Sec One Registration 19th Dec 2008

Many parents & students came early for the registration which kick start promptly at 8.00am. Rows of chairs were arranged to accomodate those waiting in line.

This year 2 PSG members were among the teachers who were registering the new students. Mdm Lena Ng at Booth Sec 1A while Mdm Susan Chong at Booth Sec 1H.




Other PSG members were at hand to help out in the PSG Booth 6, answering queries from curious parents wanting to know more about PSG. Mdm Gina, Mdm Seri, Mdm Yati, Mdm Sara, Mr Cheng & myself were among those who were there.

The registration were completed close to 10am... As we wrapped up the registration exercise, we mingled and had coffee & tea with Mr Seet & VP Mr Khoo at the canteen.

A lot more work ahead for us in 2009. Cheers!

The Sec One posting results are out....

MOE has made changes in the intake & classes for the new Sec One cohort of 2009. This year only 4 Express, 3 Normal Academic & 2 Normal Technical classes were allotted to West Spring.

The new academic year 2009 look ever so bright & promising. The posting results are as follows...

Express 223 - 259
N/A 176 - 199
N/T 91 -159

Congratulations to all new students of West Spring Secondary School.

Farewell Dinner for Visiting Werribee College students

PSG members was invited to a farewell dinner with Werribee College students & their host before flying off to London then Italy...

Our Open House 2008...What a Day!

PSG members arrived early to give support to the students & staff on Friday morning. Mdm Susan Chong were among the first to arrive, followed by Mdm Rosita armed with mini cupcakes for the PSG KopiTiam Corner and also for the lunch buffet.

Complete with the school logo with the words 'Parent Support Group' around it...Don't you think they look gorgeous...and they were delicious....

A very big thank you to Lena, Susan, Rosmada, Rozila, Noor Hayati, Florence, Gina, Lai Leng, Sara, Seri, Suriyani, Rosita, Mr Song & Mr Cheng.



Cheers to all...a job well done!!






Check out the video here....

Welcoming P6 Students & Parents to the Open House

PSG Potluck Picnic/ S'pore Flyer Outing - 15th Nov '08

What a lovely day for an outing to mark an end to the academic year at West Spring.




Create Your Own

Animal Farm - The Musical

On the 30th Oct 2008, marks a first for West Spring Sec School as Animal Farm comes alive at Victoria Theatre.



Guest of Honour, Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office was there to grace the event

7th Annual School Excellence Award Ceremony

For the first time since its inauguration 7 years ago....a new award was added in its list..

The Partners Award was presented to 4 individuals who had rendered their support and contribution to the school for 2 years or more. PSG is proud to announce that 2 out of that 4 individuals are amongst ourselves..

Mr Christopher Syn, former PSG Chairman & Mdm Rosita Lea Sharif,PSG Secretary while the other 2 were presented to Mr Desmond Lim, Chairman Zhenghua-Senja RC and Mr Ong Chin Sum, CEO of Cosmos Steel.

Mr President S.R.Nathan, Sir! / Teachers' Day Celebrations

Our School had the honour of being visited by the head of state President S.R.Nathan on the 29th August.




He arrived early at 9.35am...in his white presidential car and security entourage. Neighbouring residents were curiously looking out their window wondering who came to West Spring.



Students all lined up along the corridor to greet Mr President S.R.Nathan. He is a very friendly man, stopping at every few metres to chat up the students. Students were in awe with his presence.







I shook his hand and he looked down and asked me,"Who is this?" I answered,"This is my youngest daughter, Siti Aishah." He bowed down and shook Aishah's hand and said,"Hello Aishah, you are a very beautiful young lady." She just smiled cheekily.




Grabbing a chance for a photo with President S.R.Nathan. Great memories!








It was also a day to honour the teachers who are the pillars of education. PSG has commemorated this day with a special mug given to all teachers of West Spring. A bookmark also came along with it....

From our hearts ...Thank You.

NDP Blog Battle

Recently I entered a nationwide blogging competition with this topic 'What does the Singapore Spirit mean to you?' This is what I had to say....
The Singapore Spirit is a 'Never Say Die' kind of attitude that has been embedded within each & everyone of us who are proud to be known as a Singaporean.

It determines who we are actually. Look at where Singapore is today, it is impossible to be where we are if not for this Singapore Spirit. Most of us exhibit qualities or attitudes that one would associate with the Singapore Spirit, in one way or another – we ARE, after all, in our totality, Singapore.

What is so unique people may ask....read on, and you will agree that the following traits are indeed within us.

