Welcome toGeylang Methodist School
(Secondary)!
Principal’s Sharing
Outline• More about GM
• Our Chaplains and Staff
• Weekly Routines and some highlights
• CCA Matters
• Parenting Talks
• Partnership with Parents and Stakeholders
• Student Management and Student Well-Being
• Sharing by Chairperson of PSG
• Concluding Thoughts
Mission – Our PurposeWith God’s help, to be a beacon of light
by connecting, nurturing and inspiring
GEMS to make a difference.
Vision – Our Goal
Passionate Learners.
Courageous Leaders.
Caring Citizens.
Values – Our Heart
Godliness – Doing what is right
Excellence – Giving our best
Mastery – Diving deep in our learning
Service – Choosing to care
Theme for 2020
• Build Up, Reach Out.
• Building ourselves up.
• Building one another up.
• Reaching out to make a difference.
Theme verse
Our Chaplains and Staff
Our Chaplains and Christian Ministry Staff
Pastor Rev Paul ThianPastor i/c, GCMC
Pastor Rev Wilfred LeowAssociate Pastor, GCMC
Mr Oh Chong Yee Ms Ng Cin YeeChristian Ministry Staff
School Leaders
Principal
Mr Wee Tat Chuen
Vice-Principal
Mrs Gan-Tan Sor Leng
Vice-Principal
Mrs Chang-Loy Wee Meng
Administrative Personnel
Admin Manager
Mdm Linda Chuang
Operations Manager
Mr Leslie Tan
Year Heads
Lower SecondaryMrs Sandra Theseira
Upper SecondaryMr Kelvin Teo
Assistant Year Heads
Ms Abelyn QuekMrs Ong Li Tyng
ICT, Craft & Technology
Subject Head
Mr Kelvin Chia
Subject Head
Mr Tan Wah Kum
Head of Department
Mr Yeo Wee Pung
Subject Head
Miss Ng Sio Ying
Character & Citizenship
Education (CCE)
Head of Department
Mr Chin Khai Ying
Subject Head
Mr Michael Koh
Curriculum & Pupil Development
[N(A) N(T)]
Head of Department
Miss Wendy Wong
English & Literature
Head of Department
Mdm Sng Swee Lian
Humanities
Head of Department
Mrs Lee Fang Lan
Subject Head
Miss Vanda Johnson
Mathematics
Head of Department
Ms Nainee Ismail
Subject Head
Mr Wong Han Ming
Mother Tongue
Head of Department
Mr Neo Ping Leng
Subject Head
Ms Li Ping
PE & CCA
Head of Department
Mr Chng Kiong Choon
Subject Head
Mdm Rachel Cheng
Student Management &
Development
Head of Department
Mr Kelvin Tay
Science
Head of Department
Miss Ng Peck Suan
Subject Head
Mr Yip Cheng HouSubject Head
Mr Sng Peng Hock
School Staff Developer
Head of Department
Mrs Low Phek Mui
Senior Teachers
Art
Mrs Tan Hui LengChemistry
Mrs Loh Kim Woon
Literature
Miss Yee Siau Foon
Senior Teachers
Malay Language
Mdm Norhamidah
Chinese Language
Mrs Toh Chwee Hong
English
Miss Yeo Peng Peng
School Counsellor/ LBS
LBS
Ms Menaga
FTSC
Ms Gayathri Devi
FTSC
Ms Pauline Loh
Form Teachers
Faith 1-1 Faith 1-2
Mr Jeryl Goh Ms Lai Hang Chi Ms Phoebe Toh Mdm Kok Kah Hui
Form Teachers
Faith 1-3 Faith 1-4
Ms Cindy Lim Mr Cyril Khoo Mr Wong Kok Woei Mdm Zuraidah
Form Teachers
Faith 1-5
Ms Janelle Chua Mr Ngm Yew Fai
Faith 1-6
Mr Fahd Ms Lydia Soh
Form Teachers
Faith 1-7
Mr Quek Rob Huei Mrs Toh Chwee Hong
Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
All Aim to be in school by 7.15am for Silent Reading, Late at 7.25am
LS Latest Dismissal Time
2.15pm 12.15pm
Students Consultations Sem1: EL/ MT Remedial
Sem 2: EL/ Hum Remedial
Sem 1:Math/ Hum RemedialSem 2: Math/ MT Remedial
Enrichment:Sec 1s- 3s: 2.45pm – 4.15pm
Consultations
Sem 1 and 2: Science/ CW
Remedials/ Consultations
Sessions may start 30 mins from last period. All sessions to end by 4.30pm (Tue, Wed), 3pm (Fri) for students with CCAsFor students without CCAs, remedials should end by 5pm (Tue, Wed) and 4pm (Fri) latest.
