2024 USS Term 4 Newsletter

#Opportunity

Unity Secondary School Termly Newsletter Wellness Carnival 2024

In this issue: Graduation Day page 4

Leadership Learning Week page 8

Sec 3 ECG Programme page 12

From the Principal’s Desk Photo features our alumni contributors during the 2024 Open House: Tan Kai Run, Shawn (NP), Chen Soon Cheng (NJC), Sabriel Chin Jing Ting (NJC) and Lim Zheng Hui, Zann, (SAJC)

Dear Parents and Guardians, As we approach the end of another vibrant school year, I am delighted to share highlights of Unity Secondary School’s achievements and key events in Term 4. This term has been a culmination of hard work, growth, and collective efforts by our students, staff, and the community.

We are proud to share that Unity Secondary has received the MOE Innergy Award (Commendation). This recognition acknowledges our innovation in teaching and learning through the IEEOC@USS – Intended-Enacted-Experienced Curriculum Model. This model has enhanced the assessment of e-Pedagogy in developing 21st Century Competencies in our students, ensuring our teaching strategies align closely with student outcomes.

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Another recognition was earning the School Green AwardVanda Miss Joaquim Award by the Singapore Environment Council.

This award reflects our school's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, driven by initiatives aligned with the Singapore Green Plan. From campus greening projects to engaging our students in environmental education, we are proud of the collective efforts of the school community.

The close of the academic year also marked important milestones for our students, including the successful completion of the End-of-Year and National Examinations. We commend our students for their resilience and determination, and we wish our graduating cohort every success as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.

Term 4 marked the return of our Leadership Learning Week, offering a mix of activities designed to engage and empower our students. Highlights included the vibrant Sports Carnival, which fostered teamwork and school spirit, and the Mental Wellness Campaign, proudly organised by our Peer Support Leaders. In collaboration with external agencies, this meaningful initiative focused on promoting mental health and building resilience among our students. In addition, Elective Modules for Sec 3NA and 3NT allowed students to explore applied skills in exciting fields such as junior chef, hospitality, aerospace, and sports, equipping them with practical knowledge and preparing them for future opportunities.

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Our teachers concluded the year with a rich learning journey to the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

This experience allowed staff to gain fresh perspectives on innovation, design thinking, and future-ready education strategies, which will further enrich the learning experiences we provide to our students.

As we reflect on this year’s experiences, I am grateful for the unwavering support from our parents, staff, and community partners. Your collaboration and trust have been instrumental in shaping a holistic and spirited learning environment for our students.

We look forward to another exciting year in 2025, with continued opportunities for growth. In the meantime, I wish all our Unity families a restful and joyous holiday season. May it be a time of rejuvenation and bonding with loved ones.

Warm regards, Mdm Adel Ong Principal

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Graduation Day: New Beginnings, Endless Possibilities This year’s graduation ceremony for Secondary 4 and 5 students celebrated the elegance and intrigue of a Masquerade Ball. Dressed in formal attire and masks, students enjoyed a memorable evening featuring performances by Character Coaches, a nostalgic video montage, and inspiring speeches from valedictorians. The event closed with teachers performing A Million Dreams, leaving a heartfelt finale. Unity Secondary proudly wishes our graduands success in their national exams and future paths.

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Celebrating Citizenship: Sec 3 NRIC Presentation Ceremony On 13th September 2024, our Secondary 3 students celebrated a key milestone at their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) Presentation Ceremony. The event highlighted the NRIC’s importance in their journey as Singaporean citizens, deepening their understanding of its role. Through an engaging quiz and a reflective session, students explored the responsibilities tied to citizenship, emphasising that it extends beyond rights and privileges to active participation in creating a stronger society. By reciting the National Pledge together, they reaffirmed their commitment to unity and progress in Singapore. Congratulations to all Sec 3 students on receiving their NRICs and embracing the path to responsible citizenship!

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Leadership Learning Week (Day 1) At the close of the school year, Unitians participated in Leadership Learning Week (LLW), an enriching programme dedicated to enhancing students' understanding of wellness and leadership.

On the first day, students explored physical wellness by engaging in friendly badminton and softball games with peers. Guided by the Unity Council, each level then participated in dynamic leadership activities rooted in the Leadership Challenge Model.

