VOICE OF RAFFLES INSTITUTION, SINGAPORE

ECIAL ISSUE - VOLUME 13 NO 1 10TH FEBRUARY 1978 MC(P) 74/2/77 PRI Farewell Assembly Amidst thunderous applause, the car carry­ are enjoying today, which ing Mr. Philip Liau, our. former Principal, are not provided for in drove through the school gates. It was the an ordinary government morning of the 14th of October and definitely school. He initiated the Rl a day to be noted in the history of Raffles school building fund and Institution. A day to be remembered, not for personally saw to the in­ prestige or joy, but for an auspicious occasion clusion in the school build­ tinged with sadness and sentimentality. The ing of the sports complex atmosphere, no matter how lively and boister­ air-conditioned AVA thea- ous, had an air of gloom. Our 'Big Ben' chimed terette, squash courts, base­ ment lecture halls, gymna­ nine in the morning, announcing the beginning sium, various society rooms of the farewell for Mr. Liau who retired at the and even the extra mosaic end of 1977. flooring on the ground When his retirement tribute to a most respected floor of the administrative was confirmed in the mid­ and dedicated educationa­ block." Also mentioned dle of the year, the school list. Originally planned for among his accomplish­ authorities and several tea­ the end of the year, the ments for Rl was the chers spared no effort in farewell was brought for­ construction of the clock planning a grand farewell ward to the 14th of tower and the Olympic- for Mr. Liau, who has October, before the ex­ sized swimming pool. Even done so much for the aminations began, toenable more heart-stirring infor­ school during his Prin- the Pre-U Two's to join in. mation was the fact that cipalship of 11% years. His Banners and brightly "all in all Mr. Liau was first association with R.I. coloured flags flapped in responsible for raising near­ the breeze and the corri­ ly $1,000,000. for the QUOTE: dors were lined with stu- school building and the <> was as a teacher in 1949. dents. In the inner qua­ Following this appoint­ drangle, contingents from ment, for a brief period, the various uniform groups, he worked in the examina­ school societies and sports tions section of the Ministry teams had been assembled of Education, and later as well before 9am. As the Orientation '78 Adviser of Textbooks be­ chimes sounded, the parade fore returning as Principal was called to attention. January the 3rd saw the ball, netball and Captain's girls, as well as a chance to attention of the new b in 1966. For someone Shortly after his arrival, beginning of a new acade­ ball. In the afternoon, the show their chivalry. But all (Some of them may who, as a young teacher, Mr. Liau inspected with mic year for most Raffles- Pre-U 1 attended a film- good things must come to accused of false adve had never hoped of oc­ pride the various groups ians after 7 long weeks of show. Perhaps the most an end, and the Rafflesians ing.) cupying the top Principal before him. The sun was school holidays. Armed exciting item of the pro­ had to reluctantly call it On the 12th day £ post in Singapore — as blazing but the heat was with new inspirations, gramme was theTelematch. a night at 9.00 p.m. As entering Rl, these re PRI — he has come a overlooked and easily en­ hopes and resolutions, Based on the well-known the Pre-U ones unanimous­ additions were t long way. Having put his dured. Concluding his in­ everyone seemed ready to television programme of ly agreed, the orientation around by the prefe entire effort into the spection, Mr. Liau took face all approaching the same name, it was had indeed make the new the gym, library, t school, Mr. Liau has no his seat in front of the difficulties in the com­ held on the fourth day Rafflesians feel at home room, Red Cross room doubt laid the founda­ hall. Soon afterwards, two ing year. The day also of school. Despite the and many friendships had others for a guided t tion for a "new" Rl and speeches were made. witnessed the arrival of drizzly rain, the Pre-U 1 blossomed in the course of The judokas staged a created the right atmo- Mr. Lee Song Seng in new Pre-university one students had a hilarious the orientation. convincing mock ba phere for the develop- his speech spoke of the and secondary one Raf- and enjoyable time, whe­ As usual, this year's the scouts as usual nent of studentcapabilities fact that compared to the flesians. The lovely, ther watching someone orientation programme for their tents and lad nd skills. other 3 Asian Principals colourful shades of green, attempting to empty a Sec. One was smoothly and the museum was A few weeks before the of Rl before him, Mr. blue and yellow of the 80 bucket of water blind- carried out by the prefects corated with eye-fog rewell, a meeting was Liau had served the longest. odd new girls broke the folded or participating in and the various uniformed exhibits. 'led for all heads of The senior assistant also monotony of the all-white the events themselves. groups, societies and It left some mixed cieties, uniformed groups remarked that Mr. Liau uniforms of the boys, and The last item on the games. It aimed at get­ actions however. A d games squads in the had transformed the somewhat caused a stir programme, as well as the ting the new students One boy confided tha hool hall. They decided dream of past Principals among the Pre-U 1 boys, climax of the orientation, familiar with the school was led through a w organise a concert dedi- and the ORA into a most of whom were ex- was the buffet party. It so that they will not feel wind of exhibitions ted to him, to take place living reality — he had Sec. Fours. was a night not solely small and lost in one of introductions and he ter a formal parade cere- shifted Rl from Bras Basah To break the ice among reserved for gluttons but the biggest schools in Sin­ quite 'confused'. S ny. Various items were to a new location and to the new senior students an evening of fun, games gapore. When school re­ boys were so awed be presented by the a far better building con­ and to get them acquaint­ and songs. Out of the aw­ opened, the lobbying for they signed up for e ferent organisations of genial to education. "The ed with the school, a week- ful propriety that the new members by the attractive prospect. A school, and, even link between the old and long 'Orientation' pro­ school uniform commands, various ECA groups was all, most of the newcot ough the exams were new building is of particu­ gramme was organised for the boys and girls really already in full swing. Co­ found the orientation proaching, students re- lar significance to Mr. Liau them. The orientation was sparkled with mirth and lourful posters and notices 'interesting, useful arsed and participated because he has played a off to a flying start the laughter. For the boys, it listing enticing prospects beneficial'. lole-heartedly in pre- major role in obtaining all next morning with inter- was an opportunity of a were put up throughout ation for the grand the additional facilities we stream games of basket- lifetime to get to know the the school to attract the FOO HEE Rafflesian Times is published by Raffles Institution, Grange Road, Singapore 10 and printed by Star Press, 139/141 Lavender Street, Singapore 12. Tel: 2582095. ool. "He always had the and I leave the school elfare of the students together. This gives me a heart and saw to their sense of a job completed. mforts", Mr. Lee also In other words, I leave ded. This is evident in with the sense that those e construction of the I have brought over have udents common room, terminated in my time; lelters leading to the my job is done in every ck-shop and the intro- way, in every sense. As to ction of the free-meal the future of Rl, I have to heme for poorer stu- say that whatever befalls nts. Mr. Lee also mar- you I know that Rl will lled at the former Prin- retain its premiership." pal's undying devotion A piece of advice from seeing to the construe- Mr. Liau: "We have dedi­ on of the wall and school cated and committed tea­ nblem at the front en- chers. Extract all you can ance and the extension from them — everything f the sports complex you wish to know and and stand in the last everything you wish to onths of his service. learn. They have so much Head prefect Pang to give you and they will eng Sun reiterated much give it to you." Continu­ P the praises directed at ing, he expressed his hopes r. Liau, adding from the that the teachers would ewpoint of the students, stay in Rl for as long as :he policies he lay down possible and thanked them Raffles on the warpath? which symbolished their Rafflesians. Providing great ith his staff, gave us sincerely for their co- — Rl Rugby team put up their Maori dance before PR I winning of the Kiwi cup entertainment, the concert operation and friendship. a few months earlier for also reflected the sadness ders. singing, "Auld Lang Syne" QUOTE: The girls too did their and "For he's a jolly good share in displaying their fellow." abilities, when 3 Pre-U 1 As a final tribute to I am compelled to go ... my job is done rangers performed the Mr. Liau, there was a elegant and graceful Ja­ gift presentation session, panese dance, "Kassai". in which the respective in every way, in every sense. . . we shall Clad in brightly coloured societies and classes, pre­ >> kimonos with bold designs, sented him with keepsakes meet again even after R.I they captured the lime­ and momentos, amongst light with the expertly which were plaques, a twirled Japanese fans large Triton seashell from udents immense freedom His final farewell was, Mr. Liau. The band round­ at his leaving us. With a which they were holding. the geographical society r development, to or- "we shall meet again even ed off the parade with short poem of "Dedica­ Providing an oriental fla­ and a portrait of Mr. Liau nise our own activities, after RI." march past pieces such as tion" to Mr. Liau by the vour to the day's pro- in pastels by a boy from aim for higher goals Amidst the roar of "Mechanised Infantry", hilst his encouragement applause he descended "Minstrel Parade" and id support stood behind from the dais, leaving "Raffles March". As the The school discipline the entire school as deep­ music faded out in the what it is today only ly moved as himself. The distance, one could feel rough the strictness of parade thus commenced that soon Mr. Liau too r. Liau and his staunch- with the NCC land, com­ would be leaving us, but ss in keeping to his bined NCC, sea and air unlike the fading music he cisions." contingents leading off. would be leaving behind him the whole school who Next, Mr. Liau took Clad in their smart uni­ would always remember s place on the dais and forms and highly polished him. He cannot be forgot­ Idressed the whole boots, they marched off ten, for, as Mr. Lee Song hool. He emphatically to the rousing music of Seng put it most correct­ nounced that he was the band. ly, "The building itself is ompelled to go" "How- They were followed by a living symbol of his er," he said, "It has the scouts and rangers, service and dedication to en my honour, my NPCC and the other Rl." stiny, not only to be- groups, each carrying their me Principal but also to own flags. The rugger FAREWELL CONCERT ve a hand in the design team in addition put up an d building of the new elaborate Maori dance Commencing soon after " He reflected senti- with rhythmic stamping the parade was the farewell entally upon the fact and clapping of hands, concert dedicated to at his departure from which they had been prac­ Mr. Liau. Ranging from Teachers join hands in singing 'Auld Lang Syne' would coincide with tising most audibly in. the individual artistes to group at of the boys whom gymnasium several weeks performances, it was car­ English L.D.C.S., the va­ gramme were the Chinese 3A science. Deeply touch­ had brought over with before. Shouting to the ried out with great pomp rious items, which included L.D.C.S. and the Chinese ed by the sincere effort m from the former Rl beat-,—they gave a most and splendour and came music and songs, began. orchestra, who sang and of the whole school, in cation, sayingthat, 'They impressive performance, from the hearts of all One of the most dynamic played respectively. Laugh­ their attempt to show how performances was the elec­ ter was not absent from much they respected him, tric guitar band consisting this occasion when the he gave a final departing of some Pre-U II boys who prefects presented their speech. Silence prevailed really succeeded in bring­ silent comedy sketch. as he expressed his sincere ing the rock and roll beat Although the atmosphere appreciation of the school's into the school hall, a fear was lively, we were re­ effort in the production which no one would have minded of the sadness of of the concert. even dreamt of a few the occasion when, as the Taking leave of the oc­ years back. To tone down concert drew to a close, casion, our former Princi­ the lively beat of the the choir girls harmonised pal stopped in his path music, some Asian dances the most touching tune as he acknowledged the were performed. Among "The Way We Were", fol­ cheers and applause in his the most outstanding was lowed by the song 'To honour, from the school a Malay dance put on by Sir With Love", performed and staff of his beloved a group of 13 secondary by the girls of Pre-U 1 Institution. boys from the Malay Arts. With music in the air L.D.C.S., which elicited and with the desire of much applause. The cho­ showing Mr. Liau how LISA GOUW reography and lyrics, of much we would miss him LAU TAT CHUAN the song were the brain the entire hall reverberated child of the society lea- COLIN KOH 'To Sir with Love'... as sung by Pre-U One Arts girls at the Farewell Concert with everyone's voices rugby team to Bang to participate in the Asian Schools R Tournament. AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. LIAU Q: What are your h for R.I. in the year Q: Can you tell us the A: The need for newschool A: Naturally, there are come? total length of time for buildings arose as early as more facilities, especially A: It must retain its which you have been 1939 under the principal those necessary to keep miership among Singa attached to the school? Mr McCleod. Talk of build­ pace with modern educa­ schools. To do this A: Nearly 24 years. ing a new R.I. continued tion. There is also less must retain its old ti Q: Could you tell us under later Principals — noise pollution. But we tions but not rest on t about the former build­ they thought of Kallang have lost a sense of time- because that means a ings that were located on Road, Dunearn Road, even lessness. It will be many decline. It must pres the present school grounds? of rebuilding on the old, years before old boys can its old traditions, its A: Admiralty House stood school site. Finally, Grange get as sentimental over the rale and its disciph on the site and a new police Road was decided upon. new R. I. as they can over And it must retain its station to replace Orchard The government allocated the old R.I. U classes. A premier sc Road Police Station was $2.7 million for the con­ Q: There seems to be has obligations: it mus to have shared the site struction of the new R.I., quite an interesting paral­ an example, and show with R.I. but eventually, with do­ lel between Sir Stamford way because it is the Q: When did the need nations, the buildings were Raffles' founding the in­ der, Much is also expec for a new school build­ completed at a cost of stitution and your "found­ The students expect a ing arise? What were the $3.4 million. ing" the new school, or from their teachers; par difficulties you encoun- Q: How would you com­ rather, the new buildings. Mr. Liau, as seen in his office towards his last days and the public expect tered in the planning of pare the new buildings to Would you like to com­ as Principal o f R .L from the school. So the school facilities? the old? ment on this? must have the best te you feel R.I. had to Q: Are there any private A: Any comparison with ing staff. You can't ha move to the present loca­ experiences or situations Stamford Raffles is too boy going back to QUOTE: "Raffles is premier school. That is tion? which you have had that flattering to me. All I did parents and saying: "T the punch line. Many people would say A: Change is the law of you would like to tell us was to get into his dream seems to be hardly life. One must accept about? Any occasion that that if you're at the top there's no way to and to continue what he difference between w change or go under. If we has touched you, or any go but down. We say that there are always set out to do. Sometimes can get from R.I. hadn't got a new school, situation which has tickled other summits, beckoning to the more I wondered if he would what I could have the old R.I. would have your sense of humour? intrepid in spirit and the highest in ambi­ approve of all that I did. from another schooi become an anachronism. A: Every instance when a could have gone to scl tion and intelligence." Q: There was a contro­ As a teacher who en­ boy showed consideration, anywhere for all the Philip Liau versy over the propriety joyed his younger teach­ a desire to serve, and self- sacrifice touches me. As ference it made to n (The Rafflesian '70'71) of moving to new grounds ing days in the old R.I., after over a century's close I was very sad to leave the for humour, I would like bonds with the old school old school buildings. In R. I. boys to be less serious QUESTIONS These were the words written by Mr. Liau in 1970, "steeped in tradition". fact I dreamt of them for' about themselves and learn LEE CHUNG HO four years after he became Principal of R.I., Today, The student body seemed months after we had to laugh at their own. eight years later, as we are the only school in Singapore roughly divided into the moved. In one dream, weaknesses, and not at others. with five candidates scoring 4 A's and a 1 for the traditionalists, who did I walked up the creaking QUOTE: "Chang General Paper in last year's G.C.E. 'A'-level examina­ not relish the notion of stairs to the hall only to Q: Was there a dream is the law of lif tions, it seems for certain that we have indeed attain­ migration, regardless of find myself confronting a which did not come off — One must accef ed the "other summits" that Mr. Liau described. the inadequate conditions gaping void. The floor had of an amphitheatre? He has done a great deal for the school, therefore that were existent, and gone. A: There is a dream; change or go unde it would only be justice to rank him as one of the the futurists, who advo­ Q: Could you tell us of it has yet to become If we hadn't gc greatest Principals the school has known. cated the idea of moving your dramatic pursuits in reality. It all depends on a new Rl, the o In the following interview with Mr. Liau, the to the new buildings. Can the school? money. Rl would have b Rafflesian Times attempts to elicit Mr. Liau's present you relate these happen­ A: I have written 6 school G: What was your last come an anachn impressions on the school. What his hopes for the ings and your own stand plays, produced 6, and project for the school? mism." future are and what he expects of the school? in this matter? Why did acted in 6. A: Bringing the schoo/ The Dawn Of A New Era

Students accustomed to seeing the figure of Mr. Liau sitting comfortably behind the Principal's desk would have encountered an unusual sight on the 3rd. of January, for he was not in his former position but sitting on the other side of the table as would a visitor. He was speaking to Mr. Sigamoney. The irony of the situation was that both were Principals of R.I., one old the other new.

