From the Principal’s Desk - Hougang Secondary School. Quicklinks... · 2015-12-17 · From the Principal’s Desk Dear Parents, During the Meet-The-Parents session in Semester 1,

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :[email protected]

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

During the Meet-The-Parents session in Semester 1, many of the

parents asked me why Hougang Secondary School emphasizes so

much about our school core values of GRC. Hence in this issue of

Parents' Connect, I would like to share with you why GRC is so

important to us.

The Choice Movement of the 21st Century has swept the world today and it goes against the

grain of our school values of Gratitude, Respect and Compassion. It deceives us to embrace

the following negative attitudes and has the danger of corrupting the moral values of our

students if it is left unchallenged.

The key big ideas of Choice Movement are:

Anti-Gratitude attitude:

I have made the right choice myself and I have earned it myself, hence there is no

need to thank anyone.

I want a better choice and I deserve better than this, that's why I feel short-changed.

Anti-Respect attitude:

I can choose who to respect and you need to earn it, hence I will not give you my

respect freely.

You have made wrong choices in life and you do not deserve my respect, that's why

you will not have it from me.

Anti-Compassion attitude:

I can choose who to help and you need to earn my sympathy, hence I will not give you

anything.

You have made the wrong choices in life, hence you deserve to be in this pitiful state.

Vision :Grateful Children, Respectful Pupils, Compassionate Citizens.

Mission: Care. Lead. Inspire. Partner. (CLIP) Values: Gratitude, Respect, Compassion.

HS PC 2014 Issue 3 July 2014


In order to save our students from the negative influence of this Choice Movement, Hougang

Secondary has started the GRC Movement since 2009. We teach our students to be aware

that their successes are never because of their own effort alone, but the joint effort of their

parents, teachers and the community partners. Hence they must be grateful to them.

Here in HS, we also teach the value of respecting ourselves and respecting others. There are

also many signature programmes in HS that help to nurture Grateful, Respectful and

Compassionate Hougeans, such as our Local Service Learning programme, Overseas

Service Learning trips, GRC banquet etc.

However, we need parents to work closely with the school to inculcate the GRC values in our

students. I would like to urge you to do your part to ensure your child greets you properly and

respects your authority at home. In addition, please consider serving as a family, to help the

poor and needy in your community. This will help your child learn the value of compassion.

Let us continue to work together like a pair of chopsticks, to maximise the potential of your

child and develop them through a strong foundation of character development.

Thank you.

Mr Ng Tiong Nam Principal, Hougang Secondary School


Strategic Thrust 1: Achieving Academic Excellence 1.1 LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM @ HS

In HS, we believe in creating experiences beyond the classroom that will greatly enhance the learning of our students. Besides helping our students see the relevance of what they have learnt during normal lessons, these activities also aim to cultivate their interest in learning the various disciplines and developing in them thinking skills and a good learning attitude. During the first half of 2014, a range of activities spanning across disciplines, levels and streams were organised for Hougeans.

Mathematics Programme Level Dates

Maths Trail @ Changi Airport Terminal 3 :

Secondary One students competed in teams to make Mathematical

observations and performed Mathematical tasks as they explored

Terminal 3.

Sec 1

26 -27

May

MathsMagic :

Teachers presented Magic tricks to the Secondary Two students and led them to see how these tricks could be explained using Algebraic knowledge and mathematical reasoning.

Sec 2 22 May


Humanities Programme Level Dates

Humanities Learning Journeys:

In conjunction with International Friendship Day, the Humanities

department organised a learning journey to the Singapore Discovery

Centre where students learnt through group activities. They also learnt

through the contributions made by different nationalities to

Singapore’s past and present while understanding the importance of

being respectful of the

different cultures in

Singapore.

Sec 1 -

2

23- 29

May

Earth Week:

With the hope of raising environmental awareness, a week of learning

activities was planned in various disciplines for all levels. The use of

recyclable resources for art work, recycling projects and an assembly

skit were some examples of activities held during this week.

