Monday, November 22, 2010

Day 1 22-11-2010 :Arrival

Before the trip, we had many practices and preparations to get ourselves ready for the competitions. We were looking forward to the competitions as this is the first time that we would be performing overseas. Besides we would be competing against other school such as Nan Chiau High School etc.

The journey from Singapore to Genting was long and tiring . It took us 9 hours to get there, however, we made the best of our time. We used this opportunity to bond better with our friends and learn about them.Our lunch break at Yong Peng was quite an experience. The place was very filthy and there was litter on the floor and tables.The food on display and how it was prepared looked very unhygenic.We felt very disgusted at the sight of the place. The rest of the ride from Yong Peng to Genting was very scenic.

Upon reaching Genting, we saw many schools gathering at the hotel lobby. That was the time we realised that there were actually so many schools participating in the competition.We attended the Opening Ceremony for the festival after checking in our hotels. Nan Chiau High School's Chinese Orchestra performance was the first item. Their performance was very inspiring as we feel that if they can do it, we can do it too. The performance was also impactful as they has a good sense of rhythm. As compared to us, if we are able to improve on our rhythm, we will also be on the same level as them.Followed by that, was the dance performances by Hokkien Association. Their performance was mesmerizing. They were moving swiftly and were in the mood of the songs. One of the performance was mimicking the birds and it was fantastic as they looked quite real.

In the end, we had our debrief and came up with a six word quotation."Failure is just a step forward". Although we dropped from a silver to a bronze, we look out for our mistakes and weaknesses during practices. So we must look forward and not look back to our past.

Min Chein
Jia Rong
Finally the day had arrived. The trip from Singapore to Malaysia was incredibly long and uncomfortable. It took us quite a while to get to Yong Peng - a place that we would stop and have a break before we proceeded to Genting Highlands ,and it was really dirty and hot there. It really made us appreciate the cleanliness in Singapore. In the past we usually had two practices per week but it increased to three one month before the competition. Briefings were held to brief us about safety and our schedules. After so many practices and briefings we would like to say that we are well prepared.

At around 5.15PM we finally arrived at Malaysia Genting Highlands, we saw that many schools have arrived. It was so crowded, we got quite a shock. This is the real thing, we have expected this competition to be a tough and tight one. Nevertheless, we would strive and give our best shot. We really want to see where we stand amongst all those school. We are more than excited for this and we can't wait for the competition to come.

Then after dinner, we were gathered again in the conference hall for the opening ceremony of The 21st Century Art Festival 2010. It was really exciting for the most part. We were really impressed with the dance that the Hokkien Association put up and the performance by Nan Chiau Secondary School's Chinese Orchestra.The dancers were flexible and their movements were swift. We think that they had practiced hard for that performance. The emotions and happiness they displayed on stage is really inspiring. The Nan Chiau's Orchestra really poured all their emotions into their playing. After watching their performance we think that the their unity in their playing makes them a strong orchestra. We could learn that from them, we should stay together with one another and work hard as a team till the very end.

There were many learning points during our reflection. One of them is about winning teams. We see Nan Chiau as a winning team because their performers possess self discipline. Self discipline comes within ourselves, in our own accord. When it's time to work, we work hard and focus hard. When it's time to play, we can relax and let go after all those hard work. We should not wait for people to tell us what to do,we should take initiative. A winning team is also one which exceeds all expectations. We are working towards that expectation. A winning team is also one where there is close bond between members. We believe that our team could be a winning team too. If we all work hard together as one, we think we could acheive a lot.

The other learning points include the importance of teamwork. Teamwork brings everyone together. A member's  action  can affect the whole team. As individual when we conduct ourselves appropriately in the public, we will uphold the name of the school. In a winning team members also care for one another.We should always care for others and put ourselves in each other's shoes. A winning team also persists in everything they do and they don't give up easily. Even if it's tough, we should try and try until it is achieved.

To be a winning team, "Let's strive together, be as one" (the six word quote from Er hu)

Rachel Ng
Heng Nien Leng
Tan Si Min

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Before the trip

When we got the news that we were going to genting for the competition, we were all very excited. the number of practices increased to 3 times per week, it was tiring but every second is worth it. i was hoping that it wouldnt be as tiring as the cultural night but im sure it is going to be much more stressful. we really hope to get a gold and we have been practising hard for it. All the best to SKCO! 

黄文萱
陈思敏

Intro.

HiHi, we are setting off next week real soon, We are going to post each night so be sure to come check back often.
We would be uploading photos and videos when we are free. So look forward and have a happy holidays.:D
加油 加油

A lame post from ME !

Hello people ! I am Heng Nien Leng :D I don't feel excited for the trip, cause i wanted to sleep more at home rather than waking up at 6.30am . Joking ! Haha !

I know its lame. Post this for the sake of posting. xD

邢念霖 !

Introduction and Instructions

SKSS Overseas Trip Blogs SOP

Why do we need to do this?
To record experiences for future sharing and reference.
To mould friendships.
To provide updates on what is happening when you are overseas.
To preserve the sights and experiences for memories.

How do I go about doing it?
Go to www.blogger.com
Log in to sengkangsec@gmail.com
Password is **************
Use the blog applicable to your trip. PLEASE DO NOT DELETE OTHER TRIPS’BLOGS!
For reference, please see, skssgoestoeurope.blogspot.com
You can customise your blog, but please do not use blogskins found online.

Pre-trip Activities
Get into groups of about 3-4 friends (teachers can decide on the size of each group)
Your 1st post should be on an ‘Introduction’. Write about who is in the group, where you are from, what your group hopes to learn, see and experience during this time overseas. Group photos would be good.
Follow up on the 1st post with your reflections on the pre trip briefing conducted by your teachers. When possible, include photos.

During the Trip
Instead of the daily reflection, daily blog posts about the day’s activities should be posted. If there is no internet connection, please have your reflections done, saved as a Word document. When internet connection is available, post the reflections online. This will serve like an online diary for your group.

Post trip Activities
Blog about what was being done after the trip, with photos as well. Use this blog as a communication channel between your friends after the trip.