Montfort Alumni Yercaud - India (1917 - 1972 batches)

“Old” Boys and Girls of Montfort and SHY, with their partners are cordially invited to a combined Schools Reunion, to be held in Yercaud from 22nd to 24th January 2010.

(Because of the large numbers of old boys and girls who have passed out of the schools it is not practical to have a reunion for all. Therefore it is proposed to concentrate on the senior brigade of boys and girls who passed out up to year 1972. We are trying to create an opportunity and incentive to get as many of our buddies to return to India to renew their acquaintances with their school colleagues. The fun and laughter at this happy event can only make you feel good, so come along and reminisce with us with a drink or two.)

This is a unique event, organised by the Australian Overseas School Groups with the guidance and assistance of various school members in India.

The concept of the combined schools reunion follows on from successful reunions held in Perth (2005) and in Melbourne (2007). These two meetings were filled with warmth and nostalgia, which confirmed the strong bonds we have with our alma mater.

The event is also an opportunity for overseas residents to plan that holiday in “Incredible India” and to make this reunion a part of the holiday itinerary.

An internal package for overseas travellers can be arranged to cover the following, however you will need to custom make your own return air travel arrangements into India and then on to Madras (Chennai) or Bangalore to meet up with the batch travelling to Salem:

Train Travel with the Batch from Madras or Bangalore Stations to Salem Junction and back.
Bus transportation from Salem Junction to the Hotel in Yercaud & back
Hotel Accommodation and breakfast for the 3-4 day period. (Grand Palace Hotel)
For those making their own way to Yercaud, accommodation can be found at various other Hotels and Resorts.

Costs and details will be advised closer to the date of the reunion once numbers have been confirmed. Please register your interest so that we can plan ahead and keep you informed.
Finally, we ask each and every one of you to pass this “Invitation” to all your colleagues in the relevant year batches and have them contact us at the earliest.

Date: 22nd to 24th January 2010
Location: Yercaud
email: montfortandshyreunion2010@gmail.com

Best Wishes to you and your families
Reunion 2010 Committee

MONTFORT SCHOOL 92ND FOUNDER’S DAY

It is indeed my privilege and honour to be invited to our school’s 92nd Founder’s Day celebrations. Its been more than 30 years since I left the School. My 10 years here have given me lots of pleasant memories which I still share with my 3 kids, the youngest being 16 years old. I actually taught my children to sing our School Song.

The Montfort School that I knew did not have all the modern facilities that you all now enjoy. But trust me, I had as great a time as a student as all of you here today. Modern facilities and air-conditioned classrooms do not make a school – these are just the hardware. What makes the difference are the teachers, parents, students and most importantly the values that the School represents – these are what I would call the software.

Since I left Montfort, I have kept in touch with some of my schoolmates whose children attended the school. I have also been involved in some of the School’s fund raising activities, and I know that Montfort continues to impart the great values and all rounded education that I enjoyed in my days.

Unlike all of you, when I first attended Primary 1, I did not even know my alphabet. My parents do not speak English. They had little formal education. My Dad was from China and worked as a clerk. My Mum sold soon kueh at Serangoon Gardens wet market. Some of your parents would probably know her cos she made the best soon kueh around. They would usually be sold out by 10 am. Mine was indeed a very humble family.

I spoke only Teochew, with a sprinkling of colourful Hokkien which I would only use only on very special occasions. I stayed in Hougang for the first 15 years of my life. English was never spoken at home. Hence, the China man accent that I still have today!!

Where I am today, is due largely to the strong foundation and guidance which I received from my teachers and the Brothers of St Gabriel. The theme for this year’s Founder’s Day is “Thanks be to our Lord”. As we give thanks to God, we must remember those whom God places in our path to guide us and lead us. I “Thank You” – Montfort and all my teachers.

At Montfort, I was taught not only the maths, sciences, languages and other academic subjects – I was also equipped with strong core Christian values which formed the cornerstone of many decisions in my life.

Don’t get me wrong. I had my fair share of scuffles and fights in school. I was probably sent out of class more times than any of you!! One of my favourite and most memorable spots in school was the place behind the church where we settled our differences by slugging it out until the discipline master came along. Those were fun times and what memories are made of.

When I completed my secondary 4 education here in Montfort, I was one of 2 from the school who decided to go to National Junior College. NJC was the first and only junior college at that time. I must say when we went to NJC we were pitted against the best in Singapore – that was the real test of a Montfort education.

I am pleased to say that both of us did Montfort proud. We were awarded Colombo Plan Scholarships to study overseas. I took up engineering in New Zealand. I should add that without this scholarship, I would never have been able to afford a tertiary education. The scholarship was truly a blessing. I am grateful that I am blessed with a Montfort education that helped pave the way for my scholarship.

Now you may wonder how an engineer ended up a lawyer?

It is only by the grace of God that I was offered another scholarship to read law when I was a young civil engineer of 4 years. It was a daunting move – from a predominantly science background which dealt mainly with steel and mortar, to one involving humanities.