Outside and beyond the office, rang, after which the flag was raised it proved to be a beautiful morn­ - rather in the same atmosphere ing, fresh and crisp. A general com­ that prevails in any other school motion prevailed in the school as day. Then, watched over by Mr. the morning got closer to 7.30. Liau, prefect Serena Tan handed References were made to the arrival a neatly folded school-flag to Mr. of the new Principal and to the new Sigamoney. With that symbolic ges­ faces that appeared one after the ture, Mr. Sigamoney became the other at the school gate, all looking new PRI and a fresh episode began anxious and eager to start the in the history of the school. We new term. But anyone would have have seen the past 12 years being vowed that things were not going tantamount to a Golden Age and to be the same as they had been the transfer of the school from its the year before, for that day was old site at Bras Basah road to the the first occasion on which the present is significant enough. We school would meet the new PRI. have seen the retention of Pre-U What are the changes he would classes, and the school has stood implement? Was he going to be always on its own merit — ever strict? These were generally the supreme even with the onslaught questions asked, but we were soon of other schools and junior colleges. to learn ... But most of all we have seen the blooming of the Rafflesian Spirit. Our appetite for pageantry What can we hope for the future? would not let the morning pass Only that it be as fruitful as the without a ceremonial hand-over of past. authority. The Principals stood be­ torning of the 3rd of January with Mr. Sigamoney and Mr. Liau standing before the school. fore the school as the 7:30 bell THE OLD AND THE NEW the significance of the Farewell Assembly '77 Cheng Jung Meng, Quek Boon Cheow and Lawrence Fong, give their delightful rendition At the Farewell Assembly 1977, the school bid farewell to the depart- of "Out of my heart". secondary 4s and Pre-U 2 students. The course of events on the 12th. October went smoothly, with speeches given by 4 student represent- es, Mrs. Linda Wee and Mr. Philip Liau. In the Principal s speech, he sians who have since left R.I., ised the students to make full they brought with them the spirit of their lives and not to let of Raffles Institution that was ir youth go by without doing inculcated in them by knowledge ething worth remembering. He of the original school. So that with d to show how he himself had their departure, we have lost that de much of his life and because last thread that bridged the Old and this his old age will not be one the New. d with regret and remorse. At present, Rafflesians think of It was easy to understand the themselves as the "New Generation" cipal's sentiments at the time, Rafflesians, those who have started he was to retire from service their R.I. school life here in our R.I. by the end of the year. The new buildings. No doubt, the coin­ asion was even more poignant age implies progress. After all, our ause the school was aware of school motto is Auspicium Melioris . But in departure, the Princi- Aevi. But we must not forget was not alone. With him went that we inherit a tradition that is re than 300 Rafflesians who unsurpassed by any school in n- -e the last to have had any real gapore. It is therefore our duty to mory of the Old R.I. The Pre- familiarise ourselves with that past Two boys came to the new build- and hope the future will be just as in mid-1972, having spent the impressive. t half of their secondary one at Bras Basah road site. When y came over with other Raffle­ CAESAR LOONG TIMES The morning school at the '77 Farewell Assembly. A Frank And Personalised View Of Mr. PHILIP LIAU — Through The Years.... Mr. Liau (2nd from right), then acting PRI, Decline. We knew that at Founder's Day 1960 his health wasn't all that These are only glimpses, good, and that his absence but they are all that us became frequent, very fre­ juniors saw of PRI. Even quent. moving up to the Morn­ During one of his many ing Session made little moniters' meetings, Mr difference, at first. Initial­ Hector Chee revealed to us ly, the only difference to another side of the man, us Sec IVs was that he which till then was still walked around more often unknown to most students. in the mornings. I still Mr Chee was lamenting remember vividly how he the swimming attendances walked along the corridors and how much this hurt outside our classrooms, PRI. We were told of his picking up bits of litter numerous personal sacri­ when he came across them fices for Rl (not merely - yes, PICKING LITTER, the building of the pool), and depositing it on the the effort, and the nume­ desks of those nearest the rous enemies he made in corridor. But we gradually high places, all for the saw more of him, and his sake of Rl. Mr Chee had qualities. We saw the tears in his eyes, and so Majesty of it all, his stature did many of us. Of course, and the commanding way this account became a with which he conducted well-known thing to all of himself, the awe and us after Mr Chee's talks respect he commanded prior to the Farewell As­ One of the most important things that a few with animosity. But didn't budge an inch. from many teachers and sembly last year. makes school and school-life especially mean- all that we knew of him Then there was the students, his wit and One thing you can say ingful is that it takes up such a large part of as a person was that he time the school organised our youth. Many of us, I am sure, especially was very strict. After a a film show at the Orchard ex-Rafflesians and those of us who are now in while, quite a few of us Cinema. A pal of mine started wondering what our last year in Rl, get sentimental when we was enjoying the show and he actually did, besides slowly made himself more reflect, and realise that Rl was the place we walking around in the and more comfortable, grew up in . . . our years in Rl were times afternoon once in a while, which meant putting up when we were changing and being changed, and giving long speeches his legs — and guess who and whether the effect was profound or small, during school functions. turned round and glared Raffles and all that it stands for has done quite Many of us subconscious­ at him. "Boy, put down a bit to change and mould the course of our ly began to consider him your legs." After that, lives. As we grew up, we changed (not neces­ as the Principal of the somehow or other, the sarily for the better) our views, attitudes and senior school, and Mr. show didn't seem that outlook on things and people. This is my sixth Pestana as PRI (PM Ses­ enjoyable to my good and last year in Rl, and first without Mr. sion). friend anymore. He didn't Philip Liau as Principal, and, as I look back, the I remember him as be­ even wait for it to end. He sneaked out when it difference between my original and current ing immovable (I won't Mr. Liau leaves Rl on the was still dark and he wasn't say stubborn) when a smoothness, his ability to last day of school in 1977 image of him stands out clearly. recognisable. None of us group of us Sec. II moni­ speak very well, so well — the 11th of November. In my early days, in and this was a popular way tors nervously tried to blamed PRI — my friend that he occasionally cut about Mr Philip Liau is the PM Session, we saw of passing time during bor­ suggest that he allow the got what he deserved — people and things to bits that "he sure has got very little of him in Person, ing lessons. It was evident Sec. lls to join the Sec. but then, all of us found when he criticised, yet in style", and he sure left Rl but a lot of his signatures. that many of the senior Ills in leaving school to the entire episode very such a refined and cool in style. I'll never forget Almost all of us were prac­ boys spoke of him with support school teams play­ funny when told about it, way. Yes, we learnt of his speech at the Farewell tising our imitations of it, awe and respect, and quite ing in the afternoons. He and laughed and laughed. the Majesty, and also the Assembly for the Sec IVs and Pre-U lls last year. There he was, a Principal of Rl about to retire soon, to give up some­ thing which was such a large part of his life, a man who had reached his peak and was not going higher any more, moving down. And yet there he was, talking about youth and its glory, telling us to cling on to our youth, to live it to the utmost, telling us with the words of the finest philosophers and poets, but with his own stylish touch. It was supremely moving, espe­ cially to sentimental peo­ ple like me, very beautiful, and brilliant. This is not a biography of Philip Liau, the person. These are just a few glimp­ ses as seen through my own eyes, and years, of Mr Lee Kuan Yew listens as Mr. Liau argues the retention of Pre-U classes. Between them is Mrs. Ahmad Mattar. Philip Liau, PRI. included the Olympian guard room, a storeroom track, squash courts, the and a hostel for visiting air-conditioned AVA th'ea- team?. There are also plans trette, the gymnasium, the to floodlight the tennis lecture theatres and the courts, for which purpose ir Stamford Thomas Raffles, in a stroke Temporary housing of the covered by private collec­ swimming complex. he has solicited the ORA's school at Dunearn Secon­ tions, mainly through the help and support. The VIP brilliance, founded Raffles Institution; His tall, reticent figure dary School was offered, efforts of Mr Philip Liau. stand and new storerooms now, after 155 years of living history, the inspired much awe and but Mr Liau very prudent­ in the basement were also )ol bade farewell to one of its most eminent Through all these ob­ respect, and he was a strict ly refused. The authorities among his last contribu­ stacles, his enthusiasm ne­ disciplinarian. Expecting cipals — Mr. Philip Liau. were reluctant to give the tions to Rl. ver waned and he optimis­ work of a very high stan­ r. Liau began his with such success that school a suitable piece of "I want Rl to retain tically remarked, "We have dard of both teachers and ling career in Geylang Rl was the top school land but through sheer her pre-university classes been able to produce the pupils, he believes that ish Primary School donor with the grand determination and stoi­ and not lose them to best results even with an­ "The true Rafflesian is 948. After 3 months, amount of $37000. cism on Mr Liau's part, some junior college. We've cient and obsolete equip­ never contented with be­ was posted to Rl All this while, the news finally came of a new been for so many years ment. Results would be ing second." His silent the authorities rea- school buildings at Bras site for the school. a happy and successful even better with up-to- aloofness is due only to that they had actual- Basah Road had been combination which we The "promised land" date equipment and little contact and associa­ committed the most sinking steadily. The large shouldn't abandon" he was then occupied by the amenities available at the tion, and Mr Hector Chee, minious mistake of cracks which appeared said. Old Admiralty House and new school." his bosom friend describes g a graduate teach in everywhere, dilapidated Mr Liau is, at present, covered an area of some The much speculated Mr Liau as a very "down- mary school! Mr Liau doors and general decrepi­ leading a language school 13.7 acres. structure which was to-earth" person. elf confessed, "I was tude soon caused PWD Further setbacks mate­ to emerge as the lofty for teachers and in this ted by the Rafflesian officials to declare the old undertaking, we wish him rialised. Finance was and handsome buildings Obviously Mr Liau is a t right from the start Rl buildings unsafe. Infes­ every success. The difficul­ ostensibly the biggest we now study in. Mr man of deeds and not g my career in Rl." tation by termites was the ty of doing full justice problem. The government Liau wanted a complete words. His last project 956, he became Assis- main cause of the rapid to his achievements is had allocated only $2.25 and beautiful school with for Rl, for which some Secretary A for 6 decay. self-evident, but as Mr million for the construc­ an atmosphere conducive $250000 is allocated, is ths in the Ministry of Plans of resiting the Chee puts it, "His achieve­ tion of the new school to study. "Government to construct a second cation. His post as school had arisen during ments have been tremen­ building. However, the schools are supposed to be storey for the swimming g-Principal was con­ the time of Mr McLeod, dous." total sum spent on con­ so austere, so if you see complex building. This ed in 1959, and after but it was clearly Mr Liau's struction costs amounted anything not austere, it is idea, yet to be realised ars as assistant Exami- initiative and fiery deter­ to an overwhelming $3.1 because we paid for it." and now on the drawing LEE CHUNG HORN n Officer, Specialist mination which made the million. The deficit was Mr Liau observed. These board, is to house a life- TAN BAN SENG. ector in English and move possible. ser of textbooks and Mr Liau embarked on buses, he returned to his plans immediately, ini­ in 1966 as Principal. tiating the Rl Special ne of his first projects Fund to which contribu­ 'Mr. Liau?' The students speak rincipal was to raise tions came from the Is for the National Scouts, several fun fairs, an in 2Science J said this, Khoo, was in the process and very impressive, espe­ At the orders of the nse Fund. A two-day Ang Pow Carnival, class 'Why us of all people? of whacking a poor de­ cially in his thoughts." editors, the team had to fair was held in 1968 funds and private donors. I don't see him much. fenceless tyre with power­ Tennis veteran Tan Ah interview some old Raf- Who does, man? I think ful swings from her soft- Peng gave his candid view, flesians. After some bad I like his speeches . . . ball bat when she gave her "To me he's not too luck and pulling of the Raffles Institution, the school founded by good orator. We don't opinion. "He's great. I friendly. You know, rather wrong strings, the team founder of Singapore, the school where haven't heard any bad stern looking and not easi­ collected some comments leaders of tomorrow are still in shorts things about him." ly approached. He stays — some cynical, some nice, ching spiders, the school where the tuck- Squash virtuoso and in his office too long some printable, others not. »p char-siew is second to none, has had many experienced bird-watcher, and smokes a pipe all the The following have been e and worthy men at the helm. Mr Philip Henry Toh, was juggling time." But he admits, "His selected after much serious U has been one of them. Armed with pen English is of a very high consideration . . . and the paper, the Rafflesian Times' crew, consist- standard." tossing of a coin. of one man, has gone around collecting Scout and Mr Nice Guy, "He's quite tall and inions on our ex-PR I. The purpose is not to Ong Boon Kwee was bald. His photo looks real : the many achievements of Mr Liau or to checking his bio-rhythm nice." tol his glittering career but to give, as accu- when approached. His rep­ "I'll say he's an inspir­ ing character. He gives you ely as possible, the students' view of him. ly, "I don't know him very well but I think he a feeling that everything ough the quotes are not word for word, we commands respect." is under good control pe to have captured the essence of the Scout and football ace, wouldn't doubt his organi­ dents' words. sation. He can really push of the second Rl out of Lim Chin said, "He's a* great guy in the sense that or drive you." ee Kiat Hong, a school the cold storage and made he always has the school "He's one of those arian, was one of the them into a reality. Thus, in his heart and the stu­ guys who helps air pollu­ few to oblige. After is it not a remarkable dents in his mind." tion by adding pipe scent ries of undecipherable achievement?" With that to it." nds and false starts, he took a bow and return­ Lam Chee Keong was "He has a certain style said, "He's a good ed to man-handling his sucking in a strand of mee and polish that is