MARSILING CALL

A Publication of Marsiling Primary School Issue 21 March 2012

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Highlights Vice-Principals (Administration) Message

Vice-Principals
(Administration)

02 School Programmes

Building a Culture of Problemsolving in Mathematics Science Enrichment Workshops Mother Tongue Language Fortnight Speech and Drama Enrichment Public Speaking Enrichment Conversational Chinese/Malay

Message

03 School Programmes

Chit Chat Sessions Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP) TRANSFORM Programme Basic Life Skills Programme I CAN! Modules Pupil Leadership Development Programme

04 School Programmes 05
Programmes

6-Year ICT Programme P1 and P2 Fun with Ceramics P3 & P4 Music Modular Enrichment Programme (MEP)

Greetings from Marsiling Primary School and a cheery start to a brand new year! Welcome to our first issue of the Marsiling CALL for 2012. A very warm welcome also to our parents and pupils who have joined us this year. As we usher in the new year, we would like to reiterate our belief that every child is unique and we can help them discover themselves and develop their potential by providing a safe, caring and conducive environment for learning. A child will have the best opportunity to succeed in life when parents and teachers work as a team to provide them with the best possible education. Lets work handin-hand in motivating and developing our future leaders, your children! We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement. Our pupils have made progressive improvements in the PSLE overall percentage pass and average aggregate score in 2011. There were also marked improvements in the quality passes in most subjects. Well done to our pupils! On this note, we would also like to thank the teachers for their hard work in preparing these pupils.

For our pupils convenience and safety, we are also pleased to announce that work is currently underway to construct a covered linkway from the side gate to the schools main building. The project is expected to be completed before middle of this year. In this issue of the newsletter, we will be showcasing some of the activities and programmes that the school has planned for your child. These activities are planned as part of their holistic development in the school. We are committed to instill in our pupils the love for learning so that they will excel in life. Lets look forward to a wonderful and rewarding year ahead. On behalf of the staff and management of Marsiling Primary School, I wish you and your family a great year ahead!

Learning Journeys Trips for International Experience (TIE) Community Involvement Programme (CIP)

06 Events & Achievements

Official Opening of Low Ropes Course Character Development Award 2011 NEA-Panasonic Environment Champions Project Competition (ECPC) 2011 Environmental Dance Floor Competition 2011

07 Events & Achievements 08 MPS Updates

Caring Teachers Award 2012 TLLM Ignite 3! Project enhanced Professional Development Leave (ePDL)

Mr Jufferie Rashid Vice-Principal (Administration)

PSLE Top Pupil Staff Movement Editorial Team

Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

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School

Programmes
The pupils were engaged in the hands-on activities and had a lot of fun conducting the various experiments. At the end of the workshops, pupils gained more interest in Science and became more confident in conducting investigative experiments. Contributed by Ms Anithasri (Teacher-in-Charge)
Learning the skill of tying Chinese knots.

Building a Culture of Problem-solving in Mathematics

The department seeks to inculcate in our pupils the culture of problem-solving. We aspire to do the following: 1. improve pupils willingness to try problems and improve their perseverance when solving these problems; 2. heighten pupils awareness of the various problem-solving strategies and the value of approaching problems in a systematic manner; and 3. develop pupils abilities to select appropriate problem-solving strategies and implement them accurately. Pupils are exposed to different types of problem-solving contexts through the following ways: 1. Word Problems. The Mathematics concepts are embedded in real-world situations and pupils are required to recognise and apply the appropriate problem-solving strategy, i.e. Enhanced Weekly Problem Sums Package and problemsums.com. 2. Non-routine Problems. Pupils are required to have a higher degree of interpretation and organisation of the information in the problem, rather than just the recognition and application of an algorithm, i.e. Maths Heuristics Package and Maths Think Tank Programme. 3. Real Problems. Pupils investigate a problem which is real to them and does not necessarily have a fixed solution. Pupils then use Mathematics as a tool to find a possible solution, i.e. Maths Learning Journey Programme. Through the various programmes mentioned, pupils are provided with the processes and strategies to enable them to become successful and efficient problem solvers. They also gain a better attitude toward problemsolving when they are successful and develop the confidence to persevere. Contributed by Mr Low YF (HOD/ Mathematics)

Speech and Drama Enrichment Programme

Our P3 pupils are currently attending MTL Speech & Drama programme in Term 1 and 2 during their MT lessons. The programme is a platform to nurture pupils to express themselves confidently and clearly.

