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GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (PRIMARY)

Address: 4 Geylang East Central Singapore 389706 Tel: 67486746 Fax: 67488980

5 January 2015 Dear Parents / Guardians, Blessings for the New Year! We welcome your child/ward to the school and look forward to another year of strong partnership with you to support your child in learning well and building strong relationships. To our P1 parents, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Geylang Methodist School family. We are confident that you will work closely with us to help your child ‘grow in wisdom, stature and in favour with God and man.’

We thank God for our new vice-principal Mdm Seah Bee Hui. The School Leadership team has expanded with Mr Yak Beng Wei who joined the school in June 2014 as VP and the appointment of 4 more key personnel- Mrs Yvonne Seah (Head of Department, Student Development). Mdm Sulistiati (Subject Head(SH), Student Welfare), Mrs Denyse Liu (SH, Aesthetics) and Mdm Shannen Lim (SH, PE). The School Development team (SDT) has been established to enhance our school’s ability to deliver a student-centric and values-driven education. The 3 Year Heads for the respective levels (Mrs Tan Siew Kuan (HOD CCE) for P1&2), (Mrs Chan Wai Leng (HOD PE/CCA) for P3&4) and (Mrs Tok Bing Hwee (HOD Math) for P5&6) will work closely with the teachers at each level to strengthen school’s capability to develop age-appropriate programmes and strategies to support holistic development of all students. We hope to enhance the quality of school experience for students, with greater emphasis on, and attention to, values education and students’ social emotional needs and development. Providing a Broad and Deep Foundation for Lifelong Journey At GMSP, we are guided by the following core beliefs: Every child can learn, whatever his starting point. Every child is different, and can succeed in different ways. Our pupils will need different attributes to succeed in the future different from today. Our pupils must inherit enduring values, timeless wisdom and immutable insights on human life and civilisation. Our success in education and our success as a society are deeply intertwined.

Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

‘Faithfulness that works’ is our theme for 2015. As we celebrated our school’s 90th anniversary last year with the theme, ‘Blessed to bless’, we want to continue to stay faithful to the legacy we have established at GMSP henceforth. We will focus on practicing faithfulness through the way God has shown His faithfulness to us. We hope to lay strong foundations for our pupils to exhibit both character and performance excellence.

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The importance of school-home partnership As a parent, you are the key navigator of your child’s/ward growth. Your child/ward will benefit the most when we put your child/ward at the heart of what we do, and when we understand our shared responsibilities for your child/ward and work together to bring out the best in your child/ward. Having a close partnership with us will help you to better understand your child’s/ward’s learning experience in school, so that you could provide him or her the necessary family care, support and reinforcement at home. You can support your child/ward in various ways. We encourage you to join PALs (Parents as Loving Supporters) so that you can get involved with the school’s activities and get to know other parents and your child’s/ward’s friends in school. You can sign up for activities by Family Matters@GMSP or Dads for Life (DFL). Effective parenting cannot occur in isolation from the school, and we would like to partner you to develop your child/ward to be the best that he or she can be. How can parents be involved in their child’s/ward’s education Here are some tips that you could consider to support your child’s/ward’s learning:

Praise your child’s/ward’s good efforts, and not only his/her successes. Don’t dwell on mistakes and academic marks. Rather, always encourage your

child/ward to strive for improvement. Give your child/ward the confidence to seek help from his/her teacher.

More tips can be found at: http://parents-in-education.moe.gov.sg/parents-in-education/how-can-parents-be-involved/learning-at-home/create-a-positive-home-learning-environment-for-your-child” New Smartphone Communication System (ANL)

To better connect with parents, the school is moving to an integrated app that allows the parent to track your child’s work on the school-learning portal (AskNLearn-ANL) and also allows for communication from the school. This allows the school to achieve a higher level of communication effectiveness and workflow efficiency in our information dissemination and communication and monitoring of your child’s work. Parents are required to download and install this new free smartphone application, which can be located via a keyword search ‘AsknLearn’ from the Apple APPs store or Android Google Play. Once you have installed it successfully, you are required to login with your child’s NRIC/FIN to receive notification sent out by the school. For instructions on installing the app and login details, please refer to the instructions attached at the back of the memo. If there are any issues that you face setting up your accounts or for more information on ANL, please email our vendor for support at lmssupport@wizlearn.com or call them at +65 6777 9661 (Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 6.00pm). Last but not least, do communicate with our teachers via the pupils’ handbook, email or make a request for our teacher to call or meet with you if you have a concern to share with regard to your child. Throughout the year, if you have urgent concerns, constructive feedback on staff matters and suggestions on school improvement issues, I would appreciate your direct communication via email to our school : gmps@moe.edu.sg or leave a message at the general office for the school leaders (Principal or Vice-Principals and HODs) to get back to you. Thanking you in advance for supporting our school improvement through your feedback.

