Exactly a week ago was Celefest! ''Gladiator'' was my class's game!!!

Anglo-Chinese School(International) Celefest 2009. That is my school’s very own version of a carnival. It was a day filled with fun food and laugheter.

Prior to the day’s event, a lot preparation had to be done. Each class were tasked to come out with a game stall. My class came out with the decision to have ‘Gladiators’ as the game for our game stall. The game involves two opponents standing on a small platform each which was within an inflated ring and using a ‘dumb-bell’ looking weapon to knock each other off the platform. Each game was 2 minutes long. I helped to get the contact of the game company so that my class’s celefest representative could go and make the necessary arrangements. I was also involved in other areas such as the banner painting, which took quite sometime to complete. Credits goes to Dennis who came out with the design.

On the day itself, I arrived in school around 8am to help set up the stall. After which I remained at the stall till around 1200 hrs helping out in whatever area I could. But I was mostly in-charged of time-keeping. After my shift for my class was done, I took an hours break before starting my second shift which was in the school hall.

My second shift was located at the gift shop (in the hall) where I had to man the stall, help customers carry their purchases to their cars. This shift lasted for 2 hours, starting from 1pm to 3pm.

From the celefest experience, I was taught unity and cooperation. E.g. we had to work as a class to brainstorm for the game, we had to assigned tasks, duties to each member of the class and that we were responsible for the task and duties we were allocated. Good time keeping/management was also needed so that we know when the dateline for the banner had to be submitted or that we arrive on time for our shifts. Overall, it was really nice to be working with my friends and seeing some many people coming to our stall and play our game. It also brings great satisfaction to see that our stall was successful.

International Day 2009:

International Day is a day where my school celebrates the many nationalities we have as well as to promote a racial harmony and awareness of the countries represented in our school.

This year, I volunteered to help out at the Canadian Booth along with a few other friends. We came slightly earlier before school started to help set up the booth. Besides helping to set up the booth, I also helped to make wafers which were later served with Maple-flavoured syrup to the visitors of the booth who wanted a taste of Canada.

Each booth had to come out with their own quiz so that students who visited these booths could be quiz. Students/visitors had to study/ read the information provided at the booths and then take the quiz. Students with correct answers form the quiz were given a stamp. Students collect/accumulate these stamps so that they could later exchange for prizes. I also helped to give the quiz to the students/visitors at the Canadian booth.

After my shift had ended at the Canadian Booth, I went for a Batik Making workshop where I was taught the traditional are of batik making. The steps taught included how to apply the hot melted wax onto the stretch cloth using a chanting as well as how to apply the dye correctly. It was really fun trying something new.

Through International Day, I have learnt many new fact/information about the countries in my school, such as their cultural heritage, traditions, traditional food, games etc. It was really mind opening and interesting. I have gained so much awareness about the world around me.  I believe everyone had a great day and the event was a success.

Had been a while, a month. Really had alot of work to complete, some still in the process, World Literature Essay, Theory of Knowledge Essay, Extend Essay(4000 words research essay), Physics IA, Econs commentary, Art sketchbook and paint and lastly my Individual Oral Commentary (IOC)....all of which WILL contribute to my final IB grade

13th-15th Feb: Scouts Recruit and Ventures Survival Camp...I was bumming bumming around...

Went back for fun- I didn't really do much there except following people around,  just sitting down and watching people and occasionally helping to run errands. But it's good to be back there once a while and look back at past memories, nothing but reflections. :) Went into the jungle for a short while on the 13th and 14th, all for the fun, saw the miserable faces of those sec 4s who were going through the survival camp....all the rolling in the mud, water rationing(2L for 3 days) and of course limited food, no proper shelter and toilets and no bathing for 3 days. Did not want to stay over night in there, or else that will have been my 3rd time doing so. This recruits camp was really huge, with close to 90+ recruits(didn't really count)+ the sec 2s and 3s. Even the Primary school Scouts were present. Those little brats were cute but horrible....RIGHT JANSEN! CUB SCOUT LEADER FOR 2 DAYS. Running around, complaining, asking stupid questions and lastly punching people. Haha!

27th Feb-1st March- Founders' Day

Anglo-Chinese School's 123rd Anniversary. My last official school founders' day celebration. Celebrations are practically the same every year, speeches, prize presentations, performances the end. What's missing here in ACS(International) is the parade by the uniform groups:)

27th Feb- ECP beach cleaning

LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF LITTER LEFT BEHIND...GOSH! ALL THE POLLUTION! POOR ENVIRONMENT! SAVE THE EARTH!!!!!

