International Friendship Day, 15th April 2010

On 15th April, classrooms were decorated in the themes of the country of the pupils' choice.  A competition was held for the best decorated classroom. Points were awarded for Creativity, Use of props and Provision of facts on the country.

Great effort and thought were given in the decoration of the classrooms and the judges were most impressed by the results.  Creativity and resourcefulness were evident in many of the exhibits displayed, and even though prizes can only be awarded to the top 6 classrooms (3 for lower Sec and 3 for upper Sec), equal credit must also be given to the other classrooms for their displays.

Mrs June Chan and Mrs Celia Lee were Parent Volunteers, who were part of the panel of judges for the Best Decorated Classroom competition.

The photos on this post are classrooms which, we felt should be highlighted, to give the pupils recognition for their hard work and creativity.

There was a marked difference in the level of creativity in general, between the Sec 1 and Sec 4.  This is an interesting observation.

We also noticed that some of the classrooms were still in the midst of decoration, and we were even told that for one classroom, the decorations were dismantled as the pupils thought that the event was over!

Extra marks were given to a class which provided more than the usual displays, such as rehearsed audio-musical performance from popular anime, Naruto.

Marks were also added for innovative way of suspending the Taj Mahal from the ceiling, as well as chalk markings on the floor as a welcome for the judges.

We were also very amused by the warnings put up as we approached the "forbidden" territory of North Korea.

1 ENDURANCE (Luxembourg)

1 BLESSING (Thailand)

1 DEVOTION (Brazil)

1 AGAPE (China)

1 HUMILITY (Egypt)  

 
1 GRACE (Japan)

2 HUMILITY (Japan) 

   

4 GRACE (India)

Chalk markings on ground (Sanskrit)

4 ENDURANCE (Brazil)

 

4 FAITH (Luxembourg)

5 BLESSING (South Korea)

(North Korea)

Winners of the best decorated classroom:

Lower Sec:

1 Grace

2 Endurance

2 Compassion

Upper Sec
4 Grace
4 Nett
5 Agape

Our congratulations to the winners and our sincere appreciation to all pupils who have contributed to this event!
Well Done to all!



Photo credits: Mrs Celia Lee

Parenting Talk 1: Cyberwellness & Cyber Etiquette, 10th April 2010

As parents, how do we handle a situation when our child tells us "Give me five more minutes....", when he was already on the computer for more than 3 hours?

Do we know what games they are playing?  How much do we understand about online games?  Have we ever heard of the popular online game called War Craft? 

Online games are more often than not, team games, whereby 'gamers' log onto the game and form teams, with a purpose to defeat a common enemy (as in War Craft or Maplestory) or to take care of a family or community (as in SIMs).  If your child were to pull-out midway of the 'mission', his whole team may lose the war (as in War Craft) and when he gets back to school the next day, his online team-mates (usually school-mates) would blame him for causing their team's defeat.  This situation may cause a loss of friends.

The Cyberwellness Talk, held at AMK Presbyterian Church, on Sat 10th Apr, provided a good insight to the Cyberworld.

Let us first understand the "spheres" or circles, within which we interact according to our age.  For example:

• Up to age 10 years : play PSP (Play Station) -> type of games: virtual trading of items
• From 11 - 20 years : join online game communites -> play Multi-Media Online Games (eg Maplestory)  -> via Blogs or YouTube.
• From 21 - 30 years : join LAN communites -> play LAN games -> via Instant messaging/Forums.
• From 31 - 40 years : join Café communities -> use Console -> World-Wide Web.
• From 41 and above : use only Email

Much has been said on the dangers of the Internet gaming.  Certain behavorial indicators to look out are:

• Schoolwork suffered as too much time has been spent on playing computer games.
• Child becoming restless or irritable when parent tried to reduce or restrict his gaming activities.
• Missed studies or CCA to play more computer games.
• Lied about his time spent on computer games.
• Spend increasingly more time and money in order to maintain the same level of thrill and excitement.
• Playing computer games is used a a form of escape from problems or stress.
• Child's mind becoming excessively focused on computer games.
• Resorted to stealing or borrowing money from family or friends in order to buy computer games from store or visitng the "internet-cafe".

