"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.

Coming Activities - Feb / Mar 2010

Hello parents!

Following are the coming activities for Feb / Mar 2010:

• 9th Feb  : Financial Assistance Programme - Giving out of vouchers
• 26th Feb : Toss-to-Spring 'Lo-Hei' Dinner
• 12th Mar : Cross Country @ MacRitchie Reservoir

Please put these activities on your calendar.  The school will also be giving out circulars to the students in due time.

Coming....
Parents HugS : A Treat Programme

Watch out for it!

Photos of the Campfire at Dairy Farm Adventure Camp, 7th & 8th Jan

Here are a few photos of the Campfire. Thanks to Mrs Noriko Ide, PSG member.

  

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21)

In our secular society, often encouraged are personal and self-interests. In times of recession, society tends to withhold rather than give freely to those in greater need. All of us have a roof over our head, from single- or double-income families; perhaps owning a car, coupled with credit cards and even a domestic helper. While we are the privileged, let’s consider for a moment, those families who have no income, with school-going children, less to say, no credit cards, car and domestic helper. Day-to-day, paying for the utilities’ bill is an issue and putting food on the table is unthinkable.

If your child has a friend, a classmate who falls under the Financially-Assisted (FA) scheme, where his/her family is unable to provide the child with pocket money etc., and if “charity begins at home”, shouldn’t we look more closely as how we can as a “family” within the school community, help these families who are in need? Shouldn’t we send the message across to our own children that “it is blessed to give”?

Each year, the PHS-Parent Support Group raise funds for the FA families, so that each family can have a little something to enjoy during the festive season; be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or Deepavali.

We are seeking your support and encouragement to show that we care and would like to share with those in greater need.

If you are able to contribute towards this fund-raising project, please email to us at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com and advise your mode of contribution. You can arrange to send a cheque to Äng Lay Kian or a bank transfer to the PSG account 014-7-046598 DBS Saving Plus Account and notify us of the contribution so that we can account for it.

Sincerely,

Alvin Soh

Chairman

PHS – PSG 2010

Warmest Greetings from Parents Support Group

A new beginning, a brand new experience awaits for you.

For parents whose child is in Presbyterian High School for the first time, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to you.

For parents whose child is already in Presbyterian High School, a very happy New Year to you.  Now that your child is ‘settled’ in school and each year comes a new batch of Secondary 1s, have you considered being a part of PSG? How about helping with the various school activities and programs that we have in-store for you?

For 2010, the PSG ExCo has a new committee assigned to partner with you and they are:

• Mr. Alvin Soh – Chairman
• Mr. Ang Lee San – Vice Chairman
• Mrs. Jenny Chin – Secretary
• Mrs. Elicia Soh – Treasurer
• Mdm Wendy Yang – Program / Activities committee
• Mrs. Noriko Ide – Activities (School-related)
• Mrs. Celia Lee – Publicity (Blog and Noticeboard)

Each year, PSG receives contributions from parents to support various student-related causes such as:

• Financially-assisted families – Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepaval
• Financially-assisted families – school-related study trips (Taman Negara) etc.
• Teacher’s Day celebrations
• Graduation Day

Your contributions, in one way or another helps in the funding of these activities and is greatly appreciated.

Please note that our PSG Account has been changed to

DBS Saving Plus: 014-7-046598

Account name : ANG LAY KIAN

You can contribute through the above account via Internet banking or ATM (fund transfers).

If you would like more information on how you can be a part of PSG, drop us an email at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com.

With warmest regards

Elicia Soh
PSG Treasurer- 2010

Sec 1 Adventure Camp, 7th and 8th Jan 2010

This year, 2010 saw the new Sec 1 students experience the climax of their Orientation at Dairy Farm Adventure Centre on 07th and 8th Jan-2010.

Dairy Farm Adventure Centre (DFAC) is located at 30 Dairy Farm Road Singapore 679058, at the fringe of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve near the Dairy Farm Quarry.

The centre’s ideal location offers students many opportunities to learn about Singapore’s natural heritage. The 163-hectare Bukit Timah Nature reserve retains one of the largest tracts of primary rainforest left in Singapore. Together with the Central Catchment area, these nature reserves are home to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals (including butterflies).

The biodiversity of the nature reserves offers many opportunities for learning outside the classroom. With treks varying from 45mins to 2hours and beyond, field trips of different focus can be conducted. Students can research on the local flora and fauna as well as the bio-system (Science), see first hand the huge water pipes that channel water from Malaysia to Singapore (National Education) and study the impact of human and nature on the quarry (Geography).

The centre has a multi-purpose hall, 1 training room, 1 block of teacher room and 6 blocks of student dormitories that can accommodate 250 participants comfortably.

Left photo : Dorms (air-conditioned) : 1 block (4 rooms)

Right photo : Dorms (air-conditioned) : 6 beds

Dorms with fans (6 blocks)

  

Hall on the Ground Floor

The centre is equipped with a full range of adventure facilities such as Challenge Ropes Courses, Abseil Tower and General Stations.

