HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!
This morning, I went back to Montfort Secondary School to visit my teachers! I bought 9 chocolate bars with nuts to the school. I saw my form teacher Mdm Nora. I said hi to her and passed her one of the chocolate bar!
Later i saw Mrs Helen Tan!!!! My favourite POA teacher in my secondary school days! I ask what happened to her because I heard about her surgery and she says she is fine already. So Glad! I passed one of the choco bars to her as well, chatted with her abit and she is doing great! =) Cheers! She is still so cheerful as before! Take good care alright!
I saw my English teacher, Mrs Lee Poh Lin, and she's great! She is a very nice teacher as well!
I saw my Combined Science teachers Mrs Jamie Tan and Mr Leonard Ng and kind of miss my Chinese teachers from China. They have left the school and I hope they are doing great! I was surprised to see Mr Bao Hong Liang outside a classroom! I remember vividly that he was one of my brother's favourite Chinese teacher. I went forward to greet him and asked him if he remembered my brother. I was surprised that he remembered my brother after so many years.
I had not seen him for years and inquired about this.
'How come so many years never see you'
He said he recently returned to teach this year. He even said I looked my my brother. Haha! Wow! It has been so many years and he still remembers my brother. That's cool!
I miss Montfort school although I do have some bitter memories. The teachers are the only ones I miss so much! I also miss my principal, Mr Simen Lourds!!!!!! He is really a great man!!!!! Long live Mr Simen Lourds!!!!! 3 CHEERS FOR HIM!!!!!
- S... K...
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Aug 29 - Teacher's Day
There were three special events which marked Aug 29
a. Teacher's Day
b. ACES Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously Day)
c. Prize Presentation for students
The day began with the usual mass exercise in our school but it was poignant to note that simultaneously, in all other schools in Singapore, there were also exercises done there. The campaign underscores the importance of health and fitness in a holistic education.
We then proceeded to the hall for a quiet reflection on the role that teachers play in our lives.
Mr Simen then addressed the school and our prize presentations were underway. Prize winners received certificates for doing well in their subjects. It serves as a motivator to strive on.
The Secondary 4N and 4NT students who would be sitting for their English Language, Chinese and Social Studies examinations during the one week break were also given pins to motivate them to live up to the school motto of 'Age Quod Agis'. School leaders, subject teachers and form teachers pinned a 'Sprinting Giant' pin on their collars, telling them that when the 'chips were down' and when all else looked bleak or stressful, look at the pin and feel like it's an angel on your shoulders, easing your burden and knowing that we are all behind them.
The Teacher's Day then began with a whole host of exciting and interesting activities:
a. A Break Dance performance by a group whom we spotted dancing in school.
b. A song by Benedict Yeo from 3A2
c. A game which received roars of laughter which called for you to identify your teacher based on photographs of our teachers' back, hair, eyes, hands, eyes, children's photographs.
d. A very funny and humorous skit about teacher and students exchanging souls for a day.
e. A solemn pledge taken by teachers to educate students to be holistic individuals.
a. Teacher's Day
b. ACES Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously Day)
c. Prize Presentation for students
The day began with the usual mass exercise in our school but it was poignant to note that simultaneously, in all other schools in Singapore, there were also exercises done there. The campaign underscores the importance of health and fitness in a holistic education.
We then proceeded to the hall for a quiet reflection on the role that teachers play in our lives.
Mr Simen then addressed the school and our prize presentations were underway. Prize winners received certificates for doing well in their subjects. It serves as a motivator to strive on.
The Secondary 4N and 4NT students who would be sitting for their English Language, Chinese and Social Studies examinations during the one week break were also given pins to motivate them to live up to the school motto of 'Age Quod Agis'. School leaders, subject teachers and form teachers pinned a 'Sprinting Giant' pin on their collars, telling them that when the 'chips were down' and when all else looked bleak or stressful, look at the pin and feel like it's an angel on your shoulders, easing your burden and knowing that we are all behind them.
The Teacher's Day then began with a whole host of exciting and interesting activities:
a. A Break Dance performance by a group whom we spotted dancing in school.
b. A song by Benedict Yeo from 3A2
c. A game which received roars of laughter which called for you to identify your teacher based on photographs of our teachers' back, hair, eyes, hands, eyes, children's photographs.
d. A very funny and humorous skit about teacher and students exchanging souls for a day.
e. A solemn pledge taken by teachers to educate students to be holistic individuals.
Photos:
Matthew Seong
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
If they happen to ask you about Montfort School...
