Welcome toGeylang Methodist School

(Secondary)!

Principal’s Sharing

Outline• More about GM

• Our Chaplains and Staff

• Weekly Routine and some highlights

• CCA Matters

• Parenting Talk

• Partnership with Parents and Stakeholders

• Student Management and Student Well Being

• Sharing by Chairperson of PSG

• Concluding Thoughts

Mission – Our Purpose

With God’s help, to be a beacon of light

by connecting, nurturing and inspiring GEMS

to make a difference.

Vision – Our Goal

Passionate Learners.

Courageous Leaders.

Caring Citizens.

Values – Our Heart

Godliness – Doing what is right

Excellence – Giving our best

Mastery – Diving deep in our learning

Service – Choosing to care

Theme for 2019

• GEMS by choice.

• Msg 1: We want to become GEMS.

• Msg 2: We become GEMS by the choices we make.

Theme verse

Our Chaplains and Staff

School Leaders

Principal

Mr Wee Tat Chuen

Vice Principal

Mr Eka Tanu

Vice Principal

Mrs Gan Sor Leng

Vice Principal

Mrs Chang-Loy Wee Meng

Administrative Personnel

Admin Manager

Mdm Linda ChuangOperations Manager

Mr Leslie Tan

Year Heads

Mr Kelvin Teo(Sec 2)

Ms Abelyn Quek(Sec 1)

Year Heads

Mrs Sandra Theseira

(Sec 4/5)

Mrs Ong Li Tyng(Sec 3)

ICT, Craft & Technology

Subject Head

Mr Kelvin Chia

Subject Head

Mr Tan Wah Kum

Head of Department

Mr Yeo Wee Pung

Subject Head

Miss Ng Sio Ying

Character & Citizenship

Education (CCE)

Head of Department

Mr Chin Khai Ying

Subject Head

Mr Michael Koh

Curriculum & Pupil Development

(N(A) N(T))

Head of Department

Miss Wendy Wong

English & Literature

Head of Department

Mdm Sng Swee Lian

Humanities

Head of Department

Mrs Lee Fang Lan

Subject Head

Miss Vanda Johnson

Mathematics

Head of Department

Ms Nainee Ismail

Subject Head

Mr Wong Han Ming

Mother Tongue

Head of Department

Mr Neo Ping Leng

Subject Head

Ms Li Ping

PE & CCA

Head of Department

Mr Chng Kiong Choon

Subject Head

Mdm Rachel Cheng

Student Management &

Development

Head of Department

Mr Kelvin Tay

Science

Head of Department

Miss Ng Peck Suan

Subject Head

Mr Yip Cheng HouSubject Head (LS Sci)

Mr Sng Peng Hock

School Staff Developer

Head of Department

Mrs Low Phek Mui

Senior Teachers

Art

Mrs Tan Hui Leng

Chemistry

Mrs Loh Kim Woon

Biology

Mrs Cheryl TangLiterature

Miss Yee Siau Foon

Senior Teachers

English Language

Mrs Lian Yok Khoon

Malay Language

Mdm Norhamidah

Chinese Language

Mrs Toh Chwee Hong

Mathematics

Miss Ng Siew LeeEnglish

Miss Yeo Peng Peng

School Counsellors/ LBS

Counsellor

Mr Nigel Wong

LBS

Ms Menaga

Counsellor

Ms Rosa Lein

Form Teachers

Faith 1-1 Faith 1-2

Mrs Gan Huey Shin Mr Cheng Xin Jin Mr James Lim Mrs Khan

Form Teachers

Faith 1-3Faith 1-4

Mr James Kee Ms Jayanthi Mr Christopher Wong Mdm Siti Fattasha

Form Teachers

Faith 1-5

Mdm Sharifah Ms Tan Kai Wei

Form Teachers

Faith 1-6

Ms Lai Hang Chi Mrs Lian Yok Khoon Ms Phang Si Hui Mr Syarulnizam

Form Teachers

Faith 1-7

Ms Hajranah Mr Zhao Yilin

Weekly routine (Lower Sec-2019)Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri

All Aim to be in school by 7.15am, Silent Reading at 7.20am, Late at 7.25am

LS Latest DismissalTime

2.15pm 1.15pm 12.15pm

Remedials and Consultations

Consultations EL/ MT Remedials

Math Remedials

Enrichment:LS: 1.45pm –3.15pm

Consultations

Science Remedials

Remedials/ Consultations

Sessions may start 30 mins from last period. All sessions to end by 4.30pm (Tue, Wed), 3pm (Fri) for students with CCAs

For students without CCAs, remedials should end by 5pm (Tue, Wed) and 4pm (Fri) latest.

