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Project Lead and Design: Isabelle Sidik (3B)

Design: Cassie Wong (3J)

Junior Editor: Adele Tay (2A)

Junior Editor: Sarah Woo (2A)

Project Manager & Creative Consultant: Mr Edgar Seow

Credits

I enjoy being a part of this school. School life at St. Theresa’s is vibrant, and staff and students alike are simple and spontaneous. The adults here work hard and they care a lot for the students under their charge. The students, by and large, are active and pleasant, truly simple in virtue!So as I have always said, I shall say this again – “May the Light on Kampong Bahru Hill continue to shine brightly!”To new members of the Theresian family, I extend to you my warmest welcome. The Theresian community has a rich heritage. Our founder’s exhortation to pay attention to inner silence is

very compelling for me. Similarly, the simplicity of our patron saint’s life also continues to inspire me in living out the mission of this Infant Jesus school. It is my hope that new staff members will feel included and will be encouraged to live out the ideals of our founder Blessed Nicolas Barre and our patron St. Therese of Lisieux.

On what makes her enjoy working at STC: Mrs Pauline Wong, Principal

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The Wong family on a walk along the coast of Island Bay in Wellington. Mrs Wong is third from the left.

Year 2016 Issue 1 Term 1

CHIJ

NEWSLETTER 2016 EDITION

Featured this termBlood Donation DriveSecondary One OrientationPSG InterviewsTotal Defence DayFlag Day

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MagicMother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Like-wise, the CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent student council set out to do their small part in serving our commu-nity with great love. On 27 Decem-ber 2015, we set out on a mission to encourage the public to donate blood and raise public awareness on the im-portance of blood donation.

The Red Cross Blood Donation Drive, “A Drop of Magic”, is a joint effort between the Singapore Red Cross and our school. The student council organised and participated in this event. We spent one day of the December holidays at the Westgate Tower at Jurong East to actively re-cruit volunteers to support our cause. At the end of the day, we were able to recruit a significant number of blood donors to donate blood.

In addition, we also spent time in-teracting with people and sharing with them about the difference they can make. It amazed many to know that one bag of blood can save three lives. It was satisfying to see people who had no intention to donate blood enthusiastically come forth to do so after hearing what we had shared. Though I was rejected by many, it

delighted me to know that I contributed to this cause.

The experience was an eye-opener as it allowed us to work towards a common goal – benefitting those who are in need of life-saving blood. It didn’t matter that we spent the entire day standing around Jurong trying to approach people who avoided us even before we spoke to them or that we were fully drenched in perspiration from being under the hot sun speaking to as many as we could. What we did definitely reminded us that we are the light on the hill and persons for others.

Written by:Nivetha d/o Senthil Kumar, Sec 4A

A Drop oMagicf

Mrs Cho admiring God’s wonderful creation in Yehliu, Taiwan, in December 2015.

On one piece of advice she would like to give to Theresians: “Words are powerful to edify, to build up, to heal. Therefore, choose words that will bring life, hope and healing.”

Mrs Claire Cho, Vice-Principal

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Secondary 1 Orientation was a fun-filled three-day affair during which we bonded as a class, with the help of our friendly facilitators. Through playing ice-breaker games and par-ticipating in cheer sessions on the first day of orientation, we began to warm up to each other instead of sticking to people we already knew.

Secondary One classes visited CHI-JMES during the Orientation pro-gramme as well. This learning jour-

ney helped us to appreciate the rich history of the IJ schools, as CHI-JMES was the site of the very first IJ convent in Singapore. We listened to our seniors explain how the IJ sisters came to teach at CHIJMES, while ad-miring its beautiful architecture.

The third day was jam-packed with rehearsals for performances we would put up that evening. After much prac-tice, we finally mastered all the dance steps and memorised all the song lyr-

ics! That night, we went on the stage to perform for our parents. When it was time to sing the IJ song, we put our hands around our new friends and sang enthusiastically, feeling ex-tremely proud and happy to be newly-minted Secondary One members of the Theresian and the CHIJ family. It was indeed a great finale to a mean-ingful Orientation programme.

