Mural Painting by Artist, Mr Stanley Chin

Welcome New Staff

I joined the school in May this year after completing my Masters in Curriculum & Teaching. It is both my pleasure and privilege to be part of this happy and caring BLGPS Family. Even in the short time that I have been here, I feel a strong sense of belonging, largely due to the warm reception and support given by our staff and pupils. It has enabled me to understand and appreciate the dynamics of the school culture in just a few months.

The school impresses me as one that respects diversity of ideas, where staff and pupils are given plenty of room, support and resources to grow and experiment. There is a good range of programmes, targeting a variety of academic, social, aesthetic and sporting interests and abilities, aimed to equip our pupils with the necessary knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to lead successful lives in the twenty-first century. They will be a future generation that embraces

a spirit of enquiry, resilience and tenacity, ready to meet the future challenges of an innovative world with confidence. I am also heartened to note that the teachers here are a group of committed and extremely hardworking professionals; always striving for continual improvement in their pedagogical knowledge and skills, to be increasingly effective in meeting the diverse needs of our pupils, to better engage them in their learning. They see the possibilities in each child and are passionate in helping the child to reach his or her potential.

I am convinced that I am here not by chance. I will do my best to collaborate and support the Principal, Mr Wan Imran, to lead the school to a higher level of Academic and CCA excellence. Together, with a clear sense of purpose and determined efforts, we will seek to realize our Mission, that is, Together We Nurture for a Better Future. We will, with our staff, parents and key stakeholders, prepare our young adequately for their future learning and their lives beyond school. I look forward, with great expectations, to this shared exciting journey ahead.

Mrs Jennifer Choy

Foreword by the Vice-Principal

Ms Norhafizah Pungut

- IT Trainer

Mdm Lizawati Bte Ma'arof

- Education Officer

Mr Seet Wee Key- Education Officer

Ms Nurashlyn Bte Abdul Rashid

- Education Officer

Mdm Lim Lay Choo - Admin Support

Assistant

Mr Moh Kien Phui - Technology

Assistant

Mr Ng Ee Noch- Education Officer

Mr Kelvin Png - Technology

Assistant

Mdm He Jian - Contract Teacher

Mr Adrian Chan - Co-Curriculum

Programme Executive

Ms Masitah Bte Abdul Aziz

- Teacher Assistant

Ms Ashvinpal Kaur d/o Karam Singh

- Teacher AssistantMs Nurul Ain

Aqidah - Contract Teacher

The school congratulates

Mrs Jasmine Ng for receiving the NIE-Exxon Mobil ‘Caring Teacher Award’ @School Level.

Caring Teacher Award

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Mdm He Jian - Contract Teacher

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Skip For Rice Challenge Ms Jaye Phua

BLGPS’ C.A.R.E.S for Myanmar & Sichuan Ms Lim Mei Lian & Mr Tam Ah Tack

Food From The Heart Project Mrs Ada Leong

The school’s CIP Department, together with the Red Cross CCA club & the Prefectorial Board worked on this fundraising project for the victims of these 2 disaster-hit countries. A total of about $2961 was raised through the students’ and teachers’ efforts and support.

The Prefectorial Board then set up a blog (www.blgpscares.blogspot.com) for this meaningful event. Pupils and teachers in the school participated in blogging words of support and encouragement to cheer the victims and rescue workers who worked tirelessly in search of survivors buried deep under the rubble and in rendering help and care to the injured.

Primary 4 teachers organised the event as a level CIP to involve the school community in a meaningful way to help the needy. 160 000 skips chalked up over three days, and this translated to 16 000 bowls of rice for the less fortunate.

P5/7, P2/10 and P2/11 took on the challenge of organising the FFTH Project in July. Funds raised through games stalls, sale of jelly and drinks, were used to purchase the food items. The overwhelming support resulted in many boxes of food items being donated to the FFTH Project.Through this project, the pupils not only learned to show care and concern for the less fortunate, their leadership and networking skills were further enhanced.

