Aspire and Achieve

Aspire and Achieve

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

10th Anniversary Concert ‘Metamorphosis’


On the 4th of February, our school held their 10th anniversary performance, ‘Metamorphosis’ at The Republic Polytechnic Cultural Centre. Among the many VIPs, we were honoured to have Dr Lim Wee Kiak, our Guest-of-Honour, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC, Mr Raymond Wong, the School Advisory Committee (SAC) Chairman, and Mr Tony Tan, the N5 Superintendent to grace the occasion. On that day, we, the student reporters from Creative Circle, arrived at the VIP Holding Room to receive the VIPs and have the opportunity to interview them.

What are your impressions of EVG's Metamorphosis Concert?

“I find it very refreshing and interesting to see the life of an Evergreen Secondary School student showcased through a play.”

-Dr Lim Wee Kiak (PBM), Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC.

"A worthy 10th year celebration after 10 years of hard work by students."

-Mr Raymond Wong, SAC Chairperson.

"It has been most impresssive as I can see a high level of confidence in the students. In fact, I could really feel the thunderous roar of the school spirit."

-Mr Tony Tan, Superintendent  of North 5 (Schools Division), MOE.

“The students displayed commitment and a high-standard of professionalism."

-Mr Johnny Ang, Vice-Principal of Evergreen Secondary School.

“It was a good performance and it shows the hard work and effort spent.”

-Mr Albert Teo, Ambassador of the Youth Olympic Games

What are your thoughts on such public performances opportunities for students?

“It is a good platform to forge friendships as well as good discipline.”

-Dr Lim Wee Kiak (PBM), Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC.


"It is great that students have an opportunity to showcase their talents to the committee."

-Mr Raymond Wong, SAC Chairperson.

What are your hopes for Evergreen Secondary School in the coming years?

"I hope that through performances like this, the students of Evergreen Secondary will not just leave with good grades but also with the skills needed to succeed in life."

-Mr Raymond Wong, SAC Chairperson.

"I'm sure one day the students will make the school very proud."

-Mr Tony Tan, Superintendent of North 5 (Schools Division), MOE.

"From what I know, Evergreen already has left a very good impression in the North Zone, I'm sure this will continue to be the case. "

- Mr Johnny Ang, Vice-Principal of Evergreen Secondary School.

How do you feel after watching this performance?

"10 years has gone by. I think the students are very good, even from the past to the present."

-Mrs Mary Koh, Founding Principal of Evergreen Secondary School.

After watching the entire concert, may I ask if you have any encouraging words for our aspiring EVGians?

"I am very proud of all the EVGians, and may there be many more good years to come."

-Mrs Mary Koh, Founding Principal of Evergreen Secondary School.

Apart from interviewing the VIPs present, we also got to speak to the key figures who were responsible for organising and planning the concert. Hence, we sought out the Producer and Assistant Producer of ‘Metamorphosis’ and asked for their feelings on the overwhelming success of the concert.

After watching the entire concert, may I ask if you have any encouraging words for our aspiring EVGians?

"Of course, I hope that the students will continue to work hard for the skills needed for themselves when they leave the school for the adult world. "

-Mr Gavin Goh, Assistant Producer.

"We should always strive to achieve higher. Who knows, one day we might even take our performances to the Esplanade!"

-Mr Shahril, Producer.

Being the Assistant Producer of the Metamorphosis Concert, how do you feel in seeing your efforts pay off in the wake of its success?

"Even though I had helped out, the effort is not my own. It is through the coorperation between many teachers and staff, and the students have also put in an effort to make all of these possible."

-Mr Gavin Goh, Assistant Producer.

Our student reporters also mingled with the audience and performers to find out how they felt towards the concert.

How do you feel attending the first public performance of EVG?

I am excited even though it’s a school-organized concert. There are many performances in store and I am very eager to watch them.

Amirah Khan, 4 Commitment

This is the first time I have attended such an event. Since this is my final year in Evergreen, I am determined to attend the concert.

Justin Yong, 4 Commitment.

I feel happy as it is a milestone for the school. It’s great that we have this concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary. However, I regret not having the opportunity to perform because I have graduated.

Stella Cheung, Ex-student

Which is the performance that you are most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to Mrs. Tan and Siti’s duet because Mrs. Tan seems like a fierce person in school, so it is quite unexpected that we would get to see her sing.

Ng Qiu Mei, 3 Dynamic

In particular, I look forward to the performance between Mrs. Tan and Siti because it’s not everyday that we get to hear our own EVGians singing with our discipline teachers.

