GCE 'O' Levels - Mother Tongue Oral Examinations

The GCE 'O' Levels Mother Tongue Oral Examinations will be on 7 July 2009 (Tuesday).

Students of Presbyterian High School who are taking this exam, please ensure that you bring your NRIC and your school tie on that day.

H1N1 Alert to all Parents and Students of PHS

Please note that school will be closed for a week and re-opens on 7 July 2009 (Tue) due to a teacher who was infected by H1N1.

Parents, ensure your child refers to the school website and get their homework from the MLG.

Prayers for the recovering teacher is appreciated and let's uphold the Principal, Mr. Lim and his staff in prayers during their Leave of Absence.

Meantime, ensure your child is keeping a healthy lifestyle ...
Drink plenty of water
Get sufficient rest
Avoid crowded places
Eat healthy
Temperature taking twice a day is encouraged!

Fund-raising for a good cause - by Finetuners have just begun...

Log on to http://finetuners.livejournal.com/11682.html and learn more about how you can be part of a good cause in fund-raising for a special 4-year old girl named Charmaine.
More details about Charmaine's plight and flight for cancer can be found at http://www.ourfeistyprincess.com/

The kind people at Finetuners will be donating their earnings from customized watches sold through their website. Each customized watch is at $50 each (GST included - good deal!) and there are 2 designs and 5 colors to select from.

So, if there is an important occasion that you are intending to get a gift, why not select from from http://finetuners.livejournal.com/11682.html ... all for a good cause! Charmaine and her mum, Mrs. Cynthia Lim will deeply appreciate your gesture of love!

NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT OR A HOAX! Log on to the above websites and you will find out more!

FATHER'S DAY DEDICATION....

Presbyterian High’s PSG wishes all fathers a blessed Father's Day.

Even though some fathers may feel that they are the most unnoticed and unsung heroes of our time; on the contrary, they are the most revered assets of the society.

Here are some of the countless words of encouragement specially dedicated to you…

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -- Clarence Budington Kelland, U.S. Writer

"How true Daddy's words were when he said: 'All children must look after their own upbringing.' Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." -- Anne Frank, German Jew and Holocaust Victim

"It is much easier to become a father than to be one." -- Kent Nerburn, U.S. Author and Educator

"My dad has always taught me these words: care and share." -- Tiger Woods, U.S. Professional Golfer

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" -- Lydia M. Child, U.S. Author

"We are given children to test us and make us more spiritual." -- George Will, U.S. Journalist

For Christian fathers, God’s words speaks aloud in the Bible and here are some verses chosen for you.

Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; (NIV)

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:32 For the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV)

Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (NIV)

Proverbs 17:24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. (NIV)

Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (NIV)

PHS DJs Rock The House @ Home Club

Announcement to ALL PARENTS....

What's more appropriate than to give these pupils our support... especially this Sunday, 21st June, which is FATHER'S DAY!

A great event for the whole family... come by and have some fun!

This is a collaboration between Presbyterian High (PHS), HomeClub, iShop and DJs Unity for the above mentioned event.

This event will be the first of its kind, where a government school teams up and collaborates with one of the most vibrant and dynamic clubs ever to grace the shores of Singapore. We proudly bring to you the revival of the 80s oh-so-famous "tea-dance" parties.

All 14 students, including some teachers from PHS, who have recently taken up basic dj-ing lessons over at iShop, will officially have their graduation ceremony at this event held right at the heartbeat of the Singapore River.

The students, fresh from the course, with their exciting and youthful creative spark, will showcase what has been taught to them over the past 2 weeks in the academy with regards to the basic requirements of being a DJ. They will be performing to a crowd of approx 400 people within. So come on, let's see those fingers and hands trembling, but only because the anticipation is too tough to handle!

Feel free to invite your friends, fellow colleagues, family members to come and join the party on the 21st of June over at HomeClub Sg.

All 14 graduating students from PHS will be playing a set of 20 mins each, back to back. This is one event you don't wanna miss as we usher in the stars of the future. Be amazed at the DJs, some, as young as 13 years old.

Do come and check out this hallmark event, as you'll like to be the one who brags years from now, that you were there, when and where it ALL began.
So, see you there!

Event name: DJs Unity Academy Graduation Afternoon Tea Party
Event Date: 21 June 2009 (Sunday)
Event Time: 2pm - 6pm
Age limit: All ages (Anyone and Everyone!)
Location: 20 Upp Circular Rd, B1-01/06 The Riverwalk (Opp The Central, Nearest MRT Clarke Quay)
Entry Charge : $5/person (Comes with a soft drink coupon) - we're NOT making money out of this event, this is to help cover some operating cost (like utilities, labor, etc) for our kind venue sponsor (Home Club)... it's only fair!
Drinks promo (additional) for event day:
- Soft Drinks @ $4
- Juices @ $6
- Mocktails @ $10
**Sorry folks, as this is an event for teens, NO alcohol will be served.