HEART Matters …

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Learning In Progress …

T.R.A.I.L.@ BLGPS Ms Lee Joo Lee

T.R.A.I.L.@BLGPS (ThRilling Authentic Integrated Learning) takes pupils to different parts of Singapore for real-life experiential learning. P1 pupils visited T3 at Changi Airport for the first time. P2s and P5s went "shopping" at IMM and Vivo City respectively. P3s and P4s went outdoors to learn more about the animals in the Zoo for the former, and plants at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden for the latter. This year, we had the great opportunity to collaborate with some secondary school pupils as they helped to facilitate the P1, P2 and P5 activities together with the teachers.

The Oral Portal was materialized through the collaboration of the IT and English Department in June 2008. With the help from our external vendor, Eduhub, and the training provided, our pupils are now able to access reading passages and pictures on the school website from home. Moreover, our P2 to P5 pupils underwent training in September 2008 in preparation for the SA2 Oral Examination. The oral portal has enhanced the learning process for our children through the use of IT.

Oral Portal Ms Evelyn Poon

P5 Adventure Camp from 30 July to 1 August Mr Zulkarnain Bin Daud

245 pupils from Primary 5 attended a 3-day-2-night camp at Dairy Farm Adventure Centre, from 30 July to 1 August. During the camp, the pupils learned values such as responsibility, care for one another, self-confidence and perseverance.

The highlights included the Zipline, Rockwall, Abseil tower, High ropes and campfire. It was a totally new experience for most pupils but they managed to overcome the initial fear and prevailed in subsequent challenges. During the campfire, teachers and pupils strengthened their bond by singing and performing together, providing a fitting curtain closure to an unforgettable experience.

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Learning In Progress …

P5 Adventure Camp from 30 July to 1 August Mr Zulkarnain Bin Daud

Wire Sculpting Programme Mr Abdul Rahman

P3 pupils participated in a Wire Sculpting Programme which exposed them to a series of activities that encouraged authentic learning. They learnt how to conceptualize visual perceptions into ideas and represent them in sketches or diagrams for planning purposes. They then transformed the aluminium wire into aesthetic art pieces based on these visual representations. It was an interesting experience for all.

In conjunction with the Malay Language Month, our school took part in the Malay Language & Cultural Quiz on 19 July. The quiz was jointly organised by Bukit Panjang Government High School and MAEC Boon Lay Community Centre. Our pupils, Md Sofian (P6/8), Md Mahathir (P5/5), Izzah Sorfina (P5/5) and Nur Esther Aprillia (P4/7) gave their best shot and emerged as runners-up in the quiz.

PCF Boon Lay Centre K2 Visit to BLGPS Ms Andrea Leong

On 25 August and 19 September, our school warmly welcomed K2 pupils from PCF Boon Lay Centre who were here for an authentic primary school experience. They had the opportunity to step into the classrooms and learnt with our P1 to P3 pupils. Our pupils had a chance to work with them and coach our "little visitors" as they had hands-on activities. They also had a chance to learn to purchase food at our school canteen. We look forward to welcoming some of them as pupils of BLGPS next year!

Malay Language & Cultural Quiz on 19 July Mrs Rozaimey-Sabariah

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Homestay @ Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur from 29 May to 1 JuneOn 29 May, 74 BLGPians were accompanied by 10 teachers on a four day /three nights Homestay Programme @Negeri Sembilan. The whole experience was an eye opener for many of our pupils who have never been exposed to the simple and rustic lifestyle of a kampong experience.

The pupils were treated to new experiences such as basket weaving, fireworks display, sheep and goat farming and pond fishing. They also played traditional games and watched a cultural performance. They were exceptionally grateful for the warm hospitality of the locals who had graciously hosted them during the Homestay Programme.

