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

Kampong Days in Frontier!

Now, what do you think this is?

Awesome! That’s the word to describe the whole month of July! July was really exciting and fun because there were many activities for us to take part in as part of Racial Harmony Day celebration!

These Games are fun!

Earlier in July, I saw some kampong house structures in the canteen! Wow, I was intrigued by them! I didn’t know that the older generations lived in such small wooden houses! I was shocked when I saw the toilet that was used in the kampong! It was small and did not have any toilet bowl. Instead, the toilet was raised above the ground with a platform that housed a bucket, covered by a wooden board. From the description provided by National Heritage Board, I have learnt several other things. In the 50s and 60s, many kampongs did not have electricity. Most households used firewood or charcoal for cooking in a brick stove. To get water, the kampong residents had to fetch water from public standpipes to their homes every day. Wow, I can’t imagine myself having to fetch water from public standpipes every day. I must really appreciate the modern amenities that I have and use them wisely instead of taking them for granted!

Kampong Doors~ Are these doors secured?

I was really glad that the Travelling Exhibition by NHB lasted for two weeks because that meant that I could play traditional games with my friends for two whole weeks! Hurray! Look at some of the games that I played with my friends! Gasing, Hopscotch, Goli, Capteh, Congkak, Five stones and Pick-up sticks etc. Have you played them before?

Frontierers playing Congkak

Initially, I did not know how to play the games. Fortunately, my Social Studies teacher taught us how to play the various games during Social Studies lesson. She not only passed the different games such as capteh and kuti kuti around to let us feel and touch, but also demonstrated how to play the games and showed us videos from http://www.gamesweplayed.sg/about.html  to let us have a deeper understanding.

Kuti Kuti - You mean My Mom Used to play with these!

I thought that the word “kuti” is an English word, but I learnt from the website that it is actually a Malay word that means “flick”. After we learnt about the various games played by past generations in Singapore, we had to complete a worksheet to identify the various games. I was super happy that all my answers were correct!

Capteh and skipping ...

During Music lesson, I learnt to sing the song “The more we get together” in the various mother tongue languages. The song, which has a lively tune and rhythm, is about friendship. My classmates and I thought it was pretty cool to sing a song in different languages! My teacher told me that these are the songs that my parents may have learnt as children.


Learning "The More We Get Together" in Different Languages



Dragon Design for me!

My Kite, My Design

Art lesson was also amazing! My teacher taught us to make kites! She also taught us the design elements found in various cultural designs! For instance, I learnt that motifs are repeated to create patterns in Malay designs and Chinese designs tend to use bright colours such as red and pink! With oil pastels and tracing paper, I drew a Malay floral design and my friend drew an Indian henna design on her kite! Although I’m not sure if my kite could really fly, I’m proud to make the first kite of my life!

Zero Point!

Other traditional games such as ‘Sepak Takraw’ and ‘Zero Point’ were introduced to us during PE lesson.  Wow! I was surprised that rubber bands could be tied to one another to form a long skipping rope! I guess I would start collecting rubber bands now to form my own Zero Point rope!

So, these are the games that my mommy and daddy used to play!

I Play But I Also Learn .. MTL Speech and Drama Enrichment Programme

Do you know that for the past few weeks, we have been having special lessons for our Mother Tongue on Wednesdays? In these special lessons, we do many interesting activities that are not only fun but cultivate the love of the language. The programme also enable us to learn important values. The lessons are obviously conducted in Chinese ( and of course, Malay for my friends who offer Malay for their Mother Tongue). Now, you know why I look forward to attending my Mother Tongue lesson every Wednesday! It is the day we have our Speech and Drama Enrichment Programme!



We Practise Active Listening! Active Listening helps us master the Language!



I Like to Move It...Move It ...Move It!

We Learn Thru Games ! And Boy do we like it!

Choral Reading and Acting!

This programme is the school's way to make learning of mother tongue fun. It allows us to use our mother tongue in various settings. We do so many activities, such as Poetry Recitation, Tongue Twisters, and Drama and Play through interesting games. I also get to perform in front of my classmates! We had so much fun during the lesson.

My friends and I perform choral reading and we also did some acting in front of  the class. We learnt how to express ourselves through different facial expressions too!

Before you start thinking that we do nothing but play in these lessons, let me assure you that there is serious learning taking place during this lesson. Our teacher taught us the right pronounciation of certain commonly mispronounced words! My teacher told us that this is “learning through play!”

My teacher also told us that we will be putting up a presentation to showcase our learning during our Mother Tongue Fortnight! In fact, I hear rumours that the school may even invite our parents to watch our performance. I certainly hope this is true! I cannot wait to perform for my Daddy and Mummy!

I love Mother Tongue Speech & Drama!