ENDEAVOUR ENDEAVOUR PRIMARY SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2023
BUZZ
MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL LEADERS As we reflect upon the year 2023, we cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude and pride for the incredible journey we have embarked on together. This was the year that saw the resurgence of all school activities and programmes, bringing back the vibrant heart of our educational community. We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated staff, wonderful parents and resilient students for making this year one for the books.
Students: To our students, you have been the embodiment of resilience and the driving force behind the revival of our school’s vibrant spirit. In 2023, you demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and a relentless commitment to your education. The return of all school activities and programmes was not without its challenges, but your determination to excel has been a source of inspiration.
Staff: Our dedicated staff, you are the lifeblood of our school. The unwavering commitment and hard work you put into creating a safe, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, you faced unique challenges head-on and demonstrated unparalleled dedication to our students.
You brought life to our school, filled our classrooms with curiosity, and our playing areas with cheers. Your participation in extracurricular activities, your pursuit of academic excellence, and your exceptional character have breathed new life into our school community. You’ve showcased your talents in sports, arts, and various other endeavours, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
The return of all school activities and programmes was made possible through your enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. You have gone above and beyond to ensure that our students have access to the best educational experience possible. Your leadership and mentorship have been pivotal in fostering an atmosphere of respect, inclusion, and growth within our school.
The accomplishments you achieved during this year have set new benchmarks for excellence, and we could not be more proud of the remarkable individuals you’ve become. Your enthusiasm, resilience, and passion are the driving forces behind the vibrancy that now defines our school.
The remarkable achievements of this year are a testament to your unwavering dedication, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions to our school. Parents: To our parents, you are the unwavering support system that ensures our school community thrives. Your trust, commitment, and active participation in your child’s education have been a driving force behind the successes of this year. Whether it was attending meetings, volunteering your time and resources, or simply being there for your children, your dedication to their education has been remarkable. You have been instrumental in creating a sense of togetherness and unity within our school community.
Conclusion: As we celebrate the year 2023, we can’t help but feel immense pride and gratitude for the collective efforts of our parents, students, and staff. Together, we’ve achieved a memorable year that will be etched in our hearts and minds for years to come. The return of all school activities and programmes in 2023 is a testament to what can be accomplished through unity, dedication, and a shared love for education. Let’s carry the spirit of this year forward, continue to learn and grow, and look forward to an even brighter and more vibrant future. With heartfelt appreciation, Mr Thomas Koh, Ms Chua Hui Pin, Ms Fauziah Daud School Leaders of Endeavour Primary School
Your encouragement and involvement in our school activities and programmes have not only rejuvenated our educational environment but have also provided an invaluable foundation for our students’ development. You are, and always will be, an essential part of our journey, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (PSG) The PSG plays a key role in inspiring and guiding parents who wish to contribute to the school’s efforts. Parents in the group dedicated their time and put their wealth of talents into actions to support our school’s programmes so that our children can have the best learning experience. They render their support in many school’s events and activities including library duties, Sports Day, Teachers’ Day concert and International Friendship Day. With their unwavering effort, the PSG has created a vibrant and supportive community.
2
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ENGLISH COMPETITIONS Students from the Primary 3 to Primary 6 levels have made Endeavour proud by participating and representing our school in English competitions such as The Moo-O Awards, Anglo-Chinese Junior College Mythos: Junior Orators, Creative Writing Programme, Singapore Poetry Festival, Primary 6 SOTA Creative Writing and the Wits & Words Inter-school Debate Championship. Congratulations to all our participants!
P1 TO P3 LEARNING JOURNEYS Our Primary 1 students had an educational and fun journey to the Singapore Zoo in Term 4. Students were treated to a guided tour at Wild Africa or Fragile Forest. This was followed by a Body Covering workshop. All students had the opportunity to touch the different body coverings of preserved specimens. Our enthusiastic learners discovered fun facts about the fruit bats during their feeding time! They also had an opportunity to view roaming cheetahs up and close from behind a glass protection screen. It was both an exhilarating and startling experience! Our Primary 2 students went on their learning journey to the Hay Dairies Goat Farm in Term 1. They learned more about goats and watched the milking process on the farm. They also had the opportunity to feed the goats and drank the nutritious goat milk at the farm. Many of them were excited and elated to share with their peers and teachers about what they saw and learned at the farm. In line with the new Stellar syllabus 2.0, the English Department embarked on a new learning journey to the S.E.A. Aquarium in Term 3 for our Primary 3 level. The objective of this learning journey was to encourage students to learn more about the types of marine life in alignment to their Stellar Reader, ‘Stars of Chek Jawa’. Students discovered unique facts about the amazing marine creatures, and how similar or different they can be. Students completed an Information Report on their favourite marine creature.