The key distinguishing feature of these Multi-Media Online Games is that the Game Never Ends!  One can play forever! This is because all games push you to better yourself, to attain a higher level or to acquire more and more riches. And it is in this drive to achieve this goal that the game becomes an addiction for the child.

Parents must also be aware of the different Video Game classifications i.e. Adult Themes, Violence levels, Sex and Nudity, Language and Drug Use. For example, parents have to be careful that our child do not play games that contain too realistic depiction of violence for his age, or encourages sadistic (eg Grand Theft Auto) or sexual violence.

Secondly, we have to raise resilient kids.  What does this mean?

Dos :

• We have to discover their talents and nurture them.
• We introduce them to real-world activities, eg out-door activities.

Don'ts :

• Avoid using computer games to "nanny" them.  In other words, avoid using computer games to occupy them.
• Avoid positioning gaming as "reward".  This means using computer games as reward.

Thirdly, we play games with our kids.

• We decide on the kind of games.
• We choose the right season, e.g. after homework is completed or after the exams.

Here is a useful set of rules laid down by Choy family as regards to gaming:

1. All homework to be completed before gaming.
2. No gaming after 10.30 pm during school weekdays, Monday to Thursday.
3. Always ask parent permission to play.
4. Stop playing within 5 minutes when asked to do so.
5. No gaming at all during exam period.
6. Bad results will mean less playing-time during school holidays.
7. Always put family members first in priority to play with.  Co-operative games over one-person games.
8. Never chat with anyone you do not know on the internet.
9. Games must be approved by parents.  Parents have the right to ban any games not appropriate.
10. Gaming is not a MUST. It is a privilege givern by parents and can be taken away.

Consequences of breaking rules include confiscation of gaming consoles or locking of computers.

We have to be involved in the Internet activities of our children:

• Maintain a close communication with our child : find out how is he doing on the Internet.
• Set rules and guildelines : eg not to provide personal details to "friends" on the Internet.
• Place the computer in an open area : so as to discourage inappropriate Internet surfing.
• Get to know your child's Internet friends : Be friendly and approachable.
• Make a police report : if you feel that your child is in danger, or if your child is fearful (eg in case of "cyber-bullying")

On a personal note:

Parents cannot forbid our children from entering into the Cyberworld as the Internet is here to stay and is integral to our lives. We can only prepare ourselves and teach our children to be Cyber-wise, to moderate themselves on internet-gaming, and to impress on them that there are much more to life outside the computer. There is greater joy to experience. One only has to go outdoors and meet people face-to-face, rather than meeting them in "cyber-face".

Work Experience / Work Shadowing Programme for Sec 3

During the school holidays, PHS is organising a Work Experience/Work Shadowing Programme for Sec 3 pupils.

This is part of the Career Guidance Programme and the school is seeking opportunities to expose our Sec 3 pupils to the work environment.

Our Sec 3 pupils have indicated their areas of interest :
Engineering, Hotel and Hospitality, Banking and Finance, Restaurant Management, Psychology and Mass Communication / Media Communication.

There is a choice of 2 periods, which are negotiable:
- 31st May to 4th Jun
- 22 to 26 Nov

A point of note is that there is no necessity to provide the pupils with allowance.

 

If you know of any company or perhaps your employer or you may have your own business and are interested in supporting the school's programme, the school has prepared a Letter of Request for you to formally request the Company.  The Letter contains more information on the programme. Once the Letter is completed, please return it to the school through your child/ward, or as a scanned copy to our email address : presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

Please contact us for a copy of the Letter via our email address above or as a comment in our blog.  We will get in touch with you.

