Chinese Dance / Rhythmic Gymnastics has always been one of the most popular CCAs among the girls in our school. Training sessions are held 2 to 3 times per week, conducted by very experienced instructors. Training always begins with basic rhythmic gymnastics exercises. Dance practices involve both traditional and contemporary dance movements. This CCA provides the opportunity for our pupils to learn a sport and a dance at the same time.

“We are thankful to our CCA teachers and our dance instructors for allowing us to develop a good sense of teamwork and self-discipline, and constantly encouraging us to do our best.”

- Vanessa Yuen [6-9], one of the senior members

Connecting Culture and TalentThe Malay Dance is a vibrant performing arts group in Pioneer. This CCA aims to provide opportunities for members to learn various techniques in Malay dance as well as to have an appreciation for the Malay culture.

Malay Dance SYF Performance

23 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore 649076Tel: 6793 2397 Fax: 6793 3974

Developing Talents, Unleashing PotentialIn our school, pupils are given opportunities to develop their talents, skills and leadership through physical education, art and music lessons, and a wide range of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). They also get to put into practice our school values, namely having an Inquiring and Imaginative Mind, Value Self and Others, Integrity, and Doing Our Best!

Many of our pupils have distinguished themselves in their CCAs and won honours in various competitions. This newsletter features some of them, including two ex-pupils who represented Singapore at international youth competitions.

We would like to thank the pupils and parents who took part in our interviews and contributed valuable information to the articles. Happy reading!

Edit

or’

s N

ote

CCA Achievements

On 12 April, our Malay Dancers won a Silver Award in the SYF Central Judging of Dances for their spirited and charming performance. Their months of hard work and dedication finally paid off. The CCA leader, Nur Ahlina (6-4), attributes their success to their supportive teachers-in-charge, Mdm Ain, Miss Suhana, Mdm Zuhaizah and Mdm Halimah, their dance instructor.

Nur Ahlina (3rd row, 1st from right) with theother Malay dancers after their SYF performance

Reflecting on their SYF journey, Ahlina said that it was a challenging but rewarding process. She hopes that the CCA will achieve the Gold Award at the next SYF.

Glory for Gold

On 23 April, our girls performed at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Central Judging. The dancers’ team spirit throughout their preparation was highly commendable. The intensive training throughout the December and March holidays did not put them off. Instead, it strengthened their will to do well, improved their dance movements and raised their confidence. They had indeed made the school proud by achieving the SYF Gold Award for the second time!

An expressive contemporary performance by the dancersThe girls at the NUS Cultural Centre

2010

The Indian Dance CCA started in 2002. It has been participating in the SYF Central Judging since then. This year, our dancers have made the school proud by achieving the Silver Award. To prepare for the SYF, the dancers had extra training sessions on Saturdays and during the school holidays. Pupils were taught to go beyond the basics and constantly strive for excellence. So how do they keep themselves motivated and persevere towards their goal?

One of the dancers, Darshini (3-5) says that her mother, Mdm Komathi, is her greatest inspiration. Her mother never stops giving her words of encouragement so as to build up her confidence and perseverance. When there are CCA practices on Saturdays, Mdm Komathi will accompany Darshini in school till the end of the dance practices. With the strong parental support, Darshini is able to concentrate on her studies and develop her passion for dance.

Importance of Parental Support

“I’ll give her comments on how she can improve her

dance steps and expression. I’ll tell her that if she does well in her exams or CCA, she will be rewarded. As

her mother, I’ll always give her my full support.”

- Mdm Komathi on how she motivates Darshini

Indian Dance SYF Performance

When Words Fail, Music Speaks

Wafa [6-2] joined the Chinese Orchestra in December 2008 when she was in Primary 4. Even though she is a non-Chinese, the idea did not faze her. Initially, she encountered difficulties such as memorising the notes in her scores and made a lot of mistakes but with patient teaching and support from her music teachers and instructors, she managed to excel in it. This year, she was appointed the Sectional Leader for Cello Bass in the Chinese Orchestra Executive Committee.

Besides having a love for music, Wafa also mentioned that another reason for joining the Chinese Orchestra was her grandmother, a Chinese, who wanted her to learn more about Chinese music.