Challenge Rope Course (CRC)

Tower

We hope that the experience at the Dairy Farm Adventure Camp will promote bonding among the Sec 1 pupils and help them to adjust to their new secondary school life.

Adapted from http://www.innotrek.com.sg/

Meet-The-Parents Session on Sat, 9th Jan 2010

Speech by Ang Lee San, Vice-Chairman, PSG

Dear Parents, Mr Lim and teachers,

Parents Support Group are :

Promise Keepers

Hope Builders

Servant Leaders

to bless their world always.

We are a group of enthusiastic parents who are with the Parents Support Group.

We exist because we believe that each child in an individual that needs to be nurtured into a responsible and compassionate being.

Each PSG volunteer is a servant-leader, ready and responsible to work alongside with the school to make it a better place for our children.

Our participation reflects our commitment, as well as, our belief that the students will be inspired by our actions.

Why Join the PSG?

At PSG, we aim to

• support and encourage the teachers and pupils through participation in organised events and functions;
• enhance parent-child relationship and bonding;
• provide a platform for parents to network amongst themselves;
• provide feedback for improvement.

At PSG, you will be enriched as

• a more contented person as you get acquainted with school culture and learning environment; and
• a more more caring parent as you personally experience a taste of school life and its learning environment

Learning from one another...

• Lantern-making and Chinese New Year cookies
• Teachers' Day Celebrations
• Card and Craft-making workshops
• Door gifts for Grad Night
• Evening Academy

PSG-initiated activities include Jewelry-making, where one can learn a skill and more...

-  Fruit Basket Programme

School-related activities

- Thanksgiving and Honours Night

- Chinese New Year "Lohei"
- Sports Day / Jogathon

- Racial Harmony Day, Total Defence Day, Easter and other events

Teachers' Day Celebrations

Invitation

Be a Parent Volunteer...
For events as such:

Accompany pupils on Learning Journeys /National Education Excursions

PSG Photographer

Sponsorship for Overseas learning trips, Grad Nite, Teachers’ Day etc.

Evening Academy – study night duties with graduating students

Editorial – School magazine, PSG Newsletter, PSG blog

Supporting Thanksgiving Day, Teachers’ Day, Grad Nite, International Friendship Day, Racial Harmony Day

Conducting workshops – IT, cooking, craft, videography etc

How to contact us?

Email: presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com

Look out for PSG updates at
http://www.presbyterianhighpsg.blogspot.com/

Finally,
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.  (Eccle 9:10)

We look forward to your support.

Volunteer now!

Thank you.

Fruit Basket Programme 2010

The Fruit Basket Programme started in October 2007. 

It is a gesture of on-going encouragement from parents to teachers for their hard work and dedication to the students.  Since its commencement, the programme has fostered better co-operation between school and parents.

The fruit basket is delivered to the school (General Office) every Friday morning.  The fruit basket will then be presented to the teachers during their meeting on every Friday afternoon.

We are extending an invitation for this weekly pledge.

3 EASY STEPS TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Contact PSG that you want to make a contribution. We will advise you of the slot/date available.  You may email us at the email address on the left bar of the blog.

2. Prepare your fruit basket ( worth at least $25) and deliver it to the General Office on the Friday morning you have been assigned. Useful tips: Buy whole fruits that do not require cutting e.g. bananas, apples, pears & grapes . Place them in any basket you have. If you want to be creative, go ahead and decorate the basket to your liking. If you do not have a basket, you can use any receptacles eg trays, fruit bowls etc etc.

3. Prepare a card/ note with words of encouragement for our teachers. Our teachers need encouragement too! Remember to put your name and your child/ward's name and class on the card/note as well. Then, deliver to General Office on that day.

We are planning our roster once again and would like to receive your commitment to the date/s you are available. Slots are available from Jan 2010 onwards!

However, if for some reason you have committed but you are unable to fulfill the pledge allotted to you, please let us know in advance so that we can arrange alternatives.

We look forward to your contributions.

Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
In working, or in waiting,
Another year with Thee.

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service,
Of witness of Thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven
Another year for Thee.


--Francis Ridley Havergal (1874)

JESUS is the Reason for the Season

When the gifts have been opened

And the songs have been sung

And we’re gathered ‘round the tree

Let’s not forget the reason

Christmas came to be

It was God in all His wonder

Who sent the greatest gift of love

A child, His Son, born in Bethlehem

Sent down from up above

Secondary One Registration, 23-Dec-2009

This morning was the Sec 1 Registration for pupils entering PHS in 2010.

Principal, Lim Yan Hock presented a brief introduction and VPs, Heads of Level and the respective form-teachers were introduced. The Discipline Master gave a concise description of the proper hair and school attire, and to highlight the prohibition of mobile phones and among other things to the attentive parents and their children.

It was indeed a scene of activity - parents asking the same questions - "Must my child wear the newly-bought uniform?" "What time does the school book-shop closes?" "I forgot to bring the Report Book. Can bring on 4th Jan?" "Must bring the Health Booklet too?... ok".  Form teachers, co-form teachers (and aided by a PSG member) were accustomed to such questions and fielded them efficiently.

