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1 TENBY SCHOOLS PENANG NEWSLETTER Sri Pinang Gemilang Kindergarten (SPG) Sri Pinang Junior School (SPJ) Sri Pinang Senior School (SPS) Tenby International School (TIS) Dear Parents and Friends of Tenby Schools Penang, This is the first edition of a new-look newsletter which will incorporate all of the news from the Tenby Educare Schools in Penang. It will be published every two weeks and the link to view it on the school website will be sent out to all parents by e-mail. We hope that you will enjoy reading the news about what has been happening within the Tenby Educare Schools in Penang. With warm regards, Mr Teoh Kheng Hong (SPS) Mr Cheah Sin Hock (SPJ), Ms Catherine McGrath (SPG), Mr Francis McGrath (TIS) _________________________________________________________________________________________ Sri Pinang Gemilang Kindergarten Important Dates To Note: Hari Raya holiday - 19 th September to 27 th September inclusive Sri Pinang Junior School Information meeting - 5 th October @ 8.15 am AV Room, Junior School Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome back to the Third term at the school. It certainly has been an exciting time so far for our children and there is much to report in this combined newsletter. H1N1 peratures by continuing to when the children arrive each morning. Your cooperation is much appreciated. Penang Medical College Thank you also to the FS3 parents for replying to the letter regarding the Penang Medical College. I have contacted the doctor in charge of the examinations and she was grateful to during their Paediatric practical exams. For those of you who were willing to help out, she will contact you shortly to arrange the time with you.

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Page 1: TENBY SCHOOLS PENANG NEWSLETTER - tenby.edu.my · 1 TENBY SCHOOLS PENANG NEWSLETTER - Sri Pinang Gemilang Kindergarten (SPG) - Sri Pinang Junior School (SPJ) - Sri Pinang Senior School

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TENBY SCHOOLS PENANG NEWSLETTER

Sri Pinang Gemilang Kindergarten (SPG) Sri Pinang Junior School (SPJ) Sri Pinang Senior School (SPS) Tenby International School (TIS)

Dear Parents and Friends of Tenby Schools Penang, This is the first edition of a new-look newsletter which will incorporate all of the news from the Tenby Educare Schools in Penang. It will be published every two weeks and the link to view it on the school website will be sent out to all parents by e-mail. We hope that you will enjoy reading the news about what has been happening within the Tenby Educare Schools in Penang. With warm regards, Mr Teoh Kheng Hong (SPS) Mr Cheah Sin Hock (SPJ), Ms Catherine McGrath (SPG), Mr Francis McGrath (TIS) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Sri Pinang Gemilang Kindergarten Important Dates To Note:

Hari Raya holiday - 19th September to 27th September inclusive

Sri Pinang Junior School Information meeting - 5th October @ 8.15 am AV Room, Junior School Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome back to the Third term at the school. It certainly has been an exciting time so far for our children and there is much to report in this combined newsletter.

H1N1

peratures by continuing to

when the children arrive each morning. Your cooperation is much appreciated. Penang Medical College Thank you also to the FS3 parents for replying to the letter regarding the Penang Medical College. I have contacted the doctor in charge of the examinations and she was grateful to

during their Paediatric practical exams. For those of you who were willing to help out, she will contact you shortly to arrange the time with you.

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National Day

for the delicious food. The children looked wonderful in their clothes as they wore clothing which they felt represented Malaysia.

Sri Pinang Junior School Information Morning If you are interested in your child joining the Junior School in January, please mark the 5th of October, 2009 in your diary. Mr. Cheah will have a Junior School information meeting at 8.15 am to answer any questions you may have regarding our Malaysian Curriculum Primary school. School Holiday Please note that there will be no school next week as we will be closed for the Hari Raya holiday. We hope that you all have a happy and safe holiday and Selamat Hari Raya to all of you who celebrate this festival. With warm wishes Catherine McGrath Head, Tadika Sri Pinang Gemilang Curriculum News

FS1-Gecko Class: Miss Sundri and Miss Ira FS1 having been enjoying their topic, Sand and Water. This topic has allowed the children many opportunities to explore and experiment. During the topic they have:-

looked at the water cycle and reenacted the cycle using sponges etc. experimented with objects that float and sink measured capacity using non-standard measurements eg. cups and containers of

different sizes. They were able to observe and test how many small containers it took to fill the big container

they explored the texture of sand as they created many pictures using sand as the prime medium; sand paper pictures frames, sand and glue pictures and made the Malaysia flag using the Rangoli technique by using coloured sand

they changed the appearance and texture of water by adding a little and a lot of soap and made bubble pictures. They also added oil and paint and created beautiful patterns with the water.

explored different habitats of animals eg. camels in the desert and sea creatures in oceans around the world

learned about the importance of water and why we should not waste it

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Planted sun flower seeds and have taken the responsibility to water the seeds. This has helped them to understand the importance of water to living things.

