Issue 1 /March 2022
THE BROOKSIAN TIMES Latest news from Northbrooks Secondary School
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE By Mr David Lau
Dear parents and the Northbrooks community, New Beginnings. The theme of this newsletter could not be more apt – 2022 being my first year as Principal at Northbrooks Secondary School (NBR). New Beginnings – we also take this opportunity to welcome our latest batch of Secondary One students to NBR. Thank you for making NBR your school of choice! New Beginnings ... what is my wish for all Brooksians? That is, to reframe the negative beliefs we once held about ourselves. The way we think has a
significant impact on our lives and on our mental wellbeing. Allow me to illustrate through a short story: A man was passing through an elephant camp when he noticed that the huge elephants were not being kept in cages or held by the use of chains. All that was holding them back was a small piece of rope tied to one of their legs. It was obvious that the elephants could easily break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. The man was completely confused as to why the elephants did not just use their strength to break the rope and escape from the camp. Those huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their back leg. He asked a nearby trainer why those magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to escape. The trainer smiled and replied, “Well, when they were very young and much smaller we used the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never even try to break free.”
Dear Brooksians, like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto the belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before? How many of us are being held back by old, outdated beliefs that no longer serve us? How many of us have avoided or stopped trying something new because of a limiting belief? Worse, how many of us are being held back by someone else’s limiting beliefs? New Beginnings … what is my wish for all Brooksians? Break the false belief system and start working towards your dreams and goals. The false fears, obstacles and challenges should not stop you from getting the success and happiness that you deserve. So break free from your “ropes” and try no matter the outcome. The first step towards success is the simple decision to try. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford
FACES OF NORTHBROOKS
Featuring Ahmad Mikhail Rauff By Nurfalisha Adryna Binte Heriady (4I) Qatikah Ayumi Binte Mohammad Zamri (4I), & Sabrina Binte Amirul Haque (4F)
community at Northbrooks, he also served in the Youth Assembly with North West Community Development Council where he volunteered his time at childcare centres and elderly homes. He also participated in the Hair For Hope fundraiser in 2019 and 2021 for the Children's Cancer Foundation and Relay for Life 2021 for the Singapore Cancer Society.
April 2020. Just as Ahmad Mikhail Rauff was easing into his new role as Student Council President of Northbrooks Secondary, Singapore entered an unprecedented Circuit Breaker monthlong lockdown due to Covid-19. This marked the beginning of a challenge that would last throughout Mikhail’s presidency but the optimistic student leader remained unfazed by the Covid-19 pandemic and continued to rally his schoolmates together in novel ways. In a bid to raise the morale of his schoolmates as well as build school spirit, Mikhail mooted and organised a Call Of Duty gaming competition in the school hall that involved over a hundred students across the school, all in keeping with safe-distancing measures.
“I am immensely grateful to have had that platform to strengthen the bond between students in spite of our circumstances,” recalled Mikhail, now in his first year at Eunoia Junior College. Throughout his time as a student leader, Mikhail had also aspired to be a servant who led and a leader who served. Apart from serving the school
Mikhail says that he lives by the quote, ‘If you don't step out of your comfort zone, you won’t grow’. This quote has motivated him many times to take a leap of faith and make the best out of any situation. For example, Mikhail had represented Singapore in the Asian Junior Youth Orienteering Championship in Japan in 2019. Although his time in Northbrooks' Outdoor Adventure Club had taught him many hard skills, the competition was Continued on page 3.
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The Brooksian Times / Issue 1 / March 2022
HIGHLIGHT S @ FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (4 JAN)
NORTHBROOKS
SEC 1 ORIENTATION (5 JAN)
Newly-minted Upper Secondary students Gauri Bhatnagar [L] and Nur Ilya Shahira Binte Mohammad Aizul (3F) bounce forward into the new year by sharing a concern and an encouraging note on these ping-pong balls with each other. "The Bouncing Forward activity made me feel that I’m not alone and I can count on my friend if I needed to talk to someone," said Gauri.
