Examination
The Mid-Year Examinations are here. 30th April is the first paper. Mr Wu Tian Hwee, our Vice-Principal spoke about self-discipline and focus. He also warned students about the seriousness and temptations of of dishonesty
NCDCC Honours
SGT Johnathan Ng (3E5)
SGT Caleb Cian C Castro (3E1)
SGT Pradeep Kumar (3E3)
SGT Nathanael Franklin (3A1)
were given NCDCC Honours to go to Hong Kong to have an exchange program with Hong Kong firefighters and civil defence groups. They are 4 of 20 specially selected students from the whole of Singapore. (We are one of 20 schools with an NCDCC Unit)
They had to undergo a selection test based on merit, skills and knowledge; It was followed by an interview to assess their aptitude and attiude.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Montfort Arts Scene - 26 April 2007
Singapore Youth Festival
The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) (Chinese: 新加坡青年节) is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in the performing arts. Students in schools across Singapore compete in the SYF to see who gets a gold award. More than 30,000 students participate in the performances and activities in the SYF, as well as events leading up to it.
Held bi-annually, our ELDDS, Chorale and School Band participated and competed. They did us proud:
a. ELDDS - Silver Award
b. Chorale - Bronze Award
c. Band - Bronze Award
They had spent countless hours preparing for these competitions and did extremely well. The ELDDS were on the brink of even withdrawing from our competition and still emerged with a Silver. It was all through the efforts of Mr Simen and parent volunteers that we did so well. Mr Simen, Mr Wu and Mr Leow congratulated all the teams. They mentioned that with regards to the ELDDS, it would be GOLD and even an OSCAR in a few year's time.
Coaches-Teachers
How do you know who to trust in the many people who come or way and whom you will meet in your life? There is a lesson in life which was passed on to our students at assembly:
a. Those who would drive you.
b. Those who would cry and feel most for you.
So, kiss the hand which feeds you. Understand who ha your interst at heart. These are the people who would help you. These are what true gurus and teachers are about.
The final shot was "Don't wallow in the mud. We need everyone. Teachers, parents, students. Everyone. Glory, we shall have."
The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) (Chinese: 新加坡青年节) is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in the performing arts. Students in schools across Singapore compete in the SYF to see who gets a gold award. More than 30,000 students participate in the performances and activities in the SYF, as well as events leading up to it.
Held bi-annually, our ELDDS, Chorale and School Band participated and competed. They did us proud:
a. ELDDS - Silver Award
b. Chorale - Bronze Award
c. Band - Bronze Award
They had spent countless hours preparing for these competitions and did extremely well. The ELDDS were on the brink of even withdrawing from our competition and still emerged with a Silver. It was all through the efforts of Mr Simen and parent volunteers that we did so well. Mr Simen, Mr Wu and Mr Leow congratulated all the teams. They mentioned that with regards to the ELDDS, it would be GOLD and even an OSCAR in a few year's time.
Coaches-Teachers
How do you know who to trust in the many people who come or way and whom you will meet in your life? There is a lesson in life which was passed on to our students at assembly:
a. Those who would drive you.
b. Those who would cry and feel most for you.
So, kiss the hand which feeds you. Understand who ha your interst at heart. These are the people who would help you. These are what true gurus and teachers are about.
The final shot was "Don't wallow in the mud. We need everyone. Teachers, parents, students. Everyone. Glory, we shall have."
Montfort Arts Scene - 26 April 2007
Singapore Youth Festival
The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) (Chinese: 新加坡青年节) is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in the performing arts. Students in schools across Singapore compete in the SYF to see who gets a gold award. More than 30,000 students participate in the performances and activities in the SYF, as well as events leading up to it.
Held bi-annually, our ELDDS, Chorale and School Band participated and competed. They did us proud:
a. ELDDS - Silver Award
b. Chorale - Bronze Award
c. Band - Bronze Award
They had spent countless hours preparing for these competitions and did extremely well. The ELDDS were on the brink of even withdrawing from our competition and still emerged with a Silver. It was all through the efforts of Mr Simen and parent volunteers that we did so well. Mr Simen, Mr Wu and Mr Leow congratulated all the teams. They mentioned that with regards to the ELDDS, it would be GOLD and even an OSCAR in a few year's time.
Coaches-Teachers
How do you know who to trust in the many people who come or way and whom you will meet in your life? There is a lesson in life which was passed on to our students at assembly:
a. Those who would drive you.
b. Those who would cry and feel most for you.
So, kiss the hand which feeds you. Understand who ha your interst at heart. These are the people who would help you. These are what true gurus and teachers are about.
The final shot was "Don't wallow in the mud. We need everyone. Teachers, parents, students. Everyone. Glory, we shall have."
The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) (Chinese: 新加坡青年节) is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in the performing arts. Students in schools across Singapore compete in the SYF to see who gets a gold award. More than 30,000 students participate in the performances and activities in the SYF, as well as events leading up to it.
Held bi-annually, our ELDDS, Chorale and School Band participated and competed. They did us proud:
a. ELDDS - Silver Award
b. Chorale - Bronze Award
c. Band - Bronze Award
They had spent countless hours preparing for these competitions and did extremely well. The ELDDS were on the brink of even withdrawing from our competition and still emerged with a Silver. It was all through the efforts of Mr Simen and parent volunteers that we did so well. Mr Simen, Mr Wu and Mr Leow congratulated all the teams. They mentioned that with regards to the ELDDS, it would be GOLD and even an OSCAR in a few year's time.
Coaches-Teachers
How do you know who to trust in the many people who come or way and whom you will meet in your life? There is a lesson in life which was passed on to our students at assembly:
a. Those who would drive you.
b. Those who would cry and feel most for you.
So, kiss the hand which feeds you. Understand who ha your interst at heart. These are the people who would help you. These are what true gurus and teachers are about.
The final shot was "Don't wallow in the mud. We need everyone. Teachers, parents, students. Everyone. Glory, we shall have."
NPCC and Tennis Honours
Tennis World
Abdul Hakim bin Jamaludin of 4AB will be representing Singapore as part of the team for 2007 Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia / Oceania Qualifying event. The team will be competing with 16 countries for the top placings from 30 Apr to 04 May in Bangkok, Thailand. We wish him all the best as he brings glory to the school and to Singapore.
Police World
Station Inspector (SI) Kua Wei Yi from 5A2 was selected as one of the awardees this year. He is only One of 158 NPCC cadents to be awarded the SPF-NPCC Badge, the TOP AWARD for cadets in NPCC. He was selected from 445 nominations from 92 units. Top 35% of the Nation.
In other NPCC News, ALL Sec 3 and 4 cadets who took part in a recent Police Shoot received marskmanship badges. ALL! The shoot was carred out on 24/4/07. In order to achieve marksmanship, they scored at least 65/90 shots. 72% bullseye. Our lowest score was 73/90 and we have 5 cadets getting the full score of 90/90. This is a first time 100% of our cadets achieve marksman in our unit and we will be gunning for the National .22 Revolver Shooting Competition in June'07.
Abdul Hakim bin Jamaludin of 4AB will be representing Singapore as part of the team for 2007 Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia / Oceania Qualifying event. The team will be competing with 16 countries for the top placings from 30 Apr to 04 May in Bangkok, Thailand. We wish him all the best as he brings glory to the school and to Singapore.
Police World
Station Inspector (SI) Kua Wei Yi from 5A2 was selected as one of the awardees this year. He is only One of 158 NPCC cadents to be awarded the SPF-NPCC Badge, the TOP AWARD for cadets in NPCC. He was selected from 445 nominations from 92 units. Top 35% of the Nation.
In other NPCC News, ALL Sec 3 and 4 cadets who took part in a recent Police Shoot received marskmanship badges. ALL! The shoot was carred out on 24/4/07. In order to achieve marksmanship, they scored at least 65/90 shots. 72% bullseye. Our lowest score was 73/90 and we have 5 cadets getting the full score of 90/90. This is a first time 100% of our cadets achieve marksman in our unit and we will be gunning for the National .22 Revolver Shooting Competition in June'07.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Excerpts of an RI Boy's Blog's view on Mr Simen
Wednesday, April 25, 2007. Dreams! - (http://disillusioned-monkey.blogspot.com/2007/04/dreams.html)
I want to request for a switch of Headmasters!Geez, I feel so jealous of the student population at Montford Sec after reading the Interview Article in the Digital Life section of the Straits Times on Tuesday April 24.Apparently, the high-energy principal there (Mr. Simen Lourds) encourages students to develop their talents in other areas other than in academic ones- so much so that he organized a DOTA competition within the school and even paid for the prizes, worth $1,100 in all, out of his very own pocket.
Furthermore, the article reported that the 49-year-old principal also fought for a gaming center to be built on-campus, in which the $80K gaming center will be where students can play the latest games like C & C 3.It was written further down the article that his openness towards gaming has endeared him to his students- evidently shown from among the many SMS messages received from them, one of which says: "You are THE best principal!"
Wow. If we were half as open towards gaming as this Mr. Lourds, RI will be a much better place for the student population. Imagine having our very own gaming center (I’m pretty sure there’s more than sufficient land space for one seeing how big the new offices are for the staff) right in the campus- where CCA groups, classes, seniors and juniors alike, could spend quality bonding together through activities that endear best to guys. All these instead of us having to rush out of school in civies after the Common Tests week to the various LAN centers around Singapore to reserve seats. The worse part is that many a times in these LAN centers, there are gangsters-type of gamers who seemingly look pissed at our existence.
