On 8 February, Japanese troops have crossed the river using the rubber boats and rafts. They started to invade the Northen-Westen part of Singapore. On 11 February, the Japanese took control of Bukit Timah Hill, taking control of a resevoir as well as other supplies that were left by the British as well. A Singaporean, Lim Keng Kim, was forced to flee to a small village located at the south side of Singapore with her son, Lim Boon Kian for safety. They were told by a few soldiers that both their father and uncle, Kim Ah Beng and Kim Ah Sia, were shot down as they attempted to escape from the battle of Bukit Timah Hill.
Keng Kian and Boon Kian were sitting down to have a peaceful supper when gunshots ringed into their ears and commands were heard throughout the battlefield. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl as both of them tried to block off the noise. Next, the eerie silence filled the air.
However, a few hours after the battlefield, there was a knock on the door. Both of them froze in fear as they thought they were the Japanese soldiers. After they heard someone saying English, they decided to open the door. As they opened the door, they heaved a sigh of relieve as they saw a British soldier standing in front of them with a few more people that were either badly burnt or injured by the Japanese, which could be identified through their British accent and their uniforms.
Keng Kian signalled to Boon Kian to bring out some sweet potatoes while she carry them to her badroom. While they ate their supper, the British soldier told them that despite of their hard work, they were defeated and their Lieutenant, Adnan bin Saidi was captured by the Japanese. They managed to escape only when they play dead and convinced the Japanese that there was nobody left.
Suddenly, footfalls were heard near their houses. Fearing that the Japanese were nearing, they put out the kerosene lamp and hid immediately in their bedrooms. The door burst opened and Japanese soldiers spoke in their native tougues as they raided the room. Lady Luck was on their side as the Japanese did not explore the house any further and left. The British soldiers heaved a sigh of relieve and stayed overnight.
The next day,they were truly grateful Keng Kian for taking care of them and waved goodbye to Keng Kian and Boon Kian as they were living.
"Watch out for the other Japanese soldiers and I hope that you will be able to survive the war. May God watch over you!" she said to the British soldiers. Again, they thanked her for helping them and left.
Until today, when Keng Kian and Boon Kian recalls about the incident, she would wonder if the soldiers are still alive today. Even if they have not survived the war, it was no doubt that the British soldiers have contributed to protect Singapore during the war.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What Makes Me Sad?
For me, touching movies and sad stories make me sad. When these kind of touching stories are told, it can give you a sorrow feeling and a pain feeling as if your friend lied to you. That feeling is worse than pain and is undescribable. Most of the time, I feel touched but rarely, I cry when watching them. Some of them are "I Not Stupid" and "I Not Stupid 2".
In terms of friends and families, seeing them hurt emotionally makes me sad. Actually, who would not get hurt when meeting this kind of situation? Your friends and family members have guided you to what you are today, leaving an impression on your mind. You may feel like crying as well.
In school, seeing public caning and people fighting over small matters make me sad too. When seeing a public caning, the first thing that comes in my mind is "I hope this student will turn a new leaf and start over". It is very painful for the student to go through this kind of pain as they had disappointed the teachers who put their faith on them. About students that are fighting over small incident, I personally think that "Why students cannot sit down, cool down and thrash things out calmly?". Everytime these things happen, my first reaction is to attempt to stop them. It can save them from disiplinary problems and troubles as well.
Sadness cannot be avoided;it depends on how do you want to face it and handle it. If you handle it correctly, it can be a lesson in life that can guide you further on as well as making you stronger in life.
In terms of friends and families, seeing them hurt emotionally makes me sad. Actually, who would not get hurt when meeting this kind of situation? Your friends and family members have guided you to what you are today, leaving an impression on your mind. You may feel like crying as well.
