OCTOBER 2008

www.riversidesec.moe.edu.sg
chool • 3 Woodlands Street 81 Singapore 738524 • Tel: 6269 963
e Secondar y S 1 Fax: 6
s l e t t e r by Riversid 368 36
A new 77

Cong ratulations!

2008-2011 2008-2009

Riverside achieves the Singapore Quality Class status

awarded by SPRING Singapore. This marks a significant
milestone achievement for Riverside Secondary School
as the award affirms our school’s excellence in the
dimension of Leadership, Planning, Information, People,
Processes, Customers and Results.

Riverside Secondary School received the Work-Life

Achiever Award from the Tripartite Committee headed by
the Ministry of Manpower on 15 August 2008. This biennial
award is conferred on organisations for their excellence
in Work-Life Strategies and pays tribute to organisations
which are committed to helping staff harmonise work and
personal needs.
2008-2009
CHERISH (Silver) Award Receiving this award is an affirmation of Riverside’s effort
The 1st Joint HPB-MOE to ensure that the work environment accommodates the
C.H.E.R.I.S.H reasonable requirements of staff’s personal demands
(Championing Efforts Resulting in Improved School Health) Award to ensure their effectiveness at work and yet achieves
by the Health Promotion Board and the Ministry of Education school goals.

SAA Uniformed Groups SAA Aesthetics

th
5 Award 1st Award
2004-2008 2008

Brought in by our Boys’ Brigade, St John Ambulance Brought in by our Dance Groups, Choir and
Brigade and the National Police Cadet Corps. Symphonic Band
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 STUDENT LEADERSHIP
North West Outstanding All-Rounder Student (OARS) Award 2008
EVERY year in early February, North West CDC will send out invitations to all
schools within the district to nominate students for the Outstanding
All-Rounder Student (OARS) Award. The objective was to give
recognition and honour to students with outstanding academic
results, exemplary achievements in CCA and community service
and being positive role models in school. Benson Chong of
Sec 4/4E obtained the OARS Award at the CDC Level with his
exemplary involvement in voluntary community service within
and beyond school. We are also proud to announce that Ong
Yong Lin of Sec 4/4E and Kelvin Khong of Sec 4/3NT clinched
the OARS Award at the School Level. Congratulations to all 3
student leaders for their outstanding achievements!

By: Mdm Doris Soh, HOD Pupil Development

Student Leaders Investiture

ON 14 July, our Student Leaders were honoured for their leadership achievements
at the inaugural Student Leaders Investiture. As compared to previous years
where the investiture was solely organised for Student Councillors, this year’s
investiture saw a paradigm shift where other student leaders were recognised
as well. The Level 4 Leaders were selected from the CCA Heads, Student
Council and NE Champs to form the Board of Student Leaders who will assist
teachers in the organisation and
running of major school events such
as Racial Harmony Day, Teachers’
Day and Secondary One Orientation.
The investiture commenced with Mrs
Sng Siew Hong, our Principal giving
a speech to emphasise the school’s
commitment to moulding leaders for
the future.

14th Student Leaders Convention at Hwa Chong Institution

Theme: Education and its Future: it lies in YOU
DURING the June holidays, 5 students from the Student Council went for a
4-day Student Leaders’ Convention Camp at Hwa Chong Institution. It
was a wonderful experience for us to meet new friends
from the other 59 secondary schools of the Asia-Pacific
region. The camp trained us to become effective and
critical leaders with the passion to serve society.

We were divided into 36 youth organisations, 6 clusters and

consortiums to discuss societal issues on the youths today.
I believe all of us have benefited a lot from the convention.

By: Nickie Seoh (Sec 3/4E)

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 STUDENT LEADERSHIP
NYGR Youth Congress 2007-2008
THE Youth Congress is a National Youth Council (NYC)
initiative to increase awareness amongst youth on youth
crime issues as well as to empower these youths to make a
difference in the lives of their peers. 11 Riversidians took up
the challenge and worked on ‘Teen Lighthouse’ Friendship
Club with the help of teacher-facilitators, Miss Chithra, Mr
Raja and facilitators from the Youth Guidance Outreach
Services.
Getting involved in the project was an eye-opener and
The project which started in September 2007 with enriching experience for the students involved. Besides
brainstorming and project identification ended with a bringing home the sweet memories and learning nuggets
presentation-cum-exhibition at the Peer-to-Peer Assembly from their experience, the students also forged new
on 5 April 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. The Guest of friendships with participating members from the other
Honour at the Assembly, AP Ho Peng Kee, was full of praises schools.
for the project and suggested that Riverside Secondary
share the project with neighbouring schools as well. By: Miss Chithra, HOD Character Development

