AMKSS Family Day - Ang Mo Kio Secondary School

Ang Mo Kio
Secondary School
Issue 1
MAY 2014
AMKSS Family Day
By Toh Rui Fang and Lim Jen Hui 3/4
“AMKSS Family Day” is an annual event organized by the
school. We will be able to interact in a more informal setting
with our teachers, friends and even invite our family members
to join us on this joyous day. This year, the event was held at
Tanjong Beach on Sentosa Island. There were exciting events
such as beach soccer, dodge ball and the highlight of the day
was the telematch!
For the telematch, we had to form a team together with our
form teachers to complete a series of challenges such as
piggy-bagging a classmate from point A to point B, forming a
wheelbarrow with a partner, forming a chain with hula-hoops
and putting together the words “AMksians As One” at the last
station. The team which managed to emerge the champion
for the upper sec group was class 3/4. One of the members
of the team Aceson Han commented, “The telematch not only
encouraged all the participants to work together as a team
but also promotes class spirit as many of my classmates were
seen cheering for the participants. It was a great moment
when we managed to reach the finishing line and clinch the
top position.”
The emcees of the day were Miss Jasvir Kaur and Mr Daniel
Lim. Although it was their first attempt at hosting a school event,
they did a fantastic job with their humourous commentaries
on the different games. The sec 2 classes played an exciting
game of beach soccer. It was a very close match between 2/1
and 2A but finally 2/1 won with a score of 1-0. The referee for
the game, Mr Ridhwan said, “Both teams were very good. 2/1
made use of their chances very well.”
Alumni of the school also came back to enjoy the lively
atmosphere and relive their secondary school days. Miss
Izzah Ibrahim, who graduated in 2011 said, “Wow, the Family
Day Celebration is getting more and more fun every year.
I don’t mind coming back next year if it’s going to be as
exciting!”
It was definitely a fun and fulfilling day for all of us and we look
forward to the next Family Day!
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Alumni Night
“The Green Party 2014”
By Cheryl Ong 3/4
AMKSS’ Alumni Gathering “The Green Party 2014” organised
by Mdm Yeo Leng, Mdm Ng Kae Pheng, Miss Tan Hui Teng and
Miss Ang Xiu Qin was held on the 28th of March. On this night,
alumni who graduated as recently as 2013 and all the way back
to 1979 were invited to come back to AMKSS to celebrate the
school’s 35th Anniversary together as a family. This was a good
platform for the alumni to relive the fond memories of being a
student here in AMKSS. This night was also an opportunity for
ex-staff and students to reunite after many years. Many had
gone on to pursue different paths in life. Those who attended
were impressed by the elaborate decorations and displays put
up for this special event.
At around 6.30 pm, the guests gradually streamed into the
school’s compound and registered at the reception desk.
They were then ushered by the student councillors to their
seats. At 7.30pm, our Principal, Mr Abdul Mannan, officially
opened the event by giving a heartwarming speech to
welcome the ex-AMKsians and ex-staff back. After which, the
dinner commenced. During the dinner, many performances
were put up to entertain the guests. The students from the
various performing arts CCAs such as our school’s Jazz
2
Band, Contemporary Dance Club, Choir, Malay Dance and
even our Uniformed Group, NCC Land Precision Drills Squad
put up exciting performances. There was also a special item
performed by our alumni Shuai Hua and Keidi, who graduated
from AMKSS in 2013. All the performances were very wellreceived and captured the attention of the guests throughout
the dinner.
There were many interesting activities such as the lucky dip
where attractive prizes could be won as well as a photo booth
for guests to take pictures together. The photographs were
printed on the spot and given to the guests as a keepsake of
that memorable night. Goodie bags were also handed out to
the guests that night as a door gift.
The atmosphere throughout the night was very lively and
warm. It was a night of nostalgia - people re-connected almost
instantaneously as they reminisced about the good old days.
One alumna who is currently teaching in her alma mater, Mrs
Jocelyn Luei commented, “I feel very familiar with the place
and it is like coming back to my family”.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
By Toh Rui Fang 3/4
Chinese New Year is an event celebrated by most Chinese in Singapore. It is an important festival that brings together families,
friends and the community. In AMKSS, we usually welcome the start of Chinese New Year by organizing a series of events and
this year, it is no exception.
