1 Bukit Teresa Road, Singapore 099757 Tel: 6273 0096, Fax: 6273 1710, Email: chijks@moe.edu.sg

http://www.chijkellock.moe.edu.sg

From the Principal’s Desk…

Issue 1

20 February 2019

2016

Kellock Connects! A Christ-centred learning community where every child will develop her unique giftedness to lead

and make a difference.

In this issue…

1. Updates &

Announcements

2. Student Matters

English Dept.

Mathematics

Dept.

Science Dept.

Application for

Exemption from

Mother Tongue

Language

Assessment

Matters

3. Happenings @Kellock

Open House &

Orientation

Beginning of

Year Gratitude

Mass

Camps for Life

4. Upcoming Events

Careers Day

5. Parent Support Group

(PSG)

Dear Parents,

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

In 1854, it was FAITH that brought four determined nuns from France, to

follow God’s call to serve in the East amongst the poor and the

disadvantaged in society. In spite of the challenges they faced in adapting

to challenging physical conditions and a culture quite alien to them, they

were able to start a school within two weeks. The Convent of the Holy

Infant Jesus School (Victoria Street aka Town Convent) was born, and in

the subsequent years, a total of 11 CHIJ schools!

CHIJ Kellock was born in the same spirit 55 years ago – with determination,

perseverance and a good dose of the IJ spirit – which is one of faith, hope

and love. For the last 55 years of our existence, it is the same FAITH that

keeps alive the work done by the IJ Kellock Community in continuing the

legacy passed down by those who have gone before us.

An anniversary inevitably invites us to look back, it also invites us to move

into the future with HOPE and a renewed calling to stay relevant in the

ever-changing educational landscape while remaining grounded to the

rock-solid foundation of values embedded in our school’s DNA. CHIJ

Kellock has been synonymous with quality education for young girls and a

highly regarded approach to service towards the disadvantaged. Since its

founding in 1964, its raison d’etre has remained constant. This mission,

translated, makes for a meaningful learning experience for the girls who

come through the portals of the convent.

The K (Kellock)-Experience places the learner at the heart of all that is done

in school, puts learning back into the hands of the learner, with the

teachers, the school environment and partners like the parents, as the keys

to helping the children unlock their own learning. It is an experience that

steers clear from a singular pre-occupation with academic achievement to

one that emphasizes holistic values-based education, while remaining

faithful to the goals of a Catholic education on which the foundations of the

school are laid.

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The K-Experience redefines what it means to nurture the young to be future-ready. It brings

to the fore the development of 21C skills and competencies found in the 3 Kellock Girl

Outcomes (KGOs) of a Thoughtful Learner, a Servant Leader and a Person for Others as well

as Learning Dispositions that are key to the development of self-directed and continuous

learning. The school’s Interdisciplinary Project Work (IPW) and white-space curriculum

such as K-Botics and the Kellock Digital Citizenship Programme are examples of how the

school delivers authentic learning to our children.

CHIJ Kellock is also given the God-inspired mandate to reach out to young girls with the

message of LOVE - the unifying value in the Kellock values of Graciousness, Integrity,

Responsibility, Respect, Resilience and Love. The greatest means available to teach this value

is not just in the programmes and the activities, nor the excellent achievements, but in the

testimony of the community’s expressions of love.

The CHIJ Kellock Community is the village that is needed to raise each child and we (the

Home and the School) are on the same side, wanting what is best for the child. What we hope

for, for each CHIJ Kellock girl, can be realized with the FAITH, HOPE and LOVE of many. If we,

as a village, do what is right by our children, we would have delivered the Convent

Experience in its true essence and spirit and paving the way for our girls to be young ladies

of integrity and character. Thank you, parents, for journeying with your child and with the

school to help us realise that.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Magdalene Chin

Principal, CHIJ Kellock

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1. Updates & Announcements

1.1 Staff Matters

We are happy to announce the following members who have joined the school this year and we

warmly welcome each one of them:

