Girls' Brigade & Boys' Brigade Combined Enrolment Service

29th March 2009, marked a beautiful & significant Sunday for both the Girls’ Brigade and the Boys’ Brigade of Presbyterian High. It was, in fact, the GB/BB Combined Enrolment Service, held at our school’s parade ground.

We had the privilege of having Mrs. Sally Chew, Brigade President of the Girls’ Brigade Singapore as our Guest-Of-Honor.

A simple, yet meaningful banner from the Girls’ Brigade reads “Celebrating 40 years of God’s Goodness”. It will remain a constant reminder of the GB’s motto “Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.”

Not forgetting the GB's mission for the 21st Century:
Developing each girl and officer to her fullest potential by equipping, empowering and enabling
Every Girl to be a Leader, and
Every Officer, a Servant Leader

As for the BB, staying through your Mission statement of:

To nurture youth based on Christian values to lead and serve.

Devotionals for the Week - by Pastor Beng Kwee

AHAVA & CSC YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS COMPETITION

CONGRATULATIONS AHAVA CHAMPS!

YOU WENT, YOU CONQUERED -

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

YOUR TEAMWORK, DEDICATION & PASSION ARE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS!

STAY FOCUSED AND CONTINUE TO EXCEL!

AHAVA ROCKS!
Winner of the Most Creative

Business Idea Award

Specially for the students at PHS who are reading this blog....

Life holds many challenges, but God provides guidance for the best way to handle them…

When you wonder about your future…

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare [peace] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

When no one seems to understand you…

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2

When you are lonely…

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

When you need guidance…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

When God doesn’t seem real to you…

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13-14

When you face conflict…

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9

When your life is full of problems…

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When you wonder if God listens to you…

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
1 John 5:14-15

When you face tough decisions…

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

When you wonder if God loves you…

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

When you set goals for the future…

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

When you are tempted to do wrong…

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

When you feel guilty…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

When you need assurance…

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

PARENTING WORKSHOP by GLENN LIM

Presbyterian High will be coordinating a parenting workshop by a very prominent and powerful speaker, Mr. Glenn Lim. This workshop can only accomodate 50 people and the school is sponsoring more than 70% of the course fees.

Date of workshop: 15 August (Sat)
Time of workshop: 9:30am - 12:30pm. It's a 3 hr workshop
Course fees: S$12 per person or $18 for a couple

The following 3 topics will be covered:

** The World of today's Youth (Awareness)
** Strengths Approach / Stroke Theory (Affirmation)
** Communication / Influence

Please email to us if you are interested. Since seats are limited to 50 only, we hope to hear from you soon!

THE ART OF QUILLING

Quilling or paper filigree is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. It is fun and easy and I find it to be pretty relaxing. I hope this introduction to Quilling will spark an interest, and start you imagination flowing. These quilled designs are great for card-making, scrapbooking and even as decorative items for the home!

If you are interested to learn more about quilling, a basic quilling workshop will be conducted in April 2009. You will learn the basics and card-making as well.

Date: April 18, 2009 (Sat)

Time: 10am to 12 noon

Place: PHS Wow! Room

Fees: $25.00 per head

* All materials and tools will be provided. You will get to bring back your card creations at the end of the workshop.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Each day we turn on the news to hear stories about how people are dying tragically; robberies; natural disasters; starvation. It seems so melancholic everywhere and the world seems to be full of suffering and pain.

Or have you ever received an assignment at work or school that seems so daunting and you weren't sure if you can handle it? Have you been seeing depressing news on TV and cannot stop asking yourself what could you do by yourself

You may have questioned: "What can I do? Honestly, the truth is "nothing"! Not by yourself!

In John 6:9-11 (*), the story of 5 loaves and 2 fishes was a tremendous challenge for any ordinary person. However, from the humble 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000. He made something small and insignificant to have a great impact on the masses.

Just like the bread, Jesus blesses our lives and make extraordinary people out of ordinary people like us, so that His glory and majesty might be seen through us.

So today, when you look at the world we are living in, instead of asking "What can I do," ask yourself "What can't I do with Jesus."

# This article is contributed by Mrs. Agnes Chan.

(*) "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes, but what are they for so many?" Jesus said.
"Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he has given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.

Fun time at Jewelry-making workshop

Look at Sheena and her prized design!