First of all, we started with an interesting hands-on activity. A few of our classmates who had attended a training session on
‘Creating a Chinese knot’ taught us how to do it . After we had successfully created our Chinese Knot, we exchanged it with other
classmates. The word “knot” in Chinese, means reunion, friendliness, warmth, and love. The word when spoken in Mandarin,
sounds much like the word that means anything auspicious, including, wealth, happiness, longevity, health and peace.
After that, we proceeded to the parade square for performances put up by the Contemporary Dance Club and the school
choir. Our guests from the Overseas Family School also put up a music performance that really impressed the audience.
We also witnessed the lion dance performance! One student Daren Tok from class 3/4 commented, “The Chinese New Year
performance is a memorable one and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The dance put up by the modern dance group definitely
hyped up all the students.”
Overall, I believe that everyone had a great time watching all these exciting performances and we look forward to the Chinese
New Year celebrations in 2015!
3
AMKSS - Overseas Family School (OFS)
Exchange Programme
By Teo Kia Joo and Cheryl Ong 3/4
On 29th January 2014, 20 students from the Overseas Family
School arrived in AMKSS for a 2-Day exchange programme.
After being given a short presentation about AMKSS and
Singapore education system, the OFS students were introduced
to their buddies who are students from the AMKsian Scholar
Programme.
Their first lesson in AMKSS was Home Economics and so they
were taken to the Home Economics room for dumpling making.
They had to marinate, wrap and cook the dumpling together
with their AMKSS buddies. Although the students from both
schools had just got to know one another, they soon let go
of their initial inhibitions. During this activity, everyone had a
lot of fun ‘cooking up a storm’ and smiles could be seen on
everyone’s face.
After their dish was completed, it was time to have a taste of
their dish! The group proceeded to the canteen for recess.
While sampling their creation and eating food purchased from
the canteen, students from both schools took the opportunity
to find out more about one another and it was definitely a fun
bonding session for everyone.
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Next, the students went to the Design &Technology room to
have some hands-on activities. The task was to make an acrylic
photo frame. It was a novel experience for the OFS students
and they were worked on their product enthusiastically. They
learnt how to melt, bend and polish their work and at the end
of the session, as they looked at their finished products, there
was a palpable sense of accomplishment on their faces.
On the second day of the exchange programme, AMKSS
celebrated the Chinese New Year with much aplomb. The OFS
students joined their buddies in the classrooms and learnt the
traditional craft of Chinese flower knot making. The students
from both schools enjoyed the various performances put up
by the performing arts CCAs, contemporary dance, choir as
well as a 3-member band from OFS. Afterwards, there was
a ‘Lo Hei’ session and an exchange of token of appreciation
between both schools. This event has allowed the students
from OFS to experience life in a local school and forge close
ties with their counterparts in AMKSS.
A visit to Overseas Family School
By Matthew Yeo 3/4
The visit to the Overseas Family School (OFS) was certainly an
eye-opener. When the High School Principal, Ms Bentin, gave
us a brief overview of the school, I was quite surprised to know
that there are over 3000 students in the whole of OFS, from
kindergarten to high school. We were also given an overview
of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which is
equivalent to the A levels. It made me realise that the systems
in schools can be vastly different, even if they are schools in
Singapore. One marked difference between AMKSS and OFS
is that the students in OFS have to move to different classrooms
for different subjects instead of their teachers coming to them.
During the PE lesson that we attended together with our
buddies, we found out that the PE department in OFS not only
focuses on teaching the students how to play sports but also
on teamwork and communication through various activities.
For instance, during the first activity, we all had to shut our
eyes and tried to form a shape with the rope that we had. The
second activity had us trying to move in-sync with each other
by moving our legs together in order to move the wooden
board forward in the shortest time.
Finally, the visit to OFS ended with the ‘Open Mic’ session.