Pupils are experimenting! All dressed up for Speech & Drama showcase!

Mother Tongue Language Fortnight

The objective of the Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight is to provide an environment for pupils to understand and appreciate Mother Tongue (MT) as a living language. This year, the event was held from 27 Feb 12 to 8 Mar 12. During these two weeks, the MT departments organised various cultural and language activities for the different levels. Our pupils enjoyed the recess activities hands-on sessions which included making of the wau (Malay kites), learning the art of Kolam drawing, how to do make Chapteh and tying Chinese knots. Some of our Chinese MT pupils experienced the art of brewing Chinese tea at the Tea Chapter at Chinatown while the Malay MT pupils appreciated a trip at Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Language camps were also held during the fortnight.

Pupils learning deep breathing technique during a Speech and Drama lesson.

Public Speaking Enrichment Programme

All P5 pupils will go through Public Speaking Enrichment Programme held in Term 4. The objective of this programme is to instill confidence in pupils when speaking in front of an audience.

Science Enrichment Workshops

The Science department, in partnership with Kingsfield Education Centre Pte Ltd, conducted enrichment workshops for P3 to P6 pupils in 2011. For the P3 to P5 pupils, the workshops focused more on exposing them to more investigations using the inquiry approach. The P6 pupils were engaged in PSLE preparatory lessons, focusing on application skills. Inquiry-based lessons aimed to improve their understanding were also conducted.
Proud of their newly acquired flower tying skill.

Conversational Chinese/Malay Programme

The objective of this programme is to enhance the friendship amongst pupils of different races and for pupils to appreciate the Chinese and Malay language. This programme is held for all P4 pupils after their examinations in Term 4. Contributed by Mr Koh Sau Wii (LH/CL), Mdm Jamaliah (SH/ML) and Mrs Rajoo (SH/TL)

A pupil showing off the wau she has just made.

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Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

School
Ms Angela Goh doing TRANSFORM with her pupil.

Programmes

Chit Chat Sessions

In line with Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI) recommendations, the school has established new structures to better support the social-emotional development of our pupils. The key objective of the Chit Chat sessions is to create opportunities for the teacher to get to know the pupils and develop a better understanding of their background. Pupils are also guided to set personal academic and non-academic targets. It is hoped that through these sessions, teachers will be able to identify needs and nurture character traits dispositions and attitudes and quality teacher-pupil relationship is built. Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

TRANSFORM Programme
The school believes that every child can learn and achieve. In line with our caring school culture, we developed the TRANSFORM programme to help at-risk pupils improve their behaviour. With the beliefs that pupils can learn to make good decisions and be inspired to change for the better with the right guidance and support, the programme serves to help pupils to be more aware of their actions through reflective questioning techniques adapted from Restorative Practices. Here, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their actions and understand how their actions impact the people around them. In this programme, teachers work with pupils in guiding them to develop their decisionmaking skills via goal-setting and planning of strategies to help them transform into better individuals. Pupils are also encouraged to rebuild the relationships with the people affected by their actions. At the end of the programme, pupils become more responsible as they take ownership of their actions. Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)
I Can Make A Sandwich! Hurray! I Can Tie My Shoelace.

