Picture Discussion

I think the people in the picture are celebrating Singapore’s national day. The woman in the foreground is also celebrating her birthday as she is holding the cake. She is feeling overjoyed and probably elated that her birthday is on the same day as national day. The guy on her right as well as the woman wearing the flowery shirt might be her siblings. From their facial expression, I can see that they feeling happy at this joyous occasion.
The weather seems very humid as many of the people in the background are carrying their umbrella and wearing their caps. The number 30 is printed on their caps and fans. It could be Singapore’s 30th birthday. Some of them are holding the Singapore flag as shown in the background.

Picture Discussion

I think the people in the picture are attempting the low elements. Participants are engaged in an outdoor activity known as the ‘spider web’. They are gathered at the campsite as there are trees and tent seen in the background. The boy in the foreground is trying to go through the ‘spider web’ with the help of his teammates. One of his teammate is supporting his waist while the other two are assisting him to get his leg through the spider web. He should be feeling very reassured that he has his teammates to depend on. The girl in background is cheering for them. His teammates are engrossed in the activity. The objective of this activity is team-building. Through this activity, the participants are able to better understand the importance of team work and also bond together with their teammates. I think team spirit is rather essential. The boy would not be able to complete the spider web without the help of his friends.

Today Janina Pietrasiak and Maria Lopuszanska live like sisters. They meet daily and help each other out. They both live alone and are not affluent. Maria’s parents were anti-Nazi underground activists' and sheltered Janina and her mother. When Janina’s mother died of tuberculosis, she clung desperately to her new family. She was baptized to become part of the family to avoid being detected and killed by the Nazis and even gave up the chance to live with an uncle in the United States. During the Warsaw Uprising, the girls had to fend for themselves as Maria's father was sick and her mother was demonstrating against the Nazis. Janina lost both parents and Maria was like her mother. Her only sibling committed suicide. Both suffered from cancer. Janina is separated while Janina is a widow. Janina contacted the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalemto recognise Maria and her parents for saving her during WWI and the cash reward can improve Maria’s financial situation.

(152 words)

July 29, 2009

Teenagers dead in hit-and-run accident

By Nicole Tang and Yvonne Sng

A 21-year-old motorcyclist was hit by a Toyota Corolla at CTE at 5.30am yesterday.
The collision happened when the driver was talking on the phone and crash into the motorcycle. The car swerved towards the right lane. Mr Tan Ah Kiat, who was in that lane, managed to stop in time and little damage is done. The Toyota Corolla then drove off without providing assistance to the victims.
The impact of the collision threw Mr Ahmad and his pillion onto the road. Mr Ahmad suffered serious injuries and died on the spot. His mother, Madam Rahman Sawam, 45, said Mr Ahmad was a cheerful person who played soccer every evening with his brothers and friends. The last time she saw him was on Monday morning, when he was off to work.
His pillion, 18-year-old, was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He, however, did not survive the crash, and was pronounced dead at 3pm in the morning.
26-year-old, Ms Jane Tan, an eye-witness and a student said, “It happened so fast!” She was also sure that she saw two cars. Mdm Moliah Bte Ismail, 36-year-old housewife who was one of the passengers in the cars said, “All I heard was a loud bang!” she was unsure what caused the accident.
43-year-old Inspector Abdul Rahman said, “There were streams of blood on the road.” He was shocked by what was left of the motorcycle.
When interviewed, Inspector Abdul Rahman advised drivers to drive carefully, not to talk on the phone when driving.
Bystanders/ eye-witnesses are advised to come forward with information on the license plate number of the vehicle(s) involved in the hit-and-run accident.