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1. PERI-Upgrading - SUPER Updates Please be informed that construction work may be delayed but will restart soon. At present, the school canteen, school hall and car park are being used. However, vehicles may not enter the school and so please use the public car parks nearby to drop off your child. School bus drop off for pupils has been arranged. There will be measures to ensure the safety and security of your child as well as minimize noise disturbances if any. High noise activity will only be carried out during the school holidays. The staff and pupils have been briefed on security measures and the inconvenience the school may face during this period of upgrading works. We believe that God is our Protector and He will protect every one of us in the school during the upgrading period. We continue to seek your support in contributing to the fund-raising as we still need to raise $600,000 for the upgrading project. Donations can be made payable to “GMS Management Board Support Fund” if no tax exemption is required. If tax-exemption is required, please make your cheque payable to “Geylang Methodist School (Primary)”. You can hand in cash donations through our general office too.

2. Safety and Security Matters The safety and security of our pupils is of top priority for us at GMSP. As such, we seek your co-operation in the following ways: 1) Kindly observe all security procedures and report at the school general office when

you enter the school for meetings with teachers or any other matters. 2) Observe the gate-opening times and make it a point to arrive punctually as our

school helpers are deployed to carry out other duties beyond gate opening time slots. 3) Kindly park your vehicles at the adjoining public car parks in the school’s vicinity as

there are no parking spaces in school due to the school upgrading works and our pupils can be kept safe with minimal traffic on school grounds.

Thank you for serving as good role model for our children when you observe safety and security rules and procedures in our school. Your kind co-operation and support for staff welfare at GMSP are greatly appreciated.

3. Bus Transportation Thank you for your patience with the new bus vendor and do continue to work with my Operations Manager, Mr Steven Goh if you have any concern with regard to bus transportation. However, please note that school bus service is not part of school operations. We will do our best to ensure the safety and security of our pupils using the service.

4. Primary 3-6 Parents’ Curriculum Briefing Session on 6 February 2015 (Friday) Please make time to attend the briefing and hand in your response slip by 23 January through the form teacher. Curriculum briefing session will focus on the following:

a. Key curriculum matters pertaining to the subjects b. Strategies and skills for answering questions requiring higher order thinking skills for

English, Science & Mother Tongue/ heuristics for Math c. How parents can help support your child’s learning

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The programme for the Parents’ Curriculum Briefing Session will be as follows:

Time Activities

6.30 p.m.– 7.15 p.m.

Concurrent Session (P5 & P6) School Hall 2nd level

P5 Subject-Based Banding & Promotion Criteria,

P6 PSLE Preparation, Selection of Secondary Schools, Direct School and Admission, Understanding the PSLE T-score and aggregate score.

Concurrent Session (P3 & P4) School Auditorium 3rd level

P4 Subject-Based Banding

7.15 pm. P3 to P6 Parents’ Meeting with Teachers in the classrooms.

(Please note that there will be no individual consultation with the form teacher )

8.30 pm. End-of-session

5. Mathematics E-learning Platform for Problem Solving

To provide a platform for independent learning and practice of solving Math word problems, the school has adopted Koobits Problem Solving portal for all pupils. Pupils can login from AskNLearn portal as KooBits Problem Sums is integrated with AskNLearn learning management system to provide a single login experience. The E-learning portal provides teaching and practice of Mathematics questions, word problems with models and official Singapore Maths Olympiad for Primary Schools past-year contest questions. The system has a comprehensive coverage of the latest Math curriculum for all levels. Pupils have access to questions of all levels both in school and home. A login letter will be given to parents. Please support your child’s learning at home by monitoring your child in working out the sums and completing homework assigned by the Mathematics teacher.

6. Home-school Partnerships@GMSP FamilyMatters@School Supported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), FamilyMatters@GMSP has lined up a series of talks and activities for parents. For enquiries, contact the coordinator Mdm Surina Lim via email fmgmsp5022@gmail.com

Programme (Date) For Whom Remarks

First Day! Workshop 2 Jan (Friday) 4pm -6pm 2 Sessions ongoing; (1 English, 1 Mandarin)

Parents of P1 Pupils only

This workshop seeks to impart important parenting concepts and principles as well as orientate parents to the school's values.

Valentine’s Day 13 February (Friday) Dinner 6.30pm to 7.30pm Program 7.30pm - 9.30 pm

Married Couples

In conjunction with Valentine’s Day Affirmation and building intimacy

Marriage Convention 2015 by MSF (21 March TBA)

All Parents A seminar on marriage for all parents and couples

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Dads for Life

Programme (Date) For Whom Remarks

2 Jan, Friday

Parents of P1 pupils Back to school

31 Jan, Sat 9.00 to 11.00 am

All fathers in GMSP A talk for all fathers ‘Fathering the heart’

14 Mar, Saturday 5 Sept, Saturday (in the morning)

All fathers and their children in GMSP

Small scale activities to bond all fathers and their children (details to be sent out at a later date).

PALS - Parents as Loving Supporters (Parents support group ) - SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL P1 Parents Please join PALS in building a strong partnership with our school! Make time to attend the Annual PALS’ Gathering to be held on Saturday, 7 March at 9 a.m. in the school. Here you will get to meet other parents and this is a great platform for you to network and support one another as parents of the school to become more effective parents and partners in your child’s education.