Ms Helen Ng Vice-Principal

Ms Wendy Lim Year Head

Mdm Gan Yi Teacher

Ms Glady Lim Teacher

Mrs Sarah Fuad Siddiqui Teacher

Ms Amirinazeb d/o Aurangzeb Teacher

1.2 Traffic Reminders and Opening Hours of Gates

Traffic reminders

While we are glad that we have finally returned to Bukit Teresa, we would like to remind parents

that vehicular access into the school, via Gate 2, is only meant for P1 and P2 students with valid

2019 Car Decals clearly displayed on the left side of the windscreen.

Older students from P3 to P6 who are driven to school are to alight at Gate 3P along Bukit Purmei

Road (near the Church of St Teresa).

We appeal to parents not to make a U-turn after Gate 3P as that would endanger our children’s

safety as they wait behind the bollards.

As the traffic builds up from 7.05 a.m. to 7.20 a.m., we would like to impress upon all drivers to

be mindful of the traffic congestion at that time and to refrain from turning right between 7.00 a.m.

and 7.30 a.m. from Bukit Purmei to Kampong Bahru Road. There is a no right turn sign from 7.00

a.m. to 7.30 a.m. but some parents may not have noticed it.

We are monitoring the traffic management closely and we will be engaging LTA on how we can

improve further on the current situation for both the arrival and dismissal of our students.

Opening hours of gates

The following table indicates the opening hours of the school gates:

GATES OPENING HOURS (Weekdays only)

Gate 1P (along Bukit Teresa Road) 6.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m. 2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.

Gate 3P (next to the Church of St Teresa, Bukit Purmei Road)

6.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m. 1.30 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.

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1.3 Dismissal Procedures at 1.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.

Students taking the School Bus Home

Students are to report at the school hall and assemble according to the bus numbers after their

dismissal at 1.30 p.m. and at 4.00 p.m. Bus drivers will accompany students to their respective

buses.

Students who are Picked Up by Car Students are to wait for their parents at the car pick-up point at Gate 3P. We would like to

advise parents not to wait along Bukit Purmei Road as the road is narrow and any obstruction

will lead to a traffic congestion. Parents could also park their cars at the HDB carpark behind

the school and walk down to pick their daughters at the Gate 3P Parents’ Waiting Area.

Students taking Public Transport/ Walking Home/ Picked Up by Parents or Caregivers Students taking public bus or walking home are to exit via Gate 1P or 3P. Parents/Caregivers

who are picking their daughter/ward may wait at the Parents’ Waiting Areas at Gate 1P or 3P.

We urge all parents or caregivers to exercise patience and we seek your co-operation and

support to abide by the regulations so that our girls’ safety will not be compromised.

1.4 Safety and Security Matters

Parents and caregivers will NOT be allowed in the school compound as long as the school is in

session to ensure the security of our students in school.

If you need to visit the school, do register at the Security Post and report to the General Office

to obtain a visitor’s pass. If you need to see the teachers or school leaders, do make an

appointment first.

1.5 Finance Matters: Consolidated Notification / Collection of Payment for School Programmes and Resources The School Bill is a statement informing you of your daughter’s enrichment programmes and school charges for various items. It is part of Ministry of Education’s initiative to improve efficiency of administering and collecting funds from students.

The School Bill is sent out, twice a year, at the beginning of each semester.

If your child/ward is a Singaporean and has established an Edusave Enrichment Programme

Standing Order, the co-payment amount will be deducted from her Edusave account subject to

the balance available. We strongly encourage your child to opt in.

For other school charges, payment will be made either by GIRO, cash, cheque or at the AXS

machine

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For Singapore Permanent Residents & International Students, payment for all items can be

made either by Giro, cash, cheque or at the AXS machine

More details will be shared in the upcoming school bill letter to parents.

2. Student Matters

2.1 English Language Department

“O this learning, what a thing it is!” – William Shakespeare

We begin 2019 with a new start in a new school environment, with bountiful opportunities to

introduce our Kellock girls to the wider world of English learning and to get them excited about

the journey they are about to embark. The primary focus for the English Department this year is

to encourage students to develop a love of reading. A study conducted by the American Academy

of Pediatrics found that reading to children of any age wakens a number of regions in the left part

of the brain; the areas in the brain that becomes active involving understanding the meaning of

words and concepts tied to memory.