For more information on the programme, you can contact the school's career guidance coordinator, Ms Chin Kean Kean at chin_kean_kean@moe.edu.sg

International Friendship Day, 15th April 2010

On Thursday, 15th April, the Whole World will come to PHS!

Each class will be decorated according to the theme of a country by the students in celebration of International Friendship Day.

PSG has been invited by the school to take part in the celebrations.

2 Parent Volunteers will be part of a panel of judges for Best Decorated Class Competition.  Judging will take place at 3.30pm on 15th April.

If you can cook and serve a delicious dish, snack or dessert that is representative of a country, we encourage you showcase it to the students during their recess time for their sampling on Friday 16th April. You only need to make a platter or tray for sampling and once it's finished, there is no need to replenish. Please note that there are two recess times that day and you need to serve two portions.

On 16th April, we would also like to appeal for 2 parent volunteers to present prizes during the prize-giving ceremony during Assembly time at 11.45am.

Please let us know if you can bring a dish for sampling.  It need not be in large quantities, but sufficient for sampling and tasting.  The dish therefore, should be in bite-size pieces or able to be cut into sampling-sized pieces.  There were suggestions like sushi (Japan), malay kuehs (Indonesia/Malaysia).

You can send your reply to our email address: presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com or send a comment to this post.  We will get in touch with you.

He Died for Me!

If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. —Matthew 27:42

William and Mary Tanner were crossing the railroad tracks when it happened. Mary's foot slipped and wedged itself between the rail and the wooden crosswalk. She tried frantically to pull her foot free as the sound of an approaching train was heard. There were but seconds left as the express came rushing toward her around a curve. Will Tanner pulled on her foot, desperately trying to free her.

As the train came closer and its whistle screamed and brakes shrieked, Will held her in his arms. While people shuddered in horror, the train thundered over them. One witness said that just before the engine hit them, he heard the brave man cry, "I'll stay with you, Mary!" That is great love!

This story reminds me of our Saviour, who loved us with a love that can save us (John 3:16). Death came hurtling at Him as He hung on a cross and took the full penalty we deserved. He heard people cry out to Him to save Himself and come down from the cross (Matthew 27:40). But to save others He chose not to save Himself (v.42).

With divine, sacrificial love, Jesus refused to spare His own life. He died so that He could provide forgiveness of sins for us. Our Savior stayed on the cross—for you and for me! — Mart De Haan

Oh can it be, upon a tree, the Saviour died for me

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled

To think He died for me! - Newton

Nails could not have kept Jesus on the cross if His love for us had not held Him there.

From "Our Daily Bread", 9th April 2003

Maundy Thursday, 1st April

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.

It is the beginning of the three day celebration of Easter - the most important time in the year for Christians. This period ('The Triduum') is a big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

The name Maundy Thursday arose from a medieval custom whereby the English royalty handed out "maundy purses" of alms to the poor before attending Mass on this day.

Customs and Practices

The Maundy Thursday celebrations in the United Kingdom today involve the Queen offering "alms" to deserving senior citizens (one man and one woman for each year of the Queen's age). These "alms" are coins, known as Maundy money or Royal Maundy, are distributed in red and white purses. This custom dates back to King Edward I.

Each recipient will be given the red and white purses. The red purse contains regular currency and is given in place of food and clothing. The white purse contains currency in the amount of one penny for each year of the Queen's age. Since 1822, rather than ordinary money, the Queen gives out Maundy coins which are specially minted 1, 2, 3 and 4 penny pieces, and are legal tender.

In 2009, the red purse contained a £5 coin celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Ascension of Henry VIII and a 50p coin to mark the founding of Kew Gardens. The white purse contained 83p in Maundy coins because the Queen was 83 years old that year.

 The service at which this takes place rotates around English and Welsh churches, though in 2008 it took place for the first time in Northern Ireland at Armagh Cathedral. Until the death of King James II, the Queen would also wash the feet of the selected poor people.