NO OBS-

I'm didn't go for OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL this year. Went once when I was in sec 3. Had an awesome time there with the best group. All UYOs except..uhhmm one. Paid only $360.

This time round, had I gone for it, I would be paying, $650, a reduced cost after a subsidy from the school(otherwise $800).  See the difference! Why would I want to pay so much more to do almost similar activities which I have done before, plus they are nothing new. Oh please! Gosh!

No Thanks! Then again it's year 6, with all the work, no way am I going to waste my time doing those stuff again after years as a scout...all the team work...blah blah blah. Enough! Furthermore, I thought it will be useful for me to spend that 5 days to complete all my work before flying off on my holiday which will span over the entire march holz. Hope those who went there had fun....+ it was raining. PRACTICAL PLANNING! WONDERFUL!

 

Okay time to go, in a few hours time, I will be flying off to the land of a billion people! Won't be present at scouts investiture unless I'm back on time. Sorry Friends, leaders and scouts! :( Have fun! Oh Reuben! This is a reminder, please don;t forget to pass on the heirloom. Thanks!

Tomorrow will be my school's year 5 IB art student's exhibition a Substation entitled 'MAPS'. Had been going back to school the past few days for the final touches. Oh well. I am not really good at art. Really wonder why I took it in the first place. Regrets...! But never mind. Just as long as I don't get criticize by other people and friends. Oh Horrible horrible! But different people have different styles.

Here are some details in case I forgot to invite you or just incase you need that last minute.

Back yesterday from Scouts' EOY Pulau Ubin Camp. Was a really slacked and boring one.2 days 1 night. 

Went to Barker Road quite early. But later found out that all of my 'already left school' batch won't be coming due to last minute commitments:), leaving XW and me...No choice but to stick with the junior ventures. The worst thing was I brought a camera with no memory card. How blurrrrrrrr of me. Had to borrow the teacher's camera or use sucky handphone cameras. Both which I have yet to collect or upload. No Photos!

Nothing much to elaborate on except getting mozzi bites 

0.Take bum boat to Pulau Ubin

1.Pitch tent but to find out the tent we took was screwed up

2.Seafood 'horfun' Lunch

3.Two hours of cycling-but I gave up halfway because the bike sucks.

4.Bumming around while scouts did outdoor cooking

5.$20/person Seafood Dinner with like chili crab.

6.Shower time

7.VNITE 1st meeting

8.More bumming around till like 3am

9.Wake up and go for breakfast

10.More bumming and then go home

Interact club Recycling project.

22^th August onwards: Painting of the boxes. It was really fun. It allowed me to explore my creative juice and artistic talent. Allowed me to learn how to work with others to paint so many boxes, everyone has our part to play. Actually, I felt that paint boxes isn’t really easy as one would like to try to make it as presentable as possible. It allowed me to see how others work as well as their characters. This project involves carrying boxes up to be painted and delivering the painted boxes to the classrooms.

Fencing: PE Sports module.

 I have never learnt fencing before and so the classes that I had was an experience, though it was fun learning it, I doubt that I will want to learn it again as I found it sort of boring at the same time. Throughout the six lessons, I have learnt the basics of fencing such as moving forward and backwards and the rest of the movements, how to use the fencing sword properly. I have even passed the basic grading test. During the course of the module, it enabled me to feel how those REAL LIFE FENCERS fence in competitions and Olympics. The skills and movement that I’ve learnt are easily remembered after a few rounds of practicing. It really takes a person who is fit and agile to do so, just like in any sport, for example being quick in moving back to be prevent getting hit by the opponent’s sword.

 

Through this sports module, it allowed me to be become some what fitter from all the movement that fencing involved, It taught me to be alert at all times (looking out for the opponents sword). It also allowed me to become a better listener and watcher as I had to carefully pay attention to the demonstrations given by the instructor, failure to following instructions could result in others getting harm. The Fencing module has also allowed me to see that it takes team work to fence properly, for example, I wouldn’t be able to fence properly if my opponent/partner is just standing by the side doing nothing or just swing his sword around aimlessly. I also found that fencing was a rather troublesome sport as one has to bring so much equipment just for a practice or a match, e.g the gloves, head gear, sword…etc. Unlike other sports such as tennis where all I need is a tennis racket and a ball.