Amirah Khan, 4 Commitment

I am actually looking forward to the flag team’s performance as I have seen how hard and long they have been training.

Shu Shao Qiang, 4 Aspire

What do you think of EVG’s choice in choosing RP as a venue for the concert?

I feel that the choice of venue was convenient as it’s located near our houses, hence, there is no need to waste money on transport.

Amirah Khan, 4 Commitment

I also thought that the choice of Republic Poly was good as the concert hall is air conditioned, creating a more comfortable environment for audience to enjoy the performances.

Muhd. Haziq B. Jamil, 2 Integrity.

Since Republic Poly has all the facilities in holding such an event, I feel that it is a suitable choice.

Shu Shao Qiang, 4 Aspire

How do you feel being able to take part in the EVG 10th year anniversary concert?

I feel honoured to be able to have the chance to perform for the school’s 10th year anniversary. Since it’s my last year in Evergreen, I want to take part in some activities that contribute to the school.

An Xue Qi, from Chinese Dance

We are honoured because it’s our last year in EVG and after this, we might have to wait another 10 years for the next anniversary celebration.

Sheryl Gwee & Jacqueline Koh from Chinese Dance

This is the first time I have performed for a school event and I feel honoured. At least I can contribute something to the school even though I am new in school.

Ms Baizura, teacher

How have you benefited being part of this performing group?

Through the rehearsals, I have learnt the value of teamwork.

Fiona Ng from Chinese Dance

I have learnt that we need to persevere even though it’s difficult, and that sometimes if we want something to be successful, we have to sacrifice lots of things such as sleep and rest.

Haziqah from EVG Winds.

We have learnt to interact with other CCA groups and have became closer as we spent a lot of time working together.

Sheryl Gwee & Jacqueline Koh from Chinese Dance

What are the difficulties that you faced during the preparation?

We have also faced some difficulties during the rehearsals. One of them was learning the dance moves. As I cannot attend every single lesson, I had to struggle to catch up.

An Xue Qi from Chinese Dance

We have also faced quite a few difficulties. One of them was to get everyone to attend the daily practices. We had to ensure that students were coming for the practices. Another difficulty was memorizing the lyrics for the song.

Ms Baizura, teacher

I had difficulties, however, in memorizing the lines and getting the tone right as we have to express clearly how the character is supposed to feel.

Tabin Tan, Head Prefect of Evergreen Secondary School

What would make your performance a memorable one tonight?

If we manage to do our best, it would make the rehearsals worth it and make the performance all the more memorable.

Fiona Ng From Chinese Dance

To make this night memorable, I hope that everybody would be cooperative so that the audience would feel that it is perfect and they would feel that their efforts have not been wasted.

Ang Xue Qi from Chinese Dance

What are your comments for the EVG 10th anniversary concert?

It was a wonderful event and a visual feast for the eyes. Everything was put together very smoothly.

Jaron Tan from 4 Aspire

The 10th Anniversary was well organized and appreciated by the audience. The hard work of the teachers has paid off very well.

Mohd Ridzuan from 4 Integrity

Which performance was very awe-inspiring and why?

This can be especially seen from the awe-inspiring duet between Mrs. Karen Tan and Siti Nur Afiqah as the song they sang was very motivational and it shows that there are many hidden talents in our school.

Mohd Ridzuan, 4 Integrity

I found the OM’s performance AMAZING. The performing arts performances were also quite impressive.

Mohd Shakir Bin Mohd Anuar, 4 Respect

How has this concert changed your perspective on the students or teachers of EVG?

It has taught us values such as the importance of taking care of our old folks.

Jaron Tan, 4 Aspire

The concert has also made me respect my teachers even more because this is my last year in Evergreen Secondary School.

Mohd Ridzuan, 4 Integrity

How did you know about the 10th Anniversary Concert?

I heard about this event through my daughter.

Mdm Jambudin, Parent

Which performance did you enjoy most?

I like pretty much all the performances.

Mdm Jambudin, Parent
Interviews by William, Risa, Ardillah, Hann shen, Nisa and Farahin

Service Learning: Secondary 3 Students

Service Learning Project for Secondary 3

St. Hilda's Community Services for Elderly
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore
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Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
1) What kind of obstacles did you overcome during your planning for Service Learning?