uncom­ cipal. After all he built calculator, which respond­ when the question was put mon." new Rl because no one ed by printing out wrong with two squash balls as to him. The strand dis­ And to end off this could do it. . . I think and weird answers. though they were two live appeared and he looked as if he had just swallowed opinion column, we have what you'd call a mo- RINCC sergeant Tan hand grenades when inter­ a worm. Looking very un­ the words of Mr Wong PR I. "As an after- Gee Boon's first response have much contact with rupted. "Well, he was very comfortable and tugging at Sheuan Shee who most ught, he added "He to the question was to him. When I was in the dedicated and involved his collar, he commented, graciously gave us a few aks super English." steam up his specs. After afternoon sessional didn't with the school which is, "He's neat. He's tidy. minutes of his time. Mr While pitting his pint- switching on his winds- know who in the world of course, the way it But I think he needs more Wong who joined Rl in the wits against pint-size screen wipers he said, the Principal was. Then should be." practice in smiling. He same year as Mr Liau has ulator, Justin V. David "Well, he's so-so. What can when I went into the Quek Wan Wei's initial looks so grim, so unap­ this to say; "He has a the Raffles Players I say? I don't really know morning session, I greeted reaction to the query was, proachable. "He picked up dynamic personality and is ie an off-hand but care- him ... he doesn't mix him when I saw him and "Why? What are you doing? another nice long strand of a good listener when the y enunciated speech; around very well". that's all. The Times' crew No opinion ... I dunno mee. occasion warrants it. He r Philip Liau is worthy Chan Beng Wah, a dedi­ retreated in the midst of him!" After much pacify­ also gives very sound ad­ e a Principal of Raffles cated member of the hysterical shouts of "Don't ing she said, "He's very, OCT Wong HuongWun's vice." titution. He took over RSSR, stared thoughtfully sabo us!" from the boys. very competent. We don't first comment was, "If I Well there you have it- ties when it was in a at his glass of grape cordial Volleyball player, Quah actually come into much give you my opinion you views of Rafflesians on e of transition. He held before replying, "Well, I Wee Ghee, who was con­ contact with him but we wouldn't dare publish it. Mr Philip Liau (PRI: 1966- reins and guided the think he's a nice man centrating on his home­ can see that he's dedicated "But after a series of 1977), the dynamic gentle­ ool through a stormy though he tends to be a bit work and double twirling to Rl." knucklesandwiches (friend­ man with the Rafflesian iod. He was the one lofty at times . . . "The his pen, gave a jerky com­ Trying to get Ranger ly ones, of course), he spirit in his heart and pipe o came and brought rest of his words were ment: "Very touchy ques­ Siew Eng to give a com­ finally gave in. He said, in his hand who had made e to the school. And it lost in grape cordial. tion — good-la-adamant in ment was like getting a "I think he likes to ape the Raffles Institution what it because of him that A group of unidentified his views-possesses a strong clam to talk but she final­ West. He has the courage is today. have the new Rl. It boys (they were wearing will-determined." ly gave in. Her contribu­ to fight for what he thinks he who took the plans stockings over their heads) New girl, Christina tion was, "He's dignified is right." TAN CHONG YAW MATAYOM RAFFLES?

A pat of encouragement from Mrs. Bhongsri

The Thai visitors in the office. IN MEMORIAM On the 22nd of February, a Ratanatanya and Mrs. Dusnee Kae- clude foreign languages like Engli Thai delegation came to Rl for an wkamnurd, all officials at the Thai As they go higher, the compuls official visit. They were, on request department of education. The subjects may be gradually drop of the Singapore government, visit­ spokesman Mr. Charan (director of and other selective courses ta ing the various types of educational the Samsen Wittayalai Comprehen­ up. In Thailand principals centres here. Rl, being one of the sive Government High School), known as directors. There are se finest academic centres around, was who gave the impression that he centres of tertiary education chosen as a stop on their hectic was being continuously tickled, Thailand. To gain entrance into tour. Hosted by Mr. Lee Song Seng gave a brief description of the Thai of them, a Thai student must f and Mr. Hector Chee (both of education system. In Thailand, go through a national examinat whom incidentally had trouble over though there are academic studies, equivalent to our GCE 'A' lev the Thai visitors' names) the Thai's emphasis is laid on vocational which is very stiff. There are were given a tour around Rl with studies, e.g. woodwork and fishery, versities where no entrance e running commentaries from both since Thailand is still very much an are required called "open univ the senior assistants. After that agricultural nation. In Singapore we ties", which conduct courses they were treated with some re­ use the 6-4-2 system as in Thailand, correspondence and radio. Coec freshments straight from the Rl but since the beginning of the year, tion is practised in Thailand. canteen. A Times team hustled the Thai's have now switched over Mr. Charan, who was by the from their respective classes came to the 6-3-3 system, that is: six an ex-student reporter and down to the PRI's office, where years primary, three years lower shutter-bug, rounded off the in the Thai's were peacefully drinking secondary and three years higher view with the opinion that tea, were granted a short inter­ secondary. 'Matayom means thinks highly of Rl and w The plagues today, above the old Rl model. view. secondary in Thai. There are only like us to (using the old cliche In the Thai delegation were three compulsory subjects: Physical the report card) keep up Two wooden plaques are now hanging on the leader, Mrs. Bhongsri Vidhyana- education, social studies and the good work! On behalf of the wall next to the old R.I. model. The ada, director of a secondary schools, Thai language, which is the medium school, the Rafflesian Times w plaques are in memory of the old Rafflesians co-leader, Mr. Charan Sothibandhu, used. Students can take other like to wish our Thai visitors who died in the last two world wars. When Mr. Prasithi Srisarakam, Mrs. A. courses if they desire; these are the best. queried about these plaques, Mr. Chee revealed Ngun Chankachorn, Mr. Adirek called selective subjects which in­ TAN CHONG Y that they are in fact "nothing new". They originally hung on the walls of the R.I. hall last year that the plaques were taken out. at Bras Basah Road. When the school was Mr. Chee also says that the other plaques moved to its present site, these and many will be displayed as soon as a place can be ACE, SPADES other plaques had been taken down and found for them. put away in the storeroom, to lie there for SUZY TAN AND HEART! many years, dirty and forgotten. It was only DAISY CHAN What about hea Well, leaving out the bit and simply delving some of the nume definitions the word h, feelings, mind, soul, sp courage and enthusi rank highest. It is source of emotion, e cially of love. To be an ace, to be to call a spade a sp. and to have heart, as Ace refers to a playing as to have a heart, card, a domino or the all undoubtedly most side of a dice with a single sential and desirable spot. It also means an lities. Alone, they rr expert. little, for what use is ti Spade similarly strikes in being an expert in s our minds as one of the thing and yet cyn suits of playing cards, us­ mean and selfish? ually the highest ranking A realisation increc suit. However, the word is but true. Ace, spades also familiar in that well- hearts oft known proverbial phrase, Utopia. 'calling a spade a spade', A cartoon of the plagues that appeared in The Rafflesian '59 — '60 meaning, to be frank. LISA GOU DIZZY HEIGHTS.... The recent release of the Cambridge GCE 1976. A slight fall of 3.1% 0' Level results was received with mixed feel- over the last year was rigs. For though the results were by no means recorded in Malay where nferior to our previous scholastic heights, 88.9% of the students hey afforded nothing for us to be wildly scored credits: Elementary Mathema­ oyous about. tics was evidently the most The results, disclosed As usual, the school popular subject as an awe- n Friday 28th February, reaped sweeping successes inspiring 98.2% attained evealed disturbing indica- in several subjects includ­ credits, with 75.2% scoring ions about Rafflesian ing Elementary Mathema­ distinctions. The other tandards. The question in tics, where 75.2% of the good grades were found in ach Rafflesian's mind was students obtained distinc­ Physical Science, Technical ne inevitable "Have we tions. In others, drops Drawing, Basic Electricity een resting on our which are a trifle dis­ and Additional Mathema­ urels?" concerting were recorded. tics. There were no failures However, the overall The school did well in in English, Chinese, Tamil, erformance showed a the languages. 96.6% of Human and Social Biology ood improvement over the students scored credits and Art. st year. 99.2% of the in both English and Chi­ Of the three streams tudents who sat for the nese. Tamil students did improvements were ob­ xamination last year the school proud when served in the Arts and The top results outside the quintet were known to passes included History PRI's office. Heading the chieved at least 3 '0' they achieved 100% passes Technical streams, while be active and industrious with an increase of 16.8%, lists are Guan Tut Chuan vel passes, an increase in their second language, the Science stream simply students throughout their Further maths, with an in­ and Yap Keng Bee. f 0.3% over 1976. an increase of 7.4% over maintained past grades. school career in Rl. crease of 2.1%, Chemistry Where, then, are the However, while they with an increase of 2.9% aforementioned disturbing which is a drastic drop of were enjoying the satis­ and Biology with a 15.7% 13.4% over 1976. Distinc­ elements? Take English, faction of their achieve­ increase. tions were startlingly few, our first language, for in­ ment, the rest of the as only 29 out of the Baby, Whatever stance. Only 59 out of 387 The school's harvest of school generally showed 594 who sat for the exami­ students scored distinc­ distinctions did not prove a decline in passes. nation obtainedPlsandP2s. tions, registering a meagre to be satisfactory at all. Only 67.1% of the students Have Rafflesian stan­ 15.2%. Evidently the poor No distinctions were ob­ who sat for the examina- dards been miraculously Happened grades in English were re tained in Geography and -tion obtained passes which- "saved by the meritorious lated to Literature. Only "only 3.9% and 4.9% of the" comprised two 'A' and grades obtained by the 5 68.9% of the students students achieved distinc­ two 'O' Level passes inclu­ students? One thing is obtained credits, which is tions in English and Bio­ ding General Paper. This certain — another miracle To You? the lowest subject credit logy respectively. was quite a severe drop of next year is something we figure. Of the 385 who sat 11.2% over the previous The major disappoint­ must never bank on. for Literature, only 7 year. ment appeared in General ver bank on. achieved Als. History suf­ Subjects that scored Paper. Here, there fered the largest drop of an increase in percentage only a 74.4% pass, 16.8% over last year. LEE CHUNG HORN. Nevertheless, Rl has produced yet another bril­ Road in 1972. In March liant top boy who has Lecturer Gives Talk On this year, slightly less than smoothly scored straight six years since its comple­ Als in all his subjects. tion, the track was already Yap Keng Bee, now taking. Shakespearean Drama in great need of repair. up a Medicine course, rea­ Its once smooth surface lised his dream when he Pre-U one and two Arts Drama. He also produces had become lumpy and shone in English, Chinese, students had a change in certain Television plays in coarse due to exposure to Literature, Geography, their timetable when in­ the UK, especially the the elements while the Elementary and Additional stead of having their usual production of literature in drainage gutters had be­ Mathematics, Physical literature lessons they were televised drama. Besides come clogged with sand, Science and Biology. called to the AVA thea- his literary and artistic mud and leaves. The latter caused the field to flood The Pre-U II Arts classes, as always, have again Because of a bureau­ trette for a talk given by pursuits, Mr. Drakarkis whenever it rained as the ome up with something unique. This time, believe it cratic innovation intro­ Mr. John Drakarkis on found time to savour a water could not flow off. r not, a 'baby-contest'! Some of the girls asked the duced for the first time in the 10th of February. variety of local dishes and In order to save the tudents in the 2 classes to bring along their baby Singapore, all applications Mr. Drakarkis, a lecturer thinks the food here is a track from further damage, hotographs which were pinned up on their class' for Pre-U classes will be at the University of Ster­ lot more palatable than appeals were made to the otice board (above) - to the delight of many and the processed centrally by ling (Scotland), presented what he has eaten "back Ministry of Education and mbarrassment of some. (Participants of the contest computers under the joint various ideas on a home". the PWD to repair the an be easily recognised by the sacks they now wear admissions scheme. number of plays by TIMES track. Permission was sub­ ver their heads in an effort to disguise themselves). Shakespeare, namely Mac­ sequently granted and the rom this motley crew, the teachers were asked to 'A' - LEVELS - beth, Hamlet, Julius Caesar government agreed to pay lick the most appealing to be the Arts' 'Prince' and ACADEMIC and King Richard II. His talk lasted a total of sixty- the cost of repair works. Princess' - the problem was of course finding one that HISTORY Thus, Rafflesians saw a minutes, during which he New vas at all appealing in the first place. 'new' track, surfaced and 5 Rafflesians in a row touched on various aspects serviceable within a short Well, if you're laughing already, read on to see what made academic history in concerning the role of period of 3 days. Though hese same students have just come up with. They have Singapore when they kingship and character in Track the heats for the National een conducting an "OBSERVER OF.THE ABSURD" scored straight As in four the plays. Though his talk Schools' Athletics Meet urvey, the final result being a report in which astute subjects and Pls in General was interesting enough, were just around the cor­ bservations of the idiosyncracies of certain teachers Paper. many felt that some of the For ner and training for school vere made. So that now a small notice on their notice points he raised were a In the limelight were athletes was held up, few oard reads: little too difficult to be Guan Tut Chuan, Lee Kong complained about the tem­ applied at their level. Choy, Lau Ngai Mun, Free porary * inconvenience "Do you know... Huen Yin Mun and Chiakm Our speaker was invited Renovations at an that Miss X (of '77 fame), quoted 122 "alrights" caused. Anyway, the track Tow Wee. They were to speak to the Arts enormous cost of $60,000 in 10 minutes? was ready for use imme­ among the few top boys classes on an invitation were made on the school that Mr. Y indulges in 62 "emm "s in 15 minutes? diately after the march in Singapore who did very extended by Mrs. Bong track in March, as part of that Mrs. Z blinks 36 times in one minute? holidays and everyone en­ well in the GCE 'A'-Level Tet Yin. Apart from giving a renovation programme joyed running on the new This has generated much amusement among the Examination 1977, when talks in various schools, held once every 5 years. surface. Arts students who, I suppose, will always remain among the results were released Mr. Drakarkis was on a This renovation was the he most creative and fun-loving in R.I. on Thursday 2nd March. two month teaching con­ first to take place since the Ed's note: Renovation and All Engineering stu­ tract with the University school moved from Bras repairs are now being car­ SUZY TAN dents, except for Ngai of Singapore, lecturing in Basah road into our new ried out in other parts of DAVID YEOW. Mun who takes Medicine, Elizabethan and Jacobian premises here in Grange the school. Editorial Here's An Offer You'll Hafta Consider

