Issue 2/ Jul 2019
THE BROOKSIAN TIMES Latest news from Northbrooks Secondary
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE By Mr Nick Chan
Dear parents and the Northbrooks community, The Singapore educational landscape is undergoing transformation, and I am sure that many of us have heard of how we are placing greater emphasis on cultivating the ‘Joy of Learning’ and the ‘Learn for Life’ attitude. As Northbrooks is also transforming and moving forward with its Strategic Plans for 2019-2023, It has been a pretty gratifying, fruitful and hectic Semester 1. The entire school community of staff, internal stakeholders and partners are working hard to provide a studentcentric, values-driven holistic education for our Brooksians. We strive to create variegated learning opportunities in all developmental domains for our Brooksians. On pages 2 and 3, read more
about how students have learnt and grown from some of these opportunities, be it the biennial Brooksian Talent Showcase or the Overseas Immersion Trip to Vietnam. Providing opportunities alone is not enough. Our students learn best when they are equipped with the well-being skills and tools to flourish, and contribute to the flourishing of others. Thus, to enhance student well-being and personal achievement, Northbrooks embarked on the Positive Education (PosEd) journey of promoting Mindfulness and Champion Learning Mindset (Growth Mindset, Grit and Resilience) in whatever we do. To do so, we will continue to challenge our Brooksians with higher expectations, encourage them to take self-ownership, to persevere when faced with adversity, and to eliminate the ‘I can’t do’ virus and their self-limiting beliefs. We believe that over time, this has great impact on students. Read about Mr Sanjay’s ‘Dare to Dream Team' on page 1, and how their Champion Learning Mindset enabled them to achieve what once seemed like a faraway dream.
In addition, some of the areas of PosEd we have been focusing on are developing specific skills that help students to strengthen their relationships and building positive emotions. We have been experimenting with 'Gratitude' and 'Self-discovery' learning packages for our Sec 1s, as part of a collaborative project with our NIE colleagues. In addition, the importance of having a gratitude outlook in life was emphasised during assembly. We hope that these efforts enable students to recognise the truth in the quote, “Learn to appreciate what you have before time makes you appreciate what you had.” I aim to continue to enhance our sense of belonging as a whole school community, one that learns and works together as a team to achieve greater and enduring outcomes and benefits. “A dream you only dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Thank you. Soaring Yet Rooted!
FACES OF NORTHBROOKS Bringing you closer to
Mr Sanjay By Pyae Sone Khin (3G) and Ng Miao Qin Megan (3F)
Three years ago, the track and field event Steeplechase was unfamiliar to Huang Jingkai, Edwin (4E) . Yet, in April this year, the Concert Band member found himself competing against the best runners in the National School Games ‘B’ Division 2000m Steeplechase event. Edwin came in 6th and was also invited to be part of the TeamSG Athletics National Youth (Under-18) Team. Edwin has Physical Education (PE) teacher Mr Sanjay Radakrishna to thank for spotting his talent. The teacher has also similarly spotted 5 other students and the 'Dare To Dream Team' - as he affectionately calls the group - has made significant strides under his guidance.
that with guidance, they could achieve great results and shine on the national stage,” said Mr Sanjay. On top of managing their studies and respective CCA commitments, the team members go through two-hour training sessions 2 to 3 times a week. They also train on their These students had stood out to the own. teacher during Northbrooks Secondary's own Cross Country races. “I saw potential Under Mr Sanjay’s coaching, the 'Dare to in them. They were positive students who Dream Team' was placed 9th out of 46 exhibited grit and resilience. I believed Continued on Page 3.
I believed that with guidance, they could achieve great results and shine on the national stage.