Half qualify for Higher Nitec courses
ONE in two Normal (Academic) students who took their N-level exams this year will be allowed to skip one year of school and head into higher-level technical courses.
Under new rules, some 6,502 out of 11,653 Secondary 4 N(A) students are eligible for direct entry into courses like engineering or applied and health sciences at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), said the Ministry of Education.
Previously, they had to take the O levels in Secondary5 before they could enrol in a Higher National ITE Certificate (Nitec) course.
To qualify for direct entry, students have to score an aggregate of not more than 19 for English, Maths and three other subjects, with at least a Grade 4 in English and Maths.
Out of the 6,502 students, about half can opt for the more demanding business courses, which require students to score at least a Grade 3 in English.
Students can apply for the course of their choice on the ITE website (www.ite.edu.sg)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Mr Lum Chih Foong - S-Pop
Dear all,
Received this from one of our Montfortian students. We wish Mr Lum well and every success in his competition.
This is the link to Mr Lum's profile in the competition on Ch U.
http://spop.mediacorptv.sg/profile_lum.htm
S Pop Is a show which aims to promote Singapore Music. Currently, Mr
Lum is in Top 6.
This is the website
http://spop.mediacorptv.sg/
Received this from one of our Montfortian students. We wish Mr Lum well and every success in his competition.
This is the link to Mr Lum's profile in the competition on Ch U.
http://spop.mediacorptv.sg/profile_lum.htm
S Pop Is a show which aims to promote Singapore Music. Currently, Mr
Lum is in Top 6.
This is the website
http://spop.mediacorptv.sg/
Monday, December 17, 2007
Montfort - Malacca
Golf tourney to help needy youth
By : Jason Gerald John
MALACCA: Help us provide a better future for the youth of today.
This is the appeal by the Montfort Youth Centre (MYC) in Ayer Salak here, which is seeking funds to renovate its buildings and buy computers to train the boys who are from poor and underprivileged families.
For this, the centre will be organising a charity golf tournament and dinner at the Orna Golf and Country Club in Ayer Keroh on Jan 12.
The centre's director, Brother Stephen Tee, said RM200,000 was needed to renovate the buildings and buy computers to facilitate teaching for the boys who could not pursue their studies due to financial constraints.
"The upgraded buildings and computers will not only benefit the 43 boys at the centre but will also benefit many others in the years to come.
"Therefore, we need assistance in any way possible to help these boys study at the centre and acquire skills in vocational training, such as motor mechanics and computer maintenance.
"This will allow them to earn a decent living in the future."
Speaking at a hotel here yesterday, Tee said the Brothers of St Gabriel had been running the MYC for more than six years and relied on donations from companies and individuals.
"The golf tournament, in which a Hyundai car is up for grabs for a hole-in-one, and dinner is expected to raise about RM70,000. We would still need RM130,000.
Tee said the entry fee for the tournament was RM300 per person, inclusive of dinner.
Non-golfers may buy dinner tickets at RM50 per head or RM500 for a table.
For further information, contact 06-3510114 or 06-3510115.
By : Jason Gerald John
MALACCA: Help us provide a better future for the youth of today.
This is the appeal by the Montfort Youth Centre (MYC) in Ayer Salak here, which is seeking funds to renovate its buildings and buy computers to train the boys who are from poor and underprivileged families.
For this, the centre will be organising a charity golf tournament and dinner at the Orna Golf and Country Club in Ayer Keroh on Jan 12.
The centre's director, Brother Stephen Tee, said RM200,000 was needed to renovate the buildings and buy computers to facilitate teaching for the boys who could not pursue their studies due to financial constraints.
"The upgraded buildings and computers will not only benefit the 43 boys at the centre but will also benefit many others in the years to come.
"Therefore, we need assistance in any way possible to help these boys study at the centre and acquire skills in vocational training, such as motor mechanics and computer maintenance.
"This will allow them to earn a decent living in the future."
Speaking at a hotel here yesterday, Tee said the Brothers of St Gabriel had been running the MYC for more than six years and relied on donations from companies and individuals.
"The golf tournament, in which a Hyundai car is up for grabs for a hole-in-one, and dinner is expected to raise about RM70,000. We would still need RM130,000.
Tee said the entry fee for the tournament was RM300 per person, inclusive of dinner.
Non-golfers may buy dinner tickets at RM50 per head or RM500 for a table.
For further information, contact 06-3510114 or 06-3510115.
SHAH ALAM: The SP Setia Foundation continued its support of the Montfort Boys Town with a donation of RM20,000.
SHAH ALAM: The SP Setia Foundation continued its support of the Montfort Boys Town with a donation of RM20,000.
The foundation has been a supporter for the last eight years.
For almost 50 years, Montfort has nurtured underprivileged youth.
The home also provides them with education and vocational training.
Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye presented a mock cheque to Montfort director Brother Peter Isaac at the centre yesterday.
Isaac said Montfort needed about RM4 million a year and 95 per cent of its funding came from public donations.
Montfort hoped to introduce baking and pastry courses. It is looking for sponsors as it would cost about RM250,000 to set up the facilities.
The foundation has been a supporter for the last eight years.
For almost 50 years, Montfort has nurtured underprivileged youth.
The home also provides them with education and vocational training.
Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye presented a mock cheque to Montfort director Brother Peter Isaac at the centre yesterday.
Isaac said Montfort needed about RM4 million a year and 95 per cent of its funding came from public donations.
Montfort hoped to introduce baking and pastry courses. It is looking for sponsors as it would cost about RM250,000 to set up the facilities.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Healthy Community@Montfort
I'm not sure where this came from but it sure makes sense and seems to be what we're about. Time to move into the community -
"School leaders strengthen the capacity of the school a a healthy setting for living, learning and working. They engage partners actively in order to sustain healthy outcomes. They see school as an important avenue to improve the health of the community and actively promote it"
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Montfort - Sabah
Golf tourney raises RM370,000 for Montfort
Kota Kinabalu: A total of RM370,000 was raised for the Montfort Charity Golf Tournament which concluded at the Sabah Golf and Country Club, here, Saturday.
The event was graced by guest of honour, Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah. Montfort Youth Training Centre's (MYTC) Chairman of the Board of Governors Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department was also present.
A total of 140 golfers took part in the event to raise funds for the ongoing construction for Phase Two of MYTC where a workshop and staff quarters are been built at its new and bigger campus at Kinarut.
Dompok, during the prize presentation, thanked the donors, participants and organising committee for coming forward to lend a helping hand to serve the underprivileged.
"I am happy with the commitment and contributions of the organising committee members who have extended most of the time and efforts for the past one and a half months in making the tournament a success to assist the poor and underprivileged from the interior," he said.
In the efforts to bring about more awareness on the mission of Montfort, the organising committee, led by organising chairman Willie Ng, has decide to make it an annual affair with the kicking off of the Montfort Challenge Cup which will be held on July 17, next year, at the SGCC.
Dompok launched the Challenge Cup at the prize presentation ceremony.
Willie, said after deducting some RM45,000 for expenditures incurred for the tournament, about RM330,000 will all go to Montfort.
Willie said Montfort has a lot to thank for in this tournament with the generosity of the sponsors, both private and public sectors, participants as well as his committee members, who took part, knowing very well, that it was for a worthy and genuine cause.
He also commended Peter Anthony, Thomas Chiu and Henry Goh for bending backwards to help in this good cause.
Willie said the youths are worth helping as MYTC's two-year residential programmes teach living skills and are tailored to instil discipline, guidance, spiritual formation, skills and leadership training to prepare them for gainful employment.
"The youths between 16 and 19 years old are mostly from remote areas and have no access to skills training. At Montfort, they will be trained to be highly skilled persons with the right attitude and moral values which are important assets to the State and nation," he said.
The overall champion was Nicholas Gilai. Peter Anthony won the A Medal followed by Khalid Mohd and Remy Anthony. Peter generously donated the prize to Montfort.
The B Medal was won by Ng Loong Fah, followed by Foong June Choy, Osman Zaiman, Sia Hiong Tee, Alex Lee, Lim Shau Kong, Joannes Solidau and Jinot Tinggal.
The C Medal winners were Loke Sik Foo followed by Charles Boyou, Tai Khiam Hiong, David Ho, Dr Gordon Loke and Fred Fung.
Tun Ahmadshah was also among the winners in the C Medal, including Moo Fah Chung, Hj Shariman, Kanesan N. Datuk Iskandar Malik and Vali Gunsing.
Anthony Chiu took the Senior Section title followed by Dr Thomas Lau while the Ladies Section winner was Mrs G Bandusena.
Among the winners of the novelty prizes were Rajesh Yusof (longest drive), Donald Mojuntin (nearest to point) and William Tan and Shariman Abdullah (nearest to line).
Charles Boyou, Latif Lait and C P Poon struck the Bulls-eye.
Tournament director George Bandusena, who is also SGCC President, was also present to oversee the success of the tournament.
Kota Kinabalu: A total of RM370,000 was raised for the Montfort Charity Golf Tournament which concluded at the Sabah Golf and Country Club, here, Saturday.
The event was graced by guest of honour, Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah. Montfort Youth Training Centre's (MYTC) Chairman of the Board of Governors Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department was also present.
A total of 140 golfers took part in the event to raise funds for the ongoing construction for Phase Two of MYTC where a workshop and staff quarters are been built at its new and bigger campus at Kinarut.
Dompok, during the prize presentation, thanked the donors, participants and organising committee for coming forward to lend a helping hand to serve the underprivileged.
"I am happy with the commitment and contributions of the organising committee members who have extended most of the time and efforts for the past one and a half months in making the tournament a success to assist the poor and underprivileged from the interior," he said.
In the efforts to bring about more awareness on the mission of Montfort, the organising committee, led by organising chairman Willie Ng, has decide to make it an annual affair with the kicking off of the Montfort Challenge Cup which will be held on July 17, next year, at the SGCC.
Dompok launched the Challenge Cup at the prize presentation ceremony.
Willie, said after deducting some RM45,000 for expenditures incurred for the tournament, about RM330,000 will all go to Montfort.
Willie said Montfort has a lot to thank for in this tournament with the generosity of the sponsors, both private and public sectors, participants as well as his committee members, who took part, knowing very well, that it was for a worthy and genuine cause.
He also commended Peter Anthony, Thomas Chiu and Henry Goh for bending backwards to help in this good cause.
Willie said the youths are worth helping as MYTC's two-year residential programmes teach living skills and are tailored to instil discipline, guidance, spiritual formation, skills and leadership training to prepare them for gainful employment.
"The youths between 16 and 19 years old are mostly from remote areas and have no access to skills training. At Montfort, they will be trained to be highly skilled persons with the right attitude and moral values which are important assets to the State and nation," he said.
The overall champion was Nicholas Gilai. Peter Anthony won the A Medal followed by Khalid Mohd and Remy Anthony. Peter generously donated the prize to Montfort.
The B Medal was won by Ng Loong Fah, followed by Foong June Choy, Osman Zaiman, Sia Hiong Tee, Alex Lee, Lim Shau Kong, Joannes Solidau and Jinot Tinggal.
The C Medal winners were Loke Sik Foo followed by Charles Boyou, Tai Khiam Hiong, David Ho, Dr Gordon Loke and Fred Fung.
Tun Ahmadshah was also among the winners in the C Medal, including Moo Fah Chung, Hj Shariman, Kanesan N. Datuk Iskandar Malik and Vali Gunsing.
Anthony Chiu took the Senior Section title followed by Dr Thomas Lau while the Ladies Section winner was Mrs G Bandusena.
Among the winners of the novelty prizes were Rajesh Yusof (longest drive), Donald Mojuntin (nearest to point) and William Tan and Shariman Abdullah (nearest to line).
Charles Boyou, Latif Lait and C P Poon struck the Bulls-eye.
Tournament director George Bandusena, who is also SGCC President, was also present to oversee the success of the tournament.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
"Are you competing at the level of top countries?" - Montfort Badminton
- Derek Wong "The first question he and his badminton teachers asked themselves was whether schools were competing at the level of top countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. 'The answer was 'no', because our local boys were complacent,' Mr Lourds says. 'They thought they were good by just beating one another.' So, four years ago, he recruited a top Indonesian student to play for the school team although Montfort already had the national champion, Derek Wong. Derek was the son of former SEA Games singles gold medallist Wong Shoon Keat, Montfort's coach. The two qualified for the final of the national championship, recalls Mr Lourds. 'The Indonesian boy, Albertus Teddy Setiadi, beat Wong easily, allowing him only five points in each game,' recalls Mr Lourds. The humbling defeat had the intended effect of jolting the Singaporean boys. 'We train every day and at nights too,' says Mr Lourds. The boys get a break only to prepare for the O levels.