As a department, we will strive to help students develop positive personal reading habits that will

extend beyond the classroom. Teaming up with the National Library Board (NLB), we will be

bringing in a wide array of books during Books to Go sessions, storytelling sessions for our lower

primary girls and the usual Book Buzz, a book promotion session on popular new titles that help

expand our students’ reading diet beyond the types of books they are usually drawn to. This year,

we have a real treat for our girls. Local authors Low Ying Ping of Mount Emily series and Xie Shi

Min of Dragonhearted have been invited for a meet-and-greet session where they will discuss

how reading inspired them to write award-winning stories. On top of that, the English department

is fortunate to have Sally Rippin, an international author who has over 70 books published

including the popular Billie B Brown series, to excite our girls to develop convincing characters in

their stories.

On the home front, the English department would like to encourage parents to read daily with

their daughters. There is nothing quite like reading together as a family; be it flipping through a

picture book or sitting in the same room immersed in a piece of literature. Books can take our

students to so many places, teach them incredible values and dazzle them with the beauty of the

English language. Grab a book now and dive into the wealth it has to offer!

2.2 Mathematics Department

The Mathematics Department’s focus for the year is to nurture an intrinsic motivation towards

learning Mathematics and to ignite the passion of exploration and discovery. We believe in

nurturing the joy of learning so that every student in Kellock can discover her interests, grow her

passions, and love what she is doing. It is the intent of the Mathematics Department that students

acquire the mathematical knowledge and skills with the necessary rigour while having fun learning.

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Two new programmes are rolled out to the Primary One and Primary Two students this year as

part of the white space programme, Have Fun with Sudoku and Playing with Tangrams. The

game-based programme provides an excellent vehicle to train the mind and to develop the

capacity to think logically, abstractly, critically and creatively.

Have Fun with Sudoku

Sudoku is a game of logic, where one has to think strategically and solve problems creatively

while spotting patterns. This “brain game” helps stimulate one’s cognitive ability. By practising

logical thinking as the puzzle is being solved, it helps students to improve number skills. It injects

fun, and gives a sense of accomplishment when the puzzle is solved. The joy of learning comes

from experiences of success.

Playing with Tangrams

Tangrams is a traditional Chinese puzzle made up of a square divided into seven pieces (one

parallelogram, one square and five triangles) that can be arranged to match particular designs.

Playing tangrams helps to develop perceptual reasoning (nonverbal thinking skills), visual-

spatial awareness, creativity and many mathematical concepts such as congruency, symmetry,

area, perimeter, and geometry. Students get to explore playing tangrams hands-on, which

makes learning fun and meaningful. Tangrams promotes open-ended explorations too. Thus

teaching mathematics through tangrams encourages students to interact with mathematical

concepts in a novel way, which deepens learning.

2.3 Science Department

Science is everywhere! It pervades our personal and professional lives. It is taught and examined

in school curricula the world over, and so it is here too, in Kellock, where generations of girls have

been introduced to Science as a subject at Primary 3.

We see Science as a way of understanding the world, a perspective, and a pattern of thinking

that begins in the very early years. With this in mind, we have decided that beginning 2019, we

will be introducing Science to the littlest ones, the Primary ones and twos, through the TinkerBelle

Programme, to catch them young. This programme is conducted under the new White Space

Curriculum and is delivered through bite-sized lessons to introduce students to STEM design

projects and elements of the Growth Mindset. For girls in the mid-upper primary levels, we are

collaborating with the Singapore Committee for UN Women to bring in the Girls2Pioneers

Programme as part of the Women in STEM campaign. This day camp comprises engaging

challenges that aim to cultivate 21st century skills to inspire a community of learners.

