Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education

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Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
JUNE 2018

     The official newsletter of Yishun Junior College

Celebrating Values Day                                                 SNEAK PEEK
A DAY TO HAVE FUN, WHILE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!
Yishun Junior College held its biennial Celebrating Values Day (CVD)
                                                                       04
                                                                       Orientation with our
on 7 April 2018. In the planning for, and execution of this event,
                                                                       freshman
students get a chance to display college values such as compassion,
as well as leadership qualities and an entrepreneurial spirit.
                                                                       06
The festivities started with an opening ceremony graced by guest-of-   A-level results -
honour, grassroots advisor for Nee Soon South, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah.      congratulations to
The student-run bazaar has been the mainstay of CVD,                   our 2017 graduates
complemented by activities like: the hot-meal programme for Nee

                                                                       09
Soon South residents, sports competitions for secondary students,
an on-the-spot Art competition for Primary school children, student
performances, and experiential booths by the Singapore Armed           Arts Fusion
Forces and Singapore Police Force.
(continued on page 2)
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
(continued from page 1)

A look at some of the
excitement & activities
This year, we also welcomed clients from our beneficiaries
– MINDS, Sree Narayana Mission, Singapore Association of
the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) – to the event, where our
students hosted them for a fun and enriching day.

As much as we are glad that we managed to raise a
substantial sum for our beneficiaries through this event, we
also relish the ties that have been forged between the
college, residents of Nee Soon, and the wider community.

                                                               Clockwise from left: Student interacting with a young
                                                               visitor; teachers and students from My First Skool
                                                               setting up stall; family and friends join us for the day; Er
                                                               Dr Lee receiving a token of appreciation from Principal
                                                               Mrs Neo; and staff, students, and visitors experiencing
                                                               the fun to be had in the hall.

PAGE 2
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Open House 2018
Imagine stepping into college and being welcomed by lively music,
                                                                            The Open House
                                                                            was attended by
vibrant student cheers, and tall columns of red, blue and white
balloons. Well, that was the sight that visitors got to enjoy on 13
January 2018, when our college opened its gates for Yishun & Innova
Junior Colleges’ Open House 2018. With the upcoming merger in
2019, Open House 2018 was a particularly significant occasion; in          over 1700 visitors!
fact, teachers and Student Ambassadors of both colleges had been
collaborating tirelessly since July 2017 to prepare for the event!

Guided by our very own Student Ambassadors, visitors enjoyed a
customised tour of the college and were also able to interact with
our warm and friendly students and teachers to find out more about
college life at YJC. Visitors gained greater insights into the JC
experience through a presentation-cum-dialogue session hosted by
our school leaders. Prospective students were also able to explore
signature educational and co-curricular programmes such as our
Talent Development Programme and Digital Literacies Programme.

Open House 2018, which was featured on reputable Chinese
newspaper Lianhe Zaobao, was a resounding success, with over
1700 students and parents visiting the college.

                                                         Clockwise from top: Helpful exhibits were set up around the college;
                                                         school leaders sharing on the key unique experiences students could look
                                                         forward to at YIJC; a student ambassador with her visitors; a warm and
                                                         colourful sight greeted all visitors.

 PAGE 3
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Orientation: Evolution
Orientation was held across the first two weeks of        The theme of this years’ orientation was “Evolution”,
February. With the upcoming merger in 2019, this year’s   which signified our transition into a new merged college
freshmen programme was an especially momentous one,       that is founded upon the strengths of both colleges.
as both Yishun and Innova Junior Colleges came together   Student leaders and teachers of both colleges co-planned
to collaborate on organising a joint Orientation          and successfully organised Orientation 2018, which was
experience for the freshmen. The programme aimed to       also featured on Channel NewsAsia! The highlights of the
allow our new JC 1s to feel warmly welcomed to the        programme included activities such as ‘The Totem Trials’
college, and to build new bonds with their peers and      and ‘The Outbreak’ which allowed the freshmen to forge
seniors, as they prepare to make the transition from      new friendships whilst discovering more about the
secondary school to junior college.                       heritage of both colleges and their communities.

