ChaosLegion

Failure At the NJRC

2006-09-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

On Thursday (7th Sept.) our school's Robotics Sec 1 to Sec 3 teams took part in the National Junior Robotics Competition along with hundreds of other teams from other schools. There is a theme for each year's competition and there are different categories of awards judged by different panels of judges. Generally you are give a few missions which you have to complete. Completing a particular step would earn you points for that mission while if something wrong occurs you may be penalised points.

This year's theme was a hard one to tackle:Rig Attack!

It involved putting the robot in water to collect water samples, and do other things and it was very difficult. It consisted of 2 missions, 1 out of water and 1 in water. My group leader was abit confident when we first reached the competition area. However, that all changed during the 1st run of the 1st mission (Each mission entitles you 2 runs to trial your errors and try again for more points) My leader, after preparing the programs and uploading them, went to the competition area to have the judges judge the robot. However, he forgot to pull out 2 axles at the bottom of the bot, leaving the robot incapable of moving and forcing us to forfeit the 1st run, meaning we couldn't calibrate the distance and could not trial our errors.

We all knew we were screwed. But we still tried the 2nd run which was even worse. After programming, he ran to the competition area. For the 1st mission, the starting point is on an elevated platform which you have to go down from. It isn't too high up, but when our robot moved down, something below broke apart from our bot. Actually, we could still run without the not-so-important piece, but the piece went directly below our bot, reducing the friction of our robot. Initally needing to turn approximately 90 degrees to the left, our robot spun 180 degrees from the front to the back, and moved forward- basically smashing into the elevated platform and smashing our hopes too. My group leader was so angry he was shouting in rage, but there was nothing we could do about the failure; fate perhaps?

The 2nd mission was a tad harder, but we managed to salvage some points to prevent a blank sheet. Failure at my 1st big robotics competition, but we learn from mistakes. Hopefully we will do better in next year's NJRC!

A Disappointing July

2006-08-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

July. A disappointing month for me. Why? I have nothing to say about my class anymore, so much squabbles over trivial matters, and so much pushing of blame and responsibility. This class just can't bond together like a real class should.

SCENARIO ONE:
Week 4 of the new semester. After history lecture, we're supposed to have a history test on Friday. While the other classes all completed the test, ours was delayed to next week's Thursday. On Thursday. The other classes had received back their test papers. Some students from our so called 'One INTEGRITY' class had no sense of integrity. He borrowed a marked test paper during recess and showed it to everyone in class at that time.

I learnt about the incident when I came back from the canteen. Many tongues were wagging about the test paper, and they were (the ones who saw the answers) all saying that they didn't need to study anymore. After recess the history teacher came and went through our lecture notes. Then he told us to get ready for the test. I knew I had to do something to stop the dishonest act, being the history representative of my class.

I walked up to my teacher while we were arranging the tables. I told him, "The test will be unfair as some people already know the answers." He looked at me, asked me who had seen it, and how I knew. I explained the details to him, and though at least probably half the class knew the answers, only ONE had the integrity to confess when the teacher asked who had seen it.

The history teacher said he would take another test paper different from the first and he went towards the staffroom. The quarreling begun. There is one especially rude girl from my class who is disrespectful to teachers and pupils alike. The moment our teacher left to get the papers, she started scolding me, pushing much blame on me for telling the teacher. She kept emphasising that nothing would have happened if I didn't tell the teacher. So it was, alot of them were quarreling. Yes, they squandered precious time away trying to cover up their dishonest acts while I continued studying my notes silently.

The teacher came, we had the test (which they said was harder than the first). The teacher collected the papers, the lesson ended, he left. The quarrelling begun again. They kept pushing the blame on the ONE person who confessed and he cried. Yes, he cried. Why can't the others just confess. Is honesty so hard to practice? If you can do such an act, why can't you be responsible for your actions?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. I've had enough of this pathetic excuse for a class. People of completely different personalities just can't bond together. Your comments, anyone? I would gladly like to hear your views.

Month 4 of Sec. 1

2006-04-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I forgot to post about Month 3, there were quite a few class tests for various subjects and the class was kept busy for quite sometime. The March holidays swept pass us quickly and we are now living in the month of April, yet it seems as if nothing has changed. This phenemenon seems usual yet unusual.. bah, what am I talking about? Seems Im going off-topic.

Well, there isn't really many exciting matters to talk about during these 2 months. Regarding Ismail's comments.. Don't forget the grenade that blowed 4 up. :P Joking. As for Miss Chia, thanks for the positive comment towards the school. I appreciate having so many good teachers, though my Chinese teacher has left already. She was scheduled to leave during the June holidays, but MoE pushed the date forward to the March holidays. I must say I cant' agree with some of MoE's decisions, it just isn't fair, but oh well.

Also, the Character First workshop has also ended, and now we have another workshop, Life Sciences, where we learn about DNA, blood groups, and other complicated biology subjects.
Recently, I also heard that our CME teacher would also be going during May to go to University. Ugh! So many good teachers leaving all at once :(.