Here are some reasons why Gaming should be encouraged:
Gaming builds up teamwork. In popular games such as DOTA & Counterstrike, gamers can cultivate a sense of teamwork; accounting for each other, assisting each other, guarding the backs of each other. Through such gameplay, one will gradually realize the importance of working as a team and not as an individual, for these team-games would require the coordination of the entire team to succeed.
Gaming allows interaction among the student population. In the gameplay, one can make new friends with those in the same team, commonly grouping themselves to fight against the common enemy- the opposing team. Hence, a simple game of Counterstrike could prove to be ten times more effective than a session of icebreakers during CCA trainings.
Gaming opens an alternative avenue in which talented gamers can find solitude in- instead of being sports-oriented like what the situation is currently, emphasis can also be placed on entertaining activities such as board games-playing, gaming, etc.As the principal of Montfort puts it, ‘You can’t stop students from gaming, it’s the interest of the new generation, and schools are fighting a losing battle trying to stop it. I won’t fight it, I will manage it instead."
Well said Sir, like the old saying go, if you can’t beat them, join them! - Daniel Goh on 1:42 PM
I want to request for a switch of Headmasters!Geez, I feel so jealous of the student population at Montford Sec after reading the Interview Article in the Digital Life section of the Straits Times on Tuesday April 24.Apparently, the high-energy principal there (Mr. Simen Lourds) encourages students to develop their talents in other areas other than in academic ones- so much so that he organized a DOTA competition within the school and even paid for the prizes, worth $1,100 in all, out of his very own pocket.
Furthermore, the article reported that the 49-year-old principal also fought for a gaming center to be built on-campus, in which the $80K gaming center will be where students can play the latest games like C & C 3.It was written further down the article that his openness towards gaming has endeared him to his students- evidently shown from among the many SMS messages received from them, one of which says: "You are THE best principal!"
Wow. If we were half as open towards gaming as this Mr. Lourds, RI will be a much better place for the student population. Imagine having our very own gaming center (I’m pretty sure there’s more than sufficient land space for one seeing how big the new offices are for the staff) right in the campus- where CCA groups, classes, seniors and juniors alike, could spend quality bonding together through activities that endear best to guys. All these instead of us having to rush out of school in civies after the Common Tests week to the various LAN centers around Singapore to reserve seats. The worse part is that many a times in these LAN centers, there are gangsters-type of gamers who seemingly look pissed at our existence.
Here are some reasons why Gaming should be encouraged:
Gaming builds up teamwork. In popular games such as DOTA & Counterstrike, gamers can cultivate a sense of teamwork; accounting for each other, assisting each other, guarding the backs of each other. Through such gameplay, one will gradually realize the importance of working as a team and not as an individual, for these team-games would require the coordination of the entire team to succeed.
Gaming allows interaction among the student population. In the gameplay, one can make new friends with those in the same team, commonly grouping themselves to fight against the common enemy- the opposing team. Hence, a simple game of Counterstrike could prove to be ten times more effective than a session of icebreakers during CCA trainings.
Gaming opens an alternative avenue in which talented gamers can find solitude in- instead of being sports-oriented like what the situation is currently, emphasis can also be placed on entertaining activities such as board games-playing, gaming, etc.As the principal of Montfort puts it, ‘You can’t stop students from gaming, it’s the interest of the new generation, and schools are fighting a losing battle trying to stop it. I won’t fight it, I will manage it instead."
Well said Sir, like the old saying go, if you can’t beat them, join them! - Daniel Goh on 1:42 PM
Digital Life supplement - Excerpts from a Montfort student's blog
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
This morning, I was reading the Digital Life supplement in the Straits Times. Just as I was about to close the newspaper, I saw one very familiar face on the last page. The face belonged to someone I see nearly everyday. It was none other than Mr. Simen Lourds, MSS's very own principal, and the 'Montfort Giant Boss'.
This is the article:
Mr Simen Lourds is no geek. The principal of Montfort Secondary confesses to being "not very good at computers". Indeed, he ended up shooting his team-mates while trying his hand at Counterstrike recently.But the high-energy man, who picked up his guitar halfway during the interview to sing, is a student gamer's dream educator. He recently organised a DoTA All-Stars competition within the school and even paid for the prizes, worth $1,100 in all, out of his own pocket.
The 49-year-old has also fought for a gaming centre to be build on-campus, and has recently got the green light from MOE. The $80,000 gaming centre, located near the general office, will be where student can play the latest games. It is expected to be ready by next month.given these efforts, the school won the Gears of War tournament at the Interschool eGaming Challenge 2007, beating 16 teams from 14 schools.No doubt, his openness towards gaming has endeared the principal, a former national athlete, to his students in his all-boys school.
Among the many SMS messages received from them is this one : "You are THE best principal!"So far, there have been none of the adverse effects such as falling grades that is often linked to video games. The school has obtained value-added academic results for the past three years, something Mr Lourds expects will continue even after the gaming centre is well underway.
Why are you bringing computer games into the school, when other schools are doing exactly the opposite - banning them?
You can't stop students from gaming. It's the interest of the new generation, and the schools are fighting a losing battle trying to stop it.I won't fight it, I will manage it instead. Furthermore, we want many peaks of excellence - our students should also have talents in other areas rather than just academic (ones).
What are the benefits that the gaming centre will bring to the students?
Firstly, by making gaming services available in the school, my students don't have to go to outside gaming centres and be exposed to negative influences or health hazards there, such as smoking.Secondly, we can also manage them better. For example, before they can even play, they must first buy a coupon and get the teachers who have taught them on that day to sign it, certifying that they have completed their homework and have no CCAs to attend.
Once the coupon is signed, the students can then use it to start playing their games.We will also control their play time. After playing for two hours, they will have to stop and report to a waiting bay, where there will be plants to provide fresh air and a board displaying some eye and hand exercises for them to follow. They can only return to their games after 15 minutes or so.Currently, we are looking at ways to make gaming more healthy. for example, most gaming centres use neon lights, which are harmful to health.
Our gaming centre will be illuminated by natural sunlight instead.I will also be setting up a club for students, who will play a part in managing the gaming centre. This will help foster entrepreneurship in them.
Did your plans to set up a gaming centre in school meet with any resistance from parents?
They loved it! Some of them did raise their concerns, but once I explained the concept to them, they realised they preferred to have their children here, where their gameplay is monitored and their health taken into account, instead of gaming centres outside which many not have any social responsibility.As the principal of a Catholic school, doesn't it disturb you that most computer games involve violence? Life itself is violent, with all the tsunamis, earthquakes, and wars. We have to get our students ready for real life and not try to shelter them.However, there are some games that do go overboard. When a game is deemed unsuitable by them, students and teachers, who act as consultants, will come to me. I will personally test out (the game). If I find that it is indeed too graphic or too violent, I will ban it.
But the recent Virginia Tech shootings by the south Korean student...
We have to understand that violence is not just from computer games alone, but from many sources like movies and television.Education is the key to managing violence. The Virginia Tech shooting serves to raise awareness; it is an incident that teachers can highlight to students for them to understand the reality of violence.
- Special thanks to Gary Tan to typing this out. http://fhornconcerto-.blogspot.com/2007/04/this-morning-i-was-reading-digital-life.html. His last comments were - "Whew, i have just spend a good 17 minutes typing this out.Recently, MSS has been getting a lot of limelight. People used to know us as a gangster school, or just your average neighbourhood, unheard of school. But we have proved otherwise. Now, when I tell people I'm from MSS, they will say things like "Orh! That school with the supercool principal/gaming centre/pro badminton team ah?". (:"
This morning, I was reading the Digital Life supplement in the Straits Times. Just as I was about to close the newspaper, I saw one very familiar face on the last page. The face belonged to someone I see nearly everyday. It was none other than Mr. Simen Lourds, MSS's very own principal, and the 'Montfort Giant Boss'.
This is the article:
Mr Simen Lourds is no geek. The principal of Montfort Secondary confesses to being "not very good at computers". Indeed, he ended up shooting his team-mates while trying his hand at Counterstrike recently.But the high-energy man, who picked up his guitar halfway during the interview to sing, is a student gamer's dream educator. He recently organised a DoTA All-Stars competition within the school and even paid for the prizes, worth $1,100 in all, out of his own pocket.
The 49-year-old has also fought for a gaming centre to be build on-campus, and has recently got the green light from MOE. The $80,000 gaming centre, located near the general office, will be where student can play the latest games. It is expected to be ready by next month.given these efforts, the school won the Gears of War tournament at the Interschool eGaming Challenge 2007, beating 16 teams from 14 schools.No doubt, his openness towards gaming has endeared the principal, a former national athlete, to his students in his all-boys school.
Among the many SMS messages received from them is this one : "You are THE best principal!"So far, there have been none of the adverse effects such as falling grades that is often linked to video games. The school has obtained value-added academic results for the past three years, something Mr Lourds expects will continue even after the gaming centre is well underway.
Why are you bringing computer games into the school, when other schools are doing exactly the opposite - banning them?