• Getting everyone to do their part during the service learning.
Yue Feng, 3 Integrity

• While planning for my Service learning, my group went through some obstacles such as having difficulties to contact the organisation, thus delaying our planned project. It was also hard to arrange a time for the whole group to meet as we needed to find a suitable date whereby everyone can attend. I was very grateful and thankful that my group was successful in overcoming the problems and also completing the project.
Raeesha, 3 Aspire

• At first, we didn’t know which organisation to choose. We also didn’t know how to go ahead and choose.
Ho Yiling, 3 Aspire

•Many had different opinions and in order to finalise the decision we had to vote for the best idea. Some may argued on certain matters and we had a hard time to overcome such problems as both cooperation and teamwork are needed in solving the issue at hand.
Teo Xue Li, 3 Aspire


2) What was the most memorable experience you had during Service Learning?

• The most memorable is playing and working together with friends!!
Lim Xiang Bei, 3 Integrity

• For me, doing the project itself was the most memorable experience.
Syafiqah, 3 Aspire

• Since I was in the video crew, I had a hard time holding the camera in my hand.
Poh Tian Yong, 3 Commitment

• While performing for the elders, they appreciated our performance. We felt contented after seeing their smiles.
Teo Xue Li, 3 Aspire

3) If you were given a chance to do it again, would you consider it? Why?

• Yes. However, Service Learning takes a long time to prepare and a lot of planning is needed to undergo this project but it was a good experience,
Teo Xue Li, 3 Aspire

•Yes. I find Service learning very interesting and meaningful as we can contribute to the society.
Yue Feng, 3 Integrity

• Of course! It was a great experience and it allowed us to encounter problems which we might face in the future. Therefore, starting out early is a good experience for us since we are already accustomed in doing so.
Elnaz, 3 Commitment

• It would be interesting if I were to do it once more! Helping people is what I love to do!
Poh Tian Yong, 3 Commitment


Done by: Illa Haziqin and Syaheera Amira

Singapore Press Holdings Media Day Camp

An Enriching Experience to Singapore Press Holdings



On 14 and 15 June 2010, the Creative Circle members took part in a workshop organized by the Straits Times Media Club. The two-day agenda provided opportunities for students to be involved in many exciting activities besides honing their abilities in journalism.

These are the highlights of the programme:

On Day 1, Senior Vice President of the Singapore Press Holdings, Mr Peter Khoo, addressed the students on ‘The Newspaper Industry’. We were amazed as he shared with us interesting facts of the SPH centre like the revenue of advertisements they received per year. Then, we were given a talk by Ms Bertha Henson, the Associate Editor of Strait Times. Many were awed as she told her experiences reporting on a riot in Singapore a few decades ago. After that, we were divided into groups in the segment ‘Who are you in the Newsroom?’ Ms Serene Goh, the editor of IN, Little Red Dot and YouthINK, assigned the different groups to brainstorm on creative and innovative ideas.

We also took the opportunity to mingle with other students from different schools. There was also a session on news photography by Mr Bryan van der Beek, an Executive Photojournalist. We were grateful for the tips he gave on ways to take a good shot and we were fascinated by the marvelous pictures which he had taken before. The last segment for the day was on interviewing and reporting. Mr Marc Lim, the Assistant News Editor, also taught on how to be a good reporter. His advice was indeed useful as students practically used his tips during the interview with the special guest on the following day. We headed home afterwards, looking forward to the next day.



On Day 2, we were excited to go for a tour at the Strait Times and the Information Resource Centre. We got a sneak peek at the journalists’ workplace. When we got back to the News centre, we were star-struck by popular deejays, Jeremy Ratnam and Boy Thunder from Radio 91.3FM .


They were hilarious and we were very entertained with the games they held. The fun did not stop there. We even went to the Print Centre at 2 Jurong Port Road which prints, sorts and distributes 17 newspaper titles. We learn that the ink circulating system consists of more than 1.2km of piping! The last programme of the Straits Times Media Club Camp was the Press Conference with the world champion bowler, Remy Ong. Let’s hear on what Remy Ong had to say.



Q: What are your plans to help the future generation?

Remy: When I retired, I would like to be a coach in the national team. It is my dream to have my own bowling academy.


Q: Who is your bowling hero?

R: [looked stunned] I don’t have a bowling hero. But, I have some people who I looked up to like my family, coaches, my President and my federation.


Q: What is your most regretful moment?

R: I left school at the age of 16. It’s a big risk. Given another chance, I would not do it. Please do not do the same thing.


Q: How do you manage your time?

R: I have to manage my time well. I need to travel to other countries a lot of time. It’s a give and take thing. If you definitely love your family, find effort [to spend time with them].


