Letter Of Complaint

21st April 2010

Mrs Saraspathy Menon
Chong Boon Secondary School
Principal

Dear Mrs Menon

UNPLEASANT INCIDENTS AT THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

My friends and I have been going to the school library to do some self-study. However, while we were studying, there were a few incidents which took place and we are unhappy about it. I am writing to inform you about these incidents and I hope that you will take actions against it so that the library can be a conducive environment for us to study.

A group of boys were rude to the librarian. They scolded vulgarities at the librarian because they were unhappy when the librarian asked them to keep quiet. One of the boys even scolded unpleasant words in Mandarin at the librarian. The librarian was very mad and threatened to report this group of boys to the discipline master. The boys became abusive and even challenged the librarian to report them. I suggest that such behaviors ought to be punished and taken action upon.

Some students did not follow rules. They sneaked in food and drinks into the library. In addition, they even spilled sweet drinks on the study tables! The tables became sticky and attracted many ants too. It was impossible to study there. I hope that you would make sure that the pupils observed cleanliness in the library.

There was a boy who wore his PE attire into the library. He was soaked in perspiration. This is not good for him as he may catch a cold and there will also be an unpleasant smell and the people in the library would have to bear with the smell. I feel that students should not be allowed to go in to the library in PE attire until they change back to their uniform.

A group of students played games on the computer for a very long time. This is unfair because less privileged students do not have internet at home. They also need to do their projects and if they do not get a chance to use the computers, they would not be able to complete their projects on time. I think that there should be a limited time for each user and there should be no gaming allowed.

Libraries are meant to be conducive environments for us. I hope that you would take some actions against these rowdy and selfish students.

Yours truly,
Agnes Sooi
Respect 2

[ 4O3 words]

P.E.E.L. on Watermelon

Source: http://www.auxiliary.com/AGF/farmmarket/products/nuts/images/Watermelon.jpg

Watermelons are healthy fruits for us and has many uses. Watermelons are juicy, sweet and the interior flesh usually pink, but sometimes orange, yellow, red. It is rich in energy, carbohydrates, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Lastly, watermelons and other fruits ought to be eaten often so as to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

[56 words]

International Friendship Day

Secondary 2 - Our School.
Questions:
- What are the relationships that are important to you within the school context?
The environment and I, as it concerns me too, especially in a green school. It is important to keep the environment clean as it would make the school a better place.


- What do you know about the history of your school/CCA?
About my school, I know that the school began in 1994 and till now, it has a history of 16 years. It may not be a very long history but the school has managed to clinch the niche award for environment. That is something to be proud of as we are 1 of the 2 schools in Singapore to have the award. The school vision, ‘A Thinking & Gracious Citizen’, was formulated in 2000. In March 2002, the school's Core Values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication to the Nation and Excellence (PRIDE) were formulated.


- Share a story about your school/CCA. It can be funny ones, successful ones and difficult ones.
Last year I had my first growth camp in Chong Boon Secondary. I enjoyed the times I spent with my friends at the Dairy Farm for the camp. However, there were some really hard obstacles that were necessary for me to conquer. For example, I have acrophobia - scared of heights. And it happened that there were many physical activities which required us to climb to a high level. I played the abseiling and to say, I was really scared when climbing up the stairs as it was 5 levels high! There were even holes in between the stairs, and for a person like me, I would hallucinate and think that I would actually fall all the way down and die. However, my friend held on to my hand and we went up together. Soon, we went down and we completed the activity. I was really happy as at first, I thought that couldn't possibly have any guts to do it. But thanks to my friend's encouragement, I succeeded!


- Have the stories you heard from your classmates changed the way you view/feel about your school?
Yes. At first, I felt that this school was not as good as some other schools compared to Anderson. However, my friend told me that in this school, there were many team building activities which helps us to improve our relationship with each other. I felt that it was really useful as it can help us to co-operate better with group mates.