Secondary One flag bearers, representing their individual classes, get ready to hoist their class flags proudly around our virtual campfire. This event marked the conclusion to the Secondary One Orientation Programme, an event organised by the Student Council to welcome new Brooksians to secondary school life and build class spirit.
CCA DISPLAY (7 JAN)
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS (31 JAN)
Staff Sergeant Kyser Boo (4I), [R] of the National Cadet Corps (Air), teaches a potential cadet how to hold a replica SAR 21 rifle, the standard service weapon of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). "NCC has taught me the value of brotherhood and camaraderie," said Kyser of his NCC journey so far, "I hope the Sec Ones will strive for the best and be passionate about their chosen CCAs."
Our School Leaders Mr David Lau [Centre, L], Ms Goh Peishi [L], Mdm Poh Shi Hui [Centre, R] and Mr Adam Ahmad [R] wish the school an auspicious Year of the Tiger. Our school was able to successfully use ICT platforms such as Zoom to have an enjoyable live virtual celebration with safe distancing measures to keep everyone safe.
CLASS LEADER APPOINTMENT CEREMONY (17 FEB)
TOTAL DEFENCE DAY (18 FEB)
Mr Alex Ang (Acting HOD / PE & CCA) and Jasper Chow as they assume their 2022. All class leaders of the school programme and ceremony to better leadership journeys this year.
congratulates Angie Chu roles as class leaders for underwent an initiation prepare them for their
PDLP SEC 1? (20 MAY)
Lance Corporal Ryan Aniq Bin Mohamed Herman (2F) [Centre] of the National Police Cadet Corps teaches his classmates how to play 'Guardians of the City II'. This game was designed to show how every Singaporean plays a part to defend Singapore. "It was a bit of a challenge at first but I am happy I got to teach this game to them," said Aniq.
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The Brooksian Times / Issue 1/ March 2022
Cohort Assemblies
2022
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Secondary One Brooksians read their novels during "Drop Everything and Read" (D.E.A.R) Time in their first cohort assembly in February. This was the first time Brooksians gathered as a cohort for morning assembly in nearly 2 years.
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Behind (and above) the scenes, our Audio Visual Aids Club (AVA) members strive to keep the Secondary Three Cohort Assembly running smoothly. Here, they are playing videos prepared by the candidates running for Student Council Chairperson Elections.
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[Foreground, L] Tee Jie Ren (4I) stands at attention while Student Councillors lead the Secondary 4 and 5 cohort during a Flag Raising Ceremony. Student councillors also help prepare the hall for assembly, and lead the cohort in greeting their teachers.
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Vice-Principal Mr Adam Ahmad shares a moving and inspirational story with the Secondary 4 and 5 cohort during his farewell speech to the school on the last day of Term 1.
FACES OF NORTHBROOKS Continued from Page 1.
Featuring Ahmad Mikhail Rauff close friends, he decided to focus more on what he could do next instead of mulling over spilled milk. He eventually achieved a remarkable L1R5 aggregate score of 7 points. He was also featured in the Berita Harian newspaper in January this year for his exemplary efforts as a student.
particularly challenging for him as he had only learnt the orienteering sport for about 5 months before that. Nevertheless, he reframed his negative beliefs into positive ones and emerged Top 10 in the sprint category. In addition to maintaining a positive growth mindset, Mikhail advised that it is also essential to “have a healthy support network that can give you the extra momentum you need when you are struggling on an uphill climb.” Mikhail recalled the despair he felt during his GCE ‘O’ Level English Language paper last year. He felt as though he had written the worst essay in his life. However, after talking to his
“Although I did not see it then, my family, friends and teachers looked at me as a person with greater capability than I thought I had.” Mikhail poses for the Berita Harian newspaper.
“If you don't step out of your comfort zone, you won't grow.” - Mikhail
Northbrooks Secondary School is proud to announce that Ahmad Mikhail Rauff will be presented the 2021 Brooksian Of The Year award at this year’s Speech Day.
The Brooksian Times / Issue 1 / March 2022
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What Say You?
WHAT IS YOUR WISH FOR COHORT ASSEMBLIES?