Q: What is your motto in life?

R: It’s the word that I love and hate. Live my dream.

By: Nur Ardillah

Odyssey of the Mind 2010

Odyssey of the Mind


In the month of April, two teams of students from Evergreen Secondary School participated in the Odyssey of theMind competition held annually at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). Every year, Odyssey of the Mind presents students new challenges to solve. These challenges include a long term problem where students in teams solve either technological conundrums or issues that involve performing and artistic approaches. It takes weeks and months for teams to solve. At the competition, there will be a ‘spontaneous’ round where teams will have to solve problems on the spot.



Having the experience of participation for two years, I have learnt to balance my studies and extracurricular activities. It has also boosted my confidence on stage as I feel that I am now a more self-assured speaker. Working with my team for months has also taught me teamwork and helped me in my leadership position as a prefect. There were a lot of sacrifices made by my team members and myself. Late nights and struggling to finish our homework were some of the difficulties that we had to overcome.



Nevertheless, the stress and pressure was the biggest fear we had to overcome. We were competing with top schools who were way more experienced than us. However we knew that we had done our best and our teachers were there to support us no matter what the score was. When the results were released, it was an improvement compared to last year. Our 1st team was ranked 7th out of 9 schools and our second team ranked 5th out of 6 schools.



Here are the thoughts of the team members on their whole experience.



‘I learnt how to be creative and how to think on the spot. I also learnt to have team communication,’ said Adam Tan from 3 Aspire. ‘However, the difficult problems were time management and team work.’



When asked about how it felt like competing with the top schools and in the spontaneous round, Siti Nur Afiqah from 2 Aspire said, ‘It is very intense having to come up with the answers right on the spot while at the same time being creative as I can.’



When asked about how it felt to compete with the leading schools of Singapore, Doralyn Geralyna Marsh from 4 Integrity replied, ‘Competing with them can be demoralising. But I joined Odyssey of the Mind because I love drama and thought I could be an asset in representing our school.’



All in all, our school’s Odyssey of the Mind will continue to grow and be a better and stronger team as the EVGians are passionate about drama and stage performance.



Written by Dineetha

International Model United Nation Conference (IMUNc)

International Model United Nation Conference (IMUNc).


During the June holidays, most of our EVGians spent their time hanging out with friends, playing computer games, and even studying. However 12 of our students from the Debate club, NE ambassadors as well as the Good English Model (GEMS) attended a three day conference held at the Anglo Chinese School Independent (ACSI) known as the International Model United Nation Conference (IMUNc).

IMUNc is an annual high school Model United Nations Conference. In IMUNc, students get to experience being high-level delegates representing countries whereby they expose themselves to the features of international relations in the real world. IMUNc was definitely an exciting opportunity for our students to propose resolutions and respond to global issues.

This year's IMUNc featured councils like the [HGA-1994] General Assembly, 1994, whereby they discussed issues like the US Embargo on Cuba and the Rwandan Crisis, as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), whereby they brainstormed on issues like Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and Expansion and Relations with SCO. Not only did they do a lot of research for their respective issues, they also had to propose resolutions to solve those issues.

"Getting to know people from other schools and have a great learning experience together is indeed an eye-opener," says Nur Fariza Bte Juffri.

It was definitely not an all work and no play situation here. Our EVGians have gained a lot of experience, be it in the aspects of language, debating skills as well as getting to befriend students of other schools. They are indeed looking forward to going to their next conference in the up-coming year.




Written by

Siti Nur Afiqah of 2 Enterprise.

After the release of GCE O' Level Results

2010 Release of GCE 'O' Level Results

On 11 January 2010, our senior members of the school received the results for their GCE ‘O’ exams. Some were nervous, some were scared, and some were excited to receive their results. Our Creative Circle members interviewed some of the seniors before they received their results.
Before the results...

One of the seniors, Dayang Sofia bte Sofian, from 4 Achieve, told the reporters about her inner feelings before the results were given out.

“Nervous,…but I did try my best,” she said nervously.

Like Dayang, Nurul Afiqah from 4 Commitment told us that she too felt nervous and tried her best. She recalled how much sacrifices she made by doing daily revision months before 'O' Levels. When asked about what she thought her results would be like, Nurul Afiqah told the reporters, “I hope that I will score at least 15 points.”

We also interviewed and Lee Chea Huay from 4 Enterprise. “I feel nervous. And I didn’t really try my best. Now I am more nervous…and I don’t know what I will get,” she told our reporters.