-------------------
Should schools stay off the bandwagon?
Reserve school sports for S'poreans, says a parent. But a school shows how foreigners make a difference
By Yap Koon Hong, Senior Writer
IF JAMES TEO had his way, schools will reserve all their places for badminton talent for children born and raised in Singapore.
He and hiswife, Fiona, both financial consultants, are sports-loving parents. Their son Moen, 12, will enrol in the Singapore Sports School's badminton academy next year, joining older sister Melody, 16, who plays netball for school and country.
Mr Teo says he will support his son fully if Moen indicates that he wants to pursue his badminton dream to the level of the Olympics.
He understands that Singapore needs foreign talent, but feels this should be used sparingly and as a short-term measure.
'Why get foreign talent at school-going age?' he asks. 'School sports should be reserved for Singaporeans only because all these foreign students are not going to represent Singapore.'
The money spent, especially by schools who hunt for top foreign schoolboys in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and China, could be better used to develop local talent.
'Instead of developing foreign talent, schools should invest in foreign expertise, the science and technology that other countries are using, to develop our youngsters,' he argues.
Keen Singaporean badminton players should be given more competitions to grow their skills.
The trouble with the schools-based system of competition is that players may not get the exposure they need especially if the school is knocked out early.
'Two, three matches and then they're out, after training for months in the run-up,' he says. 'It's demoralising.'
He would prefer to put more money into organising year-long tournaments for local school players to encourage them to take up the sport seriously.
If schools jump on the foreign talent bandwagon, Singaporeans will not get to learn and play the game in the first place, he adds.
'As it is, a badminton team is small, with only four or five slots,' he says.
He knows the top badminton school in Singapore is Montfort Secondary, but he says he never considered sending Moen there. 'My boy will be deprived of a sport,' he says.
Montfort Secondary principal Simen Lourds feels differently.
Mr Lourds, who used to play competitively growing up in Malaysia, is credited with reviving the school's status as champions.
'Our overall goal is not just to win badminton titles,' he says, referring to the strategy of recruiting foreign students crucial to Montfort's championship plans.
'We want to do our part in the national target of having a team in the final rounds of the sport's supreme tournament, the Thomas Cup, in 2012.'
The first question he and his badminton teachers asked themselves was whether schools were competing at the level of top countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
'The answer was 'no', because our local boys were complacent,' he says. 'They thought they were good by just beating one another.'
So, four years ago, he recruited a top Indonesian student to play for the school team although Montfort already had the national champion, Derek Wong.
Derek was the son of former SEA Games singles gold medallist Wong Shoon Keat, Montfort's coach.
The two qualified for the final of the national championship, recalls Mr Lourds.
'The Indonesian boy, Albertus Teddy Setiadi, beat Wong easily, allowing him only five points in each game,' recalls Mr Lourds.
The humbling defeat had the intended effect of jolting the Singaporean boys.
They bought into the school's programme of year-round training and competition.
'We train every day and at nights too,' says Mr Lourds. The boys get a break only to prepare for the O levels.
He did not reveal how many foreign players the school has drafted. But last year, Montfort dominated the two secondary schools tournaments. Of the 14 it fielded, nine were foreigners.
The school started a badminton alumni to persuade former students to provide sparring time for the players. 'We created the chance for them to play against men,' he says.
'So, the foreign talent is just one component in our effort to raise the level of the local game,' he says.
Last year, Derek turned the tables on his Indonesian schoolmate and beat him for the national title.
Derek has grown into such a promising talent, he is the only teenager in the senior national squad.
Half the national age-group players in the national association's stable are Montfort boys, says Mr Lourds.
They include Indonesians and a Thai who want to represent Singapore, he says, and that can only be good for the country.
As for the local talent? He says that Montfort players emerge regularly as champions in the annual national tournament which restricts entrants to Singaporeans.
'Our local boys have gained because of the higher level of competition and commitment we encouraged by recruiting the foreign students,' he says.
They also hold their own in regional tournaments, although they may not win.
'We are still behind, but we have closed the gap,' he says.
koonhong@sph.com.sg
Friday, November 23, 2007
A note from Class of 2E4
A Note from me to you - From Montfort Innovators/ Class of 2E4
We're approaching the End of the Year and looking back, we didn't even realise how fast time has past. In an blink of an eye the year is at an end, but your education is not. I believe we all have a large amount of homework to do, so do not procrastinate or you will panic before the start of the new school term. Besides, it is good to spend time during the holidays to brush up on some of the weaker areas in your schoolwork.... There is barely another month more to go and before you know it, the school term will start again!
Everyone, as we are approaching the end of the year, let us all reflect what improvement we have made in any areas of our lives. Lets us recall our happy times as well as our not so good times and move forwards towards Secondary 2 with a renewed vigour and achieve more and set higher goals, scale higher heights and ultimately achieve the Montfortian dream: A Man for Others.
Cheers!
Laurent
http://montfortinnovators.blogspot.com/2007/11/updates_18.html
We're approaching the End of the Year and looking back, we didn't even realise how fast time has past. In an blink of an eye the year is at an end, but your education is not. I believe we all have a large amount of homework to do, so do not procrastinate or you will panic before the start of the new school term. Besides, it is good to spend time during the holidays to brush up on some of the weaker areas in your schoolwork.... There is barely another month more to go and before you know it, the school term will start again!
Everyone, as we are approaching the end of the year, let us all reflect what improvement we have made in any areas of our lives. Lets us recall our happy times as well as our not so good times and move forwards towards Secondary 2 with a renewed vigour and achieve more and set higher goals, scale higher heights and ultimately achieve the Montfortian dream: A Man for Others.
Cheers!
Laurent
http://montfortinnovators.blogspot.com/2007/11/updates_18.html
Monday, November 19, 2007
Montfort Yercaud
Educational Institutions (1 and 1.5 kilometres from Yercaud)
The Montfort School and the Sacred Heart Convent are the two famous educational institutions at Yercaud imparting education mainly to boys and girls respectively.
Montfort Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School was founded in 1917 by Rev. Bro. Eugene of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel congregation founded by Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort of Brittany, France. Louis Marie Grignikon de Montfort was canonized a Saint in 1947.
Originally started for the sons of Europeans in the military, civil, plantation and other services, the first Indian students were admitted in 1928.
Montfort has grown into a premier boarding school in the country with 850 students studying from Standard III to Standard XII and has the most state-of-the-art facilities in academics, sports and other extra -curricular activities. Girls are admitted to Standards XI and XII.
Sacred Heart Convent, Yercaud (SHY) was founded in 1894 by Sister Valdebert Kelly and Sister Gertrude Banz of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny founded by Sister Anne Marie Javouhey in France in 1812. Sister Anne Marie Javouhey was beatified in 1950.
In 1894, several residents of Yercaud were given lessons in English, French, Music, Painting, Singing and Embroidery. Soon an English-Medium School was opened and initially both boys and girls were admitted. Now, the school has grown to over 400 Girls from Standard I to Standard X and has become an exclusive girls school renowned for its academic excellence, all round development, extra and co-curricular activities. SHY celebrated its centenary in September 1994.
http://www.ayebemen.blogspot.com/
http://www.montfortyercaud.com/
Monday, November 12, 2007
School Achievements
These are some of the achivements we had for the year:
1. The Scholar - Academic achievements
Academic Value Added awards for Express stream classes for 3 consecutive years - 2005,2006 and 2007.
Physics - 33% distinction
Chemistry - 67% distinction
Biology - 37% distinction
Maths - 51% distincvtion
A Maths - 78% distinction
Geography - 58% distinction
2. The Sportsman and Leader
Niche school for Badminton awarded by MOE based on our great track record and programmes.
Our 1st Sustained achievement award (SAA)for Sports -
National Champions for Badminton B Division Boys
National 3rd for Badminton C Division Boys
North Zone B and C Division Champions
Northzone Champions for Softball C Division boys and 2nd for B Division Boys.
SRC Tournament B and C Champions.
Our 5th Sustained Achivement Award for Uniformed Groups (2002-2007)
Scout Frank Cooper Sands Gold Award
NCC Silver Award, Best Unit Competition
NPCC Silver Award, Best Unit Competition
3. The Gentleman
SYF Drama - Silver Award
SYF Band - Bronze Award
SYF Chorale - Bronze Award
Character Development Award
1. The Scholar - Academic achievements
Academic Value Added awards for Express stream classes for 3 consecutive years - 2005,2006 and 2007.
Physics - 33% distinction
Chemistry - 67% distinction
Biology - 37% distinction
Maths - 51% distincvtion
A Maths - 78% distinction
Geography - 58% distinction
2. The Sportsman and Leader
Niche school for Badminton awarded by MOE based on our great track record and programmes.
Our 1st Sustained achievement award (SAA)for Sports -
National Champions for Badminton B Division Boys
National 3rd for Badminton C Division Boys
North Zone B and C Division Champions
Northzone Champions for Softball C Division boys and 2nd for B Division Boys.
SRC Tournament B and C Champions.
Our 5th Sustained Achivement Award for Uniformed Groups (2002-2007)
Scout Frank Cooper Sands Gold Award
NCC Silver Award, Best Unit Competition
NPCC Silver Award, Best Unit Competition
3. The Gentleman
SYF Drama - Silver Award
SYF Band - Bronze Award
SYF Chorale - Bronze Award
Character Development Award
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Project Work on Valor@Montfort by Peter Wong, Raffles JC
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Peter Wong's (PW) Script
The world's population stands at 6.7 billion today. Of which, 217 million, play video games. Video gaming has become a modern widespread form of entertainment, a pastime in the lives of most teenagers around the world today. It is reported that an average gamer spends 7 and a half hours a week in front of a screen, playing electronic games. Surprisingly, 50% of parents do not keep track of their children's usage of video games, not knowing that 89% of the 70 top-selling games are violent in nature. In fact, 17% of these games have violence centred as its primary focus in completing tasks. Before you jump to the conclusion that video games are boys' toys, in a survey done in the US, it is shown that 38% of gamers are female.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I am Ian Chew and I'll be opening my group's presentation with its introduction. And yes! We'll be presenting on task 2 - Entertainment. We have chosen to investigate into a change that has occurred in video games - a conceptual change. This refers to a transition in the way society views the playing of video games in the past to today.
Entertainment has become and integral part of life today, especially when we lead stressful lives and we seek forms of activities which will help us escape the hustle and bustle of the world. Video gaming qualifies as a form of entertainment as it gives pleasure and leisure to players from all walks of life. Our group has planned a series of events targeting schooling teenagers as we feel that they are the ones who play video games the most regularly. What we hope to achieve from the series of events we've planned will be elaborated on later by K and H.
To expand on the idea of the conceptual change that video games have undergone, I would to first explain how our group pinpointed the shift in the perspective from which different communities of society view video games. In the month of April this year, we chanced upon an article in the Digital Life section of the Straits Times reporting that Montfort Secondary School was then opening a gaming centre within its campus. We then set out to engage Mr. Simen Lourds, Montfort's principal, in an interview at his school's gaming centre opening ceremony. We recognised the opening of a gaming centre within a school as not only an encouragement to youths to play these games, but also an act of advocating the activity. Now, why would a principal make a decision which could possibly stir up protests from parents and teachers, and even the rest of society?
Mr. Lourds' answer to this question was, "Something had to be done to stop students from getting too addicted to this, but nevertheless they must be allowed to engage in gaming." Picture this: students changing out of their school uniforms into civilian clothes, sneaking into dark, dimly-lit places, full of smoke, spending long hours in front of a desktop monitor. This was a first-hand account of the principal himself, an encounter he had at a shopping centre. He later emphasised some benefits that video games have - the development of good hand-eye coordination, alertness and spatial awareness.