Youth Achievers’ Forum

ON 26 July, a group of Student Leaders represented the school
at the Youth Achievers’ Forum organised by Bukit View Secondary
School. The forum discussed how youths could achieve academic
excellence. The Forum shared with us ways to realise our
dreams. We met great achievers like the Singapore Sailing Gold
medalist, and a 32-year-old lady who earned her first $120,000 in
her early twenties. After the Forum, we attended the individual
breakout sessions covering topics such as entrepreneurship,
service-learning and performing arts. We also attended a talk on
community service by a SHINE YOUTH! Ambassador. The Forum
has definitely enlightened us on how to achieve our dream.

By: Siti Aishah (Sec 3/7E)

School Leaders’ Dialogue Session with Level 4 Student Leaders

ON 25 June, the School Leaders
held a dialogue session with the
newly–appointed Level 4 Student
Leaders. They were representatives
from respective heads of CCAs and
groups. The objective of the dialogue
session was to create a platform
for School Leaders to interact with
the Student Leaders. At the same
time, it was an opportunity to listen
to our views and ideas pertaining to
school improvements and students’
concerns.
It was indeed a fruitful session which
reaffirmed our conviction to serve the
school and community with pride and
honour.
By: Tim Wei Loke (Sec 3/5E)

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 STUDENT LEADERSHIP
We are proud of ...
The Boys’ Brigade
ON 26 July, 5 senior boys of the Boys’ Brigade (58th
Company) received their Founders Award from the
Commissioner of Police, CP Koh Boon Hwee, at the dinner
ceremony held at the Singapore Swimming Club. The
Founder’s Award is the highest and most prestigious award
in the Seniors Programme and this is the first time that the
58th company has produced 5 Founders men. These boys
are Terry Tan Soon Lee, Benjamin Bey Bang Wei, Bruno
Dunstan Mathews (from Sec 4/5E) Liauw Kee Wei and
Phan Chang Hong (from Sec 4/6E).
By: Jasmine Lim, Teacher-in-charge
National Police Cadet Corps
SSGT Ter Yong Kang was awarded the
prestigious NPCC-SPF badge for his
commendable contributions to the
Unit. The National Police Cadet
Corps clinched its first GOLD for
Unit Overall Proficiency Award for
the year 2007.
Level 3 Leadership Training 2008
ALL newly appointed Level 3 Student Leaders attended a 2
day 1 night camp in school from 16 to 17 May. The objectives
of the camp were to equip the new Student Leaders
with advance leadership skills such as the importance of
teamwork, discover one’s own strengths and weaknesses,
stretch one’s potential and develop perseverance when
faced with challenges. This would prepare us for leadership
succession with greater responsibility.
By: Isabel Chia, (Sec 3/6)
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St John Ambulance Brigade
The achievements of the SJAB are as follows:
1. Gold for Corps Achievement Award 2008 (assessment
year 2007)
2. Zone Champion in the Inter-Corps First Aid & Home
Nursing Competition 2008 (Ambulance Adult category)
3. 3rd Placing in the Inter-Corps First Aid & Home Nursing
Competition 2008 (Nursing Adult category)
4. 4th Placing in the Inter-Corps First Aid & Home Nursing
Competition 2008 (Nursing Cadet category)
5. 2nd Placing in the National First Aid & Home Nursing
Competition 2008 (Ambulance Adult category)
6. First in First Aid Long Case component in the
National First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2008
(Ambulance Adult category)
7. Best Team Leader in the National First Aid & Home
Nursing Competition 2008 (Ambulance Adult category)
- Lim Wei Hao (Class 4/4)
Prefects Leadership Training at
Marsiling Primary School
ON 22 July, 9 Student Councilors went to Marsiling Primary
School to conduct a leadership training workshop for the
upper primary Prefects. The workshop was organised
and planned by the Student Leaders with Mdm Soh as
Teacher Advisor. The workshop covered topics such as
quality leadership and importance of communication. It
involved interactive games and PowerPoint presentations
by the Student Councilors. Though it was a short 3-hour
session, it was
both enriching
for the primary
school Prefects
and our Student
Councillors.
By: Koh Tong Jun
(Sec 3/4E)
 SCHOOL EVENTS
Riverside’s 21st Speech and Prize-giving Day cum Opening of The Mother
Tongue Learning Cove
Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate
Opening of The
Mother Tongue
ON 12 April, Riverside Secondary School
Learning Cove
celebrated its 21st Annual Speech and Prize-
Giving Day with the theme, “Connect,
Collaborate and Celebrate”. It was indeed a
proud day for all of us as we listened to our
Principal, Mrs Sng Siew Hong, give a report on
the school’s academic and CCA achievements.
It was also a day for us to celebrate with
those who had won prizes for their academic
achievements. Our Guest of Honour was Mrs
Lu Kheng Lui (former 2nd Principal). She also
officially declared the new Mother Tongue
Learning Cove open. This marked another
achievement of our school as a leading school
in Mother Tongue Languages for the North 5
Cluster. The event has been truly inspiring for
all of us.

