Aesthetics Splash...




Enjoying the Aesthetics activities!

Do you know that we celebrated the arts for a full week? We called it Aesthetics Splash Week? I am allowing you to have a glimpse of my diary so that you know what we did that week!

Monday

The Aesthetics Splash Week began from our Assembly period. We had a drawing session with an artist, Adrian Tan. He taught us how to draw cartoons using basic shapes such as circles, triangles and squares. I was so impressed and wished I could draw like him!

Soon, it was recess time. I bought my food and ate quickly. While eating, I could see my teachers setting up the station for their Percussion performance later. I was getting excited. After finishing my food, I brought my yellow card or Participation Card and managed to get my first stamp on my card. I sat down with some of my friends to watch the performance. Miss Lam and Miss Joycelyn were superb! They managed to play tunes using pots, pails and even a ladle. I enjoyed their performance tremendously and told myself that I would try this out at home!

Making music using ordinary items such as bottles, pots and footballs

Tuesday

Today was another day of fun especially during recess time. I had Fingerprinting Art and I loved it! We were seated in neat rows and there were fingerpainting ink pads and markers for us to decorate our art work. I had fun creating ladybugs, butterflies and even cute little animals such as dogs, frogs and cats just by using my fingers.

We make music with ordinary objects!

Trying my hand at fingerprinting art

Wednesday

It was Violin time during recess today. I seated myself on the floor with so many of my friends. We were so impressed with Mr Paul Goh. He was the Violin Instructor and he was very good at playing the violin. He taught us how to create happy, sad and angry sounds by playing the violin in different ways. I watched his performance in awe and wished I could play the violin like him.



Listening to a Parent who is a great musician!

Thursday

I was so excited today! It was Percussion Fun during recess time and I saw many teachers preparing to perform for us. Miss Lam, Miss Nurul, Miss Chua and Mdm Soh sang songs for us while Mr Yang, Miss Ong and Mr Chon played instruments such as the piano, cajon and guitar.

I was impressed as I didn’t know that my teachers were so musically inclined.

Our Teacher -- Singers!

Is that my Chinese Teacher!?!

Thank you for the Music!

Friday

Today was the day that I have been waiting for! I woke up in anticipation. I knew that today was going to be a great day. Recess time was another performance by my teachers. I was in great awe at their skills and talents. I wished that they could perform for us everyday.  

Soon, we had our lunch and it was time to go to the respective venues to have some fun. I heard from my Primary 2 Kor-Kor that he went through a similar experience when he was in Primary 1 last year.

My class started with percussion in the School Hall. We heard the sounds made by many different instruments.

After that, my class went into the Dance Studio. We learnt to do some special dance movements and I listened intently and tried my best to do the moves.

Percussion! We make music!

Dancing in the studio.

Learning the violin from the P2s!

We then proceeded to the Music Room where we tried playing the violins. Some of the primary 2 pupils were helping us. They were so good at it! Our last station was the PAL room where we were given crayons to do drawing.

Finally, we proceeded back to the school hall where we watched some performances by other schools. We managed to catch a dance put up by Zhenghua Primary School. The dancers had such beautiful costumes and they were dancing so gracefully. We also had a

Wow! WHat great Dancers!

group of NIE trainee teachers dancing to a groovy hip-hop tune. We enjoyed their high energy dance too. Finally, we had a performance from our own violinists from Primary 2. They were so professional and played very well!

I had a truly enriching week and I knew exactly what I would be doing this weekend…Singing, dancing and drawing to my heart’s content! J

Trying my hand at fingerprinting art



The Day Total Defence Came Alive in Frontier



Our Teacher is explaining to us what Total Defence means! Don't we look engaged?



In the last entry, I spoke about fire drills in school. It means to be prepared. Today, I am going to share with you more about Total Defence Day. Firstly, do you know when Total Defence Day falls on? Let me tell you. J

Total Defence Day falls on 15^th February every year. It marks the British surrender of Singapore to the Japanese during World War II many years ago. It was a horrible period in our Singapore history and there was much suffering. This annual event reminds us that we should all continue to work together to keep Singapore safe and peaceful for everyone to live in. We should never take for granted the present stability and prosperity of our country.

This was shared with us during the assembly talk on Monday. Look at how engaged we were!

