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SPRINGFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL

2019

Yearbook Joy of Learning

THIS YEARBOOK'S

CONTENTS 2 PRINCIPAL’S FOREWORD 4 EDITORIAL TEAM'S MESSAGE 5 APPLIED LEARNING APPLIED LEARNING PROGRAMME (ALP) EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAMME SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME 31 LEARNING FOR LIFE LEARNING FOR LIFE PROGRAMME (LLP) CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAMME (CCE) VALUES-IN-ACTION PROGRAMME (VIA) 55 KEY SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS AND EVENTS 81 CCA REPORTS 96 SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS STAFF AND DEPARTMENTS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2019 ALL CLASSES 118 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PRINCIPAL'S FOREWORD

MRS MABEL LEONG As the world begins the 3rd decade of the 21st century on the cusp of change, the year of 2019 in Springfield Secondary has indeed been significantly memorable for all Springfielders. We have not operated under ‘business as usual’ conditions as our nation commemorated our Bicentennial year since the founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. In Springfield Secondary we have ensured that all students and staff used this as a unique platform of specially curated events to help us take stock of our nation’s achievements over the last 200 years. As we look forward to defining our course and directions, future generations will in turn recall what we have contributed, ensuring that our Nation will still thrive and prosper for yet another 100 years. In Springfield Secondary School, we rise to the challenge to make a difference in our students’ growing years as they mature from children to young adults when they graduate from Springfield Secondary, their Alma Mater. Thus, this year the community in Springfield Secondary took stock of our vision to be Lifelong Learners and Exemplary Leaders. By participating in our signature programmes of Applied Learning in Health

Science and Sports Science and our Lifelong Learning Programme of Community Youth Leadership, our Springfielders have risen to the challenges for their own growth. We see them confronting and surpassing the various trials and tests of life becoming confident leaders while also helping younger Springfielders stay the course and grow from strength to strength. Worthy of mention here are our Outdoor Pursuits Club (OPC) when they challenged themselves to complete a 200km long triathlon consisting of cycling, long distance trekking and climbing at locations all over the island within 5 days to commemorate with resilience the Bicentenary of the founding of Singapore in 1819. I am glad all our participants completed their challenge and earned yet another chevron to their collection of life-fulfilling events. Running alongside our signature OPC are all the other CCAs who continued to chalk up more accomplishments such as our Taekwondo Haksaeng with 53 Colours Award and 1 distinction, and in national sports games where Iman Teo attained the Sportsmanship Award as a school representative at the National School Games Floorball Girls’ Competition for 2019.

PRINCIPAL'S FOREWORD In Springfield Secondary School, we continue to believe that all students must build confidence and character and make meaningful choices to reach their aspirations, leveraging on all opportunities made available to them through their respective CCAs. Beyond our shores, this year saw the whole Secondary 3 cohort making a positive impact when they embarked on their Global Education Programme to 4 South-east Asian destinations: Pahang in Malaysia, Chiangmai in Thailand and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Our Secondary 3 students took the initiative to prepare themselves for their respective trips. While they learnt more about new cultures, they also contributed through service learning. All our students returned as fulfilled and empowered youths with a heart for the less fortunate. While they may be young, the students have the generosity to share what they have newly gained in both knowledge and ability. This will stand them in good stead when preparing for their future and applying academic resilience in school. As students gain self-awareness of their strengths, they will grow and improve in their areas of weaknesses.

Climate change and caring for Mother Earth have been deliberately infused into the Springfield curriculum as part of our efforts to raise awareness of Springfieldersâ€™ ongoing responsibility to ensure a bright future for the next generation. Our efforts to cultivate care and awareness for the environment have been sustained for the past 2 and a half decades and we are proud to continue this ongoing effort. Springfield continues to be recognised for our positive contributions to the environment by the community through the attaining of the Vanda Miss Joaquim Award and the North-East District Environment Award this year. As we send off our 2019 cohort with confidence after seeing these 200 graduands through 4 years of development, my team of school leaders and educators are once again ready to receive yet another cohort of Secondary One students. Together with their parents who believe in Springfieldâ€™s motto: Better Self for Better Tomorrow, we will grow and prepare them to be ready for the challenges of life that lie ahead.

EDITORIAL TEAM'S MESSAGE SparkingÂ joy with a new direction Dear reader, We are delighted that you are joining us as we recount the wonderful year of 2019 together. Together, as a school, we have accomplished something wonderful- a fully digital E-yearbook! For the first time ever, we have created an online-only exclusive! This publication is a platform not only to chronicle events in the traditional report-like manner, but also serve as a powerful platform to showcase student writing and student photography. In this yearbook, we have curated opportunities for students to share their voices, their opinions and their thoughts in an authentic learning space. By incorporating student photography, we have given the students a chance to shine, to show their unique perspectives and ultimately allow us all a glimpse into the way they see the world around us. In the following pages, we will journey through the unique experiences that Springfield has to offer to our students. These experiences have been organized into several categories. The first of these categories is 'Applied Learning', where we will witness our students applying what they have learnt in the classroom to the real world. The second main category focuses on 'Learning for Life', where we will see how our students have become mature, responsible and contributing citizens of our nation with a strong sense of national identity.

The next section titled 'Key School Achievements and Events' chronicle the major hallmarks of the year, demonstrating how we pride ourselves as an accomplished institution, where our students are not afraid to shine. Stop by the next section as we feature the voices of our school as the many excited students eagerly recount their co-curricular experiences and achievements over the academic year through the form of 'CCA Reports'. The last section of our journey brings us to a collage of important photos that proudly feature the various members of the Springfield family, with its diverse portrait of faces that make Springfield truly unique. We hope that you will enjoy the journey as we embark together, starting from the very next page!

Applied Learning: Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Tier 1

Tier 2

Physical Health Nutrition and Health Mental Health Design Thinking Step Challenge

Specialised ALP programmes

Tier 1 ALP Programmes Physical Health Students learnt to measure various indicators such as their blood pressure, percentage body fat and BMI to better understand how these indicators impact their health. They also learnt more about how they could stay healthy and fit through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Nutrition and Health Students learnt about the different types of nutrients, calories in food and how to use the Nutrition Calculator mobile application to calculate the nutrients in a meal through their Science and Nutrition and Food Science (NFS) lessons. Students also learnt about the effects of high sugar intake in oneâ€™s diet and investigated the amount of sugar in some common drinks. Through these activities, students understood and appreciated the importance of a balanced diet. Mental Health Students learnt in their Music lessons how they could calm themselves and manage their stress levels with different types of music. During the ALP lessons, students also learnt about the importance of sleep and how a lack of it affected their mental health and general wellbeing.

Applied Learning Programme (ALP) Sports Science The Sports Science modules carried out during PE and Science lessons aimed to blend human physiology and sports science to excite students in various aspects of physiology and its role in improving the health and performance of a sportsperson. Through these modules, the learners also discovered the various careers in the sports science industry as they uncovered the different modules. Design Thinking During the ALP lessons, students were taught to use the Design Thinking model to design prototypes that would help their user to improve their performance in a particular sport and help improve health related issues.Â The project work also provided a platform for students to apply their knowledge on Micro:bit to design their prototypes. Step Challenge All Springfielders were encouraged to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle by being active. Students were given a fitness tracker by the Health Promotion Board that measured the number of steps students walked daily andÂ participated in the school-initiated Step Challenge 2019. Regular updates were given to the students on the steps recorded for their classes to challenge them to clock in more steps and promote a healthy lifestyle. Prizes were given to classes that had achieved the highest recorded steps in a semester. The step trackers were also used during Springfieldâ€™s cross-country run as a technological tool to enhance mass sports participation. Students were also polled for their feedback regarding the use of these step trackers and expressed the collective opinion that they were useful for weight loss and for promoting an active lifestyle.

Applied Learning Programme (ALP) Tier 2 Applied Learning Programme (ALP) Springfield decided to enhance its ALP by offering more specialised programmes for students that displayed an aptitude and interest for the ALP. The Tier 2 programme was an extension of the school-wide ALP and deepened the learning of our students even further.Â Selected Secondary 3 students went on a learning journey to the Singapore Sport Institute Biomechanics Laboratories during the National Biomechanics Day 2019 and participated in a Sports Nutrition workshop at Dunman Secondary Centre of Excellence (COE) for Life Science. There was also an opportunity to volunteer with Our Tampines Hub Active SG as Team Nila Volunteers, assisting in sportsrelated community events.

Secondary 1 and 2 ALP Programmes Secondary 1 Throughout the course of the semester, Secondary 1 students were introduced to ALP with the theme of ‘Caring for oneself to stay healthy and fit’ in three domains: Physical, Nutrition and Mental Health. On 30th May 2019, Secondary One students participated in an ALP showcase that was meant to consolidate their learning while providing the meaningful opportunity for real-life application of learning. Secondary 2 Through the course of the semester, the Secondary 2 students continued their ALP learning through 2 platforms: Sports Science and Design Thinking modules. The objectives of the programme were to develop a greater awareness of how to keep fit while appreciating the connection and applications of science in real life situations through exposure to different learning experiences. The Design Thinking module taught the Secondary 2 students to design prototypes to help users improve their performance in a particular sport and improve health-related issues. The ALP Showcase on 23rd October 2019 provided a platform for students to apply what they had learnt and their knowledge of Micro:bit to design their prototypes. They worked in groups and were free to decide on a particular project of their choice. Their project culminated in a poster and an artefact which were used in a presentation of their work to teachers and classmates alike. The students managed to learn valuable lessons while thoroughly enjoying themselves.

