A NEWSPAPER BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS 2021 EDITION

Radin Mas Teachers who A Greener Our Mascots is 95! inspire us tell their Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 stories Page 6 Radin Mas Welcomes Minister of Education By Mr Chua Wee Nam 9 April. It was a chance for the with some students during their As the entourage walked past, minister to see students and staff recess break! Nur Katrina Olamide Karunwi, at work and at play. In addition to Rayyan Bin Helmi, Vice-Head 6A, stepped forward with pen and speaking to students and staff at Student Ambassador, was nervous paper. dialogue sessions, the minister also at first about his presentation to the “I didn’t think I would get his interacted with students in Class Minister but was won over by his autograph. I thought he would be 3D and watched them engage in a warm and fun-loving personality. too busy,” said Katrina. Much to lively ICT-enabled lesson by Miss “I was delighted when we took her surprise, Minister Lawrence Miranti Abdullah. a wefie with him! He actually Wong happily agreed to her The minister caught up with came down to be at our level to request, and Katrina now proudly students along the way as he take the picture. This showed his displays her prize at home. toured the school. He had candid thoughtfulness,” said Rayyan, Radin Mas Primary School conversations with students and 6N. “I believe that when the time was pleased to host Mr Lawrence answered any questions they had. comes, he will surely be up to the Wong, Minister of Education, on He even stopped to play games task as he has the heart.”

Challenges, Innovations and OUR TEAM What Matters during a pandemic

By Phuah Ray Jie, Brendan, 5A Ng, 2A, added that he felt worried Circuit Breaker, he made use of More than a year has passed when everyone in school was in his time working from home to since the Circuit Breaker, Singapore’s masks and seated far away from explore new skills. version of a nationwide lockdown each other. Modern communication tools and preventive measure against the “It felt like we were all isolated like Zoom or Google Meet have spread of the COVID-19 virus, was in some way or other, not knowing been used widely to restore work- put into place on 7 April 2020. The when the pandemic will be over,” said and-study interaction. Indeed, Ms pandemic has changed the way we Frank. Penelope Ong, a banker, was able to study, work and interact with each Still, after a year, most people have continue meeting remotely with her other. become used to the Safe Management colleagues in Singapore and India As of April 2021, there have been Measures (SMM). It has become a from her home. Mr Karl Yap Ee Hao, more than 60,000 cases of local and habit for them to practise good a front desk relationship manager, imported COVID-19 infection in hygiene. Mdm Ivy Chan, an RMPS was also able to provide financial Singapore. In Radin Mas Primary teacher, expressed hope that these advice to his clients easily with the Student Reporters 14. Seet Liting Katelynn, 6N 27. Yap Sing En, 4R help of communication technologies. 1. Tan Woon Han Andrea, 5I 15. Kayla Cheng Yu Haam, 3D 28. Koh Yu Tong , 6M School, we do our part to keep the good practices, like wearing a mask 2. Ong Min Xuan Avril, 5M 16. Looi En Ni, 6D 29. Soh Zhe Shen Zara, 3M virus at bay. For instance, recess whenever we are unwell, will remain. Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, 3. Phuah Ray Jie, Brendan, 5A 17. Lee Po Rong Marcus, 6N times are staggered* and students The pandemic also gave us a Associate Professor at S Rajaratnam 4. Lim Yu Xi Carrie, 3A 18. Maxus Lui Zhao Jie, 4N Teachers 5. Ye Changxin, 6M 19. Ng Enqi Megan, 5I - Mr Chua Wee Nam must sit according to an assigned chance to experiment with new School of International Studies and 6. Loo Sixuan Chloe, 6N 20. Seow Min Ann Megan, 4R - Mdm Pauline Wong arrangement. While necessary, these technology at home, at work and Ms Ng Imm, Senior Lecturer at 7. Cruz Tay Le, 3D 21. Sam Jun Yu, 4N - Mdm Wong Yu Ling Ngee Ann Polytechnic, also found 8. Evan Tan, 4D 22. Teo Sei Yu, 6M - Mdm Tan Pei Shi Sandy measures have caused some anxiety in school. Mr Akmal Rahman, a 9. Gwyneth Vivienne Oscar, 3I 23. Stacy Law Ze Teng, 3R - Mdm Roszanah Binte initially. computer scientist and teacher, that working from home gave 10. Lee Hong Rui, 4N 24. Zhang Taoran, 3N Kamarudin them a quiet space to focus on 11. Joshua Pang Yi Fei, 3M 25. Sui Kang Le Theophilus, 5M - Miss Tan Jia Min Zehn Zaidi, 4N, said that wearing shared that while he could not 12. Joshua Soh You Jun, 4D 26. Dhulasidharan Trishna - Mdm Cindy Chang the mask for long hours made him teach in schools and work in his their jobs. 13. Joyce Teow Si Yu, 6M Malika , 6D feel very uncomfortable at first. Frank coding laboratory during the ■ Continued on Page 3