During our Art and Craft lesson, we drew a fire engine and coloured it. It was very fun because I have not drawn a fire engine before! It was actually difficult to draw a fire engine but I tried my best to do it. Luckily, my teacher helped us by showing us some pictures of a fire engine. It was certainly useful!  

Look at my fire engine, isn’t it beautiful?

Full concentration ...

My Fire Engine...

After that, we made a real fire engine using shoe boxes! We did this in groups so that we can get more ideas from our group mates and complete our work quickly. By working together in groups, I also learnt the importance of teamwork and respect. 

Teamwork is key!

Final touches ...



I am proud of my work ...



Together, we can create anything

To begin, some of the groups pasted red coloured papers on the shoe boxes while some of us pasted red packets on it. Then, we added in the wheels and windows to our fire engine. We enjoyed ourselves very much making our own fire-engine!

My friends in the Primary 1 classes did something different. Instead of drawing, they did colouring! They coloured pictures of fire fighters, nurse, police officer and doctor!

This is how I learn Total Defence

I think that their artwork is amazing! Look at the police car that he has coloured, isn’t it lovely!

Then, they painted their shoe boxes red .

Look how skilful she is…

Adding colours to the shoe box ...

After painting, my teacher helped me to wash the containers and dry them.

Cleaning up

I enjoy the art lesson very much and hope that I can make a police car next year! J

Fire Drill@Frontier

Walking briskly but orderly to the holding area~!

 

Today, we had our fire drill. We had just returned to class after assembly, and were settling down to our usual classroom routine when suddenly, a loud alarm sounded. Immediately, we were alert and we quickly looked to our form teacher. The teacher said to us that the fire alarm had sounded and we should quickly get ready to evacuate the building. One of my friends wanted to pack her bag but the teacher told her not to. Our teacher said the priority was to leave the school building. However, we need to remain calm and the last thing we should do is for all of us rushing out to to the doors. We would be crushed. This will only slow us down!

 

 

Not the right way to evacuate!

 

As we quickly lined up outside the classroom, we heard an announcement through the PA system that this was a fire drill. To be honest, I was relieved to hear that it was just a drill. If it was a real fire, I would be very afraid. However, I still took this drill seriously. Drills are important because through practice, we learn what to do and how to behave in an emergency. My teachers have shared this with us and I think they are right.

We finally reached the assembly area!

 

 

Knowing what to do during a drill is very important. We have faith in our teacher. My teacher looked in control and she has all the knowledge that she needs to get us to safety. For instance, she knew the route of our evacuation. My whole class was also very cooperative. I must say that the briefing given to all of us in January helped. My teacher shared with us her expectations during an emergency. She said that it is important that we stay together and gather quickly in the assembly area. Hence, when some of my classmates became quite mischievous during the evacuation, they were reprimanded by our class eLFs. To be fair to naughty ones, they also became serious when they were reminded! Kudos to the naughty ones in class because they knew when to be serious!

 

 

Marking attendance ....

When we reached the assembly area, my teacher again took our attendance to determine that all our classmates were accounted for. It is important that we take attendance as if we have missing children, the school will quickly send a team to find the missing pupils. Anyway, we did not have such a problem because our class stayed intact throughout.

 

 

Now, is anyone missing ?

Finally, the Principal spoke to all of us in the assembly ground. He said he was pleased that we took less than 5 minutes for all the pupils to evacuate the building. He praised us and said that we did a good job and every should be proud of ourselves. Yeah! I must say I feel quite good that we did a good job in this fire drill. My teacher said that we may have a more challenging exercise to do in semester 2. I am looking forward to it!

 

 

 

The New Frontierers



First Day of School ...in the Hall!


2 January 2013

It's school time again! Our long break is coming to an end, and we were feeling excited. Some of my friends felt nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and a new school. I was looking towards coming to school, even though I was a little concerned. Will my teachers be fierce? They say primary school teachers are fierce, not like my kindergarten.

My mom told me that she would be taking me to school on the first day. I told her no need, but in my heart, I was glad that she was. I felt safer that mom was coming instead of the school bus, which would be my regular transport.

When I first reached school, all the children were brought upstairs to the hall! This was because the weather was wet. There were already many children upstairs when I got up, and also many parents. I observed my classmates, and they look in awe too. I was getting nervous until I saw a little boy nearly in tears because his parents were about to leave. I went to talk to him and asked him if he watched any cartoon. Then, both of us started talking and we forgot our anxiety!