All Students CCAs (4.30pm – 6pm)

CCAs,3pm – 6pm

CCAs,3pm – 6pm(main day)

CCAs, 4.30pm – 6pm CCAs, 2.30pm –5.30pm (main day)

Thematic Approach

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Focus on Vision Passionate Learners

Courageous Leaders, Caring Citizens

Passionate Learners

Theme Laying Strong Foundations

Building theGM Community

Making a PositiveDifference

Celebrating Success

Focus on Values

Godliness Excellence Service Mastery

Focus on SEL Self awareness,Self Management

Social awareness,Relationship Management

Social awareness,Relationship Management

Self awareness,Self Management

Responsible Decision Making

Some Highlights

• Learning for Life Programme

• Applied Learning Programme

• Enrichment Programme

• Term 1 Events

Learning for Life Programme

• Community and Youth Leadership

– Student Leadership

– Public Speaking

– Critical Inquiry

– Values in Action

Applied Learning Programme

• A three-year progressive programme for Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 students which centres on environmental science and sustainable living and exposes students to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Term 1 Events

• Theme for Term 1: Laying Strong Foundations

• 1st round of common tests, CCAs as per normal

• Mini Learning Festival

– LJs for Sec 1s and 2s

• Cross Country

LS Enrichment

Sec 1

• LLP: Public Speaking

• Baseline ICT Skills

• Study Skills

• LLP: Student Leadership

• Conversational CL/ML

• Sec 2

• MADD Fiesta

• Microbits

• LLP: Public Speaking

• Study Skills

• Conversational CL/ML

• F1 Challenge

Progression Criteria

Secondary 1 Express

PROMOTED to 2 EXPRESS

50% or more in EL AND

50% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE

Secondary 1 Express

If criteria not fulfilled,

- Laterally transferred to 2N(A)

- Retained at Sec 1 Express

Progression CriteriaSecondary 1 Normal (Academic)

[A]

PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)

50% or more in EL AND

50% or more in 2 Other Subjects

[B]

PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)

0 – 49% in EL AND

50% or more in 4 Other Subjects

[C]

LATERALLY TRANSFERRED to

2 EXPRESS

Fulfilled criteria [A] or [B] AND

70% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE

Secondary 1 Normal (Academic)

If criteria [A] or [B] not fulfilled,

- Retained at Sec 1 Normal (Academic)

- and above maximum age, student will be

ADVANCED to 2N(A)

Progression CriteriaSecondary 1 Normal (Technical)

[A]

PROMOTED to 2 NORMAL

(TECHNICAL)

50% or more in 2 subjects

one of which must be EL or MATHS

[B]

LATERALLY TRANSFERRED to

2 NORMAL (ACADEMIC)

Fulfilled criteria [A] AND

70% or more in OVERALL AVERAGE

Secondary 1 Normal (Technical)

If criteria [A] is not fulfilled,

- Retained at Sec 1 Normal (Technical)

- and above maximum age, student will

be ADVANCED to 2N(T)

MYE and CTs for 2019Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Weightage 15% 15% 15% 55%

Sec 1 CT CT CT EYE

Sec 2 CT CT CT EYE

Sec 3 CT CT CT EYE

Sec 4/5 CT MYE Prelims

• Need for consistent homework, clarification and engagement

• Importance of remediation and intervention

Our CCAs

A key platform for growth in Key Skills, Leadership and Character

• Co-Curricular Programmes support the

holistic development of the child

• Recognise diverse interests of students, developing students to be self –

directed learners

• Role of Parents in the holistic development of your child

– Reinforcement of values, life skills, interests and strengths at home

Character &

Values

Social-Emotional

Competencies

21st Century

Competencies

Interests &

Talents

• LEAPS 2.0

– to recognise students’ holistic development

ParticipationAchievementLeadership Service

4 domains has levels of attainment: 1 - 5

- Enrichment domain complements the other 4 domain

- Will be recognised in School Graduation Certificate

- Will not have levels of attainment

PE/ CCA HOD: Mr Chng

Key Information on LEAPS 2.0 Domains• Participation

– Affirms students’ sustained development in school-based CCA throughout secondary school

– Student can choose from Sports, Arts, Uniformed Groups, Clubs and Societies

• Achievement

– Affirms students’ character development and efforts in representing the school/external organisations in events

– Students diverse interests and talents are recognised as events can go beyond CCA and beyond school

Key Information on LEAPS 2.0 Domains• Leadership

– Affirms students’ development as a leader

– Students are developed through leadership modules, National Youth Achievement Award and leadership positions.