1 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION GOING GLOBAL Exploring the Red Planet: Mars Rover By Cruz Tay Le and Let’s meet the team of rovers in February 2021. Its mission is to Kayla Cheng Yu Haam, 3D which are all uniquely designed! look for signs of present life and see if Mars is a fascinating planet in our The first rover, named Sojourner, humans could one day explore Mars. Solar System that is quite similar to landed on Mars in 1997. It is the Perseverance is still hard at work and Earth. It has four seasons, channels first wheeled robot to explore the you can stay tuned for updates of its carved by water, polar ice caps, and Red Planet. Later in 2004, two exploration on Mars online! volcanoes. Mars looks red in outer rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, Maybe one day, you might be one space, earning it the nickname ‘Red landed on Mars. Their mission was of the astronauts to explore Mars! P l a n e t ’. to find evidence of water on Mars. How cool would that be? Presently, astronauts are unable Interestingly, they found that Mars Visit https://mars.nasa.gov/ to to explore Mars themselves. had water a long time ago! learn more about the Mars missions. Therefore, over the past years, the In 2012, the fourth rover named Explore Mars through the many National Aeronautics and Space Curiosity was sent to find out if Mars pictures and videos sent by the MERs Administration (NASA) has sent ever had what life needs – water (Mars Exploration Rovers). Art by Cruz Tay Le, 3D robotic vehicles, called rovers, to and the right chemical ingredients. Mars. Scientists use them to study Curiosity discovered a crater that Mars and send information back to had the ingredients that ancient life The newest rover comes with a helicopter called Ingenuity! them so that they can learn more would have needed to survive. Scientists hope to fly it on the planet. about the planet. NASA’s fifth rover Having found out that life Check it out! only recently landed on Mars in potentially existed in the past, a fifth https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/#Watch-Online February 2021! rover named Perseverance was sent

Joseph R. Biden, 46th US President Kamala Harris By Sui Kang Le Theophilus, 5M By Ong Min Xuan Avril, 5M What would you be doing at the If you thought that women were limited age of 78? Working? Or perhaps to certain jobs and professions, think again! retired? Mr Joseph R. Biden, 78, Kamala Harris is the first woman, first became the 46th president of the African-American, and first Asian-American United States, the oldest president to become the Vice President of the United in the country’s history. Biden States. broke the record for the most It is amazing that Ms Harris became the first woman ever to hold votes received for any candidate, this office. When asked what he thought about Kamala Harris, Mr amassing over 70 million votes! Jeremy Chua, the reporter’s uncle, said, “I think she is amazing that Why does this matter to us she has accomplished something that most women could not. Being here in Singapore? The U.S. is a Vice President of the United States is no easy feat, and it says a great very valuable trading partner for deal more about the person who made it possible.” Singapore, with trade between Mr James Ong, the reporter’s father, felt that Kamala Harris, as the two countries worth about a district attorney, had a good knowledge of the law, and that made US$57 billion annually. With a her a good fit for the job. “As an attorney, she has a sense of justice new president taking the lead to do the right things. Therefore, Miss Harris will care for the people in the United States, its trade under her charge. So as the Vice President of the United States, she policies with Asia may change. As standing military relations with the held many different political offices will speak on behalf of the people so that the country will prosper,” we trade important items from US. The US sells arms to Singapore since 1970. Before he became said Mr Ong. the US like mineral fuels, medical and also give her access to millitary the president, he was also Vice Who knows? Maybe after reading this article of an independent instruments and electronic bases for Singapore’s army forces President to Mr Barack Obama, and strong woman, more girls might be inspired to follow Kamala machinery, if Mr Biden decides to train. the 44th President. During that Harris’ example! to change the US’ trade policy One of the new president’s time, he visited Singapore in Scan the QR Codes to learn more about women in politics and decides to stop trade with first moves was to enforce 2013 and met with our leaders, Singapore, a lot of companies the requirement on wearing including the late Minister Mentor might shut down, leaving people masks. President Biden has Mr Lee Kuan Yew. When the next unemployed. However, this scenario also signed a global climate election for the U.S. president is highly unlikely as trade with pact for the US to re-join the Paris comes in 2024, Mr Biden will Singapore is also very important climate accord. be 82 years old. Will he run for Mdm Halimah Yacob, Queen Elizabeth II, Angela Merkel, President of the Republic Monarch of United Kingdom Chancellor of the Federal to the US. Joseph R. Biden was born in president again when the time of Singapore Republic of Germany Singapore also has long Scranton, Pennsylvania. He has comes?

