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iRemember
myschoolDays
2012
P R I M A R Y SCHOOL E DI TI ON
CAMP S & E XC UR S I O N S 2
4 FOOD & RE CE SS
FRIENDS 4
5 GA M E S & P RA N KS
H O M E WO R K 7
8 L E SSON S & DI A RI E S
N OW & T H E N 9
11 P UN I SHM E N TS
REMINISCENCE 11
18 RE S ULTS
SCHOOL EVENTS 19
21 S PORTS
T E AC H E R S 22
23 COM I CS
SECTION
2 CAMPS & EXCURSIONS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
Japan Exchange Programme Memories
ST. ANDREWS JUNIOR SCHOOL: Julian Chun
PEICHUN PUBLIC SCHOOL:
Guo Ruixuan
On the first day of the Japan
Exchange Programme, we had to
Five of my six years in Pei
go to Changi Airport to “fetch” our
Chun have passed. I have had
Japanese buddies. It was early in
many memories over the few
the morning and we were each
years and some of them will
given a flower garland and a Saint
be etched in my memory for
Andrew’s school badge to give to
the time to come.
our Japanese buddy as a welcome
gift for them.
However, the memories
that hold the most value
The third day was also the first
are outings. They are much
day our buddies visited our school.
more fun than being cooped
Once we stepped into the school,
up indoors. Recently, I took
the pupils who were walking by
part in an art competition
looked at us with weird stares and
and went on an excursion to
it was obvious they did not know
the ACM (Asian Civilizations
about the exchange program.
Museum) .There was many
galleries for us to view. I had
There was a welcome concert For the next few days, we had On the last day, we went to the
a lot of fun exploring in the
by the Japanese students in the different journeys to different airport to send our buddies off.
galleries, taking shots of
school hall after assembly. In the places in Singapore ranging from It was hard to say goodbye after
the interesting artifacts on
afternoon, we had a trip to the zoo. the cultural places in Singapore getting to make good friends with
display. I completed a trail and
We had an awesome time looking like Chinatown and Science Centre them. We took one last group
received a small magnet with
at different animals around the for learning. For relaxation, we photo and said goodbye to them.
a picture of an ‘animal’ on it.
zoo and watching the animal went giant sandcastle building and
The ‘animal’ was made up
performances. even Pulau Ubin.
of different parts of different
animals. The trip was an
eventful one.
Primary 5 Camp at Jalan Bahtera Apart from outings,
Adventure Centre XINGNAN PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Wendy Chiu, Siti Sarah, Joyce Lim & Tan Shi Hui
performances during
assemblies are also fun-
filled and always capture
It was a sunny and bright day. them familiar with the place. They On the second day, they had our attention. There was a
Cheryl Tan, a 5A student was were debriefed and the instructors campfire. It was excellent! They captivating performance on
excited and all ready for the P5 told them what to do when there is had group activities and some sand art. It was not the best
Camp held at Jalan Bahtera an emergency. fun sessions. At night, they slept sand performance I have ever
Adventure Centre. soundly as they were really tired. seen, but it indeed is not easy
They had their activities till late On the third day, they were all set to perform in front of a hall full
The instructors of the camp evening. It unexpectedly rained to go home. They had to do area of students.
were from High Achievers. They and they were disappointed that cleaning together. At 11.30 a.m.,
reached her school and picked they could not proceed with the they headed back to school and Interesting things also happen
the P5 students up. On the way to Blind Man Walk activity. They back to home. This camp had on normal school days. My
the campsite, the students played carried on with their campfire taught them to be independent, friend told me that one of
some team bonding games and preparation till 10.30p.m.. Then, patient and the importance of her classmates actually took
had real fun. Cheryl’s instructors they were debriefed before teamwork. “This camp has taught his pen and notebook to ask
were Instructors Haney and they had their supper. They had me a lot. I hope others have a painter painting the walls
Raudah. After the games, they delicious banana cake and hot enjoyed the benefits from this for his autograph! On other
then headed to the campsite Milo for supper. They appreciated camp too,” said Cheryl. days, my teacher would hold
and settled there. They had an every single food that was served competitions (Boys versus
introductory session to make to them. Girls). Once we had to write
Chinese characters on the
whiteboard. Somehow, it
always gives us great joy to
win the opposite gender.
Pei Chun would always hold a
place in my heart be it in the
past, present or future.
SECTION
CAMPS & EXCURSIONS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
3
First story
9-01-2012 (Day 1) ST. ANDREW’S JUNIOR SCHOOL: Jotham Wong
The day of the P5 camp had finally arrived. My classmates and I were learnt zip-lining and abseiling. Some of my friends went zip-lining but I
very nervous and excited about our camp. I was especially thrilled about went abseiling. At first I thought abseiling was cool but it got boring after
the many activities I would get to try. I had high expectations of the camp. two tries. I decided to go for the zip-line but it was too late as we had run
We arrived at the camp by bus. When we reached there, we were asked out of time!
to assemble under the dormitory. The camp instructors briefed us on the
campsite. After the briefing, we put our belongings in the dormitories We were all very tired after the rope elements and needed to refresh
and did a lot of interactive activities. After the activities, we had a ourselves so we all squeezed in the toilet to take a bath. A lot of people
delicious lunch before our lesson on rock climbing. did not get to shower because there was not enough time, as some were
taking their own sweet time in washing up. Luckily for me, I managed to
We put on our gears and the first person in my team immediately started bath. We had dinner and we went to our dormitories to sleep. We could
to climb. After I had finished my turn, my friends said that I was fast in hardly sleep because the instructors kept coming in to check on us!
the rock-climbing. But to be truthful, I could climb even faster. We also
Trip-Hooray
Excursion! YISHUN PRIMARY SCHOOL: Nur Laila Maisarah
“ All eyes were on me as I explained to the alight the school bus. There was a student who came up to me and said,
”Teacher, this is my first time here. My parents always say the tickets are
class that we were going to the Zoo for an too expensive for my family of six.“. I could feel how this excursion meant
excursion. I could see how they beamed a lot for this student.
and smiled widely.” After walking and watching animal shows, it was break time. The
teachers gathered all students in a shaded area before allowing them
When I gave out consent forms, some of my students could not contain
to take out their food and drinks. This part is very interesting. Some
their excitement and squealed. Excursions generally mean a lot of fun
students came so well-prepared complete with picnic tablecloth or
and doing something different outside the classroom for them. One
newspaper to lay on the ground. They would eat finger foods they
question that was always asked was do they have to pay anything. I could
brought as told on the pre-excursion briefing. Amazingly, some students
see the expression of the student who asked was so hopeful of a
could bring a lot of food which seemed they compressed the entire
no for an answer. Of course it was a no and the students started
kitchen in their small knapsack. After the food and toilet break, we
chattering happily among themselves.
continued exploring the zoo.
