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The Buss Brief Issue 28 May 2021
Design
Engineering
Message from The Principal Senior School News
Junior School News - D&E Workshop Opens
- Maths House Event - Virtual Music Projects
- Shakespeare in 7 Minutes - Local Service Society
- Under The Great Plum Tree Supporting Your Child - HBL
Issue 28 I 21st May 2021 21 Questions
Principal’s Message
Dear Friends of the School,
The two weeks since our last Buss Brief has proven to us how quickly the world in which we live can change and has
provided a reminder of how important it is that school communities remain flexible, nimble, and responsive.
Before we opened in August 2020, we developed a structured set of home-based learning protocols, which were largely
built on the various experiences of our team. These protocols were put to the test in the last week as we were directed
to move to home-based learning, for most students in the school, at very short notice. From my perspective, it’s been a
huge success. Of course, the last few days have not been entirely problem-free, but any difficulties that we’ve faced have
been overcome with compassion and understanding from all concerned.
I spoke to our teaching staff on Monday with a sincere but pragmatic message; home-based learning can never, ever
replace face-to-face learning and we should not allow our expectations to believe it can (for we’re sure to end up
disappointed). Our efforts and emotions need to be invested in making the learning experience as meaningful as possible
for our students, but should also ensure that we focus, even more closely than normal, on the welfare and mental
wellbeing of everyone around us.
That care, that understanding and consideration, and that community spirit is what has helped to overcome the problems
that have arisen.
We have three days of national holiday next week, so just two more days of home-based learning ahead of us. As things
stand at the moment, we shall return to face-to-face schooling on Monday 31st May - but, as you’d expect, I encourage
you to stay connected to your email inbox for any messages from the school. If we’re directed to extend the period of
home-based learning, we will let you know straight away.
I’m sure our parents will allow my indulgence as I take this opportunity to say a very public and heartfelt “thank you” to
our teachers. They’ve all taken so many challenges in their stride throughout this year, and their ability to always, but
always, put the students ahead of themselves is humbling to see. We’re lucky to have each and every one of them guiding
our children.
I wish everyone in our community peace and harmony as we celebrate Vesak Day in the week ahead.
Paul Friend
Principal
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21ST MAY 2021 Junior School News
Maths Without Walls
Transdisciplinary Learning House Event
Students throroughly enjoyed our recent Maths House Event.
We wanted to take the opportunity with our new site and
surroundings to encourage our students to problem solve
practically and systematically, as well as develop those valuable
key communication skills necessary for success in later life.
Utilising not only the space, but also the human resources in the
school, activities and experiences were planned to compliment
the collegiate approach, build vocabulary and conceptual
understanding; but most importantly to have some fun!
The house event relied on student’s short term memory and
translation skills to crack morse code around the school, before
unscrambling letters to find out the final clue and race to take a
snap with our house trees.
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21ST MAY 2021 Junior School News
Symmetry & Pattern...
Students were also challenged to apply transdisciplinary Art through inquiry into M.C. Escher and his tessellation
learning when exploring art, building not only on shape art. They utilised knowledge and recognition of patterns
and geometry security but also applying understanding to create their own Maths art before continuing to
of symmetry and pattern and marrying this to nature investigate and research patterns used in Fractals.
and the wider world. We had students blown away by
their own creations during a curves of pursuit activity, Fractals are absolutely fascinating and they soon
which supported accurate measuring and helped generate discovered fractal patterns can be found everywhere - in
questions around perpendicular and parallel lines. snowflakes (a la Koch’s snowflake) in mobile phones, in
galaxies and even broccoli! These repeated patterns can
Students in our PreKG class had a very wet and wonderful be used to create really complex mathematical sculptures
time exploring capacity and measurement, before carrying and algebraic equations and depictions as realised when
on their artistic flair and experimenting with print in a studying Sierpinski’s triangle (or tetrahedron). They
range of materials using numicon to discuss value and managed to make a fantastic class Sierpinski tetrahedron
shape, as well as building their fine motor skills. Grade 4 and reflected on how many triangles and tetrahedrons it
gained knowledge on the similarities between Maths and took to make such a mammoth sculpture!
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21ST MAY 2021 Junior School News
Hamlet Performance
Last month, G4P wrote, directed and performed a “Shakespeare in 7 minutes”
play of Hamlet much to the delight of Mrs Hemming, G4H and Grade 5s.
Included below is a thoughful review of the play written by one of our students,
Sattvic from Kathryn Parratt’s class.
Shakespeare in 7 minutes
On the 14th of April, 2021, I witnessed the most amazing play I have seen yet; Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Directed
and written by Iona (G4P), this superb show was performed in the black box room, L6, NLCS (Singapore).
This sensational recreation of one of the Bard of Avon’s most popular plays was acted by none other than the
outstanding students of G4P
During the play, my favourite scene was when Hamlet found himself face-to-face with his dead father’s ghost.
This procellus scene starts with Hamlet declaring undying love for his father, followed by the ghost popping out
of nowhere and remarking, “Why, thank you.” This hilarious line was quoted by none other than William, whose
funny comments replaced the play’s genre of tragedy to black comedy.
