TK Sports Day 2014 – A roaring success

~ Article contributed by Hidayati

We will, we will rock you ...

PSG Team Supporters

Tanjong Katong Secondary School held its annual Sports Day at Bishan Stadium on 15th April 2014. The stands were a sea of colors from the various house colors. Students were also helping one another apply war paint on each other’s faces and hair spraying each other’s hairs with various colors to add to the vibrancy.

The respective houses of Tagore, Rutherford, Einstein and Da Vinci also had the spectators cheering with their own individual mascots! Though the competitive spirit was strong before and during each event, all the participants were thoroughly cheered on during each race.                                 

My highlight was the Staff-Parent-Alumni Race where PSG fielded two teams. It was a tight race to the finish and one of our teams emerged victorious.  It was a wonderful experience hearing and seeing students cheer on their favourite  teacher too. In spite of the afternoon sun and heat hitting the stadium and running here and there during the event, I felt that TK Sports Day 2014 was very enjoyable for everyone. I hope that the competitive spirit among TKsians burns strong for many years to come.

We did it !

2014 TKSS International Friendship Week

~ Article contributed by Kalpana K

31^st March to 4^th April 2014 was celebrated as the International Friendship Week at TKSS as part of a series of events planned to celebrate Racial Harmony. The weeklong celebration saw our international students from Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal and Philippines showcasing the unique culture and tradition of their countries to fellow schoolmates through various posters and presentations.

The Finale to the event was the International Food Festival on 4^th April 2014.  The parents from these countries put in great effort and hard work to generously present food samples to the students. The atmosphere that day was exciting and memorable. The parents not only prepared the food, they also decorated their stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs from their countries and wore traditional attire, which so added to the vibrancy of the event. With music rocking the place the school canteen had literally been transformed to a multi-cultural food festival.  In alphabetical order let me give you a glimpse of the delicacies presented to the students and the feedback from the various team members.

The Indonesian Team found the idea of the Food Festival Finale very interesting. They felt that it was indeed hard work but in the end well worth the effort they had put in. Their food ‘centre piece’ was amazing and they kindly presented it to the teachers at the end of the event.

The Korean team took hard work to prepare their traditional food as all dishes were handmade and time consuming but overall the parents were very pleased to see that students knew about the dishes as they had seen them in Korean dramas.  The music from their stall added a festive air to the entire event.

The team from Myanmar dressed in traditional attire decorated their stall with handicrafts from Myanmar giving us a glimpse of their rich culture. The team members were very happy and excited to be a part of their very first event in the school and greatly enjoyed interacting with the students.  

The Nepali team in traditional attire and jewelry were a lovely sight to see. Their decoration of the stall with artifacts and currency from their country and posters displaying their natural great heritage was amazing. The team was proud and excited to be a part of the event and enjoyed seeing the presentations of the other countries. 

And lastly I would like to make a special mention of the Philippines team, run by a small team, but it presented brilliantly with a big spread of assorted delicious deserts that were well appreciated by all.  The beautiful traditional Filipino gown was also another highlight of the event.

Overall the experience of being a part of the International Friendship Week finale was fun filled and exciting. The air of festivity was amazing.  On behalf of PSG, I think special thanks is in order to the school team who never fail to amaze us with the considerable thought they always give to make this learning journey interesting and memorable for our children.  And most importantly, I like to thank all parent volunteers who helped on the day, and a very special ‘Thank you” will go to our international parents for their generous contribution, enthusiastic participation and strong support to make this event happen successfully!!

The Indonesian Team: Nasi Tumpeng, Kunyit Asem, The Botol, Kue Lapis Legit and Kerupuk.

The Korean Team: Gim-bab, Ddeog-bogg-yi, Jab Chae and Gim chi

The Myanmar Team: Myanmar Banana Cake, Yellow glutinous rice, Myanmar Pan Cake, and Mont Lone Yay Paw (Glutinous Rice Balls)

The Nepali Team: Sel Roti, Aloo Dum, Momo and Keer.

The Philippines Team: Brazo de Mercedes, Puto, Kutsinta, Pichi Pichi and Cassava Cake

School Principal Mdm Haslinda joining and supporting our parent volunteers for this wonderful and lovely event!

2014 TK 1 Nite - A Student's Message Dedicated to TK PSG

Muhammad Rais Raiyan (Sec 4D), President of the TK Student Council 2013 gave a heartwarming speech regarding his view on TK PSG at 2014 TK 1 Nite:

“Before we begin, let me share with you some of my experiences that I had with the lovely parents of TK PSG.  

