Endeavour Primary School Newsletter 2020

10 Admiralty Link ENDEAVOUR Singapore 757521 BUZZ December 6482 4650 6482 4670 2020 [email protected] www.endeavourpri.moe.edu.sg PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Prior to April 2020, the only to the “new normal” of being able to year for its challenges but we also circuit-breakers that I know of are revert back to face-to-face lessons. celebrate the wonderful collaboration automatically operated electrical Changes were plenty – such as daily of teachers, parents and students! switches designed to protect an temperature-taking, compulsory Together, we endeavour all the way! electrical circuit from damage wearing of face-masks, suspension caused by an excess current from of mass events and learning journeys. Mr Thomas Koh an overload or short circuit. This Our school even had to think out of Principal phrase subsequently has become the box and make major changes to synonymous with Singaporeans for our time-table to accommodate six Greetings from the our country’s approach to implement recesses so that there would be no Editorial Team! an elevated set of safe distancing inter-level mingling. Dear readers! It has been an eventful measures to pre-empt the trend year for all of us. Our editorial team of increasing local transmission In this edition of our annual newletter, has put together this publication of COVID-19 in Singapore. Some you will read about how our school specially to share Endeavour’s 2020 other phrases that have become managed to keep our students fully journey with you. This newsletter shares popular during the circuit breaker engaged in learning despite the the vibrant learning experiences and period and even now are: zooming, Safety Management Measures (SMM) reflections of our staff, students and safe-distancing, work from home put into place. Teachers created our parents in spite of the challenges. and virtual meetings. COVID-19 lessons to include virtual escape Our team would like to take this disrupted the school academic year rooms, virtual learning journeys and opportunity to thank everyone who and we moved into Full Home Based workshops and even virtual CCAs. has contributed in one way or another Learning (HBL) for an entire month in We would like to thank parents for to the success of this publication. April and even when school reopened their patience and wonderful in early June, we went into “blended support as these changes learning” mode whereby levels took were put into practice. Just turns to report to school for lessons recently, our P6 students on alternate weeks. obtained their PSLE results and we are glad to share that Despite the major disruptions, we are they did very well despite glad to share that with the wonderful the challenges they faced assistance of parents, we managed this year. In all that we do, to make it through Full HBL, blended it is for the students! We learning and the subsequent return look back at this academic Contents at a Glance 02 Safe Management 06 Learning 10 In Spotlight: Measures (SMM) At EDP EDP Student Leaders in EDP

SAFE MANAGEMENT MEASURES (SMM) IN EDP A NEW NORMAL EMERGES Tuesday, 2 June 2020. This date marked the continued safety of all students and staff, our SOAPER 5. They emerged to rally students first day of a new Term 3. It was also the school also implemented additional safety against COVID-19 and remind all of us on four day when Singapore moved to Phase 1 of procedures - Safe Management Measures main areas of SMM - Practise Good Personal “Safe Reopening” after a long 8-week Circuit (SMM) – from the start to the end of each Hygiene, Practise Social Responsibility, Breaker period. The COVID-19 pandemic school day. Maintain Safe Distancing (where possible) has brought many changes to the way we and Minimise Intermingling. live, learn and play, bringing about what In the midst of the pandemic, we were also we call “a new normal”. To ensure the introduced to the superheroes known as 1 Good Personal Hygiene at all times 2 Doing our part in Social Responsibility “Always keep your hands clean” - the mantra By taking personal responsibility seriously, we help to make sure of good personal hygiene is one of the best that everyone is safe. Each member of the school plays an important ways to keep the COVID-19 virus away. part of Social Responsibility by doing the following: The school encourages everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, • Taking our temperature daily helps us and avoid touching their faces especially check if we are well (it should be below when their hands are not clean. If water 38°C for children below 12 years old). Extra or soap is not available, usage of personal care is needed if one has flu-like symptoms hand sanitiser (provided for each student) was encouraged. Hand like runny nose and coughing. If we are sanitisers have also been installed in each classroom. unwell, we need to see the doctor and stay at home, rest and not spread the virus to the community. It is also an offence to leave our home if we are required to be on stay-home notice. We must listen to the doctor’s advice to take the medication and rest for the duration of our Medical Certificate (MC). Hand sanitiser Washing Hands • Wearing a face mask is another new norm and it has helped to limit the airborne spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. It prevents us from getting sick easily and helps to protect those around us from any virus that we may unknowingly carry. We emphasize the correct use of the mask so that it covers our nose and mouth well. In this way, it can be more effective in curbing the spread of any virus. • During this year’s Total Defence Day, we were introduced to the wipe-down cleaning routine involving the use of the soap solution and paper towel provided. By doing this routine, we also help ensure that any areas or equipment that we use, such as desks, canteen tables and learning manipulatives are cleaned for the next user. Washing Hands 02