Why are you doing this?
At a very special Contact Time intended only for teachers, Mr Simen spoke about the importance of being clear on what we are doing:
"In all that you do...in whatever programs you are taking charge of and involved in, do you know what you're doing?", he asked. He emphasized the importance of always asking yourself, "Why are you doing things".
At Montfort School, the reason why we do things is very simple:
A. The School Mission and Vision
All our programs are geared towards sharing and achieving the school vision and mission.
(i) School Mission (Why We Exist). Montfort is a Catholic School. We nurture students to be compassionate and discerning individuals through a holistic education.
(ii) School Vision (At the end of the day, we can only hope our students will be like this...) He will be a discerning and compassionate individual who is a scholar, a sportsman, a gentleman, a leader and above all, a man for others.
Mr Simen, then expounded and re-iterated for the 5819th time what a scholar, sportsman, gentleman and leader is.
The Scholar: The Scholar is not cramming your head for examinations and then just doing well in it and acing his exams for its own sake. It is someone who is focussed, disciplined and inquisitive. He comes to school regularly and does the work assigned regularly. He does his best and his all in his studies. He does not let any family or financial situation or obstacle disadvantage him because he always does his best.
The Sportsman: The Sportsman is not merely the sportsman who represents the school as a player. He participates in PE and CCAs actively. The Montfortian sportsman is the person with determination, perseverance, and a never-say-die attitude. He also exhibits sportsmanship / gamesmanship.
The Gentleman: The Gentleman is compassionate and discerning. He constantly knows what is right. They know the appropriate behavior in different settings and work well with others.
The Leader: The leader sets examples for others. He is responsible because he is a discerning individual who is able to distinguish right from wrong. He is confident and takes the lead in any challenges posed to him.
B. The Desired Outcomes of Education
"Its not how much you do (or how many programs you have), its whether everything to do is geared towards the desired outcomes of education". Mr Simen quoted the former Director-General of Education and expounded on its meaning.
The Desired Outcome of Education is to develop the individual and the citizen. Values as the foundation of the person.
At the end of Secondary School, students should:
a. Have Moral Integrity
b. Have Care and Concern for Others
c. Work in teams and value every contribution
d. Be Enterprising and Innovative
e. Have a broad-based foundation for further education
f. Believe in their ability
g. Appreciate the aesthetics
h. Know and Believe in Singapore
C. School Values
The school values are:
a. Faith
b. Compassion
c. Integrity
d. Humility
e. Respect and Teamwork
f. Passion
g. Perseverance
How can we be sure that when a student the school he has these values and has reached the school vision of being a Man for Others? Well, he is trained this way. We hope and we pray, leaving all in God's providence, that with the many processes we have put in place and by never wavering from the school vision and mission, we have trained and programmed our student in this manner for lifelong learning as a process. Education is about giving people hope and that confidence
D. TEACHERS ARE THE KEY (for teachers only)
The 3 SEM core values underlying people management are: (i) Leading with Purpose; (ii) Students First; (iii) Teachers the Key.
The key is the teachers. "You and I run this school" Mr Simen said, "We run things and manage this for our students". He emphasized that it was important for all staff to feel relaxed, empowered, confidant and to carry themselves well and to be happy about our school.
It is also important to be clear about:
(i) The approach that you take
(ii) The deployment - what levels. Whether student laders, by levels, what levels/ depts.
(iii) Assessment and Review - at the committees; at strategic planning sessions, department meeting and whether important data is presented to us. How do you know?
Before Mr Simen ended, he iterated,
"CLARITY AND SHARED VISION FOR EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT. IT BUILDS SCHOOL CULTURE" (AND WE HAVE HAD 92 YEARS OF THIS SINCE 1916)
It should give us the motivation, confidence and swagger to speak as a team with one voice.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Heritage Quest V - The Northeast Line. 10 Aug 2008
Heritage Quest V was held on 10 August 2008 at Hougang Mall. The theme was 'The Northeast Line'. It was the 5th exhibition held to get our students to conduct exhibitions for the purpose of public education. This time, the focus was on takin their projects beyond the Upper Serangoon district into interesting sites along the Northeast Line. They also blogged on their research and participated in an amazing race to get to know these palces better.
The Guest of Honour for our event was NMP and ASEAN Outstanding Youth of the Year 2008, Ms Eunice Olsen. She was accompanied by several of our students who were her cousins. She also surprised everyone with her candid nature and friendliness. Many of her uncles and cousins were educated in Montfort.