What is happening in Myanmar now? Scan the QR Code to learn about Myanmar The military’s coup d’etat* set off mass Coup d’état in Myanmar protests, the largest ever since the Saffron By Koh Yu Tong, 6M removed the country’s elected leader and her Revolution in 2007, when thousands of The military is now back in charge of government from power. She and the members monks rose up against the military regime. Myanmar and has announced that the country of her political party, the National League for Water cannons, rubber bullets and live will be under a state of emergency for one Democracy (NLD), are among the hundreds ammunition have been used by the security year. of people being detained by the military. The forces to disperse protesters. This coup in military seized control on Monday, 1 February Myanmar has affected their people. Since Word Bank following a general election which the NLD May 30, more than 700 protestors have coup d’état (noun) - the removal and party won by a landslide. The military has reportedly been killed. Business investors seizure of a government and its powers also said that it will hold a “free and fair” have also slowed or stopped their activities election once the state of emergency is over. and this has affected the livelihoods Who was Myanmar’s previous leader? of people. Aung San Suu Kyi has been Myanmar’s Why Myanmar matters to Singapore state counsellor, which is a position like a Since 2001, Singapore has been supporting prime minister, ever since her party won in Myanmar’s development through the Myanmar’s first openly contested election Singapore Cooperation program. Singapore in 25 years in 2015. She had spent nearly 15 and Myanmar enjoy warm bilateral relations. years in detention between 1989 and 2010 Economic relations are growing and Singapore after organising rallies calling for democratic is consistently among Myanmar’s top investors What has happened in Myanmar? reform and free elections. Aung San Suu Kyi and trading partners. The coup is a significant Military commander-in-chief Min Aung was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for setback for Myanmar’s investors, including Hlaing, has taken control over Myanmar and her campaign to restore democracy. Singapore.

2 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION STAYING LOCAL Keeping Us Safe: How a Our Safe Distancing Vaccine Works By Ng Enqi Megan and Tan Woon Han Andrea, 5I Ambassadors Life will never be the same again. Looking back at 2019, we were all still planning By Yap Sing En, 4R our 2020 June holiday trips to places like Bali, Tokyo Ever noticed the men or women and Paris. Who knew that Mr Covid would show up Why we still need to mask up with red shirts and lanyards when uninvited? Since then, there are many travel restrictions Many people ask, “If I am vaccinated, do I still have you are out and about? Have any which makes travelling even across the border to to wear a mask?” The answer is yes. Even after one is of them ever come up to you to Malaysia almost impossible or daunting*. fully vaccinated against Covid-19, one should still take remind you about safe distancing? Fast forward to today, all of us should be familiar precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying one metre away from others and avoiding crowds and These are Singapore’s Safe Distancing with this phrase, “Wear a mask when leaving the house.” poorly ventilated spaces. Covid-19 vaccination is not Ambassadors. My aunt, Miss Lee With all these safe management measures like mask- an absolute protection against the virus. It does not Hwee Sing, happened to be one of wearing, social distancing and contact tracing, one guarantee a life-long immunity against the virus. In fact, them. wonders how long more will we have to live like this? there have been rare cases of individuals who caught the She was a safe distancing Thank goodness! The recent development and the virus despite having been vaccinated. So, let’s all play ambassador for six months in a gym rolling out of the vaccines against Mr Covid have lifted our part and keep each other safe. Mask up! What are some ups and downs while looking for a new job. She chose the hopes of the people around the world. of being a SDA? to be a safe distancing ambassador What is a COVID-19 vaccination can transmit or get the virus easily. For older people, (SDA) because it was highly in There were people who did not and how it works? have a good impression of SDAs they face significant risk of developing severe illness if demand due to the pandemic. They The Covid-19 vaccination is a safe and effective and regarded them as someone who they contract the disease due to physiological changes were needed everywhere. As my way of protecting ourselves against Covid-19, before would always try to spoil their fun, that come with ageing and potential underlying health aunt was employed as a SDA with the virus comes into contact with us. It uses our body’s said Miss Lee. These people may have conditions. ActiveSG, she was given the choice to natural defenses to build resistance against the virus forgotten that the SDAs are there “To be vaccinated is to be forearmed,” said Mrs choose the nearest ActiveSG facilities and makes our immune system stronger. Different types to make sure that they would be Somasundara Cynthia, a teacher at Radin Mas. For to work in which was near her house. of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. protected while enjoying their fun. So those who might worry about injections, Mrs Som said How does one speak to people However, with all types of vaccines, the body is left the struggle was mostly the mindset that the vaccination was not painful. “Vaccination is not adhering to SMM? with a supply of “memory” that will remember how people had and the stubbornness particularly recommended for the elderly who are low to fight that virus in the future. There was no best way to against advice and warning. on immunity and are most vulnerable. It is considerate As of April 2021, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna approach people if she spotted them One memorable moment for to the rest of the members of the household for us to vaccines have been approved for use in Singapore. To not maintaining safe distancing, said my aunt as a SDA happened during be vaccinated.” learn about the vaccines used in Singapore, you can Miss Lee. A humble posture, a good Chinese New Year. A frequent patron How long will a vaccine protect people? check out the Ministry of Health’s website (https://www- body language, a smiling face and of the gym whom she met gave her It is too soon to know how long a vaccine will last. moh-gov-sg-admin.cwp.sg/covid-19/vaccination). a good tone would help. However, a $10 red packet! It is currently being researched. Of the people who a SDA is a front-line worker who Even though there were ups and Who should get the Covid-19 have received the vaccine, it is known that they have must face individuals with different downs in this job, my aunt is still vaccination first and why? been protected from COVID-19 for at least 4 months. reactions, responses and different proud that she had contributed to Frontline workers like those in healthcare, personnel moods. Some people could be having the well-being of Singapore. Let’s all who offer essential services as well as older people above Word Bank the age of 65 were prioritised for vaccination. They have a good or bad day. Thus, my aunt play our part and respond graciously daunting (adj): seeming difficult to deal with had to be mentally prepared for the and positively to the advice of our a higher risk of getting infected by the virus. Frontline in prospect; intimidating unexpected. safe distancing ambassadors! and essential workers interact with people more so they