However one of the seniors, Nurul Rafiqah, from 4 Aspire last year, told us about her emotions differently.

“I'm feeling excited because I know I had done my best…and I hope that I will pass every subject,” she told the reporters.

Our Creative Circle members also interviewed one of the seniors’ parents. We interviewed the father of Nurul Natasya and asked him about his feeling before his daughter had received her results. “Right now I have no answer yet. I’ll be patient. I’ll have to wait. I can’t express my feelings yet,” he told the reporters.

When asked about if his daughter did her best for her ‘O’ level exams, he replied “She studied until late at night ,and I think she had worked hard and deserved good results.”

After the release of GCE O'Level results, some students were euphoric with joy while others cried tears of sadness over their results. The reporters managed to interview a few students about their feelings after getting the results. Nurain Bte Mohd Zulkepli from 4 Aspire commented elatedly that she was relieved and excited upon receiving her results.However, Faiqah from 4Commitment said that she was sad over her results which did not meet her expectations.

Besides that, we also asked them on their future plans ahead which garnered a mix reaction. Xin Mei Rennie from 4 Aspire said that,'' Maybe I want to go to a Junior College.'' Kee Li Tian from 5 Dynamic aspired to be a musician or a performer. There were some students who were still deciding on which institutions they would be heading to as they had not made up their mind. As for Nurul Syarryzan Bte Suhaimi, she really hoped that her English result would get her into a JC.

We also interviewed some of the seniors and asked them about their results, and how they managed to get good results.

Xin Mei Rennie from 4 Aspire told us that studying and hard work is the key to success. She managed to get 10 points for her ‘O’ level results.

Shaun Lee Ching Lun told the reporters that he managed to get 16 points for his results. Marvon Tan from 4 Achieve and Kee Li Tian from 5 Dynamic managed to get 16 points each for their results.

Marvon Tan, from 4 Achieve, told us that he wanted to go to a polytechnic and he did ok for his ‘O’ level examination.

Our reporters also met Jia Yi from 4 Aspire. “I had problems such as lack of sleep in order to study for my exams, and I had to miss some of my Chinese Orchestra’s practices to attend some lessons,” she told the reporters. "But it was all worth it!"

As the students were exchanging words of encouragement and congratulating one another, we would like to hear their shout-outs and messages of gratitude to the special ones. Kee Li Tian expressed his appreciation to the teachers who had put in their hard work especially Mr Joseph Teo. Jia Yi from 4 Aspire, would want to thank Mr Edward the most. ''He is very experienced in teaching and I look up to him.''

As for Zakiah Binte Ishak, she was grateful for Mdm Norhayati who showed moral support for all the subjects. On average, most students stated that they would miss the food in the school canteen, friends and teachers the most when they graduated from Evergeen Secondary School.

The key to success is hardwork. Evergreen is proud to say that there is a huge improvement in the GCE ‘O’ level this year. We even had a half day for the school on the 18 of January, to celebrate the success that our school had achieved. As EVGians, we have to Aspire and Achieve.

We would like to give our well-wishes to all the students  who have received their O'Level results and hopefully, they can live up to their dreams.

By Ayu Nafisah, Illa Haziqin, Nur Ardillah

[3 Enterprise], [3 Aspire], [3 Aspire]

Youth Olympic Games (YOG)

In addition to what happens in our school, we also have a special segment called “Whaaaaaaat’s what?” where we write about the latest happenings, that we, teenagers enjoy.


In addition to the current Youth Olmypic Games happening in August, there has also been a music video created to lift the spirits up for the youth athletes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfXOysuoUoI . The song is sung by our very own Tabitha Nauser, Europe’s Steve Appleton, Jessica Mauboy from Oceania, Jody William from Africa and Sean Kingston from America. This song is written and composed by Singapore Idol’s favourite judge, Ken Lim. It signifies the athlete’s ability to believe in themselves and move on no matter how hard things get. In our opinion, this song is really meaningful to not only our athletes, but also youths aspiring to achieve their dreams.    


Also, this year’s National Day Celebration is coming up and the music video is out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVF_WClXXQc This year's National Day song is sung by Corrinne May with her very choir like voice. In it, features the students who will be performing in the National Day Parade as the human LCD. We are very fortunate to have sent our students to represent our school and are definitely proud of them. In our opinion, this years song really encourages us to really stand up for Singapore.
   


                                                                                                                                                  Written by:
Siti Nur Afiqah from 2 Enterprise
and Dineetha Menon from 3 Dynamic