Sports Fiesta

9 April, 2010.
It was unexpected, this year's Sports Fiesta seemed to be really early. Last year, I could recall that it was held at the later part of the year. Like last year, it was held at Serangoon Stadium.

Zihui and I met up and went there. Then, all of us were called to the huge grass patch to take attendance. Later, we were divided into our house groups. I was in Aeros. Xueqi, Cherie, Mingaik, Hongtao, Sihui and I were from the same house too. We cheered for our fellow house teammates.

We watched the competitors compete with all their strength and I felt that even if they did not win any prize, I guess they would be contented as they tried their best.
After all the results were compiled, it was shown that Pyros was first, followed by Hydros, Aeros, Voltus and then Terrus.

I was really happy for my house as we got 3rd place. This is because most of us thought that we were most likely going to be 4th or 5th place. Apparently, the competitive competitors proved us wrong!

I look forward to next year's Sports Fiesta, and I hope that Aeros would win the 1st place next year! :)

Annual Cross Country

9 April, 2010.
Its Chong Boon Secondary's Annual Cross Country! There were no lessons and all Chongboonites were to report at Macritchie Reservoir.

All of us assembled at the huge tree and waited for the teachers to take our attendance. After we sang the National Anthem, my class and the Secondary 2 pupils went to Lim Bo Seng's tomb. Miss Sasi briefly explained to us how Lim Bo Seng's contributions to Singapore was deeply remembered by the new generations.

I did not take part in the competition but shortly after, my category, the Lower Secondary girls, began to run. It was kind of relaxing at the first moment when my friend, Roushyuan and I ran. But after running quite a distance, I began to pant. Thus, we walked briskly.

Halfway through the race, I was really thirsty and I was glad that there was a teacher stationed at one point with a water bottle. Thankfully, the female teacher offered to let me have a sip. Roushyuan and I then continued to run, but I was getting really tired. We stopped alot of times and walk because of me!

I felt like a burden to Roushyuan as she would have completed the race sooner if she didn't run with me. I apologized to her umpteen times but she said she didn't mind. I was grateful for that, as running alone in the forest would be rather lonely and scary.

When we were reaching the ending point, down the slope, Roushyuan and I ran at our fastest speed no matter how tired we were. It was just a kind of feeling then encouraged us to speed up and end the race. The feeling was good!

After we ended the race, we went to buy drinks. Awhile later, it was the prize presentation! I was glad and happy for my classmates and some of them got to the top 10 like Visnu, whom was first and Jenarth, tenth.

After this year's cross country, it inspired me to have the "never say die" attitude.
This year's cross country was fun! :)

Reflective Summary

I have learnt why white rhinos are being threatened and and why we must save them. Poverty and greed provides a fertile breeding ground for the illegal trade in Rhino horn and poaching of Rhino to obtain the horn is rife today. We must save them as they have been surviving for 50 million years. Also, when protecting the white rhinos, those sharing the same habitat as the white rhinos are getting protection too.

My perspectives have changed as I used to think that white rhinos were minor species and has not a large impact. But after I researched, I realized that white rhinos were actually are the second-biggest living land mammals after the elephants. Thus, they are interesting and can attract attention to tourists and visitors and help the country to earn money.

The current situation, I feel, has room for improvements. This is because I feel not majority of the people are doing their part by spreading the message to conserve the white rhinos. I think that people should not continue to stay with this attitude as it may lead to the extinction of the white rhinos.

I can help to play my part by spreading the facts of the white rhinos and why it is essential to conserve it with my group mates to my school. I believe that my schoolmates will also help to spread the message.

For further improvements, I would suggest that the people living near the white rhinos would actually volunteer themselves as conservationists and help to catch the greedy poachers. These suggestions might make the world a better place as there would be no need for extinction of the white rhinos. In addition, with the white rhinos living, they can help the country to earn money as they attract tourists.