As always, my classmates are still the same, gossiping about pointless matters and disturbing everyone. My class only has one counsellor, and a bad one at that, I have to say. He is the class vice-chairman, but he is so inefficient XD He can't handle the class and doesn't set a good example I have to say. He tells us to sit down and do our own work quietly during the self-study period, but he himself walks around in class and talks to his friends.

Since there isn't much to say anyway, Ill just cut this post short instead of talking about the same things over and over again. Ill try to post more during May, and the June holidays. =)

2nd Month of life in CCHMS

2006-02-23T03:50:00.000-08:00

Altogether, CCHMS (Chung Cheng High Main School) is a nice school. The DM (Mr Soon) is fierce sometimes, but he is actually very friendly when you talk to him personally. He is also quite funny too, even when he is reprimanding students on the loudspeaker during assembly, he will crack some jokes and the students gathered at Parade Square would roar into laughter.

Of course, it takes quite some time to adapt to this new life. I have to wake up much earlier, and go downstairs earlier to wait for my school bus to come. And also, Pri School was only 5 subjects that had exams that counted in our overall score. However, in Sec School, the subjects that will count in our overall score is around 9, and non-examination subjects are also at least 5.

The teachers are very funny, optimistic and friendly (most of them) and the school also has some workshops for us, like Character First, where we learn how to build up character (Integrity, Respect, Resilience, Responsibility and Care) to 'increase our value'. We also have a workshop called Speech and Drama where every odd week is Chinese, and every even week is English speech and drama lesson, where we learn how to act in stageplays, how to boost our confidence onstage and how to overcome stage fright. The English S.a.D teacher is very funny and I really enjoy his lessons.

Of courses, having no friends at all were a major problem in my first week at school. Everyday, I sat at my seat quietly, watching the rest discussing some matters without me, during recess, I sat and ate alone, after school, I walked to the bus-stop alone, took the bus alone, and took the MRT alone, and walked back home alone... However, now all that has changed. Overtime, I made friends with around 2-3 boys in my class, and then made more friends. (My class has 11 boys and 25 girls sadly) Now they greet me whenever I arrive in school, talk to me during free periods and have their recess with me. I feel more 'in place' now, since they include me in their mini conversations, luckily. :)

However, theres one sad time about my class, which is 1IT, or 1 Integrity. The students love to shoot their mouth off about things that are not their own business, and there is lots of stupid and nonsensical gossip being spread around all the time. Its so meaningless and only hurts the person who is the victim of such nonsense. One of such gossiping people is my best friend sadly, and sometimes when I am with him I feel so uncomfortable.

I know this post is messy, but Im going to be more specific about my teachers.
There are many different subjects, so there are many different teachers all teaching different subjects, so I will only mention a few that are better than the others.

Geography:Our teacher is Mrs Long Lay Na, a very nice and friendly teacher who also is our form teacher. I feel very lucky to have her as our form teacher, as I feel very happy whenever its her lesson. Her lessons are interesting and lets me understand Geography better.

History:Our teacher is Mr Suhaimi, our assistant form teacher. He is friendly and good-natured, and I just simply love his lesson, though its only once a week. He explains the concepts of History very clearly and when we ask questions, he answers with a smile on his face.

HCL:Our teacher is Ms Dang Pei Yuan, a temporary teacher who is 19, and will be teaching us till May. I feel very sad that she will leave us in 3 months to go to University. She is very funny and the whole class is always very active during her lesson. She speaks to us in a fun yet serious tone and the whole class definitely enjoys her lesson and forget their hatred for Chinese subject.

CME:Our teacher is Ms Lin, who is also a young teacher. She is good-natured and we always feel free to ask questions, as we always get a friendly response. A very nice teacher altogether.

Character First:Character First is a workshop which will be taught by different teachers. Our teacher who is teaching us currently (we just had our last lesson with him) is Mr Harry Quek. He is by far the most funny teacher I have met, and has built up his character well. He knows how to pay attention, and most importantly respect the student's point of view. He teaches us teambuilding and character-building games and give small rewards whenever a particular group does well during the game. (they include wrapping 2 eggs up with scotchtape, paper and straw and throwing it down to the 1st level from the 2nd, and seeing if they will break)

My CCA is IT Club, which during the 1st year teaches us Robotics. The lessons are very interesting, and we learn how to construct and programme robots to do certain things. Of course, the whole matter is very complicated and the students are always buzzing the poor teacher with questions.

I think I have finished my post. I hope you enjoyed reading about my life. I will try to post more if I have the time to do so, as homework is beginning to pile up sadly.

My Current Life

2005-08-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Since today is the last day of the Prelim examinations, many people may feel its the end for now. But, unknowingly, the hardship of P6 begins directly after the Prelim exams.

After months of study, study and more study, Prelim is over and PSLE, the main exam, is arriving. Just double the amount of studying again. We have to leave all enjoyment till after the PSLE is truly over. When is that? When will that day truly come?

No blogging, no enjoying of life, pure 100% into the inevitable examinations, coming after one month and 1-2 weeks. This exam can affect our whole life. We must put our all into it, and give the exam the best shot.