In school, seeing public caning and people fighting over small matters make me sad too. When seeing a public caning, the first thing that comes in my mind is "I hope this student will turn a new leaf and start over". It is very painful for the student to go through this kind of pain as they had disappointed the teachers who put their faith on them. About students that are fighting over small incident, I personally think that "Why students cannot sit down, cool down and thrash things out calmly?". Everytime these things happen, my first reaction is to attempt to stop them. It can save them from disiplinary problems and troubles as well.
Sadness cannot be avoided;it depends on how do you want to face it and handle it. If you handle it correctly, it can be a lesson in life that can guide you further on as well as making you stronger in life.
(279 words)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Situation Writing - News Article
31st August 2010
Hit and run incident leaves two dead
By Jacob Sin
On 29 July, 5.30 p.m, at Hougang Ave 5, a driver sped and left the scene, leaving a driver and a passneger dead . Police investigation revealed that the driver knocked on their motorcycle and sped out of scene.
The driver, Ernest Teo Shi Jie, is 21 this year while the passenger, Ansel Teo Shi Hao, is 18 this year. It is known that they are both brothers and Ernest was driving his brother to enroll him for National Service(NS) when the incident happened. Both of them died on the spot.
16 year old, Ms Jane Tay, an eye-witness and student, said,"It happened so fast!" She also said that she saw two cars. 26 year old, Mdm Susan Toh, an eye-witness and a teacher, said,"They were both so young!" She also commented that all she heard was a big bang before this incident happened and said that she did not know as the incident happened in a flash.
Police Inspector Abdul Rahman, when interviewed, said,"There was streams of blood on the road." He was also shocked by the remains of the motorcycle that was left after the accident.
Police Inspector Abdul Rahman also added,"When you witness a hit and run incident, note the car plate as it could catch those irresponsible people. However, if you cannot see the car lisense plate, you can always note the modal of the car and the colour of it.
"Remember, if you witness a hit and run incident, never leave the scene as the things you see maybe important to the police so that they can be part of an evidence. Even if you had knocked down a person, you should help the person as it can make a difference between life and death and the charges will be lower. If you leave the scene immediately while knocking down a person, the charges that are going to be higher as you are not being reponsible and the police have to use more time to do more investigation."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Letter of complaint
31 Ang Mo Kio
Avenue 65
21st April 2010
Mrs Saraspathy Menon
Principle
Chong Boon Secondary School
Dear Ms Menon,
UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE AT THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
My friends and I have been going to the school library lately to do some self-studying. Unfortunately, there were some unpleasent event in the library. I am writing this letter to imform you about the incidents and I hope that you can take actions so that it is a condusive enviroment and other people can study as well.
There was this group of student that is so rude to the librarian that they argued with the librarian. The students was swearing at the librarian loudly. Despite of the fact that the librarian was older than them, they still did not care and continued to do so.I personally feel that those students should be punished as swearing is not an appropiate behaviour.
Some students even smuggled food and drinks and even spilled their drinks on the table, attracting ants and other pest as it is a sweet drink. It is annoying when a place is dirty and it makes the situation worse. I hope that you can address this problem as it could cause more people to bring food into the library and dirty the library.
There is a boy who came into the library in his PE clothes, perspiring. This is unhyginic as the library will smell and the others in the library will be disgusted , causing them to be distracted. I feel that these people should wear their uniform before going into the library.
Some people are using the computor for a long time while playing games. These computors are for the benefit of people who do not have a computer at home as well as to do their project work.
This is a selfish way to use the computer as there are many people who wants to use the computors as well. I feel that it could be irritating when they are doing something unimportant and others have to do others that are important.
The library was used to be quiet but now, it is noisy. This is no different than being in a market. Other people have to concentrate on their own work. The public library is much more quieter than our school library and you cannot expect our students to go to a public library just to have a condusive enviroment.
We suggest that we should put the rules up outside the library doors so that the students know how to behave in a library. We should be even be strict as being disrespectful to the librarian who has the right to work here is very wrong. We can send them to the disiplinary room to accept their punishment. We can hire more librarians so that they can tell other students who are not obeying the rules to go out. I sincerely hope that you can consider about it.