To Madam, With Love!

**Jenny, our instructor is that petite and patient lady at the center of the photo!

One-of-a-kind, made with passion and patience!

It's the beginning of the March school holidays, and also the first PSG workshop conducted in 2009.

Our very own, PSG Secretary, Mrs. Jenny Chin, shared with us her expertise in this small and cosy jewelry-making workshop. At $40, it was a steal since the participants brought home with them lovely hand-crafted Swarovski necklaces and ear-rings.

Jenny is such a patient and professional instructor ... at the end of the session, look at the satisfaction on every participant's face.

JENNY ... Thank you for imparting your skills and you are a GEM!

THANK YOU FOR THOSE MEMORIES ....

Jogathon at AMK Park

Games fiesta on PHS grounds!

Ready, get set ... Dunk!

Mdm Lee (VP) all drenched ...

It was only yesterday that there was a heavy downpour and this morning, the 6th of March , was a bright and sunny day. Everyone at Presbyterian High was geared up at Ang Mo Kio Park, ready for the annual Jogathon. Right after the Jogathon, there was a games fiesta in school ... that's where the highlight-of-the-day was - the "dunking" of the Vice-Principal!

A very sporting Mdm Lee, all for a good cause!

We would like to thank ALL our parents' volunteers who have joined the event and we hope you had fun too!

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES .....

WHAT IS LIFE ABOUT?

Long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered. Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible. Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I pushed myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love to do.
One day when we look back, we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition. Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life.
Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time.

You have to decide how you want to balance your Life.

Re-define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts.
Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.
So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature.
Do not take Life for granted.
Live a balance lifestyle and enjoy Life!

PHS Devotion, 12 March, 2009 - by Pastor Srimal of AMKPC

Fallen Condition Focus –

school holidays are coming, how are we going to discipline ourselves and our time?

11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)

There were some disturbing articles in the Straights Times lately. Last month there was a report that a teenager shot his mother dead and father in the US. In Singapore, an NTU student stabbed his professor and committed suicide; a SAF doctor was missing and found dead in Melbourne and police are still investigating the cause of the death. There was also a 17 year old boy who may be jailed for having sex with an underage girl. His case is pending. There is something in common in all these cases. All the person mentioned spend many hours in computer games or gaming websites. (In fact, the SAF doctor was a Singapore Champion and top ten in the world in the game WoW – World of Witchcraft).

Some experts were interview (Last Sunday Times) for their views on the relationship between gaming and these violent death. The general agreement was computer/online gaming are ok but prolong exposure to violent games does effect negative behaviour. One sign of it is that you feel easily angered.

I believe there are nothing wrong playing computer games. But it is what kind of games and how long you play that determines if our habits have become addictive and harmful. The key to keeping it under control is to discipline ourselves.

The passage I read to you tells us that discipline pays dividends.

God knows that discipline is not something in our nature. It is unpleasant. It can be painful. The passage says, “11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.” But God word promises that when we work with Him to discipline ourselves today, we will reap the benefits in the future. The passage says “Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

We have something to rejoice as a Nation. Our table tennis Olympics team won the silver medal at the recent Olympics. But we all know that behind silver medals are many years of sweat and hard training. Discipline is important if we want achieve our goal or prevent ourselves from developing unhealthy habits.

The one week term break is approaching. This is a time to exercise discipline. Determine how you are you going to spend your time daily. Ask, “much time will I allocate on the computer and internet.” Discipline yourself on what kind of games you will and not play. And I want to encourage you come out with a simple schedule that tells how much time you will put in for play, studies and family.

Discipline yourself now so that you can reap the benefits later!

A note of thanks to Pastor Srimal who has generously contributed the devotional materials that was shared with the pupils of Presbyterian High School on 12 March 2009.

The posting of this devotional is specially dedicated to the Christian parents who can now share with their child based on the school's weekly devotionals and their walk with Christ!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

AHAVA & THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION

Our very own AHAVA team is taking part in the national Young Entrepreneurship Competition.

Please join us in supporting the efforts put in by the AHAVA students and their remarkable works.

All funds raised through the sale of the AHAVA items will be donated to charity.


The competition and sale of products will be held on...