You can't stop students from gaming. It's the interest of the new generation, and the schools are fighting a losing battle trying to stop it.I won't fight it, I will manage it instead. Furthermore, we want many peaks of excellence - our students should also have talents in other areas rather than just academic (ones).
What are the benefits that the gaming centre will bring to the students?
Firstly, by making gaming services available in the school, my students don't have to go to outside gaming centres and be exposed to negative influences or health hazards there, such as smoking.Secondly, we can also manage them better. For example, before they can even play, they must first buy a coupon and get the teachers who have taught them on that day to sign it, certifying that they have completed their homework and have no CCAs to attend.
Once the coupon is signed, the students can then use it to start playing their games.We will also control their play time. After playing for two hours, they will have to stop and report to a waiting bay, where there will be plants to provide fresh air and a board displaying some eye and hand exercises for them to follow. They can only return to their games after 15 minutes or so.Currently, we are looking at ways to make gaming more healthy. for example, most gaming centres use neon lights, which are harmful to health.
Our gaming centre will be illuminated by natural sunlight instead.I will also be setting up a club for students, who will play a part in managing the gaming centre. This will help foster entrepreneurship in them.
Did your plans to set up a gaming centre in school meet with any resistance from parents?
They loved it! Some of them did raise their concerns, but once I explained the concept to them, they realised they preferred to have their children here, where their gameplay is monitored and their health taken into account, instead of gaming centres outside which many not have any social responsibility.As the principal of a Catholic school, doesn't it disturb you that most computer games involve violence? Life itself is violent, with all the tsunamis, earthquakes, and wars. We have to get our students ready for real life and not try to shelter them.However, there are some games that do go overboard. When a game is deemed unsuitable by them, students and teachers, who act as consultants, will come to me. I will personally test out (the game). If I find that it is indeed too graphic or too violent, I will ban it.
But the recent Virginia Tech shootings by the south Korean student...
We have to understand that violence is not just from computer games alone, but from many sources like movies and television.Education is the key to managing violence. The Virginia Tech shooting serves to raise awareness; it is an incident that teachers can highlight to students for them to understand the reality of violence.
- Special thanks to Gary Tan to typing this out. http://fhornconcerto-.blogspot.com/2007/04/this-morning-i-was-reading-digital-life.html. His last comments were - "Whew, i have just spend a good 17 minutes typing this out.Recently, MSS has been getting a lot of limelight. People used to know us as a gangster school, or just your average neighbourhood, unheard of school. But we have proved otherwise. Now, when I tell people I'm from MSS, they will say things like "Orh! That school with the supercool principal/gaming centre/pro badminton team ah?". (:"
Monday, April 23, 2007
Founder's Day Celebrations - 21st April 2007
Brother Gasper Xaviar, Provincial Superior of the Brothers of St Gabriels graced our Founder's Day with his presence. He also helped open and bless our gallery of Brothers found at the front porch of the school.
As part of the celebrations it was a heart-moving experience for many to watch a video titled "A Day in the Life of a Montfortian", which showed how the Junior School and Secondary School dovetailed the mission and vision of the school into a single comman experience. Most touching was to watch Mr Simen playing the guitar for our students and seeing Ms Judina Cheong waving goodbye to all of us to conclude the video. Other videos included interviews with Brother Emmanuel, Brother Dominic Yeo-Koh, Mr Chua Cher Choon and Mr Ronald Tan reminiscing and telling us what it means to be a Montfortian.
Top students from our PSLE, GCE E and N Level students were honored. So too, were top CCA Colours Awards winners. The highlight of the awards presentation went to Benedict Foo (T-Score of 216) and who emerged with 7A1s. Other importaht highlights included tribute paid to Magesh and Mathan, the proud twins of Mr Sivakumar, who chose Montfort as their first choice despite doing so well in their PSLE exams.
The Founder's Day ended with the singing of the school song with great gusto and crackers firing ribbons in all directions. A lunch reception was held with Mr Simen entertaining our guests (which included Principals of St Gabriel's and Assumption English School) with his signature guitar playing skills and songs.
As part of the celebrations it was a heart-moving experience for many to watch a video titled "A Day in the Life of a Montfortian", which showed how the Junior School and Secondary School dovetailed the mission and vision of the school into a single comman experience. Most touching was to watch Mr Simen playing the guitar for our students and seeing Ms Judina Cheong waving goodbye to all of us to conclude the video. Other videos included interviews with Brother Emmanuel, Brother Dominic Yeo-Koh, Mr Chua Cher Choon and Mr Ronald Tan reminiscing and telling us what it means to be a Montfortian.
Top students from our PSLE, GCE E and N Level students were honored. So too, were top CCA Colours Awards winners. The highlight of the awards presentation went to Benedict Foo (T-Score of 216) and who emerged with 7A1s. Other importaht highlights included tribute paid to Magesh and Mathan, the proud twins of Mr Sivakumar, who chose Montfort as their first choice despite doing so well in their PSLE exams.
The Founder's Day ended with the singing of the school song with great gusto and crackers firing ribbons in all directions. A lunch reception was held with Mr Simen entertaining our guests (which included Principals of St Gabriel's and Assumption English School) with his signature guitar playing skills and songs.
Founder's Day Mass
20th April - Founder's Day Mass
Montfort School celebrated our 91st Founder's Day with a Holy Mass. The mass was said by Father Gerard Weerakoon.
The mass began with a prayer by Mr Lloyd Yeo. It was fitting that the prayer was found in St Louis Grignion de Montfort's own writing on how schools should begin and how schools should be run.
"O Holy Spirit, enlighten us
Come, inflame each one of us.
Rule us, inspire our prayers.
For we can do nothing without you" - Original Rule La Sagesse
There was also a very enlightening sermon by Father Gerard. He spoke St Louis Grignion de Montfort's life. He was always close to God. He was brainy and always prayerful. The prayerful life kept him on the straight and narrow. It also kept him close to God and enlightened.
Father Gerard then related this to the problems of youths today. He spoke about Emo-kids (a fad of self-mutilation) and listening to violent, inappropriate music by such bands as Paul Boy. "The question youths have", he said, "is always about who or what to follow. They are filled with so much pain and confused emotions."
Father Gerard said that if prayerfulness, filling your life with 'Godliness' and using Montfort's life as a model was the solution to the problems of troubled youths today. It would give serenity and calm to your lives. (In a a frank revelation, Fr Gerard even mentioned that he had a friendster account in which he lists his favorite music as Gregorian chants and prayers)
He went on to add,
"If at Mass, a God so large and so powerful can become so small
and be present in bread and wine, what more would be capable of.
Start with the small things which you can change.
Be patient, persevering and prayerful
Do not be a tortured Soul.
God helps you in your life or else it would all seem so complicated.
Always keep the good name of the school and the founder.
Follow his example of having a devotion (St Louis Grignion de Montfort was devoted to Mary, the Virign Mother of Jesus)
Seek her intercession.
Keep the good name and walk in the life of St Louis Grignion de Montfort
Amen."
Mr Leow and Father Gerard praised our boys for being so well behaved and participative at mass. It was also heartening and deeply meaningful to see that some of our Catholic boys in the front row kneeling in prayer at Consecreation Time like 'Salt of the Earth' and 'Light of the World' .
Montfort School celebrated our 91st Founder's Day with a Holy Mass. The mass was said by Father Gerard Weerakoon.
The mass began with a prayer by Mr Lloyd Yeo. It was fitting that the prayer was found in St Louis Grignion de Montfort's own writing on how schools should begin and how schools should be run.
"O Holy Spirit, enlighten us
Come, inflame each one of us.
Rule us, inspire our prayers.
For we can do nothing without you" - Original Rule La Sagesse
There was also a very enlightening sermon by Father Gerard. He spoke St Louis Grignion de Montfort's life. He was always close to God. He was brainy and always prayerful. The prayerful life kept him on the straight and narrow. It also kept him close to God and enlightened.
Father Gerard then related this to the problems of youths today. He spoke about Emo-kids (a fad of self-mutilation) and listening to violent, inappropriate music by such bands as Paul Boy. "The question youths have", he said, "is always about who or what to follow. They are filled with so much pain and confused emotions."
Father Gerard said that if prayerfulness, filling your life with 'Godliness' and using Montfort's life as a model was the solution to the problems of troubled youths today. It would give serenity and calm to your lives. (In a a frank revelation, Fr Gerard even mentioned that he had a friendster account in which he lists his favorite music as Gregorian chants and prayers)
He went on to add,
"If at Mass, a God so large and so powerful can become so small
and be present in bread and wine, what more would be capable of.
Start with the small things which you can change.
Be patient, persevering and prayerful
Do not be a tortured Soul.
God helps you in your life or else it would all seem so complicated.
Always keep the good name of the school and the founder.
Follow his example of having a devotion (St Louis Grignion de Montfort was devoted to Mary, the Virign Mother of Jesus)
Seek her intercession.
Keep the good name and walk in the life of St Louis Grignion de Montfort
Amen."
Mr Leow and Father Gerard praised our boys for being so well behaved and participative at mass. It was also heartening and deeply meaningful to see that some of our Catholic boys in the front row kneeling in prayer at Consecreation Time like 'Salt of the Earth' and 'Light of the World' .
