Canossa Connects A Quarterly Newsletter for Parents of Canossa Catholic Primary School Volume 3 2019 Please access our school website for this issue of Canossa Connects with photographs. A Note from the Editor… In this third issue, be inspired by our pupils’ abundant energy and enthusiasm for life and learning as you read about how they embraced exciting, new adventures both on the home front and overseas. Our pupils proudly represented Singapore and the school as ambassadors, in their many interactions with people from other schools and countries, while on school trips, learning journeys, co-curricular activities and competitions. High-spirited, they fervently supported their houses during Sports and Games Day while humbly demonstrating admirable sportsmanship. They sang in one voice, songs of love and loyalty for the country as they celebrated Singapore’s bicentennial together. Our Canossians sons and daughters truly did themselves, their families, their school and their nation proud by showing a deep sense of rootedness and loyalty! Mrs Michele Ho COMMITMENT “The greatest gift one person can give another is time.” - St. Magdalene of Canossa P6 Motivational Talk by CCPS Junior Alumni Members Having been invited to deliver a motivational talk on 1 August to our graduating batch of pupils, Genevieve Yen rose to the challenge. Her passion to inspire her juniors was moving; she had rushed down after her enrichment lessons just so that she could give back to her alma mater, which she felt had been such an important part of her growing years. Our pupils were truly impressed by her boundless energy and enthusiasm. Page 1 of 17 Currently in Secondary 4, it was still very clear that Genevieve was both nostalgic about her time in CCPS, as well as proud that both her mother and she are Canossian. She confidently addressed the eager, wide-eyed P6 pupils who were her attentive audience for the session. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to all of you. It is my honour. My mum is a Canossian and I am a Canossian too!” gushed Genevieve. She started by sharing fond memories of her teachers and friends who had been by her side throughout her time in school. Reassuring her juniors that there was still time to work even harder for the Primary School Leaving Examinations, she divulged that just a month before her examinations, she had stepped up her efforts and worked intensively to revise her work. This proved successful with her all A result, a marked difference from the 1A and 3Cs that she had received in the school’s preliminary examinations. Genevieve spontaneously and good-naturedly answered all questions that came up during the session. It was evident from the line of questioning and their comments and behaviour henceforth, that the P6 cohort was inspired and encouraged. They made up their minds not to be complacent. Instead, they would have the grit and resilience to work hard in life to achieve their personal goals in life, the first one being their upcoming PSLE. Written by: Mrs Priscilla Ho National Education (NE) Show 2019 Our P5 pupils were elated to attend the NE Show on 13 July. This year, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang as Singapore celebrates its bicentennial – 200 years since Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore in 1819. It was significant that it was held at the Padang where Singapore celebrated its first National Day Parade in 1966. In high spirits, they awaited the start of the parade and were not disappointed as the parade started on a high note with the Red Lions doing a spectacular free fall to the cheers of excited spectators. Our pupils were thrilled as they witnessed the military drive-past. The arrival of these 171 mobile column vehicles marked the 50th anniversary of their appearance at their first parade in 1969. Our pupils were filled with utmost respect for our nation’s operational readiness to defend our homeland as they watched this display of impressive hi-tech machinery. Pupils strongly exuded the Singapore spirit as they sang the National Anthem and recited the pledge with pride. The celebratory mood was evident as pupils sang a medley of National Day theme songs with gusto. It was indeed an awe-inspiring evening for the Primary 5s as they affirmed their joy and pride to call Singapore their home. Written by: Mrs Wynne Seah Page 2 of 17 National Environment Quiz 2019 It is everyone’s responsibility to care for the environment, and this belief is upheld strongly by three of our P5 pupils who represented our school in the National Environment Quiz held at Nan Hua High School on 17 August. Rajagopal Dhurga Dharshini (P5 Hope), Ong Wenran (P5 Peace) and Chloe Loy (P5 Peace) participated in this quiz, alongside many other schools nationwide. With a voracious appetite