Yours Sincerely,
Jacob Sin
Respect 2
Avenue 65
21st April 2010
Mrs Saraspathy Menon
Principle
Chong Boon Secondary School
Dear Ms Menon,
UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE AT THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
My friends and I have been going to the school library lately to do some self-studying. Unfortunately, there were some unpleasent event in the library. I am writing this letter to imform you about the incidents and I hope that you can take actions so that it is a condusive enviroment and other people can study as well.
There was this group of student that is so rude to the librarian that they argued with the librarian. The students was swearing at the librarian loudly. Despite of the fact that the librarian was older than them, they still did not care and continued to do so.I personally feel that those students should be punished as swearing is not an appropiate behaviour.
Some students even smuggled food and drinks and even spilled their drinks on the table, attracting ants and other pest as it is a sweet drink. It is annoying when a place is dirty and it makes the situation worse. I hope that you can address this problem as it could cause more people to bring food into the library and dirty the library.
There is a boy who came into the library in his PE clothes, perspiring. This is unhyginic as the library will smell and the others in the library will be disgusted , causing them to be distracted. I feel that these people should wear their uniform before going into the library.
Some people are using the computor for a long time while playing games. These computors are for the benefit of people who do not have a computer at home as well as to do their project work.
This is a selfish way to use the computer as there are many people who wants to use the computors as well. I feel that it could be irritating when they are doing something unimportant and others have to do others that are important.
The library was used to be quiet but now, it is noisy. This is no different than being in a market. Other people have to concentrate on their own work. The public library is much more quieter than our school library and you cannot expect our students to go to a public library just to have a condusive enviroment.
We suggest that we should put the rules up outside the library doors so that the students know how to behave in a library. We should be even be strict as being disrespectful to the librarian who has the right to work here is very wrong. We can send them to the disiplinary room to accept their punishment. We can hire more librarians so that they can tell other students who are not obeying the rules to go out. I sincerely hope that you can consider about it.
Yours Sincerely,
Jacob Sin
Respect 2
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
War (PEEL Structure)
War is a horrible experience for everyone. People who are involved or caught up in a war will always be haunted forever by these memories. War causes many to lose their lives, including civilians and soldiers. It could cause a disasterous effect, both mentally and physically to many people and other countries. This could also cause relationships between countries to worsen and discrimination will happen around other countries as well.
International Friendship Day Reflection
What are the relationships that are important to you within the school context?
To me, Teacher-Stundent relationship is important. If there is no teachers to support us, we would not be what we are today. We may not be getting good grades or may even fall into bad company as well. Teachers teach us moral values which are useful for the future and teach us subjects as well so that we can find a career.
What do you know about the historyof your CCA(NPCC)?
I know that NPCC is formed in 1959 and it has become one of the largest uniform groups in Singapore. It is about dicipline, respect for others, perseverence and excellence.
Share a story about your CCA.
Once, I did not show a role model for secondary ones who just joined NPCC as I was talking to another of my friends. After debrief, the secondary two squad and me were punished by doing push-ups. He scolded us for being disrespectful and not showing a good role model to them. From there, I learnt my lesson and I have respected the seniors more.
Have the stories you heard from your classmates changed the way you feel about this school?
Yes. Once, I thought that this is just a normal neighbourhood school here. But now, after I heard what other people say about this school, I felt that this is more than a neighbourhood school.
To me, Teacher-Stundent relationship is important. If there is no teachers to support us, we would not be what we are today. We may not be getting good grades or may even fall into bad company as well. Teachers teach us moral values which are useful for the future and teach us subjects as well so that we can find a career.
What do you know about the historyof your CCA(NPCC)?
I know that NPCC is formed in 1959 and it has become one of the largest uniform groups in Singapore. It is about dicipline, respect for others, perseverence and excellence.
Share a story about your CCA.