• Service

– Affirms students’ contributions to the community and development as responsible and active citizens

– Students serve the community through schools’ Values-In-Action programmes

Recognition of co-curricular attainment

These bonus

points can be

used for

application to JC,

Poly and ITE

Phase 1: CCA Fair 12 Jan ‘19

Phase 2: CCA Trails from 14 – 26 Jan ‘19

Phase 3 : Online CCA option (school eportal)

from 26 – 31 Jan ‘19

Phase 4 : CCA allocation 4 – 8 Feb ‘19

S1 starts CCA from Term 1 Week 6, Mon 11 Feb ’19

( appeal cases can only be done in Term 1 Week 10

and subject to vacancies)

GOOGLE LEAPS 2.0 for more details in the internet

Important Note:

Irregular attendance

(less than 75%) affects

Conduct grade and Edusave

awards

Thank Youfor your partnership

Parenting Talk

What’s planned in 2019?For Parents

1. Transition to Sec 1 (All) 12 Jan 2019

2. Love Literate

(9am – 12pm)

(3.5 hours, 25 parent-child

pairs) Cost $10 per pair

2 Mar 2019

3. The Parent Coach Dialogues

(830am – 11am)

(4 x 2h sessions; 20 parents

each session) Cost $20 per pax

13 Apr 2019

27 Apr 2019

4 May 2019

11 May 2019

4. SCREENed

(830am – 11am)

(2h; 40 parent-child pairs)

Cost $10 per pair

3 Aug 2019

2 Mar - Love LiterateSPEAKING THE LOVE LANGUAGES TO YOUR

CHILDREN

Based on Dr Gary Chapman’s international bestseller,

The Five Love Languages, Love Literate aims to help

both the parent and child discover and express their

primary or preferred communication style for

receiving, and expressing love.

Programme Duration 3.5 hours

Parent Coach Dialogues WHAT KIND OF PARENT DO YOU ASPIRE TO BE? BE

A PARENT-COACH

The Parent-Coach Dialogues creates communities of parents

who are seeking more intentional and focused equipping in

becoming the Parent-Coach to their children. More than a

workshop that dispenses good parenting notes, the

stimulating and practical dialogue sessions will challenge and

inspire you to enjoy and thrive in your role as a parent.

Duration: 4 sessions of 2 hours each

SCREENedSCREENED – BUILDING A SCREEN SMART FAMILY

SCREENed is an interactive parent-child (aged 11 – 14 years) workshop

designed to clarify parents’ doubts on screen-time, and facilitate open and

honest conversations between parent and child.

Parents and children will get to:

• watch Screenagers, an award-winning docu-movie that will help parent

and child navigate the digital world

• have meaningful conversations with each other about screen time

• create a family screen time agreement together

• take home resources to use as visual reminders for the whole family

What’s planned in 2019?For Parents

1. Transition to Sec 1 (All) 12 Jan 2019

2. Love Literate

(8.30am – 12pm)

(3.5 hours, 25 parent-child

pairs) Cost $10 per pair

2 Mar 2019

3. The Parent Coach Dialogues

(830am – 11am)

(4 x 2h sessions; 20 parents

each session) Cost $20 per pax

13 Apr 2019

27 Apr 2019

4 May 2019

11 May 2019

4. SCREENed

(830am – 11am)

(2h; 40 parent-child pairs)

Cost $10 per pair

3 Aug 2019

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOL AND PARENTS

Partnering the School

1 Knowing your

child

2 Developing

your child3 Keeping in

touch with the

school

Knowing your child

1. Connect with your child through keeping up with what’s happening atschool via

- Termly letter

- School Website

- Updates on Facebook

2. Find out from your child’s teacher his/ her holistic progress at eachsemester’s Parent-Teacher Meeting.

Work with your child’s teachers to understand his/her strengths, interests and development in academic and non-academic areas.