Tackle the papers like we tackle daily life problems. I believe that as long as we can endure this test, we will do well for PSLE and then, truly enjoy the next few months of 'no study, no work, no torture'.

Still, this period of time does not mean no enjoyment. We should learn how to control our stress. Don't overstress yourself by studying for many long hours non-stop. This will only dampen your studying spirit, and affect your mood for PSLE.

Lokk on the bright side of this exam. It will affect indirectly which school we go to, our level of education, our job, our life, our enjoyment level.. when we are much older. Do not overstress, do not think negatively even if your Prelim exam results are not good. Do not feel depression, look and think positive and strive for the best you can.

Dreams will only come true if you work to fulfil your dreams. Success is 1% inspiration, genius and 99% perspiration. Work hard for the coming exam, strive for accuracy, take the bull by its horns, practice our Habits of Mind.

And... just for fun.. Don't think like a sadist.

Interesting Observation?

2005-06-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

When I was in Johor 18th-19th June for a holiday with my family, I realized something funny about the storekeepers selling DVDs. All fo them say the same thing when we walk them, asking if we want to buy soem goods. For example, they say 'Want to see anything, boss?' in chinese.

Many stores sell the same things and the way they speak to us is the same. The prices seem to be the same at approximately RM 6-7 each, but only two stores sell at RM 6 each. When we ask the other stores, they state the price at RM 7, but when we say other stores sell cheaper, they want to find out which ones sell RM 6 each, as if they want to beat the storekeeper for unbalancing the economy. (o_o?)

Anyway this is what I observed. Not so interesting, but.. its the only matter I have things to really blog about.

ShatteredGalaxy:The J-E-I Story

2005-04-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have just opened up a blog writing stories about edited versions of the popular online game ShatteredGalaxy.

It features three factions, edited from the proper ones, Pacifica, Atlantis and Agartha. They are replaced by Icifica, Jolantis and Egartha. The 'heros and commanders' of each faction edited are as follows...

Icifica-Ismail
Egartha-Ewan
Jolantis-Joel (me)

Expect me to update the blog alot as I simply love to write stories online, though few people read them as I never mention the websites. (:P) There is an introduction to the world of Morgana Prime, the proper 2nd planet in ShatteredGalaxy. There is a description in the blog which you can go view to understand more. There is currently already one story blogged, and expect to see many more. The blog is http://shatteredtales.blogspot.com, and will be run only by me.

Feel free to read these stories of the victory or defeat of each faction, whether you are interested or not. I most welcome Ismail and Ewan to read it. Ewan himself has a blog mentioning the old factions before a change in the game. (The first three were Terminus, Renaissance and Brotherhood) But since they updated the factions, I'm blogging these as an add-on.

I hope for your support in future,
Joel

My Finishing Line

2005-04-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Where is my finishing line? And where is yours? Well, mine is far away, but I'm working towards it. I think this blog will be pretty much the same as the one I have just blogged minutes ago. My goal is the same, my strategy is the same. And my goal is the same, my target is the same.

Yes, its also an astronomer. Its just a word, but its important. Astronomers are important. Without them, the other planets would never be found. No one would ever discover that the Earth is orbiting the Sun, not the other way round. Astronomers are very important to the galactic world. Astronomers find, astronauts explore. I think thats the difference between this two space-related jobs. Astronomers can discover anything. From comets, to stars, to galaxies, to asteroids, to other planets, to other moons, to any other thing available in the (never-ending probably) Universe. All because of the Big Bang, many discoveries has been made in space, and more are still being found. The big bang begins it all. There will be no life, no planets, no Earth, no Sun, no star, no moon, no comets, no asteroids, no galaxies, no constellations, with no Big Bang.

Appreciating astronomers is a right thing to do. They discover anything in the world. Without them, there would never have been inventions of space satellites, as they did not know the area around Earth is actually safe. They have a hard time acing astronomy. Astronomers need skills to master astronomy. Astronomy and space is a very interesting topic, thus my interest in it. May my dream come true. (Unlikely..?)

Relook my life?

2005-04-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

After reading the article 'Rising above adversity', I know that I have to plan for my future. (Not that I didn't know at first) For success, we must plan. To achieve our goals, we must learn the skills to qualify. For example.. if you want to be a scientist, you must know science well, life sciences, animals, plants, environment, webs of life, and everything else related to the topic.

I know that my goal is beyond my reach. Few become astronomers, let alone astronauts. Only 1 out of 1000000 people become astronauts. (I don't know the exact) Less than a hundred people, as far as I know, has ever left the planet Earth. And not all can survive. They may die because of some flaws in the spacecraft's walls, causing an explosion.

But, I stand firm. I won't be an astronaut, but I wish to be an astronomer. I will study astronomy hard, discover new planets or anything else, and put Singapore on the world map. It is all possible.. so long as we persist. A time will come, where Singapore will be revealed to distant countries that do not know of our existence due to our small plot of land.

I will get a telescope (I already have one actually) As long as I look everyday, I will find new stuff in the galactic world, in space.. Singapore will prosper, I will be doing something proud for my home, my country, my family.

Which animal are you?