“Getting to know one another during ice-breakers!”

Mr Lee with his wife and 7-year old son.

‘‘Students desire to learn. My desire is to help them academically, but more so, to make a positive impact on their lives. That’s my passion.’’

On why he chooses to teach: Mr Lee Chee Wei, Level Head, Mathematics

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Written by:Ailsa Chan, Sec 1C

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PSG INTERVIEWSOur Volunteers Our Treasure

An Interview with CHIJ STC PSG Chairperson, Mrs Adeline BinnyInterviewed by:

Claudia Anne Binny, Sec 4A

How long have you been part of STC's Parent Support Group (PSG)?I started being part of STC’s PSG since the day my twin girls were in the school. 2016 is my 4th year being a part of the PSG here.

What do you enjoy most about being in the PSG?Joining the PSG has allowed me to be part of the school. It enables me to better support and guide my girls throughout their learning journey. I enjoy working closely with the school and the teachers as well as being able to share my past experiences with the PSG. Exchanging ideas, and planning programmes and activities for the students with other parents have given me the opportunity to build stronger bonds with the school, parents and the students. I have learnt some parenting skills from other parents too.

What are some of the PSG activities you have organised?Over the years, we have organised several activities, such as Small Group Parents Dialogue Sessions, School Open House and Cook for Funds for International Friendship Day and Racial Harmony Day. We raised funds to assist the financial needy students. With these activities, we are able to build strong relationships and create a network for learning support among us parents.

How do you juggle being actively involved in the PSG activities on top of your career / personal time?The PSG usually plans our meetings at most of the members’ convenience. We meet once every term. I strongly believe that having work-life balance is

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“I’m on familiar ground again and sometimes I see glimpses of myself in my students. I decided to teach because of my passion for the subject and I enjoy interacting with people.”

On being an ex-Theresian returning to teach at her alma mater:

Ms Mak Wei Min, Teacher, Food &Consumer Education

Ms Mak in her Teachers’ Day celebration outfit.

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An Interview with CHIJ STC PSG Member, Mrs Anna Tay

important. Whether we are working parents or homemakers, I believe it is important to set aside time for my family and for myself to do the things I love. This is also helpful in teaching my girls to have good time management despite having busy schedules.

What do you think is the most important thing we can teach our children?As a parent, I think it is important to teach our children the virtue of respect. If you respect others, people will in turn show you respect. Other virtues include responsibility, in making wise choices and responding

well to situations, and humility, to always be thankful. Apart from these, I would like to emphasise the importance of family bonding. This to me, is very important in every familial relationship.

What is your biggest parenting concern at the moment?The biggest concern for 21st century parents would be their children’s constant use of social media. Parents should learn to educate their children on cyber wellness and cyber awareness. Parents should also work closely with the school on this issue. Excessive social media use harms children’s mental health and also keeps them away from family bonding.

What is your favourite activity with your children?I love to bake with my children, watch movies with them and we strongly believe in eating together as a family.

What would be your advice to parents who wish to join STC's PSG?I encourage parents to join the PSG in STC. It is important to spend more time with our teenage children and not less. They still need our love and attention. Show that you care and love them by being involved in what they do and learn in school. Walking with them throughout their learning journey in their secondary school days will definitely bring them closer to you.

Interviewed by:Niki Ann Tay, Sec 3D

How long have you been part of STC’s Parent Support Group (PSG)?I have been part of the PSG since 2014.

What made you decide to join the PSG?I strongly believe in the value of PSG because it is beneficial to both the parent and child. The PSG also serves as a platform for parents to bond with like-minded parents who share similar concerns and challenges about their chil-dren’s growth and development in school. The PSG can also provide mutually needed information and emotional support to reduce parents’ stress. It can be both educational and therapeutic.

The PSG works closely with the school leaders to foster close relationships between the school and parents. Being part of PSG also allows parents to voice concerns and feedback to the school in the hope of influencing changes in pro-grammes and services. Improvements and innovations can come from parent advocates too.

Are there any special skills required to be part of the PSG?No special skills are required as long as parents share a common goal of help-ing with our children’s development and growth in the school.