Once, I did not show a role model for secondary ones who just joined NPCC as I was talking to another of my friends. After debrief, the secondary two squad and me were punished by doing push-ups. He scolded us for being disrespectful and not showing a good role model to them. From there, I learnt my lesson and I have respected the seniors more.
Have the stories you heard from your classmates changed the way you feel about this school?
Yes. Once, I thought that this is just a normal neighbourhood school here. But now, after I heard what other people say about this school, I felt that this is more than a neighbourhood school.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sports Fiesta
Before this event, I only know that this is only an event that is going to be exciting as many people are going to compete each other. I did not really know the meaning of this Sports Fiesta.
When I am watching the sports Fiesta, I finally understand that this event's event is to gain Sportsmanship. What is Sportsmanship? It is about: Perservence, Respect, Excellence, Dedication, Commitment and Determination. This makes up of Sportsmanship. I personally feel that the event is successfully held.
I feel that I have done my job well( my job: To flash green or red colour to Mr Tan when he flashes it as well if the competitors are ready during the rally). I still enjoyed myself despite of some unpleasent events.
When I am watching the sports Fiesta, I finally understand that this event's event is to gain Sportsmanship. What is Sportsmanship? It is about: Perservence, Respect, Excellence, Dedication, Commitment and Determination. This makes up of Sportsmanship. I personally feel that the event is successfully held.
I feel that I have done my job well( my job: To flash green or red colour to Mr Tan when he flashes it as well if the competitors are ready during the rally). I still enjoyed myself despite of some unpleasent events.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Reflective journal
Before I did this project, I was totally unaware about Chek Jawa. I thought that there are very few wetland reserves that still exist in Singapore. In fact, I thought that there was only one wetland reserve: Bukit Timah Wetland Reserve.
After this project, I realise that there are more wetland reserves than what I thought previously. Singapore is trying their best to save other animals as well. I am proud of Singapore as they are raising awarness of it.
I learnt that other countries are trying their best as well, but I also learnt that some are not as well. Some countries are still killing whales that are still endangered and the gorvenment has no control for marintime. Despite of some organisation(that is not officially opened by other government) that are attempting to save animals that are extinct(like Sea Shepard Conservation Society, who is trying to save whales), their efforts are not appreciated by governments.
My perspective have changed somehow after this project. I have came to know that some animals are dying out but others are not caring. Others are concerned but they are not doing anything. I feel that hunting is one main reasons of the endangered animals, deforestation and pollution as well.
I want to improve the current situation by encouraging others to spread the message and stop another extinction of another specie to happen again. I may consider to do something when I am much older and if it is possible( this may not be helping, though): To stop eating meat for the rest of my life.
I want to suggest that the organisations that are trying to help out should be recongnised for their efforts and should be given appropiate equipments to fight the poachers back. They should also be spreading the message as well.
After this project, I realise that there are more wetland reserves than what I thought previously. Singapore is trying their best to save other animals as well. I am proud of Singapore as they are raising awarness of it.
I learnt that other countries are trying their best as well, but I also learnt that some are not as well. Some countries are still killing whales that are still endangered and the gorvenment has no control for marintime. Despite of some organisation(that is not officially opened by other government) that are attempting to save animals that are extinct(like Sea Shepard Conservation Society, who is trying to save whales), their efforts are not appreciated by governments.
My perspective have changed somehow after this project. I have came to know that some animals are dying out but others are not caring. Others are concerned but they are not doing anything. I feel that hunting is one main reasons of the endangered animals, deforestation and pollution as well.
I want to improve the current situation by encouraging others to spread the message and stop another extinction of another specie to happen again. I may consider to do something when I am much older and if it is possible( this may not be helping, though): To stop eating meat for the rest of my life.
