From 27 December to 13 January, a committee of specially selected individuals were allowed to be a part of ACS (International)’s annual Orientation program at the beginning of the year. As a member of the 4th Student Council, let alone an ordinary student, Orientation is a much anticipated event in our calendar. In order to carry out a ‘saccharine’ balance of school tradition and contemporary ideas, we exercised extreme wisdom in choosing the committee whom would represent the face of ACS (International); one which would do our school proud.
As the vice camp-commandant of Orientation 2009, I was involved in a particularly fair amount of administration matters pertaining to this event. Furthermore, I offered my two cents worth during executive-committee discussions, oftentimes designing games, organizing programs and positions alike. Although this could, in many senses, be defined as a taxing and crucial role in any event, especially Orientation 2009, I found much satisfaction and relief when ‘backstage’ matters had been settled.
The purpose of block-out preparation dates during our school holidays was to ensure the best execution of Orientation 2009 as possible. In total, we were fully equipped with an exceptionally capable committee of around 60 students across different levels, each of whom we believed had the potential to carry Orientation 2009 to a bright success in a most memorable and desirable manner.
During the block-out dates, we performed several tasks, some as a full committee, and others as respectively designated groups – logistics, games and Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs). Amongst these were games, both dry and wet, which we ran through several times to ensure the highest level of safety of the orientees and the most fun possible. Additionally, we had to learn two mass dances and, as an OGL, an OGL-item. Synchronized dances of such sorts are deemed to be part of tradition in ACS schools around Singapore. Through countless practice sessions and choreographies, we found ourselves tired more often than not. Yet, we would constantly feel a blissful sense of happiness, contentment and belonging; and personally, I believe it was this which drew us closer together as a committee, pulling us toward our common goal.
On 27 and 29 December and 13 January, we arranged for the committee to gather logistics items around Singapore to provide for the vast number of games and welfare of the orientees. Included in the block-out dates was an Orientation Committee camp from 5 – 7 January, to conduct long game sessions such as the Ultimate Game around the area of our school and the Night Game, which could only adequately be conducted under realistic conditions. Moreover, this camp served as an intensive bonding session for the entire committee, establishing new friendships and building on existing ones. The block-out dates have helped me realize that there is more to than what meets the eye with each and every individual.
