THE BROOKSIAN TIMES
Issue 2 /July 2023
Latest news from Northbrooks Secondary School
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE By Mr David Lau
Dear Brooksians, Welcome back to school! I hope you all had a wonderful and well-deserved midyear break. Now, as we gather once again, let's embark on an exciting journey through Semester Two together! Let me share an intriguing story based on a book I read during the June holidays. Picture a time not too long ago when penguins reigned over a place called the "Land of Penguins." These penguins were the authority, always dressed in their black and white suits. They believed in uniformity, thinking that unity could only come from everyone being the same. However, there were other birds, like the worker birds, who wore diverse colours and outfits that represented their unique
work and lifestyles. These birds aspired to become leaders themselves and were encouraged to imitate the penguins. They were told to don the penguin suits and emulate their behaviour, hoping to follow in their leaders' footsteps.
Then, one day, a peacock named Perry joined the Land of Penguins. Perry was vibrant, colourful, and brimming with new ideas. Initially, the penguins were impressed by his creativity and believed he had the potential to be a great penguin. However, as time went on, the penguins began whispering against Perry. They thought he was too loud, too different, and his new ideas disrupted their comfortable routine. Perry, too, felt unhappy because the penguins wanted him to conform and be just like them, wearing a penguin suit and adhering to their ways. Both sides were dissatisfied. This story reflects situations that arise when diverse groups of people come together to work and play. Initially, creativity and innovation are valued, and individuals like Perry, with fresh ideas, are welcomed into the group. However, along the way, their creativity often becomes stifled as they are expected to conform to established norms.
In any work team, there will always be penguins and peacocks. There are also pigeons who act as peacemakers, sparrows who remain neutral, and ostriches who avoid conflict by burying their heads in the sand. Peacocks bring diversity and new ideas, while penguins provide stability and structure. It's crucial for penguins, as the backbone of the team, to recognize that diversity can coexist within a team through acceptance and trust. When we learn to appreciate each other's differences, we become more receptive to listening, open to new ideas, and eager to grow. Birds of different feathers can work together in harmony, creating a more inclusive and innovative environment. Remember, Brooksians, that it's important to embrace your unique qualities, just as Perry did. Be open to new ideas and respect the perspectives of others. By doing so, you'll contribute to a more creative and collaborative team.
Diversity can coexist within a team through acceptance and trust. When we learn to appreciate each other's differences, we become more receptive to listening, open to new ideas, and eager to grow... creating a more inclusive and innovative environment.
FACES OF NORTHBROOKS:
Brought together by a love for buses and FSBB By Michael Liau with input from Aqid Mohamed Sani Bin Abdullah (2T2)
We were onboard a Volvo B7R Coach owned by Yellow Bus Services Pte Ltd that was chartered by the school to shuttle students to and from the learning journey. I closed my eyes and tried my best to drown out the chatter by my new Secondary One classmates. Despite my best efforts to get comfortable, it was difficult. There were too many conversations. A distinct conversation…or voice I should say… caught my attention. Someone was identifying the different bus models that drove past. A fellow bus enthusiast? To begin Stuttgart with, there were not many bus enthusiasts who were my age.
Michael (left) and Aqid are classmates from 2T2 who share a common passion for buses.
I stood up from my seat and tried to identify the owner of the voice. To my surprise, it was Aqid! I remember his introduction to the class on the first day of school, but he didn’t mention that he was a bus enthusiast.
Bubbling with excitement, I asked, “Do you like buses too?” Aqid nodded his head. I quickly shifted to the empty seat next to Aqid’s. For the rest of the trip, we identified bus models that drove by and we shared our knowledge about the different bus models in Singapore.
Continued on page 3.
Page 2
HIGHLIGHTS
The Brooksian Times / Issue 2 / July 2023
@ NORTHBROOKS
BOYS' BRIGADE 20TH ANNIVERSARY (11 MAR)
SPEECH & PRIZE-GIVING DAY (7 APR)
Our Boys' Brigade (BB) cadets stand at attention as the Principal of Bedok Green Primary School, Mr Benjamin Yong (in white shirt), inspects the company. Mr Yong, who was our BB CCA's first teacher-in-charge, was invited back to our school to celebrate the 87th Company's 20th anniversary.
Terence Ooi Zi Heng (4I 2022) looks on as his form teacher, Mrs Carolyn Leong, reads his citation for Brooksian of the Year Award 2022. The prestigious accolade was awarded to Terence, who was the school's former Student Council President, at the 23rd Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day.