In the beginning, electronic games were designed to relieve stress. However, that was not the prime purpose. Progressively, as technology advanced, new forms of video games evolved, flooding young impressionable minds with images beyond what reality has to offer - images of violence, fantasy and supernatural powers at work. This is why, in a survey our group conducted, we found that 69% of parents show discontentment towards their children playing such games. Amongst the reasons attributed to this perception are the wastage of time and electricity, the addiction to the activity, and other side-effects.
However, our group has done a fair but of research on the Internet, in books, and through a survey and an interview. We found that the stigmatization of video games is not 100% true. In fact, video games have benefits and advantages to offer. After this, my teammate H will be covering this change that video games have undergone and expound on the positive effects it has on different communities today. Following her, H and K will present the details of our event and P, who's at the table, will drum it home with the conclusion to our presentation.
Before I pass the time on to H, I would like to take you through a short skit depicting a scene from the past. Thank you! Please enjoy!
Peter Wong's (PW) Script
The world's population stands at 6.7 billion today. Of which, 217 million, play video games. Video gaming has become a modern widespread form of entertainment, a pastime in the lives of most teenagers around the world today. It is reported that an average gamer spends 7 and a half hours a week in front of a screen, playing electronic games. Surprisingly, 50% of parents do not keep track of their children's usage of video games, not knowing that 89% of the 70 top-selling games are violent in nature. In fact, 17% of these games have violence centred as its primary focus in completing tasks. Before you jump to the conclusion that video games are boys' toys, in a survey done in the US, it is shown that 38% of gamers are female.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I am Ian Chew and I'll be opening my group's presentation with its introduction. And yes! We'll be presenting on task 2 - Entertainment. We have chosen to investigate into a change that has occurred in video games - a conceptual change. This refers to a transition in the way society views the playing of video games in the past to today.
Entertainment has become and integral part of life today, especially when we lead stressful lives and we seek forms of activities which will help us escape the hustle and bustle of the world. Video gaming qualifies as a form of entertainment as it gives pleasure and leisure to players from all walks of life. Our group has planned a series of events targeting schooling teenagers as we feel that they are the ones who play video games the most regularly. What we hope to achieve from the series of events we've planned will be elaborated on later by K and H.
To expand on the idea of the conceptual change that video games have undergone, I would to first explain how our group pinpointed the shift in the perspective from which different communities of society view video games. In the month of April this year, we chanced upon an article in the Digital Life section of the Straits Times reporting that Montfort Secondary School was then opening a gaming centre within its campus. We then set out to engage Mr. Simen Lourds, Montfort's principal, in an interview at his school's gaming centre opening ceremony. We recognised the opening of a gaming centre within a school as not only an encouragement to youths to play these games, but also an act of advocating the activity. Now, why would a principal make a decision which could possibly stir up protests from parents and teachers, and even the rest of society?
Mr. Lourds' answer to this question was, "Something had to be done to stop students from getting too addicted to this, but nevertheless they must be allowed to engage in gaming." Picture this: students changing out of their school uniforms into civilian clothes, sneaking into dark, dimly-lit places, full of smoke, spending long hours in front of a desktop monitor. This was a first-hand account of the principal himself, an encounter he had at a shopping centre. He later emphasised some benefits that video games have - the development of good hand-eye coordination, alertness and spatial awareness.
In the beginning, electronic games were designed to relieve stress. However, that was not the prime purpose. Progressively, as technology advanced, new forms of video games evolved, flooding young impressionable minds with images beyond what reality has to offer - images of violence, fantasy and supernatural powers at work. This is why, in a survey our group conducted, we found that 69% of parents show discontentment towards their children playing such games. Amongst the reasons attributed to this perception are the wastage of time and electricity, the addiction to the activity, and other side-effects.
However, our group has done a fair but of research on the Internet, in books, and through a survey and an interview. We found that the stigmatization of video games is not 100% true. In fact, video games have benefits and advantages to offer. After this, my teammate H will be covering this change that video games have undergone and expound on the positive effects it has on different communities today. Following her, H and K will present the details of our event and P, who's at the table, will drum it home with the conclusion to our presentation.
Before I pass the time on to H, I would like to take you through a short skit depicting a scene from the past. Thank you! Please enjoy!
Friday, October 26, 2007
17 Oct 2007 - Navel Gazing
Mr Simen spoke about navel gazing and looking back to the year. Navel gazing means introspection, self-absorption, or concentration on a single issue. It means trying to understand, to take stock so that you would be able to plan forward.
He shared with the school his insights on the School Workplan Seminar 2007 held on 2 October and highlighted the new Normal Academic streaming initiatives
2. New Normal Academic Streaming from 2009
Mr Simen told the boys that currently about 80 percent from 4N go on to Sec 5N but a small number make it to polytechnic, even fewer to Junior College.
The current 4N level criteria is pass English Language and 2 other subjects, and to get a less than 10 point average for the 3 subjects.
Yet, the criteria to enter polytechnic is English Language and your best four subjects (with Mathematics as one of the subjects with a less than 21 point average for a popular course; the criteria to enter junior is English Language and best five subjects with a less than 20 point average. This made further refinement necessary.
The new criteria from 2009 is:
a. Must pass English
b. Must pass Maths
c. EL-Maths-Best 3 ≤ 19 (EL-Maths-Best 3 subjects at the ‘N’ level examinations)
Opportunities have been opening up for the 4N students - Last year, 4N students who did well were offered the option of skipping the N level exams and going to 5N without sitting for the N level exams. ITE students are also given opportunities to go to the Polytechnics if they do well.
The current refinements are part of opening up more opportunities for N level students and getting them more prepared for the O levels.
Under the new criteira, students who do well enough in their ‘N’ levels to meet the revised criteria for progression to Sec 5N (EL-Maths-B3 ≤ 19) will also be given the additional option of enrolling in a new curriculum track comprising direct entry into ITE. These courses are called Higher Nitec courses at the ITE. (Usually, only those who enter ITE after their O levels are allowed to take Higher Nitec courses). With this option, the students can start their Higher Nitec studies a year earlier, compared to the current situation where N(A) students have to sit for their ‘O’ level examinations first before being eligible for Higher Nitec courses
Mr Simen added that the bar has not been raised much. Under the old 10 point system, students had to score an aggregate of 3.3 for their subjects (10/3). Under the new system, students have to score an aggregate of 3.8 for their subjects (19/5). It would ensure that they are better prepared for the 5N level exams with a more firm foundations for all their core subjects. It would ensure that they do not struggle at O level exams.
He encouraged N level students to use the new standards as a yardstick to measure their grades -
English Language (to pass) + Mathematics (to pass) + Combined Humanities + Science + One more subject
"Readiness", he said, "is everything"
3. Prayer
Because the examinations were approaching, Mr Simen prayed over the boys and said the following prayer:
"O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you," through the intercession of Mary, thy most holy Mother, I seek, I knock, I ask that my prayer be granted.
O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary, thy most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father in Thy Name that my prayer will be granted.
O Jesus, Who said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass," through the intercession of Mary, thy most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
Oct 25 - Last Day of School / Apollo XIII
Review of the Year
Mr Simen reviewed the year and spoke about how every great movie has an 'a-ha' or a 'eureka' moment. It is the great message every book which gives you a kick. He drew analogy from the old movie he likes to re-watch 'Apollo 13'. He spoke about how the movie was about astronauts stranded in space with a rocket malfunction. There was no way to bring them back. The astronauts had to use paper, hose, plastic bags, tapes and all kinds of other materials to innovate on the spot to bring the carbon dioxide down and build sufficient power to send the astronauts back to earth. Failure was not an option.
Mr Simen reminded that the whole year was about going beyond expectations. It was the main theme of the year - "To Awaken the Giants Within" and "To Believe". Like Apollo XII, the focus is to go beyond normal expectations and to forget about streaming and what others expect you to do. Focus not on what you were originally designed to do,focus on what you can do, go beyond expectations and to do it well.
The school has done very well with its programs and it has been very enjoyable for him. We had the niche in badminton, sustained achievement in uniformed groups for the upteenth time, sustained achievement in sports, value-added results, montfortian foundation programs and most importantly, the character development award.
Failure and setbacks
Mr Simen told Montfortians that there are two words commonly used to describe those who do not succeed - 'Failure' and Setbacks'. Of the two, 'failure' is more commonly used. He told the boys that the term 'setback' was not used enough.
Setbacks build character because something is done about it and it adds to the drive to succeed. People who suffer setbacks continue to believe unlike those who consider themselves failures.
After thanking the boys and students for the wonderful year, Mr Simen ended his address with his familiar phrase but with a new twist, "I wish you many setbacks. Awaken the potential as giants. Have a great holiday and I love you all very much."
Monday, October 1, 2007
22 Sept 2007 - The Great Gabrielite Foundation Donation Drive
Mr Deeds: All Sec Three students were involved in the Gabrielite Foundation Flag Day to raise funds for the Gabrielite Foundation. There were told that the Gabrielite Foundation was set up to see to the running of the school. It also provided funds for the poor students of the Gabrielite school. And the Gabrielite Foundation NEEDED THEM!
Mr Wu Tian Hwee briefed the boys in the run-up and provided them with the key information and rationale for the donation drive:
a. Between 10 to 15 percent are on Financial Assistance and the school finds its own means to provide pocket money for food during recess and lunch for the financially underprivileged, free uniform and textbooks, courses. This needed funds. In the previous year, between $70,000 and $75,000 were used from the Gabrielite Foundation to see to their needs.
b. In addition to the mission of charity, Montfort School has to raise 5% of its own funds for the running of the school. These do not include non-standard items like the air-conditioning of the classrooms and school hall and other important programs.
c. The extra features like new badminton hall, PRIME, lease of the land also needed funds which amounted to millions.
Students were encouraged to be Mr Deeds at the flag day. Do as many good deeds as you can on that day. Help the elderly, assist the handicapped, smile and brighten up their morning, greet others courteously, make their day. Bow and be as polite as you can. Mr Lloyd Yeo added, "Make them feel guilty and feel bad about how nice you are to them".
Bible Passage: Jesus disciples were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions, "Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. Instead, you are to go to those lost sheep...Go and preach, "The Kingdom of heaven is near! Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin-diseases and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid. Do not carry any gold, siler, or copper money in your pockets; do not carry a beggar's bag for the journey or an extra shirt or shoes or a stick. A worker is given what he needs.
When you come to a town or village, go in and look for someone who is willing to welcome you.....say, 'Peace be with you'. If the people...welcome you, let your greeting of peace remain; but if they do not welcome you, then take back your greeting....And if some home or town will not welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place and shake the dust off your feet." (Matthew: 10:5-14)
About the Gabrielite Mission: THE BROTHERS OF ST. GABRIEL played an active role in shaping Singapore education. The first Brothers came from Thailand in 1937 at the request of Bishop Devas of Singapore- Melaka.
Brothers Louis Gonzaga, Gerard Majella and Francis Tessier took responsibility for Holy Innocents’ English School at Hougang, now known as Montfort School.
The bishop gave land to the Brothers in 1938 but they scarcely had time to settle down when World War II broke out and the Japanese Occupation began. All Canadian Brothers were treated as prisoners of war while Brothers of other nationalities were sent to camps at Bahau, Malaya (West Malaysia today).
It was in the bleakness of Changi prison that Gabrielite Brother Vincent shared his vision of a boys’ home with a fellow prisoner, Australian philanthropist William T. McDermott.
Boys’ Town was born in January 1948 from that sharedexperience. The war was over and the island was in terrible conditions; Boys’ Town offered home and hope for boys who were orphaned, displaced by the war, from poor families, troubled and neglected.
Over the years, the Brothers established and ran seven schools – Montfort Primary and Secondary, St. Gabriel’s Primary and Secondary, Assumption English Secondary, Assumption Vocational Institute and Boys’ Town.“I CAME, I saw and I fell in love with Singapore,” Brother Emmanuel chuckled. During these 52 years the lovable Gabrielite Brother has touched countless lives at Holy Innocent’s English School, St. Gabriel’s and Boys’ Town and through the many Catholic ministries he has been involved in.
“We specialize in giving education and formation to all those who present themselves to us,” he said, to explain the Gabrielite mission. “We don’t aspire to be the top but to reach out to all, especially the rejected ones. We also specialize in training children who have no special attraction to education by providing them basic technical education,” he said.