Programme (Date) For Whom Remarks

PALS’ Welcome 2014 – A big welcome to P1 parents in GMSP

Parenting Talk & Sharing plus Lunch – Welcome P1 parents (7 March)

All PALS, P1 parents and their children

A combined effort by PALS and FMS to welcome all P1 parents with an hour of parenting talk and sharing as well as recruitment exercise. This is followed by a get-together lunch. (9.00 am to 2.00 pm)

Strategic Thrust 1: GMSP Learner (Academic Excellence) PSLE Performance Our overall percentage pass is at 99.77%, above the national average of 97.6%. This year, about 66.7% of the cohort has entered the Express Stream, compared to 58.7% in 2013. We want to thank God for His guidance and faithfulness to the school. Below are the details of PSLE results by subjects:

PSLE Results 2014

GMS(P) and National 2014 (%)

Subject A* - A A* - C

GMS(P) National GMS(P) National

English 43.5 44.1 96.4 97.1

Mathematics 40.9 44.7 83 85.3

Science 43.7 42.4 90.3 90

Chinese 69.2 76.5 94.2 96.6

Higher Chinese 29 18.6 100 98.5

Malay 72 74.1 92 97.4

Tamil 88.5 76.2 100 97.7

Higher Tamil 0 16.8 100 98.7

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Below are the details of the pupils’ performance by subjects (Foundation):

G1 G1-4

Subject GMS(P) National GMS(P) National

Foundation EL 0 3.1 100 97.2

Foundation MA 7.1 7.5 96.4 84.4

Foundation SC 0 4.9 89.5 89.8

Foundation CL 11.1 14.3 100 95.8

Assessment Please refer to the table below for a summary of the weighting for the subjects. Details of P1 and P2 assessments will be sent out separately at a later date.

Level Subject Weighting

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

P1 English and Math Bite-size assessments

P2 English and Math Bite-size assessments SA2

P3 to P5

English, Mathematics, Science & Mother Tongue

- SA1 40%

Alternative Assessment

10%

SA2 50%

P6 English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue

CA1 SA1 Prelims 100%

PSLE

Strategic Thrust 2: GMSP Citizen (Character Excellence) 1. Pupil Handbook 2015 Your child/ward will receive a copy of the Pupil Handbook 2015. Please read through the Pupil Handbook with your child/ward so that you are familiar with its content. The handbook also serves as the primary communication channel between you and the teachers. This helps to establish a mutual understanding of your child’s/ward’s learning and progress in school. 2. Timetable Kindly ensure that your child/ward prepares the necessary books, materials and relevant stationery for his/her daily lessons according to the given timetable. To keep the weight of the schoolbag at a manageable weight (not more than 8 kg), please help to ensure that your child/ward brings home the relevant books and materials for regular revision and completion of school work. 3. School Hours AM Session (P3 to P6 pupils) Pupils from P3 to P6 will report to school by 7.20 am on a daily basis as pledge-taking will be at 7.25 am and lesson starts at 7.30 am Dismissal time for pupils in the AM session. Mondays and Fridays Dismissal at 1.00 pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays Dismissal at 1.30 pm. Wednesdays Dismissal at 12.30 pm.

PM Session (P1and P2) All P1 and P2 pupils are to be in school at 12.30 pm daily. Dismissal time will be at 6.20 pm.

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4. Recess Arrangements 2015 P2 to P6 Nonya Manis Caterers Pte Ltd has been selected to provide healthy set meals for our staff and pupils. Orders should have been placed for a healthy meal set which costs $1.50 per meal. Lunch meal orders will be charged as an additional meal order. Nonya Manis will be taking orders from your child in the classroom on 2 Jan 2015, Friday for orders starting from Monday, 5 January 15 to 16 January 2015 (Term 1 Week 1 and 2). Following that, orders will be taken on the following dates:

Date Order Period Amount to pay(bring)