In short, we are hoping to raise a generation of Thinkers who Tinker right here in Kellock! But, we

also know that we can’t do it alone, for Science begins at home too. We hope to partner parents

who, in the process of providing science-friendly homes, also encourage deep questioning, critical

thinking, and provide opportunities for experimentation, creation of models and access to a wide

range of print and non-print media. We look forward to working closely with parents to realise this

vision of a Kellock girl who loves learning enough to see the value of science to society.

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2.4 Application for Exemption from offering Mother Tongue Language (MTL)

Under our bilingual policy, all students are required to offer a Mother Tongue Language (MTL) in

addition to English. Students of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicity will offer their respective

MTLs. Eurasian students, students of mixed parentage and international students whose mother

tongue is not one of the three official MTLs can choose to offer any of the three official MTLs.

Parents are required to submit an application to MOE to seek approval.

Indian students who are non-Tamil speakers may apply to offer a Non-Tamil Indian Language

(NTIL), i.e., Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. NTIL students are required to attend

lessons with the NTIL community groups and sit for examinations set by the Board for the

Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages.

Students may apply for exemption from offering MTL only under exceptional circumstances, e.g.

mid-stream entry or special educational needs. These applications are to be submitted with

supporting documents and are subjected to MOE’s approval. MTL exemptions applications and

appeals for Primary 6 students must be submitted before 30 April 2019. Should you have any

queries, please check with our Head of Department MTL, Mdm Wong Foong Li, or Subject Head

of MTL, Mdm Tunisha.

2.5 Assessment Matters

Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. It is a process of gathering

information about students’ learning and development. It provides teachers, students and parents

with useful feedback about the students’ development so that they can make better progress in

their learning.

The choice of assessment must fit-for-purpose in terms of the learning outcomes to be assessed

and how the information is to be used. Hence the school conducts Assessment Task (AT) and

Semestral Assessment (SA) to gather information on different facets of our students’ learning and

development. AT includes assessments on performance tasks such as oracy skills, mathematics

and science practical tests. Assessment tasks also includes Project Work (PW) which assesses

on 21st century skills and competencies.

As of this year, all assessment tasks for Primary 1 and 2 are not weighted. The school will provide

parents with qualitative descriptors to inform of students’ progress in the different subjects

learning outcomes.

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ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING

Primary 3 and 5

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

0% 30%

0% 70%

ATs (not weighted)

SA1 Papers (English Language,

Mathematics, Science & Mother Tongue

Language)

SA2 Papers (English Language,

Mathematics, Science & Mother Tongue

Language)

P3 & 5 Science: SA2 Written Paper (60%)

Practical Exam (10%) Conducted in Term 3

*AT includes Project Work (not weighted)

Primary 4

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

0% 40%

0% 60%

ATs (not weighted)

SA1 Papers (English Language,

Mathematics, Science & Mother Tongue

Language)

SA2 Papers (English Language,

Mathematics, Science & Mother Tongue Language)

For Primary 4 Science - SA2 Written Paper (50%) - Practical Exam (10%) Conducted in Term 3

*AT includes Project Work (not weighted)

Primary 6

Primary 6

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

0% Class Test (not weighted)

Not reflected in Report Book

100% Reflected in the report

book as raw scores

100% Reflected in the report book as

raw scores

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3. Happenings @Kellock – Term 1 3.1 Open House & Orientation Programme

Open House

While the rest of the schools in Singapore commenced classes on the 2 January, it was not so

for the students in CHIJ Kellock. The Primary 1 to 3 students of 2019, together with their parents,

were taken on a school tour to familiarise them to the Bukit Teresa campus. Kellock teachers took

on the role of a ‘tour guide’ and showed the parents and students the upgraded school campus.

Many who turned up for the visit were bowled over by the beautiful facilities and the little details

that the school made an effort to see to. It was a successful open house and the students were

treated to a little helium balloon to welcome them back to school for the new year.

Orientation Programme

Another highlight of our Week 0 programme was the

customised Orientation Programme planned by a

committee of teachers. The Orientation Programme

aimed to foster greater teacher-student relationship

through activities such as class and level team-bonding

games.

