Issuu

MFSS Publicity Team Presents

THE MAYFLOWER PROMISE MAYFLOWER

Issue No 1 2024

In This Issue: PROGRAMMES OUTREACH

Sec 1 Orientation

CNY Celebrations

AP: The Museum

Speech Day

Cross Country

Student Leadership Matters

Learning

Exciting Art Workshops

Investigative Journalism in History

Card Games for Geography

Cultural Immersion in MT

Celebrating Science & Culture

CCAs in Action!

Learning Journeys

Staff PD

Parent Engagement

Our Alumni

Visitors from Thailand

School Tour & Taster Lessons

PROGRAMMES

SECONDARY 1 ORIENTATION PROGRAMME

There is always a buzz in the air as we welcome our newly minted Secondary 1 Mayflowerians to our school in Week 1. This year’s Secondary 1 Orientation camp was no different!

As part of the busy programme, there were several specially curated events carried out by student leaders to help our Secondary 1s get to know each other and assimilate into their new environment These included the decoration of their classrooms, time with their Form Teachers and many bonding games with their new classmates. There were also several cohort wide events which promoted interclass friendships

From CCA Fairs to bonding through scavenger hunts conducted by their seniors, the Secondary 1 students also participated in a flurry of activities as part of the Zest for Life Programme!

MAYFLOWERIANS RING IN CHINESE NEW YEAR: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

From making dragon mascots using recycled materials to capturing heartfelt New Year greetings on video, classroom activities saw active participation and creativity among Mayflowerians. Adding to the festive vibe, students enjoyed a classroom "picnic" with delicious new year treats.

Afterwards, excited students gathered in the hall for the highly anticipated concert. Featuring a mix of traditional Chinese music and dance alongside modern pop songs and dance, the concert was a celebration of togetherness and community spirit.

At the heart of the festivities was a captivating dragon dance performance. Beyond its entertainment value, it deepened our understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions linked with the cultural celebration.

To include a spirit of giving in our festivities, our school also organised a donation drive for seniors from AWWA (Asian Women's Welfare Association).

AESTHETICS PRODUCTION: THE MUSEUM

Featuring an original script, ensemble cast and performing arts groups, our bi-annual school wide production titled “the Museum” showcased the best Mayflowerians have to offer The ambitious performance was held concurrently over four different venues in the school compound, with the audience participating in an immersive journey as they moved from one act to the other.

Something exciting this year was the partnership with our friends from Ang Mo Kio Secondary who put up a wonderful performance that merged seamlessly with the storyline

This was truly an experience to remember!

You can catch the full production here on the school’s official YouTube channel.

SPEECH DAY

Our annual Speech Day on 30th April was a memorable occasion as Mayflowerians old and young, together with family and friends gathered in our school hall to commemorate and celebrate successes.

The ceremony was graced by our Guest of Honour Mr Philip Chua who kindly shared the inspirational lessons gleamed from his exciting travels.

Amidst the prize presentation, the audience was treated to exciting and captivating performances by our Aesthetics CCAs: Modern Dance and Chinese Ensemble!

ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY @ Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park

The objectives of the Cross Country this year was to build a vibrant school community and promote camaraderie and unity among students and staff by embracing our "E.A.R.N Your Smiles“ principles: (Exercise, Attitude, Rest, Nutrition). Our competitive runners exhibited resilience and strength as they took part in the exciting races of the day!

Upper Sec Boys 2.5km

1st: Muhammad Helmi 4E

2nd: Teo Yuan Chng 4J

3rd: Toh Jun Ling 4A

Lower Sec Boys 2.5km

1st: Bennett Aaron Pacaro 2B

2nd: Cephas Tan 1D

3rd: Edmund Ang 1F

Upper Sec Girls 2.5km

1st: Teo Yu Han 3J

2nd: Lau Zi Yu 4F

3rd: Poh Li Lin 4A

Lower Sec Girls 2.5km

1st: Glenda Wong 1I

2nd: Hannah Woo 1D

3rd: Kyra Wong 2B

Staff & Parents Male 2.5km

1st: Ku Seow Wee Staff

2nd: Timothy Chen Staff

3rd: Gary Chng Parent

Staff & Parents

Female 2.5km

1st: Lili Yu-Ching Parent

2nd: Valerie Tan Parent

3rd: Tan Gie Chun Staff

STUDENT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The Mayflower Student Leadership Summit was an exciting event aimed at empowering our student leaders with purpose and passion Through a carefully curated series of workshops and activities, our student leaders had the invaluable opportunity to revisit or craft their vision, mission, and motto while refining essential leadership skills. At Mayflower, our student leaders are provided with a nurturing environment which emphasizes compassion through peer influence

STUDENT LEADERS INVESTITURE

Held on the 26th of April, the Mayflower Student Leaders' Investiture Ceremony is always a grand occasion As we bid farewell to our outgoing student leaders, we do so with gratitude for their unwavering dedication Simultaneously, we welcome the incoming leaders, inviting them to step into their roles with pride.