Justice is Sweet! Sports News
Badminton News
On 16th July, we received news of Montfort's defeat by Boon Lay Secondary in the semi-finals to the C Boys Badminton National Schools Tournament. It was the first loss in several years and the bad news hit us like a sledgehammer. We lost of several technicalities - discrepencies on the ground rules; suspected irregularities on line-ups; strategic errors; fan interference and intimidation. But a loss is a loss and in typical sportsmanlike and gentlemanly conduct, we congratulated the winners in true Montfortian manner. It was ironic that Boon Lay was a school which Mr Simen had taught in and in his words 'It took a school in his own backyard to beat us'.
There is always poetic justice in sports. (Poetic Justice = a misfortune which punishes as if it had been intended by divine providence). On 24th April, Montfort emerged champions in the B Division. There were again irregularities on ground rules but this time, we beat the odds to win the title for the 5th year running. We won 3 games out of 2. No mean feat!
The proud and tremendous school spirit displayed at Jurong Sports Hall was endemic and spread like the plague bacillus. Mr Adrian Leow even announced at today's assembly that a blog from a girl from Xinmin school revealed that she would have loved to be a student in the school. It's a pity she's a girl and never had the chance to study here. She would have loved that experience and loved us.
Mr Simen spoke about how Montfort fought so hard to win the tournament. The Sports School played their doubles brilliantly. They attacked our teams vigorously and kept their service low. It reminded Mr Simen of the badminton rivalry played between the Sidek Brothers (Jalani/Razif) and the Indonesia pair (Tony Gunawan/Halim Haryanto). Mr Simen pointed out that the Sidek Brothers were like Montfort doubles:
a. Inconsistency.
Serve the shuttles low. Only change strategy when you are breaking their rhythm.
b. The Best Offence is the Best Defence
Montfort team like Sidek brothers were content to play defensive, and play it brilliantly. But how brilliantly can you play defence? When you play on the defensive, you lose the initiative. Even worse, brilliance is never seen throughout the game. It comes in sun bursts and flashes. You can play good defence in 20-25 strokes but still lose the matc point.So, the best offence is the best defence.
c. Drive, not lift
On 16th July, we received news of Montfort's defeat by Boon Lay Secondary in the semi-finals to the C Boys Badminton National Schools Tournament. It was the first loss in several years and the bad news hit us like a sledgehammer. We lost of several technicalities - discrepencies on the ground rules; suspected irregularities on line-ups; strategic errors; fan interference and intimidation. But a loss is a loss and in typical sportsmanlike and gentlemanly conduct, we congratulated the winners in true Montfortian manner. It was ironic that Boon Lay was a school which Mr Simen had taught in and in his words 'It took a school in his own backyard to beat us'.
There is always poetic justice in sports. (Poetic Justice = a misfortune which punishes as if it had been intended by divine providence). On 24th April, Montfort emerged champions in the B Division. There were again irregularities on ground rules but this time, we beat the odds to win the title for the 5th year running. We won 3 games out of 2. No mean feat!
The proud and tremendous school spirit displayed at Jurong Sports Hall was endemic and spread like the plague bacillus. Mr Adrian Leow even announced at today's assembly that a blog from a girl from Xinmin school revealed that she would have loved to be a student in the school. It's a pity she's a girl and never had the chance to study here. She would have loved that experience and loved us.
Mr Simen spoke about how Montfort fought so hard to win the tournament. The Sports School played their doubles brilliantly. They attacked our teams vigorously and kept their service low. It reminded Mr Simen of the badminton rivalry played between the Sidek Brothers (Jalani/Razif) and the Indonesia pair (Tony Gunawan/Halim Haryanto). Mr Simen pointed out that the Sidek Brothers were like Montfort doubles:
a. Inconsistency.
Serve the shuttles low. Only change strategy when you are breaking their rhythm.
b. The Best Offence is the Best Defence
Montfort team like Sidek brothers were content to play defensive, and play it brilliantly. But how brilliantly can you play defence? When you play on the defensive, you lose the initiative. Even worse, brilliance is never seen throughout the game. It comes in sun bursts and flashes. You can play good defence in 20-25 strokes but still lose the matc point.So, the best offence is the best defence.
c. Drive, not lift
Montfort team tended to keep lifting the shuttle and getting 'smashed' by their oppnents. Drive, not lift. Perhaps the advice was 'too little too late'.
So some advice for all.
(i) Listen and listen attentively
(ii) Self discipline
(iii) Focus and attention. The good player sees and hears nothing.
(iv) Nature is simple. Don't complicate it. You don't need fancy stuff.
(v) Have a Big Heart - Montfort badminton is not just about Montfort. It is also about Singapore badminton and national goals / needs.
Police Cup Rugby Finals
Montfort was Runner's Up in the Police Cup Rugby Finals played on 13th April, Friday. Several of our key players were hurt which prevented us from fielding a top grade team. 5 out of our 17 key players were hurt.
Again, the indomitable spirit of our rugby players showed. And true to the school's proud name, the fans displayed characteristic youthful exuberance and energy.
Mr Simen mentioned that it had taken years and even decades for top Rugby Schoos like RI, St Andrew's, SJI to emerge as champions. Within a span of 4-5 years, we are now top 5 in the nation. Our Alumni team had even won the French Open tournament beating the likes of Australia and France. Be Optimistic. Stay focussed and all will go well.
Wushu National Tournament
Injury seemed to hurt us in the Wushu tournament again. We were still able to harness one silver award and three bronze awards for the various weapon categories.
Parting Shot
As a parting salvo, Mr Simen gave an analysis of our sports achievements and targets revealed glaring areas which we need to focus on:
a. Self-discipline/ Team-discipline;
b. Focus;
c. Listening with the heart and understanding with the head;
d. Flawless execution of strategy and tactics
Then only would we be truly great.
Monday, April 16, 2007
It's Good To Be Back - 16 April 2007
16 April 2007
The Giant's Back - The Importance of Spirituality
Mr Simen spoke about his trip to Kluang. He spoke about his visit to the church where he grew up in, the visit to his Father's grave, the visit to his old home which is now overgrown like a jungle, his visit to Brother Mango and Mr Coconut on the Happy Hunting Grounds of his soccer field, his visit to his school which is now a hostel, as well as his trip to Montfort Boy's Town in Shah Alam.
Most importantly, Mr Simen spoke about the importance of spirituality. It is the dialogue with yourself and your inner self which is most important. This internal dialogue should be guided and directed by Gospel and Religious values. If you do not have a religion, it should be guided by the values of the school.
a. Be Humble
b. Have Faith and Compassion
c. Have Integrity
d. Respect Others and value teamwork/ teamspirit
e. Have passion and perseverance.
If you are MERELY a scholar, you are useless
Mr Simen spoke about how being merely a scholar was useless. It does not transcend data, informaton and knowledge or (DIK). In order to transcend DIK and thereby attain wisdom and true learning, you have to become a Man for Others. The scholar, the gentleman, the sportsman, the leader can only be transcended and meaningful if you are a Man for Others.
Pointing to the cross and the statue of St Louis Grignion de Montfort, Mr Simen added, "I am but a follower but I am also their embodienment". You have to role-model your values.
He also used learning organization language to drive hom the point that systems and structures are necessary for these values to be learnt and mastered.
A dire warning was given to everyone:
"If you focus on yourself and only think about yourself, it will swallow you whole".
Think of others, help others and love your fellow man, and you would be deal with all kinds
of troubles which come your way"
The Way We Want It To Be, Not Others
Mr Simen then mentioned that wholistic education was the focus and referred to the survey which the boys completed last Friday . He told the teachers and students to speak to him if they did not see eye-to-eye on the survey. Mr Simen he promised that he would not fault them. He would explain it to them and if necessary help place them in a more suitable and happier environment.
The Giant's Back - The Importance of Spirituality
Mr Simen spoke about his trip to Kluang. He spoke about his visit to the church where he grew up in, the visit to his Father's grave, the visit to his old home which is now overgrown like a jungle, his visit to Brother Mango and Mr Coconut on the Happy Hunting Grounds of his soccer field, his visit to his school which is now a hostel, as well as his trip to Montfort Boy's Town in Shah Alam.
Most importantly, Mr Simen spoke about the importance of spirituality. It is the dialogue with yourself and your inner self which is most important. This internal dialogue should be guided and directed by Gospel and Religious values. If you do not have a religion, it should be guided by the values of the school.
a. Be Humble
b. Have Faith and Compassion
c. Have Integrity
d. Respect Others and value teamwork/ teamspirit
e. Have passion and perseverance.
If you are MERELY a scholar, you are useless
Mr Simen spoke about how being merely a scholar was useless. It does not transcend data, informaton and knowledge or (DIK). In order to transcend DIK and thereby attain wisdom and true learning, you have to become a Man for Others. The scholar, the gentleman, the sportsman, the leader can only be transcended and meaningful if you are a Man for Others.
Pointing to the cross and the statue of St Louis Grignion de Montfort, Mr Simen added, "I am but a follower but I am also their embodienment". You have to role-model your values.
He also used learning organization language to drive hom the point that systems and structures are necessary for these values to be learnt and mastered.
A dire warning was given to everyone:
"If you focus on yourself and only think about yourself, it will swallow you whole".