Pupil Leadership Development Programme

In Marsiling Primary, we strive to give every Marsilian the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities. The Pupil Leadership Development Framework embodies the schools belief that every pupil has leadership potential. A systematic approach is adopted in identifying, training, monitoring and evaluating pupils leadership development. The Pupil Leadership Framework delineates 3 levels of development. At Level 1, pupils are provided with various opportunities to take up Situational Leadership roles within their Class Committees. They are identified, monitored and guided by their Form Teachers. Situational Leadership roles which include the Class Monitors, ICT Leaders, Recycling Monitors, Group Leaders and Subject Leaders are rotated every term or semester to maximise the opportunities for all pupils. At Level 2, pupils are identified to be Key Leaders. These include our Prefects, CCA Leaders, NE Ambassadors and Environment Champions. Their training includes the Leadership Camp which is organised collaboratively by the Pupil Management and Physical Education departments. At Level 3, Key Leaders attend their Specific Skills Training organised either by the different departments or external vendors to help them discharge their duties responsibly and efficiently. All Key Leaders are officially appointed during an Investiture Ceremony in Term 1. Through the training opportunities provided, pupils are expected to discover their strengths and be more confident leaders. Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

Mdm Shivani getting to know her pupil through a Chit Chat session.

Basic Life Skills Programme I CAN! Modules

In Marsiling Primary School, every pupil gets the opportunity to learn simple basic life skills such as making a drink or folding their own shirts. The Basic Life Skills I CAN! programme adopts a structured and developmental framework that focuses on the explicit teaching of basic life skills. The goal is to equip pupils with 6 basic life skills they can use to meet their own basic needs as part of their lifes future challenges. The I CAN! lessons are designed to develop pupils self-concepts and positive attitude (self awareness), life skills to manage their own basic needs (self-management) and a sense of appreciation and commitment to their families (social awareness). We believe that the skills taught in the I CAN! programme will prepare pupils for the future and give them the confidence to lead a safe and healthy life. Level P1 P2 P3 P4 Basic Life Skill I Can Pack My Own Bag! I Can Tie My Own Shoelaces! I Can Make My Own Drink! I Can Make A Sandwich! I Can Sew My Own Button! I Can Bake Cookies / Muffins!

Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP)

Based on PERI recommendations, the school also introduced the Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP) from P1 to P6 in 2011. FTGP serves as an additional platform for Form Teachers and Co-Form Teachers to build better rapport with the pupils so as to enable them to identify the needs of the pupils and provide better support for them. The teachers undergo training to equip them with the skills to carry out class-based activities which will support the development of pupils social-emotional competencies. Through FTGP, pupils will have a more structured environment for class and peer interaction as well as for teachers to understand their needs and emotions. We hope that with the new structure in place, our pupils will grow to be confident individuals who are resilient in overcoming future challenges and achieve success. Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

2012 Pupil Leaders Investiture

P4 pupil leaders brainstorming for ideas.

Having fun during FTGP lesson! Pupils writing their birthday wishes to their friends.

P5 P6

Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

I Can Make A team bonding activity for our pupil leaders.

Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

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School

Programmes
P1 and P2 Fun with Ceramics
In Sep 11, the P2 pupils have a chance to be sculptors. Although many of them may have played with plasticine before, manipulating clay was a whole new experience for most of the pupils. Professional artists were engaged to guide them in pinching, rolling, coiling, slamming and twisting the air-drying clay. Halfway through the weekly workshop, the pupils could already see little ceramic pieces starting to materialize, causing a fair bit of excitement among them each time the lesson draws near. At the end of the programme, every pupil managed to create their own unique squareshaped bas-relief tiles with the theme of underwater world. Selected pieces would be put together to form a wall mural. This 6-lesson workshop was part of the Modular Enrichment Programme (MEP) which is in line with the Programme for Active Learning initiated by the Ministry of Education. This year, this programme will be offered to our P1 pupils as well. It is definitely something to look forward to! Contributed by Mr Airwan (HOD/Aesthetics)