SEE 'YA!

THE FATHER'S EYES

Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played.

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.

This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.

But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench-warmer all four years.

His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and
hustle they badly needed.

The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.

This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram.

The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in."

Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.

The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard. Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone The coach came to him and said,"Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

Like the athlete's father, God is always there cheering for us. He's always reminding us to go on. He's even offering us His hand for He knows what is best, and is willing to give us what we need and not simply what we want. God has never missed a single game. What a joy to know that life is meaningful if lived for the Highest. Live for HIM for He's watching us in the game of life!

TO BELIEVE

To believe is to know that every day

is a new beginning.

It is to trust that miracles happen,

and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds,

To know the wonder of a stardust sky

and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,

The innocence of a child's eyes

and the beauty of an aging hand,

for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength

and courage that lies within us.

When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know we are not alone,

That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know that wonderful surprises

are just waiting to happen,

And all our hopes and dreams are within reach.

If only we believe.

SINGAPORE YOUTH FESTIVAL 2009

For 2009, the SYF theme ‘Youth Signatures’ embodies our youths’ desire for self-expression. Energetic and full of enthusiasm, our youths are constantly seeking opportunities to showcase their multifarious talents as they strive to work towards a better tomorrow. The SYF has always been a platform that has enabled and celebrated the talents and vibrancy of our youths. Through their many signature performances, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and improvement, leaving a positive mark on those around them

Presbyterian High - You have practiced hard and emerged at this year's SYF with the following results:

Dance - GOLD

Guzheng - GOLD

Chinese Orchestra - SILVER

Choir - SILVER

Drama - SILVER

Concert Band - BRONZE

The PHS- Parent Support Group sends our heartiest congratulations for a job well done!

Continue to pursue your CCAs with the passion to excel! To God Be the Glory!

GEL CANDLE-MAKING WORKSHOP

What a chirpy Saturday morning and the kids were all ready for some fun time at the Gel candle-making with their mums!


We had the luxury of gathering at Jenny's condo at The Florida for the workshop, in the comfort of the air-conditioned function room, away from the heat and humidity!

SHHHH.... KIDS AT WORK, DO NOT DISTURB!

Sharon (in black top), was our instructor for the day!

Step 1 - the melting of the gel for the candles ...

Step 2 onwards - you will need to be at the workshop to learn...

so those who have missed all the fun, join us for the next session!

Not to worry, we are not getting tipsy from gel, just admiring each others' work of art! Cheers!

Just look at the smiles on everyone's face, it simply speaks of our enjoyment and fellowship!

A thing of beauty is a joy forever!

It only takes a spark... to get the candle glowing!


All's well that ends well! Right after our workshop, what's better than to tuck in to a table full of food - sushi, pies, paus, coney dogs with desserts like mini white chocolate and raspberry muffins, jellies, egg tarts, and freshly-made tutti-frutti salad! Nothing beats good food coupled with great fellowship!

"FIREPROOF" - The Movie

For those of us who are always buzzing around and hardly have the chance to sit through a movie, less to say a good one, "FIREPROOF" comes highly recommended.

From the same directors of "Facing the Giants" (another excellent movie), Alex & Stephen Kendrick, have done it again! Both movies are box-office success.

This film tackles the core of a culture issue in today's world - marriages on the brink of divorce.

The storyline unfolds with Capt. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron), the captain of a team of firefighters. Managing fires and crisis at work is what he does on a daily basis, however, he doesn't realize the danger that his own marriage is facing. Caleb goes to his father for some advice, seeking a shortcut to fix his marriage. Slowly, in the process, he discovers that there is no shortcut to a marriage except to love. From that, Caleb learnt about true love, and his spiritual journey with God grew.

This is a good movie to watch with your spouse and understand the meaning of unconditional love, self-sacrifice and be reminded of our marriage vows! ENJOY!

POST-EXAMS ACTIVITIES - POND STUDY

The mid-year exams have ended ... a learning journey begins!

The lower secondary classes went to the Singapore Science Center for a lesson on "Pond study".
PSG was involved in "chaperoning" these students, and while learning, we had fun.

Below are some photos (1st to 3rd) showing how the students gather their specimens.
Thereafter, (photos 4th to 6th), they brought the specimens back to the lab where they examine through 2 kinds of microscopes.