For how others had benefitted from the lessons:

I will have to say that it will be the instructor who had benefitted. He benefitted as he is able to pass on his skills and knowledge to others. He also learnt patience as he had to slowly guide all the slow moving forgetful beginners like me.

Cross country was yesterday.It was 3km. Ooh hoho! no trophey! Got in at the 25th Position. Only the !st 20 of each category gets one. It left me with ACHING LEGS!!!

Interact club turtle project: 9-10 August

Beach clean up.

As I cleaned the littered beach up, I felt a sense of satisfactory that I was helping poor endangered turtles have an easier time climbing up their nesting beach without the disruption of weeds. From this trip, I have also gained knowledge about endangered animals have how we humans have threatened their lives as well as how we can help solve the problem.

Batik making  

Some thing that I have never tried before, and so it was really fun. I have learnt about the rich history of batik making which will hone my general knowledge. The session allowed be to explore my creativity juices and express my artistic talent.

26th July- My own ACS(Int'l) Interact Club Installation! Matthew has now been installed as Director of Club Service! What is my exact task? Sorry I do not know! This role made my forth leadership role for this year.

1. ACS(BR) Venture Vice-Chairmain(Administration) ...butM.I.A half the time .I apologize for it.

2. ACS(Int'l) Student Council Delegate

3. Class Monitor

4. Interact Club Director of Club Service.

8th July- School's National Celebrations

Help out at one of the School's Amazing Singapore Race Competition.

9th-10th July- Preserve Planet Earth Turtle Project to Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia.

Spent half the time travelling 16hrs+ in total( to and fro). So boring! Watched Love Guru and Walle on board the bus. Released some baby turtle hatchings into the sea. Walked along beautiful sandy beaches, did a batik colouring(which I can stick into my IB art research workbook), did some shopping, Slept in a horrible hotel, proberbly to worst I ever had. The whole room smelt like smoke,the windows couldn't open to air the room, and even the toilet door was rotting. But still kinda fun Overall! In conclusion, lets conserve the living creatures on our planet. It's our duty!

Council Delegates Camp:

The Council Delegate Camp purpose was for delegates to bond together, as well to bond with the school councilors  and to learn leadership and team skills. The camp was two days and one night. Delegates were divided up into two separate groups call Alpha and Zeta I was in team Zeta. Each group had to work and stay together for the entire duration of the camp.

The camp kicked off with ice-breakers, a game where we literally had to break ice in a milk carton. Other games includes dog and bone as well as captain’s ball (but this time round, fruits were used instead).

After the ice-breaker games, we played another game where we had to do a series of different task such as a team-member commanding other blind folded members to do various tasks such as fetching a pail of water from one point to another. This simple game tests us on our hearing/listening and communication skills. Communication is a really important skill for leadership.

Following dinner, the last game we had was really similar to the childhood game of ‘hide and seek’ where we were supposed to find a councilor hidden somewhere around the school compound.

The following Morning, we had a lecture on leadership by Mr Png (the school’s Pastoral Vice-principal, who is also in-charge of discipline).  Following the lecture, we embarked on the game called ‘Amazing  race’ Each team were initially given a clue to start off with. Each clue led to a location. And at each location, we had to fulfill certain tasks singing a song. We had to go out to school into the Holland Village area to complete our tasks. Each Team was accompanied by 2 councilors who would release the next clue to the team once a task had been completed. I thought my team worked pretty well together and that we were really cooperative and enthusiastic. That allowed us to complete all the tasks and returned back to school before the other them.

Once back in school, the very last game that we had was very similar to a Obstacle course. Each one of us had to go through a series of obstacles such as crawling under a chair, sliding across a groundsheet that was covered with soap, eggs and soy sauce. The purpose of the came was the allow us to once again work together as a team and support each other.

Through this camp, I managed to learn and get to know my fellow delegates even better. Through the series of games, I believe that we bonded really well and hence achieve the aim of the camp which was to bring us together.

5th July-Council Camp/ Grandmother's birthday:

This camp was really really fun! Played games that I have never played before. Imagine sliding through a mixture of eggs, soap, flour, soy sauce. Sounds yucky but it was certainly fun. Let the pictures explain them.