By: Nadiah Nadhirah (Sec 4/4E)

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 SCHOOL EVENTS
R³ Day @ RS!
RIVERSIDE Secondary School held its annual
whole school CIP on 12 July in partnership with
SembCorp. On Riverside Mission R³ (Reuse,
Reduce & Recycle) Day, the entire student
and staff body embarked on a quest to collect
old recyclable materials from HDB flats in
the Woodlands neighbourhood. Through this
whole school project, funds raised from the
sale of collected items, were contributed to
the Riverside Student Needy Fund. Well done,
Riversidians! It was evident that all enjoyed themselves and
it was truly a gratifying day for all.

By: Uma Magheswary D/O Pandyan (Sec 4/4E) and Lhavanya

Dharmalingam, (Sec 2/4E)

Racial Harmony Day

ON 22 July, our school celebrated Racial Harmony Day.
Students and staff wore traditional costumes of different
ethnic groups to symbolise the harmonious co-existence
of the various races. The day started off with a concert
by our very own students who sang songs of other racial
groups. After the concert, there was also
a class photograph competition to capture
the racial camaraderie of the class. This
indeed added to the excitement of the
celebration. The activities organised
this year has certainly enabled students
to heighten their awareness of the
importance of racial harmony.

By: Mysara Aljaru (Sec 3/9E)

National Day Celebration

ON 8 August, Riversidians celebrated Singapore’s
43rd birthday with a spectacular march-in led by
the uniform groups and the taking of the National
Pledge together as a whole school. The concert
which followed was another exciting part of the
celebration with the singing of National Day songs
and the Mascot Competition based on the theme,
“Shine for Singapore”. The finale of the concert
was having the staff of Riverside on stage to
sing National Day songs with the students. The
ambience was truly electrifying! We certainly felt
as one people, one nation, one Singapore!

By: Lim Rui Xian (Sec 3/5E)

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 SCHOOL EVENTS
Teachers’ Day Celebration
“IT is high! It is passionate and everyone is motivated!” Yes, it was the RS
Dance Competition which was organised as part of the Teachers’ Day
Celebration. The winners were 1/4, 2/2 and 3/2.

Our teachers were well entertained by the Teachers’ Day Concert

organised by our Student Coucillors. The most exciting item of all
was the singing put up by our new teachers. All of us thoroughly
enjoyed ourselves and we look forward to the next Teachers’ Day.

By: Choo Li Min (Sec 2/4E)

Teachers’ Day Lunch

Pollka Dots! That was the theme of the Teachers’ Day lunch
where our teachers were treated to a buffet co-sponsored by the
School Advisory Committee. Decked in their polka-dotted outfits,
the teachers enthusiastically participated in the various games
and two best-dressed teachers even showed off their dance
moves. It was indeed a hilarious and fun-filled afternoon for
all.
SAC
members
celebrating
with our
Mr Tsung and Mdm Ho- teachers
Our Best-dressed Awardees

Table prize Table with the most polka dotted apparels

Students CCA Honours Day

RIVERSIDE held its Students CCA Honours Day on 18 August to give due
recognition to students who excelled in their co-curricular activities. Students
are awarded according to the four categories: Colours Award, Meritorious
Award, Achievement Award and Service Award. Besides CCA awardees, NE
Champs and Student Councillors who had contributed outstanding service to
the school were also presented with the Service Award. This special day had
certainly given the winners a great sense of achievement and pride.