Taking Our Pledge!



Soon, we took our pledge and sang the national anthem. The P2 are really good. They could sing and they everything that the teacher addressing us asked for. I hope we, the new Frontierers, would be able to do that soon. There was one funny moment though. The teacher announced that P1 Joy was to stand up. The P1 Joy pupils stood up, but so did P2 Joy! I think the adjustment is not just restricted to the P1. The P2 are also getting used to the idea that they are no longer P1 pupils!

Parents taking pictures of their children



Don't Worry, you will be fine!



We were soon led to our classrooms, and we bid our parents bye bye. I was feeling comfortable and excited. My mom was taking pictures of me! She shared that she would show the pictures to my children next time! Yikes!

Going Back to Class

My teacher kicked off the school year by introducing herself and shared about all the stuff we'll be doing this year. She even gave the us a chance to tell something about ourselves to the rest of the class. the teacher also went over classroom rules so we know what's allowed and what's not. She said: "Pay close attention so you'll know if you need to raise your hand to ask a question".



Put up your hands when you have a question or an answer!~



Our masterpieces!

We did art that day. We shared about family. In a way, we now have a "new" family -- our classmates as we do many things together. By the end of the day, I made a lot of friends. My advice to all my friends is try to say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don't. Make the first move and you'll be glad you did and so will your new friend!



Teacher, I do not know how to do this ...

 I talked to my teachers that day. I need to tell my mom and dad that the rumours about primary school teachers being fierce... they are not true!

My Teacher ...

We Have Grown!

Today, during class, the teacher suddenly shared that we have grown. We did not take much notice what she shared when she shared, but now that I have some time on my own, I had begun to reflect what she had shared. I think I would agree with her. I remember coming to Frontier feeling rather frightened and excited at the same time. It was as if I was embarking on a new adventure, and my mom and dad were not be able to accompany us everywhere we went. I think they felt nervous too but did not want to reveal their concerns.

When we first came, I must say that we were quite lost, not like now! Now, we are confident and always ready to get into action. We can do everything that were tasked although some of us needed more help than others. We felt safe because the teachers were always there. If we fall, we know someone would be able to pick us up. I am not sure how we became more confident. We just became confident along the way.

Earlier, we shared in a blog about how we celebrated National Day in Frontier. See http://fpsclassof2017.blogspot.sg/2012/09/happy-national-day-frontier.html .There were nine Student eLFs and myself who were chosen to be part of the Marching Contingent for the National Day ceremony in the school. We marched with the national flag and the school flag into the parade square. My friends and I were nervous but proud to be selected. We had trained very hard for the formal ceremony.

Here is a short segment of video of all of us in that ceremony. This video was the work of one of our parent volunteers. I thought we looked very confident. We are proud of ourselves. When I watched this video, I know that we have grown. Not just myself, but all my friends.

Mom and dad -- not to worry! We are going to be fine! We are enjoying school and the best thing is that we have just begun!

Enjoy the video.

Happy National Day @ Frontier



Carrying our home-made National Flag with Pride!



The moment I woke up in the early morning of 08 August 2012, Wednesday, I jumped out of my bed and got ready in my red T-shirt and white shorts which mom had prepared for me the night earlier. 8 August was the day we would officially commemorate National Day which actually falls on 9 August. 



Slow March - We are Flag Bearers!



I had an additional duty to perform for this celebration. The task assigned to me was an important one AND I had been chosen to execute it! I am honoured to have been chosen as this was a task usually given to the most senior pupils of the school. Because Frontier only had P1 pupils, there were talks that we might have to forgo this ceremony. However, my teachers had faith that we would be able to do it! And I am glad that our teachers had confidence in us! We, Frontierers, can achieve anything! Believe in us!



A Proud Moment



Nine other Student eLFs and myself had been chosen to be part of the Marching Contingent for the National Day ceremony in the school. We would march with the national flag and the school flag into the parade square. My friends and I were nervous but proud to be selected. We had trained very hard for the formal ceremony.

When I reached school, the parade square was flooded with Frontierers in reds and whites. I quickly met up the Marching Contingent and assembled near the flag poles to get ready for the formal ceremony while the rest of the Frontierers sang the National Day Songs.