10 SECONDARY 1 ALP

Students were tasked to use recycled materials to construct the strongest structure that can support the largest number of weights and conducted an experiment to compare the sugar content in classic coke and coke light.

11 SECONDARY 2 ALP SHOWCASE

Students presenting their artefacts that they have produced for the ALP

Applied Learning: Experiential Learning Programme

Secondary 2 English Literature Learning Journey 12 March 2019

Student's Write-up

After returning from the learning journey to Bukit Brown Cemetery, I was made aware of the controversy regarding the fate of the iconic landmark. I decided to express my opinion regarding why I feel that Bukit Brown should be preserved. When I first heard of Bukit Brown Cemetery, I thought it would be very eerie and that there would be nothing but graves there. Saving Bukit Brown didn't seem like such a big issue to me as it was nothing but just an old cemetery in Singapore. But my view on the place gradually changed as we went through the cemetery on a guided tour. The tour made me realise that the cemetery was indeed important and is worth saving as it is a piece of living history, is home to many of the flora and fauna and also a reminder of the sacrifices our pioneers had made. Now I finally understand why there are so many opinions and debates about it. One of the many reasons why we should preserve Bukit Brown is because it is a reminder of how much our pioneers sacrificed for Singapore and our future, many lives were lost during the war to save Singapore from the Japanese and the bodies were buried there. According to the tour guide that took my classmates and I around the area, nearly 30,000 bodies were buried there and a few of them were heroes of Singapore. For example Tay Koh Yat, who was an entrepreneur and Chinese community leader in Singapore. In 1942, he escaped by boat to Java to avoid capture by the Japanese. After the surrender of the Japanese forces, he then returned to Singapore and did justice by compiling a list of Chinese Civil Defence members who were killed by the Japanese and requested compensation from the government on their familiesâ€™ behalf and also by leading the committee in legal affairs to prosecute Japanese war criminals. Heroes like him were buried in Bukit Brown, and the least we can do is preserve it to have a memory of them. By removing Bukit Brown, it might make us forget how much our brave pioneers sacrificed themselves for Singapore to have a better future.

14 The second argument is that Bukit Brown also serves as a nature reserve and a home to many types of animals. Although most Singaporeans do not have ancestors interred there, the location remains a communal space for strolls and jogs, appreciation tours, or to enjoy the rich flora and fauna there, making the cemetery sacred by virtue of its biodiversity. Of the 85 species of birds that have been recorded there, two are deemed 'vulnerable', six are 'endangered', and three are 'critically endangeredâ€™ for example the white-bellied woodpecker, white-rumped shama, spotted wood owl and greyheaded fish eagle. Along with our Singapore history do we also want to destroy the homes of animals that might possibly go extinct just to make space for industrial purposes which could be built somewhere else? I leave that up to you to decide. The third argument is that Bukit Brown is one of the last few old cemeteries that we have left, and is special compared to modern cemeteries as it is richly decorated with carvings of Sikh guards built next to the graves as according to newspaper articles they play the role of guardians of the final resting place of the rich towkays that could afford Sikh guards. The floor of some of these graves were also made from pretty Peranakan-styled tiles . Graves like these cannot be found in more recent cemeteries and it would be a real waste to destroy them. Ultimately, the struggle for Bukit Brown goes beyond saving a few graves or greenery. It is the struggle for the soul of Singapore. It is not just a cemetery but it is also an important place that shows the aftermath of WW2 and how we suffered in the past which plays a huge part in our history and shows how much sacrifice our pioneers made for us. Even if my words do not make a change in the situation, this decision will determine the value of our collective identity, our multitextured heritage and our sense of belonging. If we do not think saving Bukit Brown is important, a change in mindset is needed, as said by Eisen Teo, a freelance researcher specializing in history and heritage issues, â€œFor Singapore to progress and develop, we need physical reminders of our history everywhere. That is why we preserve monuments such as City Hall, the Supreme Court, the National Museum, and St. Andrew's Cathedral. Physical landmarks of historical value do more than any history book in teaching people about our past.â€? Written by: Nadya Yeo, 2 Fortitude

15 SECONDARY 2 LITERATURE LEARNING JOURNEY

Students on a learning journey to Bukit Brown cemetery to learn about the cultural significance of the iconic landmark

Secondary 2 and 4 Geographical Investigation (GI) 22 May 2019 As part of their Geographical Investigation, the Secondary 2 students embarked on a journey in Term 2 to find out which features of Our Tampines Hub (OTH) make the facility so special to Tampines residents. Along with their form teachers, each class had to explore different checkpoints located throughout the hub where the students had to apply the geographical skills to complete the tasks given. Through this activity, students also gained contextual knowledge and learnt more about the history of Tampines through interviews with Tampines residents to conclude their Investigation. Likewise, the Secondary 4 students went to the Marina Barrage and explored the significance of the area through interviews and investigations.

17 SECONDARY 2 GI AT OUR TAMPINES HUB

Students on a learning journey to Our Tampines Hub where they completed various activities at different checkpoints located throughout the hub

18 SECONDARY 4 GI

Geography students interviewing tourists about their view on what makes the Marina Bay Area an iconic tourist attraction

Secondary 2 Biodiversity Trail 28 May 2019 On an early Monday morning of 28 May 2019, our Secondary 2 students embarked on an excursion to two different locations to better understand the biodiversity of the flora and fauna of Singapore. Students who visited the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve were brought around by a guide who emphasized the importance of maintaining Singaporeâ€™s ecological biodiversity. They were very excited to see what they learn in their books come to life, and experience Singaporeâ€™s diverse natural environment for themselves. Meanwhile, another group visited the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum located at the National University of Singapore that traces the history of life on earth. Home to more than 500,000 exhibits that came in all colours and forms, students were enthralled by the 15 different thematic zones from plants and amphibians to mammals and dinosaurs.

Secondary 3 Art Learning Journey 30 May 2019 The Secondary 3Normal (Academic) and 3 Express Art students spent a fruitful afternoon on a whirlwind adventure to CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School to view their Graduation Showcase. This trip was inspiring for the students as it was a rare opportunity to view works done by their peers and exhibited in an authentic gallery setting. Students took the opportunity to reflect on the works displayed and to review their own progress and capacity for the upcoming 'N' and 'O' Levels next year. After that, the students proceeded to Meridian Secondary School to participate in the Young Illustrators' Award (YIA) Carnival, where they signed up for art, design and sculpting workshops based on their personal interests. Not only did they get to take home their artworks, they also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for their subject.

Secondary 3 Art Learning Journey 30 July 2019 As part of the Art Unit's commitment to infuse inquiry-based learning in authentic, real world experiences, the Secondary 3 NA and Express art students were brought on a journey through time as they explored the history of art in Singapore from the 19th Century up till modern, and post-modern times. Students embarked on a learning journey through the exhibition entitled 'Siapa Nama Kamu'. Through this experience, they explored the visual representations of Singapore, its colonial history, the social commentary that art plays and the challenges ahead for artists in accurately representing the changing physical and emotional landscape of Singapore Art.

Secondary 3 Literature Learning Journey 30 August 2019 The Secondary 3 Springfielders taking Literature went on a delicious journey to Annalakshmi Restaurant in Term 3. They learnt about the restaurant's ethos and mission which is that it was founded by the owner's grandfather as a homage to his spiritual teacher in India. Believing that food is a form of love which should be given freely to all, the restaurant has been around for more than 30 years, providing food daily on a donation basis. What was amazing was that thanks to the generous donations by its patrons, the restaurant is currently able to operate a tuition service and cultural arts center as well! At first everyone thought that the vegetarian food would be bland and boring but that could not be further from the truth! There was an exciting blend of spices that tantalised the tastebudsÂ which was obvious from the shocked reactions on the students' faces. We even had lassi served to us to cool down our mouths from the spices! All of us had our fill of delicious North and South Indian cuisine that was proudly introduced to us by a grandmother who was one of the numerous volunteers there, though they hire professional chefs as well. The students and staff moved on to try a smorgasboard of ingredients ranging from common ingredients used in Indian cooking such as mustard seeds, cumin and cardamom to lesser known ingredients such as rose water. There were excited squeals and laughter as some of the students not only smelled them but tasted the ingredients only to discover how strong they were! Finally, the moment that all of us had been waiting for arrived. It was the thosai-making session! Gathered around the hot plate, the students "oohed" and "ahhed" as our guide, Lalit, expertly ladled the batter onto the plate and swirled it around to form the thin, crunchy base. It looked really easy to scoop it up but the students soon learnt that it actually required a lot of skill as the thosai easily fell apart each time they attempted to scrape it off the plate. Did you know that there is also green thosai which is made out of mung bean instead of the usual rice flour? It tastes savoury and earthy, a little like matcha and is almost unheard of in most thosai shops around Singapore. Thus, the students were glad for this rare opportunity to taste it and of course, to visit this restaurant where we were hosted by a descendent of its founder!