By: Kanageswari d/o Konasegaran, (Sec 3/9E)

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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
New Zealand School Exchange Programme
A group of 22 students, two teachers
(Miss Jasmine Lim and Miss Fu Wei)
and our Principal, Mrs Sng Siew Hong,
went on the inaugural New Zealand
School Exchange Programme from 12
to 20 June. Each pupil was attached to
a New Zealander buddy. The objective
was to allow us to experience
the lifestyle of the New
Zealanders. The locals were
polite and friendly, giving us
many opportunities to enrich
our knowledge on the local
lifestyle and Maori culture.

During our trip, we visited

Rotorua. One of the attractions
we went to was the Maori Village where we had a Tamaki Hangi
dinner and enjoyed a Maori Concert. Another memorable activity was
the duck tour when we ventured out to Lakes Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
and Okareka, a small lakeside community. We had a magnificent view
of Mt Tarawera. We also visited the exciting Agrodome
Sheep Show. Two of our students, Samantha Yan (Sec
4/1NA) and Isabel Chia (Sec 3/6E) were thrilled when
they were asked to milk a cow.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves was another delightful

place to visit. Thousands of tiny glowworms could be
seen radiating their luminescent light throughout the
caves. Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites also
filled the caves.

The Exchange Programme would not be a success

without the warm hospitality of our hosting schools,
We are truly indebted to Mr. Howard Perry (Principal
of Waikowhai Intermediate School), Mrs. Jill Larson
(Principal of Auckland Normal Intermediate School) and
Mr. Jonathan Hughes (Deputy
Principal of Auckland Normal
Intermediate School) for their
kindness and generosity.

By: Miss Jasmine Lim, Acting SH

Student Leadership

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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
DYNAMIC KOREA HERE WE COME!
Korea School Exchange Programme with Home-stay experience
2 to 7 June 2008
“ANNYONG haseyo! (Good morning)”
warmly greeted Riverside’s staff and
pupils when they visited Youngduk
Middle School in Suwon, Korea.
Yongduk’s Principal, Mr Yun Byeong
Seok, together with his staff and
pupils had organised a grand welcome
for Mrs Hilda Thong, our Vice-Principal,
Miss Lim Guihao, Miss Fung Eng Chu
and our 22 pupils from Sec 2 to 4 on
this inaugural visit to the school. After
the preliminary introductions and
conversations, everyone felt at home
with one another.
During the first day at the school,
our pupils were actively engaged in
cultural activities. They learnt Korean
ink-printing on bags which were
presented to them as souvenirs and
were dressed in hanboks (traditional
costume) by their “Home-stay mums”.
The excitement in the air became
electrifying when the Korean pupils
delighted the audience with their dance
and musical instrumental
oks
Pretty in hanb
Riverside dance in hanboks!
performances. In return, our
Riversidians thrilled them with our RS
Dance and singing of our National Day
song “Where I Belong”. Thunderous
applause followed after each item.
At the end of the first day, our pupils
followed their Korean buddies for
the home-stay where they enjoyed
interacting with their buddies’ family.
The next day, our pupils participated
in an English lesson with their
Korean counterparts, discussing the
similarities and differences between
the two countries’ culture and
traditions. Following that, there was
a language exchange activity where
pupils of both schools were paired up to
learn Korean and Mandarin from each
other. Our pupils sure had fun learning
the Korean alphabet and speaking
common phrases. Even the teachers
joined in! Before they knew it, it was
time to bid farewell to one another but
before that, the pupils exchanged gifts
and made plans to keep in touch.
Our pupils also remembered to
say Kamsahamnida to express
their gratitude to their buddies
and the school.
After the school visit, the pupils
had the opportunity to widen
Our friends at Youngduk
Middle School
their knowledge about Korean history
and developments as they visited
the Korean Folk Village, Hwa Seong
Fortress, Cheonggyecheon Stream,
War Memorial and KBS Drama Centre.
They even learnt to make kimchi
(cabbage salad)! Of course they found
time to shop at DongDaeMun Markets
and the Insadong Antique Street. To
top it all, they spent a blissful five hours
at Everland, a big theme park with
many thrilling rides and mesmerising
gardens.
At the end of the trip, our Riversidians
felt that they had obtained a better
understanding and appreciation of
Korean culture. They cannot wait to
host their buddies when they visit our
school in August. Annyonghi kaseyo
(Goodbye), Korea! Kamsahamnida for
the wonderful memories!
By: Mrs Hilda Thong, Vice-Principal
Making kimchi
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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
Brunei
FROM 25 to 28 May, 23 students
accompanied by, Mdm Siti Noorbaya
Rahmat and Ms Christine Lim, visited
Brunei Darussalam.The objective
of the trip was to learn more about
Malay culture. Besides sight-seeing,
we visited two other schools. Both
teachers and students felt that the trip
was educational and it has given them
an insight into the
Malay culture.