■ From Page 1 However, the adjustments did not come Singapolidays - Exploring our Little Red Dot easy. Ms Ong said that she missed talking to Are you thinking of travelling this year but her colleagues when working from home. your plans got cancelled due to the current Jewel Universal Studios Similarly, Mr Yap felt that work was not all pandemic? If you did, you can still travel about the completion of tasks. He also missed Airport Singapore around Singapore and explore places that interacting with his clients and having lunches By Joyce Teow Si Yu, 6M By Joyce Teow Si Yu, 6M with his teammates. Professor Kumar added you might not have discovered on our Little that socialising in the workplace is important Red Dot! This glass-domed building houses the This theme park has a single goal: to get for team building. world’s largest indoor waterfall, called the people to have a fun time. Multiple different Despite the challenges, SMMs, coupled Art Science Museum HSBC Rain Vortex. Acres of wall-to-wall flora areas showcase famous characters, wild rides, with the use of technology-enabled tracing By Soh Zhe Shen Zara, 3M fill a lush green sanctuary with a rain vortex and colourful performances. tools like TraceTogether tokens, have helped If you like art or science, the Singapore at the center. The Shiseido Forest Valley is a I like this place because it represents Singaporeans cope with schooling, working Art Science Museum is the perfect place for garden wonderland, a tranquil retreat in the the fun side of Singapore. I was fascinated and living in a pandemic. An unexpected you. I really enjoyed visiting the exhibitions, core of Jewel Changi. This majestic building by USS when my mother brought me for a benefit has been that many people got to spend Future World: Where Art Meet Science and is connected to . visit back in the March holidays. With our more quality time with their family members. Star Wars Identities: The Exhibitions. If you are The Canopy Park is located at the highest annual passes, we were able to return to the Ms Ng shared that working from home, and a Star Wars fan, you will enjoy the interactive level of the Jewel, and features multiple play Instagram-worthy thrilling rides again and especially during the Circuit Breaker period, exhibition and artefacts from the Star Wars attractions. Large mazes and magnificent again. allowed her to cook more meals with her son. movies, such as movie props, costumes and gardens make this one of the highlights of Action-lovers will love the Revenge of Visit https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 artworks that are showcased there. The Art your visit. Bouncy high-up nets make you feel the Mummy and Transformers The Ride: for the latest updates on our fight against Science Museum has many fun and interactive weightless, while dozens of colourful plants The Ultimate 3D Battle. Fairytale castles, Covid-19. activities for everyone to enjoy. make for a picture-perfect selfie. city buildings, and complex structures fill Jewel Changi is filled with lots of the grounds of USS. In the New York themed restaurants, shops and stores, so the fun never zone, there’s a replica of the infamous New ends. On every floor, you can find alcoves York Public Library, while the popular Walk to watch the waterfall, although the view of Fame is displayed in USS’s version of varies with the location. Jewel is a shopper’s Hollywood. There is so much to explore in paradise, perfect for playful little kids and an USS. aspiring botanist’s dream. Singapore Flyer By Soh Zhe Shen Zara, 3M If you want to see a breath-taking view of Singapore, visit the Singapore Flyer! While on board the Flyer, you will catch a glimpse Word Bank of our neighbouring countries, Malaysia staggered (verb) - arranged so that and Indonesia. You can also take beautiful things are positioned at different pictures of iconic Singapore landmarks such places or happen at different times. as the , Merlion Park, Empress Place, and !