Had the opportunity to role-play many different scenarios in the Role-play area eg.

In Literacy, we have continued with our letters and sounds. The children have sorted letters with the same sounds, suggested other words with the same sound and had a go at forming these letters. In Maths they have built upon their skills to recognise numbers and shapes in the environment as well as explore capacity eg. empty, half-full, full.

Lots of fun in the Role-play corners as Alycia imagines spending the day at the beach and Hariharan goes fishing

Kerry and Min Hyeok work together Min Hyeok explores the to make skittle using recycles plastic textures and smells of bottles bubbles with water and paint during our topic FS2 Tiger Class

They have had many opportunities to observe patterns in the environment. Throughout the topic, they have:-

Explored patterns in clothing and chose various fabrics to collage their cut-out person

Looked at the patterns found in traditional clothing eg. Baju Kurung, Saree and Cheongsam

They observed patterns found on shoes as they painted their shoes and then printed with them.

Focused on symmetry as they looked at the patterns in butterflies and saw how each side was the same. They have to replicate one side of butterfly to create an identical pattern. They also made their own beautiful butterflies by learning a new printing technique

Been able to copy, complete and create their own repeating patterns using beads, buttons, cubes etc.

Explored the patterns of growth eg. lifecycles In Maths, the children have looked at positional language and learned the words to describe position. They have been able to understand the words to follow instructions in

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games etc. In Literacy, they have focused on some of the stories of Elmer the elephant. They have looked at the patterns clouds make, just as Elmer did, as well as create their own cloud pictures. They also worked collaboratively to create their own patchwork square design on Elmer. The children have also continued with their Letters and Sounds and have been encouraged to continue to blend clusters of letters together to read the words. We hope that you are finding the weekly word activity sheet very useful. Thank you for supporting your child with this activity and for making it a fun and enjoyable activity.

Rohith and Jessa compare patterns Miss Lani introduces a new printing technique on their clothes to the children. FS3 Elephant Class Miss Quah and Miss Devi The FS3 Class has been just finished their topic, Transport. Throughout this topic they have enjoyed many activities were they used recycled materials eg. boxes, plastic bottles etc. to make models of cars and boats. The children learned all about land, sea and air transport as well as space travel. They also looked at modes of transport from the past as well as the present.

they are focusing on wild animals. They have begun to make their own book about animals. They were encouraged to think about the sounds the different animals made and to try to write the words for these sounds. They have also looked at the different patterns and colours of animals as they painted and drew the animals by observing these features. They have also been focusing on the different animal habitats around the world eg. Desert regions, Arctic and Antarctica, the Savannahs of Africa and the Rainforest. In Literacy,

story and which creature went into the hat first, second etc. They In Maths, they have been working on measuring, particularly on capacity. They have followed a recipe to make waffles. They used non-standard measurements eg. egg cups and small cups, large bowls and bottles. They had to predict how many egg cups it would take to fill the big bottle etc.

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Measuring quantities for Wan Han makes his model making waffles of a car

_________________________________________________________________ Sri Pinang Junior School Dear Parents, Staff and Students, Welcome back to the Third Term of the Academic Year 2009. To all new students in Sri Pinang Junior a special welcome to you. I know the teachers and other pupils will give you special attention as you settle in to your new school. Sri Pinang is going to be an exciting place for you to learn and develop your full potential. Welcome back also to all the teachers. I hope you have recharged yourselves to face this final term of the academic year. To all students leaving us goodbye and best of luck in your new school. We are happy to have played an important role in preparing you for the schools in which you are now enrolled. We hope your stay with us has been a memorable one. This term is going to be very busy as syllabi have to be completed and students have to face the final examinations. The Junior 6 pupils will be taking their UPSR on the 8th September 2009 to the 10th September 2009. We wish them all the best in the assessment. We thank and acknowledge the efforts put in by the teachers in preparing the Junior 6 pupils. The preparations for the school concert are in progress. The members of the production team are busy preparing props, costumes and headgears and getting the dance sequences and music in order. Keep up the good work.

