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Issue 1 / Mar 2019

THE BROOKSIAN TIMES Latest news from Northbrooks Secondary

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE By Mr Nick Chan

Dear parents and the Northbrooks community, I warmly welcome all of you to join us for an exciting year in 2019! In this term’s newsletter, I would like to take this opportunity to unpack our School Vision. The first segment of the vision, ‘Every Brooksian a Champion’ highlights our aim to imbue the Champion Learning Mindset in our students. This Mindset involves never giving up in the process of learning and having resilience. The concept ‘resilience’ is sometimes defined as “the ability to bounce back”. But others argue getting back to a baseline is not enough – the goal should be to come back stronger, better positioned for the future, to “bounce forward”, as Professor

Patricia Longstaff of Syracuse University put it. On page 1, we learn about how Melvin Ang (Class of 2004) bounced forward when he faced setbacks in his life. We believe that this Mindset is the core quality that enables students to live their lives with passion. At the Appointment and Appreciation Ceremony for Principals, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “Our children face a fastchanging, technologically-advanced and rapidly evolving future […]. Their best preparation is to know and be committed to developing their passions, talents and strengths.” Indeed, to prepare our Brooksians to be ready for an uncertain future, we strive to design a plethora of learning experiences for them to discover and pursue their passions. Read about some of the diverse passions of our Brooksians on page 4. The second part of our vision is ‘Impacting the community’. Here in Northbrooks, we advocate the idea ‘By Champions, For Champions’. This means our students are given opportunities to

plan, organise, lead and work in teams for their fellow peers in the Northbrooks community. One recent instance is when the student leaders had the chance to run this year’s CCA Display Day and Sec. One Orientation with much autonomy. Given the space to try and room to fail, they had a rich learning experience. Their efforts paid off too. The Sec One cohort participated in a new mass dance and our first ever evening campfire event on the last day of the orientation. What’s even more gratifying was the huge crowd of supportive parents who turned up for this event on a weeknight! We encourage all parents to participate in our school’s events whenever possible. Let’s work towards a synergistic and strong Home-SchoolCommunity partnership for many years to come! Let’s help our students, your children, to learn how to make mistakes, learn from their mistakes and grow in the process. And most importantly, let’s make their journey a positive, fulfilling and meaningful one. Thank you.

FACES OF NORTHBROOKS Bringing you closer to

Mr Melvin Ang By Ngeow Wei Qi, Nuh B Muhamad, Niki Sonia Noushin Saleh & Seth Neo (4G)

At one of the lowest points in attendance. Eventually, he his life, businessman and was asked to leave. former Brooksian Melvin Ang found himself at home, staring I would encourage at his room’s ceiling, not anyone, no matter knowing what to do with his life. It was 2006 and the then what the problem is, 18-year-old had just dropped to seek help from a out of Ngee Ann Polytechnic trusted adult. (NP). Melvin had been doing well in his engineering course in NP but frequent squabbles between his parents over financial issues at home took a toll on him. In his second year, he suffered sleepless nights and this affected his

However, Melvin did not give up on learning and turned to reading books.

selling refurbished guitars. To his surprise, he managed to From there, he slowly built his earn some money, enough to fund his private diploma and knowledge about business. first year of university. His He demonstrated resilience guitar business also gave the by starting a small business

30-year-old the confidence to start a few other businesses and eventually, his own brand, Kanshoku Ramen Bar. Continued on Page 3

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HIGHLIGHTS SEC. ONE ORIENTATION (2 - 4 JAN)

"The Sec 1 students are an enthusiastic and excited bunch, who asked many good questions when they tried out archery at our Boys' Brigade CCA booth," remarked Staff Sergeant Joshua Lim (4D, left). Part of this year's Orientation programme included opportunities for students to explore the various CCAs offered at Northbrooks.

RECYCLATRON (16 JAN)

Ms Wendy Lee (2G form teacher, L) said, "I was glad that my class had many opportunities to approach the public to speak about the importance of recycling." This year, not only did students collect recyclables from Yishun neighbourhood, they also interacted with the residents to spread the energy and water saving messages from Northwest CDC and NEA.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION (4 FEB)

As part of this year's Chinese New Year celebrations, each class made a "dragon' out of recyclable materials, and showcased their dragon dance moves! Muhd Nur Zulhusni and Adam Liang Zietsman (4T, Centre L & R of the dragon mascot) said, "We learned more about Chinese culture and bonded with our classmates!"

The Brooksian Times / Issue 1 / Mar 2019

@ NORTHBROOKS TOTAL DEFENCE DAY COMMEMORATION (13 FEB)

Sec 1 students learn about civil defence at one of the stations of the TD Quest. "I was glad to be able to teach the Sec. 1 students some basic bandaging skills," said Corporal Julia Raihanah Bte Zuraini (3I, Red Cross Youth, R). A highlight of this year's Total Defence Day commemoration, TD Quest was organised in conjunction with students from various Uniformed Groups.

CROSS COUNTRY (22 FEB)

Sec 4 and 5 girls charge onward upon hearing the starting horn. "I felt nervous yet determined! I had my mind set on finishing the race knowing that I did my best," said Castillo Justine Cuaresma (4G, Centre).

MOTHER TONGUE FORTNIGHT (FEB - MAR)

弹唱⼈制作室 (TCR Music Station) performs during a Xinyao

concert held during the Mother Tongue Fortnight. "The unique local art form exposes the audience to Singapore's culture and history in the 1980s," said Ms Loh Mew Chew (SH/CL).