Think of others, help others and love your fellow man, and you would be deal with all kinds
of troubles which come your way"
The Way We Want It To Be, Not Others
Mr Simen then mentioned that wholistic education was the focus and referred to the survey which the boys completed last Friday . He told the teachers and students to speak to him if they did not see eye-to-eye on the survey. Mr Simen he promised that he would not fault them. He would explain it to them and if necessary help place them in a more suitable and happier environment.
Friday, April 13, 2007
International Friendship Day
April 14
International Friendship Day
Radio Montfort was up playing again in the morning. It was international friendship day and parent volunteers from the parent support group came early in the morning to prepare food for the boys. Morning prayer and reflection, as well as assembly talk, was about international friendship day.
Contact Time
At Contact Time, there was a sharing about school bullying by Trevor and how there is zero tolerance in the school for such incidents. There was also a sharing about how bullying must be stopped with the form teachers playing a most critical role in building class unity and esprit de corps which would be inclusive in nature. Subject teachers play a similarly imporant role. It was the moral obligation of all teachers to do so. Outside of the classroom, even when there are such incidents occuring all teachers must have the moral courage and obligation to intervene and adopt the right measures. It is about justice, duties and obligations.
There was also a sharing about wholistic report cards and school graduation certificates which would be prepared at the end of the year. Teachers could use the following structures to do so.
a. Sportsman (Describe using an adjective. Give evidence from his CCA, NAFA, School participation data)
b. Scholar (Describe using an adjective. Give evidence from his academic performance and level of curiosity and inquisitiveness.)
c. Leader (Describe using an adjective. Give evidence from his CCA and leadership positions)
d. Gentleman (Describe using an adjective which summarizes his character - whether compassionate or discerning. Give evidence from his willingness to help others and Community Involement Project records)
An additional tip was given.
(i) Use the thesaurus ; (ii) When concerned about grammar and language. Keep the sentences short.
Subject Combination Talk
In the evening, there was a subject combination talk held for Sec Two students and their parents. Several students came on their own accord because theire parents were busy working in the evening. More than 80% of all parents/students came. It was a huge success. It warms the heart to know that many parents give the school their full support.
NCDCC Day
April 19th
NCDCC Day
April 19th was NCDCC Day. There was a very impressive ceremony conducted by Mr Howard Tan and his NCDCC cadets. It included his troopers marching in synchronization with each other into the assembly ground and a grand flag ceremony. It was a parade which impressed so many boys. Our newest uniform group has come of age. It has even set a standard of parade for our NPCC, Scouts and NCC to follow.
The NCDCC message was read. The contents was about how Singapore has to be ready in times of emergency. It was also about how NCDCC cadets and the Civil Defence Force contributes critical services in such moments of need. First aid, ambulance services, urban search and rescue missions in the event of disasters, fire fighting services and many other such important services of national importance.
Message from Mr Simen
Mr Adrian Leow played an audio message from Mr Simen. It was later read out as a message. In the audio message, Mr Simen thanked the boys for their messages of support. He promised not to let them down. He told the boys to pray for him and let the Holy Spirit be their guide. The message ended with Mr Simen's signature phrase - "God bless you all and I love you, Giants."
NCDCC Day
April 19th was NCDCC Day. There was a very impressive ceremony conducted by Mr Howard Tan and his NCDCC cadets. It included his troopers marching in synchronization with each other into the assembly ground and a grand flag ceremony. It was a parade which impressed so many boys. Our newest uniform group has come of age. It has even set a standard of parade for our NPCC, Scouts and NCC to follow.
The NCDCC message was read. The contents was about how Singapore has to be ready in times of emergency. It was also about how NCDCC cadets and the Civil Defence Force contributes critical services in such moments of need. First aid, ambulance services, urban search and rescue missions in the event of disasters, fire fighting services and many other such important services of national importance.
Message from Mr Simen
Mr Adrian Leow played an audio message from Mr Simen. It was later read out as a message. In the audio message, Mr Simen thanked the boys for their messages of support. He promised not to let them down. He told the boys to pray for him and let the Holy Spirit be their guide. The message ended with Mr Simen's signature phrase - "God bless you all and I love you, Giants."
April 10: Radio Montfort
School tried out a new project called Radio Montfort to 'prepare' the ground for International Friendship Day. Mr Yeo was Mr DJ. It was a very successful morning with songs like 'The Boxer', 'Rockin' Robin' playing and dedications being made to rugby boys for their tournaments and individual students. Some boys from 1A2 who called themselves the Teriyaki Boys even dedicated a song to Mr Simen with the message 'We Love You'.
At Hall Asssembly today, Mr Lloyd Yeo spoke about the life of Montfort and the life of Brother Noel. The band also played in the school hall as part of Founder's Day Celebrations. Mr Yeo explained how you can listen and appreciate music through the various instruments heard.
Below are some excerpts on Mr Yeo's talk about the life of Montfort and Brother Noel:
On the Founder: Louis Grignion De Montfort
His books are summarized in three main ideas:
a. Wisdom - Few will ever have it and are worthy of it. It is a long journey.
To know Jesus Christ, the Eternal Wisdom, is to know enough.
To know everything and not know Him is to know nothing.
A thousand times happier is the man into whose soul Wisdom has come to dwell.
To acquire Wisdom we must seek Him ardently.
We must be willing to abandon all,
to suffer all,
and to undertake all things in order to possess Him.
There are but few who find Him
because there are but few who seek Him
in a manner worthy of Him." - Love of the Eternal Wisdom
b. Cross - Suffering: All of us are called to do so
Born in the sorrowful Heart of the Saviour,
a friend of the Cross comes into the world through His right side,
stained with His Blood;
he never forgets his birth and crosses, death to the world, the flesh, and sin are all he lives for,
that even in this world he may be hid with Christ in God.
He triumphs over the devil, the world, and the flesh and their three-fold concupiscence.
He overthrows the pride of Satan by his love for humiliation,
he triumphs over the world's greed by his love for poverty,
and he restrains the sensuality of the flesh by his love for suffering
"'Be brave,' they keep saying to each other,
'be brave, for if God is for us and leading us,
who dare be against us?
The One Who is dwelling within us is stronger than the one who is in the world;
no servant is above his master;
one moment of light tribulation works an eternal weight of glory.
There are fewer elect than man may think;
only the brave and daring take heaven by storm;
the crown is given only to those who strive lawfully according to the Gospel,
not according to the fashion of the world.
Let us pour all our strength into the fight,
and run very fast to reach the goal and win the crown.'” - Friends of the Cross
c. Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus
It is through the most holy Virgin Mary
that Jesus came into the world,
and it is also through her that he has to reign in the world.
It was through Mary that the salvation of the world was begun,
and it is through Mary that it must be consummated.
Devotion to Our Blessed Lady is necessary for salvation.
He who has not Mary for his Mother has not God for his Father.
"It is necessary for the greater knowledge and glory of the Most Holy Trinity,
that Mary should be more than ever known.
Mary must shine forth more than ever in mercy, in might, and in grace in these later times
Brother Noel (Berthomieu)
Brother Noel was a severe man and took everything literally. He could hardly joke but he was a great fund raiser and helped built up the many extensions for both Montfort and St Gabriel's School. He was also later Principal of St Gabriel's School.
Mr Yeo spoke about how Brother Noel and Brother Emmanuel were scooping ice cream below the Brother's Quarters to raise funds for the scouts in 1954/1955. When asked why he did not involve the scouts, Brother Noel mentioned that the scouts had many other duties to perform and studies to do. This was an example of how he led as a role-model to him.
Brother Noel was also a disciplinarian. He believed that discipline was important for students to learn. The boys called his hands 'Big Bananas' in Teochew because he was a heavy-set man with huge hands. When he slapped any errant boy, they would go flying.
Mr Yeo also spoke about the vows that Brothers make. The vow of poverty, chastity and obedience. Brothers serve noble causes because they devote their whole life to education. Their dream is to go to a mission land, serve the cause and die there, never to return.
Another anecdote told was about Brother Noel's compassion. When he was Principal of St Gabriel's School, a little Secondary One pupil had gone up to him and said that he was not feeling well and wanted to be sent home. Brother Noel felt something was amiss and sent him home, telling the mother to send him to the hospital and to inform him of any updates. The next morning, Brother Noel received a phone call that the boy had died. It changed him into an even more compassionate pupil.
Unknown to the students, it was also through Brother Noel's guidance, talks and closeness to Archbishop Nicholas Chia that he eventually decided to enter into priesthood.
Brother Noel died because he was transfused with the wrong kind of blood at the age of 54.
When Brother Noel died, he had the largest funeral attendance by any of the Brothers. He had an entourage of traffic cops who accompanied the hearst and stopped all traffic at all major road junctions to accord the highest respect to Brother Noel. The hearst drove from the Church of the Nativity in Upper Serangoon to St Joseph's Church / Boy's Town in Upper Bukit Timah where he was buried.
At Hall Asssembly today, Mr Lloyd Yeo spoke about the life of Montfort and the life of Brother Noel. The band also played in the school hall as part of Founder's Day Celebrations. Mr Yeo explained how you can listen and appreciate music through the various instruments heard.
