hs parents connect 2015 issue 2 · 1.2 2014 gce ‘n’ level examinations our 2014 4n cohort has...

2 Hougang Street 93 Singapore 534256 Tel: 63851990 Email: :[email protected]

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

In this issue of Parents’ Connect, I would like to share my DREAMS

model with you as you help your children prepare for their Mid-Year

Exam.

Define how success would look like (set targets for their End of Year Exam)

Reality check (look at their CA1 common tests and class tests result)

Examine their strengths and weaknesses in their respective subjects

Action plans to achieve the targets

Monitoring of progress (check their SA1, CA2 and SA2 results)

Small success celebration (recognise and reward them for achieving some targets)

Encourage your children to dare to DREAM BIG, but help them to START SMALL by

encouraging them to put in their effort and commitment to do well in their daily homework,

class tests and common tests, which are essential to building the foundation to do well in the

Mid-Year and End of Year Examination.

Mr Ng Tiong Nam

Principal, Hougang Secondary School

Vision :Grateful Children, Respectful Pupils, Compassionate Citizens.

Mission: Care. Lead. Inspire. Partner. (CLIP) Values: Gratitude, Respect, Compassion.

HS PC 2015 Issue 2


Strategic Thrust 1: Achieving Academic Excellence

1.1 OUTSTANDING 2014 GCE ‘O’ Level Results We congratulate the 2014 4E and 5N cohort who have done us proud by achieving value-

added results at the 2014 GCE ‘O’ Level Examinations. In particular, the 2014 4E cohort has

achieved the best GCE ‘O’ Level results in the history of the school in terms of mean L1B5

(15.9) as well as value-addedness (+5.0).

Results Highlights

SEC 4 EXPRESS

Mean L1B5 15.9

Subjects with Distinction rate and Pass rate surpassing National averages

Additional Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, English Literature, Combined Science (Phy/Chem), Chemistry, Chinese Language, Malay Language

Subjects with Pass rate surpassing National averages

English, Mathematics, Physics, Combined Humanities

Eligibility for JC 82.1%

SEC 5 NORMAL ACADEMIC

Mean L1B4 22.0


Additional Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Malay Language,

Subjects with Pass rate or Distinction rate surpassing National averages

Mathematics, Chinese Language

Eligibility for Polytechnic 66.7%

1.2 2014 GCE ‘N’ Level Examinations

Our 2014 4N cohort has also done well with 85.1% of them qualifying for 5N.

Results Highlights

SEC 4 NORMAL ACADEMIC


Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Combined Science (Phy/Chem), Additional Mathematics

Subjects with Pass rate surpassing National averages

Combined Humanities, Malay Language, Food and Nutrition

Subjects with Distinction rate surpassing National averages

Chinese Language

Eligible for 5N 85.1%

SEC 4 NORMAL TECHNICAL

With at least 3 ‘N’ Level Passes 91.4% Subjects with Pass rate surpassing National averages

English Language, Mathematics, Science, Basic Chinese Language


1.3 Term 1 Progress Report and SA1 2015

Semestral Assessment 1 for Secondary 1 – 3 and Preliminary Examination 1 for

Secondary 4NA/4NT will be held from 29 to 30 Apr (Language Papers) and from 8-14 May.

The school has given out the Examination Timetable to your child/ward. The format of SA1

papers and topics to be tested will also be made available on the school’s portal for your

reference.

By now, you would have received your child’s/ward’s Term 1 Progress Report. The marks

reflected in the Progress Report is a reflection of his/her performance in the CA components

(topical tests and assignments) conducted in Term 1. We hope that you have discussed your

child’s/ward’s academic performance with him/ her and have worked out a revision plan to

help your child/ward work on his/her weaknesses and enforce his/her strengths.

CA1 will be computed using CA components conducted in both Term 1 and Term 2. CA1

makes up 15% of overall performance for the Express and Normal Academic streams and

20% for the Normal Technical stream. SA1 makes up 25% for Express and Normal

Academic stream and 20% of overall performance for the Normal Technical stream. This

implies that by mid-year, 40% or close to half of your child’s /ward’s performance for this

academic year would already have been determined. It is therefore very important that your

child/ward takes this coming examination seriously and start early in his/her preparation.

The school aspires to help every child progress to the next level and eventually to a course of

their choice in an Institution of Higher Learning. For your child/ward to eventually progress to

a course of choice in an Institution of Higher Learning, a good foundation in core subjects

(indicated by scoring a B3 or better for Express, a grade ‘3’ or better for Normal Academic and

a grade ‘C’ or better for Normal Technical) is necessary.

Let us continue to work closely together to bring out the best in your child/ward!


Strategic Thrust 2: Cultivating Character Excellence

2.1 HS CCE Vision: Every Hougean a GRC STAR

The school started 2015 emphasising the

importance of character excellence. This term in

particular, the character coaches and subject

teachers are using the GRC STAR

Developmental Outcomes (see inserts) as a

benchmark to encourage all Hougeans to

demonstrate the GRC STAR attributes at home,

in school and in the community. With this goal in

mind, the students also complete their own self-

assessment and peer assessment on GRC

STAR.