'The Rafflesian Times' was created in contract for the production of a forthcoming 1963. Then known as 'The Raffles Institu­ issue — in the process he might spend some tion Times', it was a weekly publication 2 to 3 days a week at the printer's office, with cyclo-styled prints. No photographs or make an interminable series of telephone were included in those earlier editions due calls to the printer. When dead-line is due, to the lack of adequate printing facilities. he carries out a rapid shuttle between the However, we have come a long way since printer and the school as well as ensuring then. In 1966, the name of the publication that all articles are correct and presentable was changed from 'The Rl Times' to the before the complete setting is put into print. present 'The Rafflesian Times' by Mr. Philip This is an outline of the work done by our Liau. Also, we went commercial. For the PM, but the work done by other members first time the school newspaper was printed is not any less hectic. Teacher Adviser Mr. W.R.Hill by the Off-set method and it was then possi­ We won't guarantee a relaxing time but ble to have pictures and new techniques and nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing our Managing Editors — Tan Kwang Meng artwork were experimented with. Though Caesar Loong school paper finally in print and to know Lau Tat Chuan printing was done by a commercial printer, you were part of it. Remember, it is a layout and planning were still left to the newspaper, your newspaper, and the best Editors - Ho Oon Seng initiative of the student committee. school paper there is in Singapore. Our Lisa Gouw Clifton Foo This year is our 15th year in the business members took up the challenge, why don't Tan Su Yuen and we have evolved into a very professional you come along and join them. Goh Kong Yong organisation — canvassing for advertisements, layout planning, proof reading, on-the-spot Senior Editorial Staff Jerry Tan - THE RAFFLESIAN TIMES- Allan Kow news coverage, photography, we've done Daniel Wee them all (and just think, all student effort). The Rafflesian Times is a school newspaper, and, as David Yeow If you don't know what we're talking about, such, requires the support of the school authorities and the Colin Koh then here's your chance to come and learn student body. The former serves an advisory function, Lydia Kwa for yourself. It's an interesting part of school- while the latter provides the manpower and initiative. Daisy Chan life and we want you to taste what it feels If our school paper is to continue a regular outpul Quek Bee Han like to know the pulse of the school. There throughout the years, it will need a great deal of support Suzy Tan is a lot of work to be done but it's a chal­ from the students. It takes an immense effort - funding, Anne Yeo lenge our members have taken up. Take our planning and paper work - to put just one issue into print. However, the workload need not necessarily be so heavy i Associate Staff Tan Chong Yaw Production Manager for example, he makes students are willing to help and give continued support. A Benny Goh certain that all articles have been handed up larger editorial staff will also mean that there will be a Carolyn Tan and that they are neatly typed before they wider range of topics covered and at the same time ensure Katherine Nadarajah go to the printers. After that, he arranges that only the best articles are published. So, if you care Dennis Leong for photographs and illustrations to accom­ enough, please approach any one of the persons listed in Poon Yin pany certain articles. Meanwhile he has to Soh Choon Siang the editorial board and give your name. Your help will be Han Loke Kwang negotiate with the printers a reasonable accepted with gratitude. Lee Chung Horn Andrew Lim sage to "seep in" when exceptional interest in immediate attention and of 28 — an ambition Production Caesar Loong one considers the over­ "small things" around the changes. had long idealized Tan Chong Yaw whelming barrage of ques­ age of eleven. This interest He felt that memoriza­ which, he proudly said Soh Choon Siang tions that ensued at the developed and he was soon tion and unquestioning materialised like all Han Loke Kwang end of his talk. The ques­ keeping bacterial cultures. conformity to the scienti­ rest. Lim Choon Toh tions, written on pieces of When he was only nine­ fic system should not be His reasons for such Business Frederick Cheong paper the size of foolscap teen he had his very own the sole criteria for scien­ early retirement w Angelina Chen right to miniscule driblets, scientific column in a local tific selection and train­ quite refreshing, ". . Tang Kin Seng ranged from controversial Welsh paper which had a ing. In fact, earlier on remain free and indepe Angelina Woon questions on pollution and readership of three-quar­ during his speech to the ent of pressures . . . i ecology to some totally ters of a million people. school, he stressed that he of prime importance unrelated queries on the Sometimes he would in­ would very much have evolve a life style t origins of life. corporate into his articles liked to see certain periods provides freedom and f Ford On During a short inter­ photographs taken with in the week in Singapore sonal integrity". view after his talk, Mr. the camera he made as a schools to be reserved for Mr. Ford has frequer Microbes Ford, thirty-eight, was teenager of sixteen. class discussions on the contributed to scient asked the main purpose of In 1959 he joined the unknown and unexplained journals as well as There are science talks methods of microbial puri­ his visit to Singapore; to University of Wales where aspects of science — rather thored well over ten b and certain others that be­ fication of water to the which he replied that he he read Biology. This than what is factually selling books on scient come so immersed in tech­ problems of water supply, was on his way to Austra­ move caused quite a stir in known. philosophy and histc nical jargon that the its management and plan­ lia to open a conference his family, as Mr. Ford He went on to say His repertoire of bo speaker leaves behind a ning for the future. on "Microbes and Water admitted, due to the fact that the ability to think, include titles on sec wake of bewilderment and One rather startling Planning" and was prompt­ that he comes from a long invent and learn through weapons, microbes boredom. point Mr. Ford made was ed by some friends not to line of distinguished engi­ innovation are all import­ even a scientific satire Yet the morning of the that oil pollution as well as bypass our island. neers and scientists of ant considerations in the ". . . How to Rule 30th of January saw a sewage was quite benefi­ "Actually," he said, whom Sir James Watt is criteria for selection — in World". completely new expe­ cial in certain ways to "I'm on a world tour just one outstanding mem­ order that science should With time running shi rience when Mr. Brian marine life. This is because which started on the third ber. Nevertheless, Mr. progress. Mr. Ford had this to Ford was invited to our these substances can enter of January, having already Ford is quite a scientist He is currently a scien­ to the last question pu school to talk to the Pre- the food-chain by way of visited places like New in his own right having tific consultant to B.B.C. him on whether he c University students on microbes that feed on Delhi, Calcutta and Bang­ amassed favourable and and I.T.V. (Independent sidered his predictions; "The future of water sup­ them. These in turn are kok where I held discus­ rave reviews from critics Television) as well as a re­ views on the issues of | plies". eventually consumed by sions with professors in who have described him as gular broadcaster and has lution too optismis The general consensus the fishes. However he the universities, rather a "phenomenon". in fact several personal "The world has long b of opinions voiced by went on to stress that it than deliver speeches to Mr. Ford made one series in Britain to his too pessimistic in the p most students, including was of the utmost import­ the students." very outstanding comment credit. His vocational As I've said it before, those from the arts ance that proper planning When asked to how his during his interview, one interests include photo­ that is required is can streams, ranged from ani­ and management should interest in science deve­ which certainly reflects on graphy as well as jazz planning and managem mated "fantastic"s to very at all times be practised loped, Mr. Ford replied himself. He wished that piano playing. of our resources". knowing "very interest­ in such situations. that his particular inclina­ the scientific educational Mr Ford retired from ing' s. Well it obviously did tion towards microbes system of the world as a the lecturing and academic The speech touched on not take long for his mes­ started when he had an whole could experience scene in 1968, at the age COLIN KC To break the monotony of the weekly found us Rl boys, tall, Assembly talks, Rafflesians were treated to an THE VOICES OF FORMOSA good-looking and most hour-long concert presented by the Kao-hsiung charming ... I bet the Children's Choir from Taiwan on 15th Feb. as well as other problems. members from the Music After a sumptuous female Rafflesian popula­ The choir, on a South-East Asian tour, was So, the choir had to set Society. lunch, the choir was tion would have laughed out on this trip with a brought back to Rl their sides out or have brought to the Rl audience through the cour­ As usual, Rafflesians "thorn amongst the roses." whence a short tour of the choked to death by now. tesy of Mr. Tan Huck Chye, President of the being warm, friendly hosts Further, the choir is not school was conducted, be­ (you bet!) Old Rafflesians' Association (ORA). on every occasion, exuded exactly a "children's" Anyway, Raffles In­ their charm and hospita­ fore they gave another ing intently to the melody, choir in that the age group stitution, has once again Numbering 39 strong lity, so that our young performance to the Junior despite only 2 days' pre­ of the members ranges given a good impression omprising 38 girls and guests were made to feel boys. ne boy) the choir is paration. from 10 to 22, the majority not only of her students, at home almost imme­ Guess what our obser­ cclaimed to be the best Many from the au­ being in the 15-17 age but amenities as well, to diately. Acquaintances vant little visitors of the hildren's chorus in Tai- dience might have wonder­ group. Most of the singers our foreign guests. were soon made and the fairer sex from Taiwan ed why the choir consisted are musicians in their own Thus, when the Kao- an. Led by their conduc- Taiwanese girls and our had to say about us MALE of 38 girls but only ONE right. Many are able to hsiung Children's Choir r, the choir presented a own choir girls (who claim­ Rafflesians? "Rl Boys - boy. In fact, (believe it or play the piano whilst left Singapore on the 18th elightful repertoire of ed to be able to speak you have too long hair!!" not), some even mistook others play the guitar and Feb., they left with plea­ aiwanese and European only 'half past six" Man­ Did you hear that Rl that boy for a girl! the violin. sant memories of the lk-songs, including their darin) seemed to be fast Boy? wn rendition of the fa- Actually, the Kao- After the concert, the friendship and warmth friends already, and began BUT, before any pro­ liliar 'Rasa Sayang'. Top hsiung Children's Choir is choir attended a luncheon they enjoyed whilst in Rl. to exchange addresses and tests are made, hear what's larks should go to the by no means an all-girls hosted by the PR I, Mr. souvenirs. been said next. Our visitors TAN KWANG MENG hoir for having sung this choir. Most of the boys Sigamoney. And playing cal favourite, which set were not able to join the stewards and stewardesses e entire audience listen­ tour due to immigration to our young visitors were EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS How Well Do You Know Rl??? WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT The following quiz is designed to test how well you know your school; answer the questions and then check your an­ THE RT, BUT WERE swers with those given, giving yourself one point for every correct answer. Ready? Here goes AFRAID TO ASK Ever wondered what happens inside the ing his steamed-up specs. 1. In which room in the school can the highest chairs be found? Publications Room with all windows firmly "Precisely," agreed the 2. Besides the AVA Theatrette, which other room in the school has closed, lights on and doors shut against prying second ed. "That's right," an air-conditioner? eyes? Ever heard ultrasonic screams shattering nodded the third ed. Our 3. What is the number of the Principal's car? the peace and scaring away all those coc­ three eds have this habit 4. How long does it take the central clock to chime each hour? kroaches so essential for labwork? Well, follow of repeating each other. 5. How many laboratories are there altogether? me in and see for yourself a perfectly normal I've noticed. "We have bad news." 6. What are the exact words by Stamford Fiaffles engraved on the meeting of the Rafflesian Times crew ... sign next to the old Rl model? "Rotten." "Bad news." "We are going to have 7. Where would you find the highest ceilings in the school? There's the door. After ribbon? Oh, that's our to print another issue." 8. Other than the hall and music room, where else would you find a you. Hey, look out! camera man. He's very "New issue." "Uh-huh." piano? BONG! Hey man, are you professional and uses the "Haven't had one for 9. How many steps are there in the longest flight of stairs? OK or is it KO? Say some­ most unorthodox methods. . . .." "A year . . ." "May- 10. How many stalls are there in the tuckshop? thing! Something . . . is that why we have lousy be more..." 11. If you wanted to enter the school grounds by the front entrance on Phew, you sure got a solid pics in the Times? Of a day when the gates are locked, how would you do it without head . . . er . . . oh . . . course not! It's the prin­ "Articles in by this having to climb or jump over the fence? it's your Vitalis Super- ter's mistake . . he should­ week." "Precisely . . . 12. What is the translation of the school motto in English? Control hair. What hit n't have printed them. what?" "Impossible." 13. Of the five Houses, which of them are the only ones not to have you? Oh, just an old tin Over there at the table "Nothing's impossible." been named after a former Principal of the school? we place at the top of the is the business department. "No kidneys." 'Toad- 14. Other than the hall-stage, in which other part of the school would door for fun. No, they are not just face!" you find live bats? Over here. Take a seat. playing Monopoly; the / think they are going 15. How many lady teacher are there teaching Pre-University classes this OK wise guy put it back. first person to go ban­ to fight. You gotta be kid­ year? No, don't sit on that! krupt will have to go hunt­ ding; they can't punch a CRASH! Didn't you see ing for ads. The only snag pillow without fracturing that chair has only two is that they take several their fingers. Hey, they are legs. Yeah that's right prop months to finish. They are clobbering the first ed it up against the wall. not slow but you see we with the typewriter! That's Wat so untidy! What did can't afford the board so terrible. Why? Would he be you expect? Just make they have to play by hurt? No, nothing in his yourself comfortable . . . memory. head to damage anyway. They might spoil the type­ Hey! take your feet off What's that huge pile writer! Now they're stuff­ that pile! What do you of paper? Oh that's the ing the Times down his mean rubbish?? That's our product of the editorial throat! Never mind, he's latest issue! department . . . rejected on a high vegetable-fibre Now be quiet and I'll articles. How about the diet anyway. They are re­ give you a running com­ articles in the Times? moving his shoes, socks mentary. See that guy Those are written by the and they are tickling him. standing on the table in eds but if there is extra Can't do that; wouldn't the mini Roman toga with. space they'll pick some work - thick skin. I'm the smelly laurel hanging of the rejects — lucky getting out of here. Hey from his ear and with dip style - slot them in don't go yet. You'll be "Modern Shakespeare" in and nobody knows the dif­ missing the most exciting his hand? Hang on, he's ference. How about the part. Watch for the banana gonna say something. "In people who buy the peel rug! Yeooow! Have sooth I know not why Times? Tell me frankly do a nice trip! I'm so sad but why you YOU read the Times? Well' *Of course the above is SCORE worry?" . . . er . . . I . . . er . . . Ah ya, see the chap in' Someone's coming in . . not a true account of our the purple track-suit, pur­ oh no! it's the prefect! meeting; but then again, 15 :—Are you sure you didn't cheat? ple socks, purple track- Hey where is everybody? truth is stranger then fic­ 11 to 14 :—You have obviously been wandering around the shoes with purple soles? Under the table you nut, tion. school when you should have been in your class. Ya la, the guy on the pur­ wanna get booked for long All the characters in 7 to 10 :— You show clear signs of insufficient exercise; ple pogo stick. What do hair is it? Alright all clear; this article are fictitious do walk around the school more often, especially you mean he looks like a' he's gone. He just popped and any resemblances to during lessons. frightened grasshopper?! in to pick up his roulette actual persons living or 6 and below :- I'm not too sure you're a Rafflesian ... Who's the fellow on the set. dead are purely delusions in your mind. DAISY CHAN cupboard with the pocket "Meeting in session" camera and the magnesium rasped the first ed. remov­ TAN CHONG YAW