To me, the ‘Open Mic’ session is an excellent platform for
students and staff of OFS to showcase their musical talent. It
was a rather informal session so there was a sense of warmth
and closeness to it. There was an array of performances put
up by the OFS students and staff and what really struck me
was how spontaneous and encouraging everyone was. The
last performance put up by group of students was a medley of
songs and it was truly mesmerizing!
Overall, the visit to OFS gave me an opportunity to take part in
some activities and lessons which I would otherwise never have
experienced. It has given me a new perspective of school life.
5
Junior Show 2014
This year’s Junior Show was held on the 8th of April. Unlike past years, where the exhibition of the students’ work was held in
the Arts Room and workshops, this year, the entire exhibition was held in the hall. Different areas of the hall were sectioned off to
display works of the different levels. One area was designated for artwork display, while others showcased the students’ projects
for Design and Technology.
The secondary 2 students were tasked to create a toy boat and the exhibition displayed their design journals and their final
artefact. A new segment included this year was the toy boat race. A portable pool was placed in a corner of the hall and in
groups of 3, the students competed against each other to find out whose boat was the fastest. It was an entertaining scene as the
spectators cheered and laughed when the boats raced forward only to stop half way and veered off course and the respective
designers desperately attempted to direct their own boats.
Lam Jia Yi from class 22, who won the Creative Innovation Boat Award, said, “I learned to use the machines in the workshop to
cut the wood and put in my best effort. I am satisfied with my results.”
Amos Lim from class 24 who won the Creative Aesthetic Award gave credit to his D & T teachers for his win. “My D & T teachers,
particularly Mr Wilson Koh, were very helpful, patient and encouraging. I really enjoyed the practical lessons. I hope to create
products that will be recognised by everyone!”
Over at the Food and Nutrition corner, the Secondary One students introduced their projects with informative power slides and
posters. Ng Ai Jia and Nellie Ng from class 11 won for Best Teamwork. Ai Jia said, “I think we won this award because the
cooperation between my partner and I was very good. I am very happy!” Parents who came to view the exhibition and support
their children were also impressed by the quality of the work. Mrs Ng, whose son is in 2A said, “I see him putingt in a lot of effort
in this art work. The art pieces on display are so good that I can’t decide which to vote for.”
Overall, the Junior Show was a huge success!
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International Exchange Programme
to New Zealand
Exercise Thunderwarrior
By Marcus Tan 4/1
I had the opportunity to participate in the International Exchange Programme to New Zealand. It was a privilege to be able to
embark on this trip. It exposed me to so much more than I could ever have been to the operations of the Artillery profession of
the SAF. It also allowed me to forge new friendships and experience so many new things.
We were thrust right into the heart of the action when we travelled to the large open spaces to see the artillery unit up close and
personal. My interest in the SAF was definitely piqued as the mysteries of the artillery were unearthed. Other than learning about
the SAF, I was also better able to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between Singapore and the New Zealand defense forces.
Without the space provided at Waiouru Camp, it would have been difficult for the SAF to find space to train and conduct Exercise
Thunderwarrior. The operations also caused me to value our bond with our partners in New Zealand more.
Other than that, I managed to make many new friends and have fun during our free times. The weather was also cooling and
comfortable which was just nice for outdoor games. Another valuable experience was white water rafting. It was a thoroughly
enjoyable and unforgettable experience as we also learnt to work as a team. The exhilarating sensation of rumbling over rough
currents and working as one with my team will stay with me forever.
To end off, learning was the main activity of this trip; learning from experience, learning from friends and learning from the
professionals. But it was everyone’s adventurous spirit and sense of curiosity that made the trip extraordinary.
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Program Dwi Minggu Bahasa &
(10 Mac 2014 – 28 Mac 2014)
Budaya Melayu 2014
Unit Bahasa Melayu
Oleh Haikal Fikri (Menengah 4/4)
Antara Program Dwi minggu Bahasa dan Budaya Melayu
yang telah dianjurkan untuk para pelajar ialah Bengkel
Gamelan, Bengkel Gerak Tangkas dan Gerak Seni. Bengkelbengkel yang dianjurkan oleh Unit Bahasa Melayu Sekolah
Menengah Ang Mo Kio memberi kesempatan kepada para
pelajar mempelajari budaya Melayu dengan lebih mendalam.
