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.

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.

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.

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.

Valor@Montfort


EXCERPTS FROM http://www.limguohong.com/2007/07/12/valormontfort-imac-lab-egaming-center-part-1/

VALOR@MONTFORT (EGAMING CENTER) - TICKETS ON SALE

Today is the first day that the tickets for the Valor@Montfort are on sale!
What is Valor@Montfort, some of you may ask?
I did once say in my blogpost that Montfort will be opening a computer lab specially for the purpose of gaming.

My class happened to be the first class to be able to use the lab because of the SQC survey and the feel of that room is totally GREAT! Just yesterday, we had an NE “game” session in the room. By merely looking at the programs downloaded, I could see many different kinds of “in” games which I often hear my friends talk about. T

To be honest, tje computer is pretty fast and the space is far bigger than the computer labs we have.

What is Valor?
As quoted from the presentation done by the 2 Montfortian Gentlemen on Wednesday, Valor also means Courage. Mr. Simen, principal of Montfort Secondary School, keeps saying ” Awaken the Montfortian Gaint in you” and this means to be courageous. The lab has been installed with 41 iMac and a strong powerful good airconitioner.

There is also a cyber-wellness room which is used after every hour after playing. You MUST take a rest in that room for 15 minutes.

$1.50 per hour isn’t too expensive to use the room but the boys have to get signatures from all the teachers of that day to use the room. If you have CCA on that day, you are not allowed to play and only the person who has bought the ticket can play. These are good and stringent rules. They are pretty good and I think the people who are in charge of this has put in great effort!

There will be 3 slots for booking everyday and booking is priced at $1.50 per hour.

Friday, which is tomorrow, will be the official opening of the Valor@Montfort ( at 2 pm ), there will be some guests but I forget who are they.

I know what EA sports, iMac Singapore’s director, iMac’s computer seller representative. Mr. Simen will be playing games along with other guys. It will be a fun event!

Like I say, $1.50 isn’t expensive and there was a long queue, after school today.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

MSS - A School Report

Our Peformance So Far - An Anecdote

Our school received a visit by Mr Tharman on the last day of school in 2006. It was an honor and also a 'test' to our organizational ability and flexibility. We passed it with flying colours.

Our school also hosted a DOS meeting. The highest alcolytes were given by MCYS (GEMs) chairmn who was supposed to speak about service quality. All he said was that Montfort showed the way at DOS meeting.

This is what our whole school is about - a wholistic education.

A. Montfort is a Catholic School

This is our preoccupation, not just an objective. It is in the mission of the school to be preoccupied and to be reminded of this everyday.

B. A Learner Centered Environment

Teach Less/ Learn More was a major MOE initiative. At the end of 2006, we took MSS to the next level by launching Flight 36K, showing that all objectives intende at Flight Montfort was reached.

Flight 36K was part of Prime Minister's Speech. Flight Montfort and Flight 36K was a microcosm of it.

C. Focus

The focus MSS had in 2007 was:

a. Creativity, Innovation and Enterprise founded on Character Development & Universal Gospel Values.

It is the future because we do not know what lies in the future. You can either let it happen or make it happen. Clearly, the latter is a better option. The emphasis is on a refocus on character development to redress the imbalance of an education which can sometimes be skewed towards academic results.

"Take Charge and do what's right" - US General Norman Schwarzkopf

This was another context where the 3-Legged Stool was introduced.

Creating a future you desire means:

(i) Aspiration - Personal Mastery and Shared Vision
(ii) Generative Conversation - "Yes and" not "Yes Buts" conversation. "Why?" but not "Why Not". Teamwork is the basis for this
(iii) Understanding Complexities - Nature is simple but man is not. We have a tendency to complicate it. This is why it is important to have systems thinking. Come up with 5 best solutions. 80-20 Pareto Diagram analysis. Search for the point of leverage.

C. The Learning Framework

The learning framework introduced in Montfort was the Homeroom system and Thornburg Metaphor.

The existing instructional program augments and improves this - Community Singing; Learning for Life strategies.

D. Key Programs

The school over the years has developed several key programs which it continually tries to improve.

(a) Community & Culture partnerships - HeritageQuest (to be part of the community) and the Third Language Program

(b) Social & Emotional Learning Framework - Montfortian Experience and NE/Racial Harmony; Montfort Emergency Exercise; My Space@Montfort; Mars Program

(c) Administrative excellence - Ikea and the search for quality administrative practices.

(d) Academic performance - COE Maths and Science as a strength to Montfort

(e) Professional Development Time - Opportunity for generative conversations and learning.

(f) IT framework - EGaming Center

Areas of Concern

(a) 91 years of characer development and continuing in that school.
(b) Continuing in the greater tradition of St Louis Grignion de Montfort & his Montfort Schools around the world
(c) Improving academic performance
(d) Working together with a common goal

Montfort's famous song was 'To God Be the Glory'.