Despite this philosophy or because of it “we have produced a good number of leaders and Catholics [including] the Archbishop of Singapore, priests, ministers in government who speak very well of the kind of education they received from the Brothers who taught them,” he said.
The kind Gabrielite Brother is unlike most people as he is convinced that there is no such thing as bad boys. And he is saddened that there is still a misconception among some people that students at Boys’ Town are delinquents. “If there are bad boys, it’s only because we have not done the right thing to them,” he said quietly. He looks forward to continuing his mission of “bringing something good into the lives of these boys”.
“As long as God gives you health, I don’t think there’s a place for retirement. That’s why I asked God, ‘Give me health and I will serve you and I will never turn down anyone who needs me to speak,’” Brother Emmanuel said. Then he laughed as he recalled his realization of his “mistake” because now he is unable to turn down anyone who approaches him to hold talks at parishes or schools. But “when you think you have done enough, that’s when you need to begin your ministry,” he continued. “That’s when God needs you. Jesus never resigned. If you resign, then the people whom God planned to send to you will never see you.”
Pictures and note on brothers - http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/?p=605&page=2
and http://www.montfortcentre.org/BrotherOfStGabriel.html
Examination Mass - 28 Sept 2007
Montfort School was honored to have an Old Boy of the school, Rev Father Joseph Tan, Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart Church (Picture above) say mass for our boys. He was an old boy of the school and graduated in 1963. The mass was meaningful and very well-attended. He told our boys to adopt the Gospel Message which called for Courage! He blessed our boys and told them to always do what is right and to work hard.
(Pictures from http://www.catholic.org.sg/IHM/)
The Fire Drill - 26 Sept 2007
The school simulated a fire drill today. The scenario was that a fire had broken out in the School Laboratory and there were several people who were hurt.
The students felt it was fun but for those with responsibilities, it was a scenario to test their reaction time and responsibility. A combing team made up of teachers scurried in search of students who were missing. First aid stations were set up to meet with potential casualties. Firefighting teams also sprang forward to meet with the fire hazard. Media teams and crowd control were set up to deal with potential crowds gathering at the gates of the school. Security guards also cordoned off certain areas.
It was an exercise well-conducted and everyone was congratulated on a job well-done.
The Sprinting Giant - 25 Sept 2007
The Great Race Begins - The Race begins. The 4N Level examinations begin. On the same day, the Sec 1 to 3 have their end of year examinations. The date is Oct 1,2007
Last week, on Wed, 25 Sept 2007, Mr Simen spoke about the history of the 100 meters sprint event beginning with the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
"The men's 100m world record is more than a benchmark. It holds a unique place in sport as its holder can claim not only to be the best at his discipline, but the fastest man on earth.", he said.
In the final in Mexico, Jim Hines took on the considerably clocked 9.95 for Olympic gold. American Calvin Smith finally ran faster than Hines in 1983, although his time of 9.93 was set at the Air Force Academy - 1800m above sea level. Four years later, Carl Lewis would match Smith's time in Rome, proving such performances were possible at sea level The 1988 Seoul Olympics saw Lewis run 9.92. Canadian winner Ben Johnson, ran a barely-conceivable 9.79 but was found to be using anabolic steroids, leading to his his world record and gold medal being stripped and awarded to Lewis.
For the next six years, a great rivalry between Lewis and Leroy Burrell emerged and they exchanged records for the duration. Burrell clocked 9.90 in 1991, only for Lewis to run 9.86 later the same year. That held until 1994 when Burrell shaved one one-hundredth of a second off Lewis' time. Then came Canadian Donovan Bailey, who ran 9.84 in 1996. Maurice Greene then broke Bailey's records with a 9.79 effort in Athens in July 1999.
What do they all have in common? They all had champion mindsets. Jamaican Asafa Powell was bronze medallist at the 2007 World Championships after bowing out to Tyson Gay. However, on 9 Sept 2007, Powell broke the world 100m record by clocking 9.74 secs at the IAAF Grand Prix in Rieti, Italy.
"That's what happens when I start to listen to the coach," said Powell, who later won the Rieti final in 9.78.
The examinations are here and Mr Simen told the boys to:
A. Respond.
B. Have Discipline and Focus
C. Perform
A ceremony was then conducted on 25 Sept 2007 for our graduating 4Ns and 4Es/5Ns. The boys were given a badge of a sprinting Giant. We hope the badge would inspire them to
"Awaken the Giant in them" and inspire them to become the "Sprinting Giant". Mr Simen told the boys, "We are behind you and support you in your endeavours. Remember that you are a Montfortian and respond like a Giant!"
Friday, September 28, 2007
28 Sept 2007 - Montfort Sec Sch Essays
These are some essays which our boys wrote. The title of the essay was: "The things which make me proud of my school"
1. L.S.D, Secondary 4E5, 2007
There are many things in my school which make me proud of it. Here are some of them. We have a lan gaming centre which is called "Valor@Montfort". There is a cafe next to the General Office known as "Cafe De'Mont". We also have a porgramme every Wednesday and Friday called the Mass Workout.
The thing that I love most about the lan gaming centre is the terms and conditions. Sutdents have to finish all their homework if they want to use the centre. However, even finishing your work is not enough. You have to get an approval and sigature from your teacher on an admission card which allows you to enter the gaming room. This wound ensure that discipline and homework go hand-in-hand with enjoyment. The "Valor@Montfort" creates a better learning experience becaue it helps me to work hard and play hard. This makes me happy and proud because finally the school understands the needs of the students.
Yet another thing which makes me feel porud is the new cafe. The "Cafe De'Mont" sells snacks and drinks which I like and not only that, I can study or watch performances by talented students in my school. This makes learning more relaxed and enjoyable. It is a kind of "chill out" place for students who have worked real hard for the day. IT also allows teachers to realx here after a hard day of marking and teaching.
We also have something called the Mass Workout. This is when we get up earlier in the morning at 8am every Wednesday and Friday. We do exercises conducted by Mr Faizan, our Head of Physical Education. Funky music is played to get everyone into the mood. This programme was initiated to get students to be more alert and energeised for their lessons to come. This would make students less taciturn and more zealous for classroom lessons.
All the programmes my school introduced makes me glad to know that my school actually takes so much time and effort to think about ways to engage us better. It makes me feel that they really care for our needs. Not only has the school made learning fun, they have also made school experience more enjoyable. That is why I am proud of my school.
2. ML, 4E2, 2007
I am proud of my school for many reasons. The main reason is that I am proud of the history of my school
Montfort Secondary School is named after St Louis Marie de Montfort. It was founded in 1916 and run by the Brothers of St Gabriels. The school was built at Upper Serangoon school next to the 126-year old Church of the Nativity. Although most of the school buidlings are no longer there, the very first building of the school still stands today. This gives me a tremendous amount of pride whenever I travel past the place.
Since moving to our new school premises in 1991, there have been many changes. Now, our classrooms are air-conditioned for the comfort of our schools. This suits the hot climate of Singapore very well. Our huge school hall is also air-conditioned through the sponsorship of an old boy of the school. We have activities and programmes in the hall without having to bear it in the stifling heat. The most wonderful aspect of our air-conditioned comfort is that our school fees have remained the same. We pay only $13 every month. I am therefore very thankful and proud to be a student of Montfort.
Another special thing about my school is that we start school at 8:30am apart from the other schools which starts at about 7:15 am. This ensures that the students would not be late for school. They would be able to take their breakfast before school and spend good quality time with their parents before they leave for work. This also saves the hassle of councillors who have to deal with latecomers.
Our school has such a long history and I am very proud to be part of it. We have been Badminton National Champions for seven years in a row. And of course, there are also so many other co-curricular activities which have reaped in so many prizes, medals and trophies to fill up our trophy display cabinet.
Recently, our school just opened a brand new gaming centre which was the hot topic of discussion amongst the students for a few weeks. Fully equipped with I-Mac Computers, the gaming centre attracts many students. Students have to purchase tickets the day before and allow their respective teachers to sign on their tickets. This ensures that students finish their homework and prevents them from skipping their co-curricular activities. After every one hour of gaming, the students have to rest for fifteen minutes with eye massagers or by just looking at the numerous plants placed around the room.
These things would not have been possible if not for our Principal, Mr Simen Lourds. We are currently in the midst of "Flight 36K@Montfort" which brings the schol to greater heights. Mr Simen is the most interesting Principal I have ever seen. Which principal in the whole of Singapore cooks curry for the whole school?
Well, of course, it would have to be our very own Principal! He never fails to entertain us during assemblies by singing, playing the guitar, telling jokes and most memorable of all, telling us about his life story. I must agree that he is undisputably the best Principal ever. This makes me proud to be a Montfortian!
These are the many things which make me proud of my school. The history of the school and the daily happenings in school never fails to excite me. I would gladly tell my other friends and family members about how great my school is. And this is the school where I hope I will one day return to contribute as an alumni member when I grow older.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Montfort Boys Town News - Fiji
Tadra in the Fijan language means Dream and Kahani in Hindustani means Story - together the "Dream Story Stage Show". This will be the fifth year for Tadra-Kahani although the original concept began in 1995 under a different name.
Tadra-Kahani is a show that is about young people between the ages of 6 and 19 years (primary, secondary & tertiary) expressing a theme (their `dream story') using creative arts in dance and music. Tadra-Kahani provides an opportunity for these young people to produce a piece of live entertainment set to contemporary music. Participants learn about the numerous elements of producing a production from design & music, choreography & set building to budgeting & fundraising. One of the objectives of Tadra-Kahani is of fun, entertainment and team building
Montfort Lives the Dream - Fiji Times, 17 Sept 2007
MONTFORT Boys Town won the Tadra Kahani for a record fifth time last week and for a group of young men, there is no better way of passing their message than through music and dance.
One of the students has been behind the two-years-in-a-row win.
He is Ledua Sigani, 20, an automotive engineering student from Waciwaci Village on Lakeba in Lau and the team leader.
"I believe that through music and dancing we are able to spread the message youths would like to share with the world," he said.
Ledua said one could always associate youths with music so it was easy for them to use music as a tool to highlight their concerns about issues affecting youths.
"We are grateful that such events are being organised and we are able to participate."
Ledua said the event was something the boys of Montfort at Veisari looked forward to every year.
He said the show brought out a lot of characters in the participants which the school was not aware of.
"With the show we are able to see some of the hidden talents my peers have and we often joke about it.
"For some, dancing is something we think only takes place in nightclubs but we have come to learn that music and dancing can be a tool of passing our thoughts and views on issues that concerns us."
Ledua said the Tadra Kahani had become a property of the school and it was something they would defend to the death. "I can say the competition every year has been really tough and it is getting tougher and we were glad to be able to take out the overall crown again this year."
Their theme this year was 'Inner Power Struggle' and all who watched the show at the Vodafone Arena will not dispute that Montfort Boys Town's performance was unique and a class of it's own. Ledua said the theme motivated the students to put up a vibrant and colourful performance. "The theme depicts the struggle we face from the womb to the tomb.
"Our hearts and minds are withered with insensitivity, self-righteousness and judgmentalism.
"We have to be life-giving people and celebrate life." He said the 60 students who took part were able to pass on the message in an award winning way.
"Montfort's performance was different from all other schools.
"It was simple but extravagant in the sense of the choreography of the dance moves.
"Our costumes, paints and background was simple and I believe that it was the choreography that made the difference." Montfort was the last school to go on stage, as defending champions, and they stunned the audience and won the accolades of the crowd.
Ledua said the win was a result of the effort put together by the students and staff of the school.
"Our principal was the driving force behind the scene and we also had staff members such as Master Ravin, who was always there for the performers." Ledua said they practised for one and half hours everyday during their free time and classes were not affected by their practice.
"Putting together the show was not easy and a lot had to be sacrificed but it was worth it."
He said the opportunity to give the performers a chance to show the God-given talents they had is something the school will always be proud of. He said the win was an added bonus to the boys and he dedicated it to all the staff and students who worked tirelessly behind the scene.
"This award is also for the old boys who won the award during their years at Montfort."
The school won the Tadra Kahani show in 2001, 2002 when it was known as the Rock Challenge and in 2003 and 2006.
