ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW PSG EXCO 2010

Dear Parents

We would like to announce the new team of Executive Committee 2010 of Presbyterian High School's Parent Support Group:

CHAIRMAN ...... Mr. Alvin Soh
VICE CHAIRMAN.... Mr. Ang Lee San
SECRETARY .... Mrs. Jenny Chin
TREASURER .... Mrs. Elicia Soh
MEMBERS ... Mdm Wendy Chia (Parents' Activities), Mrs Celia Lee (Publicity/Blog), Mrs. Noriko Ide (School Activities)

As the new team takes over the reins from 1 December 2009, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to each of them, and they will need all your support in all the forthcoming activities for 2010.

With thanks,
PHS PSG 2009 ExCo Team

PSG BLOG turns ONE!!!

TIME FLIES .... PSG BLOG turns ONE!

This blog would not have been possible if we did not have contributions from parents, 'followers' of our the blog.  As this blog continues with the new team of PSG ExCo, we sincerely hope you have enjoyed our postings and continue to support this blog and the new team!

Warmest regards,
PSG ExCo 2009

PHS Graduation Night 2009

November 20, 2009 (Friday) was a very special night for all the graduates of Presbyterian High School.
It was their Graduation Night a.k.a. Prom Nite!

PSG had the honour of decorating the Ballroom at the Copthorne King's in sync with the theme of STARS!
A group of parents have taken an afternoon off to inflate hundreds of balloons for the decorations and the photos below are the effort of an afternoon of sheer hard work! :)

Ang has uploaded more photos in a video ... check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycHqqoRh2Q4

From left:  Yoshi-san, Ang and Sheena, Christine, Elicia, Alvin, Dora, Jenny, Agnes & Rose

(missing from picture is Bernard)

Lucky Draw Prizes and Prom King & Queen sashes

PSG End-of-Year Appreciation Dinner - 17 November 2009

It is an annual event whereby the Parent Support Group gather with parents who have rendered their help in one way of another through the school year.

This year, we have decided to engage in a more relaxed manner rather than the usual programme-packed session.  We had a catered dinner at the function rooms of the Grandeur.  We would like to thank Mrs. Wanda Ng, for booking the function rooms at her condo to accomodate us for this celebration.

Mr. Lim Yan Hock, Principal and Mdm Lee Hwee Ling, V.Principal attended the dinner despite their very tight schedule, and we really appreciate the time they have spent with the parents over dinner.

The PSG ExCo, especially Jenny (PSG Secretary), organized the dinner with a special surprise for incoming Chairman, Mr. Alvin Soh!   A splendid job by Jenny... and thank you!

We would like to thank each parent, in their own ways, have contributed toward PSG, that you will continue to support our efforts to be the parent partners of Presbyterian High!

Below are some photos taken by PSG incoming Vice Chairman, Mr. Ang Lee San.

Mr. Lim Yan Hock & Mr. Alvin Soh

Mdm Lee and Alvin

Mrs. Boey & Alvin

Mr. Julian Lau and Alvin

Mrs. Teo HH & Alvin

Parliamentary session???

The Birthday Surprise ... to Alvin

In Appreciation to all the parents partners..... a small token from the bottom of our hearts!

Mrs. Wanda Ng

NATURE IS CHANGING: Copenhagen & Beyond - What does it mean for Asia?

I N V I T A T I O N
You are cordially invited to attend public lecture with experts from the International Union of Conservation of Nature, hosted by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Indochine.


Event Details

Topic: Nature is Changing: Copenhagen & Beyond – What does it mean for Asia?

Date/Time: 11 Nov 2009, 5-7pm

Venue: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Auditorium, Level 3 Blk B, Faculty of Law, NUS Bukit Timah Campus, 469G Bukit Timah Road Singapore 259772 [download map]

RSVP: Admission is free, but registration is required. To enable us to gauge attendance, do register online at http://www.siiaonline.org, or contact us 65164202/6134 or lkyspppl@nus.edu.sg.

Please register at. http://www.siiaonline.org/

PSG Reflections - ASPIRE 2009

Dear Parents


My journey with Presbyterian High School’s PSG has been a memorable one filled with traditions, transition and transformation.

The traditions of the school, complete with the zeal of the parents made every effort a full-binding force despite challenges along the way.


The transitions of the principals brought along nostalgia, yet with anticipation.


The transformation of PSG team has been a delight, as we work more confidently with the school and with one another; staying focused and planning ahead. The team spirit remains steadfast, with God’s grace.


We have to constantly remind ourselves that serving in PHS’ PSG should come with passion, perseverance and perspective. Your commitment and support will contribute to the growth of the school and its pupils.