2nd October 2009. We hope more parents can join us in the celebration. Prize Presentation will be on the 20th October 2009 at the E&O hotel ballroom at 9.00am to 12.00noon. Prize winners will be informed in due time. Warm regards for a successful school term Cheah Sin Hock Principal

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Sri Pinang Junior School Merdeka celebration

Day Of Malaysia. The students enjoyed many educational student-centred activities, one of which was a Mind Mapping competition. Topic for the competition was Independence Of Malaysia. Thank you to all the parents who joined us for the celebration. We appreciate the efforts put in by the teachers and students in making this celebration a success.

Well done !Syabas! to all who took part. We are proud of what you can do. We are getting better and better

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The Bahasa Malaysia Week started with a colourful opening ceremony accompanied with music and dances. The students .e. poems, storytelling, sketches were some of the activities carried out. The students showed their creativity when presenting their items by using, actions, proper intonations, dressings and props. The storyline for the sketches were written by the students. They also directed the sketches.

Thank you to Parents and Teachers who made this possible.

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Minggu Bahasa

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Field Trip to Taiping Zoo The students of Sekolah Rendah Sri Pinang could hardly contain their excitement on the morning of the 23rd of July. Their long awaited school trip had finally arrived. Everyone was in high spirits when we gathered at the school playground at 7.30am for a final briefing before boarding the buses.

The field trip was planned for the entire school. We organized a combined visit to the Taiping Zoo, and after lunch, the lower primary returned to Penang, while the upper primary continued with their tour of Kuala Kangsar, the Night Safari and an overnight stay in Taiping. After a quick meal outside the zoo, the students finally went in. Each student was given a booklet to fill in

answers to questions which could only be found at the zoo. As the students walked around, some excitedly pointed out to animals they could identify, others commented on the sometimes, odd mannerisms of the animals, and others were contented to walk and snap photographs. When the students had finished their walk around the zoo,

they once again gathered outside and their group teachers distributed their lunch to them. Wild macaques, attracted by the smell of food, came over to investigate, much to the dismay of the children. Fortunately, the monkeys kept their distance when the teachers shooed them away. Bidding the lower primary farewell, the students from the upper primary then boarded their buses again and made their

way to Leisure Homes, 2 rented bungalows for their overnight stay. After checking in and quickly refreshing themselves, they headed for their next destination Kuala Kangsar.

The visit to the Labu Sayong factory was an interesting one. Students got to see firsthand, how

-shaped carafes were used to store water and keep it cool. The process included forming the clay using molds, firing, drying and finally engraving them. Many of the students came away with souvenirs for their friends and family. On the way back to the bungalows, the buses took a detour to the Royal Palace in Kuala Kangsar. Students admired the beauty of the architecture from outside, some taking

photos and exclaiming in awe. That night, students got to experience a different kind of adventure the Night Safari. Walking around the Taiping Zoo at night, they got to see the nocturnal creatures that had kept themselves hidden during the day. Of interest to them, was the Slow Loris, who had a distinct way of moving about.

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More photographs of our field trip

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Field Trip to Matang Mangrove Reserve Mangrove Swamp? Manufacturing of Charcoal? Well the Junior 4, 5,and 6 students learnt about these two topics during a visit to the Matang Mangrove Reserve.

The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve is the oldest and the largest in the country. Matang was gazetted a permanent forest reserve way back in 1906. 80% of the forest is still used for the production of mangrove woods and manufacturing of charcoal on a sustainable yield basis. The Matang forest is watered through the daily flooding brought in by the tide. The estuaries within the Matang forest range in width from 2 to 4 km. They include Kuala Gula-Kuala Kelumpang, Kuala Selinsing-

Kuala Sangga Besar, Kuala Larut-Kuala Jaha, Kuala Trong and Kuala Jarum Mas. The Matang Mangrove Forest is an important site for coastal migratory waterbirds as well as a portion of migrant forest birds. According to the Malaysian Nature Society, as many as 43,000 to 85,000 birds may be using the forest during migration. According to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in 1995, species of birds in the Matang mangrove forest number 75. The 255 hectare Pulau Kelumpang and 129.4 hectare Pulau Terong support a

viable breeding population of the Milky Stork. On arrival at the reserve the students were given a briefing by the Chief ranger and then they were taken into the mangrove swamp where they had first encounter with the fauna and flora of the reserve. After that they visited a charcoal factory where they learnt about how charcoal is manufactured. After the interesting visit the students then boarded the bus for

home.

