Unity Sec Term 2 Newsletter (2024)

A Special Edition

by Unity Secondary School

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Mdm. Adel Ong (left), Mr. N Satianathan (First Principal of Unity Secondary), Ms. Jenny Ng and Mr. Alan Lim at our 25th Anniversary Celebration on 1 June 2024.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Unitians, Welcome to the 25th Anniversary Edition of our Term 2 Newsletter! As we celebrate our school’s silver jubilee, we reflect on our beginnings and the journey that has brought us here. Since its inception in 2000, Unity has been committed to providing a holistic education for all students. Under the leadership of our First Principal, Mr. N Satianathan, the school laid a strong foundation, offering ample opportunities for students to develop into visionary leaders anchored in integrity.

In those early years, students played a pivotal role in designing the school motto, uniform, badge, and song, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.

The strong leadership of my four predecessors — Mr. N Satianathan, Ms. Tan Siew Piang, Mr. Chan Ying Yin, and Mdm Aini — has been instrumental in nurturing the holistic development of our students. It is my honour to continue this legacy, striving to further develop Unity Secondary into a School of Opportunity, where students lead themselves, serve others, actualize their potential, and inspire those around them.

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Our guiding philopsophy, “Every Unitian is Unique, has Potential and can be an Inspiration” continues to drive us as we create opportunities for our students to act independently and take an active role in shaping their educational experiences at Unity.

This year, we have abundant reasons to celebrate as we commemorate our numerous achievements and firsts.

In April 2024, Singapore hosted the 14th International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) for the first time. Jointly organised by the Singapore Ministry of Education, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the global teacher union Education International, this summit brought together education ministers, union leaders, and teacher leaders from high-performing and rapidly improving education systems.

We were deeply honoured to be selected by MOE as one of the schools to host the delegates on Day 2 of their visit, focusing on the topic of “The Role of Technology in Transforming Education”. At Unity, we actively integrate technology into our teaching and learning practices, employing Active Learning pedagogy to engage our learners. The delegates praised our systemic approach to leveraging technology to accelerate learning.

As the School of Opportunity, dedicated to creating and seizing opportunities for our Unitians to become lifelong learners and inspiring leaders, we take great pride in the achievements of our students. Our Unitians have excelled in holistic and leadership development, reaching new heights in the 2023 Singapore Youth Festival Competitions, earning 4 Distinctions and 1 Accomplishment across our 5 Performing Arts Groups. Our Uniformed Groups also delivered exceptional performances, securing 4 Gold or Distinction and 1 Silver Award in their respective Unit Proficiency Awards.

Renowned for our basketball prowess, our teams have consistently brought honour to our school at the National School Games. Last semester, our 'B' Division Basketball team fought valiantly, securing 4th place in the competition, adding another accolade to our basketball legacy.

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Continuing our spirit of exploration and innovation, three Sec 2 Higher Chinese students achieved 3rd place in the recent Young Reporters News Challenge, surpassing over 500 students from 53 secondary schools, a testament to their linguistic and journalistic talent.

At Unity Secondary, we intentionally seize and create opportunities to develop 21st-century competencies in our students. Our teachers serve as role models to deepen their teaching and learning practices and they meet bi-weekly in their professional learning teams to engage in collective inquiry and learning process to hone their craft.

Indeed, we would not have come this far without the support from our parents, School Advisory Committee Members, Parent Support Group, Alumni and Partners who serve as our cheerleaders and active supporters in all our endeavours. Thank you for standing by us every step of the way.

Warm regards, Mdm. Adel Ong Principal, Unity Secondary School

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CELEBRATING A MILESTONE: OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXCELLENCE!

On June 1, 2024, Unity Secondary School marked a major milestone - our 25th Anniversary. On this momentous occasion, we celebrated a quarter-century of growth, educational excellence and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds.

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AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

The 25th Anniversary celebration brought together special guests, alumni, staff, current students, as well as the community to appreciate the school's rich history.

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WELL WISHES & SPECIAL MESSAGES FROM OUR FORMER UNITIANS, PARENTS & ALUMNI MEMBERS

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LAUNCHING OF THE FOUR WORLDS

The festivities featured a series of engaging activities, including performances, exhibitions, and speeches that highlighted the achievements and contributions of the Unity Secondary School family.

Our guests were taken on a journey of discovery to four worlds, namely SOAR World, GROW World, MOVE World and PLAY World by our student explorers!

Our student ushers and Unity Counsellors leading and welcoming guests.

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WELCOME TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY! SOAR @ UNITY Soar@Unity is a realm where ideas become reality and dreams take flight. The event featured captivating performances by the Drama Club and Indian Orchestra, alongside showcases by Celestia Maye Choo from 4Inspire8 and our alumni from CCA Basketball, Nur Aliyah Ilyana. Guests were transported through an immersive world, designed to be experienced in the dark, highlighting Unity's rich history and achievements.