[ 298 WORDS ]

Reflection No.3

White Rhinoceros
Source: http://www.savetherhino.org/eTargetSRINM/site/674/default.aspx

Picture source: http://summerstyle.net/openclipart.org/content/michi/michi_-_rhino_cartoon.png

1) What is the article about?
This article states the 10 reasons in which white rhinoceros' must be saved.
Here goes:
1. Rhinos are critically endangered

At the turn of the 19th century, there were approximately one million rhinos. In 1970, there were around 70,000. Today, there are fewer than 24,500 rhinos surviving in the wild.

Three of the five species of rhino are “Critically Endangered” as defined by the IUCN (World Conservation Union). A taxon is classified as critically endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of a range of pre-determined criteria. It is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The southern subspecies of the white rhino is classified by the IUCN in the lesser category of being “Near Threatened”; and the Indian rhino is classified as "Vulnerable"even this is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

In 2005, some of us are lucky enough to be able to travel to Africa and Asia to see them in the wild. In 2035, when our children and grandchildren have grown up, will they still be able to see wild rhinos?
2. Rhinos have been around for 50 million years

Rhinos have been an important part of a wide range of ecosystems for millions of years; we must not let them join the dodo in extinction.
3. Humans have caused the drastic decline in numbers

Poachers kill rhinos for the price they can get for the horns (used for traditional Chinese medicine and for ornamental dagger handles in Yemen); land encroachment, illegal logging and pollution are destroying their habitat; and political conflicts adversely affect conservation programmes.
4. Rhinos are an umbrella species

When protecting and managing a rhino population, rangers and scientists take in account all the other species interacting with rhinos and those sharing the same habitat. When rhinos are protected, many other species are too; not only mammals but also birds, reptiles, fish and insects as well as plants.
5. Rhinos are charismatic mega-herbivores!

By focusing on a well-known animal such as a rhino (or, to use the jargon, a charismatic mega-herbivore), we can raise more money and consequently support more conservation programmes benefiting animal and plant species sharing their habitat.
6. Rhinos attract visitors and tourists

Rhinos are the second-biggest living land mammals after the elephants. Together with lion, giraffe, chimpanzee and polar bear, the rhino is one of the most popular species with zoo visitors. In the wild, rhinos attract tourists who bring money to national parks and local communities. They are one of the “Big Five”, along with lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.
7. In situ conservation programmes need our help

Protecting and managing a rhino population is a real challenge that costs energy and money. Rhino-range countries need our financial support, and benefit from shared expertise and exchange of ideas.
8. Money funds effective conservation programmes that save rhinos

We know that conservation efforts save species. The Southern white rhino would not exist today if it were not for the work of a few determined people, who brought together the 200 or so individuals surviving, for a managed breeding and re-introduction programme. Today, there are some 17,500 Southern white rhinos.

With more money, we can support more programmes, and not just save rhino populations, but increase numbers and develop populations. The Northern white rhino subspecies may just have become extinct, but it is not too late to save the rest.
9. Many people don’t know that rhinos are critically endangered

Not just that, but how many people know that rhinos also live in Asia? Or that two species have just one horn? Or that the horn is not used as an aphrodisiac? We have even heard some people say that they are carnivores!

If people do not know about these amazing animals and the problems they are facing, how can we expect them to want to do something to help save rhinos?
10. We all have an opportunity to get involved!

You can help us raise awareness of the plight of the rhino! The more we do all together, the more people will learn about rhinos and the more field projects we will be able to support. There are lots of fundraising ideas scattered in the 'Support us' section, as well as ways to donate directly to Save the Rhino. And there are rhino-themed games and puzzles in the 'Rhino info' section!