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Reading Programme A reading program has been introduced. Students are encouraged to read and write synopsis of English or Bahasa Malaysia books. Students with the most number of books read and written synopsis for the month will have their names and photographs highlighted on a special board in front of the school. Students in the top position for three consecutive months in each standard will be given prizes. HAPPY READING! Smart Partnership Gotong Royong Thank y

. In view of the H1N1 threat, disinfecting the school before the opening of the third term was on the top of our minds. After the hard work there was a fellowship which everyone enjoyed. TERIMA KASIH XIA XIA

________________________________________________________________________________________

Sri Pinang Senior School 1. Seminars on Techniques in Answering PMR / SPM Examination Questions (a) Seminars on various subjects were conducted for all Forms 2 and 3 students on 4th July (Saturday) 2009.

Time Subject Speaker School

8.00 am - 9.30 am Geografi Mdm. Boey Mei Li SMK Mutiara, Penang

9.30 am - 10.30 am Sejarah Mr. Rajandran SMK Berapit, Bukit Mertajam

10.30 am - 11.00 am Tea Break

11.00 am - 12.00 noon Mathematics Mr. Murali SMK Taman Hi Tech, Kulim

12.00 noon - 1.00 pm Science Mdm. Lee Ah Moi SMK Berapit, Bukit Mertajam

1.00 pm - 1.30 pm Lunch

1.30 pm - 3.00 pm English Mr. Choong Chai Huat IPGM Kampus, Penang

3.00 pm - 4.30 pm Bahasa Malaysia Pn. Majemin SMK Westlands, Penang

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All the invited speakers were very experienced teachers who have marked the PMR Examination papers before. Attendance was very encouraging as only 5 out of 44 students were absent. Both subject teachers and students learned a lot from the seminars.

(b) Seminars were also conducted for all Form 5 students from 20 to 29 August 2009. Date Time Subject Speaker School

20.08.09 1.40 pm - 3.30 pm Pendidikan Moral Mr. Gan Chee Meng SMJK Perempuan Cina

21.08.09 1.40 pm - 3.30 pm Bahasa Malaysia Pn. Majemin SMK Westlands

27.08.09 1.40 pm - 3.30 pm Prinsip Akaun Mr. Tay Soon Thiam SMJK Chung Hwa

28.08.09 1.40 pm - 3.30 pm Chemistry Ms Ooi Siok Kee SMJK Heng Ee

29.08.09 Saturday

8.00 am - 10.00 am Physics Mr. Thiagarajan SM Teknik Batu Lanchang

10.00 am - 10.30 am Tea Break

10.30 am - 12.00 noon Sejarah Mr. Rajandran SMK Berapit, Bukit Mertajam

12.00 noon - 12.30 pm Lunch

12.30 pm - 2.00 pm Add. Mathematics Mr. Teoh Kheng Hong SM Sri Pinang

2.00 pm - 3.30 pm Biology Pn. Sofiazan SMKA Al-Irsyad, Kepala Batas

All the invited speakers were very experienced teachers who have marked the SPM Examination papers before. The information gained from these seminars was a tremendous help to both the subject teachers and students. We hope that with the knowledge gained, students are able to produce better results for the PMR / SPM examinations.

2. Programmes for Improving the PMR / SPM Examination Results From the first week of the 3rd semester until the week before the PMR / SPM examinations, all Forms 3 and 5 students will have extra classes every Thursday and Friday from 1.40 pm to 3.30 pm replacing their slots for extramural activities. Students will be coached and closely guided in answering examination-oriented

students will be adequately prepared to sit for their examinations. 3. Third Assessment Test / PMR and SPM Trial Examinations The third assessment test for Forms 1, 2 and 4 will start from 8 to 11 Sept. 2009. The PMR and SPM trial examinations for Forms 3 and 5 will also start from 8 to 18 Sept. 2009. 4. PMR / SPM Examination Dates

i. PMR Examination 7 - 13 Oct 2009

ii. SPM Examination 19 Nov - 16 Dec 2009

5. Briefing to Parents (Sri Pinang Junior School)

A briefing was given to the parents of Sri Pinang Junior School on 26 August 2009 from 8.30 am to 10.30 am.

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Tenby International School Upcoming events:

21.09.09 25.09.09: Hari Raya Holiday. Students return on Monday 28th September 2009

30.09.09: Settling-in reports issued for all Year 7 students in the school. Parent-Teacher meeting for Year 7 parents in School Hall 2.00pm.