6-Year Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Programme

In line with the schools ICT vision to create an Empowered, Enhanced and Enriched Learning Community through the use of ICT in education, the school has put in place a 6-year ICT programme that will help pupils in attaining the baseline standards required of them by the end of their primary school education. The various levels will undergo the ICT programme as indicated: P1: Keyboarding and word-processing skills; P2: Keyboarding and Basic PowerPoint skills; P3: Advanced PowerPoint and use of digital camera (PW on Malay Culture); P4: Storyboarding and video production (PW on Chinese Culture); P5: Web Designing (PW on Indian Culture); and P6: Use of Spreadsheet. From 2011 onwards, the P3, P4 and P5 pupils had the opportunity of learning the ICT skill through the schools Project Work (PW) curriculum. The PW curriculum requires pupils of the 3 different levels to embark on themes alongside the ICT skill taught at their level. The themes given to the pupils are based on meaningful understanding of different ethnic culture. Hence, these pupils will be embarking on research and presentation of their findings of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture respectively through the use of the ICT skill taught at their level. With this 6-year programme, the school hopes that all pupils will employ a variety of ICT tools to solve problems, make informed decisions and communicate information and ideas effectively to prepare them for the new economy. Contributed by Ms Saharah Yazit (ICT Coordinator)

P3 and P4 Music Modular Enrichment Programme (MEP)

Have you ever heard of the term Drum Circle? Can you produce drum beats, rhythm and musical sounds using your mouth, lips, tongue and voice? What is vocal percussion? The answers to these questions will be revealed when the P3 and P4 pupils go through their Music MEP lessons. Drum Circle is an activity whereby a group of people gather in a circle to make music using drums and other simple percussion instruments. This is an activity for people to gather informally and make music together as a group, just like a jamming session. The sense of community and teamwork is strongly felt during this activity.

Djembe drumming as an ensemble!

Pupils demonstrating their beatboxing sounds and skills to the instructor.

Pupils learning the drumming techniques. We are having fun with ceramics!

The P3 pupils will go through Djembe Drumming lessons conducted by experienced and professional instructors. They will explore different drumming techniques, play with different types of percussion instruments and learn how to make music as an ensemble. Vocal percussion is commonly known as beatboxing. It explores the use of ones mouth, lips, tongue and voice to make music. The P4 pupils will go through a beatboxing modular programme and they will be amazed and surprised at their ability to produce drum beats, rhythm and musical sounds using their vocals other than singing. Other than learning the skills taught in the respective Music MEP lessons, the pupils will also learn performance etiquette and showmanship. Contributed by Ms Yeo Xinru (Music Coordinator)

Pupils engaged in discussions on their website planning.

Pupils busy discussing the script for their groups oral presentation.

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Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

School

Programmes

Learning Journeys
To ensure that every Marsilian is given a broad-based experience through various platforms, pupils will go for their learning journeys to various places of interests. As part of our NE development, visits to the community and significant landmarks of Singapore are organised for all pupils as shown below: Level P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 Places of Interests Around the School Around the Neighborhood Kampong Glam Little India Chinatown Civic District
A quiz session at Singapore Discovery Centre. A demo lesson for our Marsilians at the Melaka International School.

Community Involvement Programme (CIP)

2011 has been a rewarding year for us in terms of the activities conducted for the pupils and staff. Through the various CIP activities, the school hopes to give our pupils and staff a better insight of the needs and challenges in the community. Lower primary pupils (from P1 to P3) will continue to participate in CIP activities in school such as taking care of their classrooms and the school compound. Through these activities, the pupils learn the importance of keeping their school clean. Pupils from P4 to P6 will continue to be involved in community activities outside the school. The P4 pupils will participate in the Seashore Life Programme while the P5 pupils will carry out activities in the various Homes around the neighbourhood. The P6 pupils will participate in the various fundraising activities, some of which are organised by Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) Fund, Food From The Heart (FFTH) and Childrens Charities. Staff of Marsiling Primary has also been participating in fundraising for Man Tut Tong Nursing Home and SUNLOVE Senior Activity Centre (Marsiling). The school will continue to explore new avenues of involving pupils and staff in community projects. Contributed by Mr Chin TS (CIP Coordinator)
P4 Seashore Life Programme

Excursions to several places within and out of Singapore are also organised to expose pupils to greater opportunities to make a significant impact on the community: Level P3 P4 P5 P6 Places of Interests Butterfly Garden and Hydrophonics at OHs farm Seashore Life Programme At Sembawang Park Internationalisation Trips Sungei Buloh

Our P4 pupils playing the role of town planners at Singapore Discovery Centre.