At the same time, being appointed in front of their peers and teachers also reminds the new leaders of the community that they serve and the responsibilities they now hold Getting the outgoing leaders to appoint their new successors as well as the involvement of parents in the student leader investiture are also symbolic of the legacy of leadership that Mayflower celebrates

LEARNING

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMS

Exciting Workshop for Art Students!

The Singapore Teachers’ Academy of the aRts (STAR) recently hosted two 3-hour workshop sessions focused on character design, which were photographed and recorded These sessions will be transformed into a professional development resource for Art teachers

Students from Serangoon Garden Secondary School, and Ang Mo Kio Secondary School were invited to participate They had the incredible opportunity to learn from a professional designer, gaining valuable insights and experience The students also enjoyed collaborating with peers from different schools, enhancing their learning experience and creativity.

History Students Become Investigative Journalists to Uncover the Truth Behind the Reichstag Fire

Students took on the role of investigative journalists to uncover the truth behind the Reichstag fire, investigating whether the Nazis or the Communists were responsible. Immersed in the historical context of 1933 Germany, they examined primary sources, analyzed political motives, and scrutinized contemporary accounts Through critical evaluation of testimonies, propaganda, and historical documents, the students pieced together a comprehensive narrative Their meticulous research and collaborative discussions culminated in the creation of a newscast, where they reported their findings This project not only enhanced their understanding of this significant event but also developed their skills in research, analysis, and media production, bringing history to life in a dynamic and engaging way

What‘s happening in the

Card Games to learn Geographical Concepts!

The Humanities Department collaborated with Professor Chang Chew Huang from NIE to co-teach Secondary 4 students about climate action. Professor Chang, an expert in sustainability, geography, and environmental education, focuses on dispelling misconceptions about climate change. As Singapore faces unique challenges due to climate change, it's vital to educate students on how to adapt to and reduce its impact. The initial step involves informing students about the range of climate actions they and their communities can take to contribute positively To captivate the students, Professor Chang introduced the "Getting to Zero" card game, a lively and interactive method to spark their interest and curiosity in climate action.

Cultural Immersion in Mother Tongue Classrooms!

Malay Language: Two exceptional Mayflowerians, Nur Alisha and Alisa Ariana, lead as Malay Language ambassadors, inspiring peers through workshops. At the Malay Debate Competition, students like Zamir, Qurratuaini, Marsya, and Qasdina showcased their linguistic talents Plus, our Malay students dazzle with a lively dikir barat performance, celebrating cultural diversity during Hari Raya Puasa

Cross-Department Collaboration Boosts

Learning: The Mother Tongue and English department collaborated to offer Secondary Two students a comprehensive bilingual experience through photojournalism and news writing Mayflower Secondary School delivers a dynamic language education, emphasizing culture and creativity.

EDUCATION BECOMES VIBRANT!

Celebrating Science and Culture

Mandai Zoo’s Assembly Talk on Conservation

We were thrilled to host a speaker from Mandai Zoo who shared insights on conservation efforts at Mandai. The talk emphasized the importance of preserving our natural environment and highlighted the crucial role science plays in protecting our planet's biodiversity.

Cultural Exchange with Students from Thailand

Our school welcomed students from Thailand for an enriching cultural exchange. Through engaging interactions and collaborative activities, science served as a common language, creating meaningful, lasting friendships across cultu

Science Lip Balm Workshop for Mother's

To celebrate Mother's Day, we organized a u workshop where participants crafted person lip balms while learning about the scientific principles behind skincare products. This ev was a delightful blend of creativity and scien exploration, offering a memorable experien all involved Participants even got to take ho unique gift for the maternal figure in their li

Bronze Achievement at Elementz Competition

We proudly applaud our Mayflowerians who won the bronze medal at the prestigious Elementz Competition Their dedication, teamwork, and innovative approach to the challenge exemplify th spirit of scientific inquiry and excellence. Congratulations to our talented achievers!

Learning Science Through iFly Programme

Our students embarked on an exhilarating journe of scientific discovery through the iFly Programme Through experiencing the principles of aerodynamics firsthand, they gained valuable insights into the wonders of flight and the scientif

CCAs in Action!

Literary and Oratorical Club - New Media Competition

The New Media Competition was held in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore. The following students clinched the respective awards: Most Creative Entry - Yap Yu Xuan, Angelia Umar-Chen Yi Ming, Re’ cole Chua Best Video - Nguyen Xuan Loc, Benedict Roland Tham, Ngim Wei Jian

NATIONAL SCHOOL GAMES!

The B Division Netball girls rounded up their final season with three challenging matches They put up a good fight and team spirit! In the end, it was not just their victories on the court that left an indelible mark, but the resilience, unity, and unwavering determination they displayed in the face of adversity. They were not just a team; they were a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work put in

It’s the season again!