Nevertheless, our objectives should remain in-sync with God and here’s a verse to share with you:


Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21


May God continue to bless each one of you abundantly as you continue to serve in His name!


With warmest regards
Mrs. Agnes Chan
Presbyterian High School – Parent Support Group
Chairperson (2009)

TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC OPEN HOUSE - TP RAWKS! 16 to 18 November 2009

DEAR PARENTS ..... If you child is planning to join TP, the following program is a great way to start!

GET READY TO

RAWK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

From 16 – 18 November 2009, Temasek Polytechnic will be holding TPRAWKS!!, an annual event where we let YOU have a taste of what it means to be part of the most vibrant polytechnic around.

Experience life in Temasek Polytechnic through a series of workshops and games at our academic schools of Applied Science (ASc), Business (BUS), Design (DES), Engineering (ENG) and Informatics & IT (IIT) and Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS)!

Have a go at our many CCAs such as Dragonboating at the Bedok Reservoir or learning Hip Hop dancing!

RAWK the night away on the last day of TPRAWKS!! with live bands and music at the TP Jam & Hop!

Form lasting bonds with new friends, something Rawkers have cherished after every TPRAWKS!! But why wait? You can meet other Rawkers who’re coming to TPRAWKS!! on our Facebook page or Friendster account.

Register now and stand a chance to win some great prizes! If you sign up by 18 October 09, you might win free movie passes, a laptop bag, a handphone or an iPod Nano! So what’re you waiting for? Sign up now

Don’t forget to visit our blog

Temasek Polytechnic has a blog up over on tp4me.blogspot.com, where you can have an inside peek into how we’re planning for TPRAWKS!! and meet our star bloggers, Frayon and Fanning!

And many more…!

Keep your eye on this website! We’ll be updating it regularly with announcements and news on what you can expect at TPRAWKS!! 2009!

PARENTEEN SEMINAR @ NGEE ANN POLY - 21st November 2009

If this is too small and not sharp, please log on to Ngee Ann Polytechnic's website for registration (http://www.np.edu.sg/)

To all the graduates at Presbyterian High .... with love from PSG

On this, your graduation day all stand and give cheer

to honor you for all the work you've done to get you here.

As we rise and give applause be sure you don't forget

that learning is not over as your future plans are met.

May you always be a listener and learn from all you meet

always keep a student's spirit and your life will be complete.

EATING FRUITS - contributed by Mr. Ang Lee San

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.


What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.
FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.
In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....
So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. if you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher.. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.
GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

MOTHERS - contributed by Mrs. Jacinta Michael

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little

Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mummy to Mum to Mother...

The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mummy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mum knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mum's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mum would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mum.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

From Our Daily Bread - 7 September 2009 - UNANSWERED PRAYERS

An explanation we often hear for “unanswered” prayers is that we don’t have enough faith. But Jesus said in Luke 17:6 that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea and it will obey us. In other words, the effectiveness of our prayers depends not on how much faith we have but on whether we even have faith.


Luke tells of a Roman centurion with “great faith” (7:9). His faith was expressed first as an appeal to Jesus to heal his dying servant. Then it was expressed as an acknowledgment that Jesus could heal his servant anytime, anywhere. The centurion did not ask Jesus to do things his way.

Faith has been described as “trusting God’s heart and trusting God’s power.” Some prayers that seem to go unanswered are simply instances in which God has lovingly overruled our wishes. He knows that what we have asked for is not best. Or it may be that our timing is not His timing, or He has some far greater purpose in mind. Let us remember, even Jesus prayed to His heavenly Father, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours” (Luke 22:42).

Do we have the centurion’s great faith—a faith that trusts God to do His work, in His way? — C. P. Hia

Unanswered prayers are answered still

As part of God’s great master plan;

They help to carry out His will

To demonstrate God’s love for man.

—D. De Haan

God’s answers are wiser than our prayers.

Teacher's Day 2009 - Lunch @ Serangoon Gardens Country Club

Dear Teachers and Staff of Presbyterian High School,

This is a day specially dedicated to YOU!

For all the hardwork and dedication you have extended to the pupils of PHS (our children), here's wishing God's continuous blessings to shower upon you on this Teacher's Day and more to come!

We remember Elder Alvin's message this afternoon on Jesus - the Teacher and how we can look up to Him and be more like Him!

Photos for the memories .... Heliconia Room @ Serangoon Gardens Country Club!

(For the records - we were the last function to be held at this function room before demolition works to make way for an even larger function hall!)

The PSG greeters wishing all teachers a "Happy Teacher's Day"!

A joyful celebration accompanied by a colorful array of balloons!