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GROW @ UNITY: SHOWCASING UNITIANS’ GREEN INITIATIVES Grow @ Unity provided guests with an opportunity to witness Unitian's dedication to sustainability. Through the engaging performances of our Eco-Explorer students and UniqVoices, attendees observed first-hand how human actions can foster a better world where nature is preserved and protected.

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PLAY@UNITY: UNLEASHING THE INNER CHILD Play@Unity brought out the inner child in every guest.

Students from our Uniformed Groups and Symphonic Band set the stage by transforming into toys to entertain the attendees. This unique performance also highlighted how uniformed groups respond during emergencies, providing both entertainment and educational value.

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MOVE@UNITY: A DYNAMIC FUSION OF DANCE AND SPORT Move@Unity combined the electrifying energy of our dancers and sports students, inviting guests into an arena setting to witness a unique and fascinating experience. This event featured a mash-up of dance and sports moves, creating an entertaining flash-mob spectacle that showcased the talents and dynamism of our participants.

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A MAJESTIC TRIBUTE: PARENT SUPPORT GROUP’S SPECIAL GIFT On the occasion of our 25th Anniversary celebration, the Parent Support Group (PSG) Chairperson, Madam Ong Geok Kuan, and PSG Advisor, Mr. Jasper Liow, presented a special gift to our Principal, Madam Adel Ong. This magnificent painting of an eagle, a symbol represented in our school crest, was created in honour of our school’s significant milestone. The artwork is not merely a painting; it is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit of our Parent Support Group.

Thank you, Parent Support Group, for your beautiful gift to the school!

Art piece was done by: Lara Lin Qianhui (3Actualise5, CCA Art Club) &

her mother, Ms Lulu Ying Chong Wei (PSG member)

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SPECIAL AWARDS HONOUR EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENTS! During our 25th Anniversary celebration and Awards Week 2024, we honoured outstanding Unitians from the 2023 batch of Secondary 1 to 5 students, who excelled in their subjects in the endof-year and GCE Examinations 2023. These students have made us all proud, and they serve as exemplary role models for the rest of us to emulate throughout the year.

Unity All-Round Excellence Award

We also celebrated allround excellence and outstanding achievements of our fellow Unitians!

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OUR OUTSTANDING UNITIANS

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WORDS OF GRATITUDE TO OUR DEDICATED TEACHERS The CCA Boys Brigade has woven a tapestry of impact, not only for the students but also for us parents.

Their thoughtfulness — inviting parents to involve into children’s CCA, helping our children don their first badges, and capturing precious memories through photographs — have left an indelible mark. Unity Secondary School — a haven where students are allowed to make mistakes, where teachers (and BB officers) are very tolerant and patient with their unpolished skills, and where perseverance is celebrated. Love and care permeate the halls, nurturing growth and resilience.

Teachers at Unity are different from those in other schools — full of love and caring. Thank you for creating an environment at Unity Secondary School where children can learn, grow, and find joy in their education. The balanced and nurturing atmosphere, along with caring teachers dedicated to character development and academic learning, makes Unity truly special. Unity Secondary School, you are more than a school; you are the cradle of character, shaping young minds into better individuals.

We value you.

By: Ms Susan Lim (Mother of ZY Lee)

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INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON THE TEACHING PROFESSION (ISTP)

The International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) brings together education ministers, union leaders and other teacher leaders from high-performing and rapidly improving education systems to identify best practices and engage in open conversations on how best to strengthen the teaching profession and raise student achievement. On 23 April 2024, Unity Secondary School welcomed delegates from all over the world to share our journey in making our school one that is student-centered with a technologically-driven learning classroom.

Delegates listening to the presentations and participating in rich discussions.

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Open Classroom: Our teachers in action, sharing ideas with the delagates.

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TWINNING PROGRAMME NEW TAIPEI MUNICIPAL YONG HE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

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On 18 March 2024, a group of 28 students and 4 staff members from New Taipei Municipal Yong He Junior High School began their day at Unity Secondary School with a warm welcome from our Principal and President of Unity Council, who shared insights into life in Unity and student experiences in Singapore. The Taiwanese guests reciprocated by highlighting notable places of interest in Taiwan. The students then embarked on a comprehensive school tour, including attending a Math lesson alongside their Singaporean buddies. They also savoured the experience of choosing and enjoying meals in our canteen during break time before participating in an engaging English class and an immersive Art session featuring Art Marbling. The day continued with them joining various Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) such as Symphonic Band, Table Tennis, and Choir, gaining firsthand experience of our vibrant CCA culture. As we bid farewell, we look forward to meeting our Taiwanese friends in Taiwan this November, further strengthening our cultural and educational exchange.