23 SECONDARY 3 LITERATURE LEARNING JOURNEY

Bringing Literature to life through the taste, sights and smells of Indian cuisine at the Annalakshmi restaurant

Secondary 3 Normal Academic and Technical Elective Modules (EM) 16-20 September 2019 As part of the school’s commitment to extend and build on the learning objectives of existing Normal course subjects through applied learning, the Secondary 3 Normal Academic and Normal Technical students embarked on a 4-Day Elective Module programme at Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East during the ITE school vacation period. The students were able to experience the 3 big ideas of Applied Learning, namely: Learning by doing (experiential learning, making connections between theory and practice), learning about the real world (acquire and apply knowledge and skills in realworld contexts ) and learning for life (appreciate the complexities of reality and experience the need to imagine possibilities, take risks, try something new or different, and learn from challenges. Through this activity, students also gained insights regarding possible courses of study in Post Secondary Education Institutions (PSEI) and possible career paths. The elective module courses consist of Fun with Digital Making, Making my First Computer, Practical Energy and Water Conservation, Circuit Tinkering and Cyber Security.

Global Education Programme (GEP) Key Objectives of the Global Education Programme The primary aim of the Global Education Programme is nurturing respect for all, building a sense of belonging to a common humanity and helping learners become responsible and active global citizens. Students from Springeld Secondary School had the privilege of selecting the country that they wished to visit: Siem Reap, Pahang, Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh. For many it was their first time travelling beyond the shores of Singapore. It was nevertheless an enriching journey for all as they were exposed to the different cultures, iconic attractions and school experiences of their chosen destination. Phnom Penh In Phnom Penh, students visited Wat Toul Tampong Primary School. It was there that Springfielders learnt to be teachers and mentors to the Cambodian students as they taught English Language and played traditional Singaporean games while appreciating the differences in our cultures. The students had a chance to see the lasting impact of the Khmer Rouge regime and how important it is to learn from the mistakes of the past to build a better future. Siem Reap Students visiting Siem Reapâ€™s Orolous School taught English using a range of easy nursery rhymes and cultural pop songs. They interacted with the Cambodian middle school students during recess, playing simple games like skipping rope and duck, duck, goose. Despite the language barrier, the students were able to connect and forge friendships across geographical and cultural borders. Springfielders were able to compare learning experiences across the various countries. Through their school experiences, many were able to engage in activities they had never tried before. For the Siem Reap team, a major highlight was the visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodiaâ€™s most iconic temple. Many were captivated by the stone carvings on these temples from centuries ago that recorded the lives and beliefs of the people then.

Global Education Programme (GEP) Chiang Mai In Chiang Mai, students from both teams had a taste of rural life. They learnt how to remove husks from rice grains as well as make their own pizza using vegetables they harvested. Springfielders also learnt how to farm at Traidhos Three-Generation Community for Learning. In Chiang Mai, the students had the incredible opportunity to visit places of historical significance such as the Three Kings Monument , a lasting symbol of the monarchy that still plays a vital role in Thailand’s rich history as a prosperous and culturally rich nation. They also visited Ram Poeng Wittaya School . At the school the students learnt traditional Thai games, painted, and even had the opportunity to learn Muay Thai from a professional instructor. Pahang In Pahang, the students were transported to Berserah Town where they gained an insight into the life of the fishermen living on boats. The traditions of Pekan also came alive for the Pahang group who visited a silk weaving and batik factory. There they witnessed and experienced the manufacturing of local products that were hand crafted and sold by the local people. Finally, the team experienced a 2day stay in the royal town of Pekan, where they learnt about the history of the town through a visit to the State Museum. The team who visited Pahang experienced a two-day programme at Sekolah Sains Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah where they participated in various activities ranging from playing traditional musical instruments like the gamelan, to attending French lessons. Geography and History lessons came alive as students were given the opportunity to appreciate nature at its best. The students who visited Pahang went to Black Rock Beach and the turtle sanctuary in Cherating. Another highlight for the students was a trek into the forest to see the waterfalls.

27 GLOBAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Learning that Buddhism and Hinduism are two major influences on Thai culture

Celebrating our diversity and enjoying cross-cultural learning experiences from various schools and institutions in South-East Asia before departing for home

Applied Learning: Save the Environment Programme

Meat-Free Day 15 February 2019 Cutting out meat one day a week or even from one meal can have a dramatic impact on our health, the environment and animals. Springfield enjoyed a variety of meat-free and delicious meal alternatives provided by our own canteen vendors that stressed the importance of having 2/3 portions of vegetables a day for a healthy diet, as well as supporting the global Green movement to reduce our carbon footprint and negative impact on the earth's climate.

Earth Hour 27 March 2019 Earth Hour which was first organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then, it has grown to engage more than 7,000 cities and towns worldwide. Iconic landmarks in Singapore, such as the ArtScience Museum, Esplanade and the Singapore Flyer, went dark at 8.30pm on Saturday, 30 March 2019 for Earth Hour. On 27 March 2019, Springfield Secondary also commemorated Earth Hour by dimming the lights of the school hall during assembly and in classrooms for an hour as a symbol of our commitment to protect the planet. Students were not only introduced to the Earth Hour movement but also contributed to this global movement to save the Earth.

Learning for Life: Learning for Life Programme (LLP)

Class Committee Training 24 January 2019 and 11 July 2019 The Class Committee Training was conducted once per semester for the Secondary 1 to 3 Class Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in order to introduce basic leadership skills to the newly appointed class leaders. The student leaders were split into 6 groups and were deliberately placed in situations where they had to practise the 5 school values. One such activity involved the students practising graciousness and initiative in asking for directions from members of the public in order to get to their destination points. Â Students were also exposed to the concept of Servant Leadership and were involved in a fun activity in order to model this concept to each other. Â The key messages conveyed through the training were that all students can practice good leadership by Modelling the Way, in particular, the 5 school values. Secondly, to lead is to serve and being a Class Committee member requires one to serve his/ her classmates. Â

33 CLASS COMMITTEE TRAINING

Students engaged in real-life problem-solving scenarios finding their way back to school and assembling the popiah using various ingredients and serving their peers as part of servant leadership

Secondary 1 Level Camp 12-15 March 2019 On 12th to 15th March 2019, our Secondary 1 students embarked on their first overnight camp. This camp sought to officially induct our students as Springfielders by placing them in a challenging environment that was out of their comfort zones. OurÂ students not only developed basic outdoor skills and resourcefulness through these activities but could also transfer their learning experiences to their classroom learning in future. Over the course of the camp, students were split into two groups that covered different routes but ultimately covered the same activities consisting of trekking, cycling, outdoor cooking and experiential learning. The trekking component consisted of an 11km trek beginning at Springfield and ending at the East Coast Parkway while the cycling component was done over the Eastern Coastal Loop that took place over 40km. Beyond the physical activities, students were also given the rare opportunity to do cooking outdoors and to participate in a learning journey celebrating Singaporeâ€™s Bicentennial. Furthermore, they also visited Our Tampines Hub for a raft building experience. It was indeed an exciting and positive welcome for the Secondary 1 cohort to Springfield Secondary School.

35 SECONDARY 1 LEVEL CAMP

Students trekking, cycling and sharing their experiences as part of experiential learning and class bonding at the Secondary 1 Camp

CCA Leaders' Camp 26-27 April 2019 This year’s edition of our Secondary 2 CCA Leaders Camp was held from 26 to 27 April 2019. The camp was heavily facilitated by 14 Secondary 3 CCA Leaders who did their very best to exemplify and demonstrate good leadership – by modelling the way, challenging the process and encouraging the heart. A total of 81 Secondary 2 CCA Leaders were exposed to a myriad of activities during the camp, where each activity served a purpose in introducing or centering on one of the three Kouzes & Posner’s practices of Exemplary Leadership. Our CCA Leaders were treated to an amazing race around the Marina Bay, where each station was a significant landmark in Singapore’s history, such as the Civilian War Memorial, Cenotaph, Lim Bo Seng Memorial etc. The Amazing Race served to teach students about National Education, as well as give them opportunities to use their leadership skills to lead their groups along the way. They were treated to a lightshow at the Supertrees Grove at Gardens by the Bay during dinner to conclude the race. Riding on the ‘Avengers: Endgame’ wave, students were introduced to an ‘Avengers’ themed Nightwalk, where they had to work together in their groups to collect various ‘infinity stones’ around the school. The activity focused on the value of integrity – how they should model the way as CCA leaders in the school and set a good example even when others are not looking. The next day, our CCA leaders went out to Kallang Basin for dragonboating, where community youth leadership and challenging the process served as key messages for the students to take back as an exemplary leader. Our CCA leaders were then taught expert mass dance moves by our teachers, highlighting how these activities can help to build strong camaraderie and connectedness to others that will, in turn, be the necessary ingredients for leading others. Finally, our students competed in a series of telematches and pieced together the many puzzle pieces that each of them carried throughout the camp – symbolizing how one must take care of oneself before one can take care of others. It was with this powerful message of service leadership that the camp came to a close.