COHORT ASSEMBLIES
Book Discussions I hope that we can get to hear our classmates' views during assemblies. For example, during D.E.A.R Time, we could be given some time to discuss how we feel about the book or reading material with the students around us. Getting to Woong Rui En, interact with other students in the cohort 1T2 will also get us more energised for early morning classes.
By Nur Aisyah Batrisyia Binte Salimi, Ng Han Lin (4G) & Ang Min En (4I)
Assemblies in school are a time of shared laughter and discipline. My first assembly experience with Northbrooks was especially meaningful as it was also my first time seeing Brooksians 'unite' as a school. Assemblies are also occasions for applause. They serve as platforms to celebrate students’ achievements, motivating both recipients to continue working hard and their audience to strive to do better.
Ms Goh Peishi (Vice-Principal)
Assemblies may also provide opportunities for students to contribute to the school as assemblies are largely student-led. Uniformed groups, student councillors and AVA club members spend hours perfecting their various duties so as to ensure that all assembly programmes run smoothly. Sometimes, assemblies test students’ ability to cope with unforeseen circumstances. If something goes wrong, how do they overcome the problem? This in turn creates room for learning, resilience and skills of problem-solving. Students may also contribute to the school by delivering a presentation or speech at assembly. This in turn develops their confidence and public speaking skills. I hope that as we continue to gather for more cohort assemblies, we will exemplify our school's GIFTED values towards our fellow schoolmates. Graciousness: Let's show support for those presenting on stage by clapping for them politely. Integrity: Let's practise integrity by actively listening and focusing on the ongoing presentation, instead of letting our minds wander. Fortitude: Let's focus on the ongoing presentation regardless of how long it may be. Teamwork: Let's remind our classmates to observe silence and social distancing. Empathy: Let's respect those presenting on stage as it takes a lot of confidence to speak in front of a large audience. Discipline: Let's show self-discipline by keeping quiet and giving our fullest attention to those who are speaking.
Assembly Talks I hope that we can interact more with each other during cohort assemblies, so that we can bond with each other as a level. I also hope to see more talks and programmes related to mental health. This would help a lot as we can learn more ways to cope with our academic stresses.
Student Interactions I hope for more activities that allow us to interact with our peers. For example, we could play some games or even participate in mini inter-class sports competitions, while maintaining safe management measures. Interacting Muhammad Anzar with our peers is a good way to wake students up from their morning Ansari, 3G slumber so that they are ready for school.
School Celebrations Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have missed a lot of opportunities to bond as a cohort and as a school. I would thus love to celebrate events such as the Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Puasa together. I would like school activities to return to normal, just like in the days before Covid-19.
A PARTING MESSAGE FROM MR ADAM... If you ask me, I think resilience is the most powerful skill a student can develop in today’s context. I leave Northbrooks with a heavy heart but an elated mind as I see more Brooksians developing this life skill. It is a skill that has helped me to bounce back and bounce forward on countless occasions. Brooksians, I urge you to invest time and space to groom this skill using your mind, heart and body. Convince your mind that grief and resilience live together, assure your heart that helping others strengthen your mindset and persuade your body to adopt self-care and eat, sleep and exercise well. All of this will help you feel more in control and cope with whatever life throws at you next. A novelist, Stephenie Meyer, once said that when life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, you need to stand up and show life that you have thousands of reasons to smile. All the best everyone, in your journey within, journey beyond and journey into the future. - Mr Adam Ahmad www.northbrookssec.moe.edu.sg
Rocales Clark Cedric Margallo , 4I
CREDITS
Dear Brooksians,
CONNECT WITH US!
Nursarina Binte Mawi, 2T2
Editors Miss Chelsea Mun Mr Joel Tan Mrs Carolyn Leong Mr Gavin Ler Mr Muhammad Khairi
The Northbrooks family wishes Mr Adam all the very best as he embarks on the next phase of his journey as an educator.
www.facebook.com/northbrookssecondaryschool/
Page 1's short story www.invajy.com/shortinspirational-storyabout-life
@officialnorthbrooks