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UC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

This year, six exceptional student leaders from various CoCurricular Activities ran for the Student Council Presidential Election. Zachery Caleb Wong Kai Le (Track & Field) is known for his determination and athletic excellence. Tan Yong San, Deon (Table Tennis) is noted for his strategic thinking and teamwork. Lim Zong Ting (Eco-Explorers) brings a strong passion for environmental sustainability. Senthilkumar Preethika (Girls' Brigade) exemplifies dedication to service and leadership. Moh Jing Tong, Jezel (NCC Air) is recognised for her discipline and commitment. After intensive campaigning, Deon Tan emerged as the elected President of the 14th Unity Council, supported by other members in the Student Council Executive Committee.

With such strong and dedicated leaders at the helm, this promises to be an exciting year ahead!

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UC & CCA LEADERS APPRECIATION & APPOINTMENT CEREMONY

On April 19, we celebrated the dedication of our Sec 4/5Leaders CCA Leaders CCA and the 13th Unity Councillors for their invaluable contributions to Appreciation their CCAs and the school community. It is our school’s vision to Ceremony develop all Unitians into inspiring leaders, and the CCA programme has been a pivotal platform for honing their leadership skills. As we bid farewell to our graduating leaders, we also warmly welcomed the newly appointed Sec 3 CCA Leaders and the 14th Unity Councillors.

In a symbolic ceremony, the new leaders donned badges representing their commitment to excellence and unity across their respective CCA groups: Sports, Performing Arts, Uniformed Groups, and Clubs and Societies.

The formation of the 14th Unity Council marks the beginning of a journey of growth and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the 13th Unity Council and outgoing CCA Leaders for their exemplary leadership, and we look forward to the contributions of our new leaders.

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Outgoing 13th Unity Council ExCo

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CCA Leaders (20232024) receiving their Certificates of Appreciation

CCA Leaders Appreciation Ceremony

The handover of UC Presidentship from Clarine Ng to Deon Tan

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LEADERS OF LEADERS DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Our Sec 3 potential CCA Presidents and Vice Presidents participated in a leadership development camp organised by the Student Leadership Development Committee and facilitated by Unity Council Alumni. The camp focused on instilling leadership qualities through the five leadership practices: Modeling the Way, Inspiring a Shared Vision, Challenging the Process, Enabling Others to Act, and Encouraging the Heart. Participants engaged in team-building activities to enhance their communication and presentation skills, enabling them to effectively apply the Leadership Challenge Model (LCM) in their leadership roles. They learnt to communicate ideas, inspire others, build relationships, manage conflicts, and collaborate in teams. Additionally, some of our alumni members shared their experiences, further inspiring the juniors in their leadership journey.

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INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

On 5th April, Unity celebrated International Friendship Day with a vibrant and engaging assembly programme. Two IS/PR students, Lilia Lubecka from 1Lead2 (NPCC) and Jayda Pichanes Kudeerat from 1Serve4 (Volleyball), presented about their home countries. Lilia, hailing from Poland, shared her unique culture and traditions, giving students a glimpse into the beauty of her homeland. Jayda provided a cultural immersion experience by introducing Thai food and culture. Both students taught common Polish and Thai words to the whole school, enriching the linguistic experience for everyone. The programme enhanced students' awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures represented within our school community and offered a valuable opportunity for local students to connect with and learn about the heritage of their international peers. Students also showcased their creativity through interactive activities like making friendship bracelets, designing digital traditional kites (wau) and creating posters about ASEAN countries during their CCE lessons.

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CULTURAL APPRECIATION: HARI RAYA & TAMIL NEW YEAR On 26th April, the International Students/Permanent Residents Committee and the Mother Tongue Language Department collaborated to host a cultural experience celebrating Hari Raya and the Tamil New Year. This event, organised by the Malay Unit and IS/PR Committee, featured a concert combined with a cooking and food-tasting experience, allowing staff and students to immerse themselves in Malay and Indian cultures. The concert included traditional performances such as Dikir Barat and Bharatanatyam.

Additionally, students displayed their skills in traditional martial arts like Silat and Silambattam. A special highlight was performances featuring Mayilattam and Karakattam, which added a unique touch to the celebration. Staff and students also participated in making thosai and roti jala, and enjoyed traditional foods such as vadai and idly. It provided valuable opportunities for students and staff to understand and appreciate the socio-cultural diversity, customs, and traditions of the various ethnic communities in Singapore.

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UNITY YOUNG WRITERS FESTIVAL DAY 2

UWF Day 2 concluded on a high note on 10 May, involving participants from 24 different schools as well as three esteemed local writers from Sing Lit Station! Our LEP students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of fringe activities designed to promote the joy of language learning and to share their creative work with like-minded enthusiasts. The event also offered the participants a unique opportunity to interact with prominent local writers, fostering rich discussions on the winning pieces of poetry or flash fiction and deepening their appreciation for the literary arts. It was truly an afternoon of literary merriment!