I took up the challenge as I always remember our school motto, "Age Quod Agis" which means "Do well in whatever you do." This guiding principle is something which I hold close to my heart even to this day. I have no doubt that the 10 years of education in my formative years was instrumental in giving me the confidence to take the leap.

This is a motto which exemplifies our school and what it represents. It is something that I would ask all of you to hold on to dearly. Let this be a guiding principle in YOUR lives.

During my time, our school had one of the best school bands in Singapore. Our soccer, badminton and softball teams were also amongst the best. That was over 30 years ago.
I am pleased to learn that this tradition to “Do well in whatever you do” has continued. This year, Montfort won the National Badminton Championships B & C Divisions. Our students emerged the e-gaming champions in the National competition. We have a Wushu national gold medalist and a student representing us in canoeing for the pre-Olympics event.

There will always be challenges in life. To Do Well, you will need hard work and perseverance.
Our school motto calls for us to “Do well in whatever you do”. This is not measured by how much you earn. It simply means doing your best in WHATEVER you do.

When you do well, do it not only for yourself, but also for your parents, your loved ones, your Alma Mater and your Country.

As you Do Well, never forget your roots and those who helped you along the way.
Maintain your friendships. Friends will be the ones you need as you venture forward in life. I still play tennis every week with friends I made 30-40 years ago.
I would like to conclude by inviting all of you to remember our School Creed which is the Prayer to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. In this prayer, we pray for:

Faithfulness and Integrity
Care, compassion and filial piety
Wisdom and discernment
Loyalty to the Alma Mater and the Country.
You will all Do Well, if you strive as best as you can to uphold these values.
May God bless all of you.

Mr Tan Chee Meng, Senior Counsel
Guest of Honour, Founder’s Day
26 April 2008

Founder's Day Updates

28 April 2008

Mr Simen spoke about the grand celebration held on Founder's Day. He highlighted the humble backgrounds of the Guest of Honour, Mr Tan Chee Meng and the Special Guest Chew Hua Seng who donated both time, effort and resources to the school.

"On their behalf...because they wanted me to convey this to you", Mr Simen said, "Thank you for the many things you have done for Founder's Day and for the school. Live up to the expectations and motto of Age Quod Agis and contribute back to the school"

Mr Simen also mentioned that 28 April was the feast day of St Louis Grignion de Montfort, the Founder of the school. He passed away on the same day in 1716. t is no coincidence that 200 years later, in 1916, Montfort School was founded.

A special prayer was said to St Louis Grignion de Montfort with the school principal leading the whole school

"St Louis Grignion de Montfort, please intercede for us. Continue to give our school great years ahead. We pray through you on our feast day that we will continue to follow in your footsteps and for the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Continue to shower your blessings down on us, to give us the same spirit, the same zeal, the same enthusiasm that you had to do good and to always be that Man for Others. Bless the staff, school helpers, vendors that you will also give them the strength, spirit and zeal to continue the good work that you did and that we will live up to the Great School on whose namesake we keep. All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen"

Prayer by Brother Emmanuel

Brother Emmanuel said a special prayer on Founder's Day. It has deep meaning because it speaks of a special prayer to St Louis Marie de Montfort

"Before I recite the prayer of St Louis Grignion de Montfort, which has become part of our (Brothers of St Gabriels) daily devotion and routine, I would like to read a brief passageon the writings of St Louis Marie de Montfort on the 292nd anniversary of his death.

It is amazing that our students and a large number of the Catholic population of the world, let alone, of the people of Singapore be so ignorant of who that great saint is.

St Louis Marie de Montfort's motto or slogan was God Alone = D + S = Dieu Seul!. The writings of St Louis motto are of great interest today for many reasons

Firstly, it is because the motto is centered on Christ, the Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom.
Secondly, because they focus attention on the importance of Mary's role in the Mystery of Christ and of the Church - a subject of renewed interst both within the Catholic Church and other Christian churches. Thirdly, because they eobdy a form of Marian Spirituality that goes far beyond mere Marian devotion, as Pope John Paul II pointed out in his Marian Year encyclical: St Louis Marie de Montfort proposes consecration to Christ through the hands of Mary as an effective means for Christians to live faithfully their baptismal commitments. Fourthly, because they reflect the thinking ans pastoral experiences of a man of vision whose writings have a definite prophetic ring relative to the latter times. They likewise reflect his unusually profound understanding of the scriptures concerning Christ, Eternal and incarnate Wisdom, as well as his personal discovery of Mary, the "easy, short and perfect and sure way" to obtain full possession of Divine Wisdom in our souls. In a sense, we can say that his writings have revolutionized the whole concept of true devotion to Mary by presenting it as a way of life, a very special way of living our initial baptismal commitment to Christ, namely, with and through Mary. His writings also reflect an indtense desire to present a clear, dynamic and convincing nature of the authentic Church teaching along with practical help for Christian living. His motivation was unservingly: To Do All for God Alone."