12thJuly-Family Fiesta + Scout Gangshow'08

The Hippie Day! Oh my my! I won to medals in the ''ACtraordinary Cookout Competition'' OMG! Not matter what, I would still have won as there was three people participating but four medals to be won. After collecting my medals, had to leave early for ACS(BR) Scout Gangshow'08. Gangshow'08 was Awesome! It gets better every year! So lively, so full enthusiasm. A lot of time and effort had been put into it! Surely the scouts hard work had been paid off with the turnout of the guests present. The whole Mrs Lee's Concert hall was full. FULL HOUSE! Though I wasn't around to help out in the preps before the gangshow, I must say that it was wonderful watching it!!!!

19th July-ACJC Interact Club Installation:

Immediate signing up to go for it! Why! Still living is self denial. ! ACJC...hiaz! Couldn't make it~so will want to go for any thing related to it. Don't know how to explain it. Some feelings unexplainable. .. Nice being there! Saw someone sing in choir! Made new friends!

Wii games day:

For this event, a lot of time and effort had been placed into it. It was the first event given to us, Student Council Delegates to plan. We had to give up weekends to meet up with our group members to discuss our plans. The best thing was that we were given 5 days to plan it, come out with a proposal and publicize it..

The Student Council Delegates were split into two groups, Alpha and Zeta. This two groups had to compete against each other in terms collecting the highest amount of money. I was in Alpha and Alpha won (thanks to our leadership! :) ) The money raised was donated to the China Earthquake Victims. Throughout the course of planning, my group faced difficulties such as leadership problems and the lack of communication. Our proposal was given back to us to improve on before submitted the final one. But at the end of the Wii games day, we pulled through our difficulties and even exceeded our projected amount of money to be collected.

 

Through this, I’ve learnt the importance of communication and team work. It is only through this two areas will there be success for the group. I have learnt to work with others. We all have to learn to work with others, whether we like it or not. That is reality and, this activity, it taught as that, which we will have to apply into our working world. I have also learnt that perseverance is important. Perseverance in all our difficulties faced along the way. We have carry on doing what is expected of us, it is our duty to carry out the event well and not disappoint others.

Oh my my! I am back again...all the way from June. This will be for the past events that had happened for the past few weekends (which had caused me not to be able to go for Scouts). Here it begins:

International Baccalaureate and Interact Club Service trip to Chiangmai, Thailand. Date:8th to 13th June, Sunday – Friday.

Before you continue reading the rest of the letter/reflection, I really like to say a big THANK YOU to my parents. I appreciate all that you both have done for me. Going for the Chiang Mai Service trip wasn’t just solely just for CAS hours but learning and experiencing something that was once far away from my comfort zone.

Once I saw the village and the living quarters and the toilet, I started complaining to myself why I chose to come for the trip. I started to think about the horrible plight I will be in for the next few days. I forgot I was a scout and had done and lived in conditions much worst than that. Oh well, nothing could be done and I had to embrace myself and get on with the trip. After all, it was I who signed up for the trip. Throughout the trip, every activity was filled with fun laughter and lessons to learn. Every activity is worth remembering. The truck ride up the mountain was really fun, something like the four wheel drive we had at ‘Jarung Bisu’. In this trip, nothing is more memorable than being with friends.

Day 2’s activity was making the frames for the adobe bricks. It was amazing to see how the tribesman was able to use a small piece of bamboo to measuring the wooden planks and that these people made use of /recycled whatever materials/wooden planks they had. The same man was able to do amazing stuff with the wood that just causes me to ‘aw’ and see how smart he is. We went back to basics. ACS students moved into the school building where the living conditions improved a tenfold. A cold bath was so refreshing that it really caused me to become energetic.

Following dinner was a dance practice which was for the final night’s campfire.

Day 3 was brick making. We dug a really huge hole in the earth. It was tiring but we completed it! Following the digging of the hole was the mixing of the raw materials for the adobe bricks. And in order to mix the bricks, we had to enter the hole/pit and step with our bare feet. I was reluctant to go in at first but later went in after some persuasion and seeing two other friends going in. Once inside and stepping in the materials, it became really really fun. The highlight of the day was throwing rice husk at the teacher, Madam Ong. After mixing the materials was having them placed in the frames that had been made the previous day. Carrying the mixed materials to the frames was heavy and once again tiring. Then in the night, we had to practice for the campfire dance again. On this day, life at the village was getting better and l was starting to like it.