However, the school needs the support of

parents in achieving this common goal. Hence, it

is hoped that parents can familiarise yourselves

with the GRC STAR attributes and

developmental outcomes. In so doing, talk to

them, listen to their goals and encourage them to

improve as the school year progresses. It takes a

village to raise a child and we look forward to our

Hougeans improvement in character.


2.2 GRC Banquet 2015

To celebrate our school anniversary and give recognition to the students and alumni who have

espoused the school values of Gratitude, Respect and Compassion (GRC), the annual GRC

Banquet was organized on March 13, 2015. The theme this year is “Homecoming, - GRC

Through Families”.

HS alumni was launched. Further, ex-staff and representatives from various batches of

graduate were invited to join the celebrations. Alumni who have served regularly in the school

were affirmed for their efforts.

Besides that, awards were given to students who have performed excellently academically

and students who are positive role models. Award recipients showed appreciation to their

parents and guardians or blessed the beneficiaries.

4T1 students prepared the cocktail reception and various performing arts groups performed in

the hall. Meanwhile, a programme was specially organized to engage the elderly and

beneficiaries from Sun Love, MINDS, Joy Link and CI Yuan at the canteen. Staff, students

and the beneficiaries performed and interacted with one another.

It was a heartwarming experience of cherishing the memories, celebrating and looking forward

to future plans and partnership. Staff, students and alumni were reminded that they would

always be a part of HS family, exhibiting GRC and making the difference as “Once A

Hougean, Always a Hougean”.


2.3 CCA Achievements (January – March)

2015 CCA ACHIEVEMENTS (JANUARY – MARCH)

CCA EVENT ACHIEVEMENT(S) TEACHER IC

UN

IFO

RM

ED

GR

OU

PS

GIRL GUIDES

PUAN NOOR AISHAH HONOUR AWARD

GOLD

Ms Tan Yan Bing Ms Teo Yat Ting

Mdm Low Hwee Noi Mdm Mabel Soh

SCOUTS

FRANK COOPER SANDS - SCOUTS

GOLD Mr Colin Chen Mr Fu Ming

Mr Ang Yong An Ms Toh Yen Nee FRANK COOPER SANDS –

VENTURES GOLD

NPCC UNIT PROFICIENCY

AWARD SILVER

Mr Tan Wei Liang Ms Seet Shu Yan Mr Ong Song Chin

Mdm Annizell Cruz Chan Mr Lee Soon Huat

RED CROSS

EXCELLENT UNIT AWARD GOLD

Ms Chan Sui Sui Mr Jonathan Lau

Mdm Sally Ho Ms Serina Tan

GIRLS BRIGADE

GIRLS’ BRIGADE SINGAPORE COMPANY

AWARDS BRONZE

Ms Naomi Ong Mdm Tan Chan Jong

Mdm Nina Kalyani Ms Vivian Soh

NCC UNIT PROFICIENCY

AWARD BRONZE

Mr Quek Yong Cai Mr Jeremy Khoo

Ms Periya Ms Dominique Wang Mr Chin Khai Fung


2.4 Values-In-Action

Hougeans make THE difference!

A typical week at HS: CCA-VIA and many more

Sec One Campus Change-makers - Sec One students planned, executed school improvement projects such as Appreciating Unsung Heroes, Motivating Graduating Students, and Happy Toilets (keep toilets clean).

Thoughts from the students involved :

• The school cleaners, canteen vendors and the security guards were all smiles and I was happy that they felt happy.”

• I have learnt to be committed to serving others.

• We are responsible for our school’s environment.

Sec Two Community Recycling Art Day on 7 March - Sec Two students planned a community day that was attended by more than 500 residents residing near Hougang Secondary. They coached residents on recycling art, conducted fringe activities such as henna, face painting and, even, presented a K-POP dance.

Thoughts from the students involved :

• We can bring joy even when we are

tired.”

• I learnt that how an individual’s work can

bring happiness and joy to so many. The

dance is awesome and I am sure it had left a deep impression on the residents.