Number of set meals

16 Jan 2015, Fri 19 Jan 15 to 30 Jan 15 (Term 1, Week 3 and 4) $15/- 10

30 Jan 2015, Fri 2 Feb 15 to 27 Feb 15 (Term 1, Week 6 to 8) $25.50 17

27 Feb 2015, Fri 2 Mar 15 to 13 Mar 15 (Term 1, Week 9 and 10) & 23 Mar 15 to 2 Apr 15 (Term 2, Week 1 and 2)

$28.50 19

3 Apr 2015 6 Apr 15 to 30 Apr 15 (Term 2, Week 3 to 6) $28.50 19

Menu for 2015 Term 1 Week 3 and 4

Week Day Recess Menu

3 Monday Hot Dog Buns and Salad

3 Tuesday Braised Beancurd, Stir Fried Vegetables & white rice

3 Wednesday Stir Fried Chicken cubes, mixed vegetables & white rice

3 Thursday Pizza

3 Friday Fish fillet in lemon sauce, tomato egg & white rice

4 Monday Chicken stew with potatoes, vegetables & white rice

4 Tuesday Fried Kway Teow & vegetables

4 Wednesday Nasi Lemak with chicken wing, fish cake & cucumber

4 Thursday Mee Rebus with vegetables

4 Friday Chee Cheong Fun with Soon Kueh

Week Day Lunch Menu

3 Monday Skinless stirred fried chicken, vegetables & white rice

3 Tuesday Mui Fan with seafood & vegetables

3 Wednesday Fried Bai Tak Mai, fishballs & vegetables

3 Thursday Soya Sauce skinless chicken rice & cucumber

3 Friday Sliced fish noodle soup

4 Monday Minced Chicken Spaghetti

4 Tuesday Fried Bee Hoon & vegetables

4 Wednesday Fried Rice & vegetables

4 Thursday Chicken char siew noodles

4 Friday Stirred fried potato, sausage, stir fried vegetables & white rice

Menus will be repeated for the following month throughout the term. Recess orders for Primary 1 only Nonya Manis Caterers Pte Ltd has been selected to provide healthy set meals for our staff and pupils. Orders should have been placed for a healthy meal set which costs $1.50 per meal. Lunch meal orders will be charged as an additional meal order. Nonya Manis will be taking orders from you at the school hall on 2 Jan 2015, Friday for orders starting from Monday, 12 January 15 to 16 January 2015 (Term 1 Week 2).

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Following that, orders will be taken on the following dates:

Date Order Period Amount to pay(bring)

Number of set meals

16 Jan 2015, Fri 19 Jan 15 to 30 Jan 15 (Term 1, Week 3 and 4) $15/- 10

30 Jan 2015, Fri 2 Feb 15 to 27 Feb 15 (Term 1, Week 6 to 8) $25.50 17

27 Feb 2015, Fri 2 Mar 15 to 13 Mar 15 (Term 1, Week 9 and 10) & 23 Mar 15 to 2 Apr 15 (Term 2, Week 1 and 2)

$28.50 19

3 Apr 2015 6 Apr 15 to 30 Apr 15 (Term 2, Week 3 to 6) $28.50 19

Menu for 2015 Term 1 Week 3 and 4

Week Day Recess Menu

3 Monday Hot Dog Buns and Salad

3 Tuesday Braised Beancurd, Stir Fried Vegetables & white rice

3 Wednesday Stir Fried Chicken cubes, mixed vegetables & white rice

3 Thursday Pizza

3 Friday Fish fillet in lemon sauce, tomato egg & white rice

4 Monday Chicken stew with potatoes, vegetables & white rice

4 Tuesday Fried Kway Teow & vegetables

4 Wednesday Nasi Lemak with chicken wing, fish cake & cucumber

4 Thursday Mee Rebus with vegetables

4 Friday Chee Cheong Fun with Soon Kueh

Week Day Lunch Menu

3 Monday Skinless stirred fried chicken, vegetables & white rice

3 Tuesday Mui Fan with seafood & vegetables

3 Wednesday Fried Bai Tak Mai, fishballs & vegetables

3 Thursday Soya Sauce skinless chicken rice & cucumber

3 Friday Sliced fish noodle soup

4 Monday Minced Chicken Spaghetti

4 Tuesday Fried Bee Hoon & vegetables

4 Wednesday Fried Rice & vegetables

4 Thursday Chicken char siew noodles

4 Friday Stirred fried potato, sausage, stir fried vegetables & white rice

Menus will be repeated for the following month throughout the term.

5. Update of Address and Contact numbers Form teachers will issue your child a copy of ‘Latest contact information sheet.’ Please check through the information and return the contact information sheet (with necessary amendments) to your respective form teachers by Monday, 12 January 2015. Strategic Thrust 3: GMSP Professional (Staff Excellence) Communication with school Kindly communicate with our teachers via the pupils’ handbook, email or make a request for our teacher to call or meet with you if you have a concern to share with regard to your child/ward. We hope for your understanding that our teachers need time to respond to you when they have classes and activities throughout the day, may be away on course and may need time to gather inputs from other subject teachers before engaging you in a meaningful discussion about your child/ward. Throughout the year, if you have urgent concerns, constructive feedback on staff matters and suggestions on school improvement issues, I would appreciate your direct communication via email to our school email address: GMPS@moe.edu.sg , feedback through the school website http://www.geylangmethodistpri.moe.edu.sg or leave a