Day 4, I wanted to teach in the morning and go for the royal project in the afternoon. But my plans failed. I had to make the adobe bricks again. I was tired and reluctant to do so. But once my engine started, I happily carried on. But because of the sores on my legs, I couldn’t go in to the pit and mix the materials again. I saw my friends doing it and pitied myself. After we had finished placing the adobe into the frames, we finally left our mark of behind by carving out our names on the bricks. Following brick making was lunch and the royal project. Halfway through the royal project, while we were about to climb up the terraces, it started raining. That made it difficult for us to climb up the slopes due to the slippery and muddy earth. And when it finally poured heavily and we all got drenched, I was once again complaining. But it was fun at the same time. Really fun! And at least we did a good deed by planting that special crop that will helping the people economically and the ecosystem. By planting the crops the way the farmers do, it enables me to experience how tiring it can be, thus not wanting to waste food anymore. This crop that we planted could one day become the food on my dining table as after all, 70% of the fruits and vegetables from the mountain gets exported to Singapore.

Following the Royal project was the campfire/ culture exchange. The villagers came dressed in their traditional clothing. The villages did their item while ACS had our dance. We had fireworks. The night ended with us having to light up paper lanterns which were sent to the heavens. Each one wrote a special wish which were tied onto the lanterns. They were interesting. ACS had 5 successful launches while others failed some.

Day 5, the last day at the village. I did some teaching. From that very short peiod of time, I could see that the children were really smart though playful. It is such a pity that they might not get the opportunity to get a good future like us, unless our wishes come true. The children were really cute and adorable. After we left the village, it was shopping time...night market

It was a blessing to go for the trip. From the trip, I really learnt a lot. I have learnt to appreciate life, treasure what I have, my family and friends and school and not take what I have for granted. To study hard and have a bright future as there is still many out there who hope for the same life. To learn lots of money so that I could help those in need/ less fortunate as there’s many people out there who are still suffering and wanting a better life. What saddens me in this trip as said by Uncle Leslie, the children that are lucky get to work in the fields while those unlucky get sold to the bars, etc. for US$500 if their parents are really in need of money. This is really really sad and unimaginable. Children that we see now, so cute and adorable get turned into slaves that serve and satisfy the needs of others.

From the trip, it was an eye opener, experiencing something that I wouldn’t have experience in Singapore and living the way the villagers did. I discovered that I really like children and that I like to help others and want to do more charitable work. And at least we all did our part in helping improve the lives of the people in any small way that we could possibly contribute. The Best Is Yet To Be.

21st June- Wedding Church reception and Dinner to attend.

28th June- International Baccalaureate Residential Camp at DownTown East

5th July-Council Camp

12thJuly-Family Fiesta + Scout Gangshow'08

19th July-ACJC Interact Club Installation

Activity: Anglo-Chinese School (International)’s Passion of dreams Concert.

Date: 16^th and 17^th May 2008, Friday and Saturday

My duty for the event began at 1830 hrs. I was down to help out as part of the students’ council at the reception area and ticketing. From then till like 2030hrs, I was standing by the entrance of the concert hall, waiting to tear off the tickets from the audiences. At certain point of time during the night, especially during the interval, I was made to stand by the door collecting donatations for the less fortunate China Earthquake victims or used as an usher to prevent people from entering unauthorized areas of the hall.

The following day, though I was needed for that night, I volunteered myself again to help out. I had to go to the venue slightly earlier to help blow balloons which were later released that night. After that, I repeated the exact same duties as before. When the concert finally ended. I stayed back to help clean up the place. From this experience, I learnt that being quick and alert was important as I while tearing off the tickets, I had to ensure the audience entering the hall have a valid ticket for the day or preventing anybody from sneaking in. During the event itself, I was given a break and was allowed to view the performances. While watching I felt a bit useless on why I was sitting down on the seats watching the performance instead of being up on stage. That made me feel like joining a performing arts CCA.

Back again! From now on, I think I shall just blog once a month. Starting from the 16th of May. Was selected for 4th Students' Council Delegates....oh Yay! Finally something! Following on, that night was ACS (International)'s very own ''Passion of Dreams'' Concert which was held at ACS(BR) (Memories for me!). At the concert, I was helping out at the reception/entrance, tearing away the tickets and holding the doors open. I had to do this duty for the following night as well. Though I had to do duty, I still managed to get to watch the full concert...not once but twice...FOR FREE!!!