2005-04-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Which animal are you? Which animal am I? I would like to be a whale. Whales live happy lives and they seem to enjoy peace. I would definitely like peace. Swimming in the large sea so relaxed, finding some plankton to eat, its such a life that I would like to experience. Who wouldn't, no stress, so relaxing, its completely opposite from our current school life (joking) But everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Humans have prey and predators, and the same applies for whales. Being a whale lets us feel relaxed, being a human, we can also have lots of enjoyment.. I wish I could be both. :)

I know that is impossible, but it would be nice if that could happen. I should dream of being a whale at night when I have nothing to do.. Yeah!

Joel

Innovation-Are you wild enough?

2005-04-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

We were taught to be innovative today. To be innovative, we should do something different instead of the same, old, boring daily routine.. I can't think of an example to explain to you, so hope you understand.

Innovation can make even the quietest pupils in class go wild. It can be anything from doing a funny action or dancing, singing or do anything else in front of the whole class.. Sounds exciting, eh? I believe that pupils like Tee Zhuo, Ewan, Ismail (pardon me for putting your names) have alot of innovation. They are brave enough to do anything which is completely WILD! Yes, I said it, WILD! Ismail and Ewan might even dare to demonstrate how to dig your nose properly... (Ew, I'm disgusting?)

Innovation is mainly also like creativity. For example, instead of the same team greeting cheer every morning during Miss Chia's first class, we can change something.. Shouting to screaming, changing the lyrics, modifying the actions, altering the way we say the cheer, almost everything can be changed to make us more innovative. We should learn to be innovative, even though I myself don't even have the right level of innovation.. I am still lacking alot.

I suppose I must learn more from Ewan, Ismail and other wild pupils.. To be more innovative. Yeah! Thats the way to go!!

Joel

Encouragement?

2005-04-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

A poem to encourage pupils in Blue House..

We may have gotten last this year,
But never, ever should you fear.
Blue House is on its way,
Back to those past glorious days.
We will never give up hope,
Since our runners still can cope.

We will never fail,
Towards our goals will we ever sail.
When we are in the stadium once again,
It will be the other houses' turn to suffer pain.
No more disappointment for our team,
Our future will be as bright as a laser beam!

Joel

Sports Day:Disappointment Day

2005-04-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today was Sports Day, but it was quite disappointing to me. We scream, we shout, we cheer.. for nothing. Being in 4th place, Blue House needed more than 15 points to become 3rd place only. It's such a waste. We have lack of runners. Most of our runners looked like they were jogging instead of running or sprinting. Sports Day? Disappointment Day rather. Luckily, I won't be in Changkat Pri next year. It might just be another disappointment greater than this.

It's a wasted trip to the stadium I should say. For Blue House that is. Yellow House may be rejoicing for getting 1st place at last. But we are all quiet, unhappy, fuming, disappointed. Even though I won't be in Changkat Pri anymore next year, I still hope that Blue House in next year's sports meet will regain their former glory.. though that hope is small. (P/s:Congrats Ewan for getting 1st in 800m race)

Joel

My Life

2005-04-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

I guess that my life is pretty much normal, just that I don't have so much time to go on and blog.. yeah. Comparing Term 2 with Term 1.. Term 2 has a significant increase in homework and stuff. But at least this is still quite manageable. At least it isn't Term 3 or 4 yet. If I complain now, how will I manage in Term 3-4? At least, I still have time for entertainment, like going online, reading my favourite storybooks and stuff.

Right now, Term 2 is actually the deep breath before the plunge. We are starting to feel the battle against PSLE already. Opposing this 'enemy' is difficult because of its many type of 'soldiers', as in the different papers, the different components in each paper or subject, etc.. We have to train ourself up at this time to be able to take it during Term 4 where the battle is really big. We depend on strategies. But if we don't practice we will never master the strategy. Thats why I feel that this is actually a good period of time to prepare ourselves. We should appreciate this term, as we can't just enter a battle with no ammo, no strategy, no plan, no weapons, nothing at all.. right?

Joel

My Parent's Comments

2005-03-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Hello, this blog is solely meant to post my parent's comments about my exam results for Math, Science and English.

Firstly for Math.. (I only sought my mother's opinion of my results by the way)

She said that it would be good if I can get A* every time, yet I believe this really isn't going to be fulfilled. I suppose this Math exam is to rise our spirits, make us feel that we aren't that bad. And she continued, saying that I should do lots of challenging problem sums to raise my Math standard and prepare me for the big exam at the end of the year. Overall, she was quite happy with my Mathematics results this time round.

For English..

She hopes that I would get at least the 80-85 mark range and maintain that standard. I hope that I can get at least 80, and I know that the 80 range is pretty much possible if I practice my comprehension skills via assessment books. She was relieved as I got an A for English at the least, and wasn't angry much about English.

She said, "You should get at least 80 and maintain it." in Chinese.

For Science..

She thinks that I did quite badly for Science this time round, for quite alot of people overtook my score. She supposes that I can do better if I can concentrate more on reading notes and doing assessment books. I myself suppose that I definitely can do better if I can concentrate more and not let small noises bother me and turn away my attention.. Overall, she didn't seem too satisfied with my Science results, and I intend to try and please her by getting higher marks for Science.