In Kuala Lumpur, the pupils visited the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. They also visited the Hi-5 Bread Factory, which is the largest bread factory in Asia. The whole experience was truly an enriching one for the BLGPians!

Mr Abdul Rahman

Enriching trip to Kluang - Johore Bahru on 2 August Mdm Siti Nur Baeyah

On 2 August, a group of 37 P4 Malay Language pupils and 4 teachers went on a one-day learning journey to Kluang in Johore. Among the places that they visited were a mushroom farm, a dragon fruit farm and several cottage industries. Pupils had the opportunity to learn and to do some shopping when they stopped over at a wholesale centre selling Malay kuihs. Dinner was at a floating seafood restaurant in Gelang Patah. It was an enriching and enjoyable time for everyone.

Leadership Programme For Student Leaders Mr Muhammad Fadylla Rashiman

On 29 May, the Primary 6 student leaders embarked on a three day/ two nights leadership cum educational tour to Malacca. Apart from forging teamwork and harnessing their decision-making skills, they also learnt about the historical and cultural aspects of Malacca. It was a purposeful and fun-filled experience for all.

P3, P4 & P5 student leaders participated in a one-day leadership training programme on 26, 27 & 28 May respectively. The programme aimed at enhancing their leadership competencies, communication skills, team work and conflict management.

going Places …

West 3 Cluster Malay Language Support Group organised an immersion programme to Kelantan and Terengganu for Malay Language teachers from 23 to 28 August. Participants gained a lot of knowledge on the education system, syllabus coverage and its delivery for the schools in Kelantan and Terengganu.This programme, helped to widen the teachers’ networking within the cluster, and increased the teachers’ knowledge in the rich culture & history of these two states.

On 26 August, 9 pupils from P4 and P5, with other pupils from the W3 cluster schools, went on an educational trip to Malacca. The pupils visited Little India, Cheety Malacca and many historical places of visit. At the Malacca’s S.R.K Tamil Government School, our pupils had a good chance to interact with the local pupils and learnt about another schooling environment. The pupils had the opportunity to sample delicious Malaccan delicacies and were served dinner in the Peranakan way. It was indeed a great learning experience for all.

Malay Language Teacher Immersion Programme to Kelantan & Terengganu From 23 to 28 August Mrs Rozaimey-Sabariah

Principal of S.K Zainab II, Mdm Aida Bte Mohd Salleh receiving a souvenir from Mr Wan Imran.

The Traditional Royal Ceremonies Museum at Kelantan, Malaysia.

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Leadership Programme For Student Leaders Mr Muhammad Fadylla Rashiman

West 3 Cluster Tamil Learning Journey to Malacca from 26 to 27 August

Mdm Hameedah

going Places …

going Places …

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from 20 to 27 September

Mrs Jennifer Choy & Ms Sewa Duu Jong

30 P4 and P5 pupils, accompanied by 4 teachers and our Vice-Principal, Mrs Jennifer Choy, left for Taiwan on 20 September. For many, this was to be their first trip out of Singapore. The air was filled with excitement.

The trip provided tremendous opportunities for the staff and pupils to interact and learn from those in the twinning school, Yilan Elementary, where they spent their first two days, and Zhu An

Extracts from Taiwan’s newspaper reports on our visit.

Sealing our partnership with Principal of Yilan

Elementary School, Mr Chen Ming-Jen.

going Places …

Mrs Jennifer Choy & Ms Sewa Duu Jong

Elementary, a small school in the country-side where they visited. Apart from being enriched by the school experiences and networking, the pupils also learnt about the country’s interesting culture and history through traditional foods, art & craft, sports, music and dance.

The staff and pupils also spent two days in a farm where they learnt to grow vegetables, fish and roast sweet potatoes in a traditional way. It was a day of exploration and discovery for all.