The prayer which Brother Emmnauel read was as follows:

Dear St Louis Marie de Montfort
Grant us the grace to be true Gabrielites
that is to say true sons of Montfort,
Faithful to our duties at all times
'Striving always for the highest
standard in behavior, sports and academic performance.
Give us the love to be caring people
Helpful to all especially to the poor,
The weak and the disadvantaged.
Imbue us with the courage to face and overcome
All difficulties and hardship
And the wisdom to tell right from wrong.
Sustain us in all our endeavors
That we may uphold the Gabrielite School motto: Age Quod Agis
And be always true and loyal to our Alma Mater and our country
Amen

St Louis Marie de Montfort, Protector of children and Youth,
Pray for us

The 92nd Founder's Day

On 26th April 2008, the school celebrated the 92nd Founder's Day, close to the 292nd feast day of St. Louie Marie Grignion de Montfort (28th April). The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Tan Chee Meng, senior counsel (class of 1972).

First, the morning involved all uniformed-groups in an outdoor parade. Then, everyone moved in to the hall for the String Ensemble Performance by MJS, the MFSS Chorale and the WuShu performance. The principals from both school spoke about their school's performance over the year. Also part of the programme was the award presentations for top PSLE, GCE 'N' and
'O' level students, together with the Colours Awards and Meritorius Awards.

Another old-boy of the school, Mr Chew Hua Seng, came to give his support to the school, by contributing a large sum of money. A video presentation was shown featuring old-boys on their thoughts about the school and how it has helped them.

"The modern facilities were only the hardware, it is the teachers and students who make the difference in school." - Mr. Tan Chee Meng

I Can't Forget - Bro. Gerard Majella

Mr Lloyd Yeo spoke about Bro. Gerard Majella as the run-up of activities to Founder's Day.

"Rev Bro Gerard Majella, the first Bro. Director of Holy Innocents', is an old resident of the East, having first come to Bangkok in 1913. Two years later, he had to return to France, his native land, which was then embroiled in a World War with Germany. After the war, he was again posted to the Assumption College in Bangkok, but in 1926, he went to Lnodon to become the Director of St Gabriel's School in Wimbledon. 1934 saw him back in Siam as the Director of the College there, but for the good and faithful servant there can be no restg when the harvest is greatg and the labourers are few, and in November 1936, Brother Gerard journeyed southwards to Upper Serangoon, Signapore, to take over the direction of Holy Innocents' English School which had been handed over to the Brothers of St Gabriel.

Bro. Gerard was Director of the school until May 1938 when he was replaced by Rev Brother Louis Gonzaga. A new Novitiate was opened at Bukit Timah for the training of young Brothers for Malaya, Siam and India, and Bro. Gerard was appointed Superior. He remaind in the post until WW2 and spent 2 years in Bahau, where he suffered very severely from Malaria. In 1946, he returned to Siam, for the Novitiate was no longer functioning.

During his stay as Dirctor of the school, he skilfully continued the work done by Mr PA D'Costa, the former Headmaster, while at the same time introducing the traditional methods of education used by the Brothers of St Gabriel. He started the School Certificate Class for the first time and the results were most encouraging. He helped in the management of the class by teaching Scripture, and some of his old boys are now holding posts of responsibility, one of them being Mr Low Kok Pheng, who is the Assistant Controller of Foreign Exchange.

I Can't Forget

I have loved you so well
How much I cannot tell
That all that love of yore
Still glows, O Singapore!
I can'tr forget

That hazy Serangoon
A gem under the moon;
Its balmy grobves and streams
With birds that sing their dreams
I can't forget

Those cheery boys whose bands
Gladden high and low lands;
The shady homes and huts,
The palms and their green coconuts
I can't forget

The spacious Church whose spire
To pray would fain inspire
Whose aisles the lofty folds
Are mother's arms to young and old,
I can't forget.

But least of all that School
Where love is still the Rule,
Where one could meet angels and saints
That dear, that Holy Innocents'
I can't forget.

Keenness

Mr LLoyd Yeo read an excerpt frolm the editorial of the 1952 School Annual at assembly for Founder's Day. The exerpt was written when Bro. Louis Gonzaga was Principal. It has deep resonance and meaning even today.

"Keenness is the basis of all good and joy in life. It enters into our concerns and gives them a soul which knows no limit to its powers; it is the sign of the presence of genuine life. It must not be confused with a type of ambition which originates fgrom a certain desire to show off. Keenness rightly understood is but an ardent interest which one takes in any underaking; it is the first and last element of success. Do you wish to succeed at school? Be deoted heart and soul to your studies. Once you have made up your mind to be keen on them, you will soon develop a growing interst which cannot fail to bear fruit. Your books will become your friends; every lesson will afford you some satisfaction, and a time may come when you will find it hard to tear yourself away from your studies.