Bengkel-bengkel ini bukan hanya khusus untuk pelajar Melayu,
malahan ia juga terbuka untuk pelajar bangsa lain yang mahu
mengenali budaya Melayu.
Bengkel Gamelan mengajar para peserta untuk lebih mengenali
dan menghargai muzik tradisional yang jarang dipelajari di
sekolah. Bengkel Gerak Tangkas pula mengajar para peserta
cara bela diri masyarakat Melayu, iaitu seni silat yang boleh
dimanfaatkan dalam kehidupan seharian kita. Peserta Bengkel
Gerak Tangkas dibimbing oleh salah seorang pesilat negara,
Encik Muhd. Imran Abdul Rahman. Sungguh bertuah pelajarpelajar kita, ya?
Para pelajar yang menghadiri Bengkel Gerak Seni pula telah
diajar gerak tari tradisional Melayu. Bengkel ini dikendalikan
oleh seorang pereka tari profesional iaitu Encik Rizman Kassim.
Seni persembahan tari memerlukan koordinasi seluruh badan.
Para peserta telah berjaya menguasai gerak-gerak tersebut
dalam hanya beberapa jam sahaja. Syabas!
Melalui bengkel-bengkel ini, para pelajar akan lebih
menghargai budaya dan menyedari kepentingan melestarikan
budaya Melayu. Selain itu, mereka juga dapat menimba
pengalaman baharu; dengan mencuba alat-alat gamelan yang
berbeza dan gerak-geri silat serta tarian. Sebagai juru kamera,
saya rasa kesemua bengkel ini amat bermanfaat dan berguna
untuk pelajar. Jarang sekali para pelajar berpeluang untuk
mempelajari budaya tradisional kami kerana sibuk dengan
pelajaran, kelas tambahan dan aktiviti seharian. Kebanyakan
pelajar juga menganggap bahawa bengkel-bengkel ini amat
berfaedah. Muhammad Arsyad daripada kelas 3A2 mengaku
bahawa bengkel silat yang dihadirinya amat berfaedah kerana
ia boleh digunakan sewaktu kecemasan. Dia turut berpendapat
bahawa jangka bengkel silat tersebut boleh dipanjangkan
supaya para peserta boleh mempelajari gerak silat dengan
lebih mendalam lagi.
Pada 28 Mac 2014, Program Dwi minggu Bahasa dan Budaya
berakhir dengan Acara Kemuncak. Acara Kemuncak ini ialah
anjuran gabungan Unit Bahasa Cina dan Unit Bahasa Melayu.
Pemenang Bintang anugerah, pasukan Drama Tekad dan
pelajar-pelajar Cina turut membuat persembahan pada hari
tersebut. Acara pada hari itu amat menghiburkan. Setelah itu,
para pelajar dapat mencuba jamuan ringan ‘Makanan Etnik
Singapura’. Makanan tahun ini berbeza daripada tahun-tahun
sebelumnya. Setiap pelajar diberi roti kirai, kuih lapis dan
murukku. Mohammad Adli daripada kelas 4/3 berpendapat
bahawa makanan yang diberi tidak selazat dan sebanyak
tahun lepas. Pengalaman memakan Nasi Ambeng pada tahuntahun yang lalu tetap menjadi pilihan pelajar.
Sebagai wartawan dan juru gambar bagi Program Dwi minggu
Bahasa dan Budaya ini, saya akur bahawa program-program
yang telah dianjurkan amat menarik. Sedih rasanya kerana
tahun ini tahun terakhir saya menyertai program tersebut. Saya
harap akan ada lebih banyak program dan aktiviti pilihan yang
lebih menarik yang akan dianjurkan untuk para pelajar Sekolah
Menengah Ang Mo Kio pada tahun-tahun akan datang.
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Sembang-sembang tentang Aktiviti Dwi-Minggu Bahasa & Budaya...
“Saya telah menyertai pameran yang dikendalikan
oleh para pelajar Menengah 2 dan 3. Pameran mereka
sungguh menarik kerana terdapat permainan yang
menarik seperti congkak, batu seremban dan lain-lain
lagi. Setelah bermain permainan yang disediakan,
kami mendapat habuan yang lumayan iaitu lontong
serondeng dan air batu Malaysia.”