Racial Harmony Day, 2012. I was a participant for the TK Amazing Race and was joined by a fellow parent from the TK PSG, Mdm Hidayati.  At first, we were reluctant to start a conversation with her. But after a while, we slowly broke the ice and discovered more about PSG’s involvement in TK. We learnt that on that same day too, other fellow parents from TK PSG had set up beautiful booths, to share with students’ knowledge and skills, from the different ethnic cultures and traditions.

Through the conversations we had, at the end of the day I concluded that, “TK PSG is made up of warm hearted and dedicated parents." And then a year later, I had a similar experience.

For students taking Higher Mother Tongue language, we sit for our “O” level Mother Tongue papers at Sec 3. After the first paper, as I made my way to the canteen, a TK PSG parent approached me and offered me 2 buns of bread and a cup of soya bean milk. I was grateful. Amidst the stress of the examination, it was comforting to know that we are cared for. The kind gesture really made my day and helped my friends and I feel even more pumped up for the next paper.

Later on, I learnt from my Sec 4 seniors then, that every year, TK PSG has also been supporting the Sec 4 Evening Study programme, by providing dinner for Sec 4 students studying in school. All this was possible from the fund-raising projects PSG carry out.

After that day, I made an amendment to my previous statement. “TK PSG is made up of warm hearted and dedicated parents who help make TK feel like home.  On behalf of all TKsians, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You Parents for making TK feel like home."”

2014 TK1 Nite - The Classroom Bonding Segment

~ Article contributed by Shalu Matani

The main objective of the classroom segment was to encourage bonding and a participative culture of communication between the parents of Secondary One.  The TKSS Parent Support Group took this initiative during the TK1 Nite to link and create connections and relationships between the Secondary One parents of each class.  This platform was created with the inclusion of the classroom segment which gave the Sec1 parents several opportunities to share and contribute their thoughts and opinions. It was efficiently facilitated by the PSG parent volunteer teams.  In fact the notion of proactively engaging all the Secondary One parents during the classroom segment, when they assembled together had crossed the minds of several PSG Leaders.

This inspiration turned to reality during the TK1 Nite held on 22nd February 2014 with 14 PSG leaders mobilised in pairs over seven Sec1 classes. It was the first time in the history of TKSS that a fully structured classroom segment of 45 minutes had been planned. There was excitement in the air, palpitation in the heart and a general feeling of enthusiasm as each pair of PSG leaders welcomed the Secondary One parents into their respective divisions. 

In order to get the conversations flowing, the evening kick-started with “Innovative Introductions” wherein parents were asked to creatively introduce themselves by attaching an adjective that best described their personality preferable with the same alphabet as their name. The option of using adjectives with alternative alphabets was also given.  The general consensus from the PSG leaders was that although a few parents were slightly shy at the start they soon warmed up and there were plenty of creative names brought to light such as Joyful Joshua, Sweet Serene, Handy Hadira and even Handsome Ophir.

The next ice breaker was “Greet and Meet” especially aimed towards parents mingling and socializing with each other in a casual and relaxed environment. In order to successfully facilitate this segment, PSG had prepared and distributed a questionnaire to all parents which required them to exchange familiar information related to their child’s classmate such as CCA choices, living vicinity and name of primary school.   This seemed to be the most enjoyable session with parents talking, laughing and making memorable connections. Some even exchanged mobile numbers and suggestions were to set up whatsapp groups for future communication and connectivity.

Finally in the “Post Compliments” segment parents were requested to take post it paper from the PSG leaders and write compliments, greetings and words of encouragement for their child and leave it under their respective tabletops. Most parents seemed very pleased with this initiative. Some PSG leaders also had the opportunity to share their personal experiences with the parents in order to give them reassurance.

Sharing from the teacher

Class 1F had all students enrolled from the DSA option. Here PSG organised a talk given by a couple where the father was an ex-TKKSian and two of their children had enrolled with the school on the basis of DSA. Both parents gave their perspective and tips for parents to assist their child in delicately balancing time for academic work and sports training. This was an extremely successful interaction with several parents having their queries answered. 

On behalf of PSG we would like to thank all the Secondary One parents for their active, energetic and vivacious participation. We hope that the classroom segment has provided real opportunities for everyone to meet and connect “parent” to “parent” resulting in valuable friendships.   

With this the PSG wishes everyone – “All the best till we meet again for TK1 Nite 2015 !!”

2013 'O' Level Refreshment for TK Sec 4 Cohort

Stand by You!