The day began with the Kompang boys welcoming her and a silk gift given to her. The Wushu performance was fantastic! Especially even on such a small stage. Several old boys even returned to peform. The chorale, fresh from their performance from the National Day Parade the day before (they returned only at midnight) also sang three songs. The TLDDS also performed an Indian dance. It was a very successful event with many members of the community, stopping during their morning marketing, to view the exhibitions and the event.
The Guest of Honour for our event was NMP and ASEAN Outstanding Youth of the Year 2008, Ms Eunice Olsen. She was accompanied by several of our students who were her cousins. She also surprised everyone with her candid nature and friendliness. Many of her uncles and cousins were educated in Montfort.
The day began with the Kompang boys welcoming her and a silk gift given to her. The Wushu performance was fantastic! Especially even on such a small stage. Several old boys even returned to peform. The chorale, fresh from their performance from the National Day Parade the day before (they returned only at midnight) also sang three songs. The TLDDS also performed an Indian dance. It was a very successful event with many members of the community, stopping during their morning marketing, to view the exhibitions and the event.
National Day - Youth Racial Harmony Day
1. Youth and Racial Harmony Day, 25 April postponed
Youth and Racial Harmony Day was postponed because our canteen vendor Mr Daniel Hoe passed away during the week. He had been with us for 10 years and we keep him in our prayers. Prayers were said in the morning for him and a condolence book laid out for the week. He leaves behind his wife and two son.s We keep him in our prayers
2. ASEAN Day, 7 August 2008
Montfort School celebrated ASEAN Day on 7 August. Mr Lloyd Yeo read out the message from the Director-General of Schools. He began by asking students 'where are you from?' and emphasized the importance of feeling and being Asian because it gives all of us a common sense of identity and sense of belonging.
3. National Day / Racial Harmony Day 8 August 2008
The National Day and Youth and Racial Harmony Day was celebrated on on 8 August 2008. There was a joint observance ceremony held in the School Field. It was delightful to see Montfort School as one full school. Students then proceeded to the hall for a hall assembly. It featured an Indian Dance, Video clips on 'Common Space' and a wonderful performance by teachers singing Kit Chan's recent National Day song. In the true spirit of racial harmony, Ms Rashidah, Mrs Prema, Mr Christopher Foran, Mr Edwin Lee and many other teachers sang the song in mandarin.
There was also the Annual Youth and Racial Harmony fair held. Class 4E2 were champs again in raising the most amount of funds. The Parent Support Group even had a store and came in a close second. A total of $8,155 was raised for the School Pocket Fund for our needy students.
Montfort Chorale will perform as part of the National Day Combined Schools Choir during the N-Day parade on 9 August 2008.
Youth and Racial Harmony Day was postponed because our canteen vendor Mr Daniel Hoe passed away during the week. He had been with us for 10 years and we keep him in our prayers. Prayers were said in the morning for him and a condolence book laid out for the week. He leaves behind his wife and two son.s We keep him in our prayers
2. ASEAN Day, 7 August 2008
Montfort School celebrated ASEAN Day on 7 August. Mr Lloyd Yeo read out the message from the Director-General of Schools. He began by asking students 'where are you from?' and emphasized the importance of feeling and being Asian because it gives all of us a common sense of identity and sense of belonging.
3. National Day / Racial Harmony Day 8 August 2008
The National Day and Youth and Racial Harmony Day was celebrated on on 8 August 2008. There was a joint observance ceremony held in the School Field. It was delightful to see Montfort School as one full school. Students then proceeded to the hall for a hall assembly. It featured an Indian Dance, Video clips on 'Common Space' and a wonderful performance by teachers singing Kit Chan's recent National Day song. In the true spirit of racial harmony, Ms Rashidah, Mrs Prema, Mr Christopher Foran, Mr Edwin Lee and many other teachers sang the song in mandarin.
There was also the Annual Youth and Racial Harmony fair held. Class 4E2 were champs again in raising the most amount of funds. The Parent Support Group even had a store and came in a close second. A total of $8,155 was raised for the School Pocket Fund for our needy students.
Montfort Chorale will perform as part of the National Day Combined Schools Choir during the N-Day parade on 9 August 2008.
Montfort Softball
1. Montfort Softball Team beat ACS 5-3 and held on a last minute surge to enter the Semi-Finals of the National Softball Tournament
2. Montfort Softball Team calls themselves 'Giants' and slew the Chinese High team 4-0 to enter into the Finals of the National Softball Tournament.