2) What have I learnt from this article?
From this article, I had learnt the 10 good reasons to save white rhinoceros.
I know that white rhinos are critically endangered as at the turn of the 19th century, there were approximately one million rhinos. In 1970, there were around 70,000. Today, there are fewer than 24,500 rhinos surviving in the wild. Also, hree of the five species of rhino are “Critically Endangered” as defined by the World Conservation Union.
Next, I know that white rhinos had been living in the world for 50 million years. Thus, if we were to just let them extinct, it would be a waste.
Next, it was the humans, the culprits who had caused the drastic decline of the white rhinos in numbers. Poachers kill rhinos for the price they can get for the horns used for traditional Chinese medicine and for ornamental dagger handles in Yemen.
Next, when protecting the white rhinos, those sharing the same habitat as the white rhinos are getting protection too.
Next, as white rhinos are charismatic mega-herbivores, we can raise more money and consequently support more conservation programmes benefiting animal and plant species sharing their habitat.
Next, Rhinos are the second-biggest living land mammals after the elephants. Thus, they are interesting and can attract attention to tourists and visitors and help the country to earn money.
Lastly, we all can get a chance to get involved with helping the white rhinos to escape from extinction by spreading the message to everyone so that people will stop poaching the endangered white rhinos!


Picture Source: http://www.how-to-draw-funny-cartoons.com/image-files/cartoon-rhino-8.gif
3) My perspectives.
Out of these 10 reasons, I only used to know 1 of them! Now after reading through the 10 reasons, I had learnt that white rhinos had been around for 50 million years. Now, I also know that when conservationist protect white rhinos, the species living in the same habitat as the white rhinos can get protection too.

Reflection No.2

White Rhinoceros
Source: http://mammals.suite101.com/article.cfm/endangered_mammals_of_africa_white_rhinoceros

Pictue source: http://sites.google.com/a/rock.k12.nc.us/jones-rhino-readers/_/rsrc/1226165624131/Home/RhinoCartoon1.jpg

1) What is the article about?
This article is about why the white rhinoceros are being threatened.
This is what the article states:
- Cave paintings in Europe and Asia confirm that early European man knew White Rhinoceros. The Rhino roamed free on the African savanna and are depicted in historic Bushman painting found for instance at Twyfelfontein in Namibia, Africa.
Factors that contribute to the near demise of the White Rhino are legion and include:
- Upon exploring new territory, settlers hunted the rhino both for food and to rid the land of dangerous beasts in order to start farming operations. Conservation of wildlife did not receive consideration, as the survival of the humans in the new, unchartered territory, was paramount.
- White Rhinoceros inhabits long-and-short-grass savannahs and woodlands of southern and central Africa. It requires relatively flat terrain, bush for cover, grass for grazing and water for drinking and wallowing in. Continuing deforestation and usurping of grasslands to make way for farming activities resulted in the rapid shrinking of available natural habitat where White Rhino can exist.
- Trophy hunting of White Rhino contributed to the second largest land mammal's near extinction. African hunting safaris, although less popular today, were unregulated until the middle 1900s and hunting Rhino were regarded as one of the most dangerous and rewarding hunts.
- Civil war on the African continent resulted in the demise of most of the wildlife in the war-torn countries. The White Rhino were not spared, and today the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, threatens the existence of the few remaining northern white rhinoceros.
- Poverty and greed provides a fertile breeding ground for the illegal trade in Rhino horn and poaching of Rhino to obtain the horn is rife today. Alleged medicinal use of Rhino horn in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as the ornamental value of the horn as a dagger handle in North Africa and the Middle East, still makes poaching these animals a lucrative business.


Picture source: http://www.elsaelsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/rhino-cartoon.jpg

2) What have I learnt from this article?
From this article, I had learnt about why the white rhinoceros' are being threatened. Early European men knew that the white rhinoceros roamed free on the African savanna. Upon exploring the new territory, the settlers hunted the white rhinoceros' for both food and get rid of the land of dangerous beasts in order to start farming operations. The conservation of wildlife did not consider, as humans were of paramount significance. Trophy hunting of White Rhinoceros’ contributed to the second largest land mammal's near extinction. African hunting safaris, although less popular today, were unregulated until the middle 1900s and hunting Rhino were regarded as one of the most dangerous and rewarding hunts. Civil war on the African continent resulted in the demise of most of the wildlife in the war-torn countries and the White Rhinoceros’ were not spared. Poverty and greed provides a fertile breeding ground for the illegal trade in Rhino horn and poaching of Rhino to obtain the horn is rife today. Alleged medicinal use of Rhino horn in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as the ornamental value of the horn as a dagger handle in North Africa and the Middle East, still makes poaching these animals a lucrative business.