The important instructions were impressed upon each parent & pupil patiently. These instructions included the time at which school commences on 4th Jan 2010, the compulsory Adventure Camp on 7-8th Jan 2010, CCA Open House and the Meet-the-Parents session on 9th Jan.  In no time at all, the registration was over, and parents and their children were busy with the measurements of the PE attire and school jacket, and their purchases of school uniforms and text-books/stationery.

By 11.30am, school councillors were seen clearing the chairs from the Bethel Hall.  PSG members are now concerned with plans for the coming activities, the first one being the Adventure Camp on 7th-8th Jan.

We are encouraged that at the end of this day, many new parents have signed up to join the PSG.  It is our hope that these new parents would be active in volunteering their time and effort for the benefit of the school and in turn, their children.

Finally, we would like to welcome the new pupils in the PHS family for the next four years, and even more, as Alumni members.

2 Recipes for Christmas - Cookies

It's the season for Christmas.  Here are 2 simple healthy recipes for cookies, which you can give as gifts for Christmas.

Whole grain flour is used in place of plain flour, canola oil instead of butter/magarine and applesauce is a healthy alternative to sugar.

Spiced Molasses Cookies

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time : 10 mins

Total Time : 17 mins

Serves 42

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole grain flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 large egg whites

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.  Coat 2 large baking trays/sheets with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, oil, molasses and egg whites.  Using an electricer mixer on medium speed, beat for 1 minute, or until well-combined.  With the mixer at low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture.
4. Drop the dough by level teaspoons about 1" apart on the prepared baking trays/sheets.
5. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 10 mins, or until lightly browned.  Cool on a rack for 2 minutes.   Remove cookies from the sheet/tray and place in the rack to cool completely.

Oatmeal Cookies with Cherries

Prep Time : 15 mins
Cook Time : 10 mins
Total Time : 27 mins

Serves : 30

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole grain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups rolled-oats
• 3/4 cup dried cherries

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190 deg C.  Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar, applesauce, oil, egg and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Add in the oats and cherries.
4. Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2" apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 mins, or until gold brown. Let stand on the baking sheet for 10 mins before removing to a rack to cool completely.

We hope you would try these recipes. Do drop us a comment on your review of these recipes. We welcome any tasting opportunities if you require a second opinion!

Coming Events 2010

Dear Parents,

The following are the events for Dec - Jan 2010:

1. 23th Dec-2009 :  Sec 1 registration
• We require 9 parents to assist the teachers in registering new students for Sec 1.  The respective class teachers will provide instructions on that day.
• 3 more parents will be required to promote PSG activities on that day.
2. 04th Jan-2010 :  Commencement Service at 8.00 am (Bethel Hall, PHS)
3. 07-08th Jan : Sec 1 Camp
• 3 - 4 parent volunteers are needed to help the organisers/alumni/school counsellors
4. 09th Jan :  Meet-the-Parents Session & CCA Open House

 Interested parents can reply to this post, by leaving their names and contact details in the "comments".  We will get in touch with you for more details.

Staff Annual Dinner 2009

Theme : "Back to School"

Venue : Bethel Hall, PHS

On Wed, 25th Nov, the school staff were remembered for their faithfulness and dedication. 

This was also the night where teachers (and principal, admin personnel etc) "let their hair down" and came in school uniforms of PHS, other secondary schools and junior colleges. There was even a Japanese girls' school uniform.

According to some teachers, they borrowed their uniforms from their students, nieces, friends' jc kids...  Some even wore their children's uniforms! This must be an achievement for some teachers because they can still fit into the uniforms!  One is never sure if any student 'sneaked in' as the staff looked like students in their uniforms!

Bethel Hall was appropriately decorated with things reminding us of school - giant pencils, calculators, blackboards and there was a even huge chalk drawing for Hopscotch on the floor. 

Teachers challenged each other in school games like "chaptek", blowing 'sticky bubbles', folding and throwing paper aeroplanes, and guessing song/movie titles, movie characters/actors and actresses, song origins. There was even a contest of guessing which old school/childhood photos matched the teachers.

 The food was excellent - with a good mix of Malay and Chinese dishes. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal, eating their satay, naan, mee goreng and munching away their favourite 'kacang puteh'.

One of the main highlights of the evening was the Presentation of Awards which gave due recognition to the various teachers for their faithful service rendered. 

These awards comprised :

- Outstanding Contribution Award

- Innovative and Enterprise Award

- Healthy Lifestyle Award

- School Vision Awards ie Promise-Keeper, Hope-Builder, Servant-Leader

- School Core Values ie Fairness, Integrity, Trust, Teamwork, Steadfastness, Humility, Valuing Individual, Prudence

- Service Excellence Award

It was an enjoyable evening and kudos must be given to the committee for their hard work in organising this event. As the 2009 draws to a close, we are reminded of the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided

Great is Thy Faithfulness,

Lord unto me.

For the Lord is good and His Love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:5

We all look ahead to the new year and draw encouragement from the faithfulness of God as PSG will continue to work closely with Principal and all staff (teachers, admin personnel etc) in 2010.

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