37 CCA LEADERS' CAMP

Students engaged in various activities by modelling the way, challenging the process and encouraging the heart to be better future leaders of our schoolÂ

Secondary 2 Level Camp 21-23 August 2019

Students' Write-up

Day 1 of the Secondary 2 Camp was a truly unforgettable day as we tried kayaking. It was the very first time that any one of us were doing something so adventurous. Our initial misgivings and fears of being on the open water were allayed by the safety briefing and we gained confidence with each paddle stroke over the course of the morning. Although our arms ached and our skin was scorched, we were able to bond within our group and get to know other people from different classes and stream and really connected as a team that day. Just as we thought the day would end, we had the chance to stargaze on the roof, enjoying the soft sea breeze as we enjoyed a welcome respite from the hectic day. Day 2 proved to be endlessly thrilling as we braved the high elements. We had the opportunity to try ziplining and high-ropes course. Ziplining was one activity I would not forget. As I stood on the edge of the roof, my heart started pounding in my chest. I screamed with delight as I stepped off the edge and was carried by a pulley system across the camp grounds. When I reached the ground, my hands were still shaking and I began to tear up. But I am not ashamed of crying, instead I am proud of myself for overcoming my fear and being brave enough to complete the ziplining. Day 3, despite being the most challenging day, was a day that I took pride in. We cycled 17km to Marina bay and walked 4km to Fort Canning. Our group cycled with the most experienced cyclists at the front and the non-experienced cyclists at the back. When people fell and injured themselves, we would stop and wait for them to get back on their feet. Our instructor said that "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together." Our legs were numb from pedalling and we combated dehydration with many water breaks. As we worked together to get to our destination, we discovered the value of teamwork. The last day of the camp was a bittersweet moment. While we were looking forward to a shower and a change of clothes at home, we did not want to leave. Everyone gathered, took a group photo and bid goodbye to each other. Looking back at the camp, we fully appreciate the platform for learning independence, resilience and rallying together. Written by: Louise Heather Calpatura Orpilla and Muhammad Ricky Ivaksa Bin Muhammad Rizal from 2 Excellence.

39 SECONDARY 2 LEVEL CAMP

Inter-class activities like abseiling, and high-elements courses that challenge our students to work together as a united team for shared successes

Resilience Camp XI 2019 26-30 October 2019 This year's resilience camp culminated in an overseas adventure trip in the beautiful rice paddy fields of Sapa and the city of Hanoi in Vietnam. Prior to this learning experience, students embarked on a journey of self-discovery and committed to Resilience Camp trainings from as early as May. They participated in three phases of trainings in order to prepare for their overseas leadership trip-- team bonding and cooperation, leadership grooming in overcoming obstacles and finally physical training. In this fully optional programme, students took up the challenge to attend all trainings diligently and to push themselves beyond their comfort zones in preparation for the challenges they would face in Vietnam. In Vietnam, the students were immersed in a variety of cultural experiences. They watched the famous water-puppet show which highlighted local rice-farming traditions and also visited historical sites such as the Hanoi 'Hilton' Hoa Lo Prison and the border crossing between Lao Cai, Vietnam and He Kou, China to better understand the chequered and war-torn history of the Vietnamese people. During their time in Sapa, students faced physical challenges navigating the rice paddy fields and walking up and down the steep slopes of 'Ham Rong' Dragon's Jaw Mountain, while faced with the everyday hardships and sobering reality of the livelihoods of the people from Sapa. The students were inspired by their positive mindset and worked hard to apply it in order to achieve the goal of summitting Fansipan Mountain, 3,143 metres above sea level.

41 RESILIENCE CAMP XI

Braving the elements while trekking through a rice paddy field and forested areas en route to summitting the 'Ham Rong' Dragon's Jaw Mountain

Learning for Life: Character and Citizenship Education Programmes

Educational and Career Guidance (ECG) Programme Secondary 1: HALO 2019 The Secondary 1 students embarked on the Health and Life Skills Outreach (HALO) Programme. During this programme, students interacted with healthcare professionals at an interactive career sharing session to learn more about the work they do and their motivations for choosing this career path. They then worked together in a team to plan their escape from a room as they explored a series of healthcare-related clues, riddles and puzzles. Students also watched first-aid demonstrations and learnt life-saving skills such as the Heimlich maneuver, bandaging and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Secondary 2NT and 3NA: ITE Experience Students embarked on a learning journey to the Institute of Technical Education where they were exposed to the different faculties and schools belonging to the institution. They were shown up-and-coming facilities and given workshop experiences to expose them to possible career paths of interest in preparation for tertiary education. Secondary 4 and 5: Crossroads Programme Students embarked on a learning journey tailored to suit their individual interests. They chose one option from the four venues: Ministry of Health Holdings, Building and Construction Authority, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Yakult Factory in order to explore the respective professional fields of Healthcare, Built Environment, Entrepreneurship and Food Science.

Total Defence Day Learning Journey 8 February 2019 The Total Defence Day Learning Journey to the Singapore Discovery Centre was a thrilling one for the Secondary 2 Express students. This year, the launch of the 6th pillar of Total Defence- Digital Defence meant that students had a chance to experience interactive exhibits designed to provoke discussion and to explore the importance of safeguarding Singapore against digital threats. In addition, students were given the opportunity to experience various stations where they worked as a team to try out casualty evacuation exercises amongst other stimulating activities.

45 TOTAL DEFENCE DAY LEARNING JOURNEY

Students learning how to evacuate a casualty in an emergency situation in addition to simulating various aspects of military life

Racial Harmony Day 15 July 2019 This year's Racial Harmony Day theme is 'The Singapore Connection'. As our country moves forward and makes itself a key player in global affairs, we continue to resist populist trends that divide society and instead focus on the cornerstone of our country's secular cohesion-racial and religious harmony.Â Students donned the beautiful and vibrant ethnic clothing of the four main racial groups in Singapore, the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians and the Eurasians. They took part in a competition where students were encouraged to dress in ethnic clothing to represent their class. Many of them also enjoyed the sumptuous spread which included traditional sweets and baked goods from all ethnicities, such as Putu Mayam, Huat Kueh and Kueh Bingka Ubi.Â Lastly, students were engrossed in an interactive and informative showcase of the symbolism behind each ethnic costume. They gained a sense of pride for their own race and an appreciation of the origins of each ethnic group.

47 RACIAL HARMONY DAY

Students dressed in their vibrant ethnic costumes as they showcase their class' efforts to represent the various races in Singapore

Learning for Life: Values in Action Programme

Values in Action Programme (VIA) Springfield Secondary School's Values-in-Action (VIA) Programme can be embodied in 3 major areas of work, as seen in the diagram below.

Tier 1

Progressive VIA programmes for each cohort

Tier 2

Specialised VIA training for VIA Representatives

Tier 3

CCA VIA Experiences

Secondary 1: Graciousness At the Secondary 1 level, students are encouraged to take responsibility and contribute directly to others by doing their part to create a gracious classroom environment. Secondary 1 VIA Representatives were trained under the Friends of Singa Programme and students are encouraged to practice Kindness during Kindness Week. Secondary 2: Responsibility Students were encouraged to take responsibility by contributing directly to a clean and green environment and also given the opportunity to interact with young children in Sparkletots and to take on the responsibility of being big brothers and sisters to them for a day. Secondary 3: Resilience Students embarked on a Service Learning Share-Fair in February where they were introduced to the idea of project-based service learning. Students demonstrated self-direction by initiating unique projects as a class and demonstrating resilience and teamwork in order to complete their class-based projects. They also cultivate a better understanding of the needs of the less fortunate within their community. Secondary 4 and 5: Diligence Students were placed in the driver's seat and given full control over their social entrepreneurship carnival project where they had to come up with 1 food and 1 games booth per class in preparation for the annual Secondary 4 and 5 Social Entrepreneurship Carnival to raise funds for TOUCH Community Services. Students demonstrated creativity and diligence in order to bring novel ideas to their project and to see it through to the end successfully.

50 SECONDARY 1 VIA PROGRAMME

Secondary 1 students creating posters to encourage kind and gracious behavior in their classrooms

51 SECONDARY 2 VIA PROGRAMME

Secondary 2 students at Sparkletots Preschool as big brothers and sisters to teach the pre-schoolers how to care for the environment

52 SECONDARY 3 VIA PROGRAMME

Secondary 3 students embarked on a gentle stroll after a warm-up with the elderly followed by an interaction and quiz segment as part of service learning efforts to raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles

53 SECONDARY 4 AND 5 VIA PROGRAMME

Students and staff enjoying the wonderful VIA service learning carnival organised by the Secondary 4 and 5 students to raise funds for the TOUCH community services

Food and game booths at the VIA service learning carnival organised by the Secondary 4 and 5 students to raise funds for the TOUCH community services

Key School Achievements and Events

2018 GCE 'O' Level Results 14 January 2019 The graduating cohort of 2018 did the school proud! We saw a rise in overall distinctions for Malay and Design and Technology while pass percentages for Chinese, Humanities, Additional Mathematics and Food and Nutrition all rose. Their excellent results are a testament to their effort spent consulting teachers to clarify concepts and the hours of hard work that went into their studies. These students have demonstrated perseverance, grit and a determination to succeed that is highly commendable. Notable among the top students was Roger Yue from 4 Graciousness who on top of attaining below 12 points for his L1R5, was recognised for his multiple CCA involvements and embodying Springfield school values by sweeping the Star Award, Good Conduct Award and Model Pupil Award. Meanwhile, his classmate, Diao Zhuo Xuan received the Best Squad Leader Award for her contributions to the Girls’ Brigade and did excellently by scoring below 10 points for her L1R5. Congratulations to our top performers who have done the school and their parents proud. Our Secondary 5 students did equally well, in particular, Nurul Aini Bte Razak from 5 Aspiration who was the Head of Logistics in her CCA, Netball. Nurul Aini received the Good Conduct Award, Model Pupil Award and the Edusave Scholarship Award. She also did excellently with less than 20 points for her L1B4. She has indeed been a great role model for her peers by always being responsible, showing a never-saydie attitude and being consistently diligent. We wish our Springfielders the very best as they move forward and welcome their continued contributions to Springfield Secondary.