All Students CCAs (4.30pm – 6pm)
CCAs,3pm –6pm
CCAs,3pm – 6pm(main day)
CCAs, 2.30pm –5.30pm (main day)
Weekly routines (Lower Sec-2020)
The thematic approach
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Theme Laying Strong Foundations
Building the GM Community
Making a positive difference
Celebratingsuccess
Values Godliness Excellence Service Mastery
Challenging, powerful experiences
Start of YearCross-CountryLearning Festival
Founders’ Day Mid-Year ActivitiesSports Day
National DayTeachers’ dayVIA
ExaminationsOpen House EOY Activities
Sec 1 HI/GI Family Quest Env. Concerns TnL Showcase
SEL Competencies
SA, SM Soc Awareness, Relationship Mgt SA, SM
Responsible Decision Making
Some Highlights
• Learning for Life Programme
• Applied Learning Programme
• Enrichment Programme
• Term 1 Events
Learning for Life Programme
• Community and Youth Leadership
– Student Leadership
– Public Speaking
– Critical Inquiry
– Values in Action
Applied Learning Programme
• A three-year progressive programme for Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 students which centres on environmental science and sustainable living and exposes students to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Term 1 Events
• Theme for Term 1: Laying Strong Foundations
• 1st round of common tests, CCAs as per normal
• Mini Learning Festival
– LJs for Sec 1s and 2s
• Cross Country
LS Enrichment
Sec 1
• LLP: Public Speaking
• Baseline ICT Skills
• Study Skills
• LLP: Student Leadership
• Conversational CL/ML
• Sec 2
• MADD Fiesta
• Microbits
• LLP: Public Speaking
• Study Skills
• Conversational CL/ML
• F1 Challenge
Progression Criteria
Secondary 1 Express
PROMOTED to 2 EXPRESS
50% or more in EL AND
50% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE
Secondary 1 Express
If criteria not fulfilled,
- Laterally transferred to 2N(A)
- Retained at Sec 1 Express
Progression CriteriaSecondary 1 Normal (Academic)
[A]
PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)
50% or more in EL AND
50% or more in 2 Other Subjects
[B]
PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)
0 – 49% in EL AND
50% or more in 4 Other Subjects
[C]
LATERALLY TRANSFERRED to
2 EXPRESS
Fulfilled criteria [A] or [B] AND
70% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE
Secondary 1 Normal (Academic)
If criteria [A] or [B] not fulfilled,
- Retained at Sec 1 Normal (Academic)
- and above maximum age, student will be
ADVANCED to 2N(A)
Progression CriteriaSecondary 1 Normal (Technical)
[A]
PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL
(TECHNICAL)
50% or more in 2 subjects
one of which must be EL or MATHS
[B]
LATERALLY TRANSFERRED to
2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)
Fulfilled criteria [A] AND
70% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE
Secondary 1 Normal (Technical)
If criteria [A] is not fulfilled,
- Retained at Sec 1 Normal (Technical)
- and above maximum age, student will
be ADVANCED to 2N(T)
MYE and CTs for 2019Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Weightage 15% 15% 15% 55%
Sec 1 CT CT CT EYE
Sec 2 CT CT CT EYE
Sec 3 CT CT CT EYE
Sec 4/5 CT MYE Prelims
• Need for consistent homework, clarification and engagement
• Importance of remediation and intervention
Our CCAs
A key platform for growth in Key Skills, Leadership and Character
• Co-Curricular Programmes support the holistic development of the child
– 4 structured programmes that complement the academic curriculum
– Provides multiple avenues to nurture students to prepare them for their future work and life
Character & ValuesSocial-Emotional
Competencies21st Century
CompetenciesInterests & Talents
• Role of Parents in the holistic development of your child – Reinforcement of values, life skills, interests and strengths at home
INTENT OF LEAPS 2.0Motivate students towards holistic and balanced participation through the co-curricular programmes
Facilitate the learning of values, skills and competencies for life
Recognise diverse interests of students, developing students to be self –directed learners
Recognise the “home-school-community” approach to holistic development of every child
• LEAPS 2.0
– to recognise students’ holistic development
ParticipationAchievementLeadership Service
4 domains with levels of attainment: 1 - 5
- Enrichment domain complements the other 4 domains
- Will be recognised in the School Graduation Certificate- Will not have levels of attainment
• Participation
– Affirms students’ sustained development in school-based CCA throughout secondary school
– Student can choose from Sports, Arts, Uniformed Groups, Clubs and Societies
• Achievement
– Affirms students’ character development and efforts in representing the school/external organisations in events
– Students’ diverse interests and talents are recognised as events can go beyond CCA and beyond school
Key Information on LEAPS 2.0 Domains
• Leadership
– Affirms students’ development as a leader
– Students are developed through leadership modules, National Youth Achievement Award and leadership positions.
