DAY 3 - FIRST LESSON IN SHAOGUANG

We're celebrated Children's Day here today (known as 6-1 as they celebrate Children's Day on the 1st of June here) by showcasing our multi-racial society through a Ethnic Costume Fashion Show.











A group picture of all the performers in the Children's Day Extravaganza... the performances from the Chinese pupils were incredible!











After lunch (where potatoes and cherry tomatoes were extremely popular), we proceeded to Xin Hua Bookstore where pupils managed to find a lot of books at really really good prices!





























































We returned to school and, finally, it was time for the pupils to step into the classrooms for their first lesson in Shao Guang Century School (where they met their buddies again!) They were thrilled with the way the lessons were carried out. When we (the teachers) met them again, they were still gushing with excitement and could not stop sharing how much they enjoyed their lessons.
































After their lessons, the pupils proceeded to a short dumpling-wrapping session where they showcased their *ahem* artistic talents in the wrapping of dumplings. (some looked suspiciously like curry puffs instead of dumplings)

To wrap up the evening after dinner, we attended a night concert featuring jaw-dropping performances (seriously) by the school's younger pupils at the indoor sports hall.

That summarises yet another eventful day here at Shandong. A note from the pupils - they miss you all terribly.

DAY 2: DESTINATION - SHOUGUANG CENTURY SCHOOL, SHANDONG

Rise and shine. An early briefing before we set off to Shouguang, Shandong.

Pupils having a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

After a 2+ hour ride, we finally reached Shouguang Century School and the pupils were very excited with their new rooms. Some pictures of pupils settling in their rooms.

Pupils having their first of many delicious 10-course lunches.

After lunch, we visited the International Vegetable Fair. (The Dragon and Phoenix in the background is made from fruits!)

After the beautiful vege exhibition, we returned to the school. Pupils then met their buddies from the school!

Pupils had another sumptuous 10-course dinner soon after before going back to their rooms to bathe and write their reflection for the day.

We have taken a lot more pictures and will share with all of you once we have quicker connection. For now, do not worry about your children as they are having loads of fun! The principal even commended on their excellent behaviour!

Will post again soon!

DAY 1: ON THE WAY TO BEIJING/JINAN

Dear Parents,

We'd like to apologise for not being able to update earlier. We could not get our hands on any internet access. As the connection is a little slow here, we'll put up pictures to highlight the main activities that we did on Day 1. Will post more later.

At Changi, waiting to board the plane.











Arrived at Beijing at about 3.30 p.m., transiting to an domestic flight to Jinan.











A short dinner @ KFC in the airport before we boarded the plane to Jinan.











Arrived at Jinan @ about 8 p.m.










Had an early supper of soya bean and noodles.










Arrived at Huang Tai Hotel, before checking in and getting a good night's rest.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE!

1.   Remember to pack the following things into your luggage:

a) Souveniers (Singapore coins, stamps, key chains, hand made cards, etc.)

b) a set of traditional costume (preferably Indian or Malay)

c) envelops containing pocket money with the amount, names and dates. 

(Parents, please try to put the money in separate labelled envelopes to help facilitate the [daily] distribution of money).

We also encourage pupils to purchase some interesting books while we are at the school. 

Note: The teachers will be collecting the envelopes only after we have reached the hotel on the first day.

d) The 2 customised T-shirts and 2 sets of school uniform.

e) a set of home clothes, red top.

f) Blue booklet

 

2.    Please ensure ALL clothing have names (written or sewn on).

 

3.    After you have packed your medicine into your luggage, please fill in the medicine declaration form and bring it along to the airport. We'll be collecting it at the airport.

 

4.   Please wear your school uniform with tie to the airport( Terminal 3, Row 10 check-in counter) by 6.30 a.m. for our group check-in.  Please DO NOT be late.

 

NOTICE FOR PARENTS: 

Other than the daily updating of the blogs, we are allocating time to call back Singapore on the following dates: 28/5, 30/5 and 2/6. Please pre-purchase an International Calling Card if you want to call home during these time slots. If you'd like your child can to purchase these cards in China, please remember to give them sufficient funds.  Do ensure that your child knows how to use the card/remember the international dialing codes. 

IMPORTANT: SUGGESTED MEDICATION TO BRING

Dear Pupils,

To help you prepare better for the trip, please include the following medication for the trip:

1) Fever (Paracetamol)
2) Running nose
3) Sore throat (Lozenges)
4) Diarrhea
5) Motion Sickness
6) VITAMIN C (should start consuming now to build up resistance)

You should have at least the medicine stated above. Do bring any other that you feel might be necessary.

Please take good care of yourselves and keep healthy!

(Thanks Ms Yun for the medication list)

Hello everyone,

There's a song in your handbook titled 'If We Hold On Together". Really beautiful piece - here's for those who've not heard the song before. Enjoy!

If We Hold On Together

Don't lose your way
With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith hope and glory
Hold to the truth
In your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams
Will never die
Dreams see us through
To forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

Souls in the winds
must learn how to mend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears
All away
Words are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let us come
Home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams
Will never die
Dreams see us through
To forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

When we are out there
In the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark
We'll feel the light
Warm our hearts
Everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams
Will never die
Dreams see us through
To forever
As high
As souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and I 

Here's the lyrics to Singapore Town. Happy singing!

Singapore Town

 

Verse 1:

You could take a little trip around Singapore town
In the Singapore City Bus
To see Collyer Quay and Raffles Place
The Esplanade and all of us

 

Chorus:
Because in Singapore, Singapore
Their hearts are big and wide, you'll find
Because in Singapore, Singapore
You'll find happiness for everyone

 

Verse 2:

Let's go down to the riverside

It's an unforgettable sight
To see the sunrise on a faraway isle

Turning darkness into light

 

(Chorus)

 

Verse 3:

The buildings are climbing all the way to the sky
And there's a hundred other people who are striving
For people like you and I

 

(Chorus x 2)