Participants engaged in a workshop conducted by one of our local writers.

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The invited writers and poets who had graced the occasion and shared their knowledge and expertise with our student participants.

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Aloysius Lee (2Inspire8), a Unitian, and one of the winners of the Flash Fiction category, shared his winning piece with the audience.

LEADERSHIP LEARNING WEEK (SEC 1) Leadership Learning Week (LLW) offers students opportunities to build positive relationships with classmates and Character Coaches while engaging in activities designed to develop leadership skills. Secondary One students explored their interests and strengths in Science, Aesthetics, and Sports through: - Applied Learning Programme (ALP) - Aesthetic Appreciation Programme (AAP) - Sports Enrichment Programme (AEP).

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LEADERSHIP LEARNING WEEK (SEC 2) Secondary Two students participated in a four-day, threenight camp in school, learning basic orienteering, first aid, tent pitching as well as outdoor cooking skills. Apart from that, students engaged in hiking at Coney Island and kayaking at Kallang. These activities not only fostered teamwork and relationship management skills but also instilled values of resilience, responsibility and adaptability in the students.

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LEADERSHIP LEARNING WEEK (SEC 3) Secondary Three students attended the Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) camp, making new friends from other schools and learning collaboration skills. Those who were unable to attend participated in: - Mindfulness workshops - A learning journey to the Building and Construction Academy (BCA) - A beach clean-up with the Nature Society, learning about marine pollution.

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LEADERSHIP LEARNING WEEK (SEC 4 & 5) Secondary Four and Five students focused on intensive preparation for the National Examination. The 4N(A)NT students: - Explored Green and Sustainability themes - Attended a mini career fair, interacting with polytechnic representatives and industry professionals - Learnt from alumni members on various education pathways and strategies for EAE/DSA interviews - Gained diverse, enriching experiences to prepare themselves to be leaders of self and others.

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AESTHETICS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME Aesthetics Education plays a vital role in a child's holistic development. Through the creation and appreciation of art, children develop their self-identity and critical thinking skills, as well as form strong connections with their community and culture. The Aesthetics Appreciation Programme (AAP) aims to foster resilience, confidence, and creativity in our Unitians.

As part of our co-curricular programme for all Secondary One and Two students, we have dedicated time for them to learn skills related to the Performing or Visual Arts.

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BOARDING SCHOOL EXPERIENCE PLUS BY NANYANG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Three of our CCA leaders, Chua Xun Jie (Band, 3A6), Intan Iftikhar Binte Jupri (Scouts, 3A6), and Diane Koo Xinyi (Choir, 3I8), were selected to participate in the inaugural Boarding School Experience Plus (BSE+) organised by Nanyang Girls’ High School (NYGH). BSE+ is a pilot residential leadership programme that provides students with a unique opportunity to live and learn together at NYGH’s Boarding School facilities. This two-week programme aimed to help students acquire life skills through independent living, interaction with peers of different backgrounds, honing leadership skills, and serving through interactions with community partners. Xun Jie, Intan, and Diane returned with enriched experiences and new insights, which they were eager to share with their peers. Their growth as leaders is evident, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Please join us in congratulating them on their successful participation in BSE+!

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CCA ACHIEVEMENTS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY NCC CADET

We are proud to announce that Phua Jing Zun Edison (4Serve4) has been awarded the prestigious NCC Outstanding Cadet Award (OCA) this year. This accolade is the highest honour bestowed upon Sec 4 cadets, recognising their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to their units. Edison's dedication and exemplary service have set a benchmark for his peers, and his achievement is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence. Congratulations, Edison, on this remarkable accomplishment!

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PRECISION DRILLS SQUAD (PDS) COMPETITION

Twelve of our NCC cadets participated in the annual Precision Drills Squad (PDS) competition preliminary and emerged 2nd runner-up for air and sea district. The Grand Finals of the competitions were held at OCBC Square beside Kallang Wave Mall. Through the preliminary rounds and grand finals, the cadets have gained new experience and demonstrated leadership, teamwork and communication skills in pursuit of excellence.

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UNIQVOICES & MONFORT CHORALE COMBINED CONCERT

On April 8, 2024, Uniqvoices and Monfort Chorale proudly presented their combined concert, “As Long as I Have Music”.

The choristers showcased commitment to excellence and pride in their accomplishments. Balancing school, personal lives, and rigorous rehearsals, the young performers demonstrated remarkable self-discipline and a strong work ethic in perfecting their craft. Their hard work culminated in a successful and memorable performance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents of both schools for their unwavering support and for taking the time to attend this special event. Your encouragement and presence made this concert even more meaningful for the students!

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See you in Term 3!

Visit our school website: http://unitysec.moe.edu.sg/ Follow our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/unitysec/ #schoolofopportunity