Wafa’s proudest moment was when she was chosen to represent the school to perform in the SYF 2010. “It was not easy to get chosen as the selection criteria were very stringent,” said Wafa. At the recently concluded SYF, our Chinese Orchestra received a Bronze Award for their efforts. Taking part in the SYF has enabled Wafa to experience challenges and learn to cope with the pressure of many practices and public performance.

“I would definitely join Chinese Orchestra when I enter secondary school. I hope to deepen my knowledge and enhance my skills so as to achieve music grading in the

near future. I believe that as long as there’s a will, there’s a way.”

- Wafa, on her future aspirations

Wafa fondly recalls her family’s support of her musical endeavours, especially her mother who would send her to and fetch her from practices. “My parents encourage me and give me moral support. They will also listen to my music practices and give comments on how to further improve my performance,” Wafa said.

“As a parent, I help her to properly plan her tight schedule so that she can cope with her studies as

well as CCA. Giving words of encouragement plays an

important role in boosting her confidence.”

- Mdm Faridah, Wafa’s motherChinese Orchestra members performing during the SYF02

Cheese! We are enjoying

Choir is one of the performing arts CCAs offered in Pioneer. Presently, our choir has about 40 members comprising pupils from Primary 3 to 6. The Choir aims to give pupils who love to sing an opportunity to develop their talents and to perform. On 15 April, the Choir participated in the SYF Central Judging for Choir.

Esther Joy (6-5) was one of the senior members who participated in the SYF in 2008. During practices, she leads the soprano section when the instructor is occupied with sectional practice. The vocal leader also guides and motivates her juniors. Esther learnt that in order to sing well, one needs to be disciplined.

Onwards, Choristers!“I try my best to work with

my juniors. For example, when

my pitch is higher than the others, I try to tone to

the same pitch so as to make them

comfortable.”

- Esther Joy, the dedicated chorister

The SYF journey has been memorable for Esther and the other choristers. They hope to achieve better results at the next SYF.

The choir members at the Victoria Concert Hall

Excitement before their performance

Desire to AchieveOn 21 April, six P2 members of our Rhythmic Gymnastics CCA participated in the National Inter-Primary School Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships for the first time. They took part in the Freehand Group event. Despite not being placed, the experience was invaluable. The girls, Yong Ting [2-3], Hui Xuan [2-1], Ying Xuan [2-2], Sharmaine [2-7], Trisha [2-2] and Jia Wei [2-2], were awed by the performances from other schools.

Jia Wei said, “I learnt that we must work hard and be serious during trainings.”

Trisha added, “We need to cooperate and learn to perform as a team.”

The girls look forward to being part of the Chinese Dance team to pursue their dreams of performing in the SYF, and clinching a Gold Award for our school in the near future.

“Passionate about dancing, the girls showed positive attitude throughout their trainings.”

- Miss Mandy Chan, Rhythmic Gymnastics CCA teacher

03

The girls at the National Inter-Primary School Gymnastics Championships

Co-curricular Activities Achievements 2010

B AESTHETICS CHINESE DANCE SYF Gold Award

INDIAN DANCE SYF Silver Award

MALAY DANCE SYF Silver Award

CHINESE ORCHESTRA SYF Bronze Award

04

CCA ParticipantsA SPORTS1 ATHLETICS

National Inter-Primary School Track & Field Championship 2010

Categories Participants

‘A’ Div Boys 1500m – Gold & Bronze Lee Rong Zhi & Qian Yuhao

‘A’ Div Boys 4x300m Relay - Bronze Lee Rong Zhi, Qian Yuhao, Liu Zihan & Li Junjie

‘A’ Div Girls 4x300m Relay - Bronze Afrina, Qistina Nurdayana, Pandora Yong & Farah Suliana