Well, to me, the Singapore Spirit encompasses these five traits:

Unity. Singaporeans have a sense of community and are firmly rooted to the nation. We stay united, braving different issues, tackling each problem as it confronts us. Despite our diversity of ancestry and religions, our solidarity has allowed us to live in harmony during good times, and stay cohesive during times of adversity.

Resilient. Singaporeans are determined and have the will to succeed in every tasks or endeavour. Our ‘Can Do’ attitude, tenacity, discipline and perseverance in pursuit of our hopes and dreams, are at the root of our success as a nation.

Hardworking. Singaporeans are prepared and optimistic. Our competitiveness, integrity and vitality has helped us to strive towards doing our best and forging ahead to build a brighter future for our next generation.

Dynamic. Singaporeans are creative and versatile. Our ability to accept change and adapt to new challenges allows us to excel in the global environment. It also cultivates the urge to explore new niche areas and build competitive advantages for continued successes.

Compassion. Singaporeans are gracious and caring. As we move ahead, we also reach out to those in need and give what we can.

The Singapore Spirit might not be something that Singaporeans mention on an everyday basis during casual conversations. Yet there is little doubt that it thrives in our deeds and actions as we go about our daily lives. The Singapore Spirit will never die!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was pleasantly surprised when I was contacted by the organisers and was told that my blog was chosen as one of the top 3 blogs by a panel of judges. I was elated by the news. The prize was a handphone.

Blogged by Rosita

Inspiring Teacher of English Award

The Straits Times and the Speak Good English Movement, with the support from MOE, are organising the 'Inspiring Teacher of English Award'. This is the first national award for English teachers in Singapore.

They are looking for teachers who:

a) are passionate about making English interesting and relevant to their students;
b) use innovative methods to engage their students and help them learn the language better;
c) are role models in their own use of the language.

The nomination starts from 27 June to 17 July. For more information and the nomination form, parents can go to www.goodenglish.org.sg

Parents...come on ask your kids about their English teachers and nominate those deserving....

To vote...look on the left side of this screen...click and off you go

Blogged by
Rosita

Earth Day Celebrations

As a concluding part 3 in Harmony@Senja 18th of April 2008 saw schools in the North West district coming together for an Earth Day conference.

A PSG Salute

Saluting the dedication, conviction, integrity, commitment & sheer determination of West Spring Secondary School Military Band & all those that came to give support on the 12th of April 2008. With love....West Spring Parent Support Group

Silver Award Goes to West Spring!!

West Spring was united! Cheers, exhiliration, expectations & anticipation was the order of the day. PSG came with a banner 'Let Them Hear U ROAR!!' and thats what all of us did. With Gusto. With Pride. With Excitement.

As the band made their way to the side of the field, I am sure all hearts of West Spring supporters just swells with pride. The drums beat and our hearts just skipped a beat too. Then it all started. I was in the middle of spectators in the grandstand. I could hear encouraging comments like ...'Oh My! What an entry', 'The drum beat is marvelous'. I am truly proud to be one of the parents whose child is performing in the National Stadium, the last SYF ever in this stadium.

PSG salute all of you, a job Well Done!! Sheer dedication & perseverence was testimony of all of you, West Spring Military Band. Of course not forgetting, the dancers, logistical support, the band instructors. Sweat & tears bear witness of your endurance.

Hold your head up high West Spring. Glory Glory! That will be our West Spring story.

Blogged by
Rosita

All Geared Up People!!!

Its the week leading up to SYF Display Band 2008. The venue is now the National Stadium. The whole school will be there to spur our band on. PSG will come in full force. Last minute preparations are taking effect. Official attire are Purple & White....United colours of West Spring!!!!! Support! Support Support! People!!!!

See you there or be square!!!!

Blogged by
Rosita

Sexuality Talk - 5th April 2008

The Sexuality Education Parenting Workshop received encouraging support from over 80 parents. The talk was enlightening, and many parents started to realise the importance of broaching this difficult topic with their teenagers, and felt more confident to do so after attending the talk.

The speaker, Mdm Michelle Soeliano-Lew was very candid and entertaining to hear & watch at the same time. That really made all of us feel at ease. Many fathers came too. Cheers fathers....as we found out that fathers play a very important role during these hormonal raging years. Something to share. Do you know that daughters needs to bond with their fathers in their teen years to fill that need for love? This has proven to make our daughters more confident, have higher self esteem thus lessening the need for having boyfriends early. They will not be pressurized to have boyfriends just because their peers have one. This works for sons too. When fathers is more involved, going out to do boy's things together, the bond develops further. So fathers...no more excuses!