57 2018 'O' LEVEL RESULTS

Students in the school hall receiving their results and celebrating their accomplishments

Performing Arts Groups, Clubs and Societies The various Performing Arts Groups, Clubs and Societies invested a substantial amount of time into their preparatory efforts for the Singapore Youth Festival 2019. The students underwent rigorous training and fought hard for their well-earned achievements. Drama The Drama Club was proudly awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment for their efforts at the Singapore Youth Festival 2019. BandÂ The Concert band was proudly awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment for their efforts at the Singapore Youth Festival 2019. Dance The Dance ClubÂ was proudly awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment for their efforts at the Singapore Youth Festival 2019. Guzheng Ensemble The Guzheng Ensemble was proudly awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment for their efforts at the Singapore Youth Festival 2019.

Performing Arts Groups, Clubs and Societies Springfield’s Uniformed Groups continued to show resilience and determination, accomplishing stellar results in various events and competitions Girls’ Brigade The Girls’ Brigade achieved the Top Company for Brigade Fortnight for the year of 2018, and Gold for the Girls’ Brigade Company Award 2018. These tremendous accomplishments were a testament to their hard work and discipline that was consistently demonstrated. National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) The NPCC were awarded the Gold Medal for the Unit Overall Proficiency Award (UOPA) 2018, an award that they have won for the past 4 consecutive years. National Cadet Corps (Land) The National Cadet Corps (Land) were nominated and received the Certificate of Accomplishment as part of the Unit Recognition Award 2018. Boys' Brigade The Boys' Brigade achieved the J M Fraser Award (Bronze) for the year of 2018, and were also awarded Gold for the Boys' Brigade Week. Last but not least, they were also given the Silver award for the BB Blaze in 2019.

Sports Teams

Springfield Secondary School’s Sports Teams continued to excel in many areas, a testament to the continued and sustained efforts of the students and their teachers and coaches. Their success is a demonstration of how they have showed exemplary character and teamwork. Outdoors Pursuits Club (OPC) The OPC members did the school proud at the National Schools Bouldering Competition 2019, with several students scoring top positions in the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Division Boys. OPC also represented the school at the Let’s Rock XX 2019, with Toh Hwee Xin from 1 Graciousness placed 1st in the ‘C’ Division Girls and Tan Eilin from 4 Benevolence placed 1st in the ‘B’ Division Girls. OPC also performed well at the Pumpfest NTU bouldering competition, with Phoebe Foo from 2 Excellence placed 2nd for the ‘Under-17 Girls’ category. Taekwondo Springfield was well-represented at the Asian Cities Taekwondo Championships 2019 with Mohamad Irfan Bin Mohamad Ridhuan from 3 Diligence clinching the bronze medal. Additionally, they were the national champions for several divisions, including the 'B' Division Boys, 'B' Division Girls, 'C' Division Boys, with the 'C' Division Girls attaining the 1st-runner up position.

IgnITE Challenge 2019 at ITE College East and Central 16 July 2019 The IgnITE Skills Challenge is a national-level skills competition organised by the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore, with support from the Ministry of Education and Singapore Science Centre. As the only national competition for â€˜Nâ€™ Level students in Singapore, the aim is to excite secondary school students about the value of vocational and skills education. This year, Springfield Secondary fielded teams across a variety of subject disciplines, namely Science, Design and Technology and Art. These teams respectively took part in the following challenges: Potion Alchemy, Drone Racer and Create Your Own Vertical Garden. Each team competed in a preliminary round against a total of 600 schools participating in the competition vying to qualify for the final round. Create Your Own Vertical Garden Challenge: Champion One of the teams successfully proceeded on to the final round, SFSS Team 2 consisting of Lia Tan, Mohammad Aiman Danial and Rane Teo from Secondary 3 Compassion. For their final round against 10 other qualifying schools, the students had to showcase within 1 hour their botanical skills and create a visually appealing display of a variety of flora for their vertical garden challenge, while ensuring the plants have been repotted healthily and are intact. They worked against the clock to create their masterpiece and waited anxiously in anticipation for the announcement of the results. Our team was overjoyed when they were announced as the Champions in the category to Create Your Own Vertical Garden and the students went up to receive their awards to resounding applause. In addition to the medals, trophy and certificates, the students received NTUC Cash Vouchers for their efforts. It was a unique and eyeopening experience and one they felt proud to take part in.

62 IGNITE CHALLENGE 2019 AT ITE COLLEGE EAST

Students put their skills to the test creating a visually appealing display of plants in a vertical garden arrangement challenge at the Institute of Technical Education East College

National Schools Literature Festival (NSLF) 16 July 2019 This year, Springfield Secondary School fielded two teams for the NSLF debate competitions. The Secondary 3 Express Literature students were fielded in the Set Text debate, and the Secondary 4 Express Literature students were fielded in the Unseen Poetry debate. In preparation for the debate, the Secondary 4 students took part in a friendly debate against St. Patrick's School. Despite their early loss, the students took it in their stride and used the experience they had gained to better prepare themselves for the actual NSLF debates. On the day of the NSLF, there was a charged atmosphere in the air as many schools shuttled their way to their various venues for the different competitions such as choral reading, book parades and lectures. Although anxious, the students readied themselves for their upcoming duel with words and focused on the months of mental preparation they had done for the competition. During their respective debates, the students shone and delivered their speeches with confidence and dare, winning the admiration of the panel of judges. They kept their cool and capitalised on their rebuttals, ultimately leading to both teams winning their respective debates. It was a hard won fight and certainly a lesson to both teams that they would never forget.

64 NATIONAL SCHOOLS LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Students engaging in a fiery debate with their opponents to win over the judges at the National Schools Literature Festival 2019 at Woodlands Ring Secondary School

East Zone A*Star Science Research Programme 30 July 2019 and 2 August 2019 On 30 July 2019 (Judging) and 2 August 2019 (Prize Presentation and Award Ceremony), Springfield Secondary participated in the East Zone A* STAR Science Fair that sought to give our students the experience of conducting an investigative science project and a platform to exhibit and share their findings with others. Three students seized this opportunity and conducted an investigative science project, researching about the effectiveness of Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) and the amount of time required for effective pathogen inactivation. The team spent months carrying out various experiments using recycled PET bottles brought back from their Global Education Programme in Siem Reap, Cambodia. At the final judging, the team impressed the panel with their creativity, experimental design and teamwork and clinched the Merit Award. Through this project, the team picked up many scientific, analytical and problem solving skills that will greatly benefit them in their postsecondary education. This initiative is one of the many events that form part ofÂ the schoolâ€™s effort to inspire and generate greater interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics among our students.

Start It Right Programme 2-4 January 2019 Springfielders began their first week of the school year with the StartIt-Right (SIR) Programme which comprised of various activities for the different levels of students. This gave our students time to be reintegrated into curriculum lessons after their December holidays. Secondary 1 students were brought around the school to familiarise them with their new environment while a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) Orientation was organized so they could experience and decide on their preferred choice. They were also brought to Green Forest Park for some high element and class bonding activities to build new friendships in a new class. Our Secondary 2 and 3 students ventured to exciting camps that sought to build a cohesive class spirit while instilling values such as discipline and tenacity. The Secondary 2 students went for an outdoor adventure camp that had activities such as kayaking, cycling and camping. Meanwhile, our Secondary 3 students went for an Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) experience that comprised of team building activities, high elements and trekking. Lastly, our graduating cohort went to Siloso Beach for a relaxing day of fun and games before their hectic preparation for their national exams.