Like the popular motto, ‘Taiwan: Touch Your Heart’, the group was truly touched by the warm hospitality they received. With determined efforts, the school will continue to strengthen these bonds and foster greater friendship ties when the staff and pupils from Yilan Elementary visit us in February next year.

newsway @ BLGPS 09Extracts from Taiwan’s newspaper reports on our visit. Striking a pose outside National Palace Museum at Taipei, Taiwan.

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Innovation & Enterprise Matters …

Product Innovation Through Applied Research (PITAR) is an intensive in-house programme designed to unleash the spirit of innovation and enterprise amongst pupils. Through PITAR, pupils are encouraged to respond to the imperfections in the world in a constructive manner.

Beginning in February, 14 teacher mentors and 112 P4 and P5 BLGPians were brought on the PITAR journey. Based on the pupils’ prior knowledge, PITAR provided a platform for them to innovate new products using skills like brainstorming, working in groups, random connection, ideation, SCAMPER and prototyping. Pupils were exposed to a series of new experiences that encouraged creativity through play and the application of experiential learning. Enveloped in a safe setting that allowed the pupils to make mistakes, these pupils were

Innovation Works @BLGPS Mr Abdul Rahman

Pupils visited the red dot Traffic building at Maxwell Road,a landmark for innovation and creativity.

Mr Zulkarnain Bin Daud represented BLGPS on 30 July to receive the Blue Ribbon Award in the Sony Creative Science.

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Innovation & Enterprise Matters …

challenged to not only innovate a new product but to present their ideas and products to their peers for feedback. The same 112 pupils took part in the Sony Creative Science Competition, and won the Blue Ribbon Award.

In addition, 3 of our teachers in charge, Mr. Abdul Rahman, Mrs. Lee-Ng Yick Kit and Mr. Zulkarnain Bin Daud were invited to share at the MOE Excel Fest on 4 July.

The two topics presented were:

· Beyond The Realm of Possibilities Through PITAR · Welcome To My Garden through Problem Based Learning.

The feedback received from the audience was very encouraging.

Innovation Works @BLGPS Mr Abdul Rahman

Mr Zulkarnain Bin Daud represented BLGPS on 30 July to receive the Blue Ribbon Award in the Sony Creative Science.

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Celebrations …

Racial Harmony Day Mrs Rozaimey-Sabariah & Mdm Aminah Abdul Gani

On 21 July, the school celebrated Racial Harmony Day. Pupils and teachers came dressed in traditional costumes. Other than watching a performance put up by different ethnic groups, the pupils also learnt about the different types of musical instruments, costumes & handicrafts. They also acquired skills to prepare different types of delicacies. Pupils from Grace Orchard School were invited to join in the fun. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

Mr Lenny Loke receiving a prize from Mr Wan Imran for the RHD Best Dressed Award.

Teachers participating in the RHD Best Dressed Competition.

‘Celebrating the Singapore Spirit’ was the theme for this year’s National Day. Among the programmes lined up for that day, was a teacher-pupil skit depicting the history of Singapore prior to 1965.

Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils showed off their capabilities as aspiring athletes, while their classmates, teachers and parents cheered them on in the Lower Primary Sports. Parents beamed with pride watching their darlings emerged as winners.

On 29 August 2008, PAGE parents and the non-teaching staff organized a meaningful celebration for the teachers. A beautiful banner and a delicious cake were sponsored by the PAGE parents. Teachers were entertained by a concert put up by the PAGE parents, non-teaching staff and our pupils. The celebration continued with the Teachers’ Day Dinner at the Puteri Pacific (Johore Bahru) that evening. It was indeed a memorable day as the staff absorbed themselves in the joyful mood of celebration throughout the day.

Teachers’ Day Celebration Ms Nurul Shalwa Rohim & Mr Adrian Chan

National Day Celebration & Lower Primary Sports Day Mr Chow Won How & Mdm Cheng Mui Tiang

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Celebrations …

Kids Flea Carnival, Iftar and Mid-Autumn Festival I & E, National Education and Chinese Language Teams

12 September was a unique day @ BLGPS as we celebrated three different events in one evening. The whole school was abuzz with activities.