If a man gives himself entirely to any pursuit, it can't well be dull for him although it may appear so to those who are merely watching him. Look for instance at the archaeologist bending over old parchments and scrutinizing through his magnifying glass some characters which time has almost completely obliterated; "What a boring task" you will say. Yet this is no dreary occupation to one who is keen on research work.

Yes, keenness changes the aspect of things. It renders attractive and even fascinating that which formerly seemed repulsive. It brings pleasure wheresoever it sets in.

It is therefore evident that keenness in life counts for much. In games there is little else that matters. The schoolboy who is keen on his work stands head and shoulder above his classmates. This does not mean that he will necessarily be first as he may not be well fittd for studies, but his efforts for plodding persistence will be a by-word to boys and teachers.

The employer who is looking for someone to fill up a vacancy in his business will naturally select the applicant who is likely to be earnest about his work. he will not insist on experience; after all, a boy who leaves school to take up a job is not expected to know very much. The routine of office work, the intricacies of transactions, the knack of journalism are things which time alone will teach. Experience will do good only to the mind that is really eager to profit by it.

Keeness is the pleasant avenue that leads to success. That boy will always be admired and respectged who is keen in all his undertakings, in his friendships and his defence of the genuine principles of life."

We are the champion, Mr Simen

SPORTS IN SCHOOLS
To sir with love, from Montfort
By Christopher Ong

Straits Times

EVEN before they started, they were confident of beating Singapore Sports School for the Pilot Pen Cup Schools National B Division Boys' badminton title yesterday.

In fact, so confident were Montfort Secondary School that they printed T-shirts emblazoned with the words 'MR SIMEN We are the CHAMPION''.

Their self-belief was not without reason as they had beaten the Sports School twice this year - 4-1 in the group stage and 5-0 in the North Zone championships.

Explained Christian Y. Christianto, 17: 'We wanted to win for our principal, Mr Simen Lourds.
'We had promised him that we would retain our title.'

Christian kept his part of the bargain, as his powerful smashes helped him to a 21-13, 18-21, 21-14 win over Wang Ding Kang.

From that first-singles victory, Montfort went from strength to strength, winning 3-0 eventually.

Their easy success was not unexpected, as their line-up included the U-16 and U-18 singles champions of last month's Pilot Pen Cup schools individual championships.

The win gave Montfort the double, as they had beaten Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 4-1 in the C Boys' final earlier.

But it was a double heartbreak for the Sports School,who lost 1-3 to Xinmin Secondary in the B Girls' final.

In fact, they had also lost to Montfort and Xinmin in the B Boys' and Girls' finals last year.
However, their B Boys' captain Gabriel Teo was upbeat in defeat.

Said the 16-year-old: 'I believe there will be lots of opportunities to win against them.
'With more training and experience, we'll beat them one day.'

In the C Girls' final, Raffles Girls' School outplayed Nanyang Girls' School 4-1.

National Inter-Schools Badminton Championships 2008

Today our Montfortian Giants were crowned winners of the National Inter-Schools Badminton Championships 2008 after the 'C' division boys took on ACS Independent and the 'B' Division played Singapore Sports School in Toa Payoh Sports Hall.

The supporters were out in full force with the Lower Sec cheering on the 'C' Div in the morning and the Upper Sec cheering on the 'B' Div in the afternoon. All our supporters outnumbered and out-cheered the other school's supporters and played a vital part in ensuring victory. It was an extremely well deserved victory for our boys and a great achievement for our school. This is also the 7th year running the 'B' Div has won the cup and the 'C' Div took back the cup after "loaning" it last year.

Congratulations to both our 'C' and 'B' Division boys! All the hard work paid off, Age Quod Agis!

We were early (for Sports Day on 20th March) lar.Yea. We were crazy one lar,kept chanting, "We want milo". Haha. (With regards to) the mass participation thingy,our class walked around the stadium and chanted "We want milo" and "4e2" for the 400meters.Haha :) Class spirit!WOOHOOO..Yea!.

Gonzaga (were awarded) 3rd and I am shocked because we were last in everything.Like cheers,banners, notice board competition ..aiyah all the house events lar.

And the house which was Berthomiew.The funny thing was,they were 1st in all the house events. SERIOUS!haha!

Prolux won. Majella was 2nd. I was shocked that Majella did not win the notice board competition!They were 2nd!

Here are the 4 houses notice boards,according to the ranking of the scores. The houses are named according to the pioneering Brothers of St Gabriels

a. Brother Gerard Majella
b. Brohther Louis Gonzaga
c. Brother Noel Berthomieu
d. Brother Albert Proulx

(We used their surnames for the houses but when they were living, they were referred to by their first names Eg. Brother Gerard, Brother Noel, Broher Louis, Brother Albert)

Excerpts from http://darences-welcometothecescommunity.blogspot.com/

Odyssey of the Mind Competition 2008

First of all,Odyssey of the mind.This year,Montfort sent out 4 teams.3 Division 2 Teams and 1 Division 3 Team.I Think we did rather well.For the division 2 teams,it consists of teams from the sec 1 and 2 levels.Mr christopher Foran's Team which took part in LTP(long term Problem)3 The Wonderful Muses was the best performing team.They took 4th placing in their problem in a field of 11 teams!Well done juniors!Mrs Jamie Tan's Division 2 team which took part in LTP 5,The eccentrics came in 6th placing out of a field of 12 schools.while Ms chong's team which took part in LTP 2,Dino stories came in 8th placing out of 9 schools. But whatever it is,it is a very good showing for newcomers to the competition.