                                                                                             Clockwise from top left:
                                                                                             Freshmen getting into
                                                                                             the spirit of things;
                                                                                             Student Leaders from
                                                                                             both colleges worked
                                                                                             hand in hand; school
                                                                                             pride ran high during
                                                                                             the closing Jam & Hop.

PAGE 4
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
8th Global Perspectives Symposium
8-9 January 2018
The 8th edition of the symposium was organised around the
theme “Future-Readiness”. It aimed to kick-start a series of
conversations about the real world issues surrounding our
efforts to better prepare ourselves and Singapore for a future
characterised by its diverse range of social, cultural and
technological transformations.

For Learning Journeys, all the 30 orientation groups were
allocated to 17 different organisations to hear from either
industry, civic or educational experts. These visits provided
insights into the unique experiences of these organisations in
tackling the challenges and leveraging the opportunities
afforded by the new economy.

Back in college, the Critical Inquiry Seminars offered another
platform for broadening perspectives, as teachers from the
various disciplines showcased how their subjects have
inherent applications in the real world.

The two-day GPS experience, given the issues and level of
discussion, effectively served as an ‘orientation of the mind’.

Clockwise from top right: Our students enjoying their learning journeys to National Gallery,Harmony Centre, 3M and Google offices.

PAGE 5
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
2017 A-level Examinations                                                                     “I tried to work hard
PROVING THAT HARD WORK PAYS OFF
The 2017 A-level examination results were released on 23 Feb 2018.                           every single day, and I
Our students’ hard work and perseverance paid off, with many
attaining results that would see them eligible for a range of                               had great teachers such
university courses.                                                                         as Mr Ho Wai Kin and Mr
When interviewed, many of our top scorers stressed the need for
consistent and regular effort. They also expressed their appreciation
                                                                                             Lee Siu Kee, who were
for supportive family, friends, and tutors who were always ready to                            really there for me
spend time and effort on consultations with their students.
Reflecting on how he overcame the disappointment of initially poor                          whenever I needed help
results to emerge as one of our top scorers, Jonathan Chin Tze Kai
from CTG211’2017 shared, "I tried to work hard every single day, and                                with work.”
I had great teachers such as Mr Ho Wai Kin and Mr Lee Siu Kee, who
were really there for me whenever I needed help with work."                                     - Jonathan Chin (CTG211'17)
Well done, YJCians, and all the best in the next phase of your
journey!

Clockwise from top left: The crowd streaming into the hall for their results; students nervous, then jubilant at their results; some of our top scorers
with their proud Principal, Mrs Edelweis Neo.
PAGE 6
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Student of the Term and
Student Outstanding Contribution Awards
The award ceremonies for Student of the Term (SOT) and
Student Outstanding Contribution Award (SOCA) for 2018
Term 1 were held during morning assembly on 9 and 10 May.
23 students were awarded SOT for displaying college values,
while 65 students were awarded SOCA for exhibiting
leadership in the planning and execution of college events or
activities. Congratulations to all award recipients, you have
done the college proud!
                                                                    Above: Our students posing with their well-deserved awards..

Student Leaders' Investiture 2018
Our Student Leaders’ Investiture was held on 2 May 2018. This year’s
investiture saw both Yishun and Innova Junior Colleges come together to
jointly celebrate the achievements and contributions of the outgoing batch     From top: YJC's 32nd Student Leaders step down
of Student Leaders from both colleges. It was also a momentous occasion        after completing their term of duty; the baton is
                                                                               passed and Student Leaders from IJC and YJC
as both colleges came together to initiate the new batch of 33rd Student       solemnly pledge their service to the college.
Leaders who will continue to serve the new merged college in 2019.

The theme for this year’s combined investiture was ‘Efflorescence’, which
refers to the process of development and growth, much like the blossoming
of a flower from a bud. This theme was chosen to symbolise the 33rd
Student Leaders’ journey of self-development, as they strive to grow into
confident leaders who will lead the merged college to achieve new
possibilities. The highlight of the event was most definitely when both
colleges witnessed the Handover Candlelight Ceremony, where our
outgoing batch of Student Leaders passed their flames on to their juniors,
officially welcoming them into the Student Leaders’ family!