Although the Kids Flea Carnival (KFC), was to start at 6 pm, many of the P3 pupils and the CCA groups could be seen setting up their stalls as early as 4.45 pm. In organizing their stalls for the KFC, one could see the pupils’ enthusiasm and innovation at work.

The breaking of fast or Iftar was part of the NE Committee’s initiative to expose our stakeholders to one of the practices of the Muslim community. The Iftar started at 6.30 pm and everyone was invited to tuck into the delicacies provided by the staff, parents and well-wishers. It was a pleasant and enriching experience for the pupils and parents to see people of different faiths eating together.

This was followed by the Mid-Autumn festival celebration. Activities such as lantern-making competition and pomelo-peeling competition attracted participation from the crowd. The celebration ended with a Wushu performance and a walk around the estate with lanterns.

The KFC, Iftar and Mid-Autumn Festival provided our pupils and stakeholders with an excellent opportunity to learn about one’s culture and religion.

Children’s Day cum Hari Raya Celebration Mdm Murni Mohd Sani

Children’s Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri were the two joyous occasions celebrated on 30 Sept. Pupils were highly entertained by the awesome performances put up by the talented teaching & non-teaching staff . Invited performers from Grace Orchard School thrilled the audience with their skillful and captivating acts. In addition, several exciting and mind-intriguing game stations were also set up for the pupils, as they immersed themselves in the wonderful atmosphere of celebrations.

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Strategic Planning for 2009 …

Strategic Planning Session for 2009 Mr Azhar Mohd Hussain

Accolades …

CHERISH Award 2008 (CHampioning Efforts Resulting in

Improved School Health)Mr Chow Won How

Our school achieved Silver for the CHERISH Award. The CHERISH Award is the Health Ministry’s way of showing appreciation and recognition to schools which strive to nurture the physical, emotional and social health of both students and staff, and to help them to adopt healthy practices. The school will continue to intensify its efforts to promote good health programmes and practices towards the overall well-being of our pupils and staff.

On 5 September, the school's Strategic Planning team met at the green and spacious HortPark to review the Strategic Plan rolled out in 2007. The team which is made up of the school leaders, middle-managers and owners of the school's key processes and systems came together to revisit the future directions and plans of the school.

A number of interesting envisioning activities, led by the school leaders, were conducted. These activities enabled the team to engage one another in purposeful dialogue and collaboration, followed by presentations that allowed them to communicate their thoughts and opinions. It turned out to be a fruitful endeavour and the team understood the strategic intent of the school better.

The milestone event brought clarity to what Boon Lay Garden Primary aspire to achieve as a school in its pursuit to nurture our pupils for a better future. The revised Strategic Plan will be communicated to staff and stakeholders in the near future.

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On 19 July, 14 of our teachers took part in the inaugural West 3 Cluster Mini-Olympics Sports Carnival at Jurong West Primary School. Our teachers pitted their skills against teams from other West 3 Cluster Primary Schools in Captain’s Ball, Floorball, Ultimate Frisbee and Modified Handball. We emerged as the overall champion in the competition.

On 5 July, two groups of pupils namely the “Fun & Fitness” group and the P4 soccer boys, participated in the annual BLSS Sports Day held at Jurong West Stadium. The “Fun & Fitness” pupils topped in one of the relay events while our P4 soccer boys outplayed their contestants and emerged as champions! They have certainly done the school proud.

West 3 Cluster Mini-Olympics Sports Carnival Mr Roslan Abu

Well done team BLGPS!

Principal of Boon Lay Secondary School , Ms Doris Ho Sook Fun posing with our P4 soccer boys.