Another wonderful addition to the play was Eve, whose solemn and moody stances and clothing perfectly
represented Hamlet. Her memorisation of Shakespeare’s famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy also impressed
the watchers and captivated the audience’s attention.
The technical aspects of the show (costumes, props etc.) were also stupefying. From inky black to shining silver
to vibrant red, the actor’s costumes didn’t fail to impress me. The props were also extraordinary and the bottle
of poison astounded me, while the gleaming swords radiated light while clashing and awed me like never before.
In conclusion, I think Hamlet was an exciting and thrilling play, and I doubt I will ever be more impressed.
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THE BUSS BRIEF I ISSUE 28
Junior School News
Under the Great Plum Tree
We used Under the Great Plum Tree by Sufiya Ahmed as the basis for an ongoing weekly extra-curricular class that
incorporated pupils from KG2 - Grade 3. The book works on so many levels and always generates discussion around so
many themes, be it the idea of kindness and friendship that unlies the story; or the lush, vibrant and vivid illustrations with
their use of colour and repeating patterns; to the relevance of folktales in the present day. In an international school such
as ours it is always interesting to find out about similar tales based on the similar themes from other countries. That idea
of the global migration of stories is so rewarding for the children.
Our sessions started with a read-aloud reading of the book, an exploration of the illustrations, and then a 30 minute
art activity based around the story and these illustrations. The children all created small pieces of art that we added to
an expanding mural of a jungle scene similar to that they had seen in the book. The younger children focused on using
colour to express their art; the older groups were encouraged to further explore texture, textiles and collage as well.
The emphasis was on enjoyment - both of the story and creating their pictures however they wished. Because this was
an ongoing project over several weeks it was wonderful for the children to see the mural grow; for them to add their
own experiences and art to an ever-growing picture and to really see the mural blossom, bloom, and come to life in the
same vivid hues as the book.
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21ST MAY 2021 Junior School News
The children all created small pieces of art that we added to
an expanding mural of jungle scene similar to that they had
seen in the book.
We also introduced our Grade 10 tutor group to the project - we used the same lesson plan of reading aloud and doing
the art but also used it more as a process of well-being and mindfulness for this age group. They really enjoyed the tutor
time we spent doing the project! And both they and the younger children have relished seeing their art amalgamated
together!
The beauty of independent publishers such as Tiny Owl creating and producing books such as Under the Great Plum Tree
with such great cultural diversity and identity produces so many rewards for our pupils. They really help the pupils to
understand the world around them; they encourage them to ask questions and explore and research these cultures; they
are such a joy to read aloud and share; and they offer such an array of opportunities for cross-curricular links.
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21ST MAY 2021 Senior School News
D&E Workshop Open
Grade 8 User Centred Design Projects
Grade 8 were the first students in the school to use the newly opened Design and Engineering workshop shortly after
the Easter break. Having been working on a user centred design project throughout Term 2, students were introduced
to working with compliant materials in the workshop to prototype their concepts. Ruben Bruhl-Gati gives an overview
of the Cycling Safety Project that they have been working on:
“Over the course of this term, we have discussed, developed and produced a design and model for a product addressing a
growing concern for cycling safety in Singapore. To begin with, we analysed the question, before moving on to researching and
finding key information that would later help to inspire our design. To help us to further understand the market our product would
enter, we performed an analysis on a pre-existing product, which took the form of a product autopsy, product comparison etc.
After extensive research, our first designs were drafted - our products range from a new and improved design for the standard bike
camera, to a large-scale redesign of whole road areas, even taking inspiration from other areas such as the Dutch Roundabout.
We later developed and refined our ideas through the use of isometric drawing and then produced a final presentation drawing
using computer aided design. Finally, we entered the workshop to complete our conceptual design models and we ended up with
a multitude of original and unique products.”
Contributed by Ruben Bruhl-Gati
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Senior School Student Work
Senior School Students have worked on a variety of Design and Engineering projects in Term 2 and Term 3 and are
now further developing their work with the production and refinement of prototyping their concepts in the newly
opened state of the art Design and Engineering workshop.
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Virtual Choir
& Orchestra
We are pleased to announce that our music department is organising the eagerly anticipated ‘End of Year’
virtual Orchestra and Choir projects. The two songs that will be produced are:
Maroon 5 ‘Memories’
The Greatest Showman ‘A Million Dreams’
Please record your vocal and instrumental parts at home and kindly ensure that voices in house shirts and instruments in
all black. You may then submit to dropbox on firefly but don’t forget to smile, enjoy yourself and wave at the end.
Do contact Ms Baldwin for more information if you need any further clarification. Happy music recording everyone!
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Local Service Society
Yoga and Zumba Session to Sunlove Home, Depot Heights
This month, the Local Service Society started a yoga & zumba session with the elderly house in Depot Heights. The
elderly house’s aim is to get elderlies active. Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, we are having a one hour session
with them to keep them active. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had to deliver the session online. The first part of the
session is yoga to help relieve stress and relax muscles. The second part is zumba, to have fun and let go in the music.
The residents really appreciated this gesture, and we all really enjoyed it. A lot of laughter was shared between all of us.