An Interview With MR. SIGAMONEY, PRL On 29tl On the 3rd January 78, Raffles Institution What do you think of having the Pre-U classes together saw the arrival of their new Principal, Mr. with the secondary classes; that is, having two sessions? A.K. Sigamoney. Mr. Sigamoney succeeds Do you think that the Pre-U students are getting the January 1978 Mr. Philip Liau, who retired at the end of last same attention from their teachers as their counter­ parts in the Junior Colleges? year. How is the new PRI? Is he continuing else could they get this training other than in a schoo A: There is nothing basically wrong with the six-year where Mr. Philip Liau left off? Will there be So I would like to say this to the students who con education system. Most of our younger leaders went any changes in the school administration? In plained about trainee teachers, please co-operate wit through this system and look at where they are now. the Cadet-teachers and bear in mind that every teache an interview granted to our Times reporter, They bear testimony to the success of the six-year has to go through this "apprenticeship." In my exp Mr. Sigamoney tells us of his plans and views secondary education system. The advantage of the six- rience, the cadet-teachers are generally a hard workir of the school. Reproduced here is the inter­ year system is that the students have six years to fully lot. view:— develop their potentialities continuously in the same Q: Some of the boys complained that there are n Q. Firstly, could you tell us more of your background? environment. Furthermore, the system provides stu­ enough girls in the school. Have you any commen Are you an old boy of the school? dents with leadership roles. However, the main advan­ on this? A: I am not an old boy of the school. I received my tage of the Junior College is that it introduces the A: At least 70% of the Rl boys stayed behind for the secondary education in ACS, Ipoh. I came to Singapore student to the lecture-cum-tutorial system, a system Pre-U education. Hence, there are few vacancies le in 1950 to pursue my University education in the used in university education. As to the question of for the girls. Rafflesians have the first priority in t University of Malaya, which was then in the present the teacher lavishing attention on the student, the admission to Pre-U One. Unless we admit girls , campus of the University of Singapore. I graduated in junior colleges have the advantages that they have secondary One, we can never have an equal distributic 1953 and joined the Education Service in 1954. smaller classes in the tutorial groups. However, this of boys and girls in our students population. We she Q: Were you then posted to Raffles Institution? does not mean that the teachers teaching the Pre-Us. endeavour to admit more girls in Pre-U in futur A: No, I was posted to Gan Eng Seng School, where I are not able to give closer attention to their students. Q: Based on your knowledge and experience gain taught for six years. In January '60, I was transferred It is only because that the class is large that some during your career in the Education Service, have y to Raffles, the Raffles at Bras Basah Road. I was attached students feel that the teachers are not giving enough any advice for the up and coming Rafflesians? to Raffles for seven memorable years under four prin­ attention to their problems. A: Well, traditionally Rl has produced men and wom cipals. In 1967 I was promoted to the post of principal, Q: Junior colleges have the tutorial system and Rl has of exemplary conduct, and leaders of high calibre. Rangoon Road Secondary School. It was a new school the six-year education system. In the circumstances, would like to see every up and coming Rafflesian ta and I was the first Principal. My experience in Rl do you think that Rafflesians can reach up to varsity full advantage of the opportunities available in Rl ft helped me a lot in my job. expectations? training in civic responsibility, good citizenship a Q: Could you tell us when you left your job to become A: Even before the Junior colleges were set up, Raffle­ effective leadership, in addition to the pursuit of Inspector of schools or, as it is now known, school sians have done so. I don't see any reason why they sound academic education and an active involveme adviser? can't reach up to varsity expectations even now. I in the school's extra-curricular programme. To A: It was in March '76 that I became a school adviser. have complete faith in the capabilities of Rafflesians. mind, the preparation to lead a good life in socie The job brought me into contact with other schools Q: An extension of Pre-U hours. Do you consider it comes first, followed by academic excellence, and tht in Singapore and with officers of the Education Ministry. beneficial for the students in our school? by active-participation in ECA; to some extent, the. Q: As a school adviser you have been around the A: I can see that most of our Pre-U students stay behind three aspects of school-life complement one anothe schools; in your opinion how does Raffles rate when in school every day voluntarily for their ECA activities. but the order of priority should always be borne , compared with the other schools? The recent controversy in the junior colleges over the mind. A: Well, there can be no doubt about it, can there? extension of their school hours is due to misunder­ Q. Sir, what do you think of splitting up the schoc Raffles is tops and will remain tops for a long time to standing of the role of the junior college by students that is, a separate administration for the Pre-U classe come. and parents. In Rl this problem does not exist. Again, I A. Basically, it is not possible to have this system Q: And after the adviser job ? see no reason why Pre-U hours should not be extended Rl. This is because to have two administrations, A: The post of PRI of course. in Rl, if we too become a single-session school. need to duplicate the facilities to ensure the smoo Q: When did you know that you were going to be the Q: Coming back to Rl, do you have any plans to ex­ running of the school. Personally, I am against it as next PRI? What were your feelings then? tend any of the present facilities? have always hoped that Rl will remain "one big happ A: It was in June '77 that superior officer in the Educa­ A: Yes, there is one project immediately at hand. The family". tion Ministry told me of my new job. At first I was project is the building of a floor above the canteen at overjoyed. I never expected to be given the job. Then I the swimming pool the idea was first mooted by Mr felt a heavy sense of responsibility. Having worked Philip Liau. The floor could be used by the lifeguards And that is our new PRI. He has come he under four Rl Principals I knew that the job was a and by the ORA as, probably their clubhouse. An­ to face a challenging task. So, Rafflesians, l challenging one and that I had to work very hard to other extension that I have in mind is the Hullet Me­ us all give him the support that he need keep the school flag flying high. And I can also say that morial Library. It is not an extension, really. You it is no ordinary school!. can say that it is a renovation of the library. The re­ REPORTEF Q: Now that you are the PRI, could you tell us what novation is necessary to make the library more con­ MANSUR HUSSAI your first impressions are of the school? ducive to studies and to attract more students to the A: What impresses me most is that there is student library. We could also convert the adjoining Art Room leadership in every sphere of activity. Thus, the into a Reading Room for say the Pre-U boys and girls, student-leaders complement the work of the staff. and think of opening the library for longer hours. Raffles Shutterbugs Furthermore the school provides the students with Q: Have you any other plans for the school? participated in 1976, wh leadership training. I am also impressed by the ad­ A: Well, if it is possible, I would like to increase the he won a consolation pri ministration of the school. It is very sound indeed. number of Arts-Stream classes at the Pre-U Level. At Triumph The staff of the school too impressed me. My imme­ present we have ten science classes as compared to two The Ngee Ann Pho arts classes. The balancing of the arts and the science graphic Quiz was held diate impression of the staff is that they are of high Our photographic so­ classes is important as too many science classes would the 21st January 197 calibre and fairly young. ciety participated in 2 mean that most students would remain science-oriented Our school entered Q; As you have said earlier the job of PRI is a challeng­ competitions recently, one and would not be exposed to the arts and the humani­ teams; team A and te ing one, are you satisfied with it? in early October 1977 and ties. The mixing of arts and science students would B. Our team A emerc A: I can honestly say that I've never been happier in the other in January 1978. reduce this problem, I think. Another plan which I 2nd runners-up out my life. I have always liked Rl. The school has pleasant The competition in have in mind is to make the classes smaller. This will 20 teams, only 3 poi memories for me. As most of the staff know, I met my October 1977 was the ensure that every student will have the attention of the behind the first runne wife in Raffles. She was a science teacher then. We got Zoological Photographic teacher. Moreover, my aim in this school it to bring up. The members of t married when we were both teachers here; maybe that's competition in which our about a closer rapport between the students and the team were Wong Cr the main reason why I have such a strong attachment participant. Tan Peng teachers. This, I consider, to be very important in Kong of 1 Sc. C, Ho to the school. Hwee of Pre-U 2 Science, school life. And, I take this opportunity to tell all Tze Sen I Sc. J, T Q: You have been in the old Rl and now you are in won the 3rd Prize with a Rafflesians that I shall welcome suggestions from every Mann Hong I Sc. C a the new Rl. Do you think that there are any differences colour print and using an body, be it student, teacher or parent, old boy, etc. I Chua Tai Keong I ! between past Rafflesians and the present lot? Agfa Camera. Participants shall give serious consideration to every suggestion. So B. Mr. S. Rajaratnam ga A: Well, for one thing the present Rafflesians are more of the competition were feel free to drop in at the office to tell us of your away the prizes. Our bo affluent. They come to school in bigger cars! Jokes required to submit photo­ suggestions and of ways to improve the school. won 4 individual troph aside, past Rafflesians are no different from the present graphs of animals in the Q: And now we come to the complaints department. and an Instamatic cam Rafflesians. The present Rafflesians are just as active zoo. Peng Hwee's entry Some students complained that they did not like to each. as their predecessors; they took pride in their school was that of a Chotton- be taught by trainee teachers as these cadet-teachers Thus our photograpl activities. There is perhaps one difference. In the past Head monkey. When he are not experienced enough. They felt that their society had a rather go most of the Rl boys at Secondary Four stayed behind was interviewed, Peng studies were affected. What have you to say to this end to 1977 and in Raffles for their Pre-U education. But now you can Hwee attributed his success problem? equally good start find more and more Rafflesians going over to the Ju­ to luck, and apart from 1978. nior Colleges. Well, it is difficult to say that some of A: This problem exists in every trade and every profes­ being happy he was also the present Rafflesians are not as loyal as their pre- sion. Even in hospitals there are trainee Doctors or surprised. This was not his decessores, because there were no Junior Colleges, then. Interns. The problem is that these trainee teachers first entry in this com­ CAROLYN TA Q: You have been in the Education Service for 24 years. need a place to train in order to be experienced. Where petition. He had first CHRISTINA KHC and were hence. under as much pressure as the older RAIN RAIN boys. With the last paper end­ Our Hope For The Future ing at 3.45 the long agoni­ sing wait for the results NOT DRAIN! began for many schools. (R.I. Womeris Water-Polo) The hall was thrown into a The sky was heavily overcast that Tuesday typical post-examination 1978 is a memorable mingled with the general rternoon, the 7th of March and R.I. was after this that it became scene, the place was year for R.I. as the new mass of wriggling bodies routine for the girls to terally hit by a 'brain storm'. Nearly 500 thronged with teachers, PRI arrived in January. in the pool, were a few conduct these exercises p brains from over, 50 secondary schools, trainers and supporters dis­ For me the year will bronzed bodies exposing with as rnuch ease as their ch carefully selected, were assembled to cussing the questions and have added significance, themselves to the torrid male counterparts. In fact ke part in that most prestigious annual apprehensively speculating though it has yet to run afternoon sunshine. And it has now become a :ience event - the S & I Quiz 1978. the outcome. out. Many changes have when they were not occu­ shameful putdown for The preliminary rounds tion each school was sup­ At 4.30, Dr. Bernard already taken place, in­ pied with their zealous some of the boys that a ere held in our school posed to present over Tan entered the hall. The cluding developments in pursuit of sun worship, few of the girls can do ll and Mr. Chan Kai television. whole hall was plunged the women's water polo they were involved in