This year it was changed from Tadra Kahani to the Dream Story and Montfort Boys Town gave them something to dream about.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=70688
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Passage to India - Be Prepared
A. A Passage to India
Mr Simen spoke about a literature classic which he read called "A Passage to India (1924) by E. M. Forster. The theme was to 'be prepared' and to be aligned with the school environment and culture.
Set against the backdrop of the British Raj and the Indian independence movement in the 1920s, Foster's book (since then made into a movie) revolves around Adela Quested, a young Englishwoman, who travels to India in the late 1920s to visit her fiance, a British judge, Ronny Heaslop who is posted to a small town. Adela's companion is Ronny's mother, Mrs. Moore. They want to see something of the country and to meet everyday Indians, but are frustrated by the British colonial attitudes which prevail. The colonial mentality is that relations with the locals are best experienced from a distance. Finally, they make the acquaintance of Dr Aziz who brings them on an outing to the nearby caverns to view the real India.
The visit is a disaster. Mrs Moore is unable to take the heat and hears an echo in one of the caves which shakes her confidence in everything she believes in. She experiences an overwhelming sense of horror which completely overcomes her good naturedness and sense of good good humour; Afterwards, Mrs. Moore becomes sullen and depressed and soon dies from heat exhaustion on the journey home to Britain.
B. Be Prepared
The key theme is to "Be Prepared". It is very important to be "in-sync" with the school culture and tone.
Mr Simen spoke about how it would have been convienient and easy to get the discipline master to pull out those with long hair, to get a scissors and snip their hair. There would be 100 percent compliance.
However, he told us that it was not the Montfortian way of doing this. How else could you teach students discernming in accordance to the school mission and vision? How else could you teach them gentlemanliness and initiative? He gave the students with long hair till Friday to get it cut. He also challenged all to do what is right and to exercise good judgement by simply looking at the school visio and mission.
C. The Rest of the Passage to India
After the visit to the cave, Mrs Moore's companion, Adela has delusions that Aziz is making sexual advances toward her. She flees the cave in a panic and is discovered running headlong down the hill, bloody and disheveled. Aziz is immediately jailed to await trial for attempted rape, and an uproar ensues between the Indians and the English.
Her condition was brought about by the remorseless heat, the strangeness of her surroundings, her growing dismay over her future husband's character, and (perhaps) her feelings of attraction, fraught with shame, for Dr. Aziz
As the trial proceeds, matters get more exciting. Mrs. Moore's feelings concerning old age and her impending mortality haunts her. She firmly believes in Aziz's innocence but refuses to testify before deciding to leave for England.
Fortunately, Adela's mind gradually clears and she realizes she has made a mistake. Adela clears Dr. Aziz in open court. The English are forced to make an ignominious retreat while the Indians carry Dr. Aziz out of the courtroom on their shoulders, cheering wildly. In the aftermath, Adela breaks off her engagement and leaves India, while Dr. Aziz doffs his Western attire, dons traditional dress and withdraws completely from Anglo-Indian society. Although he remains angry and bitter for years, the final scene shows Miss Quested at home in England, reading a letter from Dr. Aziz conveying his thanks and forgiveness
Lee Chapman
Lee Chapman was a classic brave centre-forward for Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and several other clubs. He scored more than 200 goals as a striker. He is the son of former Lincoln City, Port Vale and Chester striker, Roy Chapman.
Chapman began his career at Stoke City, but made his league debut whilst on loan at Plymouth Argyle. On his return to Stoke, Chapman quickly became a first team regular, scoring made 34 goals in 99 appearances between 1979 and 1982.
However, between 1982 to 1986, Chapman failed to establish himself as a consistant goal scorer with Division One teams - Arsenal and Sunderland. He only made 23 appearances for Arsenal and scored four goals. His career was resurrected only when he joined Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds.
Mr Adrian Leow told the touching story of how Lee was always a mediocre player and how his father's death transformed him. Although he was granted bereavement leave, Lee still appeared in the locker room the next day and insisted that the manager play him. In the game, Lee did extremely well and scored the winning goal. Lee subsequently told his manager that his father was a soccer player who had gone blind. All he could do was listen to games on the radio to imagine his son playing. With his passing, Lee told his manager that his dad would be able to look down on him to see him playing again.
Mr Leow told Montfortians that life-changing events occur to us all the time. With the examinations around the corner, it was time to turn things around and do well in the final lap.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Great Waffle Fundraising
Mr Andrew Koh, an old boy of the school who graduated in 1969, has set up a store selling ice cream waffles in school to help the Gabrielite Foundation raise funds. It's a big hit with the boys!
Everytime you pass by the store, the sweet sensation of freshly baked waffles assails your senses, raising a mouthwatering thirst for ice cream, enticing you to chew on freshly-baked waffles.
It's a great way to raise funds! All proceeds go to the Gabrielite Foundation.
20 Sept, Thursday - Mr Andrew Koh addressed the students. He mentioned that he was a student of Bro. Andrew. Mr Koh thanked the school for all they had done for him. He mentioned how blessed and fortunate he was to be able to return to school to aid in its fundraising attempts. He encouraged students to always remember the school and return to contribute.
"If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go." - James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – November 30, 1987) American novelist, writer, playwright, poet, essayist, and civil rights activist best known for his novel, "Go Tell It on the Mountain".
Picture from Matthew Yang. Student blog
The Final Dash - 13 Sept 2007
Story 1. 2007 Athletics World Olympics Meet in Osaka. Tyson Gay is 100m world champion
US athlete Tyson Gay is the world champion. He beat Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell.
In a 100-meters final that delivered all it promised Sunday, Gay was slower out of the blocks. Once his legs got pumping, he caught and surged past Asafa Powell to claim his first gold medal at a major international championship in 9.85 seconds.
"After 60 meters I saw that I could catch him -- and it worked," the former Arkansas Razorback said. "I stayed relaxed and believed in my top speed even though I had a bad start."
Powell was third in 9.96, and even though he is co-holder of the world record at 9.77, admitted he ran scared.
"I panicked. I felt him coming on," Powell said. "That slowed me down ... I made a big mistake."
Gay pumped his arms, beat his chest and shouted in delight in the victory that ended weeks of nervous preparations.
Gay, regularly slower out of the blocks than Powell, had feared a false start, which would put him even more on edge. But the race went off smoothly. And with his head wobbling from side to side, Gay hit his groove.
The Associated Press, Aug 27 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=2991777
Story 2. Johore State Athletics Championship
Mr Simen shared about one of his races at the Johore State Athletics Championship. It was the 800 meters championship. Mr Simen had a cold and was running against the state champion and record holder.
The approach and style was to pace the leader till the 200m mark. Using the natural ability and experience as a sprinter, the final spurt would usually win Mr Simen the championship. The flu medication taken which dried up the fluids left Mr Simen dehydrated, preventing the usual ploy from being used. It was on his mind throughout the race - 'When should I make my move'.
The expected dash only took place at the 50m mark. Despite the late surge, Mr Simen and his arch-rival were neck-to-neck and both athletes tipped forward at the finishg line. In a celebrated photo-finish, Mr Simen had lost by a whisker. It was a little too late and till today, the thought still lingers, "What could have happened if I started the dash earlier"
4. The Lesson
Mr Simen told the boys that term 4 was here. The examinations are just around the corner. Like running the marathon or any great race, now was the time to make the dash and surge ahead. Having a great start, past laurels, personal problems, interests and hobbies, socializing - EVERYTHING was now immaterial)
a. Like all athletes at the starting block, it is important to feel relaxed and not tensed up about the examinations.
b. Have discipline and focus in the weeks to come. Go into your stride and start pacing well for the exams in the weeks to come. Have a strategy and approach.
c. In the final stretch, give it all you've got. The discipline and focus will pay off.
"Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.
If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.
Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.
Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society
The social ramble ain't restful.
Avoid running around at all times.
And don't look back
Something might be gaining on you"
- Satchel Paige, Cleveland Indians Pitcher http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Paige_Satchel.html http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/submit/Frommer_Harvey19.stm
Teacher's Contact Time - Sept 13 2007
1. New Awards
Montfort is due to receive some sustained and new awards. It has been a meaningful year. The news is embargoed till the awards ceremony at the Ministry of Education.
2. Montfort Long Service Awards
The following teachers received awards for their long service to the school.
Mrs Lim Song Chua, Mother Tongue HOD - 5 years
Mr Tan Hee Pheng, PCCG - 5 years
Miss Ang Guat Hong - 5 years
Mr Towhid - 15 years
3. Vision-Mission-Values
Mr Simen read and shared a meaningful passage from Jack Welch's book entitled Winning. Welch was Chairman and CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. Welch gained a solid reputation for uncanny business acumen and unique leadership strategies at GE. During his tenure, GE increased its market capitalization by over $400 billion.
The following points were mentioned:
a. The vision, mission and values of any organization is mutually reinforcing and extremely important. The connection between them is the key ingredient to success.
b. Organizations fail and breakdown because of little day-to-day incidents which fail to connect with the mission, vision and values. Conversely, organizations succeed because of the little day-to-day incidents which connect with the school's mission, vision and values.
c. The mission ,vision and values is translated into a Behavior Over Time (BOT)graph. Our BOT ensures that we are consistent and not seond guessing. It looks good
d. The organization's vision, mission and values sometimes intertwines and clashes with personal vision, mission and values. The more they intertwine and are combined as one, the better the performance and the happier the individual. It ensures that you act with initiative based on the organization's values, avoiding being a schizophrenic, paranoid, fear-driven member of the organization always awaiting further instructions from the immediate boss.
e. Your personal values is 'What I want'. The area which intersects with the organization values is 'What I need'. It makes you feel more involved.
g. It's not about number of programs. It's about points of leverage for programs. One time preperation and multiple deliveries / results
4. National Education Matters
There was a continued appeal to be vigilant about NE matters.
NE indices describe current reality accurately and help us devise better communication plans and programs. Our goal was to cover up these gaps and we have done very well. The school's plan was to focus on National Education at the begining of the year and we have done well.
NE goes beyond programs but must and should filter into the day-to-day events and little daily anecdotes of life. Mr Simen shared about how he saw Chinese students holding sepak takraw balls and playing them at the quadrangle, particularly after badminton lines and takraw lines were drawn into the assembly area. He spoke about how NE should not be left to chance but shaped consciously.
5. Discipline
Mr Simen spoke about discipline matters and reminded teachers to be vigilant and to take heed on such matters.
6. Zig Ziglar and note taking
Mr Simen shared about the US author, salesperson and motivational speaker from Alabama, Zig Ziglar. He spoke about how reading was important and how notes should be taken as you read.
Zig's message: You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
Traits Zig considers most important in a leader: Integrity, honesty, courage, commitment, wisdom, humility, consistency, faith.
Zig’s advice to aspiring leaders: Set the example; be a constant student, a “good finder” and encourager.
http://www.leadernetwork.org/zig_ziglar_november_04.htm
Montfort is due to receive some sustained and new awards. It has been a meaningful year. The news is embargoed till the awards ceremony at the Ministry of Education.
2. Montfort Long Service Awards
The following teachers received awards for their long service to the school.
Mrs Lim Song Chua, Mother Tongue HOD - 5 years
Mr Tan Hee Pheng, PCCG - 5 years
Miss Ang Guat Hong - 5 years
Mr Towhid - 15 years
3. Vision-Mission-Values
Mr Simen read and shared a meaningful passage from Jack Welch's book entitled Winning. Welch was Chairman and CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. Welch gained a solid reputation for uncanny business acumen and unique leadership strategies at GE. During his tenure, GE increased its market capitalization by over $400 billion.
The following points were mentioned:
a. The vision, mission and values of any organization is mutually reinforcing and extremely important. The connection between them is the key ingredient to success.
b. Organizations fail and breakdown because of little day-to-day incidents which fail to connect with the mission, vision and values. Conversely, organizations succeed because of the little day-to-day incidents which connect with the school's mission, vision and values.
c. The mission ,vision and values is translated into a Behavior Over Time (BOT)graph. Our BOT ensures that we are consistent and not seond guessing. It looks good
d. The organization's vision, mission and values sometimes intertwines and clashes with personal vision, mission and values. The more they intertwine and are combined as one, the better the performance and the happier the individual. It ensures that you act with initiative based on the organization's values, avoiding being a schizophrenic, paranoid, fear-driven member of the organization always awaiting further instructions from the immediate boss.
e. Your personal values is 'What I want'. The area which intersects with the organization values is 'What I need'. It makes you feel more involved.
g. It's not about number of programs. It's about points of leverage for programs. One time preperation and multiple deliveries / results
4. National Education Matters
There was a continued appeal to be vigilant about NE matters.