 PAGE 7
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Singapore Youth Festival 2018
Chinese Drama
                                                                     The Chinese Cultural Society (CCS) put up a play titled “Growing
“The preparations and                                                Pains”. This play depicts how a girl named “Ningya” struggles

rehearsals were not                                                  with schizophrenia. As the play develops, she receives the
                                                                     treatment she needs and finally learns to move on with life. This
easy, but we learnt                                                  thought-provoking and sensitive play earned our performers a
                                                                     Certificate of Commendation.
teamwork and
communication. We are
glad for this experience
which has given us
unforgettable memories
with one another.”
- Chew Zheng Yang (CTG102), CCS member

English Drama
The English Language Drama and Debate Society (ELDDS -
Drama) presented a mystery about a man who goes missing on
a train platform late at night, and the search by two detectives
to find him. His disappearance leaves his wife distraught,
causing her to take the search into her own hands. This                              Clockwise from top left: The cast and crew with their teacher
compelling and emotional production earned our students a                            and drama coach; the actors posing with their props, and
                                                                                     taking a bow after their performance.
Certificate of Commendation.

 Left to right: The wife character in distress; the missing man tussles with mysterious elements; the two detectives in action.

PAGE 8
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Arts Fusion
28 April 2018
The response for Arts Fusion 2018: “Celebrating Memories, Creating
Possibilities” was unexpectedly overwhelming and tickets were sold
out by early April! The bout of heavy rain that evening did not deter
the audience, and the house was quickly filled by the audience
comprising of school leaders, staff, parents, alumni, and current
students.

Close to 300 students participated in Arts Fusion 2018, either as
performers or crew. They were led by a team of enthusiastic student
leaders from various aesthetics co-curricular activity groups, with the
support of the Aesthetics Ambassadors from the RaDiAL Leadership
structure.

On top of that, there were many alumni who came back to contribute
to the last Arts Fusion in Yishun Junior College. Paul Huang and Tan Qi
Ren (Class of 2005) expressed their happiness at having the
opportunity to perform with their juniors on stage, making up for a
chance they missed during their own school days.

                                                                          Clockwise from left: The harmonious Symphonic Band; a
                                                                          focused and precise performance by the Chorale;
                                                                          graceful dancers from the Malay Cultural Society; a song
                                                                          by our popular soloists, a dynamic dance by Indian
                                                                          Cultural Society; excellent form by our Modern Dancers.
PAGE 9
Celebrating Values Day - SNEAK PEEK - Ministry of Education
Celebrating Memories,
                                                                         Creating Possibilities

                                                                                  “Arts Fusion and Dance
                                                                                  were important to me as
                                                                                  a student, and impacted
                                                                                     me in many ways.”
                                                                                    - Chuang Rui Ting (Class of 2012),
                                                                                       producer of Arts Fusion video

From top: A melodious performance by the Chinese Orchestra; happy faces of our performances for pulling off a successful Arts Fusion; Florescat
Concordia - let harmony abound as everyone joins their voices to sing the college anthem.

PAGE 10
19th Elementz Science Research Conference
and Exhibition 2018
Four teams of Yishun Junior College (YJC) students competed in the
zonal Science research competition, the 19th Elementz Science
Research Conference and Exhibition, in April 2018. All the teams
gained deep scientific skills and thinking through first-hand
experiences in Science research. Students also participated in an
enrichment workshop on Arduino, robotics and 3D printing in the host
college, Anderson Junior College.

Congratulations to the following students on their results:
.

                                                                         From top: Mdm Jane Lim with her students; Kenny
                                                                         Seah receiving his Bronze award onstage.

Singapore Science and
Engineering Fair 2018 (SSEF)
The SSEF is a highly prestigious national competition organised by the
Ministry of Education, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research,
and the Science Centre Singapore. The SSEF is affiliated to the prestigious
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), which is
regarded as the Olympics of science competitions. Students exhibit their
projects at the fair, and are judged by a number of judges from local
universities, polytechnics as well as research institutes.

