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Connecting the community @ Admiralty PrimaryIssue 2 • 2016

National Day CelebrationsThe atmosphere at this year’s 51st National Day celebrations in our school was one of exuberance. As the pupils witnessed the formal flag raising ceremony at the start of the day, there was no doubt about the surge of pride and patriotism that filled the air. Both student leaders and CCA leaders from the Scouts and Brownies formed the guard of honour, proudly hoisting the national flag as flag bearers during the Observance Ceremony. The theme of inclusiveness and harmony was further reiterated as the pupils performed during the concert, highlighting the theme of this year’s National Day celebrations – Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow.

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ADMIRALTYPRIMARY SCHOOL

NE Show 2016Since 1997, the National Education (NE) Show has been organised for the Primary 5 pupils to instil a sense of pride and belonging in them and to bring across the significance of our National Day. This year, the pupils got to experience the NE Show at the National Stadium. In line with the theme, “Building our Singapore of Tomorrow”, the show provided an inspiring experience for the pupils where they can look towards the future with hope and make a commitment towards the nation.

The pupils were seated near the stage where they got up close with the marching contingents, shook hands with them as they walked up the spectator stands, and even had a hand in helping “raise” the flag during the national anthem. One of the highlights of the show was when the unicorn flew just above their heads and all the LED wristlets lit up in synchronisation. The pupils were wowed by the technology and magnificence of the show.

Overall, the pupils had an enjoyable show and it was indeed a proud moment when the national anthem was played and everyone was singing it with so much pride.

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Math and Science Carnival 2016

PCF Buddy Reading

The inaugural Math and Science Carnival 2016 was held on 31 August. Pupils who participated in the Young Mathematician Challenge (YMC) & Young Scientist Challenge (YSC) had the opportunity to present their projects during the Carnival. The participants developed their independent and critical thinking skills, and were given the opportunity to communicate their ideas and share the results of their investigations to a panel of stakeholders.

Primary 1 to Primary 5 pupils were able to view the projects and listen to the participants, who were eager to share their experiences and explain the mathematical and scientific concepts undergirding their projects. This year, parents of the participants were invited to view the projects on display. The pupils, teachers and parents who viewed the various projects were awe-struck by our pupils’ immense talent and creativity. Everybody had hands-on experiences playing the different Math games and taking part in the various Science demonstrations that were on display. The use of iPads for pupils to vote for their favourite projects and take part in quizzes was an innovative addition to this year’s carnival.

External organisations such as the National Environment Agency, Singapore Power, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Water Agency, National Parks Board Singapore, and PUB, set up exhibits to educate our pupils on issues like energy consumption and water conservation. Parent volunteers and the Parents’ Support Group members also contributed by helping to explain the various exhibits that were on display to our pupils.

It was indeed heart-warming to see our pupils actively engaged during the demonstrations. The Carnival was an enriching experience for all where learning was taken beyond the classroom and made meaningful.

The Buddy Reading Program was established to bring the enjoyment and benefits of storytelling to children who would otherwise not have the experience. The programme is a fun, personal and effective way to introduce the pleasures of reading to younger readers. On a weekly basis, student leaders read age-appropriate stories to the children. The programme aims to: • Enhance literacy development in children

• Promote reading for pleasure• Improve children’s social and communication skills• Increase children’s confidence in using English in their daily lives

The student leaders have been conducting the buddy reading for a few years and are committed to improving the reading level of the K1 and K2 children. The student leaders from Primary 5 who help out in the Buddy Reading Programme were selected to participate in a community service partnership with the PCF Sparkletots Preschool at Block 786B, Woodlands Drive 60 and the PAP Community Foundation Sembawang Branch at Block 789, Woodlands Ave 6 as buddy readers. They tutor the children from the neighbourhood kindergartens in acquiring the skills of reading and to develop an appreciation of books. This platform is given to the student leaders to exercise their self-confidence and the opportunity to inculcate a sense of responsibility to the wider community.

The teachers and the principals of the two PCF schools have been very enthusiastic as well as excited to build a partnership with our school, and the Buddy Reading Programme has

brought about closer ties with our community stakeholders.