By: Wong Yiting (Sec

2/5E)

Learning about delicacies

Darwin
A group of 22 students, accompanied by Mr Sani, Mrs Tan Mee Seng, Ms Annaliza
and Mdm Yati visited Darwin from 2 to 6 June. The objective of the trip was to
enable students to appreciate and understand the Australian culture. Apart from
sight-seeing, we also visited Darwin High School where we interacted with the
students and teachers.

Through this trip, we

have gained a better
understanding of the
culture of Australia. It
was indeed an enriching
experience for all of us.

By: Miss Annaliza, Teacher

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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
Memories of Kota Tinggi
FROM 30 May to 1 June, the Girls’ Brigade 79th Company
attended an Adventure Camp at Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. This
Adventure Camp had enabled us to build stronger bond
with one another as we overcame the various challenging
obstacles. The activities that we participated in were
abseiling, kayaking and not to forget, the hike up and down
Mt. Panti. No matter what situation we
were in, we would be constantly giving
one another support and cheering one
another on. At the end of the camp, our
friendship blossomed and we learnt to
work together despite our different Bring home all the memories!
personalities. I am sure the memories
of our experience at Kota Tinggi will
forever be engraved in our minds.
We conquered Mt. Panti!

By: Jazlyn Song, (1/5E)

Kuching, Sarawak
ON 10 June, 17 NPCC cadets departed for Kuching, Sarawak, with the
accompaniment of Miss Ong Qiulin and Mr Desmond Goh. Through this
NPCC Cultural & Educational Tour , our cadets experienced rural life outside
urbanized Singapore and were exposed to different tribal cultures of
Sarawak. Apart from visiting scenic spots, the cadets also visited historical
and cultural places such as the Sarawak Museum, old Kuching Mosque
and Astana & Fort Margherita.

This unique 3-day trip to Kuching

has left a deep impression on the
cadets. It has not only broadened
their horizon to the world outside,
but it has also enabled them to
appreciate Nature and the rural life
of Sarawak.

By: Ong Qiulin, NPCC Teacher

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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
Perth Trip
A group of 20 Secondary 4
students and 3 staff (Mrs Selvan,
Ms Milhan and Mr Sumadi)
visited Perth, Australia from 9
to 14 June. Perth was really
a breath of fresh air from the
hustle and bustle of Singapore.
We eagerly soaked up the
culture and readily adapted to
the Australian way of life during
the 5-day trip. Farms stayed at Bindoon

Apart from the farmstay at Bindoon, we also visited other places of

interest such as Fremantle, the Pinnacles Dessert and King’s Park.
Getting to know about the heritage and ecology of the Moore River
was a learning experience outside the classroom. Sand boarding, fruit
picking, wine making and feeding
of farm animals were
such fun activities that
they will not be erased
from our minds.
Nervous during the Tree Top Walk

This trip has enabled

us to understand and
appreciate the Australian
way of life and their
culture. It was truly an
enriching experience.
nts
Valley of Gia
By: Maisurah Afiah (Sec 4/5E) Posing at the

Sand Boarding Adventure

Trip to Terrenganu
THIRTY-ONE Secondary 3 Geography students, state. As Geography students, we visited a lot of interesting
accompanied by Mdm Haslinda, Ms Ong Lay Hoon and places with a lot of geographical features. We took the
Ms Nelly Guo, went on a four-day, three-night (24-27 May) speedboat to Ke Gua Bewah, a limestone cave, to study the
field trip to Trengganu. It was our first trip to this Malaysian formation of stalagmites and stalactites. The herb garden
enriched our knowledge of flora and fauna, and we learnt
about the medicinal properties of the plants. Although it
was a short trip, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience of
visiting another country with a different culture.