Excursion day came. All students were geared up, clad in school’s PE
The moment they hit the bus to end our day at zoo, all of them were
attire and bringing along a knapsack of goodies. Some wore caps while
already exhausted. They trip back to school was super quiet with
others choose to hang their caps on their bags or simply hold the cap.
sleeping children in the bus. Looks like, they really enjoyed
Their excitement could be felt the moment they gathered for attendance
the excursion.
taking. When they were in the bus, they would sing any song familiar to
them all the way till we reached our destination. They were very eager to
SECTION
4 FOOD & RECESS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
Recess
I still remember fondly that when fish ball noodles, it does not have Now the ping pong tables are
I was a student in River Valley fish balls at all! Instead, it only has made of cement and girls do not
Chinese School, the canteen would fish cake. play zero point or skipping ropes,
have two ping pong tables which the food are also slightly different,
Time!
would be packed like sardines with As I have a huge appetite, I would and the students are not allowed
people wanting to play. I would order the biggest serving which to fool around anymore.
play with other students there costs 60c. Usually, I would add
every day. The girls would usually some crispy pork lard which is
play zero point or skipping ropes. provided for you at the side.
These were some of the game Sometimes, my friends and I
RIVER VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Low Kian Chye
facilities we had in the past. would cheekily go to River Valley
English School for fun just to go
The food sold in my tuck shop there and try their tuck shop food
was all quite nice but my favourite but every time we go there, the
would be the curry potato bun prefects on duty would not let us
sold at 20c each and a Kickapoo in. Even if we tried persuading
at 20c per cup. Occasionally, I them, they would not give in.
would also buy my school’s fish These are the fun things I did in
ball noodles. Although it is called school last time.
SECTION
FRIENDS
Akash’s
Recollection Friendship Forged
on when he PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Sim Wenxi, Nichele Liong, Kristen Kee Xing Man & Micole Liong3
first came to
Singapore
PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY
SCHOOL: Akash Mattupalli
Akash first came to Singapore
when he was eight years old. He
really had some difficulties when
he attended a local school.
Akash was weak in his English
when he attended a school named
Chua Chu Kang Primary School.
He could not communicate
well with his classmates due
to his poor english and often
had no one to talk to. Without
crying about it, he tried to talk in I remember when I was in primary blue, my friend’s hand hit the bowl game but all I did is interrupt
English with his parents. After a 2, my friend and I were sitting at of macaroni and it spilled all over her before she even could say
month, he managed to talk to his the canteen table during together my skirt. All the small pieces of a word. I stood up slowly and
classmates. While talking, they eating macaroni. We were stirring chicken and vegetables were on rushed to the general office with
even shared their information our food, feeling really bored. To my skirt too! The soup dripped my other friends to get my skirt
on Singapore. With that, he got relieve the boredom, I suggested through the tiny holes of my skirt changed, leaving my friend crying
used to Singapore’s lifestyle and to her that we play a hand game. and trickled down my legs. I was at one corner bitterly, without
believed that Singapore was where Before starting, I did not check if furious and I kept blaming her remembering that it was my fault
he belonged. Now, Akash is a the bowl of macaroni was at the repeatedly until she cried. She by suggesting we play a hand
very confident pupil in Princess edge of the table. So we began tried to explain that I was the one game. From that day onwards, our
Elizabeth Primary School. playing the hand game. Out of the who suggested to play a hand friendship was forged for 2 years…
SECTION
GAMES & PRANKS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
5
Amazing Game MAHA BODHI SCHOOL:
Chua Fang Wei WRONG
At recess, many boys will wolf
down their food as fast as possible
so that they have time to play
a game of basketball. They will
most of the hoops did not have
nets attached to them. Also,
the paint on the boards would
be peeling off. The courts in his
When the ground was slippery,
my father sometimes slipped
and went skidding across the
hard cement floor, scraping their
CLASS?!
PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY
SCHOOL: Shen Zhuoxian
only stop when the bell signalling school were much smaller than arms and legs. The minute this
the end of recess sounded in the ones we have in schools now. happened, the others would rush
their ears. Then they will saunter They were rectangular in shape to help him get to his feet, and, Whenever Madam Lim Hwee
to the courtyard drenched in and about the size of a bus. despite his injuries and the pain, Hoon remembers what
perspiration. Sometimes, they Apparently, they were there just for he would resume the game within happened in her primary school,
will be late in assembling and the the students to exercise and not a matter of seconds. He was really she laughs her head off.
discipline master will reprimand for competitions. hardy. His parents, my paternal
them, but that did not stop them grandparents, thought that there It was the 1st of April. As
from spending every second they Even without a good court, my was nothing wrong with him everybody knows is APRIL
can playing basketball. I always father would be playing all the playing basketball. They did not FOOL’S DAY, the perfect
wonder what is so fun about time, sometimes in the rain. When know that my father played in the time for tricking a person,
tossing balls into hoops. dark clouds blanketed the sky rain. My father was indeed lucky. especially our teachers...
and when huge drops of water Madam Lim’s primary school
About thirty years ago, when blurred their vision, they continued Now, when I see people sprinting had only 2 classes. Before
my father was still in school, he playing. I doubt my schoolmates after that bright orange basketball, April Fool’s Day, the 2 classes
would, without fail, sneak out of would play in the rain, but the I still wonder why it is enjoyed by had made a plan. It was a plan
his house every Saturday to go to basketball court in our school is so many. It is amazing that a game so tricky that the students
school for a game of basketball. sheltered, so I might never know. like basketball can be enjoyed by would die of laughter after
There were three basketball people of different generations. they see the look on the
courts, at my father’s school but teachers’ faces.
1st of April - April Fools. That
morning, the 2 classes came
Games and pranks
to school so early that even
the teachers had not reached
the school yet. The bell rang
and the teachers came into
done by the previous
class. “Good morning class,”
the teacher greeted them,
even before the teacher looked
generation
at the class. She looked at the
class and realized that she
FENGSHAN PRIMARY SCHOOL: was looking at different faces
Soo Wan Cheng and Rena Ng as before. She looked puzzled
and scanned the sea of faces.