Blogged by
Rosita

The Singapore Woman Award 2008 - 26th March

It was an evening to remember as inspiring stories unfold before us. Both Mdm Yvonne & myself was nominated by Mr Seet & Mr Cheng. This event was to celebrate the ordinary woman who does the extra ordinary. Organised by Vanilla Magazine & Mediacorp Publishing, where there were about 30 woman nominated by peers, colleagues, friends & relatives.

Ms Theresa Hsu, 110 years old received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her efforts in helping the community & volunteering her services all these years. She is an icon and truly our own Singapore's Mother Theresa.

The Singapore Woman Award went to Ms Molly Lee, an ovarian cancer fighter. We managed to take a photograph with her as a momento.

To Molly, we pray to God to give you strength and continued faith as you fight this disease. View her website at www.WeAreWonderWomen.com

Blogged by
Rosita

Showing Support for our Military Band

Our Chairman, Mr Cheng Swee Kiang wrote a letter addressed to our Military Band. The letter was sent to the School through their Band Master I/C Mr David Chang. It was read to all involved in preparation for the SYF 2008.

Latest information is, there are about 200 students coming along to Hwa Chong Institution compared to about 900, when it was held at the National Stadium. Some PSG members will be attending too. There will be space constraint but spririts run high in being able to witness the competition.

A copy of the letter to our band....

10 Mar 2008

Mr. David Chang
Teacher In-charge of Military Band

Dear Sir

First of all, please allow me to thank you, for guiding our students along their preparation for the competition on 12 Apr 2008. At the same time, I humbly request your kindness to share with the members of military band, the Chinese dancers and all those involve, on our unwavering support and profound appreciation.

2. I understand that in modern days of snobbery, fewer students would join the laborious and tedious military bands that entail sweating vis-à-vis playing musical instruments in the field practicing the marching and formation in harmony, over and above hours of reading and appreciating musical notes – it maybe deemed taxing and demanding.

3. However, despite the hardship, I am pleasantly surprised that the whole contingent comprises the military band members, flag bearers, Chinese dancers who are dancing along the Latin musical numbers while making the formation are undeterred and impervious. “The going is tough and the tough gets going”, as the old saying goes! Indeed, what the contingent has demonstrated is the personification and manifestation of commitment, optimism, passion, and exemplary enshrined in the 8 Values of West Spring Secondary School. I admire and salute your efforts, ladies and gentlemen!

4. Meanwhile, please keep your mind focused on what you are doing – to practice and may you persevere in your efforts. Please dream on and work hard to realize your dream, your dream of excellence. Remember, every single one of you can do things no one else can do! Whether you are the ones with the instruments or the dancers, when all of you are out there, about to proceed, please do not just STRIKE but STRIKE WELL, perform with conviction, integrity, and the determination to do West Spring and yourself proud.

5. Trust that the Principal, the Vice Principals, the teachers and all the students are all behind you! Of course, you can also count on us, the Parents Support Group; in its steadfast belief in your ability, your hard work, and that you will prevail and make West Spring and yourself proud. Members of the PSG will come and witness your performance come 12 Apr 2008!

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
CHENG SWEE KIANG

Blogged by
Rosita

Parenting Workshop 1st March 2008

It was a very cold day as heavy rainfall poured all morning. However, for a number of parents eager to learn about effective parenting, the rain was not a problem.


The workshop started off with writing on the board our individual Family Genogram. What is that?, you may ask. It is a drawing of our own family tree with connecting lines that represents emotional connections. For examples whether your emotional connection is conflicted, cut off, distant, enmeshed or intimate.


Personally I found that drawing & explaining the emotional connections of my own family genogram, gave me a sense of understanding of my family and the whole situation. We learned how to effectively convey our concerns on issues arising towards our teens without being seen as nagging or unnecesarily shouting at them.
Ms Esther, the speaker, came across as someone very humble and knowledgeable, affable and full of charisma. Her presentation was clear & precise.


Parents practised verbally with each other, taking turns being the listener and the speaker. It was quite hard to maintain what to say and say it right but I do believe with practise and the right attitude, it can be done. Thank you Ms Esther for imparting the knowledge.



Inner circle & outer circle heart to heart sharing









Blogged by
Rosita

A New Sub-Blog

On the left hand side of this blog, you will see the link 'PSG Parenting Articles' It is an extension to our main blog where good articles on raising our teens can be found. I have personally found these articles to be a good read in itself while giving you tips & tricks on guiding teens. I will continue surfing the net to find good and appropriate articles to share with you all.

Should anyone come across any articles worthy of being placed in our blog, please email me at westspringpsg@gmail.com.

Blogged by
Rosita

Here we come..Congratulations Singapore!!!