NE indices describe current reality accurately and help us devise better communication plans and programs. Our goal was to cover up these gaps and we have done very well. The school's plan was to focus on National Education at the begining of the year and we have done well.
NE goes beyond programs but must and should filter into the day-to-day events and little daily anecdotes of life. Mr Simen shared about how he saw Chinese students holding sepak takraw balls and playing them at the quadrangle, particularly after badminton lines and takraw lines were drawn into the assembly area. He spoke about how NE should not be left to chance but shaped consciously.
5. Discipline
Mr Simen spoke about discipline matters and reminded teachers to be vigilant and to take heed on such matters.
6. Zig Ziglar and note taking
Mr Simen shared about the US author, salesperson and motivational speaker from Alabama, Zig Ziglar. He spoke about how reading was important and how notes should be taken as you read.
Zig's message: You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
Traits Zig considers most important in a leader: Integrity, honesty, courage, commitment, wisdom, humility, consistency, faith.
Zig’s advice to aspiring leaders: Set the example; be a constant student, a “good finder” and encourager.
http://www.leadernetwork.org/zig_ziglar_november_04.htm
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Montfort in International News
1. Montfort Academy opens its doors to girls in Katona, New York, USA
Montfort Academy opens its doors to girls
By SWAPNA VENUGOPAL RAMASWAMY
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: September 9, 2007)
KATONAH - On a crisp fall morning last week, Montfort Academy, a Roman Catholic high school that, since its inception five years ago, has prided itself on "Forming Men for all Seasons" and catered to "Boys who dream of Harvard and Heaven," had 13 of its students wearing skirts.
Dressed in navy blue V-neck sweaters and gray skirts, the girls were part of the new freshman class, the first females accepted to join the all-male student body.
While the boys and girls will be in the same school building and take the same courses, they will not be sharing classrooms.
"It will be co-institutional, but not co-educational," said David Petrillo, Montfort's president.
The girls' program will be run separately by its own administrator. But the students will share the cafeteria and mingle during extracurricular activities, such as the drama club, said Petrillo, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.
"We believe boys and girls learn differently, and so, while we will have the same curriculum, the emphasis might be different," he said.
Yonkers resident Lavern Lawrence accompanied her daughter, Trianna Nunez, 14, to her first day at the school. Lawrence said she was most impressed by the curriculum and its focus on classical education and Western civilization. With a liberal arts bent, the school also offers courses such as astronomy, theology and even chivalry for boys.
"I want my daughter to be an articulate person and a good conversationalist in real life," said Lawrence, whose daughter had attended Emerson Middle School in Yonkers. "Astronomy is a great conversation piece, but studying biology in great depth does not help with that."
Clarice Chastang, 13, switched to Montfort from St. John the Evangelist School in Mahopac because of the smaller class size.
"Here there will be just 13 students in our class, and we will get all the attention we need," she said.
For Callaghan Bradley, 14, a home-schooled girl from Shrub Oak, not having boys in the same class has definite advantages.
"It will make it easier to concentrate in class," she said. "And it's not like we won't get to see them. We'll see them in the cafeteria."
Parents of boys at the school who were interviewed were also supportive of enrolling girls.
"I think they have to know how to relate to girls. It's a plus to learn to treat them with respect," said Carmen Kearny of Yorktown, whose son Marc is a senior.
Steven Edleson, 17, of Ossining, who attends Montfort's voluntary Mass every day, said he was glad to see the girls would get the same quality of education as the boys.
"I am curious to see how this would affect Montfort life," said Edleson. "It is good to co-mingle. We know how to treat women with respect. Hopefully, they will see us as an example of how they should expect to be treated by men."
Alessandro Marchetti, 16, of Stamford, Conn., saw another perk in having girls at his school.
"At least now the boys will not have to dress up like girls in the plays," he noted.
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS02/709090363/1024/RSS0105
2. St Louis de Montfort Craft Fair, Oak Lawn, Illinois USA
http://artsandcrafts.about.com/od/craftshowsinillinoi1/qt/081307b.htm
Montfort Academy opens its doors to girls
By SWAPNA VENUGOPAL RAMASWAMY
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: September 9, 2007)
KATONAH - On a crisp fall morning last week, Montfort Academy, a Roman Catholic high school that, since its inception five years ago, has prided itself on "Forming Men for all Seasons" and catered to "Boys who dream of Harvard and Heaven," had 13 of its students wearing skirts.
Dressed in navy blue V-neck sweaters and gray skirts, the girls were part of the new freshman class, the first females accepted to join the all-male student body.
While the boys and girls will be in the same school building and take the same courses, they will not be sharing classrooms.
"It will be co-institutional, but not co-educational," said David Petrillo, Montfort's president.
The girls' program will be run separately by its own administrator. But the students will share the cafeteria and mingle during extracurricular activities, such as the drama club, said Petrillo, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.
"We believe boys and girls learn differently, and so, while we will have the same curriculum, the emphasis might be different," he said.
Yonkers resident Lavern Lawrence accompanied her daughter, Trianna Nunez, 14, to her first day at the school. Lawrence said she was most impressed by the curriculum and its focus on classical education and Western civilization. With a liberal arts bent, the school also offers courses such as astronomy, theology and even chivalry for boys.
"I want my daughter to be an articulate person and a good conversationalist in real life," said Lawrence, whose daughter had attended Emerson Middle School in Yonkers. "Astronomy is a great conversation piece, but studying biology in great depth does not help with that."
Clarice Chastang, 13, switched to Montfort from St. John the Evangelist School in Mahopac because of the smaller class size.
"Here there will be just 13 students in our class, and we will get all the attention we need," she said.
For Callaghan Bradley, 14, a home-schooled girl from Shrub Oak, not having boys in the same class has definite advantages.
"It will make it easier to concentrate in class," she said. "And it's not like we won't get to see them. We'll see them in the cafeteria."
Parents of boys at the school who were interviewed were also supportive of enrolling girls.
"I think they have to know how to relate to girls. It's a plus to learn to treat them with respect," said Carmen Kearny of Yorktown, whose son Marc is a senior.
Steven Edleson, 17, of Ossining, who attends Montfort's voluntary Mass every day, said he was glad to see the girls would get the same quality of education as the boys.
"I am curious to see how this would affect Montfort life," said Edleson. "It is good to co-mingle. We know how to treat women with respect. Hopefully, they will see us as an example of how they should expect to be treated by men."
Alessandro Marchetti, 16, of Stamford, Conn., saw another perk in having girls at his school.
"At least now the boys will not have to dress up like girls in the plays," he noted.
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS02/709090363/1024/RSS0105
2. St Louis de Montfort Craft Fair, Oak Lawn, Illinois USA
http://artsandcrafts.about.com/od/craftshowsinillinoi1/qt/081307b.htm
PRIMEd for the Gabrielite Foundation - PRIME and Gabrielite Foundation Flag Day
1. Programme for Rebuilding and Improving Existing Schools (PRIME)- 2010 to 2011
Montfort School is going to undergo PRIME and we are moving off-site from Jan 2010 to Dec 2011. We are moving to Serangoon North Ave 1, near the vicinity of Serangoon Gardens Secondary School. Those in Secondary One would be affected for 2010.
It'll help us get a spanking brand new and refurbished school with larger classrooms. Some look at it with a tinge of sadness because they might not be at Montfort in 2010 / 2011, others might mix it with nostalgia or green-eyed envy. Come what may, it would still be our school with St Louis Grignion De Montfort and the Brothers of St Gabriels casting its blessings down on our endeavour.
2. Gabrielite Foundation Flag Day
The St Gabriel's Foundation was set up to help in the management and running of all Gabrielite schools in Singapore. We've benefited quite a bit from the fundraising efforts but because we are a mission school alway serving the needs of the less privileged, charity and fundraising is always part of our business.
Students who benefit from the school's financial scheme have received pocket-money for meals, free uniforms and textbooks, free newspaper / magazine subscriptions and course applications. Substantial items. These are non-standard privileges not providied for by the government's Financial Assistance Scheme. Other non-standard facilities not found in other government schools are also paid for on our own.
Hence our mission of serving the needs of the less privileged by doing well at charity drives and the mission of being that Man for Others.
Mr Wu Tian Hwee gave out details of the Flag Day. All Secondary Threes would be involved in this fundraising drive. Our target is $100,000. Age Quod Agis.
Montfort School is going to undergo PRIME and we are moving off-site from Jan 2010 to Dec 2011. We are moving to Serangoon North Ave 1, near the vicinity of Serangoon Gardens Secondary School. Those in Secondary One would be affected for 2010.
It'll help us get a spanking brand new and refurbished school with larger classrooms. Some look at it with a tinge of sadness because they might not be at Montfort in 2010 / 2011, others might mix it with nostalgia or green-eyed envy. Come what may, it would still be our school with St Louis Grignion De Montfort and the Brothers of St Gabriels casting its blessings down on our endeavour.
2. Gabrielite Foundation Flag Day
The St Gabriel's Foundation was set up to help in the management and running of all Gabrielite schools in Singapore. We've benefited quite a bit from the fundraising efforts but because we are a mission school alway serving the needs of the less privileged, charity and fundraising is always part of our business.
Students who benefit from the school's financial scheme have received pocket-money for meals, free uniforms and textbooks, free newspaper / magazine subscriptions and course applications. Substantial items. These are non-standard privileges not providied for by the government's Financial Assistance Scheme. Other non-standard facilities not found in other government schools are also paid for on our own.
Hence our mission of serving the needs of the less privileged by doing well at charity drives and the mission of being that Man for Others.
Mr Wu Tian Hwee gave out details of the Flag Day. All Secondary Threes would be involved in this fundraising drive. Our target is $100,000. Age Quod Agis.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
North Zone Colours Award 2007
In addition to the list of students mentioned in the earlier posting, the following Sportsmen are also awarded North Zone Colours 2007. The Award Ceremony will be held on Friday, 21 Sept (PM). Venue to be confirmed.
Individual Awards
1. Goh Shao Jie- 3A1 (Canoeing)
2. Arriola Keith- 4E2 (Rugby)
3. Shaun Ang- 3A3 (Softball)
4. Abdul Hakim- 4A2 (Tennis)
Team Awards
1. Badminton 'C' Boys
2. Badminton 'B' Boys
Individual Awards
1. Goh Shao Jie- 3A1 (Canoeing)
2. Arriola Keith- 4E2 (Rugby)
3. Shaun Ang- 3A3 (Softball)
4. Abdul Hakim- 4A2 (Tennis)
Team Awards
1. Badminton 'C' Boys
2. Badminton 'B' Boys
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Update on CCA achievements- 15 August 2007
The school's badminton team emerged Champions in the recently completed Wee Kim Wee Challenge Tournament for local players. Besides awarded a Challenge Trophy, the team was also awarded with $1000 cash. Congratulations to the team!
The school was awarded Niche School Status for Badminton 2007 (for Direct School Admission 2008 onwards).
The following players were nominated for Zone Colours for their achievements in various National and Zonal Tournaments. Congratulations to all!
1. Aggrippina P (Badminton)
2. Christian Yahya (Badminton)
3. Andrianus (Badminton)
4. Nathawit Mutanon (Badminton)
5. Wasin (Badminton)
6. Lau Hong Wei (Wushu)
The school was awarded Niche School Status for Badminton 2007 (for Direct School Admission 2008 onwards).
The following players were nominated for Zone Colours for their achievements in various National and Zonal Tournaments. Congratulations to all!