Qiara Athirah Nur Jannah (4B)
mengenai Galeri Permainan Budaya Melayu
“Aktiviti Plot Spontan yang dijalankan di dalam kelas
melatih minda saya untuk berfikir pantas ketika menjana
idea dan menyambung cerita dalam masa terhad.
Walaupun mencabar, aktiviti kumpulan ini menarik dan
sangat menyeronokkan!”
Nuriqqah Abdul Majid (4/4)
mengenai aktiviti kelas Plot Spontan
“Saya suka makanan etnik yang disediakan selepas
Acara Kemuncak. Saya dapat menikmati roti kirai, kuih
lapis dan murukku. Kami makan bersama-sama dan
dapat mengeratkan persahabatan kami terutama sekali
kerana ini ialah tahun terakhir saya di sekolah ini.”
Fasihah Mohmad Azhar (4/3)
mengenai Makanan Etnik Singapura
“Saya berpeluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam
Bengkel Gerak Tangkas. Saya dapat mempelajari seni
silat mempertahankan diri dan seni silat pengantin.
Bengkel ini mengajar saya tentang budaya orang
Melayu dan pentingnya berbaik dengan orang lain.”
Siti Hannah Bte Md Noor (4A2)
mengenai Bengkel Gerak Tangkas
“Suasana Acara Kemuncak yang diadakan pada hari
terakhir amat meriah. Saya berasa bangga memakai
baju kurung bersama rakan-rakan yang lain. Saya juga
amat terhibur menonton nyanyian ‘Pop Yeh Yeh’ oleh
peserta Bintang Anugerah.”
Nurul A’fifah Azmi (4/3)
mengenai Persembahan Acara Kemuncak
“Penglibatan saya dalam Program Drama TEKAD telah
memberi saya peluang untuk berjinak-jinak dalam
drama dan Sastera Melayu. Saya juga belajar tentang
kepentingan lontaran suara dan intonasi ketika membuat
sesuatu persembahan.”
Muhammad Hakim Mohd Yusoff (4/2)
mengenai Program Drama TEKAD
“Pada mulanya saya berasa risau dan gelisah
kerana hendak mengelakkan kesilapan sewaktu
menjadi pengacara pada Acara Kemuncak. Walau
bagaimanapun setelah banyak berlatih, saya berasa
lebih yakin dan dapat mengacara dengan baik.”
Bukhari Isa (3/2)
mengenai pengalaman menjadi pengacara
BERITA HANGAT!
Sekumpulan pelajar melayu Sekolah Menengah Ang Mo Kio telah mewakili sekolah dalam satu Pertandingan Drama
‘BLACKARENA’ anjuran Kumpulan Celik dengan kerjasama MAEC dan disokong MLLPC pada 15 Mac yang lalu.
Pertandingan ini diadakan untuk memanfaatkan teks sastera TEKAD yang sudah sedia ada dan mengaplikasikan teknik
kesusasteraan, mengekalkan kerelevanan sastera dan menyemarakkan minat generasi muda dalam dunia sastera
Melayu di Singapura.
Tahniah kepada Nur Atiqah Juma'at (1B) , Nur Nathalia Abdullah (2C),
Muhammad Salihin Sulaiman (3B), Muhammad Hakim Mohd Yusoff (4/2),
Mohammad Qalifa Munir (4/3), Muhammad Adli Sanif (4/3) dan Norhazirah Ruba'ee (4A2) kerana telah mara ke peringkat
akhir yang akan berlangsung pada 19 April 2014. Mereka akan berentap bersama empat buah pasukan lain untuk
merebut gelaran JUARA. Semoga berjaya!
Nantikan keputusan dan laporan tentang pertandingan ini pada edisi akan datang!