for the literature available on environmental issues, our pupils read up on wildlife conservation, public health, alternative energy sources and other related issues. They deepened their understanding and knowledge of the environment at the exhibition on environmental education set up by the secondary school pupils. Finally, they attended talks by renowned professors in the field of environmental studies, making for an overall enriching, engaging and educational experience for our pupils at the National Environment Quiz 2019. Written by: Mdm Vibha Artitude and Musicalites Showcase & Learning Journey On 26 August, the Artitude and Musicalites members from P3 to P6 had the opportunity to showcase what they had learnt this year, to a very supportive audience of staff and students. Canvasses of beautifully oil painting by our Artitude members were displayed outside the AV Theatrette. These works of art were the products of a series of oil painting workshops. They reflected the pupils’ keen observation of still life, as well as their understanding of composition, tonal study and colour theory. Demonstrating their musicality, the Musicalite members strummed confidently on their guitars to Chan Mali Chan and You Are The Reason by Calum Scott during the recess performances. That same afternoon, the school organised a learning journey to the Children’s Biennale at the National Gallery for our Artitude and Musicalites members. It was an eye-opening experience, with everyone enjoying the interaction with the many art installations by local and Southeast Asian artists. Written by: Mrs Evelyn Pong Page 3 of 17 COMPASSION “Let us use charity as the measure for everything.” - St. Magdalene of Canossa Brownies Camp 2019 The inaugural Brownies Camp was held on 24 to 25 May. The camp was jointly run by the SACSS Girl Guides and the CCPS Brownies teachers. The camp kicked off with some icebreaker activities that allowed the Brownies to have lots of fun while getting to know each other better. The Brownies learned how to pitch tents with the help of the older Girl Guides. Through sheer determination and lots of teamwork, all the Brownies managed to pitch their own tents to sleep in later that night. It was heartening to see the Brownies willingly rendering help to their fellow peers. The Brownies were equipped with an important life skill as they learned how to do outdoor cooking using mess tins. For many, it was their first time and they were thrilled when they successfully whipped up a feast of healthy spaghetti for their dinner. With full bellies and full hearts from the conversations over dinner, they participated excitedly in a craft activity that required them to braid ribbons to form necklaces and bracelets. The Brownies sang and danced to some popular campfire songs under a blanket of stars before retiring for the day. The next day’s Wide Hunt saw Brownies travelling in groups from station to station to learn various skills such as how to use their scarves as slings during an emergency and how to tie knots. Games were also played at the stations. There was uproarious laughter from the Brownies as they had fun with water games to wrap up the camp. The Brownies took part in a relay race where they had to try their best to fill up a big bottle with water using only a wet sponge. At the farewell, the Brownies presented handmade gifts and cards to the Girl Guides to thank them for all their guidance. It was an enriching and unforgettable experience for all. Written by: Ms Rahmah A Rahman Zamawi Page 4 of 17 Choir Exchange at St. Anthony's Canossian Primary School (SACPS) On 28 May 2019, our Choir participated in a Choir Exchange Camp hosted by SACPS, together with St. Anthony’s Primary School (SAPS). Each choir put up an impressive performance in this friendly showcase of choral music. Passionate about singing, our pupils were heartened and inspired by the synergy emanating from all three choirs coming together to learn from one another. Our pupils forged friendships as they interacted enthusiastically with their counterparts from the other schools. They also had great fun playing the games conducted by the various choir instructors. At the end of the camp, they exchanged letters and gifts with these pupils. There was so much joy in the air as they ended the camp with huge smiles on their faces. It was indeed a valuable opportunity for our Choir pupils to work with like-minded pupils from the different schools. Written by: Mdm Norisha Mid-Autumn Festival 2019 On 30 August, the school celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is one of the most popular events celebrated by the local Chinese community. It takes place annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The legendary Moon Goddess, Chang’E, is worshipped during the festival.