Accolades …

On 2 July, our four debaters, Chee Shang Wen (P5/6), Zhang Xuyang (P5/7), James Lek Kai Sheng (P5/7) and Zhang Linyi (6/8) participated in the National Chinese Debating Competition, sponsored by ' Thumbs-Up' Magazine. The pupils met their opponents from Lakeside Primary School in the final round and emerged as 1st runner-up in this National Competition. It was a good learning experience for all.

National Chinese Debating Competition on 2 July Mr Song Yee Hong & Mrs Sharmaine Lew

BLGPS Glory @ Boon Lay Secondary School Sports Day Mr Muhammad Fadylla Rashiman

Editorial Board

From L to R : Our pupils

Clarence Bon(Pr 4/7), James Lek(Pr 5/7),

Aara Noronha (Pr 4/7) and Soon Kit Ying (Pr 5/7) posing a picture with

Vice-Principal of Boon Lay Sec Sch,

Mr Charles Chan @ the BLSS's Jubilee Celebrations

on Sat 5 July 2008.

This has been a significant year for Team BLGPS as Nu’aim Syukri from P5/3 and Jason Li Jin Jian from P5/6 emerged as 2nd runner -up in the Junior Boys Double category of the National Bowling Championships 2008. Syukri also attained the title of Junior Boys Champion in a novice event in June.

We look forward to greater achievement from the team in the years to come.

Mrs Nadarajan Sasikala (Member)

Ms Bessie Ang (Member)

Ms Tan Bee Yin(Member)

Ms Evelyn Poon(Member)

Ms Andrea Leong(Editor)

Mdm Indrawati Ali (Advisor)

Mrs Ada Leong(Member)

Mr Chong Sain Ket(Member)

Ms Veronica L N(Member)

Accolades …

BLGPS Bowling Achievement Ms Jaye Phua and Ms Nurul Shalwa

BLSS's Jubilee Celebrations

Bowling CCANational Inter-Sch Tenpin Bowling Championships

Junior Boys (Double) held on 18.7.08 organised by

Singapore Primary Schools Sports Council

2nd runner-upAchieved by

Nu'aim Syukri B Yusri (P5/3) & Jason Li Jin Jian (P5/6)

Soccer CCAInter-sch 5 A-side Soccer Compettiton

held on 5.7.08

organised by Boon Lay Secondary School

1stAchieved by Junior Boys

PE Dept (Fun & Fitness Club)Inter-Sch Relay Competition

held on 5.7.08

organised by Boon Lay Secondary School

1stAchieved by Boys Team

PE / CCA DeptWest Zone Ultimate Frisbee Competition (Girls Category)

held on 7.8.08

organised by West Zone Primary Schools Sports Council

ChampionAchieved by

Doris Ang (P5/3), Christine (P5/3), Winnie Angeline (P5/3), Syariffah Bte Haji

Salehan(P5/3), Hanna Qistina (P5/3), Ngiam Kai Ying (P5/6), Nur Akila Bte Ali (P4/2), Siti Nabilah Bte Junsi (P4/2) and Nurul Zulaikah

Bte Baharuddin (P4/2)

Outstanding CCA

Awards &

Achievements

Athletics CCA4th SAA Kids Athletics Competition (West Zone)

held on 25.7.08

organised by Singapore Athletics Association (SAA)

ChampionAchieved by

Md Nazri Jalil (P3/1), Syed Ramish Tirmizi (P3/3),Marvin Lim Yan Yih (P3/3), Basil Faris Peerdeman (P3/3), Ahmad As Raffidin

B Kahar M (P3/3), Md Afiq Adli B Omar (P3/3),Md Rusydie B Rusli (P3/3), Larry Lim Jia Le (P4/1),

Tan Hoong Yuen (P4/4), Poh Wei Jie (P4/4) andChew Min Feng (Captain) (P4/1)

You may contact us at 20, Boon Lay Drive Singapore 649930Tel: 6316 0998 Fax: 6316 0209 Email: blgps@moe.edu.sgnewsway @ BLGPS 16