All

Levels

21-25

Apr


Interdisciplinary Programme Level Dates

SciTecHuMatics:

This activity which was held in

conjunction with Earth Week

saw the Secondary Three

students competing in teams to

complete station activities that

were designed around the environmental theme and required students

to apply their knowledge across disciplines.

Sec 3 14 Apr

Aesthetics & Technology Programme Level Dates

Design &Technology (D & T) Pupils’ Seminar:

23 D&T students attended the

annual D&T Pupils’ Seminar at

Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Besides

learning about “shape borrowing”

techniques which was the highlight

of this year’s seminar, students also visited project-design booths where

they got to try out some new and innovative “products” and interact with

the project designers and Polytechnic lecturers

Sec

4NT

22 Jan

Element of Business

Skills (EBS) Work

Experience Programme

(WEP) @ Grand Park

Hotel:

The programme offered an

invaluable opportunity for the

selected EBS students to gain

insightful knowledge of the

hospitality industry and

experience the thrills and demands of the real working world.

Sec

3NT

13 Mar -

5 Apr


Science Programme Level Dates

Science Fun Trail:

Through this learning journey which was organised as a post exam

activity, Secondary One students explored 4 exhibition halls of Science

Centre in groups

with a guided

worksheet and

learnt about the

Human Body

(Biology), Sound

(Physics), planet

Earth

(Geography) and

Mathematics.

Sec

1E 26 May

NUS Demo Lab Programme II:

50 students from Secondary Two participated in this programme

organized by the NUS Science Faculty where they had the opportunity

to interact with faculty staff in a hands-on session on motors and its

working principles. In addition, the students were also brought on a tour

to view the faculty facilities.

Sec 2 20 May


English Language Programme Level Dates

Tristan Bancks, Room to Read Writer-ambassador @ Hougang Secondary School:

Room to Read's Writer-ambassador, Tristan Bancks, visited Hougang Secondary School's New Library late in February this year. He shared his life story, life as a writer and future aspirations with Hougeans.

All

levels 20 Feb

Theatrical Workshop leading up to National Story Challenge:

A two-part workshop was conducted by Theatre Practice for lower secondary students to give them some practice in improvisation, utilization of body language and public speaking. 8 students were chosen from among the participants to take part in the National Story Challenge in which they have to act out a story in response to a title that would be released to them minutes before the competition.

Lower

Sec 22 Feb


Mother Tongue Programme Level Dates

Chinese Musical “If There’re Seasons”:

70 of our Secondary Two students watched this Musical with the aim

of deepening their interest in learning the Chinese Language and

gaining an appreciation of Singapore culture through a rich repertoire

of familiar Xinyao songs by local songwriter Liang Wern Fook.

Sec 2 26 Apr

Nurturing Every Student’s Talent (NesT) Programme Level Dates

Modular Elective Programme (MEP):

The Modular Elective Programme (MEP) for our NT pupils aims to

provide our students with skills beyond the classroom and helping

them to be world ready. At Secondary 1, students learn Basic Sewing

Skills and progress to comprehensive service industry courses in

either Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy Services at Secondary 2,

Culinary Arts or Food and Beverage Services at Secondary 3 & 4.

These courses are certified by City & Guilds (UK).

Sec 1

– 4NT T1- 4


Strategic Thrust 2: Cultivating Character Excellence

2.1 CCA ACHIEVEMENTS

PHYSICAL SPORTS

48TH SSSC NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOL JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

TEAM EVENT

B Division Girls 3RD

C Division Girls 3RD

INDIVIDUAL EVENT

C Division Girls (Extra Light Weight) Tan Sonia (Sec 2E3) 2ND

C Division Girls (Middle Weight) Chai Hui Tong, Sheriyl (Sec 2A1) 2ND

C Division Boys (Feather Weight) Tan Ping Zhi (Sec 2E1) 2ND

C Division Girls (Light Weight) Chan Lisa Nur Intan (Sec 2A2) 3RD

B Division Girls (Light Weight) Nur Afifah Bte Anuar (Sec 4E3) 3RD

UNIFORMED GROUPS

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

National Police Cadet Corps (Unit Overall Proficiency Award) GOLD

Scouts HONOURS PENNANT*

Scouts (Frank Cooper Sands Award - Scout & Venture Category) GOLD

Girl Guides (Puan Noor Aishah Award ) GOLD

Girls’ Brigade (Company Awards) SILVER

Boys’ Brigade (Company Awards) SILVER

Red Cross Youth (Excellent Units Award) SILVER

National Cadet Corps (Best Unit Competition) BRONZE

* The Honours Pennant is bestowed on Units which have consistently achieved the Gold Category of Frank Cooper