3 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION RADIN MAS IS 95! A Year of Celebrations! By Teo Sei Yu, 6N theme. For example, as part of this year’s Olympic Festival, Do you know Radin Mas Primary School celebrates her students raced to piece together a picture puzzle to mark this 95th anniversary this year? Founded in 1926, the school has 95 years milestone. always been a place where students work hard, play hard and To mark the occasion, the school commissioned well- make a mark. known Singaporean artist, “Ah Guo”, to design a mural. “Our To kick start the celebrations, the school had a logo Radin Mas Story” depicts Radin Mas Primary School’s growth designing challenge in Term 1 where all students designed and progress over 95 years and guides students to “remember their very own RMPS logo that represents Radin Mas Primary the past, appreciate the present and create the future”. At the School’s history and vision. The logo designed by Ten Yu Jie end of the year, there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony Titus, 3I, was selected from among the hundreds of submissions for the installation. as our official 95th anniversary logo! Let us commemorate our 95th anniversary with pride, joy Many events this year will incorporate the 95th anniversary and hope for the future! Our Early Years Othman Bin Wok – Founding By Seet Liting Katelynn and to see, in comparison to the computers and Father and Radin Mas Boy Loo Sixuan Chloe, 6N iPads we have now. If you flip open your school diary to page If you take a look at the timeline below, By Lee Hong Rui and Sam Jun Yu, 4N 3, you will find that there is a little bit of our you can see the important and significant Born on 8 October 1924 in Singapore, school history in there. moments for our school. which was then a British colony, the late Mr Radin Mas Primary used to be located in Othman Bin Wok was a student in Radin an Istana, where the local temenggong who Mas Primary School. He was a politician came from Jawa, Pengiran, and his daughter, who served as a founding father of Singapore Princess Radin Mas Ayu, stayed in. alongside other notable leaders such as Mr The main building of the Istana was Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Goh Keng Swee. converted to a school in 1926 and was known Throughout his life, he was an advocate of as Radin Mas School. The school, which sat multi-racialism. at the foot of , was an all-boys When Singapore had to separate school. The school had an enrolment of only from Malaysia, our leaders had to sign a 40 students a year. Somewhere near the contract called ‘Independence of Singapore 1950s, an annexe was added to the building Agreement’. Representing Singapore along as the enrolment of students increased. with other political leaders, the late Mr In 1984, the school moved to its current Othman was the only Malay-Muslim to sign 2017 at the age of 92. Thanking him for his location and its name became Radin Mas the contract. Mr Othman was convinced that service, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Primary School. Radin Mas Primary School a multi-cultural Singapore would work. Shanmugaratnam wrote in his Facebook post, became a co-educational (co-ed) school. Apart from promoting racial harmony, “We are indebted to Mr Othman, and will According to Mrs Tan Eng Leong, a Mr Othman promoted sports in the always be. He made a multiracial Singapore teacher who has been teaching in Radin Mas community and encouraged athletes to possible, which matters more than anything for about 30 years, there was only Block A represent Singapore. He also improved the else we have.” back then. Where Block B and C now stand quality of Social Welfare services, helping We are deeply honoured to have the late was a grove of mango trees. a variety of disadvantaged groups. These Mr Othman as an alumni of Radin Mas In each of today’s Block A classrooms, groups included the disabled, the aged, wilful Primary School! there were 3 classrooms, 2 larger classrooms teenagers, working mothers, and widows. and a smaller classroom in between. The Mr Othman constantly pushed for smaller classroom housed a few Macintosh Word Bank unity among Singaporeans and made that Word Bank his mission. He once said in an interview, computers, which were state of the art temenggong (noun) - an old Malay advocate (noun) - one who publicly desktop computers by Apple in the 1980s. title of nobility, usually given to a “Always be loyal to your country. You’re a supports or suggests an idea, plan or These were large and boxy in shape. Things local ruler. Singaporean, you’ll always be a Singaporean.” way of doing something displayed on the screen were extremely hard Mr Othman Wok died on 17 April

Radin Mas: A Time Line 1926 - Radin Mas School is established at the foot of Mount Faber. Today, the condominium “The Pearl @ Mount Faber” sits on the same site. 1946 - After World War 2, the school welcomes students back after a parent requested for it to open. 1984 - Radin Mas School moves to its current location at Bukit Purmei. It was renamed Radin Mas Primary School and took in girls as well. 1992 - Radin Mas is one of the six pilot schools in Singapore for “Accelerating the Use of Information Technology in Primary Schools”. 2003 - A new wing, Block B, is added for the growing school population. 2021 - Radin Mas Primary School celebrates its 95th anniversary.

Photographs contributed by Mr Eddie Tan, Class of 1995 4 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION RADIN MAS IS 95!

Upcoming Events in Semester 2 August - National Day Celebrations with Birthday Wishes for the School October - Children’s Day Celebrations with the setting of a New Singapore Record! November - Official Opening Ceremony of “Our Radin Mas Story” Wall Mural

Teachers Making a Mark in Our Lives By Zhang Taoran, 3N teaching in Radin Mas Primary School up till today Mrs Doreen Foo is currently the Year Head (Lower and is one of the most patient and caring teachers with Primary) of RMPS and a P.E Teacher. Do you know a big heart for all her students. she was also a RMPS student 32 years ago? In Primary “Did you like studying in Radin Mas Primary School? Was there anything in the past that made 2, Mrs Foo was taught by Mrs Yew who is currently you want to be a teacher in Radin Mas now?” still teaching in our school! Let us hear from Mrs Foo I loved my student days at Radin Mas Primary about her school experience here! School. I was inspired by all the caring teachers “Who is your favourite teacher that taught who have made a difference in my life and I hope to you in the past? What do you like about that be able to touch students’ lives in the same positive teacher?” manner. I had so many teachers that I really liked and “How were your days like studying in Radin Mas respected. It is not easy to choose just one. Primary School? What is the difference between One teacher who left a deep impression on me studying in Radin Mas then and now?” was Ms Patricia Lim. She was my Primary 6 English In the past, there were two sessions, morning or Teacher who believed in all of us. She never ever lost afternoon sessions. When I was in Primary 2 and her cool even when she was upset. 4, I was in the afternoon session and school only One other teacher I really respect till this day is started at 1p.m and ended at 6.20pm. Report books Mrs Doris Yew. She was my Primary 2 Form Teacher and attendance were also recorded by hand and the and taught me English and Mathematics. She is still processes were not computerized. Mrs Yew making sure that Mrs Foo still remembers her numbers!