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The Brooksian Times / Issue 1 / Mar 2019

LEVEL CAMPS (12 - 15 MARCH) These camps exposed Brooksians to a series of customised programmes, tailored for active learning and challenging their limits. In addition, they reinforced the school's values, honed social and emotional skills, and developed leadership qualities, in safe environments.

1. As part of their Geographical Investigation, Sec 1s collect samples from the stream at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, to test the water quality. 2. Muhd Akid Salihin B Aziz (2D) exudes confidence and excitement as he embarks on the 24km cycling expedition with the rest of his class. 3. Lynette Neo (3F) takes a short break from kayaking with her classmates, as they enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings at Pulau Ubin. 4. Sec 4s explore a fun way to exercise by jumping on trampolines to the pulsing beat of music, during the Sports and Fitness Elective Module.

FACES OF NORTHBROOKS: MR MELVIN ANG Continued from page 1. Thinking back on his polytechnic days, Melvin recounted, “It was a big mistake not to talk to anyone about the issues I was facing, and not even my closest friend knew what I was going through at home.” He admitted that his introverted personality had made him reluctant to seek help. He added, “I would encourage anyone, no matter what the problem is, to seek help from a trusted adult.” Despite the challenges he faced as a teen, Melvin now owns three Kanshoku Ramen Bar outlets. One outlet is located at Northpoint City. He started

For most of the things I do right now, I will always try to remember who has helped me before. the chain 4 years ago, with a partner. Although he had no experience in the food and beverage industry, he was interested in how the business would operate. He wanted to create a system where food quality would be consistent and operationally efficient throughout his outlets.

Looking back at his time in Northbrooks, Melvin shared that the teachings of the school never parted from him. “I learnt this Chinese phrase from Northbrooks . In English, it means to be grateful to the origin, to be grateful to people who have guided me before.

饮⽔思源

”For most of the things I do right now, I will always try to remember who has helped me before. This phrase is pretty much etched into my life,” he disclosed. We are pleased that Mr Melvin Ang, who graduated from Northbrooks in 2004, will be our guest of honour at Speech & Prize-Giving Day 2019.

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The Brooksian Times / Issue 1 / Mar 2019

What Say You? By Artiaga Tan Ren Lennard (3I), Charlotte Sia (3E), Janice Low Jia Xuan (4E) & Nur Syaura Qistina Bte Yahya (4E)

WHAT IS YOUR

PASSION? Huang Jingkai, Edwin (4E) accidentally discovered his love for running. In Sec. 1, when PE teacher Mr Sanjay first saw his potential during the school's cross country event, he had little knowledge or experience in the sport. However, as he trained in the sport, he slowly grew to love it. With his hard work and dedication, he is currently ranked in the Top 6 for the 2000m steeplechase event for his age group, and has recently been invited to join the TeamSG Athletics National Youth (Under-18) Team.

I found the sport interesting because you don't just run, you also need the tactical awareness. I'm motivated to train hard because my competitors have had regular training for 3 or 4 years, while my serious training started only last year. I want to try to beat them, and so I want to train myself as hard as possible to be my best. This is a sport that I love and I think I can do well if I train hard.

COMING SOON!

What is passion? Is passion a feeling? Or is it an activity? Well, passion is not really any of these. We would describe passion as a burning flame of desire, dancing vigorously inside of you or a series of stepping stones towards a dream you hope to achieve. You can have passion for sports, music, art and many other areas. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, you are bound to have a passion. Be it playing the piano or dancing to the latest pop hits, you will have something that sparks that flame in you. And if you do not have a passion right now, do not fret as you will slowly but surely discover that hidden gem. Your true passion can only be found in your own heart and mind. No one else can define it for you. Here’s what a few of our Brooksians have to say about their passions. Joshua Lim (4D)

I really enjoy making people laugh and entertaining them because hearing their laughter helps to boost my happiness and my mood. With my sense of humour, I also try to find different yet funny ways to make them happy. I want to to be a social media influencer.

Lim Zhi Xin (5G) “I personally enjoy solving Mathematical problems as I find them really fun. As I love the subject, I would like to become either a Mathematics teacher or a bank manager.

Azhad Salihin B Azman (4I)

I like to run as it allows me to bond with my friends and take part in orienteering competitions with them. My passion was discovered by my teacher, Mr Sanjay. He gave my friend Edwin and me an opportunity to take part in an orienteering competition. That was when I understood that orienteering is beneficial for me as I can develop my directional skills and help people when they are lost,

“I have passion for acting as it gives me a lot of space to be creative. I also get to boost my confidence when I perform on stage. I hope to pursue an acting course at the tertiary level and eventually become a drama coach.”

EAGOR says ...

I've a passion for the outdoors! I love feeling the wind beneath my wings!

CONNECT WITH US!

Danish Mirza B Hisham (4T)

CREDITS Editors Mrs Carolyn Leong Mrs Jasvindar S. Singh Ms Sangeeta Mrs Wright Yi Na Mrs Diana G. Annuar Resident Writers Artiaga Tan Ren Lennard (3I) Charlotte Sia (3E) Janice Low (4E) Ngeow Wei Qi (4G) Niki Sonia Noushin Saleh (4G) Nuh B Muhamad (4G) Nur Syaura Qistina (4E) Seth Neo (4G) Photography & Videography Infocomm Club Seth Neo (4G) Mr Muhammad Khairi Mr Alex Tok Ms Ng Puay Hoon