67 START-IT-RIGHT PROGRAMME

Students bonding as a class at the Tampines Green Forest Park as they prepare for the year ahead

Chinese New Year Celebrations 4 February 2019 Springfield ushered in the Year of the Pig with a range of festive activities. The day began with an inter-cultural sharing activity in the classroom, explaining the cultural significance of this festive occasion, followed by a much-welcomed opportunity for students of all races to sample some delectable traditional Chinese New Year goodies.Â The whole school gathered later in the hall to enjoy captivating performances from the Guzheng Ensemble as well as a wellchoreographed Silat showcase. Students were thrilled by the appearance of the live lion dance troupe whose enchanting performance added to the festive mood. The event would not have been complete without one of our very own teachers, Mr Chng Chen Keong who donned the costume of the God of Fortune, showering the students with sweets and treats to wish them a prosperous Chinese New Year

69 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating Chinese New Year with student performances and professional lion dance to usher in a prosperous new year

Sports Day 18 April 2019 The annual Sports Day began at the Singapore University of Technology and Design with a show of solidarity and camaraderie, with students flying their class flags proudly as the school completed a walk around the track in a display of teamwork and a celebration of each class’ spirit. This was followed by a range of games that included inter-class races and the Caterpillar race all of which allowed Springfielders to demonstrate how their friendships and team effort resulted in resounding successes. This event would not have been possible without the warm presence and assistance of the Springfield Parents’ Network, a team of parents who selflessly devoted their time to ensuring a steady supply of cool drinks to keep the students well-hydrated in the scorching weather. The event concluded with the presentation of prizes and trophies to the well-deserving winners who exemplified the school values and led their teams to victory.

71 SPORTS DAY

Students competing and celebrating sportsmanship at the annual Sports Day at theÂ Singapore University of Technology and Design

Hari Raya Puasa Celebrations 22 May 2019 Springfield welcomed Hari Raya Puasa with a range of activities that celebrated the end of Ramadan. Students were pleasantly surprised with Ketupat bursting with sweets inside and were treated to a Dikir Barat performance in the hall complete with a percussive accompaniment. Students from 3 Excellence also took part in a festive fashion show where they donned traditional Malay outfits and were joined by some teachers who walked down the make-shift runway to parade their traditional costumes.

Upper and Lower Secondary Awards Day 29 May 2019 Springfield Secondary held its second Awards Day on Wednesday, 27 March 2019 and Friday, 29th March 2019 to celebrate our students' achievements in the form of outstanding academic results and exemplary character. These students had managed to juggle their school work, family time and CCA responsibilities while bonding with their friends as well.Â During this ceremony, the SAC Excellence Award and Enhanced Star Award were given to our many deserving Springfielders. The SAC Excellence Award commended students for their good conduct grade and excellent results, with 4 express students, 5 normal academic students and 2 normal technical students clinching the awards.Â In addition, the Enhanced Star Award had various categories- Silver, Gold and the most coveted Platinum level which recognized students who had performed well academically in some subjects. 14 lower secondary and 16 upper secondary students were awarded in total.Â Our heartiest congratulations to all our awardees!

74 UPPER AND LOWER SECONDARY AWARDS DAY

Celebrating the academic achievements of our lower and upper Secondary students

Cross-Country Run 8 August 2019

Student's Write-up

As dawn broke at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, we gathered as a school amongst the chirping crickets. After the warm-ups led by the SEC (Student Executive Committee) members, we took our places and got ready for our race through nature. The air horn sounded and my peers sped off with swift and heavy footsteps and a glint of determination in their eyes. Laying at the start was a crude asphalt pathway into a dim thicket connected to a large forest right beside a calming lake. The experience gave me a much needed break from the hectic city life, and let me reconnect with nature. As I moved through the evergreen forest looking at the intriguing flora and fauna surrounding me, it felt almost like a unique, timeless, world untouched by modern civilisation. I observed the moss growing on the old hollow log of a once mighty tree as it became a place for small animals to take refuge once more. It was only towards the end of the race through the park when the sounds of car horns accompanied by the acrid smell of petrol and gasoline reminded me that I was about to finish the race. Even though I did not win the race nor was I even close to the top few students, I learnt an important lesson that the outcome was less important than the meaningful journey that I took. Written by: Koh Tze Kian, 2 Excellence 2019

76 NATIONAL DAY CROSS COUNTRY RUN

Enjoying nature and a healthy lifestyle while reaching their personal bests for the step challenge tracker at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Teachers' Day Celebrations 5 September 2019 Springfield's Teachers’ Day celebrations was a heart-felt tribute to the endless sacrifice that the Springfield Staff made on a daily basis. Staff and students were witnesses to a wonderfully fun and entertaining concert held in the school hall. There was a dazzling range of performances, including a piece played by the Springfield Band and a wonderfully choreographed dance by the Student Executive Committee (SEC) members. SEC members also hosted a quiz to see if some of the students were able to identify their teachers from their baby photos which resulted in moments of hilarity for all involved. What truly distinguished this year’s performance from the previous year’s was Mr. Lai Chee Keen and Mr Adrian Lim's soulful rendition of (I only care about you) which impressed staff and students alike because of its melodious delivery. At the end of the concert, staff were presented with cards hand-written by students who expressed their gratitude to their teachers for their tireless dedication.

只在乎你

我

78 TEACHERS' DAY

A special occasion with heart-warming student performances to thank our teachers for their hard work

Secondary 4 and 5 Graduation Day 1 October 2019 Springfield held the Graduation Ceremony for all Secondary 4 and 5 students on 1 October 2019. The ceremony was intended to bid a fond farewell to the graduating students who spent many of their schooling years in the hallowed halls of the school. The rows of seats were filled with parents and teachers who were smiling at the many success stories of students as they went up on stage to receive a certificate commemorating the completion of their journey at Springfield.Â Students also heard speeches from the valedictorians of their respective streams and levels and fondly reminisced about their journeys together through the class video that proudly represented their teamwork as a graduating class.Â The event culminated in the symbolic rite-of-passage, with the school leaders and teachers lighting candles which symbolised the light of wisdom. They in turn lit the candles of the students, showing how knowledge and wisdom were passed from teachers to students and how the students would, in their lifetime, continue to keep that flame alive and pass it in turn to the next generation. It truly was a momentous and moving moment that captured the emotions of hope and nostalgia in a single afternoon.

80 SECONDARY 4 AND 5 GRADUATION DAY

Bidding goodbye to our graduating students with a heartfelt candle-lighting ceremony

CCA Reports

Student Executive Committee

The Student Executive Committee (SEC) had an eventful year in 2019 despite facing several challenges along our journey throughout the year. We started the year with a bonding session at Bedok Reservoir which was organised by our seniors. We then had a leadership workshop that taught us various aspects of leadership and techniques to improve our public speaking skills. The highlight of the year was the SEC Investiture which signified the start of a new chapter for the new members. With a new SEC formed, we continued on our mission to execute our daily duties to support our fellow students. One of the events that I vividly recall and enjoyed the most was the bonding session conducted at the start of the year. We started off with planning for future events such as Teachersâ€™ Day and Investiture 2019. After an intense session of planning, we were rewarded with free time and a pizza party. It was a momentous occasion because it was one of our last meetings together with the seniors who were all about to step down which made the bonding session all the more significant. It was quite an emotional roller-coaster ride as we would not get to see our beloved senior SEC members who had been very patient while guiding us through our own journey. We also pledged to do them proud by continuing their legacy of carrying out our duties with pride and integrity. In a nutshell, the memories formed from these significant events will forever be etched in our hearts. Written by: Nicholas Lim Li Sheng, 3 Excellence Teachers in charge:Â Ms Nurhuda Osman (IC) Ms Ho Shu Ling Judith

OBJECTIVES 1. To develop leaders of character (Graciousness, Responsibility, Resilience, Integrity and Diligence). 2. To provide training and development opportunities for the members according to the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership from Kouzes and Posner.

Taekwondo

2019 was an eventful year. At the start of the year, we participated in the Taekwondo National School Games 2019. We did very well and were awarded Overall champion for Poomsae in 3 of our divisions “B” Division Boys, “B” Division Girls, and “C” Division Boys. Our “C” Division girls also did well and were 1st Runner ups. Many of our members embraced community work and helped the community by painting and cleaning some HDB houses as part of our CCA-related Values-in-Action (VIA) activity. We also conducted a Secondary 1 orientation to welcome all the Secondary 1s to the CCA. In March, we had our annual CCA training camp where we trained hard in preparation for the National School Games Taekwondo Championship. During the camp, we had other activities that allowed us to work with our team members such as Springfield Masterchef Cooking Challenge and station-based activities at night. Last but not least throughout the year we also had termly game days for the whole CCA to bond after a whole term of tough training. I felt that all the activities throughout the year brought our CCA closer together and forged stronger bonds between the seniors and the juniors. Not only did the activities allow us to have fun but also helped improve our fitness and make us into better sportsmen. Planning for the CCA activities enabled the seniors to develop resilience and learn an essential lesson that although things may not always go according to plan, each of us has to keep going and not give up. Written by: Justin Hartanto Dermawan, 3 Excellence Teachers in charge: Ms Alisya Yeo (IC) Ms Nor Hazimah Mr Leung Yong Kang Mr Lim Kim Mong Mrs Maureen Cheo

OBJECTIVES 1. To inculcate core values of sportsmanship, integrity, resilience and teamwork in our students through our holistic programmes. 2. To promote Taekwondo and provide our students with the opportunity to develop their sporting potential through our training programmes.