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母语双周 Fusion
2014年3月10日，我校迎来了一年一度的母语双周。为了配合这
个特殊的节日，学校母语部主办了一系列既有趣又有意义的活
动。中一的亲子阅读活动不仅促进了学生和家长的亲子关系，也
扩大了学生的阅读量。中一生还踏上了学习之旅，他们去了历史
悠久的新加坡河，一条早期为新加坡的发展做出重大贡献的河，
参观了许多富有纪念性的标志和建筑，这次的旅途教会了他们饮
水思源。而京剧的演说和示范让中二学生们更了解华族的传统文
化，并被其魅力所深深吸引。另外，学校还请来了实践剧场的演
员们为中三生表演了《童年不同年》的短剧，沿用时下最流行的
穿越题材，成功吸引了同学们的目光。《与棋会友》让象棋爱好
者互相切磋棋艺，认识志同道合的朋友，争夺棋王之位。而一直
备受瞩目的《茂桥好声音》也提供给同学们一展歌喉的机会，发
掘茂桥中学里具备歌唱才华的学生。
要学好一门语言不仅要多听多说多写，大量阅读也是极其重要
的。学校的华语部门就是深谙此理，所以每周三都有订阅《联合
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早报》和学生报《逗号》给学生们看。为了给学生们提供一个活
学活用母语的环境，学校母语部门举办了“《逗号》难不倒”知
识竞赛让学生们参加。每个中四班都会派出三个代表来参赛，而
剩下的同学则见证了比赛的过程。竞赛的题目范围很广，除了要
学生解释词语和成语，还考学生有关华族文化、时事以及体育方
面的知识。“成语‘负荆请罪’的‘荆’指的是什么？”要是没
有读过这个历史故事的人一定不会知晓答案。由于抢答这道题的
组员不甚了解这个成语的来历，于是他们毫不犹豫的选择了现场
支援。最终他们班上的一个同学说出了正确的答案。原来这是赵
国名将廉颇因为一时不服气赵国谋士蔺相如靠智慧得到的官职比
劳苦功高的他大，而扬言要当面羞辱蔺相如，却在得知蔺相如心
胸宽广的一番话后感到羞愧，于是脱去上衣，背着荆条，去蔺相
如的门前请罪的故事。受访学生黄欣恩说：“没想到仅四个字的
成语背后竟然有一个意义深远的故事，这让人不禁感叹于中华文
化的博大精深。”
3月28日是母语双周的闭幕式，也是母语双周中全部比赛的颁奖
仪式，学校特意邀请了前任的母语部高华主任王翠兰女士回到学
校作为颁奖嘉宾。今年《茂桥达人秀》华语团体组的冠军是来自
41班的赖思言和王嘉夕。她们把周杰伦的歌《七里香》改编成
她们自己的演唱歌曲《花香》，评委都对她们改过的歌词赞赏有
加。赖思言说：“参加这次的比赛让我受益良多。从一开始抱着
好玩的心情到最后全力以赴的去比赛，这整个过程都让我很享
受。通过这次比赛我还跟嘉夕建立起了更深厚的友谊，一起选歌
改歌词，还和别的参赛者也当上了朋友，所以我十分珍惜这次
的经历。虽然明年没有机会参加母语双周了，但是我坚信明年的
参赛者一定会和我一样受益匪浅。”现任母语部主任陈水銮老师
说：“母语双周中的所有活动都是希望学生们在玩乐的同时也学
会如何好好使用华语，达到“乐学善用”的最终目的。”在热烈
的掌声中，2014年茂桥中学母语双周终于落下帷幕。
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Staff Welfare Activities
This year, the Staff Welfare Committee organised a series of bonding activities such as badminton games, yoga and charades.
The staff had fun bonding with each other over the friendly matches and games. Let’s have a look at the good times they had!
Charades
Yoga
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Badminton
A PRODUCTION OF THE INFOCOMM MEDIA CLUB
Advisors: Mr Abdul Mannan, Mdm Tong Wai Han and Mdm Amy Ng
Teacher Editor: Mdm Komathi and Mr Pang Han Tong
Teacher-in-charge: Miss Tan Chui Ling
Student Reporters: Toh Rui Fang 3/4, Lim Jen Hui 3/4, Cheryl Ong 3/4, Matthew Yeo 3/4, Marcus Tan 4/1
Student Photographer: Toh Wei Jun 4C
a touche design production @ 6659 1876