My team is the senior team of the 4.we participated in division 3 which consists of sec 3,4 and jcs.we competed in LTP 4,tee structure.we were pipped from the 4th placing by RGS by a mere 9.57 points to 5th placing out of 10 schools.we were fielded into a very strong field.in fact, we expected ourselves to get either 9th or 10th placing.But we never let our guts down,responded positively,and took this competition not as a competition but as a platform for us to express ourselves and have fun in the process.i guess we really did have fun.here are the scores!

Tee Structure Div III


1 ACS (Barker Road)

.......(Wt Hld LongTerm Style Spont Total/pnlty)

Calc: (150.00 196.51 41.79 81.61 319.91)
Raw: (165.00 40.00 38.70 25.30 0 )

2 Raffles Jnr College
Calc: (84.09 124.79 43.52 75.16 243.47)
Raw: (92.50 35.00 40.30 23.30 0 )

3 River Valley High School
Calc: (72.73 97.15 38.52 100.00 235.67)
Raw: (80.00 21.00 35.67 31.00 0 )

4 Raffles Girls' School
Calc: (29.55 72.57 50.00 74.19 196.76)
Raw: (32.50 37.00 46.30 23.00 0 )

5 Montfort Secondary
Calc: (22.73 72.73 37.04 77.42 187.19)
Raw: (25.00 43.00 34.30 24.00 0 )

6 Hwa Chong Institution
Calc: (36.36 56.13 39.63 81.61 177.37)
Raw: (40.00 17.00 36.70 25.30 0 )

7 Bartley Secondary
Calc: (25.00 45.93 33.48 64.52 143.93)
Raw: (27.50 18.00 31.00 20.00 0 )

8 Singapore Chinese Girls'
Calc: (6.82 40.54 33.80 62.26 136.60)
Raw: (7.50 29.00 31.30 19.30 0 )

9 Hwa Chong Institution (Div IV)
Calc: (0.00 0.00 34.56 61.29 95.85)
Raw: (0.00 0.00 32.00 19.00 0 )

10 Nanyang Girls' High
Calc: (0.00 0.00 31.32 44.19 75.51)
Raw: (0.00 0.00 29.00 13.70 0 )

I had to make some amendments to the way it is displayed as i am havin some trouble uploading the original on blogger.

Now, i will Rank for all the different sections.


Spontaneous
1)River valley high
2)ACS (barker)
2)Hwa chong instituition
4)Montfort secondary School
5)Raffles Junior college
6)Raffles Girls school
7)Bartley secondary school
8)Singapore chinese Girls
9)Hwa chong instituition(div 4)
10)Nanyang girls school


Weight Held Ranking
1)Acs (barker)
2)Raffles Junior college
3)River valley High school
4)Hwa chong institution
5)Raffles Girls school
6)Bartley Secondary
7)Montfort secondary
8)singapore chinese girls'
9)Hwa chong instituion(div 4)
9)nanyang girls school

Bonus points
1)Montfort secondary
2)ACS (Barker)
3)Raffles Girls School
4)Raffles Junior college
5)Singapore chinese Girls school
6)River valley High school
7)Bartley secondary
8)Hwa chong instituition
9)Hwa chong instituition(div 4)
9)Nanyang Girls High

Long Term(Weight held+ Bonus points)
1)ACS (barker)
2)Raffles junior college
3)River valley High
4)Montfort secondary school
5)Raffles Girls school
6)Hwa Chong secondary
7)Bartley secondary
8)Singapore chinese girls
9)Hwa chong instituiton(div 4)
9)Nanyang girls school

Style
1)Raffles Girls secondary
2)Raffles Junior college
3)ACS (barker)
4)Hwa chong instituition
5)River Valley high
6)Montfort secondary school
7)Hwa chong Instituition(div 4)
8)Singapore chinese Girls
9)Bartley secondary
10)Nanyang girls school

overall
1)ACS(Barker)
2)Raffles Junior college
3)River valley high
4)Raffles girls school
5)Montfort Secondary school
6)Hwa chong instituition
7)Bartley secondary
8)Singapore chinese Girls
9)Hwa chong instituition(div 4)
10)Nanyang girls school

we were actually 4th after the long term and spontaneous round.but because RGS had a full 50 points for style,we lost our lead and were pipped to 5th.it is very dissapointing.But whatevr it is,we had fun.And we have shown to the other schools that we are a threat!!!We might have lost the battle but we have not lost the war!!!