In this issue, Mr Ng tells us about would have spent their money for bullying others. Mr Soo played They all started giggling.
the pranks he used to play: Mr Ng nothing. He also played soccer and with spiders and other insects,
would use glass powder to coat basketball. although that was cruel, Mr Soo
The teacher went out of the
the string of the kite to cut his and his friends found it really fun. class and checked to see if she
classmate’s kite to let their kites Well, the life of Mrs Ong Wang was in the correct class. She
get blown away by the wind. Keng was the other way round. So although pranking others is WAS in the correct class. But
Instead of pranking others, she something funny, did you ever the pupils were in the wrong
Mr Ng Seng Chang, 46, was from got pranked by her friends very think that your friend might get class! Then she remembered it
Sembawang Hill Estate primary often. Once, Mrs Ong’s friends put hurt and get sent to the hospital was April Fools and went over
school. During recess, Mr Ng and chalk powder on her seat. Once and you will probably get a to the next class were HER
his friends would play police and she sat on the seat, her skirt was good dressing-down from like, pupils were and asked the 2
thief. during police and thief, the all white, what a laugh her friends everybody? classes to switch classrooms.
‘thief’ who was Mr Ng, would run would have had! She played The pupils went back to their
to a muddy pool of dirty water skipping, hopscotch, five stones We should not prank people correct classroom.
and when the ‘police’ who was his and with paper dolls. although it’s OK to have a laugh
friend, was near him, he would just once in a while. Why not try Madam Lim says, “The look on
make a sharp turn to the right or Mr Soo Chee Woon, 45, had a a few games listed above? You the teacher was so funny I burst
left. The ‘police’ would be muddy gang formed in his school. They might get a feeling of those out laughing when I remember
from head to toe. Mr Ng would use went around bullying weaker times back then when most of that face. I sometimes even
glass powder to coat the string and smaller pupils. The gang the children were poor and had dream about it.”
of his kite to cut his classmate’s went around pranking others etc. to make do with certain stuff all
kite, to let their kites get blown pulling other people’s seats away around us. From then on, none of the
away by the wind. I bet the people when they are sitting down. Mr pupils forgot that incident and
whose kites were cut by Mr Ng Soo stopped pranking others and the teachers too, still had that
incident etched to their minds.
SECTION
6 GAMES & PRANKS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
My Time at Fun Moments
Raffles Girls’ @ Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’
– Sarah Yu Xueli
Primary School ANG MO KIO PRIMARY SCHOOL: Melody Lee, Nur Anishah Bte Mohd Aidi,
– By Jenny Advanti
Chung Jing Chun, Aw Kai Lin
I attended Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School as it was situated just
RAFFLES GIRLS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL: opposite my house. In my school, there was a rule for all of us to
Teo York Tiang Andrea, Go Jia Lin Kellisa & Valeska Tan keep our hair short and neat. I have very fond memories of my
secondary school life as it was fun-filled and packed with activities.
Oh! My time at Raffles Girls’ Primary School was definitely fun and Some of these memories were funny, others were touching and a few
enjoyable. I used to live in close proximity to the school and I walked to were sad.
school everyday. I remember those happy times when the school still
had the animal farms! There were rabbits and little kittens in the open On April Fool’s Day, we swapped classrooms with another class,
field and I would often spend my entire recess just playing with the trying to confuse our teacher for the day. Surprisingly, our teacher
adorable pets. who taught us for many years did not suspect anything unusual and
we managed to trick her. Following that, all of us went forth to shake
Ask me about my most memorable experience? Well, the most comical hands with her to wish her Happy Teachers’ Day. Little did she expect
thing that happened to me was once when I was around twelve years old. that we had more up our sleeves. Our hands were all covered with
soap and when we shook hands with the teacher, her hand became
I was in the canteen during recess. To my surprise, everybody started soapy. She was a real sport and played along with us. She did not
screaming frantically and running frenziedly in all directions. Then I scold us even though we played pranks on her.
realized that the source of the commotion was a dog. My dog! It had
presumably scampered from my home all the way to my school! I could Another funny incident that I recall was when I was playing in the
not believe my eyes. Then, I hurried to the public phone and quickly Eco-garden with my friends. We were having fun stepping on all the
called my mother, not daring to own up to the others that that was my pebbles when I lost my balance and fell forward. As a result, I hit my
dog in the canteen, out of sheer embarrassment. This has been one of friend in front of me and she fell into the pond. She was soaked to the
my most unforgettable experiences in the school. skin when she came out of the pond. It was a rather hilarious sight.
Even though I caused her to fall into the pond, my friend did not blame
When I was in primary school, there used to be a prawn noodle stall in me. We continued to remain as friends after the incident and up till
the canteen. It was my favourite food stall. The vendor, whom I always now, the memory remains etched in my mind.
addressed as “Auntie”, was very kind. I would frequently arrive at school
early in order to “reserve” a hot, steaming bowl of delicious prawn mee
for recess.
Do you think older brothers
I certainly miss the good old days when I was in primary school. The
Holland Grove campus was definitely a good school, providing me with are great cheaters?
much laughter and memories to carry with me for a long time.
– Anathi Balah Krishna
PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Venkatesan Samyuktha
An embarrassing moment It was the eve of Youth Day. I was busy helping my teacher so I was
neither in class nor in assembly. Thus, I missed all the announcements.
PASIR RIS PRIMARY SCHOOL: Shawn Lee
I rushed home after school and did all my homework and slept late. Next
day, I woke up by myself and got ready to go to school. I noticed that
Has your father had an a girl inside! The girl screamed
neither my brother nor my sister got ready to go to school. My brother
and Mr. Lee tried to calm her
embarrassing moment down. The girl did not calm down asked me where I was going. I replied that I was going to school. I then
before? so he ran out of the toilet, pushed asked him why he did not get ready to go to school. Snickering, he
Well, Mr. Lee Soo khoon has. He the bully, John, aside and ran replied “My school has a special programme so we will took the bus to
was pushed into the girl’s toilet away. He did not tell anyone about school start a bit later than usual.”
when he was primary 5. it but the girl did. The bully was
reprimanded by the discipline Of course he lied and he did it so well. I rushed out of the house and took
One day, Mr. Lee was playing with master but he did not learn his the bus to school.
his friends when the school bully- lesson and continued his wrong
John walked by and had him into doings. On the bus, many people were staring at me. However, I was too
an arm lock. He tried to escape engrossed in my book that I did not notice their stares. After alighting
but in vain. When they reached the He bullied another pupil by from the bus, I felt strange. The whole road looked deserted. Then, I
entrance of the girls’ toilet, John taking all his money and asking walked up the slope that led me to the school gate which would take
released him and threatened him him to walk into the toilet again. me fifteen minutes. However, the school gate was closed. I stood there
to walk into the girls’ toilet. This time, he was caned by the beside the gate for a while not knowing what was happening. So, I
principal and he learned his walked back to the bus stop with a lot of questions on my mind. When I
He slowly walked into the girls’ lesson- to not bully anyone again. boarded the bus, the bus conductor kept asking me where I was going
toilet, but to his horror, there was and why I was in my school uniform. So, I poured out my story to her. She
explained to me that it was youth day, meaning school was closed. I put
my head down the whole bus trip. When I reached home, my brother was
laughing and teasing me. I was so angry at him initially for not telling me
the truth but later joined in the laughter.