Trips for International Experience (TIE)

In our continuous effort to provide a holistic broad-based experience for Marsilians, the school organises overseas trips to Malacca, Taiwan and Brunei for our P5 pupils. Malacca is chosen not only for its rich historical background on the Peranakan culture but also for its historical connections from the Dutch and Portuguese heritage. For Taiwan, it is not only renowned for its scenic landscape but also rich in Chinese cultural and historical roots and heritage. As for Brunei, pupils will be immersed in the Malay language and culture in addition to being exposed to the well-known oil-producing country. In all the trips, the school will arrange meaningful interactions with pupils from the host countries. It is our hope that through the trips, our pupils will be good ambassadors for Singapore and at the same time, learn to be responsible individuals, be able to display our school values and have a chance to find out more about the culture of countries in the region. Contributed by Mr Rolan Tambunan (HOD/PE)
A Bruneian pupil leader presenting bunga telur as a token of appreciation to our Marsilians.

In conjunction with Childrens Day celebration, our pupils also get to go to different places of interests in Singapore. The programme is designed such that pupils will visit a different place each year so as to widen their learning experiences and develop their social-emotional (self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship management and effective decision making) skills. Level P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 Places of Interests Jurong Bird Park Singapore Zoological Gardens Cinema Singapore Discovery Centre Singapore Science Centre Sentosa Island

We hope that through all these learning journeys, pupils will learn beyond the text to contextualise knowledge and apply the learning beyond the classrooms. Contributed by Ms Natasha Maidin (HOD/Science)

P5 Home Visit

Staff packing groceries for delivery. P6 Fund Raising Activity.

Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

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Events &

Achievements
made a beeline for the small crowd waiting near a wall plaque that was concealed by a custom-made curtain of raffia. At long last, the contents of the package were revealed two pairs of scissors! The scissors were then handed over to Dr Tan Boon Yew, Chairman of the School Advisory Committee, and Mr Teoh Soon Chee, Chairman of the schools Parent Support Group. At the count of three, the two gentlemen snipped the raffia strings and down came the curtain to reveal the wall plaque and the low ropes course at Marsiling Primary was officially declared open on 18 Nov 11! The whole affair was captured on video and shown to the rest of the guests in the school hall via live feed. It was certainly a novel way to start off the Annual Prize Presentation ceremony. More than 200 awards were presented that morning and the hall was packed with proud parents and family members. The audience was also treated to maiden performances by the Modern Dance and the DRUMZ CCA groups during the interludes. At the end of the ceremony, all the guests had a chance to view the Celebration of Learning exhibits at the back of the hall. It was truly a memorable day for everyone involved! Contributed by Mr Airwan (HOD/Aesthetics)

Official Opening of Low Ropes Course on 18 November 2011

At the blare of an air horn, a team of P6 boys jogged towards the High Wall at the far end of the school field. Once they reached the base of the low rope element, they swiftly got into a pyramid formation, allowing one of them to scale the wall almost effortlessly. About two-thirds up, the boy reached for a secret package that was dangling from the top of the wall. After the package was secured, he carefully made his descent and handed it over to a team of P2 pupils. The team gingerly walked up the Whale Watch element and spread themselves out to balance the wooden platform for a few seconds. The package was then passed on to another group of P5 pupils who traversed the next element. The relay continued for the next few minutes, involving six teams of pupils in all. Each team, which represented a particular level, had to negotiate a different element while transporting the secret package. The entire event was a unique way of showcasing six out of the ten elements. Cheers and applause could be heard as a pair of P1 pupils emerged from the Commando Crawl, the final element in the relay, and

The pupils involved in the low ropes relay posing with special guests in front of the wall plaque.