3) My Perspectives
Before I read this article, my knowledge only extends to the limit of knowing only one cause of the endangered white rhinoceros and that is that hunters like to hunt the white rhinoceros' horns and sell them off at a high price.
After I read this article, I know that in the past, when the early european men were settling down at a new territory to explore, they actually hunted white rhinoceros for both food and to get rid of the land of dangerous beasts in order to start farming operations!
Next, trophy hunting of White Rhinoceros’ contributed to the second largest land mammal's near extinction.
Also, throughout the civil war on the African continent resulted in the demise of most of the wildlife in the war-torn countries and the White Rhinoceros’ were not spared.
Lastly, Poverty and greed provides a fertile breeding ground for the illegal trade in Rhino horn and poaching of Rhino to obtain the horn is rife today. Alleged medicinal use of Rhino horn in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as the ornamental value of the horn as a dagger handle in North Africa and the Middle East, still makes poaching these animals a lucrative business.

Reflection No.1

White Rhinoceros
Source: http://www.biaza.org.uk/public/images/campaigns/rhinoDocs/whiteRhino.pdf

Source: http://www.whozoo.org/students/obiibe/WhiteRhinoFwz20201a10.jpg

1) What is the article about?
The article is a description of the white rhinoceros, its physical characteristics, social behaviour, location and habitat.
The white rhino has a square-lipped mouth. Its scientific name is Ceratotherium simum, "cerato" meaning "horn" ""therium“, meaning "wild beast" and "simus“ meaning "flat nosed" in Greek. White rhinos feed on grasses and their broad upper lip is adjusted to this type of food. There are two sub-species, the Southern Ceratotherium simum simum and the Northern Ceratotherium simum cottoni.
The white rhino is the bigger one of the two African species. Adult males weigh between 1,800 and 2,500 kg and females 1,800-2,000 kg. Their weight at birth is 40-60kg. Their heights at shoulder is 1.5m to 1.8m. The colour of their skin is grey. There is no difference in the skin colour of both African
species, nevertheless, after wallowing, the actual colour of the animal inevitably matches the colour of the local soil. Their outline is characterised by a pronounced hump. The head hangs down; they look uponly when alarmed. They are surprisingly agile and can run very fast, up to 40 km/h for short periods. Horns are used as weapons against predators and for dominance and threat displays in
contact with other rhinos. White rhinos have two horns: the larger front horn
measures up to around 100 cm while the smaller rear horn reaches up to around 50 cm. As with all rhino species, the horns grow from the skin and consist of compressedstrands of keratin. They are not attached to the skull, but rest on bone pedicels at its dorsal part. The horns are continuously growing and if broken away, will subsequently grow back.

2) What have you learnt?
From this article, I had learnt that the white rhino's name in Greek was named after one of its characteristics, its "square-lipped mouth". Their lips are used to adjust to eating grasses. I had also learnt that there are two types of rhino, the northern and the southern and there are no difference in the skin color of both African species, nevertheless, after wallowing, the actual colour of the animal inevitably matches the colour of the local soil. Also, white rhinos can run very fast, up to 40km/hour for short periods. Their horns are used as weapons against predators and for dominance and threat displays in contact with other rhinos. Their
horns are continuously growing and if broken away, will subsequently grow back.