THE TABLE-TENNIS TEAM

The Mayflower Secondary School B Division Boys and Girls School Representatives embarked on their journey in the National School Games Table Tennis – South Zone B Division Championship 2024, commencing with the Preliminary Round Despite their valiant efforts, both the Boys and Girls teams of the B division were unable to progress to the subsequent round Nonetheless, they demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship and resilience throughout the entirety of the competitions

THE FOOTBALL B DIVISION TEAM

Our Vipers enjoyed a good season before stepping down. They displayed exemplary teamwork and determination throughout the games, rain or shine!

NCC - Precision Drill Squad Competition

What: This competition is renowned for its exceptional discipline and precision in performing intricate drill routines.

How: The squad undergoes rigorous training to perfect their synchronised movements, showcasing military precision and grace.

Why: A symbol of discipline and team-work, it embodies the core values of NCC - resilience, leadership, excellence.

Sec 2 & 4 CCE LJs

Sec 2 - National Museum

The Sec 2 students went for a cohort learning journey as part of the school’s national education learning experience on 19th of February and 1st of March Through the learning journey, they get to:

Engage with Museum Educators and hear stories on the fascinating artefacts

Learn about the different groups or individuals in Singapore’s history, the connections created with each another, places and experiences

Sec 4 - Singapore Discovery Centre

The Sec 4 students went for a cohort learning journey as part of the school’s national education learning experience on the 25th of March Through the learning journey, They got to:

Appreciate the Singapore Story and how Singapore’s “can-do” spirit has helped transform the country

Learn more about the importance of National Service and the role of the Singapore Armed forces (SAF) in the defense and security of Singapore; Discover some insights into Singapore’s fundamentals, values, and way of life

This experience helped them better appreciate Singapore as home and confidence in the future.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

On 21st February, Teacher Leaders organized and led an in-house Milestone Workshop to guide teachers in delving into the core principles of Differentiated Instruction. They shared valuable lesson concepts to enhance teaching methods and ensure active student participation. During the workshop, teachers focused on comprehending the 6 Guiding Principles of Differentiated Instruction and brainstormed practical ways to apply this strategy in their classrooms.

The School Management Committee and Teacher Leaders collaborated with Mr Manogaran, a former Cluster Superintendent and Founding Director of the Academy of Singapore Teachers, in two consultancy sessions The focus was on Leading Significant Change in Schools through the Vision Deployment Matrix The sessions emphasized successful change leadership in schools and how leaders can adapt better in the increasingly complex school environment They also delved into the importance of leaders critically diagnosing underlying issues and making informed decisions to enhance the teams they lead

OUTREACH

SEC 1 TEACHER-PARENT ENGAGEMENT

The school organised a meaningful Teacher-Parent Engagement session and a Transition Talk on the 26th of January 2024. The objectives of this session are for parents

To get to know the form teachers and subject teachers

To ask questions and seek feedback about your child and the school’s programme

To gain some handles to support your child’s/ward’s transition to Secondary One

PSG ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Our dedicated Parent Support Group (PSG) members gathered on 9th March for an enriching session, delving into plans for upcoming school events and programmes.

With insightful sharing sessions led by the PSG Exco (5 Love languages) and Senior School Counsellor (E A R N), our PSG members gained valuable perspectives on championing the well-being of our Mayflowerians The breakout discussion, in particular, encouraged cross-pollination of ideas and for parents to identify common challenges in raising young adults

A heartfelt thank you to our PSG members for their invaluable partnership We look forward to working closely with them to enrich the educational experience of our Mayflowerians!

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Alumni Mentoring Programme 2024

As part the commitment to providing educational support for academic improvement and building confidence in our students, a select group of students have been identified to be part of this year’s Alumni Mentoring Programme

This 8-week programme provides an additional layer of support for our students. The data collected in terms of students’ reflections and mentors’ feedback would help the subject teachers to augment and evaluate students’ learning in the classroom It also serves as a two-way feedback channel, enabling teachers to provide insights on students’ learning dispositions and gaps to ensure continuous effective support from the alumni mentoring programme

VISITORS TO MAYFLOWER

Visitors from Suan Boon Yopathum Secondary School

Our school received a group of students and teachers from Suan Boon Yopathum Secondary who visited us as part of their School Immersion and Exchange Programme for English.

During their time here, the students from 4 Adventurous played host to their Thai counterparts, who attended a STEM lesson conducted by Mr Nigel Ng and a PE lesson by Mrs Lucinda Leong. Both groups also put up a wonderful performance featuring a CCA from their school as a finale

Visitors from Ang Mo Kio Primary School

For the second year in a row, we welcomed Primary 6 pupils from Ang Mo Kio Primary School to our campus for an exciting glimpse into secondary school life These young students participated in interactive lessons for subjects unique to secondary school. Our dedicated teachers from the school's publicity team led engaging sessions in English Literature and Geography, giving the pupils a better understanding of these subjects

After the lessons, the visiting students enjoyed a guided tour of our school They had the chance to see our students in action, whether working on after-school projects or participating in their Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) It was a wonderful opportunity for the Primary 6 pupils to get a taste of the vibrant and dynamic life at our secondary school