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: : gmss@moe.edu.sg)

– 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

80

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.