whole camp has only made me want to continue even more. - Joy Anna Ng, 3D

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CAMP CHALLENGE, THE SECONDARY 2 MATHS-SCIENCE CREATIVE THINKING CAMP Designed to deepen students’ interest in Maths and Science, and building on our school’s belief that we should guide our girls to be stewards of this Earth, Secondary Twos participated in a variety of activities pertaining to Physics, Design and Technology, Biology and Mathematics. Our girls spent a day at the Singapore Zoological Gardens

and Jurong Birdpark, exploring the work behind the scenes. They visited the animal hospital and the bird breeding centre. They also saw the food preparations in the kitchens and even had a hand in feeding the friendly birds! This gave the girls an authentic experience to learn about the hard and heart work that goes into wildlife conservation. This foray into Biology was balanced by a foray into Physics when our students participated in a Hebacon competition. Our girls were challenged to use recyclable and reusable materials to build a robot. Each pair of Form Teachers also had the autonomy to plan bonding sessions with their classes. Activities include making handicraft, writing a class song, baking and training in presentation skills. The camp concluded with a 4-hour Math trail which was facilitated by 2H. On this trail, the girls were challenged to solve math problems creatively as a team.

Here are some reflections by our Secondary Twos: Another group and my group were sharing ideas without worrying that we would copy from one another. This was something that brought my friends and I closer. – Allysa Tan, 2B I would like to see myself solving problems with different ways and that I don’t stop persevering even at the toughest times. – Cheng Yi, 2D

I learnt that we should challenge ourselves to persevere through tough times. – Xing Ying, 2D Simple actions can sometimes lead to dire consequences, hence, we need to think

before we act at all times and not act on impulse. – Anthea Lau, 2F Not giving up easily and preserving through challenges is inevitable and you will definitely face challenges at whatever age you are, so it is not only a good habit to have, it will make life easier and more exciting too! – Faith Chan, 2C

CAMP METAMORPHOSIS, THE SECONDARY 3 CAMP

THAT EMPHASIZES COMMUNITY VALUES. SJC emphasizes performance and moral character. In-line with this, the Sec 3 students participated in various activities that were designed to deepen empathy and understanding for the segments of society that are disadvantaged. Here are some of our girls’ reflections: When I first entered the centre, I was confused and lost about what to do. However, once I saw how my classmates took the initiative, I just followed and started to interact with the residents living at the centre. We taught them to throw the balls into the basket. They reminded me of

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young children when they managed to throw the balls into the basket, they would smile and clap. This experience made me think about how they find happiness and joy in simple things, while we ironically complain and are frustrated over small things in our daily lives. - Emma Lee, 3D

I learnt from the eldercare centre to be more patient. The discipline of not using the phone is another takeaway for me. As our phones were kept by the teachers for the 3 days, I have learnt to have more self-control over the use of the phone even at home and the integrity of not using phones during lesson time. - Renita Haran, 3H We should hear one another out as different people have different opinions and we should all share our opinions so that people will know what is on our minds and we will understand one another better. We also learnt the difference between the real and perceived needs of the elderly. I also learnt to speak up as people were at first unable to hear me and they did not bother to listen to me. I also learnt to be more confident from speaking louder. - Angelica Nadine, 3C

The elderly were friendlier than what I expected. Most of them were willing to share their stories with us even though they did not know us well. I learnt to be more open and friendly to people I barely knew. Other than that, I learnt to be more patient with the elderly. The amazing race at Singapore Discovery Centre required teamwork to complete each challenge. - Nur Elfa Shahanis, 3B

I learnt to understand others, accept others for who they are and not to judge them. We should encourage one another on our journey towards excellence. - Lee Miyuki , 3A We could encourage others by talking to the elderly and getting to know our friends better when they need help. - Rachel Ong, 3A Today, we learnt to be more respectful when we went to the senior centre. When I spoke to them, they were calm and very kind. We also should be responsible as we will be old one day. - Shifana, 3A

I did not know much about the elderly. My grandmother is of old age but I did not know the struggles my grandmother goes through every

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day. Today through the stations we experienced and explanations from our mentor, I learnt many new things about the elderly. The elderly have eyesight that makes them see very blurry vision, making a simple task like reading hard. Their feet hurt when they walk, hence, they wear slippers at home so that their feet are cushioned. All these make the elderly easily frustrated as they cannot do simple tasks by themselves. I will be more patient with my own grandmother and care for her. – Lim Yan Fang, 3F

I was attending to a wheelchair-bound elderly lady at the eldercare centre who had her domestic helper with her. She barely spoke and she kept on saying she was uneducated. What made me very crestfallen when I gave her a red packet which had a cartoon girl and a boy was that she was touching the red packet and saying, “My baby, my children” in dialect. I was quite sure that she was thinking of her own children and missed them. She is definitely lonely and she longs for someone to give her love. We are living a comfortable life receiving one of the world’s best education, but sometimes, we forget about our grandparents’ generation which helped to achieve the Singapore we have today. I must remember to be more aware of the needs of the elderly in my community. – Midzuki Low, 3G

The visit to the service centre made me realise that I could have done something meaningful in the past if I had had the courage to approach the residents at the home, and talk to them like I would with anyone else. When we started the games, I was extremely nervous about how they would react to these. Gradually, both the residents and us became more comfortable with one another. All we needed was a little time. - Yashwini Sivakumar, 3D

CAMP ASPIRATIONS, THE SECONDARY 4 AND 5

CAMP Alongside visits to polytechnics to learn more about post-tertiary options, the Secondary 4s had the opportunity to learn more about 21C skills using the Sentosa success story as a case study of marketing strategies, the sorts of adaptability and flexibility required in the VUCA world, and the importance of being able to respond quickly to challenges in the working environment. Here are our girls’ reflections:

The Poly visit was informative as we got to find out about courses we did not know existed, and a more in-depth understanding of the expectations of teachers and requirements of the students enrolled in the course and even of the Polytechnic itself. - Odelia Shakeina, 5A This was very informative. It will help me make better choices in the future about polytechnic courses. – Grace Looi, 4G

I get to see my future. - Recca Lee, 4B

I feel motivated to work harder and wiser to get into the course that I want. – Nera Mok, 4E The information provided was useful. There are actually many more courses that I can choose from. – Sheryl Ang, 4D