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THE BUSS BRIEF I ISSUE 2821ST MAY 2021 Supporting Your Child - HBL
Supporting Our Children
So it seems a little bit like De Ja Vue as we step back into the world of home based learning. We’ve been here before, in
some form or another. I’m not sure about you, but it was a challenge for me last time round. With two young boys at
home they missed school; the interactions, fun, change of environment. I’m grateful that my youngest gets to come into
school this time - I hope that lasts! Deep down, I hope they can both come back in soon - they have had such a fantastic
time at school in what has been a crazy year. Is this just a small bump in the road, or a more prolonged period? The truth
is, we don’t know and for our children, that in itself can be one of the biggest challenges for their wellbeing and mental
health - not knowing.
So I guess the question is - how can we make the best of it? Having spoken to some of our students over the past few
days, one aspect is to remember the positives. For some, especially those of teenage years, there is perhaps an extra
hour (or two!) of sleep or spending time with family who normally work long hours away at the office or overseas. But
there are challenges and for me, as with “normal” life, it comes down to that notion of a balancing act. Being based at
home will often mean extra time on screens and a lack of being active. Finding ways to cope, perhaps developing good
routines will help balance us, to bring an increased sense of wellbeing and self-care. I encourage you and your children to
go for that daily walk or turn off all screens for a while; perhaps take the opportunity to connect with friends and family;
these insights and connections feel more and more important.
Finally, you know your children best and are the best people to judge what is in their interests. If you ever have any
concerns that they need to not do that piece of homework, because a walk with a sibling or parent is needed, or just to sit
as a family in front of NetFlix, do it, we’ll support you. Your class teachers or House tutors are also here should you need
to get hold of us for any questions, or even just to share some of the challenges, whether it be any learning challenges
or emotional needs for your children that HBL presents. At times like these, it is when we come together that our care
really does drive our support for each individual student.
Phil Edwards, Vice Principal (Pastoral)
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21 Questions
with Billy Molloy, Director of Sport
Q: Where have you provided coaching services in the
world?
A: I have been a teacher in London, Brunei, Bangkok and
Singapore.
Q: Who is your favourite sports hero?
A: Jack Charlton - Leeds and Ireland legend.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment? Q: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
A: Representing at the highest level in Gaelic Football for A: Always hungry, chatty, determined.
my county (Wexford).
Q: Where is your fave food haunt in Singapore?
Q: What is your favourite book to read? A: L’entrecote - A great French restaurant with steak and
A: East of Eden John Steinback. fries.
Q: What did you want to be when you were little? Q: What were some of the concerns you had about living
A: A PE teacher. in Singapore?
A: None at all, I have visited here many times and always
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a Teacher? loved it.
A: Whenever I see ex-students I ask them if they are
playing sports still. If the answer is yes to that I am Q: What is the biggest take-away from training kids and
happy with what I have helped to do. teenagers?
A: Attitude and effort are key.
Q: What person has given you the best advice and what
was that advice? Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: You’re better looking at it, than for it (my Dad’s quote). A: Teaching students and seeing them want to improve. It’s
It means that you have to go and do things yourself, always good as a PE teacher to get to know the parents
don’t wait on other people to prop you up. also. We do miss that at the moment with no fixtures.
Q: What is your favourite quote? Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Singapore?
A: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage A: The range of food, and it is a great base to travel from,
to continue that counts” - Winston Churchill. or was…
Q: What is the best part about competing? Q: What is your favourite local food?
A: The bond with others on a team is always fantastic. Mutton Biryani.
Q: Who was your favourite coach and why? Q: Durian - Love or Hate?
A: Bill Belichick ‘New England Patriots’. He has won at the A: Hate, it’s a bit stinky.
top-level in a very tactical sport for years. Achieveing
this in American sport is very impressive. Q: Any tips for newbies in Singapore?
Also, Liam Griffin - Wexford the last manager to lead us A: Make sure you don’t just have friends from abroad.
to an ‘all Ireland’ Hurling title. Get to know Singaporeans.
Q: What’s something interesting about you that most Q: What is your secret tip to thrive in Singapore?
people don’t know? A: Explore and be open to change.
A: I love to cook!
THE BUSS BRIEF I ISSUE 287TH MAY 2021 Notices
Whole School Reminders...
Important Trace Token Reminder
When school reopens, all students, parents and visitors would need to check in via the
Trace Together Token as we did earlier this week.
As Trace Together Tokens are mandatory in Singapore, students are gently reminded
to collect theirs if they have not already done so. You may check the TokenGoWhere
website for updated collection details. Please kindly visit any Community Centre/
Club (CC) to replace your Token when the battery is low. This is indicated by a red
blinking light on your Token. Please stay safe and well in these challenging times.
School Letters
All letters sent out to parents are stored in the ‘Parent Hub’ section of the Parent Portal.
Click here to view any letters that were recently distributed.
Absence
Please be reminded that all student absences should be reported directly to the attendance
office attendance@nlcssingapore.sg including absences from CCA activities.
Social Media
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nlcssg
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www.nlcssingapore.sg
enquiries@nlcssingapore.sgYou can also read