I want to suggest that the organisations that are trying to help out should be recongnised for their efforts and should be given appropiate equipments to fight the poachers back. They should also be spreading the message as well.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Polar Bear Conservation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear#Conservation_status.2C_efforts_and_controversies)
This article is about polar bears that are in danger of dying due to global warming, pollution etc. Their habitat is getting smaller and smaller due to global warming. The government is trying to raise awareness to tell the world about it as it is getting serious.According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), polar bears are important as it could show signs of the problems of the artic marine life.
Reflection: Before I read this article, I thought that it is already endangered and it is dying out. However, after reading it, I realised that although it is not to the state of being endangered, it is going to die out sooner or later. I was sadly dissapointed after further research that the representatives of every country at the copenhagen meeting had failed to meet up with the targets and global warming is known as scaremongering as well. I must start to recycle as I felt guilty-stricken upon writing this.
Reflection: Before I read this article, I thought that it is already endangered and it is dying out. However, after reading it, I realised that although it is not to the state of being endangered, it is going to die out sooner or later. I was sadly dissapointed after further research that the representatives of every country at the copenhagen meeting had failed to meet up with the targets and global warming is known as scaremongering as well. I must start to recycle as I felt guilty-stricken upon writing this.
Conservation of sharks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark#Conservation)
This article is about the conversation of sharks. Actually, the whole world do not care about it. They just allow it, causing some shark species to decrease by 90%. The UN and some of them adknowledged about it but did not care.
Reflection: Before reading this article, I thought that the world is trying to save sharks from extinction. Now, after reading this article, I realised the pathetic truth about it. No one is putting effort to save them from extinction. Why can't they do something about it? I think that they must have thought that sharks are dangerous due to the movie, Jaws that changed their mondset. The fact is they are not dangerous. We should save them by not eating shark fin!
Reflection: Before reading this article, I thought that the world is trying to save sharks from extinction. Now, after reading this article, I realised the pathetic truth about it. No one is putting effort to save them from extinction. Why can't they do something about it? I think that they must have thought that sharks are dangerous due to the movie, Jaws that changed their mondset. The fact is they are not dangerous. We should save them by not eating shark fin!
Chek Jawa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chek_Jawa)
This article is about the history of Chek Jawa. In the past, some people found that place to be rich in biodiversity but the government decided to use it for land reclaiming. A group of volunteers decided to conserve this site and worked hard to conserve this place. It also talks about the problems they face as well.
Reflection: Before I read this article, I did not even know what is Chek Jawa and its history. After reading this article, I realised that how important is it to have a wetland reserve. Although I do know that animals has a live, I did not know the importance to conserve them. I thought that they could move to somewhere else. If they move, it will be like a person moving out from a war-struck place. It will be impossible to adapt to a new situation! We have to raise awareness to the animals that are dying out!
Reflection: Before I read this article, I did not even know what is Chek Jawa and its history. After reading this article, I realised that how important is it to have a wetland reserve. Although I do know that animals has a live, I did not know the importance to conserve them. I thought that they could move to somewhere else. If they move, it will be like a person moving out from a war-struck place. It will be impossible to adapt to a new situation! We have to raise awareness to the animals that are dying out!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chinese New Year/Hari Raya/Deepavali Celebration
During Chinese New Year/Hari Raya/Deepavali celebrations,I felt weird as I never encountered with three events in one day. Maybe two events in one day that I encountered but never three! I felt that although this is strange, it turned out to be fun and exciting day for me.
There was this concert called "Happy Deppa Raya " concert. It contains dance items from the chinese dance club and cultural club. Finally, there is a lion dance before the end of the concert. Everyone is excited and they enjoyed the concert.
I felt that the school has organised this concert and had put in alot of effort to make us enjoy this concert. I am very happy that day and I hope that Mrs Menon will organise another concert next year.
I felt that the school has organised this concert and had put in alot of effort to make us enjoy this concert. I am very happy that day and I hope that Mrs Menon will organise another concert next year.
Growth Day@ Sentosa Beach Fiesta
During the beach fiesta, although it was a fun experience, I also learnt many things during the trip. Let me share with you my experience.