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message at the general office for the school leaders (Vice-Principals , SSD and/or HODs) to get back to you. Thanking you in advance for supporting our school improvement through your feedback. Strategic Thrust 4: GMSP Link (Partnership with School) Parents As Loving Supporters (PALS) We strongly urge you to make time to be a parent volunteer and in supporting the various initiatives by the PALS committee and attendance at Parent-Teachers Meeting and participation in focus group discussions in school. For those who are interested to join as a PALs member, forms are available at the General Office. You can also contact the Chairman, Mdm Amy Wong via email PALSgmsp@gmail.com Alumni Association (Recruitment) Parents who are former students of Geylang Methodist Schools (Primary and Secondary) are welcome to join the Alumni so that you can better contribute to the school. Forms are available at the General Office. You can also contact the Chairman, Mr Benjamin Chew via email benjamin87_genex@yahoo.com.sg DADs For Life DADs for Life is a community project organized by National Family Council (NFC) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). A wide body of research shows that father’s involvement in family life has a real, substantial and lasting impact on children and families. The school would like to encourage all fathers to join the activities that will be organized to bond father and the children this year. Please refer to Annex A for dates and details of the courses organized by Dads for Life. Do look out for our brochures and invitation to participate. The Chairman is Mr Myron Wee, a member of Christalite Methodist Chapel. You can contact him via email myron.wee@gmail.com Family Matters@GMSP (FMS) FMS@GMSP aims to help bond families and individuals (parents, pupils and staff) through programmes and activities. It adopts a holistic family model to equip parents with effective parenting skills to enhance family life. The parent-child relationship has much impact on the child’s academic achievements and character development. FMS@GMSP also organizes impactful and helpful workshops and activities for parents and their children on Saturdays. We encourage you to participate actively as the activities and workshops are highly subsidized. Please refer to Annex A for dates and details of the courses organized by FMS@GMSP for parents. The coordinator is Mdm Surina Lim. You can contact her via email fmgmsp5022@gmail.com Important Note for Parents Health Matters We would like to advise all parents/guardians of pupils who are unwell to consult a doctor and rest at home until certified fit by doctors. In addition, the medical certificate should be handed to your child’s/ ward’s form teacher when he/she returns to school. For the morning (AM) session pupils, do ensure that your child/ward takes his/her breakfast before attending school in the morning. For the afternoon (PM) session pupils, do ensure that your child takes his/her lunch before attending school in the afternoon. Having a well- balanced diet is also important for your child/ward and we do hope that your child eats a wide variety of food in the appropriate portions so that he/she can grow healthily and this will help him/her to develop well physically, socially and mentally. We seek your strong co-operation to ensure that your child/ward gets enough rest and maintain a balanced timetable between recreation and school revision in order that they are able to attend school regularly and stay focused on achieving their academic goals. We also urge parents to follow the school calendar closely and avoid interruption to the child’s/ward’s learning by minimizing early travel plans and long periods of absence

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from school due to the need to spend long period of time overseas. The school will continue teaching the curriculum during the post-examination period so that our pupils have more time to consolidate their learning for the year. Parents are requested to meet the school leaders with a letter of request for absence with valid or urgent reasons at the start of each term for consideration, if applicable. Temperature-Taking Exercise (Wednesday, 7 January 2015) As GMSP responsible citizens, our pupils will be required to have a personal oral digital thermometer (ODT) for health checks conducted at school and for monitoring their own health at home. P1 Pupils will receive their ODTs, free of charge, on Tuesday, 6 January 2015. P2 to P6 pupils who need to replace their ODTs, can purchase it at $3.00 from the Care Corner at 9.00am and 6.00 pm on Monday, 5 January and Tuesday, 6 January. However, if it is a replacement of batteries, each battery is sold at $1.00 at the Care Corner. Chinese New Year Celebrations (Wednesday, 18 February 2015) On this day, all pupils can put on their traditional costumes. Pupils who are coming to school by school bus, transport arrangements have already been made with the transport vendor. All pupils including P1 and P2 will report to school at 7.20 am for Chinese New Year celebrations. All pupils will be dismissed at 9.30 am after the celebrations. Forms and Payment Parents of P1 to P6 Pupils are required to complete and return the attached “Response Slip”, together with the payment and “Medical Record 2015”, to the Form Teachers by Monday, 12 January. In addition, P2 to P6 Pupils will receive a copy of the “Update of Pupil’s Details” and “Medical History” forms. Parents are required to check the child’s particulars on these two forms and return them to the Form Teachers by Monday, 12 January. For your reference, the Programme Highlights and Term 1 School Calendar are attached at Annexes A and B respectively. We look forward to an enriching year for your child/ward at GMSP and do continue to keep us in your prayers and warm wishes. Yours sincerely, Mrs Rina Liang Principal

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Annex A

SCHOOL PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015 - TERM 1

Strategic Thrust 1: GMSP Learner (Academic Excellence)

Programme For Whom Remarks

‘Healthy Living’ Month

P1 to P6 Pupils

A series of events/programmes to promote Healthy Eating & Healthy Living to our pupils and parents have been planned. We encourage your strong participation and support for this initiative at GMSP as we believe ‘Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds’ make for a more successful and meaningful educational experience at GMSP. More details will be given out later.

Outdoor Learning at the Singapore Zoological Gardens

P3 Pupils Set in the heart of a rainforest with almost 3,000 animals representing some 300 species to fascinate and engage, the pupils will learn about the diversity of animals and identify the characteristics of the various types of animals.

P3 Cultural Camp (Learning Journey-After School)

P3 CL pupils The P3 Cultural Camp seeks to provide opportunities for pupils to be immersed in Chinese Culture and Practices. This year, the 3 hr camp will be carried out in the form of Learning Journey after school. This will be carried out in February (before Chinese New Year), and details will be provided at a later date.

E2K Science Programme Singapore

Selected P5 pupils

The E2K Science Programme Singapore is a Science enrichment programme for selected P4 and P5 pupils who demonstrate interest and ability in science. It aims to develop scientific inquiry process skills among high-ability primary pupils in Science, as well as nurture other important 21st century competencies such as resilience and resourcefulness, critical and inventive thinking, and effective communication skills.

DNA Basics at Singapore Science Centre

P5 Pupils Pupils will be introduced to DNA as the most important molecule of life and made aware of the role of DNA in our lives. Pupils will be making a DNA model and see what DNA looks like in real life, by extracting it from bacterial cells.