A Radin Mas Family By Travis Ten (Class of 2019) only remember the good things, like eating with my I have a lot of wonderful memories of Radin Mas friends, or playing with them during recess. Those but one stands out in my mind. It was when I received moments we had were precious. Though it has been an award in Primary 3. I remember vividly my mother’s two years since I graduated, it still feels like yesterday face beaming with pride and joy. when I first stepped into Radin Mas for the first time. My mother is Mdm Cindy Han but most students The time I spent with my friends and the things I know her as Mrs Ten. She joined Radin Mas in 2015, learned from my teachers are invaluable to me. They and is presently the Level Head for Science. She loves to were what kept me excited and ready for school, each catch up with her friends and play Pokemon Go, a game and every day without fail. I occasionally play with her. I think for my mother, she enjoys coming to school Her typical day is long. When I was in Radin Mas, to teach students who are willing to learn. To me, it always started with her preparing our recess once this is the biggest reason for someone to be a teacher, she woke up. When a busy day of teaching ended, shaping the future generations for the better. I always my mother usually had meetings so she would send see her smiling when she shares about students she had us home via taxi. At night after dinner, she would taught, tokens of appreciation she had received from go through my work with me, helping to clarify them, or times when students ran into her. Her smiles my doubts. are genuine and real, no matter how tired she might be Thinking back to my days in primary school, I can after a long day.

5 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION SCHOOL NEWS A Greener Singapore in 2030 By Joshua Pang Yi Fei, 3M programme will be rolled out in four With these initiatives, Singaporeans will see a We all have a part to play in making Singapore With the nation’s journey towards areas: Curriculum, Campus, Culture and Community. change in the way they live, learn and play. What succeed in its Green Plan. What can you do for a sustainability*, the government has just can we expect in a Greener Singapore? Greener Singapore? revealed the Singapore Green Plan 2030. In terms of curriculum, more topics • Commute in greener ways, such as cycling, • Adopt good personal habits such as reducing The Parliament announced new measures in school will be introduced around the taking public transport or using electric waste, recycling and reusing items. that will change the way Singaporeans theme of sustainability. On campus, the vehicles. live, learn and play. The changes include ministry will improve energy efficiency • 50% more park spaces where people can go • Encourage your families to take public transport, walk or cycle instead of driving. reforming buildings to be more energy- through different ways such as using LED hiking or bird watching. efficient, pushing for more electric vehicles lights in classrooms and installing solar • Greener buildings for people to work and • Support local produce and buy food produced and increasing recreational as well as park panels on the rooftops of 130 schools. study in. by Singapore farms. spaces within our city. When it comes to culture, schools As part of the plan, Education Minister will encourage students to adopt positive Lawrence Wong announced that the habits such as reducing energy and food Singapore Word Bank Ministry of Education would aim to waste. Students will also be encouraged Green Plan 2030, sustainability (noun) - the ability to be reduce carbon emissions in schools by to take part in community sustainability www.greenplan.gov.sg maintained at a certain rate or level. at least two-thirds by the year 2030. The projects. Farmer-for-a-Day: Integrated Learning Trails As part of the school’s efforts to teach students about sustainability, Primary 1 students had the opportunity to be Farmer- for-a-Day as part of their integrated learning trail where they had hands-on experience on growing vegetables. Primary 2 students went to Kok Fah Technological Farm where they had a tour of the greenhouse, learned about traditional and modern farming methods, harvested their very own hydroponics vegetables and potted microgreens. Let’s hear what they have to share about their experience:

“I enjoyed harvesting the coral lettuce! It was my “Grow first time!” – Charmaine Wong, 2M little seed, grow!”

“I enjoyed the tour around the farm where I got to “I enjoyed planting the smell mint leaves and learn microgreen because I can about hydroponics.” look after it and eat it once – Jeorgina Lee, 2N In picture: (from left) Kaydon See Kai & Fun Le Xuan, Arielle (1I). Primary 1 students all have greenhouse boxes it has grown.” in their classrooms. They can’t wait to see their seeds grow into yummy vegetables as big as this one! – Jazlyn Lee, 2N Museum-Based Learning