Below are some excerpts on Mr Yeo's talk about the life of Montfort and Brother Noel:
On the Founder: Louis Grignion De Montfort
His books are summarized in three main ideas:
a. Wisdom - Few will ever have it and are worthy of it. It is a long journey.
To know Jesus Christ, the Eternal Wisdom, is to know enough.
To know everything and not know Him is to know nothing.
A thousand times happier is the man into whose soul Wisdom has come to dwell.
To acquire Wisdom we must seek Him ardently.
We must be willing to abandon all,
to suffer all,
and to undertake all things in order to possess Him.
There are but few who find Him
because there are but few who seek Him
in a manner worthy of Him." - Love of the Eternal Wisdom
b. Cross - Suffering: All of us are called to do so
Born in the sorrowful Heart of the Saviour,
a friend of the Cross comes into the world through His right side,
stained with His Blood;
he never forgets his birth and crosses, death to the world, the flesh, and sin are all he lives for,
that even in this world he may be hid with Christ in God.
He triumphs over the devil, the world, and the flesh and their three-fold concupiscence.
He overthrows the pride of Satan by his love for humiliation,
he triumphs over the world's greed by his love for poverty,
and he restrains the sensuality of the flesh by his love for suffering
"'Be brave,' they keep saying to each other,
'be brave, for if God is for us and leading us,
who dare be against us?
The One Who is dwelling within us is stronger than the one who is in the world;
no servant is above his master;
one moment of light tribulation works an eternal weight of glory.
There are fewer elect than man may think;
only the brave and daring take heaven by storm;
the crown is given only to those who strive lawfully according to the Gospel,
not according to the fashion of the world.
Let us pour all our strength into the fight,
and run very fast to reach the goal and win the crown.'” - Friends of the Cross
c. Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus
It is through the most holy Virgin Mary
that Jesus came into the world,
and it is also through her that he has to reign in the world.
It was through Mary that the salvation of the world was begun,
and it is through Mary that it must be consummated.
Devotion to Our Blessed Lady is necessary for salvation.
He who has not Mary for his Mother has not God for his Father.
"It is necessary for the greater knowledge and glory of the Most Holy Trinity,
that Mary should be more than ever known.
Mary must shine forth more than ever in mercy, in might, and in grace in these later times
Brother Noel (Berthomieu)
Brother Noel was a severe man and took everything literally. He could hardly joke but he was a great fund raiser and helped built up the many extensions for both Montfort and St Gabriel's School. He was also later Principal of St Gabriel's School.
Mr Yeo spoke about how Brother Noel and Brother Emmanuel were scooping ice cream below the Brother's Quarters to raise funds for the scouts in 1954/1955. When asked why he did not involve the scouts, Brother Noel mentioned that the scouts had many other duties to perform and studies to do. This was an example of how he led as a role-model to him.
Brother Noel was also a disciplinarian. He believed that discipline was important for students to learn. The boys called his hands 'Big Bananas' in Teochew because he was a heavy-set man with huge hands. When he slapped any errant boy, they would go flying.
Mr Yeo also spoke about the vows that Brothers make. The vow of poverty, chastity and obedience. Brothers serve noble causes because they devote their whole life to education. Their dream is to go to a mission land, serve the cause and die there, never to return.
Another anecdote told was about Brother Noel's compassion. When he was Principal of St Gabriel's School, a little Secondary One pupil had gone up to him and said that he was not feeling well and wanted to be sent home. Brother Noel felt something was amiss and sent him home, telling the mother to send him to the hospital and to inform him of any updates. The next morning, Brother Noel received a phone call that the boy had died. It changed him into an even more compassionate pupil.
Unknown to the students, it was also through Brother Noel's guidance, talks and closeness to Archbishop Nicholas Chia that he eventually decided to enter into priesthood.
Brother Noel died because he was transfused with the wrong kind of blood at the age of 54.
When Brother Noel died, he had the largest funeral attendance by any of the Brothers. He had an entourage of traffic cops who accompanied the hearst and stopped all traffic at all major road junctions to accord the highest respect to Brother Noel. The hearst drove from the Church of the Nativity in Upper Serangoon to St Joseph's Church / Boy's Town in Upper Bukit Timah where he was buried.
Monday, April 9, 2007
The Pilgrimage
April 9th - Mr Simen began assembly by telling our boys about Holy Week and Lent, as well as the Resurrection. He shared with the school about how he also had to suffer his own form of 'mini' passion and crucifixion, which took shape through complaints by 'nay-sayers', 'know-it-alls'. Mr Simen then explained the context behind specific complaints made by 'grumbler's and 'rumblers' about UGs, rude outsiders, ill-disciplined students at assemblies and morning motivational speeches/talks.
"Smses and forums with students, SEC meetings, Contact time meetings. open sharings are allowed for divergent views but where are the voices?", Mr Simen asked.
'There are many boys who have smsed and thanked me. What are just 3 or 4 complaints which are not indicative of how the students feel about me and the school? I love the school and you love the school too. I have given unselfishly to our boys", Mr Simen fought to control his tears, then added, "I am going to Kluang to visit my dad's grave, my mom and to retrace my roots. I have to do some soul-searching but I will always love you". He blessed the boys and said a special prayer for all teachers and students of the school.
Mr Adran Leow (1), Mr Wu Tian Hwee (2), Mr Lloyd Yeo (3) and Mrs Lim Shong Chuan (3) will cover duties in the absence of the Principal. Mr Simen also spoke about how his best friend and betrayed him, as well as the pain he felt.
"Smses and forums with students, SEC meetings, Contact time meetings. open sharings are allowed for divergent views but where are the voices?", Mr Simen asked.
'There are many boys who have smsed and thanked me. What are just 3 or 4 complaints which are not indicative of how the students feel about me and the school? I love the school and you love the school too. I have given unselfishly to our boys", Mr Simen fought to control his tears, then added, "I am going to Kluang to visit my dad's grave, my mom and to retrace my roots. I have to do some soul-searching but I will always love you". He blessed the boys and said a special prayer for all teachers and students of the school.
Mr Adran Leow (1), Mr Wu Tian Hwee (2), Mr Lloyd Yeo (3) and Mrs Lim Shong Chuan (3) will cover duties in the absence of the Principal. Mr Simen also spoke about how his best friend and betrayed him, as well as the pain he felt.
Good Friday & Easter Sunday - Sermon on the Mount II
6th April - Good Friday. Day of Fast and Abstinence for Catholics
7th April - Easter Sunder. Catholics and Christians celebrate Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Mr Simen held a gathering for some teachers at his home on Easter Sunday. He delivered some advice on how to build strong families:
On Family
1. Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the Church... Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. .. A man who loves his wife loves himself.....Scripture says, A man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife and the two will become one"....Every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband....Children, it is your duty to obey your parents for this is the right thing to do. "Respectr your father and your mtoher" is the first commandment that has a promise added: "so that all may go well with you and you may live a long time in the land.". Parents, do not treaty your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction" - St Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 7:21-32
The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to live alone. I will make a suiable companion to help him...The Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took out one of the man's ribs and closed up the flesh. He formed a woman out of the rib and brought her to him. Then the man said, "At last, here is one of my own kind - Bone taken from my bone and flesh from my flesh. Woman is her name because she was taken out of a man". That isan leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one. - Story of Adam and Eve. Book of Genesis 1:18-24
Mr Simen pointed out that the best way to change your wife, husband, brother, sister, father, mother was to change yourself first. "All is fair in love and life", he said.
On Work and Family Concerns
Mr Simen also spoke about working as a professional. He said that one should never take his problems in the home into the workplace. A true professional can separate work from the affairs and worries about home.
On Your Own Parents
Mr Simen spoke about the importance of loving your own father and mother. Parents have unconditional love for their children. As such, it is a natural order of logical consequence that your mother and father are the people you trust and therefore love the most.
On Love
Mr Simen said that a person without love will be moody and depressed. As such, it was important to have love in your hearts. "Love is patient and kind. It is not jealous or conceited or proud. Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up and its faith, hope and patience never fail. ... Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love. (St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 13:8:13)
7th April - Easter Sunder. Catholics and Christians celebrate Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Mr Simen held a gathering for some teachers at his home on Easter Sunday. He delivered some advice on how to build strong families:
On Family
1. Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the Church... Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. .. A man who loves his wife loves himself.....Scripture says, A man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife and the two will become one"....Every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband....Children, it is your duty to obey your parents for this is the right thing to do. "Respectr your father and your mtoher" is the first commandment that has a promise added: "so that all may go well with you and you may live a long time in the land.". Parents, do not treaty your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction" - St Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 7:21-32
The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to live alone. I will make a suiable companion to help him...The Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took out one of the man's ribs and closed up the flesh. He formed a woman out of the rib and brought her to him. Then the man said, "At last, here is one of my own kind - Bone taken from my bone and flesh from my flesh. Woman is her name because she was taken out of a man". That isan leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one. - Story of Adam and Eve. Book of Genesis 1:18-24
Mr Simen pointed out that the best way to change your wife, husband, brother, sister, father, mother was to change yourself first. "All is fair in love and life", he said.
On Work and Family Concerns
Mr Simen also spoke about working as a professional. He said that one should never take his problems in the home into the workplace. A true professional can separate work from the affairs and worries about home.