In order to orientate the students to the new facilities in

the school, the committee also conducted an amazing

race that took our students to the many parts of our

school.

Apart from exploring the nooks and cranny of

the school, the students also gained an

understanding of the work done by pioneer

leaders such as Mother Mathilde, Sr

Theophane and Sr Deidre. Our girls definitely

had a better appreciation of our history.

The Orientation Programme also included a

segment for house meeting. Students gathered in

their respective houses and had their first meet up

with their house teachers. The session included a

presentation on the saint that the house is named

after. The highlight for this segment was certainly

the practising of their house cheers which fosters

team spirit. Library

Barre Garden

Kellock Indoor Sports Hall

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Overall, the students certainly enjoyed the two days of Orientation Programme. Moving forward,

the school will continue this initiative of having an Orientation Programme at the start of every

year.

3.2 Beginning of Year Gratitude Mass

Gratitude ‘…for all things give thanks’ (1 Thess 5:18); ‘….for all things come of thee’ (1 Chronicles

29:14)

The school community of CHIJ Kellock has indeed many things to be grateful for. After two years

at the holding site of Queensway, the school officially moved back to the newly refurbished Bukit

Teresa campus at end of 2018. It was a joyous occasion for staff and students to be finally back

on home ground.

On Friday, 11 January 2019, we celebrated our return to the Bukit Teresa campus with a

Eucharistic service. The Beginning of Year Gratitude Mass was truly befitting as the school

community came together to give thanks to God, our heavenly Father, for the wonderful blessings

which He had showered upon us and to seek His abundant blessings for the year.

The Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Fr John Bosco, parish priest of Church of St Teresa.

The mass was attended by Sr Maria, IJ provincial, Ms Lam, IJ Supervisor, members of the IJ

Board, team of architects and designers, former school leaders, PSG EXCO and parents from

the school’s chaplaincy team. The school choir with their conductor, Mr Qiu, led the school

community and guests in the singing of hymns. It was a beautiful Eucharistic celebration whereby

every student and staff sang in one voice, songs of praise to God.

3.3 Camps for Life @ Kellock

Camps for Life, a customised programme developed by the school, aims to help our students

build self-confidence and self-esteem. It is not only a good opportunity for the students to

interact and bond with one another, it is also a wonderful platform to instil life skills such as

organisational and social skills. The training and development received at the camps will teach

the students to work together, make choices, take responsibility, develop leadership skills and

build independence and resilience. The camps also comprise of activities that will equip the

students with social emotional skills that will enable them to become self-directed learners who

are able to manage their emotions better and contribute as effective team-players

Teambonding Game Parent Volunteers helping out

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Camps for Life for the different levels are as follows:

Levels Themes Nature Dates

Pr. 1 P1 Orientation Week Conducted during curriculum time

7 - 11 Jan

Pr. 2 P2 Friendship Day Conducted during curriculum time

15 Mar

Pr. 3 P3 Bonding Camp: Ignite X Day Camp (7.45 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.)

15 Mar

Pr. 4 P4 Night @The Museum Bonding Camp

2 D 1 N (overnight camp)

26 – 27 Feb (half a level) 28 Feb – 1 Mar (half a level)

Pr. 5 P5 Teambuilding Adventure Camp

3 D 2 N (overnight camp)

7 – 9 Jan

Pr. 6 P6 Malacca Trip 2 D 1 N (Overseas Trip)

24 – 25 Oct (half a level) 31 Oct – 1 Nov (half a level)

Primary 5 Teambuilding and Outdoor Adventure Camp 2019

As part of Kellock’s belief in providing a

holistic education, the P5 students embarked

on an amazing outdoor learning experience

at their teambuilding camp which took place

from 7 to 9 January 2019, at the MOE

Labrador Outdoor Adventure Learning

Centre (LOALC).