SECTION
GAMES & PRANKS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
7
Missing
my Old
School Days
“Good” Boys!!
GREENRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL: Nicholas Ting, Raynee Tham & Li Ying
Nathaniel and Jia Le are the naughtiest boys in our class. Whenever they have the opportunity to be
WOODGROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL: mischievous, they will run around and scream like maniacs. Despite their playfulness, they often help out.
Samuel Tan
Whenever they see someone in need , they will always be there for them. They are smart too! Most of the time,
they top the class!
“You will miss
your school days “ Never judge a book by its cover!”
the most after you I am sure there are many “good” boys
come out to work”
– How true this like them in your class!
words sound when
finally we embark
on our career life?
The things that I miss most at
my school are the numerous
fun games that were invented
despite the lack of modern
Trading Marbles
ROSYTH SCHOOL: Randelle Ong
technology gadget such as
iPad, Xbox, PCs, etc. Games In 1975, there was a school
such as marbles, board called Bradell Rise Primary
games, tikum….Outdoors was School. Most of the boy and
always fun…catching spiders some girls would bring their
for fighting with others with marbles to school and trade
their spiders, catching tadpole them secretly during their
to witness their growth to recesses. If a teacher saw the
frog, putting red and black marbles being traded, he or she
ants to fight to see which is would confiscate them. However,
more superior. despite the teachers’ warnings,
they still continued the act as
My teachers are very strict they loved trading marbles.
then, use of cane and chalk Therefore, trading marbles
flying through the classroom became common in primary
aiming at mischievous pupils schools, including Brad Rise
are common and always are Primary School. Mr. Poh Kok
favorite topics during old Wee (Kyna’s father) was caught
classmates gathering. We sure by his grandmother, and she
get a good laugh whenever we confiscated all the marbles. It
chat about those moments. was an unforgettable moment.
SECTION
HOMEWORK
Homework Complaints PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Dang Chee Wen, Mao Yudi, XueTingkai & Lim Jin Feng
Now a lot of children are complaining about that they cannot finish In the past, a lot of homework would be given by teachers and it must
or have no time to finish their homework. They can complete it in an be handed in before the deadline. If not, the teacher would punish the
extremely short time like 30 minutes or at the most 1 hour. child severely. Mrs Lim said, “Sometimes, I need to do my homework
until midnight in order to finish.”
Mrs Lim said, “Nowadays, teachers are not so strict with children and
give them very less homework to do. The children make use of this and
finish their homework so fast in order to play.”
SECTION
8 HOMEWORK I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
i love homework!
Whenever a teacher mentions homework, the pupils will groan as
EVERGREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Nur Nafisah Bte Nasharudyn, Amirul Astraff B
Baharuddin, Ong Yao Zhi, Irvine, Wee Mu Yan,
Muhammad Izzat Haqim B Zulkifi
time by giving time limit when she does her homework. Also, she must
they dislike homework. They think it is time-consuming and a dreadful understand how important homework is as it would be able to help in
burden. In fact, just because of homework, some even attempt to escape various ways. Without homework, everyone will not really get to practice
from school during school hours. You may think that everyone in this at home. With homework, she can know her mistakes and learn in a
world hates homework given by teachers. My sister, Nur Izzati, loves better way.
homework instead of being a hater of it.
Even a hardworking student like her sometimes needs assistance
She thinks of it as a challenge, just like racing against an opponent. She when she does homework. In fact, asking is learning too. She gets the
likes homework, but she prefers teamwork because she can do assigned assistance to her family members like her father, mother, or sometimes
tasks together as a group. Also, she can learn from each other, realising her sister.
each other’s mistakes. There, she can also learn more about the spirit of
teamwork. She has learned a lot from them and she is thankful as she is now
better in studies than before. However, she thought that she cannot
You may be wondering why she likes homework unlike the other students be depending on her family members only. She has to try doing her
now. She likes homework as she can practice the topic she just learned homework by her own in order to realise her mistakes. To her, it would
in class and homework also helps her to remember the lesson that she be way better if she is able to do her homework without asking for a
had learned. When doing homework, she can also practice managing her single assistance as it shows that she is an independent student.
SECTION
LESSONS & DIARIES
School Memories
18 May 2012 – Friday ST. ANDREW’S JUNIOR SCHOOL: Titus
9:00am 10:04am 12:00pm same time, please write an article
I got kicked while playing rugby. We were doing some worksheets Time for Mother Tongue! I was about Chapter 12 and submit it
The opposition team kicked me while Mr Zhang, our form teacher, studying Higher Mother Tongue. to me by the end of the lesson. It
in the leg, causing me to get was collecting some forms and So, my friends and I who are must be minimum 200 words. You
injured. But, it was natural. You money for the Science Center studying Higher Mother Tongue can discuss with your pair.
would naturally get hurt while Learning Journey during the had to walk down one level and
playing rugby. At that moment, holidays. walk to the class that we were 12:29pm
I felt very happy. supposed to be in. On the way Our class was ready to collect
10:10am down, we were talking about some our work. I counted the number
9:15am Mr Zhang was talking about some happy occasions that each of us of words and there were 269
I was feeling slightly better. My jokes to entertain us. One of the had experienced. One of them words. Though there was not a
injured friend tickled me and I jokes was: Why did Mr Left turn said: I was watching a show on my big difference in number, I still
started to laugh as if I was in my Right? No one could guess the home television and I was laughing exceeded the number of words
own world. answer. In the end, the answer until I nearly wet my pants. required to write. Our teacher was
was: Because Mr Left’s wife is Mr Everyone laughed and did not stop happy with us and immediately
9:30am Right. Everyone laughed to their laughing for 15 seconds. told us that we could be released!