more pushups than they. au, Director of Educa- into an atmosphere of team. more earthly pursuits — Unfortunately, I happen With the declaration on, was invited to offi- expectancy. As the results It can be argued that training, which was carried to be among them too. of its opening the quiz ate at the opening cere- of the 12 schools that women's water polo came out in a manner so hap­ At present there are got underway without de­ ony. The opening speech- were to make to the to R.I. earlier. But the hazard and arbitrary, that only 6 girls in the team. lay. There were two papers from both Dr. Bernard quarterfinals were an­ assertion can easily be re­ it often provided me with 7 are needed to play in a in all; Paper one was for an, Chairman of the nounced the tension came futed if one had on earlier an afternoon's supply of game and in a usual tour­ the combined Sec. 3 and 4 ganising quiz committee, to a climax. occasions seen how the belly-aching comic relief. nament 11 are sent in (4 teams while the other was d Mr. Chan, stressed the Suddenly this critical former "team" conducted The belly-ache had reserves). Thus what the for the Sec. 2's. It was ew that the quiz should mass summated and pre­ itself. It seemed then that barely subsided, however, girls are hoping for is for indeed an awe-inspiring far from the memory cipitated into sporadic its role was strictly orna­ when I went down this number 7 to pop up. sight to see the participants me that it is supposed bursts of high intensity mental. I was there year to see the new team's Personally I think if they writing and conferring p be now. Mr. Chan then sonic signals of sheer elec­ and what I saw, though performance during one of stick to it nos. 8, 9, 10, a flurry of frenzied tended this point of trifying ecstasy. The re­ pleasing to the eye, was their training sessions (It and 11 will soon appear flipping of pages and no ew by saying that the sonating sources were not very conducive to was partly due to an in­ as well. wonder for they had only oper criteria for the Anderson Secondary sport. nate curiosity and also the For most of them, train­ 25 minutes to answer 120 arning of science should School, ACS, St. Andrew's, Here and there, inter­ masochistic streak from ing begins at quarter to questions, while at the firstly the acquisition St. Joseph's, St. Patricks within that prompted me seven in the morning and same time keeping in mind concepts then their and Catholic High School to do so). ends at eight, down at the the penalty points for like film shows and visits alysis and application (the first Chinese-school to Well, I must admit that school pool. Workouts are wrong answers. to scientific establishments d finally the apprecia- ever make it!) Higher I was not confronted with also done at Queenstown followed for the overjoyed on of science and indus- All these adverse factors intensity and frequency my former impressions. under the direction of schools. y in daily life. The au- they took under their emitters were MGS, SCGS, Although now there are Kenneth Kee (a former ence was further inform- wings and proceeded with RGS CHIJ (Victoria) and Oh yes! in case this fewer members, there Rafflesian) three times a i of the new innovations the dexterity and gusto of St. Magaret's. Any way how article proceeds too far seems to be more purpose week in the afternoons. this year's quiz. They 'super geniuses'. The sec can anyone blame them and it is completely for­ and drive in their work- Mr. Tan Eng Bock another elude amongst other 2's had only 40 questions after all that they have gotten — R.I. made it too! outs. The members of this old boy is also chipping in lings a practical project but they had only 10 been through. A briefing squad are also quite dif­ with his support. hich with prior prepara­ minutes to answer them on the planned activities COLIN KOH. ferent from their predeces­ Besides hoping for sors. They seem to have more members, the wo­ more determination, talent men's polo team is also The man who started Scouting and skill. And in their aiming for the official as born on the 22nd of February drive to make women's formation of a Raffles 357. His name was Robert Baden- water polo a permanent polo club. The Principal well (later Lord Baden-Powell). aspect of R.I. sport, they has already indicated his 1908, he officially organised a THINKING DAY are making many notable interest in this venture. oup of Boy Scouts. The girls, characters look positively Plans may also-be under­ ot to be outdone by their brother silly. There was a notable way for a women's water outs, later had an organisation waterpolo figure in the polo league with R.I. as rmed for them by Baden-Powell's local scene who swore on hosts. With all this in ter, Agnes Baden-Powell. It was his good name (now made mind, there seems only lled the Girl Guides. Every year funny) that push-ups, one way for the women's the 22nd. of February, Scouts chin-ups, squats and weight team to go and that's up, d Guides all over the world cele- schedules are way beyond way up. ate the day. On this day, they the capabilities of our -affirm their law and promise local girls. It was not long DANIEL WEE d also perform services. (Our outs and Rangers stayed back ter school to clean the hall and lish the stage, trophies and What's The Problem? edals). Pre U 2 arts students a fish tank and a water have been canvassing for cooler. These, needless to CONCERT a split recently. This say, do provide a peaceful Our Rangers give their item. action has apparently come atmosphere which is con­ This year's thinking Day fell on about due to their suggest­ ducive to healthy study. Wednesday. After the flag-raising To commemorate the day, the programme was immensely enjoy­ ed inability to concentrate The problem of difficulty remony, the Principal read out a Scouts and Rangers put up a able. in the students' common in hearing can be alleviated eech from the Ministry of Educa- mini-concert during assembly. The room. There are about by the judicious use of a on commemorating the occasion, programme was very good and all 85 students occupying this loud speaker and very ith special reference to the Scouts of us enjoyed it. It started off TRUST, LOYALTY, place and the workload often is. d Rangers who were assembled with 3 scouts from the 2101 COURTESY. .. presented to any teacher, Yet perhaps nothing front of us. If was then that I group giving 2 guitar recitals, no matter how capable, can beat more individual It a slight twinge of jealousy at "Sorrento" and "Chotto Mate Scouting and Guiding instil in is understandably daunting. attention. Splitting the )t being actively involved with the Kudasai". Next came something young people the important quali­ Students situated at the classes into different y itself, for it seemed rather from the Rangers, and they put up ties of self-reliance, initiative and a back of the class also have rooms can facilitate a citing to celebrate an event with a sketch entitled "No Charge". proper mentality. The Boy and difficulty in hearing. As better teacher-student outs and Rangers all over the The third item was put up by an­ Girl Scout laws teach them among this is so, they are not relationship. Even so, a orld. It was odd seeing some of other trio, this time from the 2101 other things, to be trustworthy, presented with adequate split need not necessarily e boys coming in to lessons in group, who entertained us with 2 loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, opportunities to partici­ result in a rise in quality eir Scout's uniform and not their popular songs "Speak Softly Love" kind, obedient, thrifty and clean pate in class activities. of education received. That ual white. During our Physics and "All I have to do is dream". in thought, word and deed. In fact, Speaking as a member can only be left to the sson, one of the Scouts volunteer- Everyone enjoyed the comedy the world would be a much more of the 85, I must say that individual. I to clean the board amidst loud "Hollywood" put up by the 2101 pleasant place to live in if all of us the students' common DANIEL WEE plause from us. That impressed scouts, though it was at times a followed at least half of the laws room makes a pretty com­ ED's note: Since the article e, for it did show that there was little vulgar. The programme ended laid down for Scouts and Guides. fortable place for a class- was written, the school ore to Scouting than just camping up with a medley of international room. It's the only has been considering a d hiking. songs by the Rangers. All in all, the ANGELINA CHOY. classroom to have fans, split. THE PREFECT INVESTITURE The annual Prefects' Investiture was held on the 1st March and school ties. Already they in­ 1978 in the school hall. The grand ceremony, one of the high­ spired awe in the pupils present at HAVE PEN lights of our school calender, was attended by the entire morning the ceremony. session, the PR I, the teachers, and was graced by the presence Wong Gam Loong the most of the guest of honour, Mr Dileep Nair. senior of the new prefects installed, took the Prefects' Promise on be- The Principal, in his address, aware of these students who "crave half of the new prefects. It was a noted that the prefectorial system for more freedom, freedom some­ solemn moment for the whole WILL TWIRL has worked very well in Rl and it what in line with that enjoyed by school with the prefects expressing "The periodic rotation or circumvolutic was because of "some of the fine their friends and contemporaries their sincerest wishes for the better­ of a regulated ink dispenser about the then traditions embedded in our prefec­ enrolled in the junior colleges". ment of our institution by setting a torial system that the school has He fully sympathised in principle noble example themselves. This eminence of the thumb caused by a rotatic been able to maintain such high with their views, he added. contrasted with the light-hearted force made by the first three phalanges of standards of conductand discipline". moments before and after the Homo sapien under mental stress" He feels that we should be deeply He proposed that there be — Promise, when inspiring songs were Which is the most ob- are some fellows who indebted to the members of the more vigorous election campaign sung by the entire school. A serious vious 'displacement acti­ perfectly at ease spinr Prefectorial Board for the 'tone and at Rl in the future with the candi­ speech was made shortly after this vity' one finds in the ten­ two pens, one in e character' of the school and the dates campaigning with posters, by our Head Prefect, Khaw Tat sion-filled atmosphere of hand. The most comn fact that there "exists in Rl the handbills, "soap box" orator — and Beng. a classroom? Chewing on a twirl is the forward f right climate for boys and girls to all the trimmings of an exciting In his address, the guest of rusty three-inch nail — (anti-clockwise) which pursue their studies, games and and well contested parliamentary honour, Mr. Dileep Nair, a former otherwise known as nail- also the easiest to mas other interests in a pleasant and election campaign, conducted on a Head Prefect in this school, current­ biting? Or is it birdwatch- This twirl can be perfo orderly environment". modified scale to suit the school campus setting. The PR I would also ly Vice-President of the Old Raffle- ing? No, it is pen-twirling. ed at high speeds for si He added, however, that though like to see a wider representation of sians' Association, pointed out that Pen-twirling caught on spins but there a s we must try to maintain the fine our school's many groups and or­ the enforcement of discipline by somewhere in the 70's. time lag between each ! traditions built up by our predeces­ ganisations on the Prefectorial the prefects is secondary to their Many have claimed the while the twirler gets sors in Rl, we should be prepared Board, some form of student parlia­ representation of the student body. honour of being the origi­ pen in the correct posit to discard' outdated and archaic ment, either a modified Prefectorial They should be the "school's baro­ nator of this delicate art. Experienced twirlers traditions and systems and replace Board or a student council, with meters" for they understand the But it is most probable do this very smoothly these with more modern and demo­ the Prefectorial Board as its major students best, being students them­ that is was started in the that the adjustments cratic methods of student leader­ executive arm. This would foster selves. He appreciated the fact that band or more specifically quite unnoticeable. ship and administration, lest we a greater sense of student participa­ being a prefect involves a lot of by the drummer boys who double-flick is a unior stagnate and our proud claim to be tion in the overall administration sacrifice and dedication and he call­ are so slick at handling the forward flick and premier school in Singapore be of the school and command the ed upon the students to give them their drum-sticks that the backward flick (clockv eroded by the junior colleges and respect and whole-hearted support their full co-operation and trust. sticks seemed to be attach­ 270°). It is very awkv some of the more progressive of the entire school community to As prefects, they were advised to ed to their hands by in­ to do the backward f schools in our Republic'. a greater degree than at present. be unfavouring, above all not to visible strings. Then one as a single spin so He observed that many Pre-U be alienated from the school body. fine day, during an un­ double-flick is used. students felt that the school regula­ This year 14 new prefects were The ceremony ended with the usually boring lesson, one double-flick lessens tions and the school system, design­ introduced. Amid much applause, singing of the school song — Auspi- of these hotshots must need for adjustments ed originally for secondary pupils, they strolled up to receive their cium Melioris Aevi. have picked his ball pen, cause the after-positior should not be rigidly applied to badges and crests, smartly dressed twirled it and what do the forward flick is our Pre-U students; and he was with long-sleeved clean white shirts CAROLYN TAN. you know, he started a starting position for craze. The idea spread like backward and visa ve a juicy bit of gossip and Veterans of this twirl pation (It was popular soon every self-respecting keep the pen in a consl then to conclude that a student was an acknow­ spin without much at visit to the office could ledged virtuoso. tion or concentration only mean one thing; trou­ becomes the natural t Recollection ble.) They were only too Pen-twirling is not just to do to a pen. The 'Daniel, these Europeans are fantastic. Their the anthem in the nude ..". kind to comfort me in my another thing to keep and last twirl-is the vert sportsmen have enormous feet and that alone 'Oh we aren't going to, supposed trauma and only itchy fingers occupied, it is spin (horizontal axis). sir. We've got our speedo too happy to exult in the a way of letting off mental beats us. You know I'm already more than six this-twirl, the pen st trunks on of course," I guilt of my "crime" which steam. One can know an­ feet but I only wear size six or seven gloves. at the index finger an beamed back at him. I was supposed to have other's mood just by You know what they wear? SIZE 12 Daniel! transferred from finge He looked at me and committed. watching the way he twirls Look at you. What is the size of your shoes? finger until it is betw assumed that certain se­ "Oh nothing really his pen. When he twirls the pinkie and the t "Size 12 sir," I replied the drift of the conversa­ raphic halo which made much," I breezed at them quickly, he iseitheragitated finger and then up and looked across the be­ tion and somehow mean­ my toes curl. Ever so gent­ with an assumed noncha­ or puzzling over a stiff down the fingers cont spectacled face behind the dered towards other topics ly as if cajoling some re­ lance. And there they were maths problem. When the ously. This spin can desk. It seemed to me that - feet. calcitrant three