Outdoor Pursuits Club

2019 was an incredible year for the Outdoor Pursuits Club (OPC). We started off the year with our annual OPC Orientation Camp where we got to know our new juniors. We then participated in the National Schools Bouldering Championships (NSBC) as well as the National Schools Sports Climbing Championships (speed category) (NSSCC). We also held our very own student-initiated competition “Let’s Rock’’ here in Springfield. Lastly, we ended the year with our End-Of Year-Camp. During the March holidays we participated in the National Schools Bouldering Championship (NSBC) at Xinmin Secondary School. Selected climbers from different levels represented the school in the competition. It was satisfying to see all of our climbers fighting hard during their climbs, with many of our juniors overcoming various challenges that they encountered. The biggest highlight of the year, was our End-Of Year-Camp, where the Secondary 3 leaders worked closely together as a team to organize activities that gave us a valuable opportunity to develop leadership in an authentic situation. One of the hardest challenges was to complete the amazing race spanning a total distance of 40 kilometres. Although we faced many obstacles and experienced physical discomfort, we still completed the tasks with a joyous smile on our face, satisfied that we did our best. We definitely took this as a learning experience beyond the 4 walls of the classroom and were able to inculcate the values taught and face every challenge with a positive mindset. Written by: Ashley Tan, 3 Benevolence Teachers in charge: Mr Teo Wee Meng (IC) Ms Verine Yeo Ms Siti Nurhusna Mr Sng Kai Ming Joel

OBJECTIVES 1. To develop leaders of substance with qualities of integrity, responsibility, perseverance and compassion. 2. To inculcate outdoor skills, help students improve physically and develop their character in terms of discipline, teamwork and leadership. 3. To ensure students will be certified up to Singapore National Climbing Standards Level 2 and provide students opportunities to represent the school in regional or national level competitions.

National Police Cadet Corps

2019 was a very memorable year for me as it was a year filled with challenges and obstacles that I had never experienced before. I participated in the Sea Survival Course which sent thrills down my spine. This event required me to jump 2-storeys down to the sea with signs of jellyfish and to swim to the life raft placed about 10 meters away, so as to simulate real life situations such as, if the boat we are on catches fire or capsizes. Following our annual traditions, the NPCC started the year with an orientation camp to facilitate bonding. I also attended the Survival Training camp that was held at Pulau Ubin for cadets from Area 9. Lastly, I took part in the Police Youth Ambassador programme and together with the police as well as my squad mates, distributed flyers to the public as part of our community outreach efforts to help raise awareness about online scams. The activity in 2019 that stood out for me was the Classification Shoot which required me to handle a real gun and fire 16 live rounds. It was indeed very pressurising for me psychologically as I knew that the revolver contained live ammunition. However, after I managed to fire all 16 rounds, I was very relieved that all was well. Thus, this was the most memorable activity in 2019 because despite all the challenging factors, I completed my shoot and I was glad to have been given this once in a lifetime experience of handling a real gun. Written by: Ng Jing Ying, 3 Excellence Teachers in charge:Â Mr Murphy Chew (Officer-in-Charge) Mr Chue Pin Fang (Deputy OC) Ms Lim Jia Jing Ms Mary Wong Mr Eddie Chong

OBJECTIVES 1. Developing Leaders with Character & Value 2. Building Bonds with Singapore Police Force 3. Showing Care & Concern to Others 4. Facing Challenges & Achieving Excellence

Netball

2019 was an eventful year for the netballers. Our “B” division girls took part in the Netball zonal competitions, winning a commendable number of matches. Our experience throughout the year taught us to have a positive mindset and work as a team in order to achieve our goals. To strengthen our teamwork, we took part in a 2D1N camp in school during the March holidays. The “C” division girls also took part in the Pronet Under-14 Competition’. Many mistakes were made but we managed to come through with our heads held high. One of the biggest projects in 2019 was our VIA project, ‘Love Your Food Campaign’. Together with the school's environmental representatives, this campaign allowed us to raise awareness of food wastage. One of the most impactful events was none other than the Netball camp. During the camp, our Secondary 4 seniors stepped down and we bid our final farewells to them. We created a farewell video and made farewell cards for them. During the camp, we also did physical training with our coach in the morning. In fact we even went out of school to a nearby building and climbed 39 flights of stairs as part of our physical training! The most memorable time in camp for me was playing with water bombs. Plastic bags were filled with water and we drenched each other in good fun. Despite getting wet, we had a good laugh and enjoyed it. This camp taught us netballers to be resilient and that made us proud to be a Netballer of Springfield Secondary School. We look forward to more of such experiences next year. Written by: Carlyn Chua Yuan Yu, 1 Excellence Teachers in charge: Mdm Yeong Wei Syn (IC) Mdm Zulaiha Osman Ms Selena Akhbar Mdm Shariffa Amalsharaff

OBJECTIVES 1. To build good character through instilling the values of discipline, commitment and teamwork, both on and off the court. 2. To develop the girls’ determination to give their best and work together through rigorous trainings, friendly games, netball carnivals and competitions 3. To instil a passion for the sport so that the girls are eager to learn and have resilience to overcome challenges.

Guzheng Ensemble

In 2019, Guzheng started the year with a nationwide Guzheng competition at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2019. This was followed by training sessions which honed the skills of our players, supplemented by bonding sessions which strengthened our camaraderie as a club, culminating in the eventual passing of the torch from the seniors to the juniors. One moment this year that stood out for us was the Secondary 1 CCA Orientation. After the 2018 batch of seniors graduated, our CCA was left with 11 people. It was impossible for us to participate in the SYF competition due to the lack of numbers. However, we were very happy to see a tremendous influx of Secondary 1 students, many of them inspired by our performances and recruitment efforts. Our CCA swelled to a total of 27 people! It was now possible for us to compete in the SYF! We began our journey towards the SYF in earnest, with a strict training regimen overseen by our coach. We worked towards perfecting the 2 SYF pieces and . I persevered even when my fingers went numb, knowing that we had worked hard as a team to achieve great synchronicity as a team of players. We were proud to eventually be awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment. I appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that our team made because it was the toughest moments that became the most memorable and meaningful.

彝族舞曲

云之南

Written by: Zhi Yi Xuan, Angela, 3 Compassion Teachers in charge: Miss Chong Ming Yoong (IC) Mdm Xiong Xiao Dong

OBJECTIVES 1. To inculcate an appreciation for traditional Chinese music. 2. To hone technical mastery of the instrument in an ensemble setting. 3. To cultivate good character and discipline during both training and competitive performances.

Girl's Brigade

2019 was an eventful year for the Girls’ Brigade 44th Company. We had a variety of fun activities for both our new and existing members such as the cupcake making workshop for the Secondary 1 recruitment. This was followed by our Secondary 1 orientation and our annual camp. Another exciting event of the year was the Boys’ Brigade/Girls’ Brigade combined enrolment and the award ceremony where we received the Gold Company Award and Top Fortnight Award - an outcome of our hard work which taught us valuable skills and gave us memorable experiences. One incredible moment during the year was when we tried our hand at an “escape room”. We were supposed to get out of a room if not, we would “die”. The rooms were labelled “The Purge” and “Mental Ward”. In the rooms, we had to solve riddles in order to escape from the rooms. In this activity, we learned how to work together as a team more efficiently as there was a time limit. In the end, we managed to get out of the room by piecing the puzzles together. It was a tough challenge but with teamwork, we were able to make our way out long before the time ran out. Written by: Tan Chuan Qian, 1 Excellence Teachers in charge: Ms Joy See (IC) Ms Joey Tang Ms Rachel Koh

OBJECTIVES 1. To develop each girl to her fullest potential by equipping, empowering and enabling every girl to be a leader. 2. To inculcate values in the girls and empower girls to extend their service to the home, community, nation and the world.

Football Boys

Our football teams started 2019 passionately, with both ‘B’ division and ‘C’ division entering the Football Championships. We played with pride and honour for our school, values enshrined in the badge on our football jerseys. In the days leading towards the start of the year, our teachers conducted a 1 day camp to help us bond as a team and learn to respect each other. Not only did we play a match but we also went to watch the ASEAN Football Suzuki Cup Match between East Timor and Singapore where Singapore won 6-1. Watching this match allowed us to observe and acquire skills and tips that would help us in our own future matches to come. On 26th April 2019 and 3rd May 2019, the Secondary 1 and 3 boys played against the staff of Springfield Secondary School with the boys winning with a score of 4-1. This match was organised by our teachers. The purpose of this match was to gain more experience, especially for the Secondary 1 boys and to build greater passion and appreciation for the beautiful sport. During this competition, we sacrificed blood, sweat and tears and put in a lot of effort and hard work into our football. We faced many challenges such as our opponents provoking us but we remained composed and kept our calm. Even though some of the results were disappointing, we held our heads high and learnt from the mistakes we made. Written by: Rohan Bhogaraju, 2 Excellence Teachers in charge: Mr Koh Di Sheng Alwyn (IC) Ms Lisa Zhang Mr Lim Dao Wei Fabian Mr Feroze Amzah

OBJECTIVES 1. To inculcate basic principles of sportsmanship, as well as to impart a burning passion and love for football. 2. To instill good character and discipline both on and off the field, dedication and a spirit of servitude in any given opportunity. 3. To create a strong sense of unity and team spirit vital to any successful sporting team.