I hope Montfort can send more teams in the near future.i am ready to volunteer to help the teams!!!I think i want to be one of the OM judges..soOOOOO Cool!!

http://darences-welcometothecescommunity.blogspot.com/

IT Awards, Band Awards & Odyssey of the Mind

1. Bronze Award in World Media Masters for Educational Games Development organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication for the Arts (Lower Sec Boys)

Our boys were disappointed despite being voted in as "Most Voted School" by the public.

2. Band Awards

The school band was awarded a certificate of merit for competition. Marching category.

3. Softball.

Montfort School beat North Vista 12-2 this week on 14/4/2008.

4. Odyssey Of the Mind

Mr Christopher Foran's team emerged fourth in the OM competitions! Hip Hip Hurray!

CCA Achivement 2008 Update

Badminton
- North Zone (NZ) Champions for 'B' & 'C' Divisions

Softball
- NZ 'B' Division Runners-up
- SRC Carnival 'B' Division Runners-Up

Rugby
- M1 Touch Rugby U-14(10 aside) - Plate Semi-Finalist
- U-17 National Schools Rugby Tournament (Main) - Plate Semi- Finalist

Canoeing
- Singapore Canoeing Marathon - Goh Shao Jie, 2nd Place
- National Junior Championship - Goh Shao Jie, 3 Golds, 1 Silver for C1 & C2 500m & 100m Category

Tennis
- Combined Schools Team: Abdul Hakim

Wushu
- 1 Gold in National Competition
Matthew Alex Voon (B Category)
- 1 Bronze in National Competition
Koh Sheng Shong (C Category)

MOE Award
- School Awarded 1st SAA(Sports) in 2007

Scouts
- Frank Cooper Sands Awards (Gold)

NCC
- Best Unit Proficiency Award (Silver)

NPCC
- Best Unit Proficiency Award (Silver)

MOE Award
- School retained its 5th SAA (UG) in 2007

Exam Strategies

STUDY STRATEGIES FOR EXAMS

Mr Lloyd Yeo spoke about exam strategies and the 5 legged stool. It was the last time the 4E/4N/5N would meet as a group before the rest of the schoo lreturned and he mentioned that he felt it was important that they understood how to translate learning to wisdom.

He told the boys that 'exam' was the easy part and then ran through various strategies which could be used to do well in the coming mid-year exams.

1. Scheduling of revision

Find out which is the last paper for the exams. Begin revision with the last paper. (Eg. Science). Also find out what your first paper is (Eg. History)

Begin revision by studying your last paper first. Spend at least 2-3 days on intensive revision for a single subject.

Why do you begin revision with your last paper first? By advancing your revision towards your first paper, you only revise your first paper 'once', thus saving time.

2. Methods for revision

a. Spend about 2-3 days for intensive revision per subject. Have at least 1-2 months revision time.

b. Different subjects have different methods for study.

Languages

Change the mindset that English Language and Mother Tongue languages can't be studied. They can. Study useful phrases and vocabulary items that you can use for your essay. Collect and collate good essays for intensive revision. Mr Lloyd Yeo shared about how through this method (he was horrible in his mother tongue), he was able to get a B3 for his Chinese (but failed oral exams). It also helped him achieve distinctions for his language.

Science, POA and Maths

Practice makes perfect. Look through the different kinds of questions they set or you through your 10-year series or assessments. Try out ONLY the difficult ones. Find out how to do them and TAG them. Revise by trying them out during your revision.

Humanities (History, Geography, Social Studies)

Organize and collate your notes. There are only about 2-3 key questions which they can test you on. Your job is to know what they are for each chaper and to make notes based on them. Studying whould not be 'reading the textbook'.

Examiners twist and turn, changing the questioniong style and focus. As a student, your job is to understand the question, organize your answer and write clearly and logically. Be clear about what you are saying and give the relevant details.

3. Atmosphere and Environment

Mr Lloyd Yeo also emphasized that it was important to know the atmospher and environment which was suited for your method of study. Mr Lloyd Yeo shared with the school that he believed that special places had 'special vibes', vibrating at different speeds, suited to the individual's study needs.

He gave the example of how he could never study in the bedroom because it was too near his bed and he'd fall asleep. He could never study near a TV or computer, it was too much of a distraction and temptation. He could never study in the day-time, it never seemed quiet enough.

The only place he could study was on a hard, wooden chair in the kitchen during the early hours of the morning when it was quiet and silent.

"You know you've found your spot when you are able to sit there for 2-3 hours at a stretch", he said.

4. Know the kind of learner that you are

Mr Lloyd Yeo told the audience that he could never study with music on. It was too much of an interference, especially songs with lyrics. He would start humming or singing, then he would be intent on taking down the lyrics.

Mr Yeo said he could only study in absolute silence or for a change, with classical music, marches or music without lyrics.

He also mentioned that he was a kinaesthetic learner. Kinaesthetic learners are those who have 'worms in their pants' and need constant movement and physical activity to focus.