1. Aggrippina P (Badminton)
2. Christian Yahya (Badminton)
3. Andrianus (Badminton)
4. Nathawit Mutanon (Badminton)
5. Wasin (Badminton)
6. Lau Hong Wei (Wushu)
National Day
Today is the eve of National Day and my school,Montfort Secondary have decided to give an early dismissal on this day.During the first half of the day,we celebrated the event with an entertaining performance.The school hosted a combined event with Montfort Junior school which is just beside Montfort Sec.We began with the singing of the National Anthem,Majulah Singapura(Onward Singapore) which is composed by the late Encik Zubir Said between 1956-1957,following that was the recitation of the National Pledge.One of the teachers in charge of Bible Studies,Mr. Edmund James guided us in the prayer.Finally,the vice-principal of Montfort Junior ended the Observance Ceremony with the National Day Message.We were having a class celebration in the homeroom while waiting for the launch of Mr.Montfort 2007.Each class had to send a student to represent the class in the competition.It was a brilliant performance which wowed the students pretty much.It was a tough decision as all the Montfortians candidates were excellent,but the judges prolonged the results and we watched a National Day Video,later,it was the teachers turn to model themselves.After entertaining the students for a while,the school was made to stand and sing the songs which were chosen.Each song tells us where our true home is,the songs played are as followed:
1#Will You
2#My Island Home
3#Count on me Singapore
4#Home
Finally,the results of Mr.Montfort was out,I kinda forgot the name but nevertheless,it was a great day for me.Well,thats the end of my post,have the great day everyone:D
- http://chemicalambitions.blogspot.com/2007/08/montfort-secondary-eventnational-day.html
See this you-tube clip to see the fun on National Day.
Mr Montfort competition - http://www.very-funny-videos.com/clip/mr-montfort-vp-catwalk
1#Will You
2#My Island Home
3#Count on me Singapore
4#Home
Finally,the results of Mr.Montfort was out,I kinda forgot the name but nevertheless,it was a great day for me.Well,thats the end of my post,have the great day everyone:D
- http://chemicalambitions.blogspot.com/2007/08/montfort-secondary-eventnational-day.html
See this you-tube clip to see the fun on National Day.
Mr Montfort competition - http://www.very-funny-videos.com/clip/mr-montfort-vp-catwalk
And this is how great we have been as a school blog
Hey all, ...I was reading the Montfort school blog and I must say that I was pretty impressed with it. Every detail is all mentioned in it. I mean, Mr Simen speaks to us about many different issues, and i am sorry to say, it's too much for me to absorb all at one go but the person who did the blog like wrote evrything down! Wow! Good job! Its difficult to listen and then absorb what Mr Simen means and then have to jot it down and continue listening, and then absorb and then jot it down again.
Kudos to the peopleve involved!
By having a school blog, can I sleep durin Mr Simen's talks? I don't think so..I think that the Montfort blog is for us to refresh our memories on what Mr Simen said and have additional details. Keep it going for as long as possible.
- http://darences-welcometothecescommunity.blogspot.com/2007/07/montfort-school-blog.html. Daren Ng
Kudos to the peopleve involved!
By having a school blog, can I sleep durin Mr Simen's talks? I don't think so..I think that the Montfort blog is for us to refresh our memories on what Mr Simen said and have additional details. Keep it going for as long as possible.
- http://darences-welcometothecescommunity.blogspot.com/2007/07/montfort-school-blog.html. Daren Ng
Monday, July 30, 2007
Chronic & Recurrent - July 31 2007
Mr Simen was back from his evaluation attachment for a short stint. He gave a powerful speech on discipline and self focus.
A. Chronic and Recurrent
Mr Simen reminded the school about his talk the previous week about how Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia (despite Garcia being in the far lead) at the British Open.
He spoke about how he could not help comparing our boys with the school he was evaluating. Whatever we do must not be a one-off, flash-in-the-pants item.
Chronic - A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. In ancient Greece, the "father of medicine" Hippocrates distinguished diseases that were acute (abrupt, sharp and brief) from those that were chronic. This is still a very useful distinction
Recurrent - occurring again; happening or appearing again, especially repeatedly, sometimes with intermission in between.
There were 3 chronic and recurrent areas which because they need constant reminders, need to be stamped out:
(a) Late-coming - This sometimes was acute and chronic because Montfort School is the ONLY SCHOOL in Singapore which starts at 8:30am
(b) Grooming
(c) Age Quod Agis - Feeling proud in whatever you do.
(d) School song/ National Anthem/ Pledge - It can always be done better.
If you have to recite the pledge, anthem or school song again because it is too song, it is NOT GOOD ENOUGH. If you have to be reminded to be groomed or to report punctually for class and school at 8:30am, it is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
B. Our Father in Heaven
Mr Simen spoke about a sermon he heard at mass. The priest at St Joseph Church said, "The Most Biblical prayer is the Our Father"
It set Mr Simen thinking in ways he had not considered before. He said that on further reflection, the Our Father was the most Biblical prayer because it was not just about MOUTHING the prayer, it was also about LIVING IT.
OUR FATHER and our school song "ALL YE SONS OF MONTFORT SCHOOL" shows that we are all brothers and sisters in the same community. As a result, we have to show care and consideration for one another. We have to ask each other, "Hello, How are you?".
Do we do that? By coming late for school, by giving the school a bad reputation outside, by being slovenly, are we being considerate? Do we treat others, our brothers and sisters, in the spirit of the "our Father"?
C. The Mission of the School - A Discerning and Compassionate Individual
Mr Simen then spoke to us about what our school was, is and will ever be about - Being a Discerming and Compassionate Individual.
As a discerning person, do we know what is right and wrong? Do we choose and do what is right, even when we have to make little mistakes? Do we know that the school is not a holiday resort where we pick and choose whatever we like? (Eg. Mass Exercise)
Are we considerate and compassionate people who spare a thought for others? And who are Men for Others?
The formulae is simple -
a. Discipline
b. Focus and Attention. Sometimes stopping to think and evaluate
c. Performance with consistency.
A. Chronic and Recurrent
Mr Simen reminded the school about his talk the previous week about how Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia (despite Garcia being in the far lead) at the British Open.
He spoke about how he could not help comparing our boys with the school he was evaluating. Whatever we do must not be a one-off, flash-in-the-pants item.
Chronic - A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. In ancient Greece, the "father of medicine" Hippocrates distinguished diseases that were acute (abrupt, sharp and brief) from those that were chronic. This is still a very useful distinction
Recurrent - occurring again; happening or appearing again, especially repeatedly, sometimes with intermission in between.
There were 3 chronic and recurrent areas which because they need constant reminders, need to be stamped out:
(a) Late-coming - This sometimes was acute and chronic because Montfort School is the ONLY SCHOOL in Singapore which starts at 8:30am
(b) Grooming
(c) Age Quod Agis - Feeling proud in whatever you do.
(d) School song/ National Anthem/ Pledge - It can always be done better.
If you have to recite the pledge, anthem or school song again because it is too song, it is NOT GOOD ENOUGH. If you have to be reminded to be groomed or to report punctually for class and school at 8:30am, it is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
B. Our Father in Heaven
Mr Simen spoke about a sermon he heard at mass. The priest at St Joseph Church said, "The Most Biblical prayer is the Our Father"
It set Mr Simen thinking in ways he had not considered before. He said that on further reflection, the Our Father was the most Biblical prayer because it was not just about MOUTHING the prayer, it was also about LIVING IT.
OUR FATHER and our school song "ALL YE SONS OF MONTFORT SCHOOL" shows that we are all brothers and sisters in the same community. As a result, we have to show care and consideration for one another. We have to ask each other, "Hello, How are you?".
Do we do that? By coming late for school, by giving the school a bad reputation outside, by being slovenly, are we being considerate? Do we treat others, our brothers and sisters, in the spirit of the "our Father"?
C. The Mission of the School - A Discerning and Compassionate Individual
Mr Simen then spoke to us about what our school was, is and will ever be about - Being a Discerming and Compassionate Individual.
As a discerning person, do we know what is right and wrong? Do we choose and do what is right, even when we have to make little mistakes? Do we know that the school is not a holiday resort where we pick and choose whatever we like? (Eg. Mass Exercise)
Are we considerate and compassionate people who spare a thought for others? And who are Men for Others?
The formulae is simple -
a. Discipline
b. Focus and Attention. Sometimes stopping to think and evaluate
c. Performance with consistency.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Racial Harmony Day
Edited from http://www.limguohong.com/2007/07/21/youth-and-racial-harmony-day-carnival/
Montfort Secondary School had its Youth and Racial Harmony Day Carnival on the 20th July 2007. This has almost become like a tradition. Different classes have to come up with different ideas to raise funds.
For almost a whole week, the school had been saying the National Pledge in the four official languages - Tamil, English, Malay, Mandarin. The morning of Racial Harmony day began with a pledge in English. Then in a rather unusual and meaningful fashion, it was followed by the racial harmony creed.
WE, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our multi-racial and multi-religious Nation. We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding. We shall always
Recognise the secular nature of our State,
Promote cohesion within our society,
Respect each other's freedom of religion,
Grow our common space while respecting our diversity,
Foster inter-religious communications,
and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.
After assembling in the hall after flag-raising, the day bgan with a meaningful prayer by the school's Ecumenical Council / Inter-Religious Organization.
Mr Perumal, Mr Chia Yong Koon, Mr Tan Geok Hean, Mr Azman, Mr Lloyd Yeo all prayed in racial harmony and asked blessings in their own way for all our Montfortians.
Their prayer was adapted prayer from the IRO of Singapore - www.iro.org.sg/website/invocation.html. Their invocation is prayer is said whenever the IRO meets.
Later we were shown 2 videos of Montfort Homestay Project, these were competitions organized by the Northeast CDC. (We managed to achieved a Consolation Prize)
At the end of that presentation, people in their ethinic costume were up on stage for a fashion show. A short introduction were done on the different types of ethnic costumes and later they did a cat-walk to see who was best-dressed for the day.
Rohith (4E2) won. We later celebrated the day by participating in the carnival which lasted till 12pm. More than $3000 were raised. The money goes to the School Pocket Money Fund which helps needy students.
Montfort Secondary School had its Youth and Racial Harmony Day Carnival on the 20th July 2007. This has almost become like a tradition. Different classes have to come up with different ideas to raise funds.
For almost a whole week, the school had been saying the National Pledge in the four official languages - Tamil, English, Malay, Mandarin. The morning of Racial Harmony day began with a pledge in English. Then in a rather unusual and meaningful fashion, it was followed by the racial harmony creed.
WE, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our multi-racial and multi-religious Nation. We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding. We shall always
Recognise the secular nature of our State,
Promote cohesion within our society,
Respect each other's freedom of religion,
Grow our common space while respecting our diversity,
Foster inter-religious communications,
and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.
After assembling in the hall after flag-raising, the day bgan with a meaningful prayer by the school's Ecumenical Council / Inter-Religious Organization.
Mr Perumal, Mr Chia Yong Koon, Mr Tan Geok Hean, Mr Azman, Mr Lloyd Yeo all prayed in racial harmony and asked blessings in their own way for all our Montfortians.
Their prayer was adapted prayer from the IRO of Singapore - www.iro.org.sg/website/invocation.html. Their invocation is prayer is said whenever the IRO meets.
Later we were shown 2 videos of Montfort Homestay Project, these were competitions organized by the Northeast CDC. (We managed to achieved a Consolation Prize)
At the end of that presentation, people in their ethinic costume were up on stage for a fashion show. A short introduction were done on the different types of ethnic costumes and later they did a cat-walk to see who was best-dressed for the day.
Rohith (4E2) won. We later celebrated the day by participating in the carnival which lasted till 12pm. More than $3000 were raised. The money goes to the School Pocket Money Fund which helps needy students.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
16th July - Keep it in your head and don't just pay lip service
On Monday Assembly, Mr Simen spoke about the following items:
a. Mars Program
The school featured this special program at the Ministry of Education Excelfest exhibition. The mars Program was overseen by Mr Victor Ong, Mr Tan Hee Pheng, Mr Faizan and Mr Vincent Low supported by managed by the senior management of the school. The goal was to rehabilitate and serve as a last checkpoint for recalcitrant students who have probems being motivated and focussed on their studies. Students in the program who were successfully rehabilitated were interviewed by the Straits Times. The article may be featured soon and is a shining example of the school's innovative processes.
b. Valor@Montfort
Valor at Montfort was launched because of the Infocomm-Digitial Media thrust of Singapore. The goal of Valor@Montfort is to begin with the familar - computer games. It should lead students into the forefront of IT and to see opportunities to experiment in IT security, create games, systems, video editing, video-making. This is the vision. Valor is just the start.