In the Beach Fiesta, my impression of ITE has changed a lot.Originally, I thought that ITE is not a good school and it is for people who fail their "o" levels. However, after this Fiesta, I realised that it is a school that is quite good and the people there are not hopeless but instead, they could be creative.
I also learnt to persevere in two incidents during the beach fiesta. First incident was during a booth that I have to use a submachine to catch a "Treasure" and put it into a certain place in a water tank. At first, I thought that it was easy but later, I found it tough to catch the "Treasure" . Although I did not win anything, at least I tried hard in the game. The second incident is the time where I have to collect lunch for everyone. Only Alvin and I were present when Ms Jay, the form teacher were calling the people in charge of it. Alvin looked over the goodie bags while I carried the lunch boxes to the others. I kept persevering despite of carrying 36 lunch boxes which was heavy. After some time, I managed to find them and give some lunch boxes to them.
In the Beach Fiesta, my impression of ITE has changed a lot.Originally, I thought that ITE is not a good school and it is for people who fail their "o" levels. However, after this Fiesta, I realised that it is a school that is quite good and the people there are not hopeless but instead, they could be creative.
I also learnt to persevere in two incidents during the beach fiesta. First incident was during a booth that I have to use a submachine to catch a "Treasure" and put it into a certain place in a water tank. At first, I thought that it was easy but later, I found it tough to catch the "Treasure" . Although I did not win anything, at least I tried hard in the game. The second incident is the time where I have to collect lunch for everyone. Only Alvin and I were present when Ms Jay, the form teacher were calling the people in charge of it. Alvin looked over the goodie bags while I carried the lunch boxes to the others. I kept persevering despite of carrying 36 lunch boxes which was heavy. After some time, I managed to find them and give some lunch boxes to them.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Personal Aspirations and Target Settings for 2010
I have many personal aspirations and target settings for this year but I am going to tell some of mine...
Some of my personal aspirations and target settings is to improve in my subjects, especially in my literature and geography. I feel that I did not do some of my subjects really well last year, especially literature and science. I concluded that I did not put in effort and I decided to work hard this year. Also, I decided to attempt to lose weight this year as I am quite heavy and I have to change my lifestyle.
Lastly, I decided to work hard in my CCA, which is NPCC. I want to be recognised for my hard work, be respected by others, to be one of the best cadets in NPCC as well as to earn more badges!
Some of my personal aspirations and target settings is to improve in my subjects, especially in my literature and geography. I feel that I did not do some of my subjects really well last year, especially literature and science. I concluded that I did not put in effort and I decided to work hard this year. Also, I decided to attempt to lose weight this year as I am quite heavy and I have to change my lifestyle.
Lastly, I decided to work hard in my CCA, which is NPCC. I want to be recognised for my hard work, be respected by others, to be one of the best cadets in NPCC as well as to earn more badges!
Journal Events on School Events 2010
Please complete the following 13 journal entries based on school events throughout the year.
1.Personal Aspirations and Target Settings for 2010
2.Growth Day@ Sentosa Beath Fiesta
3.Chinese New Year & Deepavali & Hari Raya Celebrations [NE]
4.Total Defence Day
5.Annual Cross Country
6.Sports Fiesta
7.International Friendship Day
8.Earth Day
9.Growth Camp and School's Annual Speech Day
10.Youth Day & Metier VIII
11.Racial Harmony Day
12.National Day
13.Youth Olympic Games 2010
1.Personal Aspirations and Target Settings for 2010
2.Growth Day@ Sentosa Beath Fiesta
3.Chinese New Year & Deepavali & Hari Raya Celebrations [NE]
4.Total Defence Day
5.Annual Cross Country
6.Sports Fiesta
7.International Friendship Day
8.Earth Day
9.Growth Camp and School's Annual Speech Day
10.Youth Day & Metier VIII
11.Racial Harmony Day
12.National Day
13.Youth Olympic Games 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)