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P3 Explore Maths @ Changi Airport T3

P3 Chinatown Learning Journey

As part of our school’s initiative to inculcate a love for Mathematics, 234 Primary 3 pupils were engaged during Term 3 in a Mathematics (Samsung Galaxy Note) Trail at Changi Airport, Terminal 3. During the trail, the pupils learned to apply mathematical skills and concepts learnt during the first half of the year to solve hands-on, real life situations at various stations in the airport. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) was integrated into the programme, contributing to an even more positive experience for the pupils.

The activities emphasised relevant mathematical skills such as visualisation, estimation, measurement and mental calculation. Examples of these activities include observation of the flight information board to compare numbers and the estimation of length using footsteps at the viewing gallery. Others include drawing of pictographs and bar graphs with the surrounding objects at the arrival hall, and finding symmetrical objects at the departure hall.

Besides applying mathematical concepts to real-life situations, learning at the airport also provided opportunities for the pupils to exhibit their social emotional competencies of self-management, relationship management and social awareness. This programme has definitely provided a stimulating experience for them to experience mathematics in a fun and engaging platform!

The Primary 3 pupils went on a learning journey to Chinatown in Term 3. They had the opportunity to experience firsthand the sights and sounds of Chinatown, as well as learn about the unique cultural heritage of the area.

The pupils used iPads and Samsung Tablets to create their own learning trails as they walked along Chinatown. From well-established medicinal halls and teahouses to modern souvenir and lifestyle shops, the pupils were encouraged to take photographs of what they saw to create personalised photo stories. The architecture and infrastructure of the shophouses were of special interest to the pupils. For instance, they learned about how five-foot-ways – the covered walkways along the street front of a shophouse – served to protect pedestrians and shopkeepers alike

from the tropical sun and rain. They also learned about the rich history and contributions of the people that several streets were named after.

Juxtaposed against the backdrop of the modern architecture, the pupils had an opportunity to discover some of the many gems of history that lay hidden within the Chinatown district, and to develop a greater appreciation for the diverse cultural landscape in Singapore.

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P1 Learning Journey to the Science Centre

The Primary 1 pupils embarked on a Learning Journey to the Singapore Science Centre in July. This programme was conducted in conjunction with the STELLAR Unit, My River. The pupils were exposed to different types of pond plants and animal and had hands-on experiences learning about the characteristics of insects and the life cycle of various insects. At the end of the session, the pupils brought home their very own craft dragonfly that they had created.

The Primary 4 pupils embarked on a learning journey to Little India in Term 3. It aimed to expose the pupils to Indian culture through exploration and immersive experiences. The pupils used iPads and Samsung tablets to capture images showcasing the vibrant culture of Singapore’s Indian community.

The pupils learned that Little India once had a racecourse, cattle herders and brick kilns. Though these facilities and professions no longer exist, there were evident traces

of the rich history of the district such as the naming of “Race Course Road”. The pupils also experienced how the olden-day trades work alongside modern businesses such as flower-garland vendors, modern eateries and boutique hotels.

Apart from the sights, the pupils had a chance to taste the mouth-watering Indian food and examined the differences between traditional and modern henna designs. They even had the

opportunity to try their hand at creating their own henna designs using their iPads and Samsung tablets!

Staying true to Singapore’s moniker as a cultural melting pot, the pupils reflected on the assortment of mosques and churches nestled together with Hindu and Buddhist temples, a testament to the harmonious lifestyle of different religious groups in Little India. The learning journey was indeed a fruitful discovery of a prominent cultural gemstone in Singapore!

CCA Partnership with North West CDCOur school’s Green Advocates, comprising the Green Club & Innovation Club members, participated in the Reduce @ North West programme. They embarked on house visits, encouraging residents to go green and pledge to reduce energy consumption at home. We are the first primary school in Singapore to participate in Reduce @ North West and the programme was an excellent platform for our pupils to display active citizenry and concern for the environment. Our pupils’ efforts were also featured in North West CDC’s Facebook page. Thank you to the welcoming residents as well as the proactive Green Advocates!

Learning Journey to Little India

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Tamil Language Learning Journey to the Indian Heritage Centre

Hari Raya Concert 2016

On 30 August, the Primary 5 Tamil pupils visited the Indian Heritage Centre for a learning journey. The pupils learned more about the pioneers of the Indian Generation and how their contributions helped to mould a successful Singapore. They also learned about prominent leaders from India and their achievements, and how they influenced and changed the lives of the Indians in Singapore. In addition, they had a brief experience of the different lifestyles of Indians who hailed from various dialect groups and religions.