Recess time! I could not walk that hearts content. I was so happy at that time to be
well, but the support from my 12:02pm dismissed slightly earlier.
classmate made me continue to 10:30am Time to begin lessons! Our
stay firm. Mr Zhang was going through teacher walked into the class with 12:36pm
corrections. My friend, Brennan, some books, and her computer. I just finished my food. I was
10:00am was telling me that I dropped my She was holding an idioms book in washing my hands, ready to play
Time to return to class! While green pen on the floor. I did not her hands. I was thinking: Could soccer with my class. It was a
I was walking up to class, our even realize that I was using a she be teaching us idioms or really fun afternoon as some
form teacher, Mr Zhang, was also pencil to write my corrections. idiom stories? of our classmates were going
walking up. I did not have much How dumb! While I was about to to depart on Saturday for some
strength, but I ran up to class as take my pen, Brennan tickled me 12:10pm learning/training program/trip.
fast as my footsteps could carry and I started to laugh as if I was in We were doing our own work when That afternoon was meant to
me. I was laughing as my friend my own world. the teacher suddenly announced: have fun.
was telling me jokes as we ran up Do your own work while I call
to class. 1hr 30mins later…… some boys for corrections. At the END of story. Hope story/article
attracts you. :D
SECTION
NOW & THEN I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
9
My An Interview
father with Mrs. Chng
TAO NAN SCHOOL: Faith Chng
PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Qui Xin Zhi
What was it like in the 1980s? Maybe you could get the answer by reading
this article. This is a story on my father who was now around 40.he was
born in china. When he was a child, he studied in a local school in china
for both primary and secondary. For university, he studied in the capital
of china, Beijing. Those days what their snacks was something that had
some cold cream on a stick. It is around 5 cents, according to my father.
Those days, they do not buy food from school. They always brought food
from home. That time, a dollar was a lot of money. It could buy a lot
of things. At that time, they don’t play on computers like us today. As
most people were poor, they could not afford to buy toys too. So, they
played simple games like hide and seek and catching. Sometimes, their
teachers would chastise them for being dirty as there is mud all over
their playground and they would fall into the mud and made their shirts
dirty. But boys are boys. According to Mrs. Chng, 38,
children nowadays are not
Their playground does not have any equipment like those today. They as street smart, and are less
used to have a vacant playground. My father often climbs trees to play adaptable and flexible, as
too. That time, they will climb trees to get the eggs of birds as there compared to those growing up
used to be many birds at that and they would built their nests on trees. in the 1980s. She also added
Some naughty ones even used a catapult to aim at a bird and shot it that back in the old days, she
down. Although it is against the law now, it is not against the law then. played many games with her
Although he did not have a chance to go to the schools, the memory will friends during recess time
still be forever etched to his mind. that have been lost over time.
Mrs. Chng recalls fondly how
they even improvised and
used old attap leaves to build
an actual house - right in their school car park! The house was big
enough to accommodate 3 friends. This was something she is sure
that primary students these days may never even think of.
Mrs. Chng believes that children nowadays are more ‘study smart’
and would probably score remarkably better compared to children
in the past if a project was handed to them. She also said that the
education system nowadays is more competitive - students have too
much tuition, but sadly not enough time to play together in a group.
In fact, she is grateful that the Internet was invented or all most
Singaporean children would spend countless hours in the library
digging through mountains of books.
Now, with a few clicks, one can get access to whatever information is
required for school projects. However, with less opportunity to pick
up values through interaction, Mrs. Chng hopes that children these
days can still learn to be disciplined, and that schools can teach
things like right behavior, learning attitude and social skills.
SECTION
10 NOW & THEN I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
Planting Trees
RIVER VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: Chan Chin Ying
the
local news
those were the days
XINGNAN PRIMARY SCHOOL: Pang Eng Ming, Wyzley, Cheang Yu Heng,
Sze Shuyuan & Milim
Behind Block one of Xingnan
Primary School, there was a row of
During the 1960s, the learning decided to improve the school’s bushes. Inside the row of bushes,
environment in classrooms was environment by panting some there were tiny spiders. Mrs. Tan
very outdated. The classrooms trees. They bought some seeds and her friends would catch them
had no fans; they depended on and borrowed shovels from their and put them in matchboxes and
the windows of the classrooms for parents to carry out the plan. observe them before releasing
lighting. The walls were stained Every day during recess and after them back to where they were.
yellow and the paint was peeling. school, they would dig the soil They liked doing that as it was fun
Teachers also used blackboard near the school until it was deep and exciting.
and chalk to teach. The whole enough to plant the seeds. They
level consisted of only two classes, watered it every day and kept a It is rather hard to imagine that
each separated by gender as close eye on its growth. Mrs Tan is a teacher now as she
there was shortage of classrooms seemed to spend her time playing
and to avoid distractions such as The tree was growing well and and catching tadpoles and spiders
boy-girl relationship. The boys very soon when my father and rather than studying. Mrs Tan
back then were well-mannered, his friends were Primary Six MRS TAN PEI SHAN
also admitted that she did not
so teachers found little need to students, the tree was about three focus very much on studying.
scold them often, unlike boys metres high. They were proud of Mrs. Tan Pei Shan, an ex-student She considered herself as a late
today. Unfortunately, there were themselves for planting this tree. of Xingnan Primary School and a bloomer but was very fortunate to
no trees surrounding the school, They got closer as they worked teacher in Xingnan now, recalled have patient teachers. She hopes
only construction sites. This was together and their friendship got that in the past, the hopscotch that being a teacher, she has
not only distracting; it was also stronger. The tree was always was in the parade square. The made her teachers who are now
making the air more polluted and there, and sometimes my father hopscotch in the past was much her colleagues proud.
dusty. would sit by the tree, relishing the bigger than the current one
times of his childhood days. near the Sin Nan Public School Mrs Tan also mentioned that
The reason for the poor learning Heritage Museum. the Xingnanians now are very
environment was because the fortunate to have an eco-garden
school had very little resources There was also a long drain at the as there was no eco-garden during
and equipment. It had limited school field that had tadpoles in her times.
resources, so it was unable to it. Mrs. Tan and her friends liked
repaint the walls or buy fans. The catching tadpoles and bringing it
students in the school thought home to foster them.
that the learning environment was
not good and the school should
put in more effort in upgrading
the school’s aesthetics, making
sure the environment in the school
was conducive for learning. In the
end, my father and his friendsSECTION
PUNISHMENTS I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
11
What a DAY!
27 August 1981 is a memorable harmless, but we were proven
RIVER VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: Sydney Foo
jackpot machine and try our Reaching the school compound,
date for Foo Piau Sheng, wrong. In the nick of time, we luck?” All of them agreed that it they saw their teacher waiting
otherwise known as P.S. Foo. managed to seek refuge up in was a brilliant idea. They rushed for them. Mr. Foo explained the
“That Thursday,” he recalled, the nearest tree. Phew! Another to the shop and used all of the situation to his teacher while
“was bizarre.” He and his two moment later, we would have money from the donations on that his two friends look down at the
close friends were selected to been dead meat!”Reminisce single machine. Initially, Lady ground sheepishly. They received
solicit for donations to help the Mr Foo. Luck smiled on them. Alas, they an earful from their teacher in
needy. Expecting the wealthy to left the shop empty handed. the end.
be generous, they approached After the dog left, the three boys
them for donations. However, raced towards a nearby park Carrying their now empty The three of them were made to
they were disappointed as they rested on a bench. While they donation tins, they walked do housework for three days and
collected only a meager amount. were thinking about how they towards their school compound, the money they earned was used
could get more donations in the trying to think of excuses their to pay for the money they had
“My friends and I thought that last remaining fifteen minutes empty donation tins. “The lost. “This is one experience that I
nothing worse could have before they had to return to moment we lost our last coin, I would never forget,” said Mr. Foo.
happened when we spotted school, One of Mr. Foo’s friends knew we were in hot soup.” Mr.
a canine coming towards us. jumped up and said, “Why don’t Foo replied when asked about
Initially, it appeared to be we go to the shop with the mini his feelings at that point in time.