‘A Div Girls 80m Hurdles - Bronze Qistina Nurdayana

2 ROPE SKIPPING

National Inter-Primary School Rope Skipping Championship 2010

Categories/Achievement Participants

Jnr Boys Individual – 2nd Tan Kai Ming

Jnr Boys Pair – 6th Tan Kai Ming & Daryl Tai

Jnr Boys Double Dutch – 6th Noorfarkhan, Khairulamirin & Muhd. Faiz

Jnr Boys Synchronised – 2nd Tan Kai Ming, Daryl Tai, Noorfarkhan & Khairulamirin

Snr Boys Individual – 6th Chiam Wee Hean

Snr Boys Pair – 6th Chiam Wee Hean & Kang Choon Long

Snr Boys Double Under – 11th Chiam Wee Hean

Snr Boys Synchronised – 4th Chiam Wee Hean, Kang Choon Long, Phone Nanda Aung & Ryan Lau

Jnr Girls Individual – 10th Ericia Lee

Jnr Girls Pair – 7th Goh Cai Jing & Cassandra Yuen

Jnr Girls Synchronised – 8th Cassandra Yuen, Ericia Lee, Ang Wei Lin & Tan Kai Mei

Snr Girls Individual – 5th Tan Zi Qiu

Snr Girls Pair – 6th Tan Zi Qiu & Lim Zhao Yin

Snr Girls Double Under – 5th Tan Zi Qiu

Snr Girls Synchronised – 5th Tan Zi Qiu, Lim Zhao Yin, Celine Tan & Yvonne Tay

West Zone Inter-Primary School Rope Skipping Championship 2010

Categories Achievement

Senior Boys Div 3rd

Senior Girls Div 3rd

Junior Boys Div 4th

Junior Girls Div 4th

At Pioneer, outdoor education is designed to develop a sense of adventure, ruggedness and resilience in our pupils. Hence, 226 Primary 5 students journeyed to MOE Changi Coast Adventure Camp from 15 to 17 March.

For most of our pupils, it was a camp of many ‘firsts’. Staying away from home for two nights in the ‘Open Kampung Styled’ blocks was a first for many. It was also their first time attempting high-rope activities such as the zip line, abseiling and rock wall climbing. The highlight for most, however, was when they tried kayaking and sea rafting.

Character Development through Outdoor Education

Overcoming the high element

Through these activities, the campers gained courage to overcome any challenges that they encountered. Their social skills were honed through interactions and working together as a team. They learnt to encourage and help one another, showing care and concern for their group mates.

The physically and mentally challenging three days had provided a vastly different learning experience for our pupils and definitely left an unforgettable mark in every camper’s heart.

To work well as a team, it is important to coordinate and cooperate well with

each other

Promoting A Sporting CultureIt is through sports that many positive values can be inculcated. The school has been organising the Annual Sports Day with this in mind. This year’s Sports Day was held on 28 January at the Jurong West Stadium.

Pupils, in colours of blue, red, green, yellow and orange, flooded the spectators’ stand. The Primary 4 to 6 students felt a sense of belonging as they stood proudly together in their respective houses. Student helpers and members from the Red Cross, Brownies and Scouts performed their duties in the organisation of the event. The pupils cheered for their houses, portraying unity and harmony amongst themselves.

The Sports Day started with the Olympic torch run. This inspired our students to embrace the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Though there were incidents of loose shoes and dropped batons, competitors continued to press on towards the finishing line. They learnt to accept failure when they faltered, and to be humble and gracious when they won. Whether the pupils were competitors or spectators, they were all active participants of the event.

Bursting into their house cheersOlympic Torch Run

Towards the finishing line

Closer bonds were developed among teammates during mealtimes

05

The Athletics Club develops pupils in the sport of Track and Field. Pupils learn skills, mental toughness and core values that will enable them to take on life’s challenges. Outstanding runners are selected to represent the school in athletics competitions. In April this year, the athletes participated in the National Inter-Primary School Track & Field Championships and won medals in two individual and two relay events.

Nurturing Talents

This remarkable achievement is made possible by the dedicated teachers-in-charge who are instrumental in training and guiding the athletes. Training 2 to 3 times a week at the Jurong West Stadium, the teachers ensure that the athletes develop their mental discipline and running techniques. With constant encouragement, the athletes strive to do better at every competition.

“Mr Nantha and Mr Mok always motivate me. They tell me not to give up and to do my best in everything I do.”