Chong Boon Secondary School
2 Ang Mo Kio St 44
Singapore 569250

26 July 2009

Mr Lee
Director
Urban Re-development Authority
45 Maxwell Rd The URA Centre
Singapore 069118

Dear Mr Lee

Proposal to develop Palau Ubin

I would like to propose to you a plan to develop Palau Ubin. The plan is to help serve the residents better and bring more tourists to the island. I have interviewed a number of residents and collated their views.
To begin with, Mr Mohamad Ismail Bin Adam, headmanof the island, age 74, indicates that it is rather inconvenient for grandchildren to take a bumboat to the mainland. Thus, he suggests setting up a new clinic and schools for the locals there. With a clinic there, locals would not have to take a bumboat to seek medical help. In addition, Madam Chan Ah Mui, former owner of a kiosk for a bicycle rental, age 45, suggests making the places more accessible by building roads and infrastructure, as well as cycling tracks and nature trails.
Mr Chandran Mohan, polytechnic student, age 20, wishes to transform Palau Ubin into a 21st century New Town by including shopping facilities. We can indulge in a relaxed way of life and enjoy the best of both worlds. On top of that, Mrs Tan Li Lian, housewife and part time hawker assistant, age 32, would like to start a coffee stall to provide water supply for campers and day trippers.
However, Melvin Koh, 'O' level student, age 16, expresses his corncerns that the changes made might destroy the natural beauty of te island. Hence, he wishes to preserve Chek Jawa, the pride of Palau Ubin, as a natural reserve.
I hope that the views of the residents would be taken into consideration. I urge you to make the appropriate changes and preserve Chek Jawa as a nature reserve. I look forward to the development of Palau Ubin.

Yours faithfully
Yvonne Sng
President
Green plan 2012 Club

Cyclone Nargis was a strong tropical cyclone that developed in the Bay of Bengal about 360 miles off of the southeast coast of India on April 27, 2008. It gathered strength over the next several days and made landfall in Myanmar (Burma) on May 2, 2008. Landfall occurred in the Ayeyarwady Division of Myanmar. The storm tracked northeast, passing close to the former capital city of Yangon. It finally died down near the Burma-Thailand border. Strong winds of over 120 miles per hour, heavy rain, local flooding and a storm surge resulted in a death toll expected to exceed 100,000 with over 2,000,000 people left homeless and without water, power, food or sanitary conditions. It might be the deadliest cyclone of all time. The high death and destruction caused by the storm was only partially due to its intensity. The Irrawaddy Delta area is very flat and only a few feet above sea level. Before the storm it was occupied by thousands of people who tend the many rice farms which are scattered across the delta. When the storm surge swept over the rice farms there was no high ground to find refuge and many farmers drowned. This wiped out the current rice crop and ruined the area where much of the country's food is produced. These things, combined with the government's reluctance to accept immediate foreign aid, resulted in an enormous death toll.

Extracted from: http://geology.com/events/cyclone-nargis/

Chong Boon Secondary School

2 Ang Mo Kio St 44

Singapore 569250

18 July 2009

Dear Chongboonites

GREEN TOUR TO CHEK JAWA

The school is organising a tour to Chek Jawa, a popular nature enclave in Pulau Ubin. Chek Jawa is a gem of marine wildlife. Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa is a collection of six distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangroves, sand bars, seagrass lagoon, rocky shore & coral rubble.
Chek Jawa is teeming with a wide array of marine wildlife – starfish, sea horses and octopi living in the sand and mud flats, carpet and peacock anemones in the sea-grass meadows, and sponges of all hues residing in the coral rubble. Chek Jawa was originally slated for land reclaimation but nature groups and individuals lobbied to save it.
You will be able to experience the rich biodiversity of Chek Jawa. Do join us at 19 July at 2 p.m at the foyer if you are interested to embark on this wonderful trip to Chek Jawa.