Each table was decorated with hand-made crepe flowers, made with love by the PSG, Student Councillors and Alumni.

Elder Alvin delivering the Teacher's Day message:

PRESENTATON OF THE LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Long Service Awards were conferred to Mrs. Anne Lua, Mrs. Pow, Mr. Tan Bak Seng & Mr. Ang (away)

Lucky Draw winners were drawn by Elder Alvin, Mr. Lim Yan Hock, Mdm Lee Hwee Ling & Mrs. Agnes Chan.

What are the teachers mesmerized with?      

This is Mr. Yusof, our Snake Charmer entertainer - it was a very educational entertainment slot, coupled with laughter and magic!  Thank you Mr. Yusof!

Entertainment by Mr. Yusof - the Snake Charmer, has certainly charmed one of our teachers with a sand boa in his hands.

Special thanks to:
Elder Alvin Ooi, Elder Sunny, Elder Winston, Elder Michael Lee, Pastor Lim Chye Peng, Mr. Lim Yan Hock, Mdm Lee Hwee Lin for gracing this special occasion.
Winston Thio who has graciously accepted his emcee role (with very short notice)
Alumni for the support on Function room decorations
Jenny Chin for coordinating the Lucky Draw
The PSG team - Rose, Jenny, Jacinta & Bernard, Ang & Sheena, Noriko, Celia, Elicia & Alvin.

We missed you:
Teachers who are on reservist or away on work assignments and sick leave ....

The PSG team: Mrs. Sheena Ang, Mrs. Jenny Chin, Mrs. Agnes Chan, Mrs, Jacinta Michael, Mrs. Rose Tan and Mrs. Celia Lee. (Missing from photo: Mrs. Noriko Ide, Mr.Ang Lee San, Mr. Bernard Michael, Elicia & Alvin Soh)

A Teacher's Day Story

By Ray A. Lingenfelter


I dreamed I stood
in a studio
And watched two
sculptors there,
The clay they used
was a young child's mind
And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher;
the tools she used
were books and
music and art;
One was a parent
with a guiding hand
and a gentle loving heart.

And when at last
their work was done
They were proud of
what they had wrought
For the things they
had worked into the child
Could never be
sold or bought.

And each agreed she
would have failed
if she had worked alone
For behind the parent
stood the school,
and behind the teacher
stood the home

THE CREATION OF THE TEACHER

The Good Lord was creating teachers. It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children. An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."
"Yes," said the Lord, " but have you read the specs on this order?"

TEACHER:
…must stand above all students, yet be on their level... must be able to do 180 things not connected with the subject being taught... must run on coffee, coke and leftovers,... must communicate vital knowledge to all students daily and be right most of the time... must have more time for others than for herself/himself... must have a smile that can endure through pay cuts, problematic children, and worried parents... must go on teaching when parents question every move and others are not supportive... must have 6 pair of hands.
"Six pair of hands, " said the angel, "that's impossible""Well, " said the Lord, " it is not the hands that are the problem. It is the three pairs of eyes that are presenting the most difficulty!"
The angel looked incredulous, " Three pairs of eyes...on a standard model?"
The Lord nodded His head, " One pair can see a student for what he is and not what others have labeled him as. Another pair of eyes is in the back of the teacher's head to see what should not be seen, but what must be known. The eyes in the front are only to look at the child as he/she 'acts out' in order to reflect, " I understand and I still believe in you", without so much as saying a word to the child."
"Lord, " said the angel, " this is a very large project and I think you should work on it tomorrow".
"I can't," said the Lord, " for I have come very close to creating something much like Myself. I have one that comes to work when he/she is sick.....teaches a class of children that do not want to learn....has a special place in his/her heart for children who are not his/her own.....understands the struggles of those who have difficulty....never takes the students for granted..."
The angel looked closely at the model the Lord was creating. "It is too soft-hearted, " said the angel.
"Yes," said the Lord, " but also tough, You can not imagine what this teacher can endure or do, if necessary".
"Can this teacher think?" asked the angel.
"Not only think," said the Lord,. "but reason and compromise."
The angel came closer to have a better look at the model and ran his finger over the teacher's cheek.
"Well, Lord, " said the angel, your job looks fine but there is a leak. I told you that you were putting too much into this model. You can not imagine the stress that will be placed upon the teacher."
The Lord moved in closer and lifted the drop of moisture from the teacher's cheek.It shone and glistened in the light.
"It is not a leak," He said, "It is a tear."
"A tear? What is that?" asked the angel, "What is a tear for?"
The Lord replied with great thought, " It is for the joy and pride of seeing a child accomplish even the smallest task. It is for the loneliness of children who have a hard time to fit in and it is for compassion for the feelings of their parents. It comes from the pain of not being able to reach some children and the disappointment those children feel in themselves. It comes often when a teacher has been with a class for a year and must say good-bye to those students and get ready to welcome a new class." "My, " said the angel, " The tear thing is a great idea...You are a genius!!"The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."