Developing your childPartner the school in the holistic development of your child – a Passionate Learner, Courageous Leader, Caring Citizen.

1. Allow your child to attempt homework and school projects on his/ herown

2. Encourage your child to approach the teacher if he/ she needs helpand to clarify doubts

3. Encourage your child to pack his/ her own schoolbag and bringrequired items to school

4. Encourage your child to attend and actively participate in his/ herCCA, enrichment programmes

5. Share with your child’s teacher any changes at home that may giveus better insights into your child’s behaviour.

6. Recognise your child’s small successes beyond academic results

7. Praise your child for his/her efforts, without focusing only on theoutcome.

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE SCHOOLMaintain regular communication through official school channels.

1. GMS(S) official official modes of communication with parents are:

– School main tel line (General Office: Tel: 6746 6503)

– School email (Email: : gmss@moe.edu.sg)

– Staff official school email addresses (available on GMS(S) website)

2. As teachers may be in class, do leave a message at the school’s

General Office if you are unable to contact them during school hours.

3. Teachers are not obliged to provide their personal mobile numbers to

parents / students.

4. Contact teachers during school operating hours only, unless it is an

emergency.

Additional Resources

Nurture SG: 5 Habit HacksFor overall well-being (physical and mental)

Resilience BoosterTo develop their child’s resilience

Our Partners

Monday: Harvest Care CentreTuesday: The Love-Aid Project

Details (Refer to calendar in our school website for updates)

Dates: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, July & SepTime: 3pm to 4:30pmVenue: GMS(S)

After-School Engagement Programme

Student Management

Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

To care is to discipline…

Discipline means “Training”

Conduct Grade

• Found in Student Diary

• GEMS by choice (KNOW-DO-BE)

• What do teachers look out for?

– consistently show a positive learning attitude;

– make responsible decisions;

– demonstrate empathy; and

– rally others to support those in need.

School Rules, Guidelines to Attire & Grooming,

Use of Mobile Devices Policycan be found in the

Student Diary

Mr Kelvin Tay

Attendance• Students will be marked absent when they are

not at assembly venue when National Anthem starts.

• An automated SMS will be sent to parents.

• Medical certificates or parent/ guardian’s letters must be submitted to the form teacher the following school day

• If MC/letter is not submitted within 1 week from the day of absence, student is deemed to be “Absent without valid reason”

School Rules Reminders!

➢Use of hand-phone- use only in the canteen, CMS foyer, GO foyer- only before and after school. Not during recess- It is to be switched off before going back to class- It is to be kept in your bag or locker (not in your pocket)

Use of Mobile Phone Policy• Offenders’ Phone will be confiscated

Now

1st offence • Confiscation for 1 week• Phone to be collected by student

2nd offence • Confiscation for 1 week• Phone to be collected by parentThereafter,• phone can be brought to school but will have

to be handed in at the beginning of the day and can be collected only at the end of the day. (This will be done for 5 school weeks)

Student Well Being

Key Programmes/Processes

MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS); External fundings

Cyber Wellness; Student Management

CCA, Peer Support Relationships; Teacher-Student Conferencing

Character & Citizenship Education (CCE); Sexuality Education; Values in Action (VIA); Education & Career Guidance (ECG);Student Leadership

Diagram (above): Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

Who can your child turn to?❖Form Teachers

❖Year Head/Assistant Year Head

❖Level Discipline Teacher

❖School Counsellors: Ms Rosa & Mr Nigel Wong

❖AED (LBS): Ms Menaga

❖HOD CCE: Mr Chin

Mr Chin Khai Ying

Source: Colombia River Mental Health Services, http://crmhs.org/

Recent Survey by The Straits Times

Almost half of the 940 students (age 14 – 18 years old) associate negative labels to individuals with a mental illness1.

Q: How can we help?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jffnP7SHVhQ

“Because my family did not stigmatise me, I did not internalise any shame. In fact, I felt empowered to finish my education and start working.

Thanks to support and medication, today I lead a deeply fulfilling life.”

- Sumaiyah

How stressed are you?

Q: How can we help?

✓Resilience can be developed

✓A supportive environment is essential for developing resilience

▪ A supportive environment is when there are people around me whom I trust and who love me unconditionally

Sharing by Chairperson of PSG