– Rou Xin, on her source of motivation

The Health & Fitness (H&F) Club is a programme to help pupils lead a physically active and healthy lifestyle through regular exercise such as daily morning walks and recess activities. They also learn about proper nutritional and dietary choices.

In March this year, the members went for a hike at the Dairy Farm Nature Walk. It was a great outdoor experience. Besides the exercise, members learnt about the history of the Dairy Farm, had fun and forged friendships.

In April, an Active Zone at the Fitness Corner was opened during recess to allow pupils to train for the NAPFA test. One member, Nur Sarah (6-2), likes the Active Zone as it allows her ample time to practise before the NAPFA Test. According to Miss Rozianah, one of the H&F teachers, Sarah is always encouraging her friends to train with her at the Active Zone.

Sarah hopes to change the perception among her peers that exercising is boring. She is certainly up to the challenge of setting a positive example for her H&F mates.

“Whenever we feel reluctant to go for any H&F activities, Sarah usually gives words of encouragement and reminds us that exercising will be beneficial to us in the long run.”

- Elia (6-2) on how Sarah motivates her and the others.

Doing Our Best

Nur Sarah (last row, 5th from left) with other H&F members at the Dairy Farm Nature Walk

The boys competing in a long distance event

Kai Ming joined Rope Skipping last year when he was in Primary 3. This year, he has won several trophies in the competitions he took part in.

During the West Zone Rope Skipping Championship 2010, he came in 1st for Junior Boys Individual Creative Freestyle Event, and 2nd for Junior Boys Pair as well as the Team Synchronised Events. Kai Ming’s impressive performance during the Nationals earned him a 2nd placing in the Individual Creative Freestyle Event. He was also a runner-up in the Junior Boys Team Synchronised Event.

Kai Ming is very agile and has excellent coordination. Known as a ‘junior coach’ at the club, he volunteers to demonstrate skipping steps to his CCA mates who have difficulties during trainings. Kai Ming constantly improves himself with the help from his coach, Miss Crystal, and CCA teacher, Miss Chun Yanzheng. They had given him encouragement every step of the way.

“Kai Ming is really a gem in the CCA. I told him that success comes with hard work, luck, chance, as well as talent. And he

had all these during the Rope Skipping Championships 2010. He handles his academics and co-curricular activities very well.’

- Miss Chun, on how she motivates Kai Ming The Rope Skipping Team at the West Zone Rope Skipping Championship 2010

Ryan Tan Kai Ming (4-1)

Up to the Challenge

0606

One such athlete who has been performing better each year is Yaw Rou Xin (6-3). Shortlisted for trials by the

Singapore Sports School, Rou Xin hopes to be selected and enrolled next year to pursue her dream in athletics.

Soccer is one of the popular sports in Pioneer. To date, we have about 95 soccer members, of which 40 are in the school’s senior and junior teams, while the rest are in the developmental stage. Every year, the junior and senior school team players participate in the West Zone Inter-Primary Schools Soccer Championship. They also participate in competitions organised by the Football Association of Singapore.

The Soccer CCA aims to develop pupils’ talent in the game and instill character traits like sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork in its players. One pupil who benefited from the experience is Danish Irfan (5-2). With the systematic and regular training, Danish has improved his technical skills and tactical reading of a game.

Besides excelling in soccer, Danish has also done well in his studies. “Danish is a respectful and responsible boy. He always strives to achieve good results,” said his form teacher, Miss April Chua.

The soccer boys are determined to work harder to be amongst the top in the West Zone soccer competition next year. They have displayed strong fighting spirit and will certainly live up to our school value of Doing Our Best.

Developing Talent & Character

Our soccer team and parent supporters at the West Zone Inter-Primary School Soccer Championship 2009

The boys in action.

Leading by ExampleAnother popular sport in Pioneer is Basketball, especially for boys who aspire to be like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Following the footsteps of his older brother, Lenson Lim (4-2) joined the Basketball CCA when he was in Primary 3. So, it came as no surprise when Lenson mentioned that his brother, Lennon was a source of motivation for him, giving him encouragement and advice.