 One of our Yishun Junior College teams successfully entered the final
round of SSEF from the several hundred entries received. Well done,
Kenny!

                                                                                   Kenny Seah with his research findings on a low
                                                                                   cost and highly efficient solar cell.

PAGE 11
Immersion in YJC for Thai
Visitors
From 3-12 April, the college played host to fifteen Thai students and
two accompanying teachers from Princess Chulabhorn's College
Chiang Rai (PCCCR). The exchange activities included cultural
immersion experiences like visits to Chinatown and Little India, as
well as learning opportunities from in-house workshops by our
science teachers and learning journeys to Lee Kong Chian Natural
History Museum and Newater Visitor Centre.
.

                                                                           From left: Our visitors on learning journeys to National
                                                                           University of Singapore, and Chinatown; they also got to
                                                                           enjoy a local meal at Chong Pang.

Tamil Pre-University Seminar
The 30th Anniversary of the Tamil Language Pre-University Seminar
2018 was successfully held on 21 April. The guest of honour was Mr
Murali Pillai (Grassroots Advisor to Bukit Batok SMC), while our special
guest from India, Padmashree Vivek, celebrity and founder of ‘Green
Kalam’ movement, presented an inspiring Keynote Speech. There
were engaging presentations by students from Yishun JC, Anderson JC
and Eunoia JC. In commemoration of the occasion, a website was
launched by Tamil Language Learning Promotion Committee
Chairperson Mr Manogaran, YJC pioneer teacher Mr VRP Manickam,
and Keynote Speaker Padmashree Vivek.

                                                                           Clockwise from left: Our hardworking participants pose
                                                                           after the Seminar; the college was honoured to host
                                                                           Padmashree Vivek; Principal Mrs Neo, VP Lim, and staff.

PAGE 12
Lunar New Year Celebrations
This year’s Lunar New Year
celebrations featured a series of
performances that included an
exciting showcase by Wushu, a
masterful performance by Chinese
Orchestra, festive singing, and a
funny skit by teachers! Students
were also busy creating hampers
for the hamper wrapping                                                                     From left to right: The Chinese Orchestra
competition, with the end                          and security guards in appreciation of   bringing festive tunes to live; our talented
                                                                                            students contributing a song to the
products gifted to our janitors                   their service to the college.             celebrations.

 Staff Learning Day at
 Gardens by the Bay
On 27 February, the college had our Staff Learning
Day at Gardens by the Bay. The experience aimed to
provide staff with the opportunity to learn more
about conservation and appreciate the unique plants
grown during the period of visit.

                                                                                “I appreciate the
                                                                            opportunity to bond with
                                                                               colleagues across
                                                                             departments outside of
                                                                           school. Our conversations
                                                                             while experiencing the
                                                                             beauty of the Gardens
                                                                               helped create and
Above and right: Our lovely staff giving the beautiful Gardens a run for
its money.                                                                 strengthen relationships.”
                                                                                - Mr Ben Neo, Economics tutor
PAGE 13
Immersion Trip
 Beijing & Fushun, China, 25 Nov - 2 Dec 2017
24 students accompanied by three teachers embarked on an
immersion trip to Beijing and Fushun last year. The objectives of the
trip were for our students to understand China’s transformation into a
                                                                              “My biggest takeaway
global power, to immerse in Chinese culture through the homestay
experience, and to gain confidence to be independent thinkers in a
                                                                                from this trip is the
globalized world. During the trip, the students were introduced to              spirit of endurance.
China’s rich heritage and history, visiting historic sites such as the
Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The highlight of the trip           This trip was indeed
was definitely the school exchange with our partner schools, Peking
University, Beijing No. 24 Middle School, and Fushun No. 2 Senior High
                                                                              fruitful and insightful.”
School. Our students enjoyed a three-night home-stay with their                          - Lois Tan (CTG223)
student buddies and attended lessons during the day.

                                                                                                       Left to right:
                                                                                                       Students enjoy a
                                                                                                       moment at Niujie
                                                                                                       Mosque, and pose for
                                                                                                       a group shot in
                                                                                                       Fushun.