STUDENT LEADERS' INVESTITURE (14 APR)
HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI CELEBRATION (28 APR)
In a moving Student Leaders' Investiture, our school welcomed our Student, CCA and Class leaders of 2023-2024 and honoured the efforts of the leaders from the previous batch. The event also saw Ariesyah Insyirah Binte Mohamad Faizan (4T1) hand over the role of Student Council President to Ang Kay Lee (3G).
Brooksian students and teachers commemorated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a fun Malay song and dance performance. During the celebration, an educational drama skit was also performed to shed light on the rich cultural traditions of the festive season.
CROSS COUNTRY RUN (12 MAY)
HAIR FOR HOPE (16 MAY)
After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brooksian students and staff enjoyed some fun in the sun during the school's Annual Cross Country Championships at Bedok Reservoir. Students displayed their endurance and sportsmanship as they ran a distance of 3.8km, bolstered by encouragement from their teachers and peers.
Brooksian students and staff volunteers stand shoulder to shoulder after taking part in this year's edition of Hair For Hope. In shaving their heads, these participants hope to beat the stigma of hair loss due to cancer treatments and lend support to children cancer patients.
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The Brooksian Times / Issue 2 / July 2023
FACES OF NORTHBROOKS Continued from Page 1.
morning. Because we were unfamiliar with most services available from the interchange, we settled on taking a joyride aboard service 190 as I knew that it goes onto the expressway. After more than an hour, we finally arrived at Kampong Bahru Bus Interchange, the bus' final destination, and it was deserted. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our ride on service 190. Aqid enjoyed looking at the scenery while I enjoyed an uninterrupted and tranquil journey. After returning to Choa Chu Kang and disembarking the bus, we walked out of the interchange and crossed the road to do more bus spotting outside. I brought along my digital camera to photograph buses while Aqid used his phone. Our photos turned out well. A bus captain driving service 300 even flashed the high beams and waved at us while exiting the interchange. He probably knew that we were bus enthusiasts! It was a perfect day.
Michael and Aqid gather for a photo with their classmates from 2T2 during the school's Chinese New Year celebration this year.
In time, I realised that although Aqid and I were in the same class, 2T2, we were in different learning groups for several subjects. This arrangement is possible because of Full SubjectBased Banding, where students of different learning abilities are placed in the same home group, also known as form class. However, I'm glad we are in the same form class, or we may not have met or even discovered that we both have a shared love for buses! During the recent June Holidays, I suggested to Aqid, “Let’s plan a bus spotting trip.” After hours of planning, we eventually decided to meet up at Choa Chu Kang Interchange one
Having Aqid as a fellow enthusiast and someone in my form class is comforting as I know that there is someone with a common interest and it allows me to bond with him. We discuss about the latest events that have happened within the bus community, the bus industry's future and share with each other the photos that we've taken of buses. In fact, we are currently working together on a Student-Initiated Learning project about buses. I feel that it is also beneficial to be in different learning groups from students in my form class as it exposes me to people from different backgrounds. It also allows students who learn at a similar pace to learn and bond together. Of course, although we may not all have common interests, friendships can still be formed through different ways.
Growing at my own pace with FSBB By Mdm Nuraini Mansor
For any teenager, entering secondary school is a rite of passage learning new subjects, making new friends and adapting to a new environment. Ng Boon Jie Kevin (1G) and his fellow Secondary One schoolmates are the third batch of Brooksians to experience Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) at Northbrooks. As our Sec Ones adjust to a new school experience, they are also offered a new realm of possibilities. A Normal (Technical) student could be taking some subjects at Normal (Academic) level. Similarly, a Normal (Academic) student could take some subjects at Express level. This is in line with FSBB's aims to nurture the joy of learning and develop multiple pathways to cater to the different strengths and interests of our students. When Kevin entered Northbrooks earlier this year, he had already accepted to study English Language at the Normal (Academic) level. At the end of Semester 1, his hard work led to him being offered English Language at the Express level. Here’s what Kevin and his mother, Mdm Tang Siew Lian have to say about this opportunity:
Q: What do you think about FSBB, which has been implemented in secondary schools? Mdm Tang: Students take subjects at a more demanding level if it suits their interests and if they are able to meet the criteria for that level. I believe it is beneficial as students are able to interact with more people of different levels and also pursue their interests at a higher level, pushing them to their fullest potential. Q: In what ways have FSBB benefitted Kevin?