On Your Own Parents
Mr Simen spoke about the importance of loving your own father and mother. Parents have unconditional love for their children. As such, it is a natural order of logical consequence that your mother and father are the people you trust and therefore love the most.
On Love
Mr Simen said that a person without love will be moody and depressed. As such, it was important to have love in your hearts. "Love is patient and kind. It is not jealous or conceited or proud. Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up and its faith, hope and patience never fail. ... Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love. (St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 13:8:13)
Holy Thursday - Emergency@Montfort E-Learning Day
April 7th. Ironically, this year, Holy Thursday (the day of Jesus Last Supper) coincides with two other events - the Chinese Ching Ming Festival and Emergency@Montfort E-Learning Day.
All students and staff (except a skeletal crew of key personnel) stayed home to simulate an emergeny exercise. Students from their home shad to respond to their form teachers and subject teachers via email, phones, e-learning platforms. The emergency exercise went on smoothly despite Hey Math e-learning platform malfunctioning. The emergency exercise was also a test to find out the readiness of Montort staff and teachers in cases of emergencies.
All students and staff (except a skeletal crew of key personnel) stayed home to simulate an emergeny exercise. Students from their home shad to respond to their form teachers and subject teachers via email, phones, e-learning platforms. The emergency exercise went on smoothly despite Hey Math e-learning platform malfunctioning. The emergency exercise was also a test to find out the readiness of Montort staff and teachers in cases of emergencies.
Some Sporting News & CCA Updates
1. SYF ELDDS Competition
The ELDDS participated in the SYF competitions and performed very well. Special attention and great help was derived from relatives, parents and Mr Simen who put in some much effort in the last few days to motivate and get the boys to do well in the competitions. A grand feast was thrown for the parent volunteers by the Principal at Masala Art.
2. Softball
Softball C Boys continue to rock on, beating all their games in the North Zone tournament. They are on track for Champs in the zone.
Softball B Boys bowed out of the National Championships, losing out to ACS (Independent) in a nail biting second round game. If we had won, it would have placed Montfort into the semi-finals. Close but no cigar. But we are proud of our boys in all that they do.
Softball Alumni team participated in a Japanese open tournament. It was their first tournament as a team. Guided by Coach/PE teacher Wong Teck Piaw, the team will do well in the many years ahead.
3. Rugby
Rugby B Boys are into the Police Cup Semi-Finals. We wish them well in the games ahead.
The ELDDS participated in the SYF competitions and performed very well. Special attention and great help was derived from relatives, parents and Mr Simen who put in some much effort in the last few days to motivate and get the boys to do well in the competitions. A grand feast was thrown for the parent volunteers by the Principal at Masala Art.
2. Softball
Softball C Boys continue to rock on, beating all their games in the North Zone tournament. They are on track for Champs in the zone.
Softball B Boys bowed out of the National Championships, losing out to ACS (Independent) in a nail biting second round game. If we had won, it would have placed Montfort into the semi-finals. Close but no cigar. But we are proud of our boys in all that they do.
Softball Alumni team participated in a Japanese open tournament. It was their first tournament as a team. Guided by Coach/PE teacher Wong Teck Piaw, the team will do well in the many years ahead.
3. Rugby
Rugby B Boys are into the Police Cup Semi-Finals. We wish them well in the games ahead.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
In Remembrance of Brother Andrew
3 April 2007
Morning Briefing - E-Learning
Mr Simen, Mr Adrian Leow and Ms Cassandra Tan spoke about E-learning. Mr Simen's message was that the e-learning emergency exercise scheduled for Thursday was a test on our readiness to deal with emergencies. Scenarios like SARs, Avian Flu, terrorism outbreaks were real. The school wants to get feedback on whether the boys are able to respond quickly to such situations and communicate effectively with their teachers via phone, email or other e-learning platforms.
We Remember Brother Andrew
The school flag was flown at half mast and prayers aid for Brother Andrew, an old teacher of the school. Mr Lloyd Yeo, Mr Tan Thoh Cher who was Brother Andrew's student and Mr Edmund James who in Brother Andrew's,shared with students their experiences and stories with "the Giant who goes before me".
Bios:
Morning Briefing - E-Learning
Mr Simen, Mr Adrian Leow and Ms Cassandra Tan spoke about E-learning. Mr Simen's message was that the e-learning emergency exercise scheduled for Thursday was a test on our readiness to deal with emergencies. Scenarios like SARs, Avian Flu, terrorism outbreaks were real. The school wants to get feedback on whether the boys are able to respond quickly to such situations and communicate effectively with their teachers via phone, email or other e-learning platforms.
We Remember Brother Andrew
The school flag was flown at half mast and prayers aid for Brother Andrew, an old teacher of the school. Mr Lloyd Yeo, Mr Tan Thoh Cher who was Brother Andrew's student and Mr Edmund James who in Brother Andrew's,shared with students their experiences and stories with "the Giant who goes before me".
Bios:
- Born 9 Feb 1925 and passed on in April 2007
- Studied in St Gabriel's Normal School in Montreal, Canada and educated in London, 1944-1946.
- Taught at Rose High School, Standard VIII for several years
- Became a Brother of St Gabriel and posted to Madras, Singapore and later Papua New Guinea.
- Taught in Montfort 1960-1971.
Anecdotes.
Brother Andrew was a superb Chemistry teacher and Band master. Mr Tan Thoh Cher was his student and Mr Tan did well in chemistry because he liked Brother. Mr Tan told all of us, "if you like your teacher, chances are you will like you subject and do well in it too. "
Brother Andrew was always cheerful and lively. Mr Edmund James spoke about Brother Andrew's cheerfulness. Even when he had cancer and liver problems for 10 years, Brother Andrew still soldiered on with a smile perpetually on his face. Mr Tan reminsiced about how Brother even remembered him after 33 years. When Brother returned to Singapore in 1998, the ruddy-faced Brother still remembered Mr Tan's name and asked him, "Have you improved on your handwriting?". Bro Andrew then flashed his brilliant, trademark smile at Mr Tan and they both laughed at the matter.
Brother Andrew was considered the best teacher and most kind teacher at Montfort in his tenure there. He called his students 'his sons'. In a farewell letter Brother Andrew had written in 1971, he told his students that he loved his students so much and was even willing to surrender his life for them. He was so well-loved by his students that in 1998, his students even flew him into Singapore to celebrate the school's Founder's Day.
Our Upper Secondary Hall Assembly was a tribute concert to Brother Andrew. The School Band played two songs and ended with the school anthem, the Song of the Brave as their finale. Mr Simen and Mr Lloyd Yeo sang 'The Boxer' (Simon and Garfunkel) and likened it to the kind of fighting spirit Brother Andrew and the kind of never-say-die attitude that all boys must have and hone. Mr Simen also spoke about how 'The Boxer' was a difficult song to sing for him because his friend and him used to sing this song until his friend Lim Thiam Lye succumbed to a drug addiction problem and passed on.
As a finale, Mr Simen and Mr Faizan played "Listen to the Falling Rain" (Jose Feliciano). The heavens cry for Bro. Andrew. We will remember him well. Amen.
Puff the Magic Dragon
Sports Day Safety & Security
During the morning assembly, Mr Simen spoke about how he promised our guests that there would not be rain. In the end, there was only a short sudden downpour. It was the connection between earth and heaven which was faulty and only affected the first two races. Even then, it was a blessing in disguise because the boys continued to run with great gusto and vigour. Teachers and students also braved the elements in that brief moment to ensure that the races ran smoothly and safely.
School Safety - Mr Simen were very pleased Sports Day. Mr Simen praised and thanked the 1500 Montfortians who behaved well at the sports meet and kept on the "straight and narrow".
Mr Simen told the students that the only ugly incident which occured was when a family member of one of our boys insulted the office of the Principal and Montfort Secondary School. A heated argument broke out but even then, Mr Simen did not blame the errant young adult. "We can't fault him for being angry. It was a heated argument. Let it pass because the argument should not have happened in the first place!", Mr Simen exclaimed.
The main learning point was that the "uninvited guest" should not even have been allowed into the stadium. He had a bandana on with tattoos on his arms. He reeked of cigarette smoke and sat directly behind the principal, making snide comments with both words and mannerisms. There should have been more security for the principal, guests and students. Guests should have been checked and censored at the gates.
Joking and Matters of the Heart
Mr Simen spoke about how in jokes and matters of the heart, all is fair. If you can't take a joke, don't joke.
Minativ English Lessons
(a) Idioms and phrases
Some phrases were emphasized as part of the school's minativ project. These phrases have idiomatic meanings. (Idioms = forms of language and meaning peculiar to a particular language or dialect; characteristic mode of expression)
(i) sport of bother - "Dozens of motorists in Nakawa Division found themselves in a sport of bother, as heavy rains disrupted their activities"
This idiomatic phrase refers to something which is more of an irritant and a bother than any real problem.
(ii) fair to midland - "The night was intensely cold, indoors as well as out; the house was thin; the playing from fair to middling" - Horace Greeley, Recollections of a Busy Life, 1869.
This is s a Texas variation on the phrase, a joke on the name of the city called Midland in that state. It’s really fair to middling, a common phrase — in Britain as well as North America — for something that is moderate to average in quality, sometimes written the way people often say it, as fair to middlin’.