Principal Mdm Haslinda & Parent Volunteers

~ Article contributed by Tan Poh Choo

Adrenalin flowed and anxieties abound as students prepared earnestly to take the ‘O’ Level examinations. Finally, the moment has arrived. TK PSG with the generous support from parents and dedicated efforts put in by parent volunteers walked the extra mile to provide refreshments for all TK Sec 4 students on 21 October 2013 - the first day of the ‘O’ Levels examinations.  TK PSG stands by all TK Sec 4 students up to the very moment of the examinations!

It was a heartwarming time to see our students savoring buns and sipping Milo or soya bean drinks during the break after an exhausting 2-hour English Language Paper 1.  Re-fuelling our TK Sec 4 students for the next paper was the least that we as parents can do for them. Nothing can be more satisfying to see the spirit of camaraderie among students and parents who were connected by the common desire of putting in the best efforts in the examinations.  Parents were seen encouraging students and students nudging each other to do hisor her utmost.

 

This event was nothing short of a success.  It would not have been possible if not for the generous donation from parents and the sacrifice put in by parent volunteers who took time off from their busy schedules to help out in distributing food and drinks.  TK PSG was very fortunate to have PrimaDeli sponsored the buns for this occasion.

TK PSG is planning a second session to provide refreshments on 6 November 2013. We urge parents to partake in this meaningful occasion and share a wonderful moment with TK Sec 4 students. This activity brings home the message that TK PSG in collaboration with the school and parents will always be there to support all TK students and cheer them on to give their best shot.

TK PSG would like to thank the school, parents and all who had contributed in one way or another to this event. Special thanks also go to PrimaDeli for being so supportive of PSG activities.  Lastly, to all our TK Sec 4 students, we wish you the very best in your examinations.

A Thank-You Letter from Sec 4 Student Representative

~ TK PSG received this Thank-You letter after our 2-week Sec 4 Night Study Dinner project.  It is  a heartwarming message for all parents whom have contributed in many different ways to support our students.  

2013 Sec 4 Night Study Project on Aug 12-15 & Aug 19-22

~ Article contributed by Emily Low

The Sec 4 Night Study project is an initiative by TK PSG. The PSG is truly grateful to have the full support from the Principal, Mdm Haslinda and the teachers. This year we see the smooth running of this project with the school supporting us in every way and the dedication of parent volunteers. It ended with a good note. A big ‘Thank You’ to all!

It all started with the 2 fund raising held in school. Dedicated parents came together to sell hot dogs and cup cakes to raise money for the Sec 4 night study dinner project. It was done to encourage the Sec 1 to 3 students to play a part in encouraging their seniors in their final year. Shortly after, a letter was sent to parents of the Sec 4 cohort in seeking their contributions to the night study fund.  We received encouraging and generous contributions from parents. TK PSG is again grateful that we can partner the parents to work on this meaningful project. Part of the funds came from Sec 4 students who had to purchase dinner coupons for $1 per dinner per night. This is to stop wastage of food. With the number of coupons sold, we are able to ascertain the number of bento to order per night.

The funds collected went to provide dinner for 8 nights to an average of 65 students per night. With the healthy collection, we were able to cater Bento dinner for them. A lot of work went into planning and sourcing for caterers. In the end, we managed to provide drinks, main meals (and most days, desserts were provided), mints and snacks for each night. The quality and quantity were reasonable.  Of course there are kids that are always hungry. By providing dinner for the students, we hoped that they would spend their time meaningfully in their revision. The bentos look palatable every night! We have main courses such as Teriyaki Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Fish and noodles that came with side dishes too. As the menu changes every night, the students looked forward to each meal. On the 8^th night, the students were treated to cup ice cream! It was a delight to them and a joy for us to see them enjoying their well-earned treat!

Special thanks go to Mdm Florence, school Teaching Assistant, who stayed back every night to ensure the smooth running of the Night Study, and Mr Koh, our Vice-Principal, who selflessly avail himself throughout the 8 nights to oversee the evenings and not to mention, the last to leave the school. Both have been a tremendous help.

With the left over funds, we will be providing refreshments on 2 days during the ‘O’ Levels examination.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents who contributed in anyway (helping out in the fund raising, contributing to the funds etc) and for making this year’s Sec 4 Night Study a success! We wish all the Sec 4 students the very best in their ‘O’ Levels and their future endeavours.

“Action is the foundational key to all success” by Pablo Picasso

“If it is to be, it’s up to me” by Caleb Anthony Parker