P5 English Debate Programme

Selected P5 pupils

The P5 English Debate programme aims to provide a platform to promote critical and inventive thinking and develop confident communicators. Selected pupil will go on to represent the school in the National Interschool Debate Championships: Wits and Words.

Outdoor Learning-Maths & Science Trail at the Singapore Science Centre

P6 Pupils To support Outdoor Learning, the Maths & Science Trail will be held tentatively from 13 January to 3 February. Pupils will learn more about aquatic plants and animals. Pupils will explore Mathematics in the real world context. To be held at the Singapore Science Centre (begins Wed, 13 Jan).

Math Olympiad Training

Selected P6 Pupils

The Math Olympiad Training Programme provides an avenue to develop pupils’ Mathematical talents and aims to stimulate critical thinking in Mathematics. It will equip pupils for participation in Primary Mathematics Olympiad.

Strategic Thrust 2: GMSP Citizen (Character Excellence)

Programme For Whom Remarks

House Warming All Pupils This is a session where the pupils gather with their respective House members (Archer, Mitchell, Means and Lau) to build House pride and forge a sense of belonging.

Programme for Active Learning (PAL)

All P1 and P2 Pupils

PAL comprises modules in the four areas, Sports and Games, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Participation helps pupils to balance the acquisition of knowledge with skills and values and enable them to have a well-rounded education. The activities are experiential in nature and incorporate elements of fun and enjoyment. They are carried out both by teachers and professional instructors.

P2 Peer Leaders’ Workshop

P2 Peer Leaders

It is a workshop to equip peer leaders with leadership skills, emphasizing on responsibility. Platforms will be given to these pupils to demonstrate the qualities of a leader.

Learning Journeys (LJs)

P1 to P4 and P6

Our LJs provide our pupils with enriching experiences to appreciate Singapore’s history and growth and are platforms to learn English, Math and Science through a variety of hands-on activities. ICT is also infused in our LJs to engage our pupils in their learning and to make it relevant and interesting for them.

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Programme For Whom Remarks

Mass Student Leadership Workshop

P3 to P6 class committee members

This is a customized training workshop for P3-6 class committee members. Besides increasing their awareness and understanding the qualities of a GMS(P) student leader, the workshop will also convey and allow them to understand their respective roles and responsibilities.

Leadership cum Lifeskills Camp (Self in Team)

All P3 Pupils It is a leadership cum lifeskill day camp for P3 pupils to see the relevance of team work as they strive towards a common goal. It also helps pupils learn to respect and accept others’ ideas, recognise others’ strength and intention through a variety of hands-on activities.

Conversational Chinese / Malay (CCM)- optional

P3 Pupils The aims of Conversational CL/ML programme are two-fold: to strengthen

Singapore’s multiracial compact and to enable Singaporeans to have

some grounding of functional CL/ML so that they could more easily pick

up the language should they need it for economic or other reasons in adult

life. P3 Conversational Chinese Malay class will start on 14 January

2015. Classes will be from 1 to 3.30 pm for the 1st term and 1 to 3pm for

the 2nd to 4th term onwards.

Prefects’, Junior leaders’ and CCA leaders’ Training Workshop

P3 Junior Leaders, P4 to P6 prefects and CCA leaders

This is a workshop for P3 Junior Leaders, P4-6 prefects and CCA leaders to equip them with the knowledge and skills to perform their role. Besides increasing their awareness of the expectations of a student leader (their roles, responsibilities and qualities), these student leaders will be able to learn how to manage and resolve conflicts, problem–solve creatively, and plan and organize events.

Leadership cum life skills workshop (Self-assurance)

P4 Pupils

It is a customized leadership cum life skills workshop for P4 pupils to be aware and manage their emotions, learn how to relate with others and about the importance of being resilient and confident in whatever they undertake. This workshop will be used as the launching platform during the P4 outdoor camp.

Character Development and Adventure Camp

All P4 Pupils

The school has specially organized a 2 Day/1 Night camp for the P4 pupils as part of life skills development to ensure that they acquire sound values and skills to take them through life as responsible adults and active citizens.

Heritage tour to Little India

All P5 pupils The Heritage Tour helps our pupils understand and appreciate the cultural and historical heritage of our nation as well as foster in them a sense of pride in the rich diversity of our heritage.

Inner Journey Workshop for class monitors (March Holidays)

Selected P5 Pupils

It is a customized leadership workshop which focuses on our school values. Through this workshop, student leaders will be able to understand the importance of integrity and show respect for each other (differences in opinions, etc) as they work together.

Prefects’ Council Retreat (March Holidays)

Selected P5/6 Prefects

It is a training camp for prefects in the Council who will be running the prefectorial board. This camp aimed to equip them in the following areas:-Leadership styles, communication/ social etiquette skills, build resilience, perseverance, self-confidence and instill a sense of responsibility as school prefects.