3
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT INTERACTIVE MATHEMATICS EXPLORATIVE ZONE (IMEZ) To nurture their love and passion for Mathematics in a fun manner, various activities were conducted for students from the different levels. From the participation rates, it was evident that the students looked forward to taking part in them.
MATHEMATICS EXCELLENCE 2000(E2K) PROGRAMME To further develop their mathematical thinking and communication skills, some Primary 4 and 5 students were invited to participate in MOE’s Mathematics E2K programme. The inquiry-based programme aims to nurture in them 21st century competencies such as critical and inventive thinking skills. A wide variety of resources like stories, games and puzzles was used to engage students in the problem-solving process.
MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS The Mathematics department would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students for their achievements in the Visual Spatial Mathlympics, 16th Annual Mathlympics and the National Mathematical Olympiad of Singapore (NMOS).
MOTHER TONGUE DEPARTMENT
MOTHER TONGUE FORTNIGHT “CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FIESTA” To create a more immersive cultural experience for our students, Heritage Art & Craft booths were set up by teachers and parent volunteers during recesses for students to have a go at creating traditional artwork like Blow Art with Chinese ink, Basket Weaving and Kolam painting. The response was overwhelming and students were thrilled to showcase their artwork. They were beaming with pride and joy! For this year’s “Unity in Diversity” activity, all students made Thoranam and learnt about the significance behind these auspicious decorations in Indian culture. Strings of Thoranam lined the corridors of Endeavour Primary for weeks.
4
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT DENDROBIUM MISS ENDEAVOUR II In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Endeavour Primary School proudly presents Dendrobium Miss Endeavour II which is the second successful hybrid cultivated by our students through our signature P5 Orchid Hybridisation Programme. Its name mirrors Endeavour Primary School’s values of Diligence and Perseverance, showcasing the hard work needed to nurture a beautiful and enduring creation. Orchids, known for their hardiness, symbolise the school’s ability to thrive in challenging environments.
SCIENCE COMPETITIONS Our students had the opportunity to participate in various Science competitions. The Primary 5 students showcased their investigation of the effectiveness of natural materials to filter water at the 21st Elementz Science Project Competition and Singapore Youth Science Festival. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the students.
P6 TERRARIUM WORKSHOP As part of the Environmental Education in Endeavour, the Primary 6 students learnt more about climate changes and how the natural environment is self-sustaining through a Terrarium workshop. The students had a whale of a time building their own terrarium.
SCIENCE WEEK In Term 4, students learnt more about water conservation and the practice of reduce, reuse, recycle (3Rs) not only through the SLS package assigned but also from the activities conducted and videos shown during the Science Week. The Science department also collaborated with NEA and PUB to display informative booths and educational posters to reinforce the message of the importance of cultivating a sustainable future.
5
AESTHETICS DEPARTMENT MUSIC Our Music Department is a vibrant hub of creativity and talent, dedicated to nurturing the musical aspirations of our students and community members. Led by our passionate music educators, we offer a diverse range of programmes, including instrumental instruction, vocal training, and music theory. Our curriculum is designed not only to hone musical skills but also develop a deep appreciation for the cultural diversity and rich history of music.
ASSEMBLY PROGRAMMES Our department is delighted to shine a spotlight on our assembly programmes, and the inspiring cross-department collaboration taking place within our school. These elements, together, enrich our community’s cultural tapestry and provide invaluable opportunities for our students and residents to develop an understanding and appreciation of music in local and global cultures while cultivating a lifelong enjoyment and involvement in music.
e-EDP FAME: SHOWCASING ‘EVERY CHILD A PERFORMER’ As part of the Learning for Life Programme (LLP), we provide several platforms for students to develop their passion in Performing Arts beyond the Music classrooms. The EDP FAME platform was initiated on the premise that all children are musical and have the innate ability to listen, sing, dance, play and express themselves musically.
VISUAL ARTS ‘The 100 Visual Languages’ Showcase at the Singapore Youth Festival Art Exhibition In collaboration with eight Primary Schools and Arts Education Branch, our school had the privilege to co-curate ‘The 100 Visual Languages’ showcase to present a collection of our Primary 3 and Primary 4 students’ drawings at Stamford Arts Centre. These drawings were selected from an on-going trial of the refreshed syllabus feature (i.e. Drawing as a core learning experience) in the nine primary schools. In and through their drawing experiences during art lessons, our students developed self-confidence and the joy of using art to convey their ideas.
Video recordings submitted by our budding student-artistes via the SLS platform were showcased during pre-assemblies and music lessons. Through this platform, we developed our students’ confidence when they perform in front of an audience. The student audience also learnt the value of respect and etiquette of being a good audience.
6
PE DEPARTMENT GAMES CARNIVAL Our Primary 6 students played a pivotal role as game designers and game masters to the other levels in the school during our recent Games Carnival. They were tasked to design suitable games for their younger peers during their PE lessons as part of the Game Creation module in the curriculum. They adopted the Design Thinking Process Model and defined problem statements, brainstormed ideas, designed the prototypes and trialed the games. It was very heartening to see the interaction between the students.
SPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAMME (SEP) Our Primary 3 students were introduced to Sports Stacking while the Primary 4 students had the opportunity to learn the skills of Archery. These programmes promote team spirit and character building and aim to arouse interest in continual sports participation. They enjoyed a handson experience in taking part in mini competitions among their classmates.
PRIMARY 6 POST PSLE INTER-CLASS GAMES Our Primary 6 students took part in the Post PSLE Inter-Class Games. The students took part in Captain’s Ball, Badminton and Table Tennis. Sportsmanship and teamwork were displayed by the competitors.
UPPER PRIMARY SPORTS DAY Our annual Upper Primary Sports Day was held after a long hiatus. Every student had the chance to represent their class. The event was held at Yishun Stadium.
LOWER PRIMARY SPORTS DAY Primary 1, 2 and 3 students experienced their very own sports day that was held in school. It was a fun-filled day as they engaged in inter-class races. The events were centered mainly on their basic locomotor skills and fundamental movements.
P5 CAMP RESILIENCE The cohort took part in the Primary 5 Camp Resilience in school. The students bonded with their classmates and both the form and co-form teachers. They pitched their tents and participated in dragon-boating activities at the Lower Seletar Reservoir. The camp ended with everyone having fun during the campfire. Each class put up a performance to display their camaraderie and unity. The campers enjoyed their stay.
7
CHARACTER & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION / VALUES-IN-ACTION
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION Singapore marks its 58th anniversary with the theme “Onward As One.” Our students have gained a reflective understanding of the significance of inclusivity, unity, and shared responsibility for Singapore’s future through their engagement with the 4 core National Education events and the Social Studies programmes. Our students are given the opportunity to play a pivotal role in showcasing respect and accountability towards the environment and fellow citizens, irrespective of their racial, language, or religious backgrounds. This forms an essential part of their maturation into responsible adults who actively contribute to a sustainable future for Singapore through civic engagement.
CYBER WELLNESS Eight of our Primary 4 CCE ambassadors took part in this year’s National Cyber Wellness Advocacy Challenge (NCAC), hosted by Crescent Girls’ School (CGS). This challenge allowed our young advocates to create materials for teaching Cyber Wellness principles and values. We are pleased to announce that they clinched the Silver Award.
EARTH HOUR On March 25, Endeavour enthusiastically observed Earth Hour, centering on the theme “Invest in Our Planet.” In line with this event, we welcomed a guest speaker from the Waterways Watch Society to deliver an assembly talk emphasising the significance of water conservation. Students from the various levels executed projects related to this cause as part of the post-learning activities. Our library showcased the projects that the students had completed.
KEEP OUR CANTEEN CLEAN The “Keep our Canteen Clean” initiative aims to instill in students the appropriate values regarding the significance of environmental cleanliness and their corresponding responsibilities. In Terms 3 and 4, we expanded our efforts beyond merely picking up litter by actively engaging Primary 3 students in diverse roles aimed at maintaining the canteen’s cleanliness. Students have gained an understanding of the laborious work undertaken by our dedicated school cleaners daily to ensure they have a pristine environment. Consequently, students have learned the importance of demonstrating kindness and respect towards these invaluable members of our school community.
8
EVENTS TEACHERS’ DAY The celebrations went virtual as our school hall was used for the Presidential Elections. Our pupils presented a Ukulele performance, a dance item, a poem recitation by the Drama Club and a special video montage by our ICT Club. Both pupils and teachers had a side-splitting time playing a “Guess the Teacher Game” on Kahoot. Teachers were also pleasantly surprised by the lovely handmade bears gifted by our Parent Support Group. We ended the celebration with a sing-along session to express our appreciation to our teachers.
CHILDREN’S DAY Children’s Day Celebration is a day dedicated to our students, especially the enthusiastic Primary 1 cohort. It’s also their Rainbow Day when they don vibrant costumes, dance with glee, and immerse themselves in a world of imagination. On this day, the school came alive with Books to Movie adaptations, bringing classic tales to the silver screen, captivating young minds. This celebration embraced the magic of childhood and promoted the love of literature, creativity, and the enchanting world of storytelling.
KIDSEXCEL PROGRAMME AT EDP
The school kickstarted the KidsExcel Programme for selected Primary 1 to 4 students. This after-school programme comprises academic support and sports activities conducted by trained and passionate coaches and teachers from ‘Catch Them Young’ organisation. During the programme, the students were nurtured into confident and resilient learners with positive learning attitudes. The students also took part in the Kids Excel Sports Camp held at Woodlands Stadium, during the June holidays, where they had the opportunity to interact with students from other schools while participating in various sports activities.