Tues

Guzheng Club at Jia Ying on Mondays:

serving elderly through wellness programme

BB/GB, Guides & NPCC at community outreach

on Tuesdays

NCC at student care centres on Mondays:

peer tutoring programme

Scouts coaching scouts from Hougang Pri on

Thursdays


Strategic Thrust 3: Enhancing Staff Capacity 3.1 New Staff in the HS Family We warmly welcome the following teachers to the HS family: S/No Name of Staff Subject(s)

1. Mr Fu Ming Chinese Language 2. Ms Rachel Teo Hui En Maths, English Language 3. Ms Rachel Yong Lai Kuan Biology, Maths 4. Ms Jazreel Toh Hui Khee Chemistry, Maths (Lower Secondary) 5. Mr Jim Lee Jin Hui PE, Science (Biology) 6. Ms Periya d/o Sundaram Geography, Social Studies

3.2 Trainee Teachers Posted to HS The following trainee teachers have been posted to Hougang Secondary School from 28 Feb – 22 May 2015. As part of their training requirements, they will be observing the lessons of our experienced teachers and also teaching some classes. We welcome them to our school. S/No Name of Staff

1. Mr Andy Chong 2. Ms Lee Min 3. Ms Tan Ming Ai Elithea

3.3 HS Parent Support Group (PSG) Re-bonding, Re-connecting, Re-building. By Raymond Giam (HGSS PSG) & Jessie Cheng (Family Matters Coordinator)

R3 Campers 2015

“It takes a village to raise a child.” This is the belief that the Hougang PSG always hold close to our hearts. And together with the inspiration from the school’s principal, Mr Ng Tiong Nam, the R3 Camp was first created in March 2014.


As the name suggests, “R3” tells of the 3 ”R”s spirit behind the camp. It aims to create a

platform for parents to Re-bond and close the ties with their children, Re-connect and better

understand the social culture of their children, and to Re-build the trust and responsibilities

with their children.

Family Bonding

After the successful launch of the camp in 2014, the PSG has continued to push R3 Camp

2015 to an even higher peak this year. Opening the camp with a strength of 75 campers

(consisting of HS students, parents and volunteers), together with all the strong support that

we have received, R3 Camp 2015 was yet another successful event with many positive

feedback given by the participants.

The 2 Days 1 Night camp started with the Tent pitching activity. It was definitely a precious

and meaningful experience for all parents and students to build their “nest” and to create the

space where they will be spending the night together. The highlight of the camp was the

Amazing Race led by Mr Foo Yong Howe, HOD (CCE), which saw families exploring

Chinatown, Vivo City and Little India on several exciting missions together. Families also had

the chance to try out meals cooked by fathers during the outdoor cooking session.

Tent Pitching Activity Outdoor Cooking

Amazing Race Amazing Race


Day 1 then ended with the much awaited Campfire where parents and students had fun cheering and performing skits together under the starry night. Adding a touching note to the night was when all campers celebrated the wedding anniversary of a parent together, while their two lovely kids also had the chance to witness this loving moment… We were also deeply touched when Mr Ng had graced the night, bringing along with him his lovely family and even taking the effort to share parenting tips with everyone. Another highlight was the Laser Tag game that the campers played on the second day of the camp, where they took on a journey to protect their territories, which also symbolizes their families.

Campfire Night

Through this 30 hours camp, we had fun, made new friends and also learnt new meanings to

the word “Family”. We would like to once again extend our gratitude to Hougang Secondary

School, Mr. Ng Tiong Nam, Mr Foo Yong Howe, Mr Leonard and all PSG volunteers for their

strong support towards R3 Camp. We are also thankful to all parents and students for their

active participation, making the event a successful one.

And while we look forward to an even more exciting R3 Camp 2016, we shall also never forget

that “it takes a village to raise a child”. We believe that the friendship and bonding we have

forged shall continue to hold this village strong and will bring the best out of HGSS PSG, our

families and even ourselves.

Some of our HGSS PSG members


ANNEX A

Term 2 Calendar 2015 Dates Events

25 Mar Sec 2 Parents Subject Combination Talk

30-31 Mar, 1 Apr

6-8 Apr

Judo Championship

6-10 Apr International Friendship Week cum Library Week

10 Apr Student Leaders’ Investiture

13-17 Apr Earth Week

15 Apr SciTecHumatic 2014

20 Apr Sec 4NA/4NT Prelims English Oral Exam

21 Apr Sec 4 and 5 NAPFA 2.4 km

22-24 Apr Sec 4E/4N/5N Internal Mother Tongue Oral Exam

23 Apr Sec 2 NAPFA 2.4 km

27 Apr Sec 4E/5N Prelims English Oral Exam

28 Apr Sec 3T and absentees Internal English Oral Exam

29-30 Apr SA1

1 May Labour Day

4-6 May Sec 2E/2N Internal Mother Tongue Oral Exam

8-14 May SA1

18 May Marking Day

18-20 May Sec 2 Adventure Camp

18-29 May Sec 4E/5N Mother Tongue Intensive

19-20 May Checking Exam Script

21-28 May Post Exam Activities

24-28 May Sec 3 OSL/Local Service

29 May Parents-Teacher-Meet (Sec 1-3, 4NA, 4NT)

1 Jun Vesak Day

2 Jun Sec 4E / 5N O level MT Written Exam

2-5 Jun Sec 1-5 Mastery Learning / Extended Curriculum Time

3 Jun Sec 4E/5N O level MT(B) Written Exam

hs parents connect 2015 issue 2 · 1.2 2014 gce ‘n’ level examinations our 2014 4n cohort has...

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