SECTION
REMINISCENCE
Old School Days…
RAFFLES GIRLS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL: Tan Hui Shan Denise, Vera Quah Li Qi
Mrs Anna Tan was in Raffles
since 1949 to 1959, ten years as
a Rafflesian. Her first impression
Queen Street. There were only
female teachers and art class was
taught at National Library that is
Games played in the past:
of RGPS was clean and quiet. She close proximity to the school. Only
highlighted to us during her school a handful of classes were available
days, she recalled the picture with only two stalls; a drink stall
on the school was the Queen of and the other selling cake and
England instead of the portrait of fried rice. Tomato ketchup and
our President and the First Lady. chilli sauce was a luxury.
Back then, their examination to Games played were Rounders,
secondary school was known as skipping, hopscotch and Police
Secondary Entrance Exam (SEE), and Thief. These common
unlike now it is Primary School games are free and can have the
Leaving Examination (PSLE). Her participation of as many students
principal was a British citizen. as they can.
Mrs Tan would go to school by
trishaw where it was located atSECTION
12 REMINISCENCE I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
ang mo kio primary
– Past and present (Elfi Mamli)
ANG MO KIO PRIMARY SCHOOL: Nur Alifah, Ilyana Bte Kamsani, Hasmath Thameena, Teo Jing Ye, Tan Si En, Melissa
In the past, Ang Mo Kio Primary The classroom furniture was all choose as many ECAs (Now it’s During recess, we could get a
School was located at the field made of wood and there were called CCAs) as we wanted as plate of nasi lemak for 30 cents
next to its current site. The current no floor tiles in the classroom. long as we can balance our school and a piece of chicken for 20
location of Ang Mo Kio Primary We sat on concrete floors in the work with ECAs. I was an active cents. After recess, all of us had to
School used to be the grounds of classrooms. In class, once we had pupil and grabbed the opportunity participate in the tooth brushing
Mayflower Primary School. There completed our work, our teachers to participate in numerous ECAs. drill. Each class will either squat
was a field being shared by three would hand out cross-stitch kits One of the ECAs that I participated beside the drain or stand along the
Primary Schools in the vicinity. for us to complete. We learnt how in was Malay Dance. We would basin to brush our teeth, guided
The current uniform of Ang Mo Kio to stitch pouches, pencil cases and often perform in front of the whole by the dental nurse on the proper
Primary looks very different from even curtains! Besides learning school during assemblies. techniques of tooth brushing.
what it used to be. The current cross stitch in class, we could
uniform definitely looks better
than before.
maggie lim (1988) Article about Mr. Lim Kok Kee
– An old boy from St. Gabriel’s
Primary and Secondary Schools
MARYMOUNT CONVENT: Chloe Kuan, Isabelle Liew, Annie Yip, Elyssa Ng
and an ex-teacher from
the present PE attire, Maggie
much preferred old PE attire which
had shorts made of stretchy cotton
and white trimmings. St. Gabriel’s Primary School
When feeling down, Maggie would ST. GABRIEL’S PRIMARY SCHOOL: Dominic Sua
pretend to play the odd piano at
the back of the former school Mr Lim Kok Kee is an old boy from St. Gabriel’s Primary and Secondary
hall, which gives her time to be Schools. He is also an ex-teacher who started teaching in 1965 and
alone. They used to have their stopped in 2003. He started teaching again in 2005 and finally retired at
sports days with St. Joseph’s the end of 2011. During his primary school days, he would usually mix
Institution with the band being with his friends and talk during recess.
invited, where there were boys
Maggie Lim, a sporty, vivacious in the band playing instruments His favourite subject was mathematics. His favourite teacher was Mr
woman, graduated from MCS in and the Marymount girls usually Paul Lee, his primary one teacher, who was a nice man and was very
the year 1988. She enjoyed her teased them. There used to be a patient with his students. The Principal was Brother Emmanuel, who is
time in Marymount Convent, along sheep hill which led to the foyer, now the supervisor of schools. He had learnt many lessons and virtues
with a good buddy, Azrina and and many other staircases around from the talks the brothers gave. There were fun fairs held annually,
was always the butt of all jokes. the school, excluding a flight which Mr Lim enjoyed tremendously. He said that the school has
She greatly treasured her favorite of stairs that led to the open- changed a lot since his time in school. There were no such places like
teachers, Mrs Dharma, her concept canteen in the basement. the air conditioned library, computer labs and other facilities taken for
English teacher and her Literature Maggie still remembers fondly granted these days.
teacher, Mr Siva. She strived the time when she and her friend
very hard to be a top student, went tumbling down the hill and During his secondary school days, during recess, Mr Lim would always
but competition was tough and she ended up having cuts on go to his favourite place without fail — the basketball court to play
she could only fare as an her knees! Making graduation a basketball with his friends. That was his favourite sport as well as
average student. jacket in Secondary 4 was also pastime. He thought that playing basketball would not only help him
one of the things she thought was to keep fit and healthy, but also help him to bond with his friends. Mr.
Maggie might be a DJ, but she was memorable. Lim has no specific best friend, but his best friends are those in the
actually the netball school player
basketball team. As a student, he would be very happy whenever he
and took part in both sporting and Lastly, she sends her words of achieved good results in his examinations. Mr Paul Lee, his favourite
non-sporting ECAs (now called advice to the present Marymount teacher, inspired Mr Lim to become a teacher. Soon, in 1965, he started
CCA). It might seen a tad too queer girls – Make as many memories as teaching his favourite subject, which was of course - Mathematics. After
for a DJ, but maggie was the you can from Marymount Convent teaching for about 39 years, he retired in 2003. Mr Lim started teaching
netball school team captain and School. Live every moment here in again in 2005 until 2011, when he finally retired. As an old student and
actually excelled in sports during Marymount with love and laughter. ex-teacher, he would like to encourage boys to be honest. After many
her time in Marymount Convent, it Study Hard and also, Play Hard. years, Mr Lim still makes phone calls to his friend to keep in touch with
was also her favorite class. Unlike
each other...SECTION
REMINISCENCE I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
13
I Remember Mrs. Lee-Goy
my School Days
NORTHLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL: Lekha Bengeri, Zhu Hong Yue, Gao Sitian
I used to study at Park Road Primary School in Chinatown.