By: Lim Rui Xian (Sec 3/5E)

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 RS INTERNATIONALISATION
Riverside Symphonic Band: Beijing International Band Festival
70 members from the Symphonic Band, accompanied by Miss Chen Ying, Miss
Ng Hwee Bin, Mdm Syarifah, and the conductors, participated in the Beijing
International Band Festival (BIBF) during the June holidays (17 – 23 June).
This event was part of the celebration of
the Beijing Olympics. As
part of the Band Festival,
we attended music and
instrument master classes
and had exchanges with
other bands from around
the world. Despite the tough
competition, we managed
to clinch a hard-earned
SILVER Award, a remarkable Working extremely hard ...
achievement as it was our
cators
of the adjudi
first overseas competition. ucted by one
terclass cond
at a Mas
Hard at work

This competition has given us the confidence to compete in other overseas

competitons. We have certainly gained a lot of experience from this event.

By: Nickie Seoh (Sec 3/4E) and Michelle Tan (Sec 3/5E)

Malacca Trip
ALL Secondary 1 NA and NT pupils and their form teachers went on a trip to Malacca from 14 May to 15
May. Apart from visiting places of interest such as Porta de Santiago and St Paul Church, the students
also tried Peranakan food, the ethnic food of Malacca. Although it was a short trip, the students certainly
had a feel of the culture and tradition of Malacca.

By: Gaayathri d/o Tamil Chalwan (Sec 1/2N)

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One Minute Morning
InSpiration (OMMS)
ONE Minute Morning InSpiration
(OMMS) is one of Riverside’s initiatives
to provide a plaform for student
leaders and teachers to impart school
values through motivational stories
and anecdotes. It is about inspiring
Riversidians, lifting their spirits through
a daily dose of insightful messages
which emphasise our school values.
Our Riversidians are greeted during the
morning assembly with a “motivator”
who shares his/her message for the
day. These “motivators” are our own
school leaders, teachers or student
leaders. Through this sharing, OMMS
has enabled the “motivators” to take
pride and ownership of the school
values. Giving this platform for student
leaders to address the whole school
has made them more confident in
public speaking. Moreover, the whole
school population has the opportunity
to familiarise themselves with the
various student leaders and teaching
staff, thus fostering
a closer bond.
By: Mdm Nora,
SH Maths
Alumni Homecoming
RIVERSIDE Secondary School was
proud to hold its inaugural Homecoming
for all ex-Riversidians and Alumni
members on 8 June. The event,
which was planned and executed by
the Alumni Committee, was indeed a
successful and memorable one for all,
serving as a platform for everyone to
meet up with peers whom they have
lost touch with over the years.
Kudos to Mdm Doris Soh and the
student helpers who have contributed
their time and effort in making this
event a fruitful and unforgettable one
for all.
By: Ms
Samantha
Wong, RS
Alumni Exco
Member
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SCHOOL EVENTS
Problem-based Learning Prepares Students for
Future Challenges!
TEACH Less, Learn More (TLLM) plays an important role in engaging students
to be effective learners. As Riverside is one of the TLLM Ignite schools,
Problem-based Learning (PBL) was introduced to prepare our students for future
challenges. It is an approach that encourages students to learn through the
structured exploration of an authentic problem.
This approach was
first tried out with
the Secondary 1
Express students.
They were given
the opportunity
to examine and
try out what they
wanted to know.
In the meantime, they developed their problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills,
thinking skills, as well as their communication skills.
Two authentic problems were presented to the students. They were required
to seek information regarding food poisoning and food preservation. Using
this approach, students developed a better understanding of the integration of
Science and Home Economics in their daily lives.
By: Miss Fung Eng Chu, Teacher-in-charge
The Aesthetics Department at ExCEL Fest 2008
THE Aesthetics Department presented on how they made use of Problem- Based
Learning in their lessons at the ExCEL Fest 2008. The ExCEL Fest, organised
by the Ministry of Education, is a platform for professional sharing by teachers
on innovative developments in teaching.
This year’s event was held at Suntec City
and was open to all MOE personnel on 4
July and to the public on 5 July.
During the presentation, the Department
shared on the Problem-Based Learning
(PBL) Journey which they conducted with
the Secondary 2 Express students in 2007.
The participants were keen to find out how the school managed to integrate the
four aesthetics subjects (Art, Design & Technology, Home Economics and Music).
They were also interested to find out how the PBL lessons were conducted and
how this could be implemented in their own schools. The presentation was well-
received by the participants.
By: Mdm Ow Ju-lin, Teacher
Meet-The-Parent Session
RIVERSIDE’S annual Meet-The-Parents Session
was a whole day event held on 23 May. It gave
the parents an opportunity to discuss their
child’s performance with the form teacher and it also provided the form teachers
a chance to know more about the students. It was indeed a meaningful day for all.
By: Kanageswari d/o Konasegaran, (Sec 3/9)
 SCHOOL VISITORS
Visit by US Delegation
ON 5 August, Riverside Secondary School was identified
by School Division (Ministry of Education) to host the US
Delegation led by Dr Susan Sclafani, Managing Director of
Chartwell Education Group. The visiting team was on a New
York City – Singapore Study Trip from 1 to 9 August. Members
of the team comprised of Directors and Executives from New
York City Department of Education as well as Presidents
from non-profit organizations. The objective of their visit
was to learn more about the school and how it develops
the collective potential of students as a cohort (RS LAMP2S
framework). Apart from classroom visits, they also interacted
with the students.