Strategic Thrust 4: GMSP Link (Partnership with School)

Programme (Date) For Whom Remarks

Family Matters: First Day! Workshop 2 Jan (Friday)

Parents of P1 Pupils only

This workshop seeks to impart important parenting concepts and principles as well as orientate parents to the school's values. (4pm-6pm) 2 Sessions ongoing (1 English, 1 Mandarin)

CCA Open House 16 Jan (Fri)

P3 to P6 Pupils and Parents

The CCA Open House aims to showcase the CCA offerings in school and provide a platform for pupils to find out more about the various CCAs. It is an opportunity for P3 pupils who do not have a CCA to learn more about them before signing up online for one which they like. P4 to 6 pupils who do not have a regular CCA last year may also attend to sign up for one. In order to provide a holistic education, all P3 to P6 pupils are to have a CCA as it is a platform to develop one’s character.

Family Matters: Valentine’s Dinner 13 Feb (Fri)

Married Couples

In conjunction with Valentine’s Day a pilot project to work with our stakeholders and parents on ‘Affirmation and building intimacy’. 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Family Matters: Marriage Convention

Married couples

A seminar by MSF on marriage for all parents and couples. (21 March TBA)

13

Annex B

SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR YEAR 2015 TERM 1

JANUARY 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 NEW YEAR’S DAY (School Holiday)

2 School Term begins Family Matters: First Day! Parenting Talk 4pm-6pm

3

5 WK1 Temperature-Taking Exercise (practice)

6 Temperature-Taking Exercise (practice)

7 Official Temperature-Taking Exercise House Warming P3-P6

8 9 10

12 WK2

13 P2 PAL Session 1 (1pm – 2.30pm) P6 Maths and Science Trail

14 CCM P3 pupils begins (1pm(1.00 – 3.30pm) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P6 Olympiad Session 1 (1pm – 2.30pm)

15 P1 PAL Session 1 (1pm – 2.30pm) P6 Maths and Science Trail

16 CCA Open House

17

19 WK3 P3-P6 Suppl Class / Remedial Lesson P4 HAL (selected pupils) (2pm.00-4.00pm)

20 P2 PAL Session 2 (1pm – 2.30pm)

21 P2 peer leaders’ workshop (10am-11.30am tentative) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P6 Olympiad Session 2 (1pm – 2.30pm)

22 P1 PAL Session 2 (1pm – 2.30pm)

23

24

26 WK4 P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 DNA LJ – 1 class (2pm-5pm)

27 P2 PAL Session 3 (1pm – 2.30pm)

28 P6 Olympiad Session 3 (1pm – 2.30pm) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P6 Maths and Science Trail

29 P1 PAL Session 3 (1pm – 2.30pm)

30 P3 Leadership cum Lifeskills Camp

31

FEBRUARY 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 WK5

3 P2 PAL Session 4 (1pm – 2.30pm) P6 Maths and Science Trail

4 E2K (selected P5 pupils) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P6 Olympiad Session 4 (1pm – 2.30pm)

5 P1 PAL Session 4 (1pm – 2.30pm) P5 DNA LJ – 2 classes (2pm-5pm)

6 House Warming P1-P2 P3 to P6 Parents’ Curriculum Briefing (6.30pm to 8.30pm)

7

9 WK6 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm)

10 P2 PAL Session 51 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL)

11 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) Chinese Book Fair (8.30am-4.00pm) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P6 Olympiad Session 5 (1pm – 2.30pm)

12 P1 PAL Session 5 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P5 DNA LJ – 1 class (2pm-5pm) Chinese Book Fair (8.30am-4.00pm)

13 Total Defence Day P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) FAS Meeting with Parents Family Matters: Valentine’s Dinner 6.30pm -9.30pm

14 Mass Student Leadership Training Workshop (7.30am-1.30pm) Meet-the-Parents cum Potluck Session for International Students (12nn-1pm)

14

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

16 WK7 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) P5 DNA LJ – 2 classes (2pm-5pm)

17 P2 PAL Session 6 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL)

18 Chinese New Year Celebration 7.30am to 9.30am (All Levels)

19 Chinese New Year (Public Holiday)

20 Chinese New Year (Public Holiday)

21

23 WK8 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P5 DNA LJ – 1 class (2pm-5pm) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) House Practice (Archer) - P3 and P4 (4pm to 5.30pm)

24 P2 PAL Session 7 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL)

25 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P5 Debate skills/ Public Speaking (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm)

26 P1 PAL Session 6 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P6 EL P2 CA1 House Practice (Mitchell) – P3 and P4 (4pm to 5.30pm)

27 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore

P6 MA CA1

28

MARCH 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 WK 9 P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore P3 LJ to the Zoo(9.30am – 5pm) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) P6 MT P2 CA1 House Practice (Lau – P3 and P4 (4pm to 5.30pm)

3 MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P2 PAL Session 8 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore P3 LJ to the Zoo(9.30am – 5pm) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P6 SC CA1

4 MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore P3 LJ to the Zoo (9.30am – 5pm) E2K (selected P5 pupils) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P5 Debate skills/ Public Speaking (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) P6 Olympiad Session 6 (1pm – 2.30pm) P6 HMT P2 CA1

5 P1 PAL Session 7 (1pm – 2.30pm) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore P5 Heritage Tour to Little India House Practice (Means) – P3 and P4 (4pm to 5.30pm)

6 MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P2 Speech & Drama Course (CL) P2 LJ to National Museum S’pore P5 Heritage Tour to Little India Prefect/JL /CCA leaders workshop (1.45pm-6pm)