Floorball Girls

2019 was a memorable year. The year started off with the tremendous opportunity to represent Springfield Secondary School at the National “B” Division Floorball Girls Competition. The tournament was physically and mentally draining. We fought hard and stayed strong allowing us to push through to the second round, netting a total of 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. We were proud of our achievements as we rejoiced with happy tears and cheers with our team mates. The Floorball Carnival was the stand-out event of the year for me, where 3 schools were invited to our school to play friendly matches against us. When they arrived, we were very nervous as it was the first match for the Secondary 1s. Furthermore, our opponents looked really fierce and strong and looked like they could beat us in an instant. We were disappointed when we lost our first match, with mistakes being repeated despite multiple corrections. Everyone was frustrated. We knew that if we wanted to make a comeback we needed to work together as a team. Instead of scolding and blaming one another, we learnt that proper communication was a better approach to our situation. When the final minute was up and the scoreboard was 3-2, we were delighted. But the important thing was not winning, but instead the life lessons that will stay with us and prepare us for future challenges. Written by: Taguiam Graciousness Teachers in charge: Ms Ng Zhao Ying (IC) Ms Chan Hui Min Mdm Zaleela Zakariah Ms Nurhazimah Halim

Lexine

Joy

Cabansag,

OBJECTIVES 1. To develop students’ character in terms of leadership, discipline, teamwork and resilience. 2. To inculcate basic principles of sportsmanship, as well as to impart a long term passion for floorball as a sport, not only as a CCA.

Floorball Boys

Floorball had an eventful 2019, filled with many memorable and exciting experiences. The year began with a camp to break the ice between our members which strengthened our bond as a wellrounded team. This was followed by the Singapore Floorball Academy (SFA) National Age Group Championship which allowed us to prove our skills that we trained hard to acquire for the past few months. Last but not least, we participated in the National School Games (NSG) B and C division Floorball 2019. All these events shaped us into better learners and team players both in floorball and in life. The most significant moment of the year for me was the Foorball Boys' camp. Doing something different was challenging for our Secondary 2 and 3 leaders as we had to plan the activities that would be carried out during the camp. However, we knew that it was no easy task as we could not decide on the activities that would be carried out and decided to seek help and advice from our graduating seniors. In the end, the planning for the camp was finally done and the camp could then be carried out smoothly by the leaders. Overall, the camp was exhilarating as we got an opportunity to bond with one another by playing a myriad of games. This camp created an opportunity for camaraderie, and allowed all our members to fully commit to future endeavours. Written by: Matin Danish Bin Mohammad Fadhil, 2 Excellence Teachers in charge:Â Mr Boey Jun Wei Lionel (IC) Mr Muhammad Hafiz Bin Salleh Mr Ahmad Zaini Yusof Mr Mohammed Fareeq Othman

OBJECTIVES 1. To nurture sportsmen who are responsible, resilient, respectful and work well as a team. 2. To shape exemplary leaders who demonstrate initiative and leadership potential.

Drama

2019 was a stressful but rewarding experience for the Drama Club. The year presented us challenges to conquer and lessons to learn including a 3D2N Drama Camp, a performance at Woodlands Library, Singapore Youth Festival 2019 (SYF 2019) and a live performance of Othello performed by professional actors which was delightful! During the Drama Camp, the team underwent an exhausting schedule to ready ourselves for the SYF 2019. Even though we were tired, we kept ourselves energised by recalling the inspirational words and actions of our teachers and instructors. The biggest highlight of the year for us was the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2019. We felt that it was a wonderfully rewarding opportunity for us not only to present our piece which was awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment but also a meaningful learning opportunity to experience other schools’ plays, and learn about voice projection and facial expressions. The backstage management and technical crew also learnt to quicken their timing cues for both sound and music. Written by: Nur Asyikin Binte Mohammad Nazrie, 3 Aspiration Teachers in charge: Ms Nur Zuzillati Bte Zulkifli (IC) Mr Chen Zhirong Jenson Mr Nicholas Huang Mrs Suzanne Irene Jacobs Gomes

OBJECTIVES 1. To train students and equip them with the foundational skills of speech and drama. 2. To boost the confidence of students and prepare them to represent the school at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Competition.

Dance

2019 started off with a public performance, ‘Fiesta in Tampines’ on the 19th of January. This significant event was intended to commemorate a racially harmonious Tampines, and we were blessed to be a part of it. On the day itself, there was a variety of other performances prior to our turn, consisting of dances from the Japanese, Indian and Malay cultures. Our dance was the closing act and it embodied a mixture of 2 songs, “Numb” by Linkin Park and “Tear Da Roof Off” by Busta Rhymes. Not long after, in February, we dived straight into participating in the nationwide dance competition, the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF). We had prepared intensely for this moment and our hard work paid off as we managed to achieve a Certificate of Accomplishment. Even though the goal that we had in mind was to achieve a Certificate of Distinction, we were still proud of ourselves. We ended the year’s performances with an outdoor showcase which was graced by the Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad in celebration of National Day.The most remarkable moment of 2019 for me was the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2019. We managed to build stronger bonds, learnt to persevere through and at the same time relish the encounter and time we spent preparing for the SYF. Our outcome may not be the one we desired, we realised that it is not all about the results but the learning process. We are grateful for the countless opportunities that 2019 had privileged us with and wouldn’t change it for anything else. Written by: Mikyal Nadia Binte Muhammad Rifki, 3 Excellence Teachers in charge: Ms Yvonne Tan Siew Hian (IC) Mdm Nur Fadzlin Mohammed Noor Mdm Fatimah Mohd Tahir Mdm Noor Farhanah Mohamed Amin

OBJECTIVES 1. To nurture the dancers’ potential in dance - always learning, always improving. 2. To build strong bonds between dance teammates. 3. To constantly improve dance techniques and be ever ready to perform when given the opportunity. 4. To nurture dancers who are self-confident and composed.

Boys' Brigade

The 23rd Singapore Boys’ Brigade Company held its Enrolment Ceremony in March, where we celebrated the enrolment of new recruits and promotion of the seniors. The next major event was BB Blaze, a national adventure race. Our team trained very hard for the race, going the extra mile by training twice a week on weekdays. The team performed well and was amongst the top 40 teams that successfully completed the race. Although the journey was tough, our efforts paid off and we were ecstatic with the outcome of the competition. During the June holidays, we had our camp at Pulau Hantu Camp. At the campsite, we learnt to build basha tents for sleeping. We also cooked all our meals by ourselves with mess tins, tommy cookers and small gas stoves. We also made a fish trap to try to catch some of the tiny fishes swimming near the jetty. At the end of the year, we went to Cambodia for a service learning trip. We were all very excited, especially those going to Cambodia for the first time. We served the local community on the outskirts of Phnom Penh at a village school. We painted the walls and did some general maintenance around the school. Through all the hardships we went through, we strengthened our bonds and became more united as a company. The trip was also memorable as it allowed us to understand Cambodian culture and expand our world view. Written by: Quek Reyshen, 1 Excellence Teachers in charge: Mr Lai Chee Keen (IC) Mr Ng Jia Jun, Justin

OBJECTIVES 1. To promote habits of obedience, reverence, discipline and selfrespect. 2. To nurture servant leaders.

Concert Band

2019 was a memorable year for the Concert Band. The first event that we had for the year was a music exchange at Yuying Secondary School. The objective of the music exchange was to listen and learn from other concert bands that were also participating in the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF). Following this event, we went for another music exchange at St Joseph’s Institution during our SYF band camp which allowed us to learn and improve from our mistakes that we made during the previous music exchange. These experiences culminated in the SYF 2019 where we successfully applied the skills we were taught and were awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment. The most significant and unforgettable event that happened in 2019 for me was the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) on the 17th of April. The first time that we laid hands on our SYF choice piece, ‘Air Force One’ was at the end of 2018. Everyone was very enthusiastic and eager to learn and finish the whole piece as we wanted to have the best results. At first, we were all demoralised as we could not play the piece competently even after trying so hard but after more practices and effort put in by all of us, we could finally play it with ease. Although we went through hard times like making many mistakes throughout the piece, our band stood by its motto, “Nothing is impossible, it’s all in the mind” and persevered through our SYF journey. Written by: Kristal Koo Ting Yean, 3 Excellence Teachers in charge: Mr James Wong (IC) Mdm Lin Yihua Mdm Siti Zubaidah Arshad Ms Nurhayati Abdul Ghafoor

OBJECTIVES 1. To build a strong and united band, working hand-in-hand towards musicality and disciplinary excellence.

School Photographs:

Staff and Department

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School Photographs:

Graduating Class of 2019

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School Photographs: All Classes

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Acknowledgements Dylan Ang from 2 Excellence for showing great passion and stewardship in contributing photographs for Yearbook 2019. Jenson Chen Zhi Rong for his unwavering commitment to representing Springfield Secondary with beautiful photography. Mrs Norain Johari and Mrs Joy Moreira for their mentorship and invaluable guidance. Jonathan Koh perspectives.

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insightful

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Nicholas Huang and Lisa Zhang for their dedication to seeing the Yearbook to its fruition.

SPRINGFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL 30 TAMPINES AVENUE 8 SINGAPORE 529593 TEL: +65 6318 3053 | FAX: +65 6318 3050 WWW. SPRINGFIELDSEC.MOE.EDU.SG