She said,"You could do better if you had bothered to study more for Science." in Chinese.

For composition..

She said, "Getting at least 32 would be better, but at least you got 31." in Chinese of course. I believe I can do better too, for I made quite alot of careless mistakes which chipped my marks away 1/2 mark by 1/2 mark.. and thus dropped to 31. I hope to get at least 32 to steady my English overall aggregate, because I am not too good with Oral, and will get alot of minused marks usually. I believe I can get 32+ if I learn more phrases and use them correctly, and watch out for my very common grammar errors.. Yeah. Hope my brain can remind me to look out for these grenades that can reduce my marks. May I emerge victorious in the battle for the field of Composition! Haha.

-Joel

Li Ke Wei and Me

2005-02-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Err hello everyone, this blog is the comparison of me and a china boy.

Firstly..

-Li Ke Wei aims for at least 280 marks in PSLE (isn't he mad?)
-I don't aim at all. =P

-He likes Robotics.
-Robotics so complicated.. don't like lah

-His studies so excellent..
-Mine like rotting wood.

-He likes to study like crazy
-I only do so when an occasional fit comes on me..

-He reads everyday..
-I read a few times a week, slightly lesser than him o.O

Well, those are the differences.

Well, thats all, logging off.

Joel

My Role Model

2005-02-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

This blog is about my role model(s). Okay...

My 1st role model is Ewan.

I choose him as my 1st role model because other than being a good joker in class, he excels in most of the subjects in school and is attentive and is active in class. I wish I could every equalize my marks with his in English, Mathematics and Science. He is also good-natured and loves to tell jokes and chat during recess. Role model, yeah!

My 2nd role model is Palaniyapan, aka the Genius.

I choose him as my 2nd role model because he behaves well, excels in his studies, and is very smart, knowing general knowledge also. He ever seeks for more knowledge, making him intelligent and wise. He is a smart boy, usually scoring top 3 overall in our class. He excels in his Mother Tongue, Math, Science and is also quite good in English. The best boy in my opinion. Go Genius!

My 3rd role model is Emersius.

I choose him as my 3rd role model because he is well-behaved, is a english genius, and is cute. Joking about the last point. =p But seriously, he is VERY intelligent in the English subject and excels in all the English exam components, for example, oral, the exam paper, composition, listening.. and he is great in comprehension, hard or not. My English role model indeed.

Joel

My Injection Experience

2005-02-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

This blog is about my injection experience today, on 14 Feb 2005. My first feeling was nervousness, apprehension.. but when it was my turn, I sat there silently, trying to remain as calm as possible. I would like to say that the 1st injection wasn't that bad, I felt pain for a minute or two, but nothing else. But fear engulfed me when it came to the second one, for some reason.

The second vaccination hurt alot, why I'm not sure. Even 5 to 7 hours later it still feels the pain, sometimes more, sometimes less. Now I find it hard to write or type, for I am left-handed and this painful injection is on the left shoulder. Also, the 'thing' that they dripped into our mouth tasted... horribly bad. Plain bad. I felt like vomiting but clenching my fist, I prevented myself from doing that. So, after beating round the bush, my main point is that.. the experience was horribly bad and I hope nothing of such sorts happen again soon, or my head will spin. Whole body aching.. okay, thats all, logging off, goodbye.

Joel

Spelling

2005-02-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

This blog is about the way I learn my spelling quiz and memory test. I generally learn them twice, once on the first day and once on Thursday night to refresh my memory. I might change my strategy to learn spelling though, after hearing some people say about how they master their spelling and get full marks for every section consecutive times. I find it amazing. I made up my mind to try and learn from them and master the skills of learning spelling.

I will learn spelling for four times altogether, once a day. It also includes learning the memory test. This way, I might be able to score at least 18 out of 20 for the spelling quiz and slowly work onwards. For memory test, I am aiming for at least 9 out of 10 marks and try to raise my standard marks or maintain my standard. I think thats all, good bye. o_o

Joel

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

2005-02-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

This blog is about the topic 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail'. To put it simply, if you do not prepare for your PSLE in time, you will not do well for your PSLE. Simple? o_o

To prepare, we must learn to voice our thoughts to our friends or families to prepare for the PSLE Oral Examination. For listening, its like a comprehension, except someone reads it out to you and you answer the questions on the exam paper. This is to prepare you well for the Listening examination. For compositions, we need to read books and find more 'treasures', which is find more phrases. We need to watch out for tenses and stuff. For composition we should aim for at least 32 marks (16 and 16), and try to aim for more if possible. For the paper.. for this I can't specify.

I know that it is really stressful for the first 3 quarters of the year, but the hard work is for the sake of our future, for the sake of our choice school. We must work hard if we want to achieve our goals and be successful in what I do. But after PSLE, we can stop stressing our brain out. But that doesn't mean you stop doing assessment books and stuff. You must continue doing this to sharpen your skills. I hope you get what I mean. Only via hard work do we achieve success. For example, a millionaire also starts by being jobs that give low pay. They slowly work themselves up. The same goes for us for the PSLE exam. And remember... fail to prepare, and prepare to fail! :)

Joel

Teach less, learn more

2005-02-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

This blog is about the topic "Teach less, learn more". This generally means that although the teacher teachs us less, we learn more via thinking. At least, that what I think. Dont you think so?