year old each endeavouring his best pen moves slowly, he is performed better or its owner was contemplat­ It was PRI's office and he explained, "I don't not to communicate to me, most probably day-dream­ larger and heavier ins ing on three options. one generally doesn't lead have to come to school the curiosity which was ing. When the pen keeps ments like a drum-s 1) He could wrap the type­ the conversation with the at 7.30 a.m. actually. eating their hearts and dropping, he is nervous. or a badminton rac writer ribbons round Principal. No, the Principal Work starts for me at heads off. When the twirling is un­ Fads like roller-skat my neck; leads one in conversation 9.00 but I still come along steady and hesistant, he is Since then more than a kite-flying, yo-yos 2) He could wrap the type­ and like it or not you fol­ just to be with you all for either a novice or just year has passed and I still come and go, but it Io writer round my neck; lowed. But always you assembly every morning waiting for his exam re­ can't really say much for as if pen-twirling is 3) He could give me one liked it. The man talked and the ministry ruling has sults to be announced. the most mandarin of all to stay. of those few wintry sense and what's more, it, that every student must R.I. personalities simply There are a few styles grimaces that could he usually had you dou­ attend assembly "you" because I never did know of pen-twirling — most of pass for a smile. bled up with some "pert see?" him very well. So if I which are done on the He opted for the last. observation" about the ec­ Every word was careful­ were ever to be approach­ right hand, though there TAN CHONG Y "Ha! Ha! Ha!" he guf­ centricities of human ly drawn out and enun­ ed to give my impressions fawed, "my, you've got beings. ciated. It reminded, me of of the PR I who left at the big feet!" "So," he continued, an ancient but appro­ end of 1977, I suppose all "Ha, Ha," I said in rep­ 'you simply cannot miss priate axiom. The boss is I would ever come up To Have And Have No ly. Feet isn't one of my morning assembly. It's a not always right but the with probably is a garbled strong points. As long as ministry ruling. You must boss is always the boss. . . . "He didn't tug a cane / know what it is to have, they walk I don't bother attend flag raising. It's So I replied, "Quite right around the place." "He I know what it is to have not, too much about them. your duty to your coun­ sir," and after the due had a pipe, which accord­ I also know what it is to have and Besides feet are the basics try," said he. obsequies departed. ing to him, never smoked" have not, of propulsion for the free "I know, but at Toa That wasn't too long ; "He spoke real funny" I also know what it is to have not style flick . .. but I digress. Payoh there is also a flag ago. I was in Sec. 4. Of and "He wasn't at all a and have, Anyway I was in the stand. I could get a couple course I trooped back to bad chap." office and while explaining of our chaps to hoist the class with an added impor­ Of course I would real­ No, I am not really blaming you, to me why my application red and white. They sing tance for HE HAD AC­ ly have liked to know him It is not your fault that you have, for missing assembly to at­ pretty good too, sir. And TUALLY SENT FOR ME. better but what the heck I just want to remind you, tend a swimming session at the pledge is also just as "Hey WHAT HAPPEN­ . . . he's gone you know. It is not a crime to have not. the Toa Payoh complex easily said." ED?" whispered all my was being turned down, "You simply can't sing friends with gleeful antici­ DANIEL WEE GOH KONG YO Status Symbols In My Community but surely this is not what we want our socie­ ty to become, as other The desire for the possession of status syrrr- among people. They help prestigious.) If you really such practices out of the societies in developed ols among Singaporeans has swelled from a to widen the gap between want to save lives, you window. But what is dis­ countries have become. mall minority of the population to a large the rich and the poor, should become a fireman turbing is that Singaporeans Maybe we should examine lumber. People, as they become more affluent, who are overawed by the or a pastor. That's where have suddenly become so our attitudes towards life possessions of the rich, naturally have more money to spend and some the really heroic people go materialistic and are plac­ again, lest we lose what whereas the rich look anyway. lave made it their sole preoccupation to collect ing so much importance our forefathers possessed, down their noses at the Status symbols and on the acquisition of ma­ a strength that enabled ossessions, which, they feel, will give them a poor because they have 'keeping up with the Jone­ terial things solely for the them to build the solid superior status in the eyes of other men. more money. It also helps ses' have been around for status they bring. Perhaps foundations on which Ever been impressed by the Cross pen suddenly make people class-con­ a long time and it would this is the result of being Singapore stands today. mebody's Alfa Romeo became very popular a few scious, just when we are be utterly fruitless to so highly urbanised and his expensive Rolex years ago because it was trying to create a classless even attempt to throw thus more sophisticated CAROLYN TAN atch (complete with oy- simply a good pen. It was society. Nothing shows er case) or perhaps his/ more likely that it had your wealth and class er Christian Dior outfit? become another status more than your rich and r the over $100 Lanvin symbol. My opinion was vulgar possessions. Status PRE-U ONE INTER-CLASS irt? Well, such things confirmed when I once symbols are not just limit­ ave more effect on you saw two girls at a shopping ed to tangible things like nan you may think. Nor centre hanging a Cross pen a grand house, a swimming MATHEMATICS COMPETITION re status symbols just li- round their necks, like a pool or a big car; jobs In collaboration with the annual inter-class tournaments, a ited to adults. Times pendant. also confer a particular Mathematics competition organized by the Maths and Science ave certainly changed and Ever seen teenagers status, and this influences ie eagerness and rapidity with rolled-up jeans so your choice of a career Society was held for the Pre-U 1 Science classes. There were two f people of all ages (even that they can reveal their very much. How many secondary aims for this competition; firstly to orientate the people take up medicine hildren nowadays become Kickers shoes to the fullest students and secondly to spot potential candidates for future out of a sincere desire to onscious of such things at advantage? So what, you competitions and quizes. heal the sick and save n early age) to strive to may say. Such people are In the preliminary round, representatives from each class were lives? No doubt it could ollect status symbols is immature and superficial required to sit for a theory Maths. test. The test comprised basic be one of the reasons but ertainly a cause for alarm. and they have no effect not their main reason. maths. question, compiled by a Pre-U Two student, Benedict tudents in school can be on me. But they influence Perhaps closer to the Cheong. sen brandishing tennis you more than you would heart is the knowledge The finals were held after the Chinese New Year and the classes ackets when they can't ever care to admit. Some that a medical career could that succeeded in reaching this round were Science A, B, E and F. ven play a stroke. Some people see other people's status symbols with grudg­ earn you bags of gold and, The winners being science B, F, A and E, in order of merit. f them carry them where- more important, it is a er they go. And of course ing admiration, and they Individual winners: impress them. Others profession that people t will be indecent to play have a lot of respect for. 1st : Tan Eng Chye (1 Science F) ennis without wearing publicly show their scorn for such things but are (If you belong to the 2nd: Yap Keng Bee (1 Science B) roper tennis clothes and privately envious. In a medical profession your 3rd : Peter A. Pang (1 Science A) hoes. Take away those way, status symbols are words will have more hoes and clothes and half Tan Shek Wah (1 Science E) bad because they can cre­ weight in social circles. he fun's gone out of ate a lot of ill-feeling In other words, it is more KATHERINE NADARAJAH. ennis. Neither do I think HAS THE KIWI CUP is we who will have to decide the future of A FUTURE? the Kiwi Cup. For if a compromise cannot be ar­ This season's Kiwi Cup equality in both teams. ranged, the traditional matches between R.I. and But it is not as clear cut match between R.I. and Saints have brought a lot as it seems, for our se­ Saints might have to be of speculation regarding condary students would be scrapped. This would the fielding of the teams playing against some of mean a lot to us and to fighting for the cup. This Saint Andrew's over-aged the old Rafflesians. is due to Saint Andrew's students (who by right Many suggestions have School terminating their should be in the post been brought up, and Pre-University Classes, secondary team). In this these include having Under- hence reducing the student way, we would be on the 16 teams so that both population to that of losing side. sides have players of equal purely a secondary school. The question of Saint age; or perhaps including According to the original Andrew's combining with a few Pre-u players to Cup agreement, both their own college and play­ compensate for the over- schools were to put up ing against our full Kiwi aged students of the Saints. their best team and play it team is not possible. Ac­ But in all these cases, in two leg matches for cording to Mr. Harry Tan, the original pact of field­ the Cup. Therefore, Saint the two schools are under ing the best team is not Andrew's might is thus different managements agreed to. No doubt Saints limited to that of the and have different Prin­ would have their best team, Secondary Fours, whereas cipals. Even the mottos we would NOT! we in R.I. have a strong of the two schools are The duel being a few team of players ranging different. Hence, in terms months away leaves not from secondary to Pre-U of "ideology" the college much time for us to come level. students are not all heart to a careful solution. We The Principal of Saint and soul for rugby, as a Rafflesians, always being Andrew's, Mr. Harry Tan, majority come from other upright and just, must feels that this is a dis­ schools which specialise in make the match as clean advantage to them, and other games. Furthermore, as possible. Therefore it is has personally appealed to the distance between the left to the entire popula­ our Principal, Mr. Singa- two schools is tremendous tion of R.I. to come up money that R.I.and Saints and to have Kiwi-Centra­ with a decision. Let's come to a compromise . lised training would be hope a perfect solution perhaps limiting the R.I. very difficult. can be found! team to secondary school Thus the dilemma is only, so there would be pushed back to us and it BENNY GOH Colour Awards, The Ceremony The Colour Award presentation ceremony on the 25th of February this year, saw R.I. among the schools with the most TEEING-OFF awards received. The venue was the R.I. auditorium and the Just before the school closed for the holi­ BAD WEATHER time was 10 a.m. days in November last year. Raffles Institution There were Natio This grand ceremony started with the arrival of the guest of Honour, felt the absence of 50-odd girls who had follow­ Service men on duty t Dr. Ahmad Mattar, Acting Minister for Social Affairs. A warm welcome ed Mr. Hector Chee to the Island Country Their job was to ens speech was then given by the chairman of the Singapore Schools' Club, not to swim, or bowl or play golf, but that the radios were fu Sports Council, Mr. Tooh Fee San. After a short address by the guest to undertake an important task — to keep tioning properly. All ' of Honour, Dr. Mattar, the hundred and seventy-one proud sportsmen score for the golfers in the Colgate Far East girls were glad that t and sportswomen then went up to receive their meritorious awards. Women's Open Championships. were a polite, well-beha The short but important ceremony ended with a reception at the old though not too articul Rl model. The girls, all from Pre- day, there was some con­ lot. U one classes, were each fusion about the change of R.l.'s colours were raised high for the year 1977 when 21 Rafflesians The third and last c given two free T-shirts, shifts and one unfortunate received their awards in their respective sports that day. R.I. was the was a wet one. Howev two skirts and a hat, group was left out on the school with the second highest number of awards, the first being Hwa muddy fields were p and were paid $6 a day. golf course for almost four Chong Junior College with 22 awards. The school excelled in 10 forms ferable to the blazing l They were to work for hours without any lunch. of sports and the most awards as expected were received for Softball, sun. There were strict three days, and working the bulk going to the girls. We also received colour awards for Air- structions from the "bo hours were from 7.30 am, Lunch was a posh affair. Rifle shooting, the very first time awards were given for this sport. to be especially care to about 5.00 pm. There Most of the girls had to The sports and the respective award winners are: — where the addition of were some comments from spend all the $6 in order Air-rifle — Mas. Wong Keng scores was concerned parents concerned that to really fill themselves. Gymnastics — Mas. Gan Chai San (1st Re-award) many spectators would this was cheap labour. Others, who wanted to — Mas. Chia Kim Sun, Richard following closely Nevertheless the girls de­ save, brought their own Hockey — Mas. Ong Teck Ghee (1st. Re-award) scores put up. cided to go for the sake of food. — Miss Melanie Martens (3rd Re-award) After the prize pres experience. Judo — Mas. Chia Hee Meng (1st Re-award) By the end of the first tation, all the girls w — Mas. Wong Kong Lin day, they had familiarised THE PROBLEM WITH called to assemble fo — Miss Margaret Koh Wei Eng (2nd Re-award) themselves with the golfers, group photograph to m FOOD Soccer — Mas. Au-Yeong Pak Kuan and many even picked up the memorable occasi — Mas. Suhaimi AM. their favourites. Each girl went home v Luckily for them the Softball — Mas. Lim Yit Beng various impressions. A f 11th of Nov. dawned Messages concerning — Miss Ngo Ai Lin (1st Re-award) were as enthusiastic as bright and clear. They the golfer's scores were — Miss Wang Wei Lin (1st Re-award) 1st day, some were disi were divided into three transmitted by radio from — Miss Zuraida Kamaruddin (1st Re-award) sioned, one or two ' groups. One group manned the tournament house >to Tennis - Mas. Roslan bin Sumaidi (1st Re-award) their intelligence insult the subsidiary score-boards the subsidiary score-boards. Trackand field — Mas. Cheong Chung Chin and a handful were sim out on the golf course; Handling of the radios was — Miss Josiane Pestana too tired to think anyth one was in charge of the great fun! Before the day Swimming — Mas. Danny Ee Kee Yong (3rd Re-award) at all! But they shared main score-boards facing was over, however, the Waterpolo — Mas. Tan Eng Chiang, Gregory thing in common - the spectators, while the girls learnt to put the ear- — Mas. Loh Yong Liang agreed that tolerance i third group rested and pieces about 10 cm from — Mas. Matthew Tan Say Ann. humility are important waited to relieve a group their ears to prevent any tues in the working wo BENNY GOH. possible damage to their after the lapse of two TAN SU YU hours. As it was the first sense of hearing.

The Teachers' Common Room :.. The day begins at 7.30 from a student's point of view "Careful, my neck"

"Ooh!" The agony of it all. "What luck!" Excused from PE.

... especially when were are other things Work can be pretty boring at times... to interest the mind. By recess, half the "day" is almost over... An Eye On R.I..