– Koh Eng Kah
Surprisingly, it is now a local hostel! I went to school in trishaws
(less than $40 per month!).
In school, I was the teacher’s pet, the monitor and the head prefect.
TAO NAN SCHOOL: Koh Jin Hao
Apparently, my family was famous in school as nine out of twelve
of my siblings studied there and they were all known for their
Whenever I walk past the former The food at Parry Primary was outstanding results. I was very proud to be chosen to read out a script
Parry Primary School, now a cheap. A bowl of noodles was just on “stop the breeding of mosquito campaign“
hostel for foreign students, I 30 cents! There were only a few
remember my school days there. I stores in the canteen. My favourite My CCA was the brownies. After every practice on a Saturday, I would
studied there more than 30 years food was the “goreng pisang” with play “crocodile”, the olden-days version with my friends. Usually, all
ago. Parry Primary was actually curry gravy. homework forgotten; we just played!
formed in 1980 by combining three
schools: a Boys’ school, a Girls’ Every day after school, I would We all looked forward to our sports day! Nowadays, children request
school and a Chinese school. I buy an ice-cold treat from a small for more on their Sports Day. Our Sports Days in those days were so
spent the first five years in the store just outside the school. I simple. There were only simple running competitions-no long or high
Boys’ school and my last year would either buy a “bird’s nest” jumps. We always looked forward eagerly for the packet of biscuits
in Parry Primary when it was drink, an ice pack filled with they give to everyone!
eventually formed. I have many syrup, or an ice ball sprinkled
interesting memories from my with colourful syrup and milk. The canteen in my school had only 3 stalls- an ice-cream shop, a
days there. These were refreshing and tasty snack shop and a drink stall. A bowl of noodles was 20 cents or so.
especially when the weather Hence, to go to school armed with 10 cents is a blessing already!
Parry Primary was a big school. It was hot!
had a large field equal to the size
of nearly two football pitches with In terms of study, I did quite well
huge trees along its perimeter. overall, but this was not so at the
Almost every day, I would play beginning. At the end of Primary
games with my friends at the field, 1, my results were not so good,
before class and during recess. We especially myEnglish. I could still
played football, “zero point” and remember the teacher’s remarks
“police catch thief”. Those games in my report book that I needed to
were fun. The big tress provided improve on my English. My English
us with shade and some such as was poor because I mostly spoke
the flame of the forest had flowers in the Hokkien dialect with my
that were very nice to look at. Now, family, neighbours and friends, Class picture of Mrs Lee-Goy at Primary 1
sadly, most of the schools do not and I only attended one year of
have such big fields. kindergarten. Nowadays, kids go In those days, my family was very poor and all my clothes and books
to childcare centres from as young were hand-me-downs. When my skirt was torn, my sister would just
I lived in the kampong. Every day, as 18 months old! Fortunately, I have to sew it up for me. I had my first parker ball pen when I was
I had to walk to and from school improved from Primary 2 onwards. primary 4. My pencil case only contained a pencil, an eraser and a
either on my own or with other With hard work, I became the top pen. Forget Mr. Whiper (a branded correction tape). I feel that the
children who lived nearby. There in my class from Primary 4 to 6. students nowadays are taking things for granted. Most students
were many “obstacles” along the aren’t satisfied with what we have and want more. If we could survive
way such as barking dogs, fierce I miss my days at Parry Primary. our childhood without computers and smart phones, I believe they
geese and occasionally rain that They were thoroughly enjoyable. could too.
turned the tracks muddy. Once, I Although the lives of primary
even had a chameleon jump onto school children then are very
my back. It turned white to match different from those now, I believe
the colour of my school uniform they are equally, if not more,
and I turned green with fear. It was interesting.
scary. Now, most children have
their parents send them to school.
Mrs Lee-Goy
winning a prize
(left) and with her
schoolmates (right)SECTION
14 REMINISCENCE I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC HO O L E D I T I O N
A Hole
School life in the past
PEI HWA PRESBYTERIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL: Yong Le Tong
in My Pants
ROSYTH SCHOOL: Jaime Pang,
Wong Yoke Ting, Ng Shuo Ling,
My mother, Jean, had studied in Every day during recess, she My mother also had nice Amber Rose Pillay & Ji Xin Yi
Bukit Batok Primary School for 6 would play the game ‘Zero-Point’ memories when she took part in
years. Although she stayed very and catching. However, she the school’s Singing Competition INTRODUCTION
near the school, she took the preferred playing Zero-Point more in which she was selected to enter In the past, most families had a lot
school bus to school because her than catching. She and her other the final round. Although she did of children, and the family income
parents did not have the time to friends would always play Zero- not win any big prizes in the final, and intake was very little. Children
fetch her there. Point and challenged against the she gained the terrific experience wore hand me downs. The
boys. The girls team always won of performing in front of the whole textbooks, books and dictionaries
Her favourite subject was Chinese the game as girls were taller than school. However, I was still proud were handed from sibling to
as she found it very interesting the boys and were all very good of my mother’s achievement and sibling, from family to family.
and her Chinese teacher was very at jumping. The food sold in the bravery to participate in those Those books could last for a few
aspiring whom always told them canteen at that time was very competitions. decades. Sometimes those books
lots of interesting stories. She said cheap and it cost only around 50 could be very out of date. Since
that Chinese was very important cents. How I wish that the food My mother said that she loved there was not enough income
at that time as her parents only now are still sold for 50 cents! her school life very much as she coming in, those elder children
knew how to communicate in had made many friends during although having new books, had to
Mandarin. My mother’s school One special incident was when that earlier part of her study life. sacrifice their education so their
uniform was white and blue. She she was among the few selected My mother said” Gone were the younger siblings could have a
liked her uniform very much as it to do a Children’s Day song music days when I can have fun with my chance to go to school.
was very comfortable to wear. recording at Rediffusion Radio friends and enjoy my school life.
She participated in the Choir Station, which the end product I really miss my childhood times OH NO! TWO HOLES AND I STILL
CCA in her school because she was ultimately distributed to all and hope that I can go back to the DON’T KNOW!
loved singing very much. Till primary schools in Singapore. She past.”
now, her singing was still terrific! felt exceptionally proud and excited
She was a prefect in school. for having given that chance to do
She said that being a prefect song recording in a professional
was a very important job as they studio setting. Through this, she
needed to maintain order in gained the experience of how a
school at all times. song was being recorded.