Yours faithfully

Yvonne Sng

President Green club

Terrorism is affecting everyone aroung the world. Many people died form terrorist attacks. The Mumbai attack, has left more than 75 dead and 200 injured, along with news of people being taken hostage. The terrorists' ghaustly acts have taken many innocent lives. Mas Selamat Kastari escaped from the Whitley Road detention centre, also warned us to be more alert and vigilant. Thankfully, the massive manhunt undertaken by Singapore and its neighbours has captured Mas Selamat. Due to this incident, Singapore is stepping up on its security and also to ensure that Singapore would be a safer place for us to live in.

According to legend, Ethiopian goatherd first discovered coffee. It started as food and drinks for African tribesman. Now, it evolved into a worldwide drink and highly valuable in trade. It is a major source of income for many exporting countries. Many people depend on it for their livelihood and drink a lot of it. In 1975, a killing frost damaged nearly half of the coffee trees which changed the prices terribly. Frost hit Brazil again in 1979. Every tree lost means the loss of income for three to five years. The loss 15 million trees cause a huge income loss. Brazil had to stop all shipments. Importers fearing a shortage bought it in large quantities and farmers planted more when prices rose. This resulted in overproduction and prices fell. Farmers replaced their plants for other crops. Producers and consumers decided to limit output to what the market can absorb, have a reserve and sell at an acceptable price.

Reflective Summary

From this research, I learnt that global climate change may result in shifting ocean currents, rising temperatures, melting ice caps and a myriad of other threats to penguins and other creatures.
The Earth is getting hotter, and temperatures will keep going up if we fail to reduce global warming pollution.
Global warming not only affects penguin and polar bears, it also affects us. Hotter weather enables deadly mosquitoes to travel greater distances; carbon dioxide in the air aggravates asthma and allergies.
Therefore, we must play a part in reducing global warming pollution.
Initially, I thought that global warming only increase the temperatures in the Earth. After the research, I know that it threatens the lives of penguins and polar bears.
There are many simple steps you can take right now to cut global warming pollution.
-Drive less. When possible, choose alternatives to driving (public transit, biking, walking and carpooling).-Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
-Always turn off your lights and electricity when not in use.
-Help keep the oceans clean by disposing of your trash properly, and picking up litter on the beach or in the street.
-Help slow climate change by reducing your daily energy use.
By doing so, we can save energy and fight global warming.
Encourage others to save energy. Every individual can play a part in reducing global warming.

Reflective Journal 5

Today, penguins face a number of threats, including destruction of nesting habitats, competition with fishermen for fish and shrimp, and introduced predators such as rats, dogs and foxes which eat penguin eggs and young.However, the greatest potential threat to penguins in global warming, as they are extremely sensitive to climate change.
And, people are a big part of the problem. Thankfully, people can also be a big part of the solution.
The world’s oceans are all connected and no matter where we live, our daily actions have an impact on them. Help keep the oceans clean by disposing of your trash properly, and picking up litter on the beach or in the street.
Global climate change may cause temperatures to increase, ice caps to melt and ocean levels to rise. Help slow climate change by reducing your daily energy use and driving less often.This reduces the greenhouse gases that might lead to global warming.

Source:
http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/teacher_resources/classroom_resources/teacher_guides/penguin_teacher_guide/penguin_conservation.php http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/penguins/penguins.html

Reflective Journal 4

Big oil spills are horrible events.Perpetual small leaks, illegal dumping and poor regulations are actually much greater threats to penguins and other marine life.Oil kills penguins. It coats their feathers, leaving them without much-needed insulation. Penguins then ingest the toxic oil when they attempt to clean their feathers.
In recent years, as commercial fishing has become more efficient, people have been catching and eating more fish than ever before. Commercial fishing has depleted some fish populations to such a degree that there are sometimes not enough fish left to feed penguins and other fish-eating marine animals.
Global climate change may result in shifting ocean currents, rising temperatures, melting ice caps and a myriad of other threats to penguins and other creatures. Antarctica’s penguins—which have been largely spared most other human-caused threats—may suffer the most from climate change. These birds like the cold. They need the cold.
Penguins are also hunted for their meat, feathers, fat and eggs.