21.10.09: Progress reports issued for Years 8 -11. Meeting with Year 8 -11 teachers in School Hall at 2.00pm

23.09.09 26.09.09: Long weekend holiday

02.11.09 06.11.09: Internal examinations for Years 7 10

23.11.09: End of Term 1 reports issued.

25.11.09: Parent-Teacher meeting for Years 7 10, School Hall 2.00pm

Welcome back to all of our existing students and a very warm welcome to all of our new members. Tenby International School continues to grow in popularity and this is reflected in our increasing student role. We hope that this year we can improve even further on the learning taking place within the school. We welcome several new members of staff into our school:

Mr Giles Montier is teaching Science and Biology and Combined Science at IGCSE level.

Mr Raymond Eades is teaching Design and Technology across the school, including Graphical Communication at IGCSE level.

Mr Liu Da Xin is Teaching Mandarin as a First Language across the school

Ms Lo Joon Wei is teaching Music across the school

Ms Joanne Colville is teaching English Language and Literature across the school.

We are also expecting to employ a teacher of English as A Second Language to start after the Hari Raya holiday. Further details will be sent out from the school office. At a recent Parents meeting with Dr Goh Kok Kheng and myself, several issues were discussed with parents including the formation of a parent representative body. Details of this will be sent out with the minutes of the meeting to all parents by e-mail. Please can you make sure that the office has the correct e-mail address for you, in case you do not receive a communication from the school. Thank you for your support. Best wishes for a successful school year. Francis McGrath Principal Looking Forward to Horizons Week A reminder that Horizons Week is scheduled for Monday, July 5th 9th 2010. This is planned to be the most exciting week of the year when students in Years 7 - 11 get to take part in a learning experience that takes them out of the classroom and into the great outdoors. It might seem a long way off, but planning this type of activity needs plenty of thought and discussion. Obviously safety is our prime concern and we will do our

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best to provide a programme which is both educational and fun for the students. We would be glad to accommodate any parents who have an interest in the outdoors and be willing to assist in the day to day running of the trip. The trips are designed to help develop independence in the students and we therefore suggest you do not choose a group that contains your child or children. We will keep you posted through the newsletter about the choice of location(s) and will hold a meeting when we have completed our research. Obviously cost is a factor and we will be doing our best to provide value for money without sacrificing the safety of our students. Regards Ray Eades Pastoral Coordinator Year 11 Science Classes Year 11 classes in science have started with a bang- quite literally! The combined science group has been working on a series of activities aimed at improving their understanding of electricity and electrical circuits. They have been encouraged to problem solve for themselves, identifying faults within their circuits and developing strategies for testing them, while at the same time trying out new arrangements and components. Most recently they have been looking at how resistance increases in different lengths and types of wire. Next up they will be looking at how they can apply this knowledge to the design of electricity generation and transfer through high voltage power lines. Students can work at their own pace and are encouraged to assess for themselves when they are ready to move onto the next task. Over in chemistry the students have been looking at thermal decomposition and how different factors, such as surface area, can affect the rate of decomposition. In the photos they are using heat to catalyse the breakdown of calcium carbonate. They are encouraged to examine why different factors affect rates of reaction using their understanding of kinetic theory. These principles can then be applied to improving efficiency in industrial processes.

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Imagination is the key to success in Design and Technology Students coming to their Design and Technology lessons are about to have their creativity put to the test. There first few lessons have involved mastering a few basic drawing skills to help them communicate their ideas. Next week however every student will receive a design brief and a practical challenge that will encourage them to make use of problem solving. TASKS Year 7 will design and make a desk tidier using bamboo. The unit must be able store a set number of stationery items and be aesthetically pleasing. Year 8 will design and make a steady hand game using a number of electronic components. Year 9 will design and make a table lamp using wood and plastic Year 10 will design and make a computer controlled display unit containing lights and motors. The unit will help to promote the major school events planned for throughout the year. Year 11 will as their assessed IGCSE project design and make an item of furniture modeled upon a famous architectural land mark or building. There are a few things listed below that students should bring with them to their Design and Technology lessons to help them develop their ideas. EQUIPMENT A3 Drawing Book 30cm ruler UHU Multipurpose glue HB/B Pencil Compass Black fine marker Eraser Glue Stick Coloured pencils 30cm ruler Cereal box folded flat Apron or old shirt Thank you for your cooperation with this. I look forward to giving you some feedback on how the students respond and hope to meet you at Parent Teachers evening on the 30th of September. Ray Eades (Teacher of Design and Technology)