Secondary 1 students focused on “Model the Way,” Secondary 2 on “Challenge the Process,” and Secondary 3 on “Inspire a Shared Vision,” promoting core leadership practices through hands-on, experiential learning.

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Leadership Learning Week (Day 2) On the second day of LLW, students engaged in the Wellness Carnival, an event designed to explore various aspects of wellness through interactive games and activities, with the chance to earn rewards. The event was led by our Peer Support Leaders and Cyber Wellness Ambassadors, with support from our talented Art and Media students. A heartfelt thank you too to our incredible partners — Fei Yue, Boys' Town, Yew Tee Youth Network, SHINE, Parents Support Group, Over the Rainbow, iAdoRe, STPI, and Care Corner—for their invaluable support in organising and running seven wellness booths for the Unitians.

Our Secondary 3 students also had the opportunity to delve into career exploration through JobTaster, experiencing different roles and engaging with professionals across various industries. The 3NA students enjoyed an immersive look into specific careers through Elective Modules and learning journeys, while the 3NT students gained hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry through the Junior Chef programme.

As the holiday approaches, we encourage our students to use this time effectively, prioritising their well-being and reflecting on their future aspirations.

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Sec 3 ECG Programme: Job Taster & Entrepreneurship Programmes

This year’s Secondary 3 ECG programme offered students an enriching and immersive experience aimed at expanding their understanding of diverse career pathways. Through interactive sessions, industry site visits, and professional talks, students gained valuable insights and discovered new areas of interest, equipping them to make well-informed decisions about their future education and career choices.

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Unity Council & CCA Leaders SAC Fireside Chat On 23 October 2024, the Unity Council and CCA leaders gathered in the school library for an inspiring SAC Fireside Chat with two esteemed SAC members. This special event provided our student leaders with a unique opportunity to gain insights from experts in medicine, research, and education, enhancing their understanding of leadership, resilience, and effective management.

The Fireside Chat featured presentations from: Dr. Francis Chin – Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Chin shared his journey in medicine, emphasising resilience and the importance of empathy in leadership.

Dr. Teng Siao See – Sociologist and Assistant Dean at the National Institute of Education. Dr. Teng discussed inclusive leadership and the value of diverse educational perspectives.

An engaging Q&A session allowed students to delve into topics such as balancing responsibilities, team-building, and overcoming challenges. Dr. Chin and Dr. Teng’s candid reflections left a lasting impact, equipping our leaders with practical, actionable advice.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Chin and Dr. Teng for their invaluable insights. Events like this foster essential connections with industry leaders, enriching students' leadership journeys and preparing them for the future. We look forward to more collaborations that support our students' holistic development, further strengthening Unity’s leadership programme.

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CCA Achievement: Scouts Bi Ning has made a profound impact on her scouting troop, showcasing exceptional character and leadership.

As Assistant Troop Leader, her dedication and significant contributions led to her promotion to Senior Patrol Leader and earned her the prestigious Chief Commissioner’s Award. In these roles, she demonstrated unwavering commitment, revitalising the troop’s enthusiasm for scouting and fostering a disciplined, skillfocused approach among its members.

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Student Achievements: QCEC 2024 Two of our Leaders of English Programme (LEP) students, Zhi Ting Yap & Gucon Azrhiel Gaerwynne Pabilonia, have achieved the Bronze Award in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2024.

QCEC is the world's oldest international school writing competition, running since 1883. It provides a unique opportunity for aspiring young writers to have their say on global issues. The 2024 competition required entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.

Yap Zhi Ting

Gucon Azrhiel Gaerwynne Pabilonia PAGE 19

Tamil language & Literature Competitions Unity’s Tamil Language Unit took part in various Tamil Language and Literature Competitions, such as, Translation, Stand-Up Comedy, Quiz & Poem Writing Competitions.

We are pleased to announce that our students won prizes in various categories.

Translation: Kanthakumar Jayashri (Sec 1) Stand-Up Comedy: Yazh Bharathi & Venkatesan Sanjana (Sec 1) Quiz: Kanthakumar Jayashri (Sec 1) Poem Writing: Jeeva Ganesh Kumar (Sec 2) Couplets: Ramesh Roshna (Sec 3)

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See you next year!

Peer Support Leaders 2024

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