This year, Lenson is the appointed captain of the Primary 4 team. According to his basketball teacher and coach, Mr Jeffrey Koh, Lenson is a role model in character – always well-disciplined, responsible and honest. In training, he gives off his best and always tries to improve his basketball skills. Off the court, he is also an excellent student as he takes his studies seriously and revises his school work frequently.

As the P4 captain, Lenson maintains good relationships with his team members, leads them by example and believes that teamwork is an important factor in the sport. “We cooperate well with each other and help one another during training and matches. I will shout my teammate’s name and ask for the ball,” Lenson said. Competitive and passionate about the sport, Lenson is looking forward to leading his team to performing better in upcoming competitions.

Lenson (2nd from left) listening to the coach’s instructions

Lenson Lim Shao Zhe (4-2)

Did you know…?Lenson’s older brother Lennon, who graduated last year, used to be the vice-captain of Pioneer basketball team. Leadership traits run in the family!

0707

Ex – Pioneer Pupil in the YOGJabez Su Ming Rong (2005 Graduate)

Jabez scoring for his team

Did you know...?Jabez Su was in the Senior Boys Pioneer Basketball Team who clinched 2nd place in the Nationals in 2005.

Eugenia was discovered by her PE teacher for her running talent when she was in Primary 4. She switched her CCA from Band to Athletics and made it to the finals of the 100m and 200m at the annual National Inter-Primary School Track & Field Championships three years running. In 2008, Eugenia was talent-spotted by Singapore Sports School (SSS) and was invited to enrol in its Track and Field programme. Presently, she is a Secondary 2 student-athlete at the SSS.

During her days in Pioneer, Eugenia was described by her teachers as a reliable leader with a lot of initiative and a pupil who remains undaunted when given challenging tasks. She is indeed a role model for today’s Pioneer pupils. Her coach Pedro Acuna believes that with further grooming, Eugenia has the potential to become one of South-East Asia’s top sprinters. We look forward to seeing more news of Eugenia’s achievements on the track.

Pioneer’s ex-pupil, Eugenia Tan, 13, made the news after her record-breaking personal best time for the U-14 100m at the WALAA (Western Australia Little Athletics Association) Perth age-group meet, with a time of 12.23 sec - a time that is faster than the National U-15 (12.74 sec), U-17 (12.39 sec) and Junior (12.26 sec) records. At the recent 51st National Inter-School Track and Field Championships, Eugenia took home silver in the 100m and 200m sprints. In the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, Eugenia and her teammates won gold for their efforts.

Eugenia at the National Inter-School Track & Field Championships 2009

Editorial TeamAdvisor : Josephine NgEditors : Mok Chok Sun, Adrian Han, Lee Hui LihWriters : Nur Diyanah, Nurul Ashikin, Siti Nur Diyana

“My father and mother were former runners and they want me to be like them.” – Eugenia Tan on her inspiration in the sport

Ex-Pioneer pupil, Jabez Su, 17, has been making a name for himself. After graduating from Pioneer in 2005, Jabez continued playing basketball in Catholic High School. His achievements have gone beyond clinching National 1st in 2006 to 2008, as he has gone on to represent Singapore in competitions such as the U-16 FIBA Asia Championship, the Asian Youth Games (AYG) and the recently concluded Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Last year, Jabez captained the national team during the AYG. The team reached their goal of reaching the quarter-finals of the AYG FIBA 33 Basketball tournament.

This year, the 1.79m basketball player was again the Team Captain of the Singapore YOG 3-on-3 basketball team. Jabez was also Singapore’s flag-bearer for the YOG Opening Ceremony!

Jabez thinks the biggest challenge for student athletes is juggling sports and studies. The current Hwa Chong Institution pupil has to give up leisure time to catch up with his schoolwork. With self-discipline and hard work, Jabez has proven that it is possible to succeed in both sports and studies!

“I come from a family renowned for their sporting talents. The teachers in my primary school attested to my siblings’

sporting abilities and believed that the same sporting blood courses through my veins. I was invited to join the school

basketball team; basketball has since then become the focus of my life.”

- Jabez Su on how he was talent-spotted in Pioneer Primary.

Potential Top SprinterEugenia Tan Yan Ning (2008 Graduate)