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Football news Our Under 15 football team played Dalat on Wednesday 9th September at the College General Grounds. The team played very well and despite missing a hatful of chances, they eventually ran out the comfortable winners by 7-1. Congratulations to the boys who were certainly out to impress Coach Christopher. Perhaps some of them might be chosen to represent their countries in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup! The Student Council at Tenby international School - Mr Giles Montier Over the last two weeks the students have been nominating and then voting for members of our new Student Council. The following students are congratulated on gaining places on the Council: Year 7 Tan Zi En Year 8 Ang Chu Yang Lim Shu Xian Year 9 Antoine Gerard Loncle Philip Touby Year 10 Chen, Tung Johnny Jaime Elizabeth Gunter Year 11 Onpiman Chavalitcheevin Jitse Ligthart Andrew Chia Li Peng The Student Council provides a forum for the discussion and development of ideas that are of importance to the students. They meet every week to discuss any issues that have been raised by students around the school and then each month they meet with the Principal to discuss the pressing issues of the month.

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Hari Raya explained As we approach the beginning of the Hari Raya holiday, it is important for all of our students, in keeping with the Tenby Educare Vision and Mission, to understand more about this important festival. Muslims celebrate the festival of Aidilfitri popularly known as Hari Raya Puasa, or simply Hari Raya (Day of Celebration) in Malaysia to mark the culmination of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal.

Prayers at the National Mosque during Ramadan Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is compulsory or wajib, whereby Muslims are required to abstain from satisfying their most basic needs and urges, daily, between sunrise and sunset. It is one of the five tenets of Islam; as is the paying of zakat (alms tax for the poor), which must be tithed by the end of Ramadhan. In Malaysia, the period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadhan. The actual sighting is conducted by state appointed religious officials at various vantage points (usually at hilltops) throughout the country. If the crescent is sighted, the following day is then declared the first day of Aidilfitri, which is also the beginning of the 10th month of the Muslim calendar Syawal. A time to forgive and forget Aidilfitri is celebrated for the whole month of Syawal, but in Malaysia, only the first two days are observed as public holidays. It is widely common however, to see Muslims taking the first week off from work. Urbanites make their annual pilgrimage to their hometowns (this is popularly referred to as balik kampung), to be with parents, relatives and old friends. Thus, cities like Kuala Lumpur get relatively quiet during the festive season of Aidilfitri.

Balik kampung The Muslim community ushers in the first day of Aidilfitri by congregating at mosques for morning prayers. Everyone is usually decked out in their traditional best to mark the special occasion. Men are usually dressed in Baju Melayu, while the Baju Kurung is the attire for females.

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Then it's usually breakfast at home with the family, followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered; graves are cleaned and cleared of overgrowth, and prayers are offered to Allah. This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Asking for pardon is done in order of seniority. The younger members of a family approach their elders (parents, grandparents etc) to seek forgiveness, to salam (Muslim equivalent of a handshake), then kiss the hands of the older person as a sign of respect. The usual greeting

A family elder giving out duit raya and ketupat Children and old folks are given duit raya or gifts of money, in small envelopes. In recent years, many givers have opted for the Chinese practice of putting the money in ang pow packets; however instead of the usual red, the packets are green in colour. Although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims hold open housethroughout the month, where friends and neighbours of other races are invited to join in the celebrations. Before the big day The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations.

Children lighting kerosene lamps or 'pelita' Of particular interest are the last 10 days of Ramadan, where many keep vigil for Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), the night when the Quran was sent down. It is believed that angels descend and shower blessings on that particular night, so homes are brightly decorated with oil lamps or pelita. Mosques, as well as government and some commercial buildings, are also decorated and brightly lit to mark the auspicious day. The most predominant colour seen in decorations during this season is green which is commonly associated with Islamic items. It is often combined with yellow or gold.

Decorations with Islamic and Malay motifs

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As for motifs, by far the most frequently used symbol is that of the ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves); it is invariably used on Hari Raya greeting cards, hanging decorative items, and as a promotional image for the season. The ketupat is traditional Hari Raya fare and is often served with beef rendang (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk) and/or satay (grilled meat on a skewer). Other festive delicacies include lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (dessicated coconut fried with chilli) and curry chicken. We would like to wish all those members of our community who celebrate this festival, Selamat Hari Raya.