By Seow Min Ann Megan, 4R contributed by parent volunteers! Every year, Primary 4 students will “It was a great pleasure to help and experience Museum-Based Learning as contribute together with the other parent part of their art curriculum. When we were volunteers in this project,” said Mdm Aivee informed about this, my classmates and I Sy Medrano, one of the parent volunteers. were excited as it was something outside the The teachers split us into two groups. We classroom. Normally, with Museum-Based were given a quiz based on the photos inside Learning, students learn in the setting of a the museum. Each group was given time to museum where authentic learning comes tour the museum to answer the questions in alive in an interesting way. However, due the quiz while looking at the photographs to Covid-19, we were unable to visit a real in the museum. We were curious about the museum outside the school compound. story each photograph could tell. Thus, we were a little disappointed. Through the museum experience, we Much to our surprise, the museum learnt how to appreciate artworks in the The entire Museum-Based Learning had gallery was brought into our school library! gallery, how to read an artwork label and we been a unique experience, which made our This year, the lesson unit focused on the got to practice our museum etiquettes. learning more interesting and memorable. theme of Bits and Pixels artworks and After the gallery experience, we were techniques of photography, which was part inspired to capture good images in our Digital of our art module. Students were brought Art Photography workshop. We learnt about Visit https://capturetheatlas. into a gallery full of interesting photographs photography techniques like simplicity, com/photography- displayed on the walls, each unique in its rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and composition/ to learn about capturing good images. own way. Photographs in the exhibition were framing. 6 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION G.R.I.T @ RMPS Play Hard and Make a Mark!

By Evan Tan and Joshua Soh You Jun, 4D Students from different classes were not The Olympic Festival is an annual allowed to mingle with one another and all event in Radin Mas Primary School. This the equipment had to be wiped before the next year, it was held on Thursday, 1 April 2021. class used them. It involved students from Primary 3 to The top three teams with the highest scores Primary 6. The students in each class were in each level were awarded with gold, silver or divided into different teams to participate in bronze medals. On top of that, the class with different events such as Shuttle Run + Jigsaw, the highest overall score for each level received Medicine Ball, Skipping Relay and Obstacle a trophy as the level champion. Race. In conjunction with our school’s 95th Class 4D came in as the champion among anniversary this year, certain elements of the Primary Four. They had the opportunity celebration were incorporated in one of the to take a class photo with the Vice Principal, events. Mrs Linda Tan. “It is fun and interesting, and In compliance with the safety management best of all, I could participate in two activities measures (SMMs), this year’s Olympic as I could not decide what I liked,” said Ivan Festival was organised in a different manner Low, 4D. compared to the past. Before the pandemic, The Olympic Festival is an enriching all the students from each level would gather school event for all the students. From this together to compete at various locations in event, we learnt quite a number of values school. Participants from opposing class teams such as Never Give Up, Maximize Potential, would compete while the rest of the classes Aim for Excellence and last but not least, would cheer them on from the sidelines. The Sportsmanship. atmosphere was breath-taking. However this “The Olympic Festival is fun and exciting. I year, only two classes could only compete had a good bonding time with my classmates,” Scaling Heights, Forging at the given time at the allocated venues. said Javier Koh, 4M. Bonds at the P6 Camp By Looi En Ni, Dhulasidharan Trishna Mr Teo Wai Chin, who led us during the Malika, 6D and Lee Po Rong Marcus, 6N camp, commented that the camp had not Class 6D went for their Primary 6 only provided them a good opportunity Camp at the Boys’ Brigade to get to know the students better but also and Girls’ Brigade campsite on 27 January provided students a great way to get away 2021. When we were there, we tried from the hustle and bustle of school. Most our hands at ziplining, obstacle course importantly, learning still took place in a and abseiling. We had a whale of a time fun, meaningful and relevant way outside at the campsite even though some of the classroom! Both felt that the students our friends were apprehensive* at first had developed ruggedness, resilience and when they saw what they were in for. growth mindset through the outdoor However, all of us still gave it a try with experiences. much encouragement from our teachers The most special thing that we took and classmates. away from this camp was the bond we For some, the obstacle course was formed as a class. This camp had definitely the most challenging activity. We had to brought us closer. We enjoyed the company climb up a log-like structure by pulling and camaraderie. The ziplining activity and pushing ourselves up on what looked had allowed us to work as a team while like metal horseshoes that were embedded supporting one another. Completing those in the log. To make matters worse, those obstacles had also given some of us the things were very far apart which made it chance to conquer our initial fear. It was difficult to climb. indeed an unforgettable camp experience National Education is Fun! Teachers, Mr Goh Sheow En and for us!