He told the school about how when he was in varsity, he would walk around with his notes and pace the corridor to study, he would chant and read aloud, he would also stand on the table or chair with his notes his hands, balancing and bouncing his body up and down on the bench as he studied. He did this when no one was looking in a corner of the school because he knew it would've looked weird and was inappropriate in a formal study atmosphere.

5. Discipline + Focus = Performance

STUDY SKILLS FOR LIFE

El Guapo (Spanish for The Handsome One)

Mr Lloyd Yeo made a mistake and called frog El Guapo. Actually, it meant handsome one.

frog (Spanish) : rana
toad (Spanish) : sapo

Anyhow, his main point was to use the initials of G-U-A-P-O to emphasize how you could succeed in life. This, he metioned is called, wisdom.

The first three letters are taken from Mr Simen's earlier accounts of the Three Legged Stool.

(i) Generative Conversation - The way to react was not to be cynical but to have good ideas and strong, meaning, deep conversations. The focus should be on "Yes" and continued flow of ideas, generating greater enthusiasm and interest. It should not be "Yes Buts" conversation which focus on the negative. "Why?" but not "Why Not". Teamwork is the basis for this.

(ii 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 and think about issues at a deeper level. It means to think and sort it out at deep level, not in an emotional, instinctive manner.

(iii) Aspiration - Personal Mastery and Shared Vision. Personal mastery is important is because only when you master your own emotions, put your life in order, can you set your mind to any task.

Mr Yeo added a fourth and a fifth.

(iv) Prayer & Reflection - Quiet time is important to recharge your batteries and put all before God, trusting that in his infinite wisdom, he'll know what is right and guide you on the right path. That way, you can do your best in what you do. Age Quod Agis. It would also put all your worries and concerns aside.

(v) Organization - You also need to get yourself organized, know where things are, and know what approach you are going to take, in order to be successful.

So, El Guap = Wisdom & creating the desired future you want for yourself



(Rich Garces, Major League Reliever, Pitcher, Arriba, arriba!)

Coach Carter - Mr Edmund Lim's Motivation Talk

Mr Edmund Lim gave a motivation talk using the example of Coach Carter to inspire the 4N/4E/5N students.

Here's one student's reflection from his blog:

" Watched Coach Carter the movie, in sch. Caught only part of it. The session was called Motivational Talk.

Well, i think its good. Yup. but, i seriously like this movie. From the bottom of my heart, i think is a great great great movie. This movie should be publicised to all schs man. Hope all the teachers in all schs in Singapore are dedicated and willing to push to the limits to let their students do well.

Im lucky i came to montfort,the teachers are well better than other schs, and they're dedicated.

hmm.A Conditioned body is required to attain a high level of discipline.That's what i need.

PERIOD OF CONDITIONING.It is easy to be successful, but its the choices we make in life, thus we sufferthe rightful consequences.

JUST MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

Quote from Coach Carter :Our deepest fear is not that we're inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we're powerful beyond measure.It is our life, not our darkness that most frightens us.You playing small does not serve the world but there is nothing in life enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.We were all meant to shine as children. It's not in some of us but in everyone.And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give permission to other people to do the same.As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.- Timo Cruz from the movie

The charism of St Louis Grignion De Montfort

St Louis Grignion De Montfort had a special devotion to Mary.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort created a theology revolving around this concept. He stressed that the quickest way to Jesus is to go to Mary. After all, She is His Mother, the Queen of Heaven, and Our Mother also. Plus, She is the only human (besides Jesus) to be immaculately conceived. Therefore, Montfort said that the most humble way to pray is through Her.

Likewise, Montfort spoke about being slaves of Jesus by having a devotion to His Blessed Mother. One of the best ways to do this is by making an official consecration to Her.

St. Louis de Montfort suggested taking 33 days as a preparation period for this consecration, and renewing this consecration through the same prepartions each year.

Each of the 33 days consists of readings and prayers.This consecration starts with twelve preliminary days, which help one to recognize the spirit of the world.

This is followed by three weeks dedicated to growing in the knowledge of 1) ourselves, 2) Mary, and 3) Jesus Christ.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort's Prayer to Mary was as follows:
Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father.
Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son.
Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary, my Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sov­ereign.
Hail, my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul.
Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am thine by jus­tice.
But I am not yet sufficiently thine,
I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others.

If thou seest anything in me which does not belong to thee,
I beseech thee to take it and make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine.

Destroy in me all that may displease God;
root it up and bring it to nought.
Place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee.
May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind.
May thy profound humility take the place of my pride;
may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination.
May the continuous sight of God fill my memory with His presence;
may the burning love of thy heart inflame the luke­warmness of mine.
May thy virtues take the place of my sins;
may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me.

Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus, and His Divine Will; that I may have no other soul but thine to praise and glorify God; that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine. I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensi­ble devotions, or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privi­lege to see God clearly, it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph glori­ously in heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men and demons. It is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest.