3. Montfort Softball Team lost out to Raffles Institution 5-8 in a hard fought game held at TPJC. Montfort softball team are the second best team in Singapore!
Montfort had won several SRC Championships but never come in second in the Nationals. Their last Top 4 Standing was in 2003 and 2004. We wish our Montfort Softball team all their best in their future performance and hope the sporting culture at Montfort continues to grow.
2. Montfort Softball Team calls themselves 'Giants' and slew the Chinese High team 4-0 to enter into the Finals of the National Softball Tournament.
3. Montfort Softball Team lost out to Raffles Institution 5-8 in a hard fought game held at TPJC. Montfort softball team are the second best team in Singapore!
Montfort had won several SRC Championships but never come in second in the Nationals. Their last Top 4 Standing was in 2003 and 2004. We wish our Montfort Softball team all their best in their future performance and hope the sporting culture at Montfort continues to grow.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The spirit rages on
Brian Theng, 2E4
Friday, August 1, 2008
Student Council President Elections
Student Council President Elections
On the First of August, the whole school gathered at the hall for the Q&A session with the two student council president candidates, Boey Teng Ann(3E1) and Daniel Lee(3E1). The student population was able to pose questions and clarify any doubts during the session.
No Promise
With Mr Victor Ong as moderator, queries where quickly raised and it almost became like a mini-debate session. One asked why there were the candidates made no promises for them. Their response: not all promises can be kept as the president is not the ultimate authority in school, whichi is the principal. Therefore making promises that may not be kept would only anger the student. Promises that are possible may take a long time to fufill. But one promise they can keep is to promise that they do the right thing, and not what is popular or easy.
Councillors
Several questions were asked about the student councillors and their bad points. The simple response was that the councillors are people, and noone is perfect and make mistakes. Questions about the council were not really related as the Q&A session was for the school.
Raising the bar
One student posed the question of raising the standard of the students and not only the councillors. The candidates agreed that a change in the council is needed first, as they are of smaller size. Then, with the councillors as better role models, the students would most likely follow their example. That way, the whole school's image could be changed.
The reason why the the candidates posed questions back to the school population as some of the questions asked were not thought through first.
Daniel Lee wishes to get the student population to suggest what they want to see/have in school and will impliment student character development, together with the school's current programme, to fufill his vision of 'everyone is a man of reason'.
Boey Teng Ann hopes to use his knowledge, experience and ability to take action and get results to win the election.
Overall, they feel that as it is just the 2nd time the whole school is electing the president, the school is not 'seasoned' enough for a true and real election. What they can also promise is the fact that no matter what the outcome of the election is, they will work together for the benefit of the school. The results of the election would be releasd on the 4th of August, Monday
Written by:
Brian Theng, 2E4
On the First of August, the whole school gathered at the hall for the Q&A session with the two student council president candidates, Boey Teng Ann(3E1) and Daniel Lee(3E1). The student population was able to pose questions and clarify any doubts during the session.
No Promise
With Mr Victor Ong as moderator, queries where quickly raised and it almost became like a mini-debate session. One asked why there were the candidates made no promises for them. Their response: not all promises can be kept as the president is not the ultimate authority in school, whichi is the principal. Therefore making promises that may not be kept would only anger the student. Promises that are possible may take a long time to fufill. But one promise they can keep is to promise that they do the right thing, and not what is popular or easy.
Councillors
Several questions were asked about the student councillors and their bad points. The simple response was that the councillors are people, and noone is perfect and make mistakes. Questions about the council were not really related as the Q&A session was for the school.
Raising the bar
One student posed the question of raising the standard of the students and not only the councillors. The candidates agreed that a change in the council is needed first, as they are of smaller size. Then, with the councillors as better role models, the students would most likely follow their example. That way, the whole school's image could be changed.
The reason why the the candidates posed questions back to the school population as some of the questions asked were not thought through first.
Daniel Lee wishes to get the student population to suggest what they want to see/have in school and will impliment student character development, together with the school's current programme, to fufill his vision of 'everyone is a man of reason'.
Boey Teng Ann hopes to use his knowledge, experience and ability to take action and get results to win the election.
Overall, they feel that as it is just the 2nd time the whole school is electing the president, the school is not 'seasoned' enough for a true and real election. What they can also promise is the fact that no matter what the outcome of the election is, they will work together for the benefit of the school. The results of the election would be releasd on the 4th of August, Monday
Written by:
Brian Theng, 2E4
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