The pupils mentioned that it was an eye-opening experience for them to learn about how the Indian community had contributed towards the development of Singapore during the early times. During the learning journey, each pupil was given an activity booklet to answer the questions in the book. The activities promoted self-directed and collaborative learning among the pupils. They learnt more about their culture, heritage, traditions and history at the centre.

To mark the end of the Muslim fasting month, our school celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a concert organised by the Malay Language Department. The concert was held during the school assembly on 14 July. The audience was presented with a short drama by our very own pupils.

The drama showcased a family’s Hari Raya preparations that suffered an unfortunate setback when a fire engulfed their flat. The fire destroyed everything, leaving the family feeling devastated as Hari Raya was just a few days away. However, people from all walks of life came to offer their assistance and support for the family, and they realised that they were not alone despite the

grave situation they faced.

The drama aimed to instil values of empathy, sharing and care in the pupils. Through it, pupils were able to see and value another person’s feeling or experience when facing a difficult situation.

The concert ended with a Hari Raya song. The audience was encouraged to sing along and some pupils were invited to the stage to dance together with the performers.

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Kalaithiran 2016

Father’s Programme: Art & Music Parent-Child Workshop

On 27 August, we conducted our third Father’s Programme since its inauguration in 2013. It aimed to promote stronger bonding between father and child through aesthetic avenues like music and art-making activities. These activities were designed to be easily replicated and improvised with common household kitchen products, as a form of medium, in the comfort of one’s home. Parents and children expressed surprise and exhilaration in spending a meaningful day together in the school.

The Tamil pupils were given a platform to showcase their talents in the

annual Kalaithiran competition. This year, it was held on 23 July in the school

hall. Pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 6 took part in various competitions.

After putting up a tough fight in the auditions, four finalists were selected.

It was a heartening sight to watch all the competitors giving their best in

the categories they were competing in. The competitors awed both the

judges and parents with their impressive performances.

The pupils competed in the following competitions:

• Primary 1 – Fancy Dress Competition

• Primary 2 – Singing Competition

• Primary 3 – Story Telling Competition

• Primary 4 – “I am a Presenter” Competition

• Primary 5 – Oratorical Competition

• Primary 6 – Drama Competition

There was also a Drama performance by the Primary 2 pupils. Apart from

the competitions, there was a dance by the Indian dancers. The Primary

2 pupils put up two dramas showcasing the various techniques that

they learned during their drama workshop. There was also a Villupaattu

performance put up by the Primary 4 pupils. The event was definitely an

enriching experience for pupils to showcase their talent and build their

sportsmanship.

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Teachers’ Day Celebration 2016

Celebrating Teachers’ Day provides students and parents an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of all teachers here. This year, the Student Leaders from the Prefectorial Board collaborated with the school’s Parents Support Group (PSG) to organise the Teachers’ Day Concert. They came together for almost two months to brainstorm for ideas and prepare for this special event.

The excitement for the Teachers’ Day Celebration could already be felt a month before the actual day. Prior to 1 September, the Primary 3 to Primary 6 pupils were already casting votes in August to nominate their favourite teachers for awards such as the “Most Encouraging Teacher” and “Funniest Teacher”.

The tribute to the teachers came in various forms. The school was treated to a concert performed by talented pupils who had gone through auditions to showcase their talents. During the concert, a skit was also performed by the children of the PSG members to highlight the caring and nurturing nature of our teachers.

The teachers were also surprised with paper crowns, lovely flower headbands and unique, one-of-a-kind photo frames – all specially handmade by the PSG members.

The concert ended with a showcase of collection of well-wishes by the pupils’ parents to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication that the teachers have put in.

LINKS is published by: Admiralty Primary School 11 Woodlands Circle Singapore 738907 | T: 63620598 | F: 63627512We welcome your comments and feedback. Please email us at admiralty_ps@moe.edu.sg

Editorial CommitteeAdvisor: Mdm Charlotte Sng Yi-MayEditors: Mr Calvin Tan, Mdm Geraldine Ang & Mr Daryl Chew

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