3) My perspectives.
Before I read the article, I had only a little knowledge about the white rhinoceros. I have only heard from my friends that it was an endangered species and are located in South Africa.
However, after I read, I gained new knowledge and my perspectives have changed. I used to think that the horns on the rhinos are just natural organs just like how humans us have fingers. But the article states otherwise. Now, I know that the horns on the rhinos heads are used for self-defense when their enemy attacks them. I also used to think that rhinos had big body and were plump and could not run fast. Now, I know that they can actually run at 40km/hour, even at short periods! Now, I feel that white rhinos are amazing animals and they must not extinct. We humans must do our part and help save white rhinos by spreading the message.

Total Defence Day

Total Defence Day and Chinese New Year celebrations were both done on the same day. We started the day off by being distributed "The Memoirs Of Lee Kuan Yew" worksheet. It has included what Mr Lee Kuan Yew experienced during the times when Singapore was under Japanese Occupation. The story was rather interesting as it tells us what happened to Singaporeans during those time. From the Total Defence Talk by Ms Seng in our class, I understood that I had to be prepared in times of war, etc. I had also learnt that I ought to be alert in all times so that I will be able to know how to react when something happens to me. After the talk by Miss Seng, all the classes were called down to view the exhibitions of Total Defence, the 5 meanings, Psychological Defence, Economic Defence, Military Defence, Social Defence and Civil Defence. This year's Total Defence was a special one for me as the exhibitions, talks, all piqued my interest.

Chinese New Year/Hari Raya/Deepavali Celebration

What a fun day! It was the first time I experienced a school which mixes the chinese, indian and malay celebration. I feel that it our school is rather unique.
For Chinese New year in Chong Boon, I liked the concert best as there were many nice dances. It was rather disappointing that our class got 2nd in class decoration for our level as I believed that my classmates had put in alot of effort to design the classroom into a chinese new year atmosphere nicely. At the end of the concert, all class monitors and monitresses were called up to offer two oranges to their form teacher. It was a really entertaining day for my friends and I.

Growth Day @ Sentosa Beach Fiesta

This year's growth day was slightly more fun than last year as we had our growth day at the Sentosa, Siloso Beach. It was an event jointly organized by ITE and Chong Boon Secondary. We got there by a bus. The bus journey was roughly 1 hour plus, rather long. When we got there, we took quite a long walk to the destination. Finally, we reached. We could see many game stalls awaiting us. My classmates and I had much fun there. In conclusion, I learnt one of the YOG values, Friendship, as I made friends with some other people from another class. I had much fun. In spite of the fun, there's one thing in which I would like to comment about, which would be the weather, which was burning hot! Some of my friends and I even got sun burnt.

Personal Recount

“What’s the answer to this question?” I whispered.
“The answer is 78,” Shally replied softly.
I continued asking Shally for answers, without realizing that my Mathematics teacher, Mrs Leow had already caught what I had been doing.
“That’s it! Stop cheating!” Mrs Leow screamed, her voice seething with anger.
Everyone was turning around giving one another quizzical looks, and whispering into each other’s ears, commenting on what Mrs Leow had screamed.
“Shut up! Agnes and Shally, come to the front!” she yelled at the top of her voice.
An eerie silence now permeated the classroom and my mind was blank. I did not realize that Mrs Leow had already caught me copying answers from Shally. While Mrs Leow continued to scold the both of us, Shally and I stood in front of the whole class with our heads hanging and our eyes fixed on Mrs Leow’s black shoes.
“…Sorry, Mrs Leow,” Shally and I said with tears strangling our voice.
Tears streaked down our cheeks when Shally and I were told that our parents had to be informed of our irresponsible acts. The both of us had learnt our lesson and thus decided never to do such a foolish thing again.

My Aspirations & Target Settings for 2010

My aspirations for this year would be to behave more mature and study hard. Last year, my results were fairly good. Thus, I decided that for this year, I will aim high and strive. Of all the subjects, English is my worst subject amongst all. As to improve on my English, I believe that more time spent is necessary. I ought to read more storybooks and check out the dictionary for words that I do not understand. Not to forget the rest of the subjects, I know that good time management is required. My targets for 2010, would be to try not to have 'Ds' or below for all my subjects.