What is the glory of God? It is man fully alive. The spirit of the Brothers of St Gabriels was to make teachers and students become fully alive. It was the origin of Montfort School as a Diocesan school and later the mision of the first three pioneers who was devoted and devoted to this spirit.

The Brothers were following in the footesteps of St Louis de Montfort - to be educators.

The school is what it is today because the staff and students were highly moved by the cathechism and fervor of the Brothers. In 2007, that story is still remarkable today. The Indian tradition of Guru-Sanyasi (teacher-student) relationship is continues to be important, profound and deeply moving.

Note to All

To the Teachers, continue to live in the spirit of St Louis Grignion de Montfort. Much has been done and special thanks to the teachers.

To the Old Boys, keep the spirit of the old boys strong and alive like today. Continue to contribute and guide with the wisdom and effort which the Brothers had devote ther lives to.

To the Parents, continue to build networks. Get involved in the PSG.

And in the spirit and tradition of the Brothers - Continue to lift up your prayers. Spiritual assistance continues to play a great value in the whole endeavour

Strategic Thrusts

At one of the assemblies, there was discussion and explaination to the staff and students about the school's strategic thrusts (2005-2009)

a. Leadership and Strategic Thinking

This is about how a person is a strategic thinker and planner, not just a person who sticks to the plan.

He must be willing to be flexible and plan for foreseen threats and opportunities.

b. Staff Development and Management

This refers to developing core values in students. Teachers are the key. The unlock and change the mindsets of future generations.

c. Resource Management

Mr Simen referred to an open letter written by Mr Wee Heng Tin, DG of Education:

"It is not what we do how how much we do, but whether the things we do is aimed at achieving the Outcomes of Education"

Therein lies the crux of meaningful deployment and resource allocation.

d. Student Focussed Processes.

This is the core-business of education, never-mind anything else.

Mr Simen referred to move he constantly watches "Stand and Deliver" about Hispanics studying at Garfield High who were not given a chance for success.

The teacher believed in them and continued to teach Calculus to his class, much to the chagrin and disapproval of his heads.

He would use chants, a smart remark like 'Now you're thinking' or 'That's your preorgative' to get them to keep thinking.

Mr Simen told all students and staff to be open to learning. Keep your eyes and ears open for learning opportunities without bias. Listen with your heart.

Updates - 2nd Week of July

1. Dengue

Since school began, there have been constant reminders about watching out for mosquitoe breeding areas. One of our students from Sec 4 was hospitalized and we were reminded to check gully traps, air-con ducts, sink areas for the breeding of the aedes mosquitoe.

Students were told to form Mozzie Tems which are to start searching the school for potential breeding areas. The adage goes 'Charity Begins at Home' and the two places we spend most of our time are in school and at home.

Safety can't be compromised.


2. Lightning Alert

The school has also installed Lightning Alert warning devices in the gallery. Whenever there is a lightning alert, key personnel in the school are informed of this via sms. The information received is up-to-date and accurate with constant monitoring and updates.

When the school receives lightning alerts, our Lightning Alert Warning Devices are activated. Students in the gallery and field who notice the warning lights flashing should immediately leave the field. The safety of every 'Son of Montfort' counts.

3. Assembly Talks

For the past two weeks, Mr Simen gave the school insights from his visits to the many places he visited in June:

a. Indonesia - Regina Pagis School; Rudy Hartono's School; Bogor
b. Thailand - Assumption University, Assumption College, St Gabriel's College
c. Shanghai - Suzhou Middle School, No. 6 Middle School

These visits will form the basis of our twinning and exchange program.

Exchange Programs refer to visits and collaborations in the education field. They are short-term and consist of mutual visits.

Twinning Programs are for the long term. They refer to collaborations which extend to beyond three to four years. The schools run by the Brothers of St Gabriels and our neighbouring countries will be the focus.

Mr Simen's visits in June revealed that there was much to learn from our neighbouring countries. They were better off in many ways and there is much to learn. Sincere hospitality and service was one particular area.

The Key Performance Indicators are that we will have 25% of the whole school participating in twinning or exchange programs with all levels represented every year.

This would be built into the Montfortian Experience and be for ALL. It would begin with key personnel and teachers first to build platforms for future collaboration.


4. The Three Legged Stool

Over the past few weeks, emphasis was also placed on the Three Legged Stool

The seat is the clear sense of purpose. The 3 legs are (i) Aspiration; (ii) Generative Conversation; (iii) Understanding Complexity

They help lead to personal mastery and translates into success at the individual level, as a team, at the department level and as a school.

They area lso responsible for
a. Creating a shared vision
b. Changing mental models and mindsets
c. Building teams
d. Systems thinking & prioratizing work (important and urgent stuff should be done first)