For example, Miss Chia tells us a particular topic partially. Then we think and guess and ask questions. This way, we are learning more though the teacher is teaching less. I think it makes sense? Anyway, I feel that this is very useful for we learn more. (Duh) It practices our brain and we practice 'thinking about thinking', some HOM thingy. Whoever it was thought of teaching less and learning more, this is a very useful skill and we must master it before PSLE before its too late.. ;) P/s:Sorry for the number of 'think' words in my comments

Joel

What I learnt from today's 'Contrast' lesson

2005-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

This blog is about what I learnt from today's lesson of the power of contrast. We were told to extend the ones that Miss Chia wrote on the whiteboard, so, here is mine...

If there is no sympathy, there is no feelings among humans.

If there was no natural disasters, there won't be so much death and weepings.

If there was no quarrels among men, there wouldn't be any war or fights.

Contrast is kind of about 'if there isn't something, there won't be something else' or something like that. I hope you aren't confused by this, because I am confused by my own sentence. o_o Contrast gives a stronger feeling to what a person is trying to tell us. It strengthens the meaning of what a person is trying to tell us. Thats what contrast is mainly about, in my opinion. I'm not sure of the proper meaning of contrast in thi case. Contrast really adds great meaning to a sentence, like the war-peace sentence containing contrast. Doesn't it really feel 'stronger'? Well, thats what I feel, I on't know about how you feel. Okay, goodbye.

Joel

The Day Miss Chia lost her voice

2005-01-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

This blog is about the day when Miss Chia lost her voice. o.0 Today was the first time I saw Miss Chia so quiet, trying not to talk too much, and to use other pupils as her 'mouth'.

What? You want to ask how different this day ws from other ordinary ones? Sure, I will answer. The class was pretty much quiet, quiet than I ever saw before. (Applies only for English class) While Miss Chia grasped the microphone and tried to talk as loud as possible, the pupils listened extremely quietly, trying to catch every word she said, for the voice was seriously very soft, even if you stood beside her, you would have trouble listening. Thats one of the extraordinary things that happened during English class.

The second was, other than Miss Chia seeming not to be talking, the students were not talking at all also, save during discussion class. We might have true peace if this happens everyday. :o I hope not though. xD I believe that the other students, like me, were trying to catch every word she was speaking via the microphone, even those near her. I think thats all.

Logging off,
Joel

Vocabulary Recognition

2005-01-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

1. I feel that this skill is rather important as it helps us find the meanings of more difficult words withotu having to depend on a dictionary. Usually, we depend on the other words or phrases in the same sentence to roughly guess what the meaning of a particular word is. This can help us understand the passage (or sentence) more and helps us to answer the questions without so much difficulty.

2. I personally feel that this skill is greatly important us, especially since we are having our Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) this year. It can grealy help us understand a comprehension, cloze passage and everything else in the exam paper. We must learn to appreciate this skill before it is too late. Don't regret not to practice this skill after PSLE. :)

3. I think I can do the same thing at home when I encounter a difficult word. I can depend not on the dictionary, but on the words or phrases in the same sentence to find the meaning of the word that I don't understand. I can roughly guess the meaning, then check the dictionary to see how close I am to the ctual meaning.

Happy blogging!

The Ugly Child Poem Answers

2005-01-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

This are my answers to 'The Ugly Child' poem questions.

4. I feel that looks aren't that important. It is the 'inner' beauty in someone that counts. Having ugly looks doesn't mean that the person cannot achieve anything. They are as normal as us, normal people.

5. I would say that achievement isn't because of looks, it is what she does that is important. She must have confidence in herself, and she can succeed one day.

6. I look... well, I am short with short hair (recently cut, you see), skinny as tree branches (=D), some say I look white, though I don't feel so, small in stature, with some jagged teeth (Eww), and small fingers, till caterpillars are bigger than them.

Angry Poem Answers

2005-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

This blog contains my answers for the 'Anger' poem Miss Chia gave us, for questions 6a, 6b and 6c.

6a. If I get angry at home, I like to throw soft stuff on the floor, overturn small furniture like plastic chairs. At other areas, I usually do not talk to the people that makes me angry. I ignore them and walk away from them, leaving them alone. I also scold some people when I am really mad with them.

6b. I think anger is and is not a dangerous emotion, depending on the situation. Anger is like the rage of many ants when something tries to steal their food. Ants show their 'anger' by biting people. In this case, the ants has a reason to be angry. However, the dangerous angry emotion is when people hit or beat people because they are really angry. They might injure someone unknowingly during their rage.

6c. I think the first good way is to bear with people, to ignore what they are saying if it offends you. If you keep ignoring his or her teasing, she or he will get tired eventually and stop teasing you. This way, you won't feel offended and won't be angry. The second way is to scold them abit and walk away.Then they will know that doing this may make you angry and they won't dare offend you again.