7 Annual PALS gathering and P1 Parents Welcome 2015

15

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 WK 10 P2 Speech & Drama (CL) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) House Practice (Mitchell) – P5 and P6 (4pm to 5.30pm)

10 P2 Speech & Drama (CL) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India

11 P2 Speech & Drama (CL) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P5 Debate skills (selected) (2pm-4pm) P5 Destination Imagination (selected) (2pm to 3.30pm) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P6 Olympiad Session 7 (1pm – 2.30pm)

12 P1 PAL Session 8 (1pm – 2.30pm) P2 Speech & Drama (CL) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P5 Heritage Tour to Little India House Practice (Archer) – P5 and P6 (4pm to 5.30pm)

13 P2 Speech & Drama (CL) MTL Fortnight (CL P1, P3-P6) P4 Character Development and Adventure Camp P5 Heritage Tour to Little India P6 Parent-Teacher Meet

14 P4 Character Devt. and Adventure Camp GB National Camp (JLTC)

16 GB National Camp (JLTC) P3 CL Cultural Camp (MTL Fortnight) P6 Olympiad Session 8 (1pm – 2.30pm)

17 P3 CL Cultural Camp (MTL Fortnight) P6 Supplementary Class (Compulsory) P6 Olympiad Session 9 (1pm – 2.30pm)

18 P6 Supplementary Class (Compulsory) P5 Inner Journey Wkshop (Class Monitors) (7.30am-3.30pm) P6 Olympiad Session 10 (1pm – 2.30pm)

19 Prefects’ Council Retreat

20 Prefects’ Council Retreat

21 GB LGT Challenge Family Matters: Marriage Convention 2015

16

2015 TERM 1 MEMO – RESPONSE SLIP (To be completed by Parents of P1 to P6 Pupils)

Note for Parent/Guardian Please complete and return, together with payment, to the Form Teacher by Monday, 12 Jan 2015 I, _________________________, parent/guardian of ________________________________ (Name of Parent/Guardian) (Name of Pupil) of __________________ have received and read the Term 1 Memo dated 5 January 2015. The (Class) payment of ___________________________ is enclosed for the School’s acknowledgement.

(Please state amount)

Please tick the box(es), where applicable.

P1 Pupils

S/N Item Amount ($)

1) Packed food for recess from 2 Jan to 9 Jan 15 3

2) School diary 4

3) Lonpac Student Insurance plan 3

4) Printing of school worksheets (Sem 1) 15

5) Plastic name tags/Temp library card 2

6) My Portfolio Assessment File 12

Total 39/-

P2 to P6 Pupils

S/N Item Amount ($)

1) School diary 4

2) Lonpac Student Insurance plan 3

3) Printing of school worksheets (Sem 1) 15

Total 22/-

*********************************************** to cut *****************************************************

Reply Slip for Parents’ Curriculum Briefing Session

Re : Primary 3-6 Parents’ Curriculum Briefing Session on 6 February 2015 (Friday)

Name of pupil: ______________________________________ Class: Primary __________ Name of Parent: _____________________________________ Contact no.: ____________ Please tick ( ) your response: Attendance for the session for Primary 3-6 Parents’ Talk on 6 February 2015 (Friday) I will be able to attend the Primary 3 and 4 session. I will be able to attend the Primary 5 and 6 session. I will not be able to attend either session. Please submit to the respective form teacher by Friday, 23 January 2015 to enable the school to collate the attendance. Please take note that there are no parking lots within the school ground. Do park your vehicles in the nearby HDB carparks.

17

Student Medical Record Form 2015 Please complete the form and return it to your child/ward’s Form Teacher. (Note: Information contained in this section will not prevent your child/ward from taking PE lessons unless further medical advice warrants exclusion)

Name: NRIC:

Date of Birth: Sex: Male/Female Class:

Medical Condition Yes/No Special precaution to take for my child, if

any

(Please attach supporting medical information

from the attending doctor)

Epilepsy

Periodic Loss of Consciousness

Hearing / Vision Disorder

Respiratory Disorder e.g. Asthma,

Bronchitis

Respiratory Disorder e.g. Asthma

Allergies e.g. food, medication, insect bites

and stings

Is your child/ward on regular medication?

Has your child/ward been specifically told

to modify his/her physical activity or

exercise participation?

Other relevant medical information

I authorize the teacher and instructors to obtain medical assistance which they deem necessary should an accident occur. I submit the attached medical information from the attending doctor(s) concerning my child/ward which includes details of limitations that he/she has for activities concerned. I am aware that by signing this form, I am consenting to the school and its staff (including Form Teachers, PE teachers, CCA teachers and other authorized school personnel) using the information contained herein for the purposes of (a) updating any student information databases managed by the school or the Ministry of Education, (b) planning and conducting the school’s programmes and (c) making disclosure, where relevant and necessary, to government agencies, statutory boards, health-care providers, and other parties in order to ensure the safety and well-being of my child. I will support the school’s efforts to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) for my child by cultivating good healthy eating habits and regular exercise at home.

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name:

Parent’s/Guardian’s Contact Number:

________________________ __________________ Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature Date