3 Maintaining Safe Distancing and Minimising Intermingling SMM during lessons “Safe distancing” is another familiar term. To further reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, keeping a safe-distance of at least 1 metre apart from the next person is a MUST. The school adjusted the recess periods and snack breaks so that there is only one level in the canteen per recess. There are designated seats for different classes during recess and after school hours. This has helped minimised intermingling of students across different levels and also helped to shorten students’ queuing time when buying food. Play areas have been designated for each class and classes have been creative in spending their recess time safely. Our teachers too have taken the additional role to be on duty during recess to help ensure safe distancing. Safe distancing at the library Safe distancing at the canteen Playing in the field “SAFETY FOR ALL, 03 SAFETY BY ALL” (OUR EDP SAFETY VISION) The above safety measures can only be effective if all of us play our part responsibly. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to keep all of us safe. Let us continue to work together, look out for one another and support those who are in need. Our school values, such as responsibility, perseverance and compassion, remain as important as they are even before the pandemic. Together, we can keep our school and Singapore safe and stronger. “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an Ocean.” ~ Ryunosuke Satoro Acknowledgement: • SOAPER 5 graphics - https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-resources

VOICES FROM OUR EDP COMMUNITY How have you and your family spent your time during Circuit-breaker (CB)? Our staff, students and their parents had shared their experiences here. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contributions. My Reflections on HBL 2020 and EDP Soaperhero by Muhammad Ayaan Sim Li Hong Poem on The Circuit Breaker Appreciating Family Time during CB Not easy, yet still bearable. HBL created the opportunity for me to really look into what my Not fun, yet still enjoyable. child is learning in school and spend quality time with her. Though it is rather disruptive to our daily routine and we had to make As we were in it together, we could still find adjustments to fit everyone’s needs, I’m still thankful for the chance some strength in the midst of difficulty. to work with my child on the common goal of finishing her HBL. During CB period, we put our collection of board games to good As we walked through it together, we could still find use. We also did a lot of housekeeping together and attempted something to enjoy in the midst of discomfort. some simple baking since we had to stay indoors all day long. Stay strong. Stay united. When everyone had to stay at home, we had to take turns to use the God bless Singapore. common space in the house for school, work and leisure. We learnt to accommodate each other’s needs. It’s important that we wash our Contributed by Mr and Mrs Ang hands regularly and practise good hygiene even if we stayed home all Parents of Alicia Ang (6 Compassion) and day. As much as possible, we turned to online contactless services Michelle Ang (3 Diligence) and try not to step out of the house. Since we are so accustomed to the stay home routine since CB period, staying at home during the Photo taken at student’s household. May school holiday was much easier. I realised Note: Images were taken during the circuit-breaker. my children appreciate school better now after 04 CB. They miss their time with friends and look forward to attending school more than ever. I wish we can recover from Covid-19 situation and return to our normal lives soon, though we are already trained to be highly adaptive in unexpected situations. Contributed by Mr & Mrs Tan Parents of Tan En Qi (1 Respect)

Maintaining Fitness during CB Catching up on Reading Fitness is the way to go during Circuit Breaker. Mr Bryse Tan Ms Israel told herself that she would read and his family have pushed their bodies to the limit and had fun 2 new books monthly. She soon started to training together. fall behind as the busy school year caught up with her plans. She made use of her time wisely and eventually caught up on her reading. Becoming a Home Chef Super Shopper Ms Reena had an enjoyable time trying out some new dishes! Look at the amount of plastic bags! Mr Jeremy Tan had shopped for groceries for his extended family. He has safeguarded the Cooking during CB well-being of his family members by taking on this challenge. A kind soul indeed. TIME TRYING OUT SOME NEW DISHES! - REENA HAD AN ENJOYABLE Note: Images taken at teachers’ household. 05