Sands Awards (FCSA) for five years from 2009 to 2013.

Individual Medalists Team Medalists


2.2 Secondary Two Football Inter-class Games (20 and 22 May 2014)

As part of the new PE syllabus, the football inter-class games enabled our students to

demonstrate the physical skills and values learnt during PE lessons to enjoy a lifetime of

active and healthy living.

2.3 Secondary Two Adventure Camp (26 – 28 May 2014)

The Secondary Two Adventure Camp was successfully completed from 26 to 28 May. It was

held at the Boys and Girls Brigade Campsite in Sembawang. Through this camp students

realized their full potential through a variety of unique outdoor experiences that brought about

a greater confidence, resilience, perseverance and awareness of themselves and others. The

students also achieved a sense of adventure, teamwork and independence while building a

stronger rapport with their peers and teachers. The school values of Gratitude, Respect and

Compassion were demonstrated by the students through these outdoor activities. This camp

was also conducted to help students fulfil the NYAA (Bronze) Adventure Journey requirement.


2.4 Overseas Service Learning (23 – 29 May 2014)

This year, both 3A2 and 3T1 classes had a rewarding and insightful trip to Cambodia for their

Overseas Service Learning Trips from 23 May to 29 May 2014. Their service point was at Wat

Run Primary School. The team helped the children repair their classroom walls and taught

them simple English, Mathematics, Art & Craft as well as Games.

Playing games with Grade 4 pupil - Run faster….Run!

Hi Grade 1 pupils! Today, I am teaching you A, B, C….

Let’s do origami

today

Girl Power - working as a team to hammer the planks

Arrival @ Wat Run Primary School

Mr Paul is testing the structural integrity and solidity of the cement flooring of the canteen that our students built.


For cultural immersion, they visited Angkok Wat temples and the Killing Field to learn more

about the history of Cambodia. They also visited an orphanage and learnt about resilience as

they observed how the orphans used their own skills to craft beautiful leather products for

sale. They were able to draw parallels between the subjects learnt in school, namely in daily

communication, technology and aesthetics after visiting a Silk Farm.

At Angkok Wat temple…see the power

of natural (Tree roots destroying

temple wall)

Teacher, see they used chain and sprocket mechanism, worm and worm wheel, that we learnt in D&T. Now, we know how our textile is processed.

Learning the history of Pol Pot regime

The students were taught how to make leather bookmarks and gift items by the orphans.

Our students saved part of their pocket money every week to purchase essentials which were donated to the poorer households in the vicinity.


2.5 Secondary Three Local Service Programme (22 to 29 May 2014)

“

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Aesop

“An appreciative resident from Hougang Care Centre enjoyed himself so much that he

immediately asked us whether we can host them again next year. Reason, he was so

happy to be at HS.” A comment on 3E3 & 3E1 programme which involved hosting 80

residents from Hougang Care Centre on 28 May, from 10 am to 3 30 pm.

Students received praises from the staff of Dover Park Hospice who were very impressed by

our students’ excellent service.

Thank you Secondary Three Character Coaches (CCs) for facilitating a meaningful service

and journeying with all the students in your charge.

Food for thought for all :

As we have made ripples through our acts of service at various Homes, shall we pledge to be

kind to one another at HS… through our daily words and acts of kindness?


Strategic Thrust 3: Enhancing Staff Capacity

3.1 NEW TEACHERS POSTED TO HOUGANG SECONDARY SCHOOL The following teachers have been posted to Hougang Secondary School. We welcome them to the HS family.