• Service
– Affirms students’ contributions to the community and development as responsible and active citizens
– Students serve the community through schools’ Values-In-Action programmes
Key Information on LEAPS 2.0 Domains
RECOGNITION OF CO-CURRICULAR ATTAINMENT
These bonus points can be used for application to JC, Poly and ITE
Is my child able to cope?
How can I help to support him/her in the learning
pursuits?
Supporting the Holistic Development of my Child
How does my child want to pursue this development?
What are the possible opportunities that can help support this development?
What is my child interested in?
What is my child good at?
What kind of person does my child want to be?
How can I reinforce my child's learning of values and life skills in his /her Co-
Curricular Programmes?
Phase 1: CCA Fair 4 Jan 2020Phase 2: Compulsory CCA Trials, 15 – 17 Jan 2020Phase 2a: Explore and pop in to CCA sessions to find out
more, 20 - 31 Jan 2020Phase 3 : Online CCA option (school e-portal), 3 – 5 Feb 2020Phase 4 : CCA allocation, 6 – 9 Feb 2020
S1 starts CCA from Term 1 Week 6, Mon 10 Feb 2020
( appeal cases can only be done in Term 1 Week 10 and are subject to vacancies)
Important Note:
Irregular attendance (less than 75%) affects Conduct grade and Edusave awards
Thank Youfor your partnership
Parenting Talks
What’s planned in 2020?For Parents
1 Love Literate
(8:30am – 12pm)
(3.5hrs; 25 parent-child pairs)
Cost $10 per pair
18 Jan 2020
2 The Parent Coach Dialogues
(9am – 11am)
(5 x 2hr sessions; 20 parents each
session)
Cost $25 per pax
28 Mar 2020
4 Apr 2020
18 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020
9 May 2020
3 Plugged in Parenting
(9am – 11am)
(2hr; 40 parent-child pairs)
Cost $10 per pair
11 July 2020
18 Jan - Love Literate
SPEAKING THE LOVE LANGUAGES TO YOUR CHILDREN
Based on Dr Gary Chapman’s international bestseller, The Five Love Languages, Love Literate aims to help both the parent and child discover and express their primary or preferred communication style for receiving, and expressing love.
Programme Duration 3.5 hours
Parent Coach Dialogues WHAT KIND OF PARENT DO YOU ASPIRE TO BE? BE A PARENT-COACH
The Parent-Coach Dialogues create communities of parents who are seeking more intentional and focused equipping in becoming the Parent-Coach to their children. More than a workshop that dispenses good parenting notes, the stimulating and practical dialogue sessions will challenge and inspire you to enjoy and thrive in your role as a parent.
Duration: 5 x 2 hr sessions each starting 28 March till 9 May
11 July: Plugged-in ParentingIn today’s multimedia world where many of our children are media and digital natives, the media is many things to many people. It can be an ally, a teaching aid; but it can also be a source of conflict. This session will help parents decide where to draw the line; and help their children draw lines of their own. Get plugged-in on the why and how to use the media to pull your family together, rather than let it push you apart.
At the end of this session, you will be able to•Understand the impact of various forms of media and how it affects children's perceptions, attitudes and behaviors•Know how to make rules without making enemies•Use practical skills to engage with your children and leverage on media and technology
Programme Duration 3.5 hours
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
BETWEEN SCHOOL AND
PARENTS
Partnering the School
1 Knowing your
child
2 Developing
your child3 Keeping in
touch with the
school
Knowing your child
1. Connect with your child through keeping up with what’s happening atschool via
- Termly letter (on Parents Gateway)
- School Website
- Updates on Facebook
2. Find out from your child’s teacher his/ her holistic progress at eachsemester’s Parent-Teacher Meeting.
Work with your child’s teachers to understand his/her strengths, interests and development in academic and non-academic areas.
Developing your childPartner the school in the holistic development of your child – a Passionate Learner, Courageous Leader, Caring Citizen.
1. Allow your child to attempt homework and school projects on his/her own
2. Encourage your child to approach the teacher if he/ she needshelp and to clarify doubts
3. Encourage your child to pack his/ her own schoolbag and bringrequired items to school
4. Encourage your child to attend and actively participate in his/ herCCA, enrichment programmes
5. Share with your child’s teacher any changes at home that maygive us better insights into your child’s behaviour.
6. Recognise your child’s small successes beyond academic results
7. Praise your child for his/her efforts, without focusing only on theoutcome.
Parents Gateway Main Online Communication Platform
• Stay updated on school’s programme and activities with Parents Gateway.
School Letters/ Consent Forms on Parents Gateway
• Download and activate the PG app on your smartphone
• Receive push notifications by enabling ‘Allow Notifications’
• Give consent for your child’s/ ward’s participation in school programmes via PG
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE SCHOOLMaintain regular communication through official school channels.