BLENDED OPEN HOUSE The Endeavour Blended Open House took place on 22 July. Parents signed up for our principal’s talk and the school tour to find out more about us through the school website. Our student leaders were the tour leaders and they shared their personal experiences of a student’s life in Endeavour. Some student leaders also assumed the role of station masters where they shared more information with the visitors about the learning experiences at various locations. Our Parent Support Group also set up a station to share with other parents about the activities carried out by them.
EMERGENCY DRILL On 3 November, we carried out an emergency drill and evacuated Primary 1 to 5 students to Canberra Secondary School for the first time. In situations where it is unsafe for the school population to remain in the school compound, an evacuation drill to an external holding area (EHA) is necessary while the incident in the school is being managed. Our students proceeded to the EHA in an orderly manner, and they were reminded about the importance of such drills when they returned to school.
9
PREFECTS’ INVESTITURE
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
The Endeavour Prefects’ Investiture took place on 24 July. 44 students received their Prefect badges and were officially introduced to the whole school. Cheryl Ooi Xin Yi from 5 Integrity will be helming the Prefectorial Board as the Head Prefect. She is supported by Wei Feng Xuan from 5 Compassion and Tang Hwee Nee, Vanessa from 5 Compassion as the Deputy Head Prefects.
PREFECTS WORKSHOPS AND LEARNING JOURNEYS Besides monthly meetings and committee work, our prefects also attended workshops on student leadership and went on learning journeys. These activities were organised to develop our prefects to be holistic leaders.
STUDENT LEADERS CAMP At the end of Term 4, a Student Leaders Camp was conducted for the various student leaders. A total of 150 student leaders attended the day camp, which focused on helping them grow in their roles and responsibilities as a student leader. Prefects took on the roles of student facilitators. They underwent a three-day workshop and learnt to facilitate the ice breaker games and activities.
10
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CCA plays an important role in shaping the character of the students. It also creates an opportunity for them to experience and discover their talents while acquiring social awareness and applying interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with friends.
Joining the Badminton CCA was one of the best choices I have ever made. I encountered rich experiences with my other friends in the CCA. Our school participated in the National School Games, and we achieved the Top 8 position in the North Zone. The badminton coach played an essential role in helping me and my team to improve our badminton skills. The training sessions helped to improve my stamina which is crucial in the badminton matches. Throughout my journey in the Badminton CCA, I learned the two important values that our school upholds: Diligence and Perseverance. I need to train diligently to improve my technical skills. During competitions, perseverance plays a crucial role, especially when playing against strong opponents. Being in the team allows me to understand the importance of supporting every team member and motivating one another, especially when the going gets tough. I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life. ANG SHYAN KAI ISAIAS 6DILIGENCE BADMINTON
I have always wanted to become better at Art. I continuously strive to do my best. I was determined to excel in Art. I progressed through the weeks attending the CCA, always thinking about how to improve my technical skills. As an Art Club member, I remembered the ‘ART’ principle our teacher had taught us. I excelled in my CCA and eventually was elected as the Chairman. The leadership position taught me to manage relationships among the members during the CCA sessions. I enjoyed and cherished the experience that the Art Club has offered me. I wish the members of the Art Club the very best and to work hard to hone their skills. You can achieve anything with perseverance. MARCO ZHANG YONGHE 6COMPASSION ART CLUB
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS Our annual staff lunch was held in November. Staff were encouraged to dress up as their favourite movie character. Other than games and a scrumptious lunch buffet, staff took part in a staff bonding activity where each group used Lego sets to demonstrate their creativity.
Publication Committee
Advisors: Mr Thomas Koh (Principal) Ms Chua Hui Pin (Vice-Principal 1) Miss Fauziah Daud (Vice-Principal 2) Editors: Mrs Vijayashree Fernandez (Head of Department/English) Mrs Goh-Wong Weiling (Level Head/English)
Endeavour Primary School 10 Admiralty Link Singapore 757521 I Tel: 64824650 I Fax : 64824670 Email: endeavour_ps@moe.edu.sg I Website: https://www.endeavourpri.moe.edu.sg/.
a touche design production @ 9009 5432
My journey with Wushu began with curiosity and a desire to learn a unique martial sport. I was introduced to a world of precise movements, discipline and respect. Everyone strives for personal advancement while cultivating friendships. The trust and support among teammates were vital and I cherish all the friendships. Participating in the Wushu competition has provided me a platform to test my skills, gain self-confidence, and appreciate the importance of sportsmanship. This year, I participated in the National School Games competition and the Singapore National Wushu and Sanda Championships. I was also chosen to represent Singapore at the 9th World Kungfu Championships in Emeishan, China. I won two silver medals. Achieving my personal best score and standing at the podium to receive my medals are moments of pride that I will cherish. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to join the Wushu CCA. WENG LINXU 5 INTEGRITY WUSHU