(iii) ashram cat - "It is very important not to follow instructions and systems blindly. Sometimes you must kill ashram cats in order to grow wiser and devise new methods of dealing with emergencies".
The word 'ashram means "religious hermitage". It crept it's way into the English dictionary in 1917 and comes from the Sanskrit word, . asramah, from a-, adnomial prefix, + sramah "effort, toll, fatigue." In today's usage, ashram refers to a place where a HIndu holy man lives alone or a house where people live together practising Hinduism.
The story of the ashram cat tells the story of a guru who conducts a darshan regularly. (In Hindu worship, the beholding of an auspicious deity, person, or object is called a darshan. Whoever views and attends the ceremony would also be blessed. Darshan may also be imparted by a guru to his disciples, a ruler to his subjects, or a pilgrimage shrine to its visitors. His darshan was frequently interrupted by a cat and so the holy man commanded that the cat be tied to a tree during meditation. When the guru died, his followers continued to tie the cat to the tree. When the cat died the faithful acquired a new cat which they also tied to the tree.
(iv) birthday suit - "Ladies are not allowed in my room because I have a habit of walking around in my birthday suit. So please knock, get an affirmative response, then enter."
"Birthday suit" is an idiom which refers to to the suit you wear when you were born - which is nothing. Birthday suit means a state of nakedness. In 18th-century Britain, this term originally referred to the clothes one wore on the king's birthday. Later it was jocularly (humorously) transferred to bare skin, alluding (implying) to the condition of a newborn baby.
(b) affixes - prefix, infix and suffix
An affix means "to attach, fasten". In the English language, there are two kinds of affixes, prefix and suffix.
Prefixes come before the root word as in "insufficient" or insubordinate". 'In' having the meaning of 'not' in these instances.
Suffixes come after the root word as in "systematic" or "automatic". "Ic" having the grammatical function of turning the root word into an adjective (word indiciating attribute/ descrption of noun)
In Tagalog, there were even infixes or words attached to the midle of the root word which served as semantic and grammatical functions. The example given was 'makan'.
(c) Pronounuciation and stress patterns
Stress patterns change when words are used in sentences.
For example, "blueberry" (pronounced 'blu-bear-ri') is stressed when uttered in isolation.
In sentences, "I love blueberries (prounounced 'blu-ber-ri').
Puff the Magic Dragon
Two boys were caught for smoking at Hougang Mall by members of the public. We thank members of the public (even better still, young and old Montfortains), for reporting them to the school so that action could be taken.
During the morning assembly, Mr Simen spoke about how he promised our guests that there would not be rain. In the end, there was only a short sudden downpour. It was the connection between earth and heaven which was faulty and only affected the first two races. Even then, it was a blessing in disguise because the boys continued to run with great gusto and vigour. Teachers and students also braved the elements in that brief moment to ensure that the races ran smoothly and safely.
School Safety - Mr Simen were very pleased Sports Day. Mr Simen praised and thanked the 1500 Montfortians who behaved well at the sports meet and kept on the "straight and narrow".
Mr Simen told the students that the only ugly incident which occured was when a family member of one of our boys insulted the office of the Principal and Montfort Secondary School. A heated argument broke out but even then, Mr Simen did not blame the errant young adult. "We can't fault him for being angry. It was a heated argument. Let it pass because the argument should not have happened in the first place!", Mr Simen exclaimed.
The main learning point was that the "uninvited guest" should not even have been allowed into the stadium. He had a bandana on with tattoos on his arms. He reeked of cigarette smoke and sat directly behind the principal, making snide comments with both words and mannerisms. There should have been more security for the principal, guests and students. Guests should have been checked and censored at the gates.
Joking and Matters of the Heart
Mr Simen spoke about how in jokes and matters of the heart, all is fair. If you can't take a joke, don't joke.
Minativ English Lessons
(a) Idioms and phrases
Some phrases were emphasized as part of the school's minativ project. These phrases have idiomatic meanings. (Idioms = forms of language and meaning peculiar to a particular language or dialect; characteristic mode of expression)
(i) sport of bother - "Dozens of motorists in Nakawa Division found themselves in a sport of bother, as heavy rains disrupted their activities"
This idiomatic phrase refers to something which is more of an irritant and a bother than any real problem.
(ii) fair to midland - "The night was intensely cold, indoors as well as out; the house was thin; the playing from fair to middling" - Horace Greeley, Recollections of a Busy Life, 1869.
This is s a Texas variation on the phrase, a joke on the name of the city called Midland in that state. It’s really fair to middling, a common phrase — in Britain as well as North America — for something that is moderate to average in quality, sometimes written the way people often say it, as fair to middlin’.
(iii) ashram cat - "It is very important not to follow instructions and systems blindly. Sometimes you must kill ashram cats in order to grow wiser and devise new methods of dealing with emergencies".
The word 'ashram means "religious hermitage". It crept it's way into the English dictionary in 1917 and comes from the Sanskrit word, . asramah, from a-, adnomial prefix, + sramah "effort, toll, fatigue." In today's usage, ashram refers to a place where a HIndu holy man lives alone or a house where people live together practising Hinduism.
The story of the ashram cat tells the story of a guru who conducts a darshan regularly. (In Hindu worship, the beholding of an auspicious deity, person, or object is called a darshan. Whoever views and attends the ceremony would also be blessed. Darshan may also be imparted by a guru to his disciples, a ruler to his subjects, or a pilgrimage shrine to its visitors. His darshan was frequently interrupted by a cat and so the holy man commanded that the cat be tied to a tree during meditation. When the guru died, his followers continued to tie the cat to the tree. When the cat died the faithful acquired a new cat which they also tied to the tree.
(iv) birthday suit - "Ladies are not allowed in my room because I have a habit of walking around in my birthday suit. So please knock, get an affirmative response, then enter."
"Birthday suit" is an idiom which refers to to the suit you wear when you were born - which is nothing. Birthday suit means a state of nakedness. In 18th-century Britain, this term originally referred to the clothes one wore on the king's birthday. Later it was jocularly (humorously) transferred to bare skin, alluding (implying) to the condition of a newborn baby.
(b) affixes - prefix, infix and suffix
An affix means "to attach, fasten". In the English language, there are two kinds of affixes, prefix and suffix.
Prefixes come before the root word as in "insufficient" or insubordinate". 'In' having the meaning of 'not' in these instances.
Suffixes come after the root word as in "systematic" or "automatic". "Ic" having the grammatical function of turning the root word into an adjective (word indiciating attribute/ descrption of noun)
In Tagalog, there were even infixes or words attached to the midle of the root word which served as semantic and grammatical functions. The example given was 'makan'.
(c) Pronounuciation and stress patterns
Stress patterns change when words are used in sentences.
For example, "blueberry" (pronounced 'blu-bear-ri') is stressed when uttered in isolation.
In sentences, "I love blueberries (prounounced 'blu-ber-ri').
Puff the Magic Dragon
Two boys were caught for smoking at Hougang Mall by members of the public. We thank members of the public (even better still, young and old Montfortains), for reporting them to the school so that action could be taken.
While singing 'Puff the Magic Dragon', Mr Simen twisted the lyrics of the song to suit the occassion and gave the offendors three strokes of the cane in front of the whole school. It was arguably the best example of using humor without sarcasm to teach our students right from wrong.
"Smoking may have been the norm in the past", he said, "but in our present age of wanting to build a green society, it stands out like a sore thumb. In caning the boys, Mr Simen emphasized that he hated the act, but not the boys. Justice had to be served because their records had piled high on similar offences. All manner of help had been given to them - warning, counselling, advice.
Congratulations to the newly promoted
Mr Simen Lourds congratulated Mr Lloyd Yeo on his promotion to SEO 1A1 because his promotion only arrived on Saturday morning. The other teachers promoted were:
Mr Ho Chi Cheng GEO1A1
Mdm Su Xue GEO1A1
Mdm Lowe Jiak Hng GEO1A1
Miss Ng Puay Lim GEO1A1
Mr Azman Bin Hussin GEO1A2
Mr Tan Geok Hean GEO1A2
Mr Bamanshaw Trevor Gerard GEO1A2
Miss Chan Choo Neo Violet GEO1A3
Mrs Tan Siong Thye GEO1A3
Mdm Sin Li Huang GEO1A3
Mdm Tan Swee Hoon GEO1A3
Mr Ho Siang Teng GEO1A3
Mr Chia Yong Koon GEO1A3
Mr Kaliyaperumal s/o Govindasamy GEO1A3
Mrs Jasathinta Pereira GEO1A3
Miss Yap Siew Phing GEO1A3
Miss Choy Foong Chun Clare GEO1A3
Mr Tan Thiam Boon GEO1A3
Mr Wu Tian Hwee GEO1A3
Mdm Norasikin Bte Awang GEO2A2
Mr Ng Kwok San GEO2A3
Mrs Lee Poh Lin Nee Soh SEO_1
Mdm Tan Pei Pei Eleanor SEO_1
Mr Ong Teck Meng Victor SEO_1
Mr Yeo Tze Chiang Lloyd Luc SEO_1
Mrs Lim Shong Chuan Nee Pang S L SEO1A1
Mr Simen gave his heartiest congratulations to all. He also explained that the promotions were a recognition that officers newly promoted were expected to perform and contribute more to the school.
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