Character Development Award 2011

Building the character of every Marsilian is important in Marsiling Primary. The school Character Development Framework is anchored on school values which are aligned to the Civics and Moral Education (CME) values. The school has programmes like Low Ropes Course, Chit Chat, TRANSFORM, Form Teacher Guidance Period, Pupil Leadership Development and Internationalisation trips to nurture character in pupils. Through these programmes, pupils build their social-emotional competencies, confidence, teamwork and resilience. To ensure values education is pervasive, the school also uses the Marsiling Cats and the Marsiling Story to concretize the values. In Marsiling Primary, character education is kept alive as it is continuously reinforced in class, during recess, after school and during Co-Curricular Activities. As such, the school is proud to announce that we have been conferred the Development Award for Character Development by Ministry Of Education in 2011! Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

NEA-Panasonic Environment Champions Project Competition (ECPC) 2011

2011 ended on a happy note for the Green Club. In May, the team which participated in the NEA-Panasonic ECPC 2011 was awarded a seed funding of $1000 to develop and produce puzzles based on the project they had submitted. The pupils, Aisyah Mohd Salleh, Teo Yi Hui and N Sarveshwarn had come up with puzzles based on the recycling processes of glass, paper, plastic and aluminium. These puzzles were produced and shared with the school during recess time in Sep and Oct 11. At the final presentation, the judges were impressed with the teams product and effort. The Green Clubs entry was awarded 2nd prize and won the school $4000. The Green Club firmly believes in total school involvement in promoting and practising environmental awareness and education. Well done, members of the Green Club! Contributed by Mdm Rashidah (Teacher-in-Charge)
Aisyah Mohd Salleh, Teo Yi Hui and N Sarveshwarn receiving the cheque on behalf of the school.

Environmental Dance Floor Competition 2011

On 9 Nov 11, some of our Indian and Modern Dance members participated in an Environmental Dance Floor Competition held by National Environment Agency (NEA) and Clean and Green Singapore in ITE College West, Chua Chu Kang. The dance was about water pollution and saving the marine animals and it conveyed an important message to everyone on water pollution. Our school was awarded MERIT Prize - a trophy together with prize money of $200! Congratulations to our dancers! Contributed by Ms Anithasri (Teacher-in-Charge)
Our Indian and Modern Dance members in their costumes.

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Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

Events &

Achievements

TLLM Ignite 3! Project

In 2010, the school was involved in an MOE Teach Less Learn More (TLLM) Ignite phase 3 project on character development. Led by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM) and Mdm Rajeswari, the Research Activist, the team developed a package that teaches self-responsibility and decision-making skills. They did a research on Restorative Practices and adapted the questioning techniques to teach effective decision-making skills in some P5 classes. They conducted the lessons and collected quantitative and qualitative data from both pupils and teachers. The teachers have observed that pupils showed an improvement in their sense of responsibility in the areas for punctuality and attentiveness in class. Seeing the encouraging results and positive feedback from pupils and teachers, the team implemented the programme for all pupils in P5. This research paper was presented at the Educational Research Association of Singapore (ERAS) Conference in Sep 11. It was selected as the top 3 best paper presentations during the conference. Kudos to the team! Contributed by Mdm Herianti (HOD/PM)

Caring Teachers Award 2012

The Caring Teachers Award 2012, jointly organised by the National Institute of Education and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, with the support of the Ministry of Education, was aimed at acknowledging and rewarding teachers in schools who, through their daily actions, exemplify the values of caring, sharing and concern for the academic, moral, social, emotional and mental welfare of their pupils. Five teachers were given the Caring Teachers Award 2012 at the school level. They are Mrs John Tay, Ms Saharah Bt Yazit, Mdm Hawa Bte Mohamed Hussain, Mdm Fazida Bte Mohd Alim Khan and Ms Ng Yew Cheo. Congratulations to them! Contributed by Mdm Catherine Lim (ST)

learn to adapt to society, and society has to learn to deal with children with special needs. As we move towards a more values-driven education system and with an increasing awareness of the importance of special education, we also need to educate our pupils to be more accepting and accommodating to their peers with special needs. Most important of all, the work attachment has helped me reflect and relook at my teaching pedagogy. We must always remember that our pupils need to know that we believe in them, accept and affirm them. Contributed by Mr Chin TS (CIP Coordinator)