Adapted from Wikipedia

Jogathon, 12th March 2010

It was a cloudy day on Friday, 12th March 2010 but nobody minded it, as it was the perfect day for a Jogathon at MacRitchie Reservoir.

Waiting for the Jogathon to start

Doing some warming-up exercises before the Jog

Our Guest-of-Honour, Alvin Soh (PSG Chairman)

PSG manning the drinks stall

Run...run...run...

Non-competitive event (Sec 1)

Winner, Sec 1

Top 3 winners, Sec 1

Winner, Sec 3

Other Prizes

Finishing Line

Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of faith... (Heb 12:1 & 2)

Photo credits : Ang Lee San

Parent HugS - An Ice Cream Treat!

Monday 9th Mar, 2010 saw a special day of treat.... an Ice-Cream treat!

This is the first of "treats" which demonstrates the love and concern of the parents to our children - hence the name "Parent HugS".

On the previous Friday, students were reminded to brace themselves for a TREAT on Monday, and were urged not to be absent on that day, or they will miss out on this special occasion. The cups of ice-cream were delivered during recess time, and PSG as well as other parent volunteers ensured a smooth distribution of the various flavours of the ice cream.

 

There were 5 lovely flavours to choose from - Strawberry Surprise, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cookies and Cream, Mint Choc Kisses and White Chocolate Raspberry from New Zealand Natural Ice Cream.

A "Parent HugS" stamp has been specially designed and made for this occasion, and every student who has been given an ice-cream will have his/her hand stamped.

Yummy!

PSG and Parent Volunteers

See the pure enjoyment on their faces!

                   

                   

For those missed this Ice-cream treat, do not fret as there will be more to come.  Although it may not be ice-cream, the treat will be equally welcomed!

If you have any suggestions for treats, please do not hesitate to post a comment on this story, with your contact details. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Special thanks to Lynn Quek & Noriko for taking the photos;
and Wendy Yang for the design of the Parent Hugs logo.

"Parent HugS" - A new programme

Parent Volunteers needed!

Date: Tuesday 9th Mar, 9am to 11am

PSG, together with the school, has decided to give our students and staff a TREAT. This programme is simply titled "Parent HugS".

This first treat to be served is New Zealand Natural Premium Ice-cream.  We need at least 6 to 8 parent volunteers to serve 1500 cups of ice-cream to them during recess time.

You can be sure of the thrill to see their happy faces as you serve them!

God's Boxes - Count your blessings; Let go your sorrows

I have in my hands two boxes,
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box,

And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,

Both my joys and sorrows I stored,

But though the gold became heavier each day,

The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black,

I wanted to find out why.

And I saw, at the base of the box, a hole,

Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,

Why the gold and the black with the hole?

"My child, the gold is for you to count the blessings,

And the black is for you to let go."

It is impossible to despair when you remember your Helper is omnipotent (Jeremy Taylor)

'Found this to be a good article.  Starting each day with great cheer from our Lord' - Contribution from Mrs Judy Tan (whose son is Travers Tan Guan Wei from 2 Compassion)

(with minor editions)

Parenting Talk 1 : "Cyberwellness & Cyber Etiquette"

Dear Parents,

PHS has organised a series of PARENTING TALKS, that are very helpful in bringing up our teenagers.

Parenting Talk 1 : CYBERWELLNESS & CYBER ETIQUETTE, will give us an insight as to how to keep pace with the cyber activities of our children.

Date : 10th Apr 2010
Time : 9.30 am - 12 pm
Venue : PHS, Chapel
Organisers : AMK Presbyterian Church, PHS & PSG
Speaker : Touch Community Services

Programme:
9.30am - 10.15am : Cyberspace today
10.15am - 10.45am : Tea Break
10.45am - 11.30am : Your child's cyber responsibility
11.30am - 12.00pm : Question & Answer

Fees : $10 per parent or $15 per couple

The school will issue circulars soon.

We encourage parents to attend this talk, so as to beware of the cyber-activities of our children, and to inculcate proper cyber etiquette.