LEARNING AT EDP Endeavour Primary engages our students has brought a whole new dimension to the subjects that support the development of with a wide range of activities for all lessons. teaching & learning, opening up exciting students’ reasoning and communication School closure in April has not deterred opportunities for us to explore, seeking skills. With more safe management our efforts in planning and implementing to marry the best of both worlds of digital measures put in place post-circuit breaker, quality synchronous and asynchronous and face-to-face lessons. We have planned students remain engaged in their learning. lessons. This unprecedented experience meaningful learning experiences for all ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Developing vocabulary fSrohmariangcothmepirrethhoeungsihotns text through Word Study activities Close reading activity DThraemKaintigz’astiCoankoef MLEA experience - Walking in our P6 class through the Ecogarden MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Look at the dpItiu’gszitztailmel seesatcnoadpceeramrcoekormsgoemvfirceotmoMraitothuhess! subtraction strategies that our friends have come up with! Let’s use fraction discs to show Let’s count on! What time is it? how division of fractions works! Note: Some images were taken before the circuit breaker. 06

MOTHER TONGUE (MT) DEPARTMENT Speak Mandarin Campaign Student’s feedback Family Talent Competition 2020 about HBL During the circuit breaker, Hu Xuanming (2 Respect) and her mother, Mother Tongue Fortnight Mdm Liu Kejing participated in the “Speak Mandarin Campaign Activities Family Talent Competition 2020”. Their submission was awarded: Category B – Finalist. ML Mother Tongue Activity With SMM in place, the pupils were not able to do group work for MT fortnight. However, they still had an enjoyable time! SCIENCE DEPARTMENT bsSeatuffoedredenisattsnadnqucaiefntuegirntodgowuinpagsahtnhdteheeenixrspuherarininmdgsent Students carry out tSotuodbesnertsvetatkhiengsettu-runps experiments in pairs instead Resources being sterilized of the usual groups of four before and after each lesson Virtual Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve trail P3 Soap-Making Workshop 07

AESTHETICS DEPARTMENT P5 students showcasing Music their cajons Our synchronized music lessons had to take into consideration the profile of our students and include multiple types of musicianship where students embrace diverse, interrelated and overlapping ways of knowing and making music. During HBL, our students continued with their music lessons virtually. The students used recycled materials to make their own ukulele and cajon. They brought their instruments back to school for their music lessons when school reopened after their mid-year holidays. Puppetry Play by P1 Artists Visual Arts Our students have become more independent over time and created a rich repertoire of artworks through online learning via the SLS platform. Tapping on design thinking as a problem-solving tool, some Primary Five students even made use of Strawbees in their art packs to create innovative headgear prototypes as a possible solution to the COVID-19 situation. It was heartening to see our students chart their own learning journey amidst the pandemic to become self-directed, independent lifelong learners. Self Portraits Inspired by Picasso by P3 Artists PDriosttaenctciivnegHFeeaadtugereasrsbwy Pith5 In-Built Air Filters and Safe Artists 08

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (CCAs) CCAs play an important role in shaping the character of the students. Our students reflected on their learning this year. Ong Kah Yung Abdul Matin Bin Claudia Amanda Lincoln Rindra Mokhtar Binte Sahlan 5 Compassion 5 Integrity 6 Diligence Rugby Stem Club Brownies As one of the senior members in the There were times when my personal Attending our CCA sessions via Zoom Rugby CCA, our training sessions were computer was ‘on strike’ during the was something I took time to adapt to. tougher than the junior members’. The e-CCA sessions and I had to seek As a senior Brownie member, we had teachers and coach emphasized the help from my parents whenever that to think of ways to promote the cookie need for us to be good role models happened. We had to complete our sales in our school. It was both an for the juniors. E-CCA sessions were projects on our own. Even with clear enriching and challenging experience conducted to maintain a high level and specific instructions given to us for us as we had to brainstorm ideas of fitness even during this COVID-19 by our STEM Club teachers, it can be for the advertisement and record pandemic. We went through many a challenge to do it by ourselves as it virtually without any face-to-face different fitness routines and discussed compared to when we are in school meetings! While we were proud of the different tactics in the game. I where my friends and I can help one what we managed to achieve, I hope cannot wait to get back on the field. another out. Luckily, my sister could that this new norm will not be here come to the rescue and be my ever- forever because nothing beats meeting ready partner. my friends every week for CCA. CHARACTER & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION National Education & Social Studies 2020 With Covid-19 and the sudden onset of the Circuit Breaker, citizenship education is taught via online platforms. The commemoration of core NE events took place in the classrooms. The teachers and other school staff worked together with parents and students to ensure that learning continues. Students’ quality learning was captured in their rich post event reflections and class assignments. Students were exposed to contemporary issues and they learned to reflect and apply their ideas in authentic contexts. Note: Some images were taken before circuit breaker. 09