1. I unleash my anger by starting to breath heavily, then followed by my actions written above depending on where I am. When I was angry at home because I couldn't find something, I went to the living room, throwing pillows and small bolsters on the floor, overturning small plastic chairs..

2. I would be like a monkey swinging through the trees, offended by kids throwing stones, so I throw back banana skins. (xD) I generally feel that monkeys, other than those really agressive ones, do not disturb people unless they are disturbed by people first. So my type of anger is abit alike to them and the bee:Only if I am 'attacked' first do I strike back.

3. I would use the monkey and the crocodile. The monkey is alike to the bee. When it is 'attacked', it will attack back the offender a few times maybe, but that is the limit of its anger. Whereas, the crocodile is agressive and hostile, and will attack any enemy that comes within its range. The crocodile is thus in the same group as the serpent.

Missing girl found

2004-12-24T23:28:00.000-08:00

This article is about a girl who went missing from her home in Potong Pasir.

She was found alive and well yesterday, after an extraordinary 24-hour escapade. Hundreds of police and volunteers involved in the search breathed a sigh of relief when news broke out that Kaye Charish Mae Patino was found.

Kaye left her home at about 9 am to buy sweets at a shop downstairs. But instead of going upstairs, where she had left the television on, she decided to go on an adventure. With no money or Ez-link card, she sneaked onto the MRT and spent several hours riding the North East Line, from Potong Pasir to Little India, and finally all the way to Harbourfront, where she met her best friend. After playing with her friend, she slipped onto a crowded bus headed for Orchard Road, where she hooked up with tissue seller Leo Keow Ngo outside Lucky Plaza. She helped sell tissue paper before the old woman took Kaye back to her flat, where she spent the night, sleeping on old newspapers. The girl was finally found when she was seen by a contractor having breakfast in a French Road coffee shop.

I feel that the girl should not worry her parents by going out alone for 24 hours. Maybe next time she will be more aware of her parent's feelings next time.

High-rise Heroes

2004-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

This article is about a man who attacked a girl inside a lift in a HDB block on Monday night.

The 24-year-old cleaner had followed the 18-year-old student into the lift in a block at Jurong East Street 21. As the doors closed, he grabbed her and hugged her. When the girl resisted, he punched her face and abdomen. At the 13th floor, the doors opened and a female resident in her 20s saw the girl wavering for help as the man pinned her to the floor. The woman rushed back to her flat to call the police as the lift went back down. When the lift stopped at the ninth floor, waiting outside were 21-year-old National University of Singapore undergraduate Christopher Tan, a member of his neighbourhood's crime watch team, and his parents. As the man walked calmly out of the lift, Mr. Ng thought a couple had been quarreling. When the girl told Mr Ng what had happened, he took off his slippers and immediately chased the man, who was at the eighth floor. Christopher Ng finally caught up with the man at the 3rd floor and calmed him down, then went downstairs together.

I feel that what Mr Ng did was right, for he prevented a further crime. I wish that more Singaporeans will be like him, willing to help when they encounter a crime

Dying with grace

2004-12-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

This article is about Ms Chow, who had a rare tumour, called a chordoma, found at the base of her skull.

After three years of battle against Death, he finally came to take her. She stopped breathing, without pain, without suffocation or paralysis. The tumour made it near impossible for her to talk, walk and lift her hands. She started her online diary last month, when speaking became difficult, to keep in touch with her family and friends.

I feel very touched by this story. Although she knew death will take her eventually, she still held on bravely and wrote books, until she died on Dec 6.

Joel

Baby flung to death by maid

2004-12-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

This article is about a five-month-old baby flung 23 storeys to his death by the household's maid, who then jumped down herself also.

The dead boy's grandfather saw the maid perched on the window ledge of the bedroom window, cradling the baby. He pleaded with the maid, Ms Sulastri to come back in, but she did not listen. Instead, the 21-year-old maid who had been with the family for only a few months, dropped the baby from the window and then threw herself off the ledge. I feel sorry for the dead boy's family. :( I wish this tragedy could have been prevented. Yet, I do not blame the boy's grandfather for not being able to stop the maid, for he was old. I do not know why the maid should throw the baby down and jump down herself. Both of them died instantly.

Joel

Parents on strike

2004-12-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

This article is about a couple in America who go on strike over naughty kids.

They are sick of kids who do not do their chores and do not show respect. They have left the house in the hands of their 12-year-old daughter and their 17-year-old son Benjamin. Mrs Barnard, the striking mum, refuses to cook, clean the house or run errands for her two children until they shape up. The Barnards now live in a cramped tent on the front lawn of their home at Florida home and they plan to stay there until their two children start to behave.

I feel that doing this is a good way of forcing children to do household chores and learn to be independent, though I don't suppose staying in the tent is comfortable at all. I hope the two children learn to do chores by themselves to 'please' their parents.

Zi Hao

Peace birds

2004-12-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

This is an article about Thai jets dropping 97 million 'peace birds' over the troubled Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani provinces- a sign of the nation's collective desire for peace.