21st May: Then there was Wii Games day. Student Council Delegates were left to plan it, though the idea wasn't from us. WE HAD ONLY 5 days to plan it, come out with a proposal and publicise it. The Student Council Delegates were split into two groups, Alpha and Zeta. This two groups had to compete against each other in terms collecting the highest amount of money. I was in Alpha and Alpha won (thanks to our leadership! :) ) The money raised was donated to the China Earthquake Victims.

22nd May: Sports/ track and field meet. In Green Green Thoburn house. 1st from Oldham then to GHK and now in Thoburn. Can't I be like harry potter and remain in the same house throughout my schooling years. Haiz! Volunteered as a helper, as a first aider. Had nothing to do, while getting my CAS hours as there was a paramedic present. Muahahaha!

Following the the Sports Meet had to go for some school's(cannot mention in case I get into trouble) Interact Club investiture. Ohh it was terrible, messy and so disorganised. I think my investiture will definitely be 100xxx better. This day marks the end of the term and the start of the holidays. Yay!

Saturday/yesterday, went to Johor Baru to go some ''tree planting'' and river clean up as part of the Preserve Planet Earth Conference activity. Had to wake up at 5.30am just in order to reach ACS(Independent) on time for the bus at 6.30 am''SHARP''.The jam on the way the SIngapore side customs was so bad that we ended up being stuck in the bus for a 1hr++...We ended up arriving at our destination late. By then, the tree planting was over and half of the river bank was already cleared. But there was still stuff for us to clear. After clearing up we had to wait for a while before lunch, where the food provided were deem horrible to me. Yuk! After lunch, we carried waiting before leaving the place at 2+pm. It was certainly a waste of time if not for the ACTION hours for CAS.

Hahahah! Laptop finally repaired. Time to blog again after such a long time..erm 2 months. Let me start recalling....Received my posting from Singapore Poly. I was posted to the faculty of Architecture. But I didn't reply at all...I am staying put at ACS (Int'l) On the 29th of March, went for ACJC Fun O Rama XlX. Haiz! So sad! Such a pity that I couldn't be part of something so big. Whahahah! Bought all the acs merchandise that I wanted. Went for the ACS(BR) Scout's investiture later that night. Saw the parade, passing on of the baton, tenderfoot invest, the sme usual stuff...etc. Kinda fun there! 5th of April went to ACS(I) for an Interact club Preserve Planet Earth Conference. Ohh yay! I learnt how to protect our Earth and keep it clean and green. Muahaha! It lasted the whole day from 8.30 am till 5.45pm...Haiz! Abit too long for me! Otherwise, it's okay. 7th April, International Friendshipday! Helped out at the Singapore booth for practically most of the time except for assembly(parade of nations), concert, breaks..etc. Also participated in the inter-class human sculpture competition. my class won...muahahah! Yay! Three cheers for 5w! 18 April...went to watch blood wedding...ACS (Int'l)'s very own drama production. Wow! Wonderful! Brilliant!....But instead gave my ACS(BR) very own musical a miss due to my laziness.

I also went to (blahblah land) to appeal...because I called up ( so and so) to ask if I was allowed to switch as I was taking this programme. And yes, I was allowed to! But when I went to the place, I was turned down, I wasn't even allowed to see the head. There was a 600 people waiting list. And so, I thought that everything went down the drain. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I won't say why. Though I still have feelings of going there, I am starting to like and enjoy the place where I am now....that was on the 11th of April.

School work: Haiz! Busy Busy Busy! What everyone says it true. JC/IB is very busy and stressful/and the hardest academic time of one's life . I have so much to do and I am certainly looking forward to the holidays. Everyone of my friends that I've asked said that they are feeling the stress as well. Oh ya! I received a commendation for my effort grades. It's certainly an encouragement for me to work even hard, to upkeep and improve on. Muahaha! Thank you lord! Let me for get about the past and now move on as the best is certainly yet to be. Muahahah!

Activity: Interact Club Preserve Planet Earth Tree Planting and Beach Cleanup

Date: 26 April

The day began early. All the Interactors had to assemble at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) at 6.30 am before boarding the buses to the customs. My school’s interactors were combined/paired up with those from River Valley School to form a larger group. Just before the customs there was a traffic jam present and we had to be delayed for about an hour plus. After we cleared the customs and finally reached the destinations, half the day’s programme (tree planting) had already been completed. And so upon what was left was the beach cleanup. We cleared up a portion of the beach, picking up all the litter that had been left behind by irresponsible beach goers. We had picked up over 8 big garbage bags full of litter. This tremendously shows the amount to litter left behind. After the beach cleanup was lunch. Photo taking followed on. The whole event ended with us reaching back to Singapore at 2.30 pm. From this activity, though it was fun, I learnt that we should be responsible for our actions. Do not litter. It isn’t nice to pick up rubbish and so we should spare a thought for those picking up rubbish everyday as an occupation.