By Gwyneth Vivienne Oscar, 3I, and would be the winner. Stacy Law Ze Teng, 3R Students had a lot of hands-on practices in All Primary 3 students ended Term 1 on the “Casualty Treatment” activity. They were a high note*. They had their day camp on the taught how to bandage arms and ankles before last day of the term. What was different from they tried it out on their friends. the previous year camp was the infusion of a They also learnt how to pack their bags National Education (NE) theme. While the for war time such as folding and rolling the students learnt about fundamental camping clothing to save more space so as to be able to skills and basic navigation, they also learnt accommodate more items in a bag. more about Singapore’s World War 2 history and National Service. The students were divided into groups for different types of fun activities namely “Search and Rescue”, “Storm the Fort” and “Casualty Treatment”. To provide students with a more realistic experience, pictures of injured soldiers were hidden around the school and students had to look for them. Through this “Search “Medic!” and Rescue” activity, they learnt how to “I am really grateful to be able to participate in navigate through unfamiliar terrain on foot this camp,” said Gwyneth, 3I. “I have learnt a lot or by vehicle, using maps or compasses. In about basic camping skills and particularly enjoyed one scenario, students were members of a the “Storm the Fort’’ game where I displayed medical team and their mission was to locate teamwork with my teammates. We even won the and rescue the casualties in the battlefield as game!” quickly as possible. ”I like the “Storm the Fort” activity the most “Storm the Fort” was the favourite activity too,” Stacy, 3R, chipped in. “I did not want the day among students. Split into Attackers and to end. I had such a wonderful time and all the Defenders, opposing groups students had to happy and fun memories will be etched in my mind! overcome a series of obstacles, which included doing the leopard crawl and walking through Word Bank Word Bank on a high note (idiom): the cones that replicated the land mines and apprehensive (adj): uneasy or fearful about something that might happen bombs. The group that reached the fort first in a pleasant or enjoyable way

7 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION SCHOOL NEWS Interview with Vice-Principal (A), Ms Mary Goh

By Ye Changxin, 6M help needy undergraduate students so that no one is deprived of Ms Mary Goh joins Radin Mas Primary in 2021 and we are very tertiary education if they are keen to pursue it. In the pipeline, I happy to welcome her into the family! Let us get to know Ms Goh. am setting up a Trust Fund for students who are keen to pursue What are your duties as the Vice Principal? the arts. My core duties include overseeing finance, administration, What are your expectations for Radin Mas students? operations, and the safety and security of the school. What do you think is most important for your students? Before becoming a Vice-Principal (Admin), To be respectful and gracious to others, which is also the school’s what was your previous jobs? expectations. I also think that it is important for students to be self- directed and independent learners, mastering life skills that can stay After graduating from school, I spent 2 years with the Republic with them. of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) as a Manpower Officer. After my time there, I enjoyed leisure time for 6 years before joining the Ministry What do you usually do in your free time? of Education (MOE) 20 years ago. I like to explore new recipes to make it a healthier choice and What is your greatest accomplishment? enjoy new dining experiences. I am proud to continue contributing to my alma mater, What is your favourite animal? National University of Singapore (NUS), since my graduation, to The dolphin, for its intelligence.

BOOK REVIEWS Books Come Alive! Our Mascots Tell Their Stories

By Maxus Lui Zhao Jie, 4N By Lim Yu Xi Carrie, 3A Have you checked out the amazing “Always be Gracious” is a story written Artella Wall in school? Located just beside by Ha Soo Rin, Alena, Class of 6N 2020. The the canteen, the Artella Wall displays story features Dexter the Dolphin, Radin book recommendations by the English Mas Primary School’s adorable mascot for Department. The first titles on display were the value, graciousness. murder mysteries by renowned author Teachers read the story to their students Agatha Christie - ‘Murder on the Orient during bonding week at the beginning of the Express’, ‘And Then There Were None’ and year. The story teaches us what it means to ‘Death on the Nile’. be gracious. It serves as a good reminder for The wall also displays information about students to be gracious to the people around the history of the Orient Express and images them. In the story, Dexter the Dolphin of how it would look like if we were in the reminded two students, Rhea and Zara, to actual train. Posters about an exhibition of be gracious to each other by not fighting over the Orient Express at Gardens by the Bay a basketball and to share the ball instead. are also on display. The exhibition runs up I think that this is a very well written and to June this year. meaningful story. I enjoyed listening to the Interestingly, the recommended books story very much. I also hope that everyone have Zapcodes on them! What are the enjoys the story and remembers to always Zapcodes for? They seek to provide us with be gracious! an Augmented Reality (AR) experience. All Our other Mascots have stories to share we need to do is download the application as well. Check out the titles below! ‘Zapper’ and use it to scan the Zapcode to access the AR experience. The Artella Wall is an awesome display in User this QR Code to download the our school to visit. “I find the wall interesting. Zapper app. It is good as it encourages us to read. We will want to find out more about the books by scanning the Zapcode,” said Chua Si Ying Casmyn, 5A. Do drop by the Artella Wall to check it out one day! We promise that you would not Open the Zapper app and aim it at the round zapcode regret it. at the bottom right corner of the book cover. Look Out For These Upcoming Mascot Books

Oli the Owl plays the role of Scott the Squirrel plays the Leo the Lion plays the role Buzz the Bee plays the role of Beatrice the Butterfly plays a student who won the award role of a concerned classmate of an upright prefect in his an innovative student in his the role of a class leader, but for best academic progress. in the story “Respect for Self story. Find out how tale. The story uncovers how will she perform her role Before winning the award, Oli and Others”. Discover how he stands up innovative Buzz is in finding well? Or is there room was lazy and unmotivated. he encourages the for integrity! a creative solution to for improvement? What changed him? value of respect. his problem!

8 RADIN MAS TIMES • 2021 EDITION