No Name Subjects CC Email

1 Mdm Annizell Cruz Chan

English Language/ Social Studies

3A2 [email protected]

2 Miss Chan Sui Sui Art 1A2 [email protected]

3 Miss Chow Zhi Hui English Language/ Social Studies

2E2 [email protected]

4 Miss Jasmine Chan Jia Min

Food & Consumer Education

1E1 [email protected]. sg

5 Mdm Lee Soh Cheng Bernadette

English Language/ Social Studies


6 Mr Quek Yong Cai Chemistry/ Physics


7 Miss Yeo Wen Ting Cindy

English Language, English Literature


We also welcome the following staff who will be attached to our school in Term 3.

S/No Name of Staff Subject(s)

1. Mr Hoe Jun Wei Music / English Language

2. Miss Tay Kim Ling English Language

3. Miss Sim Shi Dian Pearly PE / Mathematics

4. Mr Tay Shun Long Alvin PE / Chemistry

5. Mr Khoo Jia Ren Jeremy English Language / English Literature

6. Miss Madeleine Tan Lai Mun English Language / Social Studies

7. Miss Hsu Xin Ying Una Chemistry

8. Mr Mohd Irsyad Bin Mohd Salihin Geography

9. Miss Pang Li-En Marie-Therese English Literature

10. Mr James Miao Physics / English Literature

11. Mr Tan Han Zong English Language / History

12. Miss Tay Wen Lin Melanie Biology / Chemistry


3.2 PROFESSIONAL SHARING BEYOND HS Our staff conducted professional sharing at the following platforms:

Mrs Lai Yee Tyng @ HOD-Mathematics Seminar (12 March)

Mr Paul Jeremiah @ AED (T&L) Networked Learning Community Session (27 March)

Mr Foo Yong Howe & Ms Madeline Neo at the Teachers Conference 2014 (3 June)


ANNEX A

Term 3 Calendar 2014

Dates Events

30 Jun – 4 Jul 4E/5N PRELIM 1

3 Jul Sec 3N English Enrichment Workshop

MTB O LEVEL ORAL EXAM

4 Jul – 18 Jul MT O LEVEL ORAL EXAM

6 Jul Youth Day

7 Jul Youth Day (School Holiday)

8 Jul – 16 Jul EL GCE N LEVEL ORAL EXAM

16 Jul Sec 3E1, 3E2, 3A1 SSC LJ

18 Jul Racial Harmony Day

21 Jul SEC 2E EL INTERNAL ORAL EXAM

22 Jul MT/MTB O LEVEL LC EXAM (SCHOOL WILL BE DISMISSED AT 1 PM TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM.)

23 Jul Sec 3E3, 3E4, 3A2 SSC LJ PTM (Sec 4 and 5)

24 Jul SEC 1N/2N EL INTERNAL ORAL EXAM

28 Jul Hari Raya Puasa

30 Jul UNSW Math (All levels) Sec 1 History Inquiry workshop (1E3, 1E4, 1A2)

31 Jul – 7 Aug MT N LEVEL ORAL EXAM

6 Aug Sec 1 History Inquiry workshop (1E1, 1E2, 1A1)

6 - 7 Aug, 18 – 22 Aug

4N PRELIM 2

9 Aug National Day

11 Aug National Day (School Holiday)

14 Aug – 28 Aug GCE O LEVEL EL ORAL EXAM

25 Aug SEC 1E INTERNAL ORAL EXAM

28 – 29 Aug, 1 – 2 Sep, 15 – 19 Sep

4E /5N PRELIM 2

5 Sep Teachers’ Day (School Holiday)

8 – 9 Sep Mastery Learning

Night class for graduating classes (Mon / Wed / Fri) starts on 30 Jul – 8 Oct 2014

Correct as at 27 Jun 2014

Documents

From the Principal’s Desk - Hougang Secondary School. Quicklinks... · 2015-12-17 · From the Principal’s Desk Dear Parents, During the Meet-The-Parents session in Semester 1,