Q: How do you feel about Kevin being offered to take the English Language at Express level? Why?
Mdm Tang: He is always challenged and is not left in a level where he finds the work boring and uninteresting
Mdm Tang: We are proud that he is able to achieve this. Being promoted from Normal (Academic) to Express is something we never pushed for; we just encouraged him to do his best. So this is a big achievement and we are proud of him. We hope he will do his best to listen in class and produce work to the best of his abilities.
Q: Kevin, how will you prepare for the demands of English at the Express level? Kevin: I am excited to take on this challenge and I will listen attentively to my English teacher as I know this will help me to succeed.
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The Brooksian Times / Issue 2 / July 2023
What Say You? OUR BROOKSIAN SYF JOURNEY By Mr Gavin Ler
Every once in a while, there comes a moment where we find ourselves engaged in an activity that calls for our passion and dedication, which creates a memory that is truly extraordinary. For Brooksians in the Performing Arts CCAs, this “moment” arrived in the form of the arduous yet rewarding preparation for the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation. This tale of determination and resilience saw our Dance, Guzheng Ensemble, Drama and Concert Band earn a Certificate Of Accomplishment, and our Guitar Mr Ler is our Ensemble achieve a Certificate Of Commendation. school's These achievements are testament to the Subject Head Northbrooks motto, Soaring Yet Rooted, where our students discover the boundless energy within for Aesthetics. themselves to turn dreams into reality. Under the guidance of their passionate instructors, our Northbrooks' Modern Dance team rehearsed tirelessly, honing their skills and refining their artistry. Our Guzheng Ensemble’s achievements in SYF symbolises our Brooksian efforts of preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary creativity. Through their emotional rendition and boundless creativity, our Drama Club brought their audiences a poignant story of school life. Their ability to breathe life into characters and engage the audience in profound narratives was something that truly impressed me throughout their journey towards SYF.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE SYF? The hard work of my Concert Band members was evident in every note played and I couldn't be prouder of our performance. It has been an honour to witness my members' growth as musicians. Winning is not everything and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Amira Qistina such an amazing group of individuals. (4G)
Our Drama Club has gone through many great challenges during the SYF process. However, we persevered, overcame them and gained invaluable experiences! During rehearsals, we were very nervous and tired but when we pulled off the fantastic performance during the last lap, we felt a sense of satisfaction.
Our Concert Band pushed to new heights, producing amazing and mesmerising music that spoke of complex harmonies, translating composer intentions into beautiful soundscape experiences. Despite being the largest they have ever been, and the hardest to coordinate as it can ever be, they pulled off a performance that touched the hearts of all who heard it. On the other spectrum, our fledging Guitar Ensemble, terrified as they were of their debut on a national platform, turned it into an opportunity for growth. They boldly pulled through, and till today, continue to make strides and progress. As the curtains close on this memorable chapter, I truly hope that the lesson our students take away is that with passion and resilience, greatness will always be within reach.
SYF has taught the Guitar Ensemble to persevere together. We had to switch through frets and strings, make sure every small detail was noticed and be careful with our dynamics. Though everyone was nervous, we encouraged each other to overcome our fears and we learnt from our mistakes afterwards. I'm grateful for the effort that my CCA has put in for SYF.
Nur Alysha (3I)
Ashley Tan (4G)
To all Modern Dance members, I'm very proud of how far we've come and I'm proud of what we've achieved. We've grown so much together! No matter the result we achieved, I hope it pushes us to continue to persevere and improve ourselves. Let's all be thankful for and cherish the memories we've made as a dance team.
I remember us complaining on the first day we received our scores. As the journey progressed, we performed our pieces several times for events in and out of school, which acted as checkpoints. Looking back on these checkpoints, I am really happy to see the progress our Guzheng CCA has made. What I will remember isn't the result but how far we've come as a family.
OUR SYF MEMORIES
Low Cen Yi (4G)
CREDITS Editors Mdm Nuraini Mansor Ali Mrs Carolyn Leong Mrs Diana Annuar Ms Chelsea Mun Ms Audrey Chong
An intense moment captured during our Drama Club's performance.
Concert Band members smile after their performance.
Our Guitar Ensemble make their SYF debut.
Athan Lim (3T1)
Our Guzheng Ensemble pose proudly at their SYF venue.
Page 1's story adapted from A Peacock In The Land Of Penguins By BJ Gallagher and Warren H. Schmidt
Modern Dancers get ready for showtime.
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