Mr. Ng Cheek Chong fondly recalls
that his cousin, Mr. Jack Ng, wore
1950s School Days
hand me downs from his eldest
brother and went to school in
those pants. Wherever he went,
people laughed. Only when he
PRINCESS ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Teo Wee Lin got home, he found out that there
were two holes in the pants, one
Ex-pupil of Princess Elizabeth team. After practicing for some games very much. She liked on each side. Even so, he did not
Primary School, Mrs Lim Choon time, her team participated in a playing five stones. She found the throw away the pants. Instead,
Hui, talked about the school competition. Due to their hard game challenging and fun. She he mended the pants with a few
days in 1950s. At that time, she work and effort put in, they always had hard time catching all pieces of cloth and wore them to
was a prefect and also a class managed to clinch the first place. five .She hoped she might get a school the next day. That was a
monitress as she had leadership Mrs Lim was so delighted; it was chance to play again. Mrs Lim’s great embarrassment for him.
skills. Having this quality, she her first time winning an award in favourite canteen food would be Mr. Ng still recalls that he was
also had good academic results. volleyball. fish ball noodles. It only cost $0.10 trying very hard not to laugh too as
She was top in her class for three at that time. But for Mrs Lim, it he was afraid that he would hurt
consecutive years, Pri 4, 5 and 6. Remembering the times during was quite expensive. Her parents Mr. Jack Ng’s feelings.
She received storybooks from her recess, Mrs Lim would play gave her $0.20 daily for her pocket
school. They were given to her as traditional games with her friends. money. In order to save money,
an encouragement to read more Some of these games were Mrs Lim could only afford to buy
books. chapteh, five stones and playing food. She did not have enough
with marbles. “These games are money to buy drinks. Recalling
Not only is Mrs Lim good in fun. It will be fun for children now that, she felt that her school days
academic studies, she is also to play these games than playing were quite interesting.
good in sports. Hence, she computer games,” suggested
joined the school’s volleyball Mrs Lim. Mrs Lim enjoyed theseSECTION
REMINISCENCE I R E M E M B E R M YS CHO O LDAY S 2012
P R IMA R Y SC H OO L E D I T I O N
15
Top Gabrielite 2010
– Lennon Goh
Lennon Goh is an old boy from
ST. GABRIEL’S PRIMARY SCHOOL: Auric Seah Hong Rui
Tuesday, every Reap the Laurel significant impact on his personal
St. Gabriel’s Primary School from and even his last official event as discipline and character. The
2004 to 2010. He was our school’s a Gabrielite, the P6 graduation academic teachers, Mdm. Shofia,
head prefect when he was in P6 ceremony, was held in the hall. Mr. Koh, Mr. Goh, Mr. Sng, Mr Loy,
and was also our school’s PSLE The hall had seen him through his Ms Woo, Mrs. Chee, Ms Koh and
top scorer for that year. With his primary school days. Mdm. Yes, all had a significant
excellent results, he was admitted impact on his academic foundation
to Raffles Institution (RI). Lennon struggles with his mother and also helped him to excel in his
tongue language, Chinese, even studies and external competitions.
During his primary school days, now, Chinese was what always
Lennon would usually play soccer pulled his results down and he The most significant event that “3 sets” of friends. Another event
with his friends. He considered it felt disappointed. He felt that no happened to him was the school that affected him was the failure
as an investment of sorts as it was matter how hard he tried, he still moving to another location in 2005. to enter RI via DSA. This motivated
invaluable in helping him to relax could not excel in it. This to him caused a repeat of him to work harder and enter RI
when the curriculum became too the foreignness and nervousness through results, the main door,
intense and stressful. It was also To Lennon, all teachers had a of P1. He had to adapt to a whole and not the back door.
good for maintaining his physical significant impact on him. new environment. The streaming
fitness. also affected him, as essentially, Lennon has a lot of teachers to
Primary school is when most every two years, it was almost like thank, and I believe he would
The most memorable place for children are still very malleable resetting the friendships he had always remember someone - St.
him in the school was the hall. and he was no exception. Teachers worked to develop and built over Gabriel’s Primary School’s founder
Almost everything was held in the like Mr. Soh, Mdm. Shofia and two years. But in a way, it had “St. Louis Marie de Montfort”.
hall. All his band concerts, school Miss Woo, who were in charge also helped him to develop even
events and the pledge-taking every of the prefectorial board, had a more friendships and now, he has
My life
in school
Although it is a long time after I
TAO NAN SCHOOL: Chen Jingwen, Loh Pei Yi & Jermaine Wong
and the pace of teaching is good. would play games like ”chapteh”, Nevertheless, there were still
have completed primary school, Every word that was pronounced “zero-point”, hopscotch, hide and some difficulties that I face. As
once I look back at my class was clear and concise. In a seek and catching. There were there was no tuition last time and
photograph, memories of my short lesson a lot was taught, hardly any activities in school. my parents were unable to help,
primary school will flood into discussions always came along. There were only Co Curricular there was no option but to rack
my mind. However, when the teacher asks Activities (CCA), and netball my mind for answers whenever
a question, it is always impossible was my CCA. Life was free, easy I was stuck in a tough question.
The butterflies in my stomach to answer it. The teachers were and happy. Our lives were rich When other problems, maybe at
fluttered even harder as I kind and friendly but strict. She in childhood. My classmates home, happen to me, I talk to my
approached the school for the first could also be extremely fierce. were extremely cooperative and sympathetic family members,
time. What would happen in class? When we did something wrong, generous. We treated each other teacher and good friends to
There was no kindergarten, so the teacher would punish us like siblings. They were never their advice. I also solved some
everything and everyone seemed severely. When we did badly for jealous about other who was problems myself.
foreign. Even so, I felt a tinge of a test, the teacher even made us strong in certain subjects. Special
excitement as I like to experience carry our schoolbags over our occasions, special lessons like As I keep my class photograph,
a new environment and I wanted to heads and stand on the table for dance lessons as well as field I think school is the best place
make new friends. a whole period. trips held by school would always to learn after all. We should be
jazz up the fun and excitement of thankful of school for bringing us
After some time in school, I The schedule was also well- school. School was pleasing, but up, feeding us with knowledge.
realized that school was actually organized. Lessons started from there were still some weaknesses.
relaxing and enjoyable. There was 7.30am to 1pm after flag raising I disliked the way the teachers -Winnie Koh-
a little homework and no project and there was recess in between. punished us and the lack of
work at all. The lessons were During recess, my friends and I facilities in school.
fun. They were well explainedYou can also read