1. GMS(S) official official modes of communication with parents are:
– Parents Gateway
– School main tel line (General Office: Tel: 6746 6503)
– School email (Email: : [email protected])
– Staff official school email addresses (available on GMS(S) website)
2. As teachers may be in class, do leave a message at the school’s
General Office if you are unable to contact them during school hours.
3. Teachers are not obliged to provide their personal mobile numbers to
parents / students.
4. Contact teachers during school operating hours only, unless it is an
emergency.
Our Partners
Mondays: Harvest Care CentreSelected Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Community Partners
Details (Refer to calendar in our school website for monthly updates)
Dates: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug & SepTime: 3pm to 4:30pmVenue: GMS(S)
After-School Engagement Programme
Student Management
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
To care is to discipline…
Discipline means “Training”
Conduct Grade
• Found in Student Diary
• GEMS by choice
• What do teachers look out for?
– consistently show a positive learning attitude;
– make responsible decisions;
– demonstrate empathy; and
– rally others to support those in need.
School Rules, Guidelines to Attire & Grooming,
Use of Mobile Devices Policycan be found in the
Student Diary
Mr Kelvin Tay
Attendance• Students will be marked absent when they are
not at assembly venue when National Anthem starts.
• An automated SMS will be sent to parents.
• Medical certificates or parent/ guardian’s letters must be submitted to the form teacher the following school day
• If MC/letter is not submitted within 1 week from the day of absence, student is deemed to be “Absent without valid reason”
School Rules Reminders
Use of hand-phone is allowed- only before and after school. Not during recess- only in the canteen, CMS foyer, GO foyer
Hand-phone is to be switched off during lessons
Hand-phone is to be kept in the student’s bag or locker
Mobile Phone Policy• Confiscation of phone for flouting school rules
on use of mobile phone:
Now
1st offence • Confiscation for 1 week• Phone to be collected by student
2nd offence • Confiscation for 1 week• Phone to be collected by parentThereafter,• phone can be brought to school but will have
to be handed in at the beginning of the day and can be collected only at the end of the day. (This will be done for 5 school weeks)
Student Well Being
What Social Media is doing to our children
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL8AsaEJDdo
77
AUTONOMY AND FREEDOM OF DEVICE OWNERSHIP AND USAGE
Most children are receiving their personal mobile phones and tablets by the time they are in primary school or secondary school.
70%12-year olds who have their own mobile device
85%8- to 12-year olds who actively use social media and chat apps
Top 3: WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram
35Average no. of hours 8- to 12-year-olds spend a week before a screen
Average of 45 h for children who have high social media participation
Cyber Risk & Youth Empowerment in the Digital Era 2016 Singapore. (2017, August). DQInstitute. Retrieved from https://www.dqinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DQ-Report_v12-FA-PREVIEW.pdf | 2018 National DQ Impact Report Singapore. (2018, February 5). DQInstitute. Retrieved from https://www.singtel.com/content/dam/singtel/sustainability/Sustainability_reports_PDF%27s/2018_DQ_Singapore_National_Report.pdf
78
WHY STUDENTS SPEND EXCESSIVE TIME ON CYBER ACTIVITIES
79
MENTAL DISORDERS ARE RISING AMONG THE YOUNG
Chong SA. Why mental disorders are rising among the young [Internet]. The Straits Times. 2018 [cited 2018 Oct 10]. Available from: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/why-mental-disorders-are-rising-among-the-young
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WHAT CAN PARENTS & TEACHERS LOOK OUT FOR?
Increased Preoccupation resulting in Neglect of Self and Responsibilities
Use of technology becomes the most important activity over other interests and
daily activities such as attending school and your child’s sleep, personal health and
hygiene.
Changes in Mood
Through the use of technology, an emotional lift is received. In contrast,
restricting access to technology can lead to low mood or irritability.
Relapse of Behaviour
Tendency to fall back into same behaviour easily if underlying need is not
met.
Increased Time/Money Spent
Adaptation takes place and an increasing
amount of screen time or monetary spending is
required to get the same emotional lift.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Can be physical or emotional in nature e.g.
increased heart rate, restlessness, aggressive or anxious behaviour.
Refer to collateral for details
Developing Self-Management Skills School Counsellors: Mdm Gayathri Devi & Ms
Pauline Loh; located at level 2, corner of D&T Block.
Form Teachers / Subject Teachers /Year Head.
AED (LBS): Ms Menaga; located on level 2, beside the Middle Staircase (formerly RRA).
ECG Counsellors: Ms Bong Siew Yin & Ms Katherine Yang; located in the ECG Room at the corner of the canteen.
GEMS@GM
Passionate Learners. Courageous Leaders.
Caring Citizens.