Orientation 2009 Introduction

To say Orientation merely helps one to settle into new school surroundings might be true for many other schools – but here at ACS (International), that is an understatement. It is the very highlight of ACS (International)’s yearly calendar. And the mark it makes on our students; never, ever goes away.

Even now, 3 years after I went through my very own Orientation, we still share laughs and conversations about what happened back in Orientation then. It is one of those things which you will remember and build your whole school life upon.

When you step into the School Hall for the very first time, you feel much more comfortable when everyone is new, just like you. And the only time everyone would be new would obviously be during Orientation! It will take a lot of effort, for some, to utter the very first words to a fellow Orientee, a complete stranger. But, from that point on, Orientation just flies by amidst the fun, games and laughs. Before you know it, you feel like you known that very same person your whole life. But the best part is that it is not only that one person, it is a whole group of friends that you get to know!

On the sleepover on the last day, you catch yourself thinking ‘I can’t believe this is all going to end so soon’ and that is when you know how comfortable you are with your new school, ACS (International). Trust me, you would feel that way.

There is only so much that can be expressed by words and maybe these words did not do Orientation as much justice as it is due. With that said, you have to experience Orientation yourself to see what I mean.

Student Council service trip to Yun Nan, China (1)

The 4^th Student Council of ACS (International) decided that, as an act of service to the greater global community and a step forward within ACS (International)’s student group efforts, we would embark on a service-based trip to Yun Nan, China from 23 to 29 November 2008. Our main purpose for this trip was to visit a village and school far inland Yun Nan, to educate students aged 7 to 12 and help in the construction of a new basketball court. Specifically, the 9 of us wished to address issues pertaining to personal hygiene such as dental care, and we wished to further teach the English language, both within and beyond the syllabus.

Through this trip, I have learnt that it is in the moments of distress in which we find our true inner-selves. Our limits are trampled upon, directing us out of our comfort zone into an unfamiliar and malicious world. It is in these moments where we discover our infinite being, where maybe we weren’t who we thought we were. For each of us, it is a revelation in our own time.

We’ve been placed, willingly or not, but most definitely helplessly, into surroundings crowding with unfamiliarity; pushing our senses, engaging us in conversations or feelings we would not otherwise or even come close to partake in. Indefinitely, it’s all a part of the ride of life. We couldn’t possibly know whether we’ll find ourselves a happily ever after, or an album of storms brewing. In every sense of it, we may fill our hearts with the utmost quality of distaste and irritation. We could even shun from the warmth the sunlight brings only so we can endure the peace and comfort of sleep for a mere instant longer. But is this all there is? Could there be answers hidden in corners we dare not look in? Could we find ourselves in time, if we only take a small step of faith? Could there be a new found glory, a new love, beyond our doorstep, or beneath the soles of our feet? Step out, reach out, and call out. If not now, when?

This simple trip to China has taught me that there is truly more to life than what lies at our doorstep. I have learnt that something apparently so simple in our eyes may make a world of difference to someone else. China has proven itself immensely that it is a challenge for each of us. No doubt difficulty lies at each dawn and dusk, but it is a choice we have to make – how would we choose to take on this hurdle? Some may wither away in their fear to leave their comfort zone, afraid of what is buried beneath their very own skin. Others crave adventure and deliver every ounce of energy at their own free will. For myself, I yearn for experience; I wish to encounter genuine happiness, each time unique in its own way. I would give whatever I can just to have someone else benefit. Yet, I still struggle to step out of the boat with a free heart. I find an especially high barrier in the lack of efficient communication between the children and myself. At times, I am even submerged, drowning in a sea of trials, helpless. However, with the short time spent in YunNan, I craved and developed a greater determination to be a better being on this planet. Hopefully, that was enough to prove myself to the children that there is a brighter light within each of us.

Preparation for Student Council service trip to Yun Nan, China

The 4th Student Council of ACS (International) decided that, as an act of service to the greater global community and a step forward within ACS (International)’s student group efforts, we would embark on a service-based trip to Yun Nan, China. Our main purpose for this trip was to visit a village and school far inland Yun Nan, to educate students aged 7 to 12 and help in the construction of a new basketball court. Specifically, we wished to address issues pertaining to personal hygiene such as dental care, and we wished to further teach the English language, both within and beyond the syllabus.

In order to achieve the above successfully, we had to conduct several training sessions as a student council. This was done under the supervision of our council teacher – Mr. Ronald Lim. Firstly; we had to ensure that we covered all logistic issues such as teaching materials, toothbrushes, toothpaste and telematch equipment. Most of these items were purchased in Yun Nan herself as we had a tight budget to keep to. Secondly, during our training sessions we would prepare lesson plans for English classes of different level groups. This involved discussions amongst us; for instance how advanced to we set our lesson plan and how much material we would require such as colour pencils. Lastly, we had to ensure that we could converse easily in mandarin so as to reduce any communication barriers. This involved us learning common terms which would prove useful during lessons.