Project MELON Project M.E.L.O.N. aims to enhance student well-being through gardening. It focuses on enabling students to feel a sense of success by leveraging the following aspects - Motivation, Engagement, Learning, Opportunities and Networking. The activities boost their confidence, reduce stress and promote a sense of belonging to the community. The project also builds the strength of character in the students, teaching them important values such as diligence, perseverance and resilience. Ultimately, students learn to align these values with their personal growth, thus raising their self-esteem and motivation. Beyond this project, the initiative allows for the expansion of teaching and learning beyond the classroom, creating borderless joyful learning. Values-In-Action (VIA) Assembly Programme for CCE E-assembly sessions in individual classrooms were conducted to highlight the meaning and importance of the various school values. Teachers carry out post assembly activities and engage students in reflection activities. The values-based E-assembly sessions were well received by the students and teachers. P5 VIA Making Gifts for Elderly @ SWAMI P5 VIA visit to the Old Folks’ Home has been part of the Applied Learning Programme P5 Interdisciplinary Project Work for the past years. Despite not being able to make a physical visit, our students thought of innovative ways to bring cheer and happiness to the elderly. During Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP) lessons, the students created beautiful coasters. The elderly were pleased to receive these gifts. Cleaners’ Appreciation Day The school showed our appreciation towards our school cleaners yearly on Cleaners’ Appreciation Day. Our Primary 2 students gave out handmade cards containing handwritten thank-you notes and a box of tea-time treats to our school cleaners. The school also affirmed our security guards, lab technicians and administrators for their contribution to the school on this day. We hope that our students will consistently practise the habit of greeting and thank our unsung heroes. 10

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Er, I would need an arrow, Sir. During this COVID-19 pandemic, Safe Believing that COVID 19 is a challenge Management Measures are strictly that can be overcome, the PE Department observed. With the wipe down routine organised a P6 Inter-Class Tournament and emphasized after every PE lesson, students also a Primary 4 and 5 archery carnival, with have accepted the new norms in their daily adherence to Safe Management Measures. school life. The students’ school experience was not compromised. Game on! Our PE teacher following SMM guidelines In! In! In! PLEASE SHOW LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT (P.S.L.E) @ EDP We strongly believe in sustaining a culture of care to provide a nurturing environment to support the holistic development of the students. P3 students prepared hand-written notes of encouragement for our P6 students who are preparing for their PSLE. This meaningful gesture allows the younger members of our Endeavour family to encourage and give a timely boost to our graduating students. It was heartening tthoesyeheaodutrheexsctitreodngP6susptupdoertnotsf trheeceyiovuinnggtohneewsealln-dwtishheesscchaorodl.s and knowing that 11

IN SPOTLIGHT EDP STUDENT LEADERS REFLECTIONS OF OUR EDP STUDENT LEADERS What qualities do you think Irufley,owuhcaotulwdocurldeaittebae?school a&swtuhdye?nt leader should have I would mandate that every student I think integrity and should display courage and uphold responsibility are 2 values that justice. Courage comes from within are important. A leader should yourself to stand up for what is right. be honest at all times and take Everyone should uphold justice and pride in all that they do. not take sides with a friend who could be showing a bad example. - Alenis Wong / 5 Compassion - Ashley Gan / 6 Diligence SHohwoulsdhooutlhdeEr DstuPdesntutds ehnatvleeaadsearys?be chosen? How have you changed as a person after becoming a student leader? I think leaders should be chosen based on their character traits, I have become more respectful and leadership skills and the attitude compassionate towards others. I know displayed to others. Leaders are I have to persevere and be exemplary among their peers and usually they to all my friends especially when I reveal their true selves to them. face a difficulty. Being in the EXCO, Thus, other students should have a I have also realised that hard work say since the leaders represent the is very important in developing good student body. leadership skills. - Neo Enqi / 6 Compassion - Lincoln Ong / 6 Compassion yWohuamt addifefaicsualt sdtuedciesniotnlehaadveer? Are there any achievements you have made as a student leader? I have to choose between playing with my friends and completing I have helped my peers and fellow my duties. I have to choose to do student leaders solve problems. the right thing especially when I This has boosted my morale. I have know my friend has committed a sacrificed my time to help others. I wrongdoing. have never taken for granted my role as a leader. - Eliora Low / 6 Integrity - Adelaina Tan / 5 Integrity Do you have any advice for a future student leader? Do not let bad influence pressure you. Speak up for the right thing. Be confident of your opinion. Listen to everyone’s ideas. Do not let complacency affect your judgement. Do not abuse your position as a prefect! - Alicia Ang / 6 Compassion 12