Then I went for my first shooting lesson! And I must say that it is so so so boring! I went there and wait for my turn. and when it was my turn, all I had was just one box of ''fakes'' to shoot. Once that box had finished, that's the end and I had to continue to wait until everyone else had finished theirs' and then that's the end of the day. I must also confess that I can't aim/shoot properly and so, I will never rise. Muahahaha! And so I quited shooting. But I quit shooting partly because I wanted to join Public Speaking which clashes with shooting. Oh...too bad. Public speaking because in IB, there would be a lot of presentation and so, I need to know how to speak properly. Furthermore, if I become a prefect, speech becomes even more vital as much communication would be needed. 

Also joined the interact club which I actually have no idea about it. It only happens once a month, and so, it is not so time consuming. Lastly odyssey of the mind. It's so fun.! I think my brain works faster now. Muahahaha! But too bad....it's only temporary until April after the competitions.

And here in my school, there is so many trips around the world, thus causing me to be in a dilemma. There is a service trip to Butan (the happiest place on earth) costing S$4000, a holiday trip to South Africa costing s$5000, a interact club service trip to Chaing Mai costing S$635, an art elective trip to Osaka costing S$2500. There is also a complusary service trip for all year 5s to either Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam( with class). However if I go for any for the other trips, I need not go for the class service trip already. But I've have considered until I have reached two countries and that is either the interact club Chaing Mai service trip or the South Africa Trip. Why? Chaingmai because I get built a house and that it is cheaper (subsidised) as compared to the complusary one with the class which I neither get to construct a house nor is it subsidised. South African as we will be going like on a safari holiday for 2 weeks...(one that I won't be able to go with my family in the years to come and of course it will be more expensive), an experience of a life time. Not Butan as I have considered why bother paying so much to go on a service trip and when there is nothing to see except mountains and temples temples and temples!!!. Haiz! 

Last week, went for the Methodist Schools Student Leeadership Conference held at Barker Road....was there actually to cover a friend who was unable to attend. I must say it was so so so boring! I ended up skipping all the talks, which was more like preaching after attending one. Ended up changing in to my Barker Road Prefectorial board shirt and started sitting and walking around. People envied us!

Last week was the Anglo- Chinese Schools' 122nd Founders' Day. So grand! Erm! I vonlunteer myself to as an usher for both the school celebration and the ACS OBA dinner. For the school ushering, there's nothing much for me to talk about. But after what was needed to be done, I went to watch the celebration in the hall...nice+boring...the Guest of Honour, Radm Lui Tuck Yew, minister of state and education (an ACS old boy) said in his address that an ACSian has three things in them and that is: Availablity, Adaptiblity and Capablity. At the celebration, there was an announcement that Mr Tan Wah Thong has retired as Chairman of the ACS Board of Governors as well as Dr Ang Peng Thiam stepping down as president of the ACS Old Boys' Association(OBA) And for the Founders' day OBA, it was held at the Suntec City Convention centre. Stationed at the main entrance and thus say Teachers, Principals and VIPs. Mrs Veronica Lam was the first person...then was Mr Tan Wah Thong , Mrs Judy Yeow, Mrs Manley and a few more people. When we had to sell ACS merchandise, the people there, I must say are so stingy! Hmm! Bought some ACS merchandise as well which amounted to a hundred dollars to add to my already growing collection. And after my duty had ended, joined the Barker Road prefects...haha! I ate their food! Thanks people!

Yesterday I had my prefect interview...I hoped that it went well and that it was convincing enough. But I doubt so. Haiz! Trying to be hopeful! I want it real badly. When I entered the conference room, I was just expecting the P or VP to be inside but there were 5 people inside. OMG! I was shocked! I was asked if I had any experience, what kind of leader I am, how was it like being under a head prefect and senior patrol leader. How was it like being a vice-chairman(administration)/Scribe. What were the challenges faced. And on my own part, I said why I want to be and should be a prefect and how I can contribute. Muahahaha! And then I seek approval for setting up a game store at the ACJC Fun O Rama 19th. The VP said it was a good idea and that she will talk to the P about it. Muahahaha!