Director’s Visit Visit by Suzhou Nan Huan Middle School

ON 29 July, 19 students and 4 teachers from Suzhou Nan Huan Middle School
visited Riverside Secondary for a 3-day school exchange programme.

During their short stay at Riverside, Suzhou students were engaged in a

variety of meaningful activities. They attended lessons with their “buddies”.
They also participated in a 2-day English Workshop to improve their
conversational skills. Apart from this, they also had fun
creating their very own photo frames in our Design and
Technology Workshop.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Riverside

and Suzhou Nan Huan Middle collaborated on a
school exchange programme.
MR Chua Kwan Ping (Director/
Finance & Development Division)
By: Mdm Lua Hua Yi, Teacher
visited the school on 18 July.
During the dialogue session,
Mr Chua heard the views and
concerns of the staff regarding
the GROW 2.0 package and
other MOE initiatives and
policies.

the riversidian page 15

 STAFF NEWS
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS to our
to Mr Du Xin on former VP, Mrs Mohinder Singh
receiving the Inspiring who was awarded the National
Chinese Language Day Award (Commendation
Teacher’s Award Medal) on 9 August 2008.
2008 organised by
the Singapore Press Indeed, Mrs Singh is most
Holdings. He is one deserving of this honourable
of the 14 awardees recognition by our country for her
amongst the 1300 7 years of service and contribution to Riverside Secondary
nominations from primary and secondary schools and School.
junior colleges.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following on their official
appointment as Head of Department (HOD)
CONGRATULATIONS to Mdm Jo-Marie, Mdm Rekha, Ms
Tan Chong Hui, Ms Fu Wei and Ms Lim Guihao for receiving
the Caring Teacher Award, jointly organised by the National
Institute of Education
and Exxon Mobil,
for demonstrating
exemplary character,
initiative, integrity, Mdm Leow Geok Kuan Mdm Doris Soh
altruism, and other
(HOD/MTL) (HOD/PD)
humanistic qualities
of the teaching
profession in service
to both school and Mr Cheong Tuck Wai
students for the year (HOD/IT & MRL)
2008.

Staff Learning Journey Welcome to the Family

ON 27 June, the staff of Riverside Secondary went on a
learning journey to Nanyang Polytechnic. There, we were
introduced to the different teaching and assessment modes
used in the polytechnic and how we can better prepare
our current students for polytechnic life. We were taken to
various departments in the polytechnic and even got to see
some students in action. Indeed, it was a fruitful journey as
we are now more knowledgeable of the polytechnic’s style
and can advise our students accordingly.

By: Ms Noras, Teacher

Back row:
Mdm Fang Mei Teng, Ms Chong Pei Yi, Ms Soo Chee Ling, Ms Lee
Peici, Ms Hariyani Bte Hamidan, Mr Lee Tze Hoong, Mr Tan Chen
Zeu Anson

Front row:
Mr Goh Yoon Keong, Mr Jamie Chong

ADVISORS : Mrs Sng Siew Hong, Principal and Mrs Hilda Thong, Vice-Principal
Editorial Team EDITORS : Mrs Clara Sim, Mr Tsung Kkok Cheng and Mrs Jasmine Yeo
WRITERS : Members of the Young Journalist Club
page 16 the riversidian Designed & Produced by P D ADDISON