Valor@Montfort is also aimed at enabling students to manage and acquire self-discipline through the systems and processes put in place. It also helps raise funds for the Pupil Welfare fund and underprivileged students.
c. NCC 20th Annniversary Ceremony
On Saturday, Mr Peter Ho handed his command to Mr Chrys Ho in a solenm handing over-taking over ceremony. It was well-attended by cadets and ex-officers of the NCC. The spirit and singing was exemplery. Mr Simen spoke to the cadets about not just mouthing words but to walk the talk and to live it up. He wanted this to be a lesson to all. The national anthem, the discipline on the parade ground, the marginal late-comers, the slovenly or ill-attired had to pay attention to this aspect of discipline.
d. Who do you follow?
Mr Simen referred to the morning prayer about who to follw. The answer was obvious - St Louis Grignion De Montfort, the founder of the school who stood up for what he believed in - to be a Man for Others and to serve God and his people. He had direction and a sense of purpose. He failed many times but he always persevered.
Mr Simen also referred to the English program and the undertaking students had signed. It was important to persevere in the speaking of good English.
e. Visitors from Surabaya
Mr Simen also told the school that there would be visitor from Surabaya who would be arriving in the afternoon. He would be followed by 27 other delegates the following day.
a. Mars Program
The school featured this special program at the Ministry of Education Excelfest exhibition. The mars Program was overseen by Mr Victor Ong, Mr Tan Hee Pheng, Mr Faizan and Mr Vincent Low supported by managed by the senior management of the school. The goal was to rehabilitate and serve as a last checkpoint for recalcitrant students who have probems being motivated and focussed on their studies. Students in the program who were successfully rehabilitated were interviewed by the Straits Times. The article may be featured soon and is a shining example of the school's innovative processes.
b. Valor@Montfort
Valor at Montfort was launched because of the Infocomm-Digitial Media thrust of Singapore. The goal of Valor@Montfort is to begin with the familar - computer games. It should lead students into the forefront of IT and to see opportunities to experiment in IT security, create games, systems, video editing, video-making. This is the vision. Valor is just the start.
Valor@Montfort is also aimed at enabling students to manage and acquire self-discipline through the systems and processes put in place. It also helps raise funds for the Pupil Welfare fund and underprivileged students.
c. NCC 20th Annniversary Ceremony
On Saturday, Mr Peter Ho handed his command to Mr Chrys Ho in a solenm handing over-taking over ceremony. It was well-attended by cadets and ex-officers of the NCC. The spirit and singing was exemplery. Mr Simen spoke to the cadets about not just mouthing words but to walk the talk and to live it up. He wanted this to be a lesson to all. The national anthem, the discipline on the parade ground, the marginal late-comers, the slovenly or ill-attired had to pay attention to this aspect of discipline.
d. Who do you follow?
Mr Simen referred to the morning prayer about who to follw. The answer was obvious - St Louis Grignion De Montfort, the founder of the school who stood up for what he believed in - to be a Man for Others and to serve God and his people. He had direction and a sense of purpose. He failed many times but he always persevered.
Mr Simen also referred to the English program and the undertaking students had signed. It was important to persevere in the speaking of good English.
e. Visitors from Surabaya
Mr Simen also told the school that there would be visitor from Surabaya who would be arriving in the afternoon. He would be followed by 27 other delegates the following day.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
School Elections - 9 to 13 July
Montfort Presidential Elections : In A Nutshell
Student Comments: For the past 2 days, candidates for the spot of council president have been having their rallies. I've only heard 2 candidates' rallies and heard comments on the other 1, and 1 seems to be MIA for some reason. Only heard him during the introduction, haven't seen his rallies.
But, seeing the posters around school, some candidates promise to give, give and give some more. Ankle socks, coloured laces, no-study week etc.
The candidates are:
a. Saravanan
b. Justin Lau
c. Zhang Quan
d. Brian Lim
I am no councillor so I can't really give the real layout of the job. He's the head of the student body so I guess he administers stuff or something like that. But he must be a leader, so how does one gauge leadership? I do not know. - Excerpts from http://plaidnightmares.blogspot.com/2007/07/montfort-presidential-elections-in.html
School Blog: Mr Simen explained how elections were ran and why they were being run. Candidates are run for electoral constituencies and they are part of the Singapore experience.
Mr Simen then ran through the list of Prefects who had suceeded throughout the 91 years history of the School.
1. Andrew Tan - Architect of the School. School Management Committee
2. Ng Kok Song - Chairman of SMC before Mr Chua Cher Choon. He was also chairmn of the Singapore Government Investment Corporation (GIC - an investment arm of the Singaporean government which uses government revenue accrued from CPF and taxes for investments in placs like Suzhou). He was extremely loyal to the school and when he lost his wife,Patricia Ng to cancer, the school representatives sang the school song at her funeral in a touching farewell.
3. Tan Lai Huat, consultant to many companies and a specialist in corporate governance. Vice-Chairman of School Management Committee (SMC)
4. Gabriel Teo - St Gabriel's Foundation Commitee member to help oversee the running of Gabrielite schools. His daughter is a bowler who represents Singapore.
5. Quek Tong Boon - Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. He was also at one time, CEO of Defence Science Organisation (DSO)
6. Ronald Tan. CEO of Singapore Institute of Management.
Mr Simen explained that they were all leaders and continue to serve Montfort in their speical way.
He explained, "It is an honor to be a leader. He must know how to use power. He must also have a way to show that he does it in a firm way.He is relaxed and confidant. Yet why is it so hard to find one?"
Reading from a book, Mr Simen continued to expound on the ideas of leadership. "A leader leads people where they want to go. Leaders always follow a step ahead. They inspire and encourage, telling those they lead that they can do it. Roosevelt was such a person. He led the people out of the Great Depression because the people wanted someone to tell them they could do it. Churchill did it. During the dark days of WW2, the people needed someone to tell them that they could resist Hitler on their own. A leader knows the tides. A leader rides the waves. His purpose must match the national mood. He must inspire people. He must make what people want seem attainable. Above all, he must dignify the people's desires. "
"However, the making of great history will not come till we are ready for the Leader. The leader is a mirror and reflectin of our own sense of purpose. He puts into dreams our own hope. He develops clear strategies. Our strenth, determination and courage makes him strong. The leader is a symbol of the best in us or the worst in us. A leader cannot be faked. He is th sum of all of us, as a community. Our own sense of purpose must therefore be clear or leadership will just ring and sound hollow."
Mr Simen reminded the school of what he had always been talking about:
a. Self Discipline - Focus & attention - Listen with the Heart and Understand with the Head - Performance
b. Holy Trinity of Family-School-Self
He added, "
Leaders are not just about popularity. Popularity is not everything because if a leader merely did something to be popular, he would merely be a 'clerical administrator'. A leader must have the courage to do what is right, and to do what is right in the absence of full information.
Mr Simen encouraged the canddiates and told them that all of them are leaders. He told the school at the Question-And-Answer Sessions which lasted 1.5 hours that this was a practice in citizenship. Decorum and respect was needed at the Q-and-A session and elections. He expressed his wish that this exercise would nurture Montfortians to be citizens when it mattered the most.
The Q-and-A was chaired by Mr Seah Kok Woei and received overwhelming response from the ground. There were questions about candidate promises, plans after the elections, confidence level of candidates, canteen vendors, school grauduation, pandering too much to the electorates etc. There were even some personal questions which got the audience excited but it was all done with good understanding and honest intent.
Mr Simen rouned out the Q-and-A session by explaining that good questions were posed. 95% of them were good questions. This was all part of electioneering and made good training and practice for everyone. It was a good school experience. Mr Simen also explained that he had his own personal views on many of the questions raised but he pointed out that it was not his day to answer questions. He pointed out that delivering promises was not an easy task because it was important to differentiate between needs first and wants later. To only have a world of having our 'wants' fulfilled is to live in an ideal and utopian world which doest not exist.
Student Comments: For the past 2 days, candidates for the spot of council president have been having their rallies. I've only heard 2 candidates' rallies and heard comments on the other 1, and 1 seems to be MIA for some reason. Only heard him during the introduction, haven't seen his rallies.
But, seeing the posters around school, some candidates promise to give, give and give some more. Ankle socks, coloured laces, no-study week etc.
The candidates are:
a. Saravanan
b. Justin Lau
c. Zhang Quan
d. Brian Lim
I am no councillor so I can't really give the real layout of the job. He's the head of the student body so I guess he administers stuff or something like that. But he must be a leader, so how does one gauge leadership? I do not know. - Excerpts from http://plaidnightmares.blogspot.com/2007/07/montfort-presidential-elections-in.html
School Blog: Mr Simen explained how elections were ran and why they were being run. Candidates are run for electoral constituencies and they are part of the Singapore experience.
Mr Simen then ran through the list of Prefects who had suceeded throughout the 91 years history of the School.
1. Andrew Tan - Architect of the School. School Management Committee
2. Ng Kok Song - Chairman of SMC before Mr Chua Cher Choon. He was also chairmn of the Singapore Government Investment Corporation (GIC - an investment arm of the Singaporean government which uses government revenue accrued from CPF and taxes for investments in placs like Suzhou). He was extremely loyal to the school and when he lost his wife,Patricia Ng to cancer, the school representatives sang the school song at her funeral in a touching farewell.
3. Tan Lai Huat, consultant to many companies and a specialist in corporate governance. Vice-Chairman of School Management Committee (SMC)
4. Gabriel Teo - St Gabriel's Foundation Commitee member to help oversee the running of Gabrielite schools. His daughter is a bowler who represents Singapore.
5. Quek Tong Boon - Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. He was also at one time, CEO of Defence Science Organisation (DSO)
6. Ronald Tan. CEO of Singapore Institute of Management.
Mr Simen explained that they were all leaders and continue to serve Montfort in their speical way.
He explained, "It is an honor to be a leader. He must know how to use power. He must also have a way to show that he does it in a firm way.He is relaxed and confidant. Yet why is it so hard to find one?"
Reading from a book, Mr Simen continued to expound on the ideas of leadership. "A leader leads people where they want to go. Leaders always follow a step ahead. They inspire and encourage, telling those they lead that they can do it. Roosevelt was such a person. He led the people out of the Great Depression because the people wanted someone to tell them they could do it. Churchill did it. During the dark days of WW2, the people needed someone to tell them that they could resist Hitler on their own. A leader knows the tides. A leader rides the waves. His purpose must match the national mood. He must inspire people. He must make what people want seem attainable. Above all, he must dignify the people's desires. "
"However, the making of great history will not come till we are ready for the Leader. The leader is a mirror and reflectin of our own sense of purpose. He puts into dreams our own hope. He develops clear strategies. Our strenth, determination and courage makes him strong. The leader is a symbol of the best in us or the worst in us. A leader cannot be faked. He is th sum of all of us, as a community. Our own sense of purpose must therefore be clear or leadership will just ring and sound hollow."
Mr Simen reminded the school of what he had always been talking about:
a. Self Discipline - Focus & attention - Listen with the Heart and Understand with the Head - Performance
b. Holy Trinity of Family-School-Self
He added, "
Leaders are not just about popularity. Popularity is not everything because if a leader merely did something to be popular, he would merely be a 'clerical administrator'. A leader must have the courage to do what is right, and to do what is right in the absence of full information.
Mr Simen encouraged the canddiates and told them that all of them are leaders. He told the school at the Question-And-Answer Sessions which lasted 1.5 hours that this was a practice in citizenship. Decorum and respect was needed at the Q-and-A session and elections. He expressed his wish that this exercise would nurture Montfortians to be citizens when it mattered the most.
The Q-and-A was chaired by Mr Seah Kok Woei and received overwhelming response from the ground. There were questions about candidate promises, plans after the elections, confidence level of candidates, canteen vendors, school grauduation, pandering too much to the electorates etc. There were even some personal questions which got the audience excited but it was all done with good understanding and honest intent.
Mr Simen rouned out the Q-and-A session by explaining that good questions were posed. 95% of them were good questions. This was all part of electioneering and made good training and practice for everyone. It was a good school experience. Mr Simen also explained that he had his own personal views on many of the questions raised but he pointed out that it was not his day to answer questions. He pointed out that delivering promises was not an easy task because it was important to differentiate between needs first and wants later. To only have a world of having our 'wants' fulfilled is to live in an ideal and utopian world which doest not exist.
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