Red and White in the Parade Square!



At 8am sharp, the formal ceremony started with the marching-in of the contingent. I could sense that all eyes were setting on us as we marched in. We did a great job and my friends told me later that we were even better than the contingent in the National Day Parade itself! I know my friend was exaggerating but deep inside, we knew we did well! J  



Love at First Light -- Frontier's Style!



The whole school sang the National Anthem as the flags were being raised by my fellow Student eLFs. We also recited the recollections and the National Pledge. Our Principal then read us the National Day Message and following that, my classmate, Alif Danial led the school in the singing of this year’s National Day song, Love at First Light. We were all swept off by his singing and all of us cheered him on and with that the formal part of the celebration had come to an end. If there was a Frontier Idol, he would have been the winner!



Together, Singing and Celebrating!



Teacher Performers!

We proceeded to the hall for the second part of the celebration where we have games and quizzes about the fun facts and landmarks of Singapore. We were all mesmerized by the dance put up by our Mother Tongue Teachers. We also sang a few other National Day songs and all of us danced in the hall with the shakers as we sang the song “Singapore Town”. Finally, the celebration ended off with a cake cutting ceremony and another recitation of the Pledge.

                               



Learning about Singapore thru a Beach Ball!



With the pre-celebration activities and actual celebration, I had reflected what it meant to be to love Singapore. My friends and I expressed our love for the nation when our class designed a huge birthday card where we penned our birthday wishes for Singapore during our Social Studies lessons. All the beautiful cards were then displayed in the canteen. We enjoyed reading the wishes pen by our fellow school mates during our recesses. I enjoyed myself thoroughly that day. Singapore is where we grew up and she will always be special to me. She is my home, my family and my school all rolled into one.



I am Singapore!



Happy National Day Singapore!

Love,

All of us in Frontier!

Racial Harmony Day in Frontier

Colourful Frontierers: We Came in Our Traditional Costumes!

20 July was the day my school officially commemorated Racial Harmony Day, which falls on 21 July. It was another exciting day! My friends and I went to school in our unique traditional costumes. Lo and behold! Our teachers were also wearing traditional costumes! The school looked very colourful with everyone in their unique costumes!

Teachers also Came in their Traditional Costumes!

My Teacher sharing About the RHD

The Racial Harmony Day Special Assembly Programme started with Mdm Koh Ser Lian telling us an interesting story entitled ‘Games We Played’. The story, written by Mdm Koh, was about how children used to make kites as a pastime in Singapore. Next, Mdm Nellie Soh talked about the importance of Racial Harmony Day. She taught us that there were racial riots in Singapore on 21 July 1964 and highlighted the importance of living together in harmony and appreciating the different cultures that make up Singapore. Through the talk, I learnt that the MOE Racial Harmony logo is in the shape of a heart as it represents both the brotherhood of Singaporeans and the deep emotional, visceral bond that we share. After the talk, my friends and I went on stage to sing the song ‘The more we get together’. This was followed by a fashion parade in which Mdm Soh pointed out the features of the various traditional costumes!

Parent Volunteers Manning the Stalls

Sticky balloon!

That was not all! To our delight, there was a local food and games bazaar during recess! There were traditional snacks such as kacang putih and crackers on sale. How I love the crispy nuts! Games such as kuti kuti, Goli and sticky balloon were also on sale! My friends and I bought the sticky balloon, but I did not know how to blow the gum into a balloon, so my teachers helped us. I was fascinated by how the toothpaste-like gum could turn into a transparent ball after blowing it with a tiny straw. Drums of various sizes were also on display to let us play with them. Besides these, there was a booth where I could go to try on other traditional costumes! It was really funny to see my friends wearing other costumes! These activities were all organised by my teachers and parent volunteers. Thank you, we really appreciate this!

Trying some costumes!

Chinese Drums!

Buying Kuti Kuti!

On the whole, I enjoyed myself tremendously! I love the Racial Harmony Month activities, especially the games! I’ve not only learnt how to play some traditional games, but I’ve also learnt the importance of being united and living in harmony with others, regardless of their race and religion. Besides, I have learnt to appreciate Singapore’s cultural diversity. National Day is approaching. I wonder what the school has planned for us! I am learning so much this year!

A picture for my album