What are some of the PSG activities?PSG activities include fundraising during International Friendship Day, which is traditionally held annually. Parents and volunteers help prepare and sell

food. It is very enriching to see many parents coming forward to offer their time and support in this event. Anoth-er memorable annual event is the cel-ebration of Teachers’ Day, where par-ents work hard for four to six weeks to prepare appreciation cards and gift packs. It is fun as it allows parents to crack their heads for ideas!

What would be your advice to parents who wish to join STC’s PSG?Each and every parent is welcomed to join the PSG. It is highly encour-aged as it is beneficial to the school, parents and their daughters. Through the PSG, the school can tap on par-ents’ contributions in various pro-grammes and activities. For parents, they are able to support the school’s efforts in creating a conducive learn-ing environment for their child. For the child, she will know that parents support and care for her development and growth in the school. It is a win-win partnership.

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TOTAL DEFENCE DAY

“Working as one!”“Together we play a part.”

Together as One for All

Written by:Shayna Lee Yi Xuan, Sec 2D

Total Defence Day is commemorated to remember the time when the British surrendered to the Japanese. The day of surrender was 15 February 1942, which marks the defeat of Singapore’s defence. Annually, STC sets aside 15 February as Total Defence Day, to help us remember the importance of defence for Singapore.

In addition, it serves to remind us about the suffering and hardship our forefathers went through when Singapore was renamed ‘Syonan-to’ during the Japanese Occupation. Many of them had to endure harsh conditions every day while constantly hoping that the war would end soon. In order to highlight the importance of everyone’s role in contributing to the defence of Singapore, our school organized activities such as quizzes on the history and heritage of Singapore. These enabled us to understand why Total Defence is so important to our country.

Total Defence Day certainly taught me values of persistence and resilience, as whenever we face obstacles as a nation, we should have the positive mindset to be able to overcome them together. When everyone plays an active role upon learning about the five aspects of Total Defence, we will be able to strengthen our nation as well as ourselves.

“In the blink of an eye, I have been in STC for 3 years. My job is at times challenging but I have grown a lot as I learn something new every day. I’m glad to have a group of very wonderful colleagues who provide me with much support and encouragement so I can face all the challenges.”

Mdm Jong and her adorable 4-year old daughter.

On what makes her enjoy working at STC:

Mdm Phevian Jong Corporate Support Officer

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Mr Tan and his lovely wife.

‘‘I have worked here for 3 years. The students are generally very well behaved except for a few naughty ones. It is a nice place to work.’’

On working at STC: Mr Tan Check Kum, School Security Guard

Students from CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent took to the streets of Singapore on Saturday, 27 February, for a good cause – to collect donations for the Caregiv-ing Welfare Association (CWA). The school decided to collaborate with this organisation as research indicates that 10% of Singaporeans are above the age of 65. By the year 2030, this num-ber will increase. The general population, particularly the younger generation, are often unaware of these statistics or do not give thought to such matters. The perception is that issues related to the aged can easily be addressed by the government - through the establishment of nursing homes or subsidising the engagement of specialised caregivers for the elderly. The school hopes that by exposing these young girls to issues related to the elderly, they will better appreciate the problems that the nation will face in years to come.CWA aims to be a leading institution in caregiving for the elderly through specialised service that enables more elderly to maintain their independence. CWA is able to make eldercare accessible through community partnerships and trusts. Each donation helps fund the following 3 main programmes: (a) the Elderly Healthcare Assistance which is aimed at improving the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the elderly; (b) Welfare and social sup-port to assist the elderly and caregivers to cope with difficult situations; and (c) Education and Awareness to assist the elderly and caregivers to cope with difficult situations. With these programmes in place, CWA has managed to serve over 26,000 ben-eficiaries over the past years. We had a great time helping those in need on that Saturday! Although at the beginning, there were not many people who wanted to donate, as time passed, we managed to all fill our cans. We learned we can make a difference too.

Written by:Talisha, Sec 1DFlag Day 2016

Taking to the Streets for a Good Cause

“Meeting our accompanying seniors.”

“Setting off from the school hall.”

“Approaching members of the public for donations.”

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