During

the camp,

the

students

were

challenged to confront and overcome their fears through a

series of activities such as abseiling, rock-climbing, challenge

rope course, zipline and the artificial caving system. They also

had the opportunity to learn how to work well together as a

team and display the school values when they tried their hands

at laser tag, popcorn-making and low element activities. All

these experiences imbued in the students, resilience,

ruggedness, tenacity as they confidently tackled challenges

together. Through the common experiences that they went

through, the students forged camaraderie while learning to

appreciate diversity in the new class that they were placed in this year. Rock-climbing

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The camp ended on a high note with a campfire on the second night of their stay at the campsite.

Many of the students expressed that they had become more courageous and resilient after their

camping experiences and they look forward to more outdoor learning activities.

4. Upcoming Events

4.1 Careers Day 2019

As part of Education and Career Guidance (ECG), the school will be having Careers Day on 22nd

February, Friday. There will be sharing by professionals to introduce students to the wide array

of occupations, including new jobs created in this ever-changing world-of-work.

Through Careers Day, we aim for students to:

• develop their interests, abilities and career aspirations

• inculcate an appreciation for all occupations and how they contribute to society

• correct misconceptions about occupations and create the awareness of the

relationship between school and work, that school is preparatory ground for work as

the skills and habits required to succeed in school are applicable to the workplace.

To create an authentic and meaningful experience for the lower primary students, Primary 1 and

2 students are encouraged to come dressed in an outfit that shows their choice of occupation on

Careers Day (Friday, 22 February 2019). Students will be allowed to be in that attire for the whole

day.

Primary 5 and 6 students will be exposed to the online career portal after Careers day, to learn

more about the different careers. They will be guided in the process of target setting and learning

to chart their progress as they work towards their goals.

If you have any clarifications or would like to volunteer to share more about your profession with

our students for Careers Day 2019, please feel free to contact Mrs Joy Zhang-Low (HOD

CCE/Partnerships) at low_ai_ling@moe.edu.sg.

Trying their hand at laser tag Popcorn making

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5. Parents’ Support Group (PSG)

Happy 2019 to all our parents and parent

volunteers! It’s another great year for all of us in

Kellock’s Parents Support Group (PSG). As we

celebrate our return to our beloved campus, we

prepare to celebrate Kellock’s 55th Anniversary

and the 165th Anniversary of CHIJ schools in

Singapore. In gearing up for exciting events this

year, we would like to express our sincere thanks

to our parent volunteers who have made

incredible contributions in time, manpower and

resources to events such as International

Friendship Day, our Valentine’s Day fundraisers

and Kellock’s Dance Fiesta Carnival! It was a

spectacular show of talent and incredible

dedication as parents worked late nights to make

the events both meaningful and memorable for our

girls. From all of us at PSG Exco, thank you so

much!

As always, the PSG set the bar high with

incredible events in 2018. International Friendship

Day featured fantastic Chinese opera and Balinese performances for the first time sponsored by

parent volunteers. More than 15 countries were represented with exciting activities for the girls.

Meanwhile, parent volunteers, using their resourcefulness and creativity, organized fundraisers

for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, raising more than $14,000 to help support Kellock’s

building fund. Ending the year with a bang was Kellock’s Dance Fiesta Carnival organized by the

school. More than 100 parent volunteers supported this fund-raising initiative by converting the

campus into five fantastic zones: a Star Wars themed Café, Sugar Pop Zone with make-over and

photo booth activities,

Enchanted Castle zone with 3

magical escape rooms, life-size

Cluedo game, Quidditch

Obstacle game, wand-making

and shrink art workshops,

Shopper’s World with crafts-

making workshops, and Carnival

Zone with water fun games,

carnival booths and a bouncy

castle. Parents also joined the

Dance Fiesta performances,

dancing together with our dear

teachers and school leaders at

the Carnival’s grand finale.

Enchanted Castle

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CHIJ Kellock is truly fortunate to

have an active, creative and

committed parent support group

and we look forward to the coming

year with unbridled enthusiasm and

optimism. To our new parents, a

warm welcome to you all and we

hope to see you in our upcoming

events. For our parent volunteers,

thank you for supporting our girls in

their Kellock journey! Here’s to a

new year filled with awesome

experiences, great events and new

friendships!

Bouncy Castle

Shoppers’ World