Mdm Sharifah Zalina

I went for my enhanced Professional Development Leave (ePDL) in Term 4 of 2011 in which I had the opportunity to learn how our public parks and garden are managed and how our electrical supply is generated. My first attachment was with the Pasir Panjang Nursery. I was taught about different plant propagations and the selection of native trees from soon-to-be cleared forest. The staff was very knowledgeable and patient in explaining the complexities of their work. I was very impressed at their ability to remember each plants scientific names; which are very difficult to pronounce. The highlight of my attachment was being able to join them in their native tree planting at Gardens by the Bay. My next attachment was with Senoko Energy. I was given a detailed briefing on the power generation processes followed by a tour of the plant facilities. I was overawed by the sheer size of the equipments in the plant. The attachment has been an enlightening experience for me as I was able to learn about other work processes which I have never been exposed to. I strongly encourage others to take up the opportunity when offered. Contributed by Mdm Sharifah Zalina (Green Effort Coordinator)

Mdm Fazida Bte Mohd Alim Khan, Mdm Hawa Bte Mohd Hussain, Ms Saharah Bt Yazit, Mrs John Tay and Ms Ng Yew Cheo

enhanced Professional Development Leave (ePDL)

As part of MOEs effort to promote continuous professional learning among teachers, one of the professional learning platforms is the enhanced Professional Development Leave (ePDL). Mr Chin TS and Mdm Sharifah Zalina share with us their experiences during their ePDL stint at the various organisations.

A/P Hairon Salleh presenting the school with the award for the top 3 paper presentation.

Mr Chin TS
As part of my professional development leave, I was attached to Thye Hwa Kwan Moral Society, Society of Moral Charities (EIPIC) from 19 Sep 11 to 25 Nov 11. The attachment allowed me to have a better insight of the early intervention programme in helping pupils with special needs in EIPIC. The lesson observations and classroom activities provided me with hands-on experiences of working with these pupils. The attachment also allowed me to view special education at a broader perspective. Special education does not only focus on helping the child, it also entails working with the parents, the organisation and the society. In the real world, the child has to

Pasir Panjang Nursery

Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen

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MPS Updates
2011 Top PSLE Pupils

Congratulations!

Front row from left

Danish Adam B Roslan, Kishendran Vendar Kon, Yong Chi Kei, Chua Lian Teng, Christopher Lum and Teo Yi Hui

Back row from left

Zheng Kexin, Aisyah Bte Mohd Salleh, Nurfaizzah Namirah Bte Foad, Tan Kai Xin, Vera Juan Alejandro and Kwok Pei Xi

Staff Movement
On behalf of the school, we warmly welcome our new teachers to the Marsiling family. We wish them a happy and enriching time interacting with both our staff and pupils. Contributed by Mdm Catherine Lim (ST)

Mdm Ong Siew Eng, Mdm Lai Soon Ling, Mr Mervin Voon, Mdm Jamaliah Yusope Lamat and Miss Eileen Tan Xiu Ying

Mr Phung Wen Jia, Mr David Tan and Mr Ang Yew Leong

Miss Nishalini, Mdm Teo Ling Ling, Mdm Lilys Satini, Miss Felecia Cheong, Miss Shahirah Bte Abdol Rahman and Miss Elphia Tan Yee Whee.

Editorial Team
Mr Nick Chan Hong Wei (Advisor), Mdm Chua Mei Ling, Mdm Rashidah Yaacob, and Mdm Zubaidah Md Yusoff.

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Every Marsilian is a Self-Directed Learner, a Compassionate Leader & a Thinking Citizen