Such, 0 heavenly Mary, the 'best part', which the Lord has given thee, and which shall never be taken away from thee - and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below; I wish for no other than that which was thine, to believe sincerely without spiritual plea­sures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite, and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants. The only grace I beg thee, for me, is that every moment of the day, and every moment of my life, I may say "Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in heaven. Amen, so be it, to all thou didst do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all thou art doing in my soul," so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity. Amen.

Adapted from http://sanctafamilia.blogspot.com/

News from Brother Rene in Rome

Praise for Gabrielite schools here
By Joyce Gan (Singapore Catholic News)

SINGAPORE – The Superior General of the Brothers of St. Gabriel Congregation, Brother Rene Delorme, is encouraged by the work of Brothers and laypeople involved with the seven Gabrielite schools in Singapore.
They all have “the same community spirit, and a lot of commitment to help the students grow”, he said at the end of a two-week mid-February visit to Singapore to learn about the programmes and challenges of the Gabrielite Brothers here. This was Brother Renes third visit to Singapore.

“In particular, I am very impressed by the work done in Boys Town,” he said. “Their work in helping the young men to learn a trade and having a wellrounded formation in terms of learning different subject matter, living in community, developing social relationships, is beautiful.”
Brother Rene is based in Rome. For up to six months every year, he and four councillors visit countries where there are Gabrielite missions to learn what their needs are and see how to address those needs.

There are 1,270 Brothers working in about 250 schools in 35 different countries. The Brothers run academic schools ranging from kindergartens to universities, technical schools and schools for the blind and deaf. There are also many Brothers involved in “all kinds of projects for human development”.

“My role is to coordinate all of that,” Brother Rene said. “When the councillors and I return to Rome after our visits, we share among ourselves what we have seen and heard – the joys but also the difficulties and situations that need to be improved.

“I find a very professional approach here” to helping students, he observed. “[But] most of the places the Brothers are working in are with people living in poor conditions. Sometimes, they need help.”

In Africa, for example, not everyone can go to school. In keeping with founder Louis de Montfort's spirituality, the Brothers make their presence available in such places to try to give an education to those who would otherwise be denied it.

In many countries, the Brothers run Centres for Street Kids, which is, in a sense, a humble way of starting a school. Brother Rene was born in St. Michel des Saints near Montreal, Canada. He has two brothers and two sisters. He studied at a Gabrielite High School and was impressed by the Brothers there.

“Because of their testimony in living and working, I felt I would like to have a life like that too,” he recalled. “Little by little it developed in my mind. I think that's what vocation is about. God doesn't come to you and tell you, "I want you to be this and that. It's a feeling in your heart.”

Upon graduation at 17 years of age, he asked to join the Gabrielite Brothers and took his first vow at 19, in 1964. He spent 28 years from 1970-98 working in schools before he became Provincial. Brother Rene was elected Superior General of the congregation in 2000. He was 55.

“It's a journey full of challenges and there are many problems in different institutions and projects, but through it all I find lots of joy. As a congregation, we feel a responsibility to make Montfort's charism go on and we do it with many laypeople. Here at Boys' Town, you call Montfort a man for others and (teach students) to do things for God. This is important because everyone is an image of God.”

“I'm very happy to be a Brother of St. Gabriel,” he added. “And if I could do it again, I'll do it the same way.”

Brother Rene visited the Gabrielite Brothers in India before coming to Singapore. He has left for Malaysia.

Presently, there are 33 priests in the Archdiocese who have attended Gabrielite schools at one time or other.

http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/?p=2041

ExHilirate Week

This week, the whole school is out on camp:

a. Sec Ones - Sentosa (High Elements, Pet Rocket & Maths Trail)
b. Sec Twos - Changi (One * Kayaking, High Elements)
c. Sec Threes - Ubin (Kayaking, High Elements, Jetty Jump)
d. Sec Fours - Intensive Revision, Archery, Fine Dining

Desiderata Wisdom - "desired things"

Mr Yeo shared the story of his life with the Sec 4s and Sec 5s.

He began by asking if the students liked coming to school which drew about '20 hands' from the audience. He then spoke about his life and how he too had trouble liking school because his personal life was not in order.

He emphasized the importance of having your personal life in order (personal mastery) before you could succeed in life. He also spoke about how it was important to move from data-knowledge-application of knowledge - to wisdom.

Sharing and printing a copy of the Disderata, he spoke about how it could be a guide to wisdom:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery,
and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
(Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.)

"Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things", plural of desideratum) is an inspirational prose poem about attaining happiness in life. It was first copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.

In the 1960s it was widely circulated without attribution to Ehrmann, sometimes with the claim that it was found in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, Maryland, and was written in 1692 (the year of the founding of St. Paul's). Nevertheless, the estate of Ehrmann has kept various editions of the work in print. A spoken-word recording of the essay was made by Les Crane and reached #8 on the Billboard magazine charts in late 1971.