-- Author Unknown

SPECIALLY DEDICATED TO ALL THE TEACHERS AT PRESBYTERIAN HIGH SCHOOL!

Teacher's Day 2009 - School Concert - Preparation & Actual Day

My dear Student Councillors & Parents

The Parent Support Group would like to thank you for your time taken on Friday evening, 28 August, in the preparation of the decorations etc.  You have shown to have positive attitude with excellent team work! 

And special thanks to the PSG team who has taught the Student Councillors how to make flowers out of recycled materials like disposable plastic cups and the crepe-paper flower.... not forgetting the fathers from our team - Alvin, Ang and Bernard - now we know why God made men taller than women!

Here are some photos for the memories!

Teacher's Day 2009 - Hall Decorations

Our Bouquet of THANKS!

28th August, Friday evening - A group of Student Councillors, a team of parents & Mrs. Joyce Lim (AM) assembled at Bethel Hall, all ready to decorate the place for Teacher's Day. The theme was ASPIRE and the tagline is "Because of You, We Aspire".

What an appropriate theme for Teacher's Day!
Teachers are the constant pillar of strength, the mentor of the students, the guiding 'light' in a dark alley, they constantly need to recharge just to shine bright and far for the students. So this Teacher's Day, we salute you!

Here are some the photos of the Hall decorations, inspired by the PSG and transformed by the students.

BLESSED TEACHER'S DAY 2009!

PHS Evening Academy

Look at those happy faces, don't they just melt your hearts away?

After such a long school day, these students persevere to put in extra hours for revision or various subjects with their school teachers.

Simply providing a little snack coupled with a drink, continues to energize them and allows them a little study ' break' in-between.

They look forward to have the PSG as part of the Evening Academy, they feel your love, care & concern.

Those of us who are currently working, our energy levels may drop at the end of the work day, but if you keep these photos in mind, consider energizing yourself by serving at the Evening Academy.

For those who are not working, why hesitate? All we require are 2 hours of your evenings.

A duty-roster will be worked out, start volunteering - as many hands make light work!

For more info, email us at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com.

The above photos were contibuted by Mr. Ang Lee San (yes, a father!) who has volunteered to serve the students.

COME AND SERVE,

AND NOT BE SERVED!

A Note to All Parents ... we need your help!

THE PHS EVENING ACADEMY IS NOW ON!

So, what is the PHS Evening Academy?

Annually, a batch of ‘N’ and ‘O’ Levels students are putting in the extra effort to study within the school compound, alongside with their subject teachers in an informal manner. Students are encouraged to ask their teachers for any help they require pertaining to their subjects.

Presbyterian High School opens its doors from 6pm to 9pm nightly starting from 11 August 2009, to encourage the students to study within a conducive environment with dedicated and self-sacrificial teachers who will accompany them during this examination ‘fever’.

If the students and teachers are so busy, what can the Parent Support Group do?
To share our love and care. HOW?

The Parent Support Group extends our invitation to you, to be part of this program. We need your commitment to a date or dates that you are available from 6pm to 9pm. With your commitment, a duty roster will be written.

Our duties:
• To ensure that snacks are delivered to the School’s canteen during that period, so that the students can have a night-snack.

• To serve the students their night-snacks* along with a healthy drink (barley, Milo, juice, Ribena etc.)

• All the foods and beverages served must be ‘halal’ as a respect to our Muslim students.

• After the snacks are served, to tidy up the PSG corner that is set aside for beverage serving or food preparation. Please ensure personal hygiene during the preparation of food & beverages.

Note: A nightly turnout is approx. 20 to 25 students/teachers. You are encouraged to bring sufficient snacks with a little extra for the Security Guards and the School Attendants.

*Some classification of night snacks:
Sandwiches (remember, no pork and must be halal)
Little cakes, brownies, muffins
Sweet potato soup / Green bean soup
Basically, finger-food

# All cups, paper plates, serviettes, forks/spoons need to be provided by the Parent-On-Duty.

Remember: Your child will eventually be an Evening Academy ‘candidate’.

For any clarifications, please let us know either by email: presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com or give us a call.

Parenting Workshop by Glenn Lim

Dear Parents

Please be informed that the Parenting Workshop by Mr. Glenn Lim has been cancelled due to the current situation on H1N1.

Thank you for your understanding!

Warmest regards
Parent Support Group