Source:
http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/teacher_resources/classroom_resources/teacher_guides/penguin_teacher_guide/penguin_conservation.php http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/index.shtml

Reflective Journal 3

When one thinks of Antarctic wildlife, penguins are often the first animals that come to mind. Indeed these graceful, yet comical creatures are considered by many to be the signature species of the polar south. Some penguin species live as far north as the Galapagos Islands on the Equator and the subtropical coasts of South America, South Africa and Australia.
Though they are feathered they spend most of their lives at sea and must return to land to mate and lay eggs. On land, they either waddle on their feet or slide on their bellies.
Of the 17 species of penguins, only four breed on the Antarctic continent itself: the Adelie, the Emperor, the Chinstrap and the Gentoo penguins. Penguins are true flightless birds.To withstand the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, their bodies are insulated by a thick layer of blubber and a dense network of waterproof plumage.
Penguins also have natural predators such as leopards,seals,sharks and sea lions.
But, unfortunately, we humans, are the main predators ,responsible for the death of many penguins.

Source:
http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penguins http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/penguins/penguins.html

Reflective Journal 2

Global warming is the increase in average temperature of the earth atmosphere and ocean in the recent decades and it is projected continuation due to the buildup of green house gases causing green house effect.
Trouble is human activities are causing the increase in green house gases. Therefore, we need to take steps and find ways to prevent global warming.
We can do that by saving up electricity and being energy efficient by switching of electronics and other appliances which are not in use and replacing old appliance with less energy consuming goods.
The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels like oil and coal are burned for energy.
Here are some easy steps that you can take:
-Drive less. When possible, choose alternatives to driving (public transit, biking, walking, carpooling), and bundle your errands together so you'll make fewer trips.
-Buy energy-efficient appliances. You may spend a little more up front, but you'll save a lot on electricity, and you'll reduce pollution produced by power plants.
-Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. While compact fluorescents are initially more expensive than the incandescent bulbs most people use, they last 10 times as long. What's more, a compact fluorescent will lower your energy bills by about $15 a year, and by more than $60 during its life. It will also keep half a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air.
- Always turn off your lights and electricity when not in use.

Source:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Simple-Ways-to-Prevent-Global-Warming&id=1480383
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/gsteps.asp

Reflective Journal 1

Polar bears are carnivores, feeding primarily on Arctic ringed seals. Their partially webbed paws allow them to swim, at a pace of six miles per hour, for up to 60 miles without rest. They live and hunt on frozen ice floes during winter months, and survive on berries and stored fats.
Growing threats faced by polar bears are:
•Climate change and sea ice reduction
•Environmental contaminants and chemical pollutants.
•Hunting and Capture for public display
The burning of fossil fuels, the release of sequestered hydrocarbons into the Earth’s atmosphere, and extensive agriculture and deforestation are causing climate change, which in turn is causing the biggest threat faced by polar bears: the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice. Forcing the bears to feed for a shorter time, and also decreasing their prey base.
Habitat loss due to global warming in the Arctic is by far the most important factor potentially affecting the future survival of polar bears.
Overhunting is an additional stress on some polar bear populations.Polar bears are hunted for their sport and fur , because of slow reproduction, polar bears rely on high adult survival rates to maintain their numbers.

Source:
http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/a_closer_look_at_marine_mammals/polar_bears/#Polar_bears http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/threats.html

Childhood Memories

When I was a little kid,my sister always like to snatch my toys. And when I get very angry,I'll bite her hand till she cry. And I always like to ransack the cabinets and my mother had a hard time keeping it! That was what my mother told to me. I always play with my cousin, we were just siblings and we'll always go out together. My sister, cousin and I would always have alot of fun playing together. My cousin would stayover at my house during the holidays too. Being a child, life is just like a bed of roses.