YJC-PCCCR Student Exchange Programme
 Chiang Rai, Thailand, 22 Nov - 1 Dec 2017
Princess Chulabhorn’s College Chiang Rai (PCCCR) has
been one of our college’s long-standing partners, and
last year, 15 of our JC 1 students were selected to
participate in the YJC-PCCCR Student Exchange
Programme. This overseas student exchange
programme offers student participants of both
countries the opportunity to broaden their global
perspectives by engaging in cultural immersion
activities, and sharpen their scientific thinking skills
through science enrichment activities. During the 10-
day programme, our students experienced authentic
Thai lessons with their Thai buddies and even visited
the famous Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. Through                Clockwise from above: Students
                                                              absorbed in a Food Science lesson,
the two-night homestay experience, our students            learning a Thai traditional dance, and
could truly immerse themselves in the richness of           excited to taste their creations after a
traditional Thai culture.                                                     Thai cooking lesson.

PAGE 14
YJC-IJC Combined Student Leaders’
Overseas Learning Journey
Hong Kong and Macau, 24 - 30 Nov 2017
For the very first time, student leaders and teachers from Yishun JC       “The trip was a great
and Innova JC took part in a combined student leaders’ overseas
learning journey to Hong Kong and Macau. Besides growing their
                                                                           opportunity for me to
awareness of the world beyond Singapore’s shores, the participants       learn and have fun while
bonded well with one another and held fruitful discussions about
ideas for Orientation 2018.
                                                                          forming close ties with
.                                                                        our working partners for
                                                                               orientation.”
                                                                         - Muhammad Excel Muslim, Head
                                                                          of Liaison, YJC Students’ Council
                                                                         Left to right: Student leaders from both colleges pose
                                                                         in front of a famous facade; thumbs up for an
                                                                         enriching and eye-opening experience.

 Service Learning
 Hanoi, Vietnam, 23 Nov - 2 Dec 2017
From 23 November to 2 December 2017, Team Yêu (‘Love’ in
Vietnamese) went on an overseas service learning journey for
ten days to Ha Giang, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The team, consisting of
26 JC1 students and accompanied by Mr Chee Meng On, Miss
Lim Wenting Janell and Mr Ricky Ng Wei Kee, were involved in
teaching English and Mathematics, the construction of a
 traditional Vietnamese house for a family in need, and home
visits to learn about life in Ha Giang.

                                                                       Left to right: Our teachers and their Vietnamese
                                                                       compatriots; the service learning team gearing up for
                                                                       some construction work; happy faces are the best reward
                                                                       for a hard day's work.

PAGE 15
Humanities Cultural Immersion and
Experiential Learning Journey
Vietnam, 24 Nov - 2 Dec 2017
Between 24 November to 2 December 2017, Humanities
students and teachers embarked on a journey to northern
Vietnam for a Cultural Immersion and Experiential Learning
Journey. Due to overwhelming response, the department
conducted two separate trips. We travelled over 800km by bus
around the northern region of Vietnam: from the mountainous
rice terraces of Sapa, to picturesque Halong Bay, the bustling
capital Hanoi, and the industrial centres in Hai Phong. The
students gained invaluable insight into the political, economic,
social and cultural aspects of Vietnamese life.

Reporting by:
Mrs Renee Low
HOD/Humanities

Clockwise from above: The teams visit a university campus, and
bond over a hearty meal; participants also spent time with some
underprivileged children.

                                                                                                EDITORIAL TEAM                       PHOTOGRAPHS
                                 Challenging the Mind                                                 Tan Su Linn
                                                                                                       Janell Lim
                                                                                                                               Makers' Academy (Photography)
                                                                                                                                    Staff contributions
                                                                                                      Siti Zahidah
                                  Touching the Spirit                                                 Lee Siu Kee
                                                                                                      Lim Kah Kiat

                                  YISHUN JUNIOR COLLEGE 3 Yishun Ring Road S768675 Tel: 62579873 Website: http://www.yishunjc.moe.edu.sg Email: yishun_jc@moe.edu.sg
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