.. . and it's not long before the dismissal when the stairways Meanwhile, someone has already found The afternoon is used for ECA (Extra Curious become thronged with students. a quiet place to review the day's work. Activities). I wonder what they're up to here? The prosecution on the other hand looked set to win the case, with all available evidence point­ Honesty's The Best Policy ing towards the prisoner's guilt. It's unbelievable! How Boon Leng was the could such a thing happen Secretary of the "Old Both counsels should to an Rl prefect? Would Grangean's club", a recrea­ be complimented for their you believe that Teo Boon tion cJub set up by a group professional attitude in Leng was charged with of old boys of his alma delivering their case. Their cheating a recreation club mater, Grange High School. spontaneity and vehe­ of $3 000? The club's funds, totalling mence in argument added Of course you would — $3,000, were put in his a touch of reality to the at least for those who trust for the purchase of a situation. Both were equal­ were present in the AVA clubhouse at a later date. ly convincing with their theatrette on the after­ However, Boon Leng, who pleas to the jury (com­ noon of 9th March, for on was a bookmaker's clerk, prising 6 boys and 6 girls that afternoon a mock used the money to place from Pre-U 2) giving them trial was held before "ma­ a bet on a horse, which he a tough time in reaching gistrate" M. Selvakumar. thought had a strong a verdict. In fact, votes For the occasion, the thea­ chance of winning. He ap­ had to be taken three trette was transformed parently hoped to use the times before the jury ar­ from what is usually a winnings, which would rived at their verdict — hushed room, with students have amounted to 10 which was a pronounce­ paying attention to either times the amount of the ment of "NOT GUILTY" ETV programmes or lec­ existing club funds, to pur­ due to lack of incrimina­ Defence Counsel Tay Hwee Tian delivers his summary to an intent audience. tures, to a court room chase a clubhouse. When ting evidence. filled with lively debates the chairman, who was a between prosecutor Eliza­ pious church goer, dis­ The witnesses too de­ "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, beth Isaac and defence covered what had happen­ serve some mention. counsel Tay Hwee Tian. ed to the funds, he did Though one or two of the not hesitate to report witnesses tended to be too Organised by the Eng­ Boon Leng to the police, quiet, the performances of Lend Me Your Ears..." lish LDCS, the "trial" maintaining that the Se­ the witnesses on the whole attracted an attendance of It has been traditional practice, they will be put­ more of the roles will be cretary had fraudulently were very true-to-life. well over a hundred. In an the Raffles Players ting on the play at the placed in the hands of the converted the club's funds attempt to fulfill its role as Judging from the in­ put on a Shakespearian Cultural Centre. boys from the junior ses­ to hisown use. a literary and debating terest and enthusiastic res­ y each year and this Rehearsals for the play sion, so that they can be Society, the English LDCS So, there we were in ponse shown by the au­ r they have chosen to have been going on fairly given a chance to display thought that a mock trial the AVA theatrette wit­ dience, the verdict should ct Julius Caesar, to be smoothly and sessions are their potential talent. It is would be the best avenue nessing both prosecutor have been that it was a formed on the 27th heavy. Many more students hoped that with all the through which debating and defence counsel pit- fine show put on by the than before will be in­ hard work and sacrifice 28th of April. How- and elocution could be ting their wits and elocu­ English LDCS and that its volved, including a huge put in this year, the play r, unlike previous years, promoted. tionary skills against each committee members re will be a change of cast of 23 and a produc­ will turn out a greatsuccess. For those who are still other. Right from the should put their heads ue, for instead of per­ tion team of some fifty wondering how Boon Leng beginning, the defence was. together again to prepare ming it at the Victoria odd students. In contrast got himself entangled with faced with an uphill task, for an encore. to the previous years, DAISY CHAN eatre, which is the usual the law, here's what hap­ with only 2 witnesses pened: testifying on their behalf. TKM Soccer Fever The Changing Face Of The Soccer is without doubt win and, more often than currently exposed also to Open any copy of The having editions covering the most popular game in not, we were right. the skills of visiting teams. Rafflesian, and one never fails latter half of one year and the Rafflesian gapore today. It was Soccer is taken very Sports is emphasized in to reopen long-forgotten, earlier half of the following, y in recent years that seriously in Singapore, not R.I. and here again soccer musty corridors of history. future editions would cover here and there. He once said cer claimed this posi- only because of its popu­ is the game with the big­ Trivalialities, incidents, atti­ one whole year at a time — of the Rafflesian, "nothing When all of a sudden larity but also because it is gest following. There is tudes, experiences — they all from January to December. more comprehensively tells gapore became a sports the most likely game to do always a good turnout at have their place in the maga­ the school's history or reveals Mr. Philip Liau, through its traditions, or records its ion, soccer was the Singapore proud. In order football matches, be it zine. Reading the Rafflesian is reliving timeless moments his years of association with achievements, or declares its e with the biggest fol- to get the best team to home or 'away' matches. and looking back upon the the school, had always, lent policies, or files its standards." ng. Just looking at represent the country With no intentions of years the school has traversed the "noble series" his support discriminating or flattering queue for tickets for a tournaments are held, with since its beginnings. by writing the forewords, thcoming match will be the talent scouts busy at anyone, I would say that designing the covers and offer­ ugh to show how work. Regular trials are our soccer team is what a The magazine has gone ing constructive suggestions LEE CHUNG HORN >ular the game is. We undertaken. Due to the team should be. Just see­ through many changes, the v only see the male increasing popularity of ing them train three times most recent of which is the at the matches but also the game, training schemes a week and during morn­ revision in format. Instead of female sex. Further sponsored by companies ing P.E will make you JAZZ Gymnastics are carried out for the agree with what I have to lence of the game's preciated. R.I. has some One of the latest intro­ rhythmics. Training ses­ young. Thus, potential say. Our soccer team pos­ lularity is firstly the promising players and I am ductions in R.I. is a type sions are held every Mon­ players can be moulded sesses almost all the quali­ acity crowd of about confident that the team as of gymnastics called rhy­ day at 3.30 pm. The club from the beginning. Soccer ties of an ideal team, 000 fans at each pro- a whole will do the impos­ thmic gymnastics or, in is anxious to purchase is a game that does not character-wise. They show ing game, and secondly sible this year and do R.I. short, rhythmics. In what apparatus like special balls lack sponsors. Firms are co-operation, tolerance, home crowd popula- proud. All the best, boys. ways is it different from and hoops which will im- willing to sponsor matches, determination, under­ at 'away' matches. Soccer is not only an the usual gymnastics? Well, prove the standard of rhy­ commentaries and tele­ One of the most standing, cheerfulness, entertainment but an asset for one thing, it is less thmic gymnastics in our casts. For example, Metro ishing facts about sporting spirit and so in character-building. Soc­ strenuous and simpler. It school. However, because sponsored the 20th Anni­ er is the great know- much brotherliness. They cer is not only a game of is more of a dance — a this apparatus is by no versary Metro Soccer Qua­ |e of the game which sweat it out together, de­ kicking the ball and scor­ series of body exercises means cheap, the club has drangular, in which Celtic, the youngest seem to spite the inevitable pitfalls, ing the goals but a game where co-ordination of to have an increase in Arsenal, Red Star Belgrade Take my cousin for and because they show so that gives opportunities movements plays an im­ membership before this is and Singapore participated. mple. At the age of much courage and deter­ for leadership training portant role. Rhythmics done. We always have commer­ and civic-consciousness. It e, she knew the names mination, I sincerely hope Is also supposed to help A few members have cial firms, sponsoring our makes a person learn to faces of our National that their ambition to win in making the gymnast commented that apart commentaries, the most work with a team and be fers and knew things the national title this year more graceful. At the ad­ from the aches and pains, popular of which is Levi's. will be fulfilled. The soc­ responsible. To date, sports vanced stage, rhythmic 'off-side' and 'referee it is on the whole rather cer boys intend 1978 to be is one of the best ways gymnastics, as the name u'. She was also fond To ensure that our Na­ interesting. So rhythmics a successful year for them of moulding a person's suggests, is done to the redicting scores. Both tional team will always be might just be what you're and are going all out to character. rhythmn of music, be it JS were the same when improving, prominent looking for! raise funds for their inten­ jazz or classical. came to predicting coaches are employed and sive training. Your fullest KATHERINE es. The team we were regular intensive trainings At present there are support will be deeply ap­ sorting were sure to are held. Our boys are NADARAJAH about 20 girls involved in CHRISTINA KHOO When the Rugby team played the visiting Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) from Thailand last September, it seemed to be the last event of the year. How­ ever, we were invited to participate in the 2nd Asian Schools' Rugby Championships in Bang­ kok, in December. So while the Pre-U Twos Henry Kwok joined us at and Secondary Fours were the hotel and added much preparing for their final to the fun and laughter. exams, the Pre-U Ones Later, we had a reunion were training hard and with our friends from raising funds in prepara­ AFAPS when we went to tion for the tour. Centra­ train on their grounds. lised training began imme­ On the second day, the diately after our exams opening ceremony was and for that short period held at the National Sta­ of ten days, we did what­ dium. Dressed smartly in ever we could to regain our blazers, we had the our fitness and form. honour of leading the Together with us on the other contingents round trip were Mr. Philip Liau, the track. Mr. Hector Chee, Mr. Heng We played our first Jee Yong, Mr. Himmat game against King's College Singh and our coaches, the following day. They Mr. Seah Heng Cheng and were the toughest team Mr. Ng Hon Cheong — our in our group, but we put six officials. The team itself up a good fight to trail comprised four Sec. 4s, only 6-9 at half time. twelve Pre-U 1s and 8 Pre- Outside Sakol Hi U 2s. So on the 14th of December, our 30-strong that did not know the contingent left for Bang­ sics of the game. kok. Among our many We made amends well-wishers at the airport the SDAR game by b was Mr. Sigamoney. ing St. Thomas' Col Due to a flight delay, 23-4 in our 3rd game. we arrived at Bangkok at had a good first half 1.15 a.m. on the 15th. faded out in the sec A bus brought us to Sakol Anyway, with two vi Hotel where we stayed ries, we were runner: throughout the tourna­ in our group, thus < ment. A total of eig lifying for third and fo teams took part. From placings. Taiwan, the West Lake The finals were to Commercial and Industrial played under floodligh High School; from Malay­ whole new experience sia, Sekolah Tuanku Abdul us. And, with Vajirav Razak (SDAR); from Sri college as our oppone Lanka, St. Thomas College we knew we were in and Trinity College; from a tough time. Once ag Thailand, Vajiravudh Col­ we played below form lege and King's College; lost the game 18-0. Ag and from Singapore, St. our late nights in swot Andrew's School and Rl. for the end of the That first day, Mr. examinations had ta Our team perform their their toll. Our coac Moari dance at a dinner described our team as c hosted by the Armed- 65% fit. To make mat Forces Academy worse, our boys were Preparatory School. affected by sore thr influenza, and dry I and had to drink copi In the second half, we draughts of water. H continued to tackle hard, ever, we were satisl but our fitness gave in, with fourth place. and in the last ten minutes, champions were the the powerful Thais ran wanese who troun through us to win 33-6. King's College 22-0 in The score did not matter, finals. though, as we knew we had played our best. The entire trip wa rich experience for all The Malaysians met us us, and a very educatio in our second game. It one, too. We visited turned out to be a very Royal Palace, the farm scrappy affair as both Floating Market, R teams struggled against Garden and several t each other. Thanks to our ples. Of course, we sh kicker, Lai Huat, we won ped a lot as well. All 1 the game 9-6 (three kicks was made possible by to two). Our coaches were wonderful officials, most displeased with our friends from AFAPS, performance and the next Mr. Chaloke Komara morning, the Bangkok president of the T At the Rose-Gardens with trained elephants. Post described us as a team Rugby Union. The Rl contingent provided everything we However, the most en- much to learn from the required, and we were ble thing about the hotel receptionists, the even invited to dinner by was making friends. maids, the waiters in the Vajiravudh and AFAPS. surprised even our- restaurant, the other teams, Well, before we knew s when we found it our liaison officers and it, we had to leave Bang­ a pleasure to meet new our hosts. We picked up kok. Saying goodbye to le. Communication many Thai phrases, includ­ our friends was the saddest no problem. To the ing a Thai song, "Loy part of the trip. We is, Sri Lankans and Krathong". We saw the returned to Singapore on lysians we spoke loyalty of the Thais to the night of the 24th and ish while to the Tai- their country and their although we were glad to ese, we exercised our respect for their king. And be home, our hearts were darin and other dia- it was very interesting to still in Bangkok. Certainly, . We realised that talk to other teams about the memories of the trip education in school school in their countries. will be treasured long in ed us become extreme- One thing we will never our minds. popular in Bangkok. forget was the hospitality yday, there was so we received. The Thais R.I. RUGGER TEAM

corals and other marine achievements which in­ and suggested to them, the life, was another of his clude the recent Rotary production of the now ideas. This mural will al­ International Award for a well-known Talking Maga- ways serve as a reminder- highly commended IU. -zine. He felt that people to present, past and future (International Understand­ who could see should try Rafflesians of the innum­ ing) project, the Bill Snow and help the Blind by erable contributions made Trophy, the Brig. Young lending their visual abili­ by Mr. Liau, 'the Raffles Shield, as well as the Ser­ ties to read for them, so of New R.I. vice Shield for the best why not students of R.I.? The Interact Club was service project in District Today, the above societies given a new boost when 330 (south-east Asia). have indeed produced Mr. Liau took over as the These achievements reflect • tapes on various interest­ teacher-adviser in 1966 not only the students' ing features to present to when the club was still in efforts but equally, if not the Society for the Blind. its infancy. In the 11 more, Mr. Liau's fine gui­ These clubs have bene­ years, until his retirement, dance. fitted a great deal from his Himat Singh seen with Mr. Hector Chee, on board the plane that brought them Mr. Liau's encouragement More recently, Mr. Liau wisdom and experience home from Bangkok. and guidance has undoubt- called the committees of and thus would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the years of expert advice and wish FINALLY... CONTRIBUTIONS him the very best in his future endeavours. — a follow-up on our tribute to Mr. Liau — Raffles Institution takes The Raffles Art Club undertook the task of re­ edly helped the club to at­ the Interact Club, Charity HENG SWEE KEAT at pride in the numer- must certainly owes its designing the school crest. tain many spectacular Squad and RafflesianTimes TAI BOON LEONG societies and clubs it existence to Mr. Liau, for The double-headed eagle, to offer to its student it was he who helped in the very symbol of Raffles ulation and also in the the setting up of the Institution, was given its POSTSCRIPT t that most of them, if club way back in the present majestic ap­ all, are run by the 1950's when he was just a pearance and thus a new This edition of the Rafflesian Times is dedicated to Mr. Philip dents with the teachers teacher then. The Art life by Mr. Liau. Other Liau. It is hoped that this will show a portion of the gratitude that ing the advisory roles. Club has achieved great works of his can be seen the students owe him. . Philip Liau during his success in the competitions in the school magazine, With the publication of this issue, the RT committee of 1977/78 and exhibitions it has The Rafflesian, as well m as the PR I has done will retire. They have produced a special (bumper) issue with six ch towards these or- participated in throughout as the programme covers lisations whether it be the years. Being an artist for Founder's Days and pages in full colour to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Times, ting the foreward of himself (his specialty being Sport's Days. Another pro­ since its creation in 1963. It has always been the policy of the school magazines published oil paintings), Mr. Liau ject undertaken with the newspaper to publicise opinions and views of the student body. them or suggesting believes that art is an sound and expert advice of However, it has been our disappointment in the past that few have as that are often diffi- excellent way to express Mr. Liau was the mam­ given any personal opinion. We hope therefore, to revive the opinion t but not impossible one's views and has there­ moth mural in the swim­ column and thus create a lively debate within the school. All contri­ accomplish. The Raf- fore greatly encouraged ming pool. The theme of butions will receive complete consideration from the editorial board. Art Club and Inter- students to take up art, the mural, depicting an Your contributions will certainly make the school paper more re­ Club are the two in despite the trend of the underwater scene of the presentative of the Student body. TIMES. ich he has been most 60's and 70's towards the sea with its shoals of ively involved. sciences. In 1966, he brightly coloured fishes