It's what we classify as "hands-on learning through fun!"

These photos were taken by Celia (a PSG member), who accompanied the students to the Science Center on 29 May 2009. Thanks Celia for sharing with us ... these photos were certainly bringing back memories of "longkang" fishing!

Wildflowers by Kitty Chappell

Lord, help me to grow as the wildflowers grow

be it a meadow or a crack in cement.

Despite the terrain, be it good or bad,

let me know I am there by intent.

Instead of my sadly complaining within

regarding life's rough terrain,

May my face, too, look upward to You

Through seasons of drought and rain.

Help me to bloom as the wildflowers bloom,

regardless of where I am placed;

wherever the spot You plant me,

Lord,let the air there be sweet with Your grace.

Someday a tired pilgrim may stop to rest

from carrying his heavy load

And thank my Creator for placing me there

to brighten that spot in life's road.

GOD'S COFFEE

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some
expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."


Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Gel Candle-making Workshop

We are organizing a Gel candle-making workshop in June.
Interested parents, please register by email to presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

Details of Workshop:

Date: 6 June 2009 (Sat)
Time: 9.30am to 12pm
Place: To be confirmed
Fees: $28/- inclusive of materials

Join us and learn a skill, you may just discover a new hobby... and make a few friends!

HAVE YOU GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES A HUG TODAY?

It's wonderous what a hug can do.

A hug can cheer you when you're blue.

A hug can say, "I love you so,"

Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go."

A hug is, "Welcome back again."

And, "Great to see you! Where've you been?"

A hug can soothe a small childs pain,

and bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There's just no doubt about it-

we scarcely could survive without it!

A hug delights and warms and charms.

It must be why God gave us arms.

A hug can break the language barrier,

and make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em,

the more you give, the more there's more of 'em.

So stretch those arms without delay

and give someone a hug today!

A Mother's Day Prayer....

God our Heavenly Father, we pray:

for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility ;

for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;

for those who are tired, stressed or depressed;

for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;

for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;

for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;

for those who have children they do not want;

for those who raise children on their own;

for those who have lost a child;

for those who care for the children of others;

for those whose children have left home; and

for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled.

Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender,

and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,

living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.

Amen.

IN HONOR OF ALL THE MOTHERS IN THE WORLD ...

A mother’s world is filled with many responsibilities and concerns, so God offers you encouragement through the promises He has made…

When you are concerned about your family’s 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 you need wisdom…
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

When you are worried…
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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

When you can’t make ends meet…
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When you’ve had a rough day…
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 face difficult problems…
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

When you want your husband to follow the Lord…
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2

When there are family tensions…
Put on then… compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

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 wonder if God loves you…
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
When you need forgiveness…
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 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. Psalms 139:1-2

When you feel like giving up…
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

H A P P Y M O T H E R S ' D A Y 2 0 0 9!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

History of Mother's Day: Anna Jarvis

Anna Jarvis is recognised as the Founder of Mothers Day in US. Though Anna Jarvis never married and never had kids, she is also known as the Mother of Mothers Day, an apt title for the lady who worked hard to bestow honor on all mothers.

Anna Jarvis got the inspiration of celebrating Mothers Day from her own mother Mrs Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis in her childhood. An activist and social worker, Mrs Jarvis used to express her desire that someday someone must honor all mothers, living and dead, and pay tribute to the contributions made by them.

A loving daughter, Anna never forgot her mothers word and when her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mothers desire of having a mothers day. Growing negligent attitude of adult Americans towards their mothers and a desire to honor her mothers soared her ambitions.

To begin with Anna, send Carnations in the church service in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her mother. Carnations were her mothers favorite flower and Anna felt that they symbolised a mothers pure love. Later Anna along with her supporters wrote letters to people in positions of power lobbying for the official declaration of Mothers Day holiday. The hard work paid off. By 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state in the Union and on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

ROCKS & SAND ...

PARENTS ... YOU MAY WANT TO TRY THIS EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR CHILDREN.


A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in
front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks
about 2" in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them
into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course,
rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The students laughed. The professor picked up a box of sand and
poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is
your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your
partner, your health, your children - anything that is so important
to you that if it were lost, you would be nearly destroyed.

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your
house, your car.

"The sand is everything else. The small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the
pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend
all your energy and time on the small stuff, you will never have
room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your
partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean
the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

"Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set
your priorities. The rest is just sand."

Living Beyond the Grind of Fear - by Ps. Jordan (AMK Presbyterian Church)

THANK YOU PASTOR JORDAN FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM AT THIS WEEK'S CHAPEL SERVICE.