Total Defence

Total Defence comprises of Psychological Defence, Social Defence, Economic Defence,Civil Defence and Military Defence.Total Defence is about everyone playing a part in the defence of Singapore.It marks Singapore's fall to the Japanese in 1942. The commemoration of Total Defence Day seeks to remind people of the sufferings endured by our fore fathers during the Japanese Occupation.
On Total Defence Day,our school also held our cross country. Some of the Red Cross Cadets, National Police Cadet Cops, National Cadet Cops demostrated some simple life saving skills. After all that , We finally proceeded with our cross country.

Chek Jawa

At first, before the virual Tour I thought Chek Jawa is located at Indonesia. The name made is sound like it's located there. After the Virtual Tour, I realized it is located at Singapore. Chek Jawa is a gem of marine wildlife. Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa is a collection of six distinct habitats - coastal forest, mangroves, sand bars, sea grass lagoon, rocky shore & coral rubble. Chek Jawa is teeming with a wide array of marine wildlife – starfish, sea horses and octopi living in the sand and mud flats, carpet and peacock anemones in the sea-grass meadows, and sponges of all hues residing in the coral rubble. (Taken from: http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/parks___nature_reserves/chek_jawa.html)

Sandy shore and sand bar
The shore teems with tiny crabs which, if undisturbed, go about their amusing antics at low tide. The sand bar is the backbone of Chek Jawa and provides a home for all manner of intriguing creatures. The Common sea star is a must-see with visitors, and fortunately, it is plentiful on Chek Jawa. Sadly, it is no longer common elsewhere in Singapore. The sand dollar is another intriguing creature to examine. The sand bar is also a popular rest stop for shorebirds that fly in from as far away as Siberia. Overhead, majestic birds of prey hunt for fishes in the sea.

Seagrass lagoon
A calm, shallow lagoon lush with seagrasses and seaweeds form behind the sand bar. Here, a rich variety of marine creatures shelter during the low tide. First-time visitors are often stunned by the carpet anemones which are bigger than your face and come in a stunning variety of colours. At some times of the year, the seagrass may be dotted with colourful sea cucumbers. Other seagrass dwellers include secretive crabs and snails. A lucky visitor may also encounter sea hares, squids and mantis shrimp. (Taken from: http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/cj.htm)

Please do not remove any wildlife from the shore.Poaching of hard corals and other sealife threatens this precious shore. I'm sure no one wants this beautiful shore to be ruined.

Confessions of a Cynophobia

I walked past hurriedly when I saw my neighbour taking his dog out for a walk. I’m cynophobic. I am terrified of dogs ever since the incident when I was young. The incident, few years ago, came back in every vividness of detail.

I was playing with a few of my friends at the neighbourhood. Not long after, we saw a stray dog. The dog looked ferocious. My friends decided to throw a stone at it. “No!” I protested, “Don’t hurt it,or it’ll come after us!” They ignored my advice. The dog turned around and was about to attack. Sweat was pouring out of my glands. It barked at us fiercely and stared at me with its threatening eyes in fury. Fear enveloped me. Petrified, I dashed off. To my horror, I realized the dog was chasing after me!

Panic and fear raced through my body and my heart pounded rapidly against my ribs. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. The dog was nearer and nearer to me. Before I know, it leaped onto me and I struggled for help. Then, I got a bite on my arm. I yelled as I felt the excruciating pain. A passerby lent a helping hand by grabbing hold of the dog. The dog soon calmed down and went away. My sleeve was stained with blood. Tears trickled down my checks and outlined my jaws.

From then on, I am afraid of dogs. It spells danger to me. What a painful experience.

(252 words)

Growth Day

We had an assembly talk on the 16 Habits Of Mind.After the assembly talk, Classes were supposed to do a 30 second advertisement about one of the 16 Habits Of Mind. Our class did an advertisement on Thinking And Communication with Clarity And Precision. After our hard work, Our advertisement was screened in front of the whole school.

Besides that , We also did our target setting for this year.