The message was designed to to soften an atmosphere of fear and miatrust in this region spawned by months of violence that has left near 500 dead since January. The planes crisscrossed the sky at about 9 am, dropping the paper cranes over villages and progressing to major towns. The final run was a late afternoon one at Pattani. A crowd of about 4000, mainly children, thronged a school soccer field opposite the provincial headquarters. Many of them held plastic bags to gather the birds, which were folded by ordinary Thais.

I believe this is a good way to lift the evil memories from the Thai children's or adult's mind. This can take the region's problems off their minds for awhile.

Joel

Tissue peddlers on the rise

2004-12-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

This article is about the increase of tissue peddlers from Orchard Road to heartland hawker centres.

All of them have a sad story to tell, but what they are doing is nonetheless illegal. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said that it had noticed more peddlers in public places recently and is working with the police and the Ministry for Community Development, Youth and Sports to tackle this problem. Some of the peddlers ask for money and in return, give out packets of tissue paper. This sort of activity can be considered hawking and disguised begging, both of which are illegal. The police said that these peddlers can also be charged with creating a public nuisance, and may be fined and jailed.

Some people think doing this is wrong, and some people think otherwise. I personally think that this is wrong, if they are young and have no apparent serious illnesses. Why should they go around 'begging' people for money in return for packets of tissie paper when they can find a job? That is personally only my thought. It may not be so wrong for the old and elderly though. I approve and disapprove of doing this for various reasons on both sides.

Joel

Toys get smarter

2004-12-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

This article is about toys getting 'smarter'. Not really smarter as in become more clever, but in reaction.

Keziah Gan's pet puppy wags its tail when stroked, barks when someone claps, and scurries over when it is called. But her pet puppy isnt flesh and blood. Underneath its hairy coat lies wires and batteries. The five-year-old didn't care less, though. To her, the $130 toy was a real, live toy. Technology has made these toys so life-like, that children cannot help but fall for the novelty of owning a walking or talking toy that responds to them. Spokesmen for toy store Toys R Us and Hasbro said that takings from smart toys are increasing every year.

Hasbro has launched a new series of smart toys this Christmas called Luv Cubs. They are teddy bears selling at $69.90 each. They open up their arms to hug a child when they are picked up, play peek-a-boo and whimper for their milk-bottles when they are hungry.

I feel that these smart toys are very ideal toys for children because they respond to them, not to mention they are also quite cute, though playing with traditional toys require more cognitive maturity to imagine make-believe scenarios. Playing with traditional toys like dolls and building blocks is more open-ended and encourages creativity.

Zi Hao

Down the memory lane

2004-11-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hmm. Memorable incidents during 2004. That would be during the first day of school, seeing the new teachers. Thankfully, they didn't give us a killer stare, (xD) they surprisingly (to me, at least) gave some huge grins apart from their strictness. Another, during the time the new school was a few months ago from opening, during the marching back to the old school site. It was fun and luckily not a supremely hot day. Next was during the Children's Day Concert. The most memorable event during the concert was the Changkt Lowdy. (or Rowdy??) I may note, it was hosted by Miss Chia. =) Anyway, Miss Juliana's performance was certainly rockish. I certinly thought that she deserved the prize, a toilet bowl seat to be exact, but the judges thought likewise. I believe this blog is so short till you only need a minute to finish reading it, but 2004 is seriously a very memorable year, and I wish I could enjoy another such year.

Joel

Body Language Workshop

2004-11-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

The body language workshop, was generally to improve our manners, attitude and etiquette. Though, I think it will be long before I remember to practice it. (=D) The instructor taught us how to sit elegantly, (if that is the right word to use) how to walk properly, how to reply to what people ask you, etc. The three I listed above will probably be the only ones I practice at home. The workshop is generally useful when we are older, when we are going to job interviews.. I'm not going to look too far ahead. Manners is considerably important, but how important I don't really know how to answer.. Anyway, it is important, I repeat, important. We must remember what our instructors taught us, for it shall prove useful in the latter days.. Thats all, good-bye.

Joel

Event Critic..

2004-11-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

This event regarding the entrepreneurial fair is to let the P6's learn how to advertise and sell their own products to other people in the school. his would allow them to have some experience in the complicated business world.

They would have to brainstorm to find out how to successfully advertise their products to the pupils to sell out their own-made stuff. Funds raised will go to under-privileged Changkat students. I think this event is a good chance for the P6 children to learn a useful skill, which they may need when they are older. Younger-level students also have a chance to buy souvenirs back home. The items up for sale are not too expensive and most people can afford them. Items sold are interesting, although most of the products are only for display. I praise the P6 pupils for making the products and pricing them reasonably too. Although I didn't feel interested in most of the products, I still bought a magnet and it wasn't too expensive also. I prsonally liked the store selling magnets for they had a 'free-wrapping' service.

I personally feel that the event was quite a success and all the P6 pupils deserve applause. It deserves a 4 star rate, in my opinion.

Intro to my bloggy!

2004-11-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

'Ello,

Blog-online! Welcome to my blog. Please look around, you might find something useful. =)