Date: 21 March 2009 (Saturday)

Time: 10am to 4pm

Place: The CDC Club @ 60 Tessensohn Road (5 min walk from Farrer Park MRT)

COME, JOIN US IN SUPPORT OF AHAVA!

TALKING TO YOUR TEENAGER

Watch How You Say And What You Say
The tone of voice is important therefore always remain calm to avoid agitation.

Avoid Long-Winded Sentences
Ideas and speech should be short and direct to the point.

Use Ordinary Language
Speak in a normal manner used when conversing with another adult.

Minimise Lecturing Or Preaching
It would put the child of or discourage him/her from speaking to you.

Be Sensitive
Allow your child to speak up whenever he/she is confortable with it. It is better to wait then to force him/her to talk.

Listening To Your Child
Show interest by putting aside what you are doing.

Provide encouragement.
Ask appropriate questions and not bombarding them with too many.
Try to appreciate the way your child views the world and his ideas.
Observe and pay attention to your child's actions
Listen carefully to what he/she has to say as there might be an underlying message.
Let your child know that you understand his/her feelings so that it will be easier for them to confide in you.

Jewelry-making Workshop by Jenny Chan

Jenny Chan is a professional beading enthusiast and a great instructor with lots of patience. She is a perfectionist in every sense and therefore what she imparts at this workshop will be of impeccable standard.

At this workshop, she will be teaching the basics of jewelry making.

You will learn how to design a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring!

At $40 per head, it's a steal, as you will get to take home your creations of 3 jewelry items, a set of tools and all materials provided (Swarovski crystals, findings etc).

Date of Workshop: 14 March 2009 (Saturday)

Time: 9am - 12pm

Venue: PHS WOW! Room

Interested? Register for this Workshop (via email) now! **Provide your name and contact during registration. Our email: presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

Seats are limited and based on a first-come first-serve basis! SO HURRY!

JOGATHON 2009 @ PHS

JOIN THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE ANNUAL SCHOOL JOGATHON ...

When? 6th March 2009 (FRIDAY)

Where? Ang Mo Kio Park (the park where McDonalds' AMK
Drive-thru is!)

What time? Assemble by 7.45am sharp.
Jogathon starts on the dot ... at 8am.

IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO JOG, VOLUNTEER WITH PSG AS:

• Road Marshalls
• Score-keepers
• Distribution of fruits / water

DON'T MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT!

READY ... GET SET ... GO!!!

UnFolding the Rosebud - Helen Steiner Rice

It is only a tiny rosebud,

A flower of God's design;

But I cannot unfold the petals

With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers

Is not known to such as I.

God opens this flower so sweetly,

In my hands it will fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,

This flower of God's design,

Then how can I think I have wisdom

To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

TALKING ABOUT HUMILITY ....

One day, a one dollar bill and a hundred dollar bill got folded together and began talking about their life experiences.

The hundred dollar bill began to brag:
"I've had a great life," he said. "I've been to all the big hotels, Donald Trump himself used me at his casino, I've been in the wallets of Fortune 500 board members, I've flown from one end of the country to the other! I've even been in the wallet of two Presidents of the United States, and once when Princess Diana visited the US, she used me to buy a packet of gum."

In awe, the dollar humbly responded, "Gee, nothing like that has ever happened to me, ...but I have been to church a lot!"

"WANT TO" - Neil Eskelin

I remember the night in Miami when our son, Ian, was just five years old. We were staying with relatives and it was his bedtime. When I looked at the living room floor, I knew we had a problem. Toys were all over the place. "Ian," I said, "you need to pick up all those toys before you go to bed."
"Daddy," he said, "I'm too tired to pick up my toys."
My immediate inclination was to force him to clean up the room. Instead, I went into the bedroom, laid down, and said, "Ian, come here. Let’s play Humpty Dumpty."
He climbed up on my knees and I said, "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall." And he fell. Ian laughed and said, "Let's do it again." Well, after the third "fall," I said, "Okay, but first go pick up those toys."
Without thinking, he ran into the living room and in ninety seconds he finished a job that could have taken half an hour. Then he jumped back on my knees and repeated, "Daddy, let’s do it again."
"Ian, I thought you were too tired to pick up those toys." He answered, "I was, daddy, but I just wanted to do this!"

We can finish any job when we have the "Want to!"