CNY Gathering at VP's Place 17th February 2008

PSG members were invited to the Vice Principal's place in Springhill, Sembawang Walk. Christopher Syn, Mdm Sara Ong and myself arrived together just before 12.30pm. Soon others started to arrived. Merry making were the highlight of the day. PSG member, Mr Muruges & Mdm Harbindarjeet's daughter, Jeswyn from Sec 1E entertained all of us with her lovely piano recital. She is indeed talented. Thank you Michelle for the lovely food. Both, you and your husband are very gracious. We enjoyed ourselves. View the video and you will see what I mean.

Harmony@Senja 16th Feb 2008

This time around, we saw the participation of more non-chinese students making performances at the Senja Amphitheatre, from the kompang, silat and Guzheng performances by 3 Malay & 3 Chinese students. All celebrated Chinese New Year together with the Senja residents. Another new twist to this year's event is the involvement of PSG members, personally distributing the festive oranges & drinks alongside the students. Like the year before, PSG sponsored the festive oranges.

Many thanks to PSG members who came and made the event more meaningful.
Mdm Rohana, Mr Muruges, Mdm Harbindarjeet, Mdm Seri, Mdm Norhayati, Mdm Gina Lew, Mdm Lena, Mdm Rubiah & Mdm Rosita.









Check out the video....





Blogged by
Rosita

Chinese New Year 2008 cum Total Defence Day Celebrations

It was the eve of Chinese New Year, Mdm Rozila & myself representing PSG attended the celebrations. I was able to capture the highlights of the event.

The caligraphy writing by Principal, Mr Seet, our 2 VPs,Mrs Liau,Mr Khoo and the HODs received rousing applause from the students.

The Guzheng performance was splendid with our ladies adorning cheongsam befiting the occasion. Among those fine ladies were my daughter Nuraina and her friends, Amira & Fatin. They had learnt the art of playing Guzheng for the SEA ceremony last year.









Mr Rat went around the school hall with Hong Baos to be given to those who can answer the CNY quiz segment. $2, $4, $6 and $10 Hong Baos were snapped up fast.

A scenario of a mock attack in an MRT train was acted out by our ladies & gentlemen. Our nations' readiness to counter terrorism was displayed. All this in conjuction with Total Defence Day. Kudos to everyone involved.

Blogged by
Rosita

PSG Meeting 8th Jan 2008

PSG was elated to see many new parents came forward to attend the 1st meeting of 2008. The latest addition to the West Spring faculty, Mr Andrew Lim HOD for Pupil Welfare was introduced to members. Formerly from Raffles Institution, he came to West Spring taking over Mr Khoo Tse Horng, who was recently promoted to being West Spring 2nd Vice Principal.

A total of 15 new parents came wanting to know more about PSG with the hope of continuing this culture of continued interaction within parents. Mr Seet was present to answer some of the queries, alongside Mr Khoo and Mr Andrew. Mr Seet came even though he had to attend a CCC meeting the same evening. Such dedication, Thank you sir!

Sharing of concerns, hopes, views, opinions, suggestions, laughter were the highlights of the evening. PSG hope to see a smooth transition in leadership in the years ahead. Some members will be elected into the Exco where priorities will change gradually. This culture of continued alliance of working closely with the school will benefit all of our students. Thank you parents in supporting this noble quest!

Blogged by
Rosita

Dialogue Session & Award Presentation

On the 4th January 2008, the school welcomed parents of Sec Ones to a dialogue session with the Principal, Mr Seet. As parents start streaming into the school hall, smiles and welcome gestures were seen all around. PSG was there too, helping out in the collection of membership forms & payment for the parental talk.

As more parents kept streaming in, Mr Liew Kok Beng realised that more chairs were needed. Spontaneously he carried and arranged more chairs so those parents could sit comfortably.

Mr Cheng Swee Kiang made a short speech in welcoming the parents, urged parents to help the school by joining PSG thus getting to know more about the West Spring culture. Mr Seet then began his dialogue session with parents asking questions soon after. Issues such as traffic congestion in early mornings & afternoons, recess hours & others were raised.

At the end of the session, scholarship awards were given out to deserving students who chose West Spring as their 1st choice in all 3 categories, Express, Normal Academic & Normal Tech streams.

Congratulations!

Thanking members who came to help out...
Sec One Registration:; Rubiah Soali & Norhayati.
Dialogue/ Scholarship Presentation: Alice Wong, Yvonne Liu, Sally Lim, Liew Kok Beng, Rosmada Anda, of course Mr Cheng Swee Kiang & myself.

Blogged by
Rosita