2010 Q1

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 FOOTPRINT-

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Letter from the Team The school year may have only just begun, but life at OFS has got off to a bang! With school dances, sporting events, and even the much-anticipated UN concert (featured within this issue of Footprint), students have certainly been kept busy. This brings us back once more to the familiar hectic routine we fall into each year, much like other high schools. However, if we were to look closely at OFS, we perhaps might see just what makes it so unique: the people within it. Perhaps what makes OFS so special is its diversity, an attribute that seems present within all the activities we undertake as a school. But just what, exactly, is the root of this international perspective? Is it the different languages we speak, the different experiences we have had, the different places we have lived in or all of this? It seems easy to articulate the cultural ‘differences’ which form our school environment, but what if, upon examining ourselves as a student body more carefully, we ask ourselves, ‘Are we really all that different?’ We go to the same school and partake in the same traditions it has established. We all sit through the same classes, go to the same dances, watch or participate in the same concerts, play on the same sports teams, enjoy the same ECAs, and share a common high school experience. All of this is offered to all of us, regardless of our cultural backgrounds. Clearly what makes our school character so remarkable must be more than just the differences or similarities of the students or the effects these have in the way of helping to foster a feeling of internationalism around the school. What really sets OFS apart as a school is our ability to not only to present unique perspectives, but more importantly to use these perspectives to create new friendships and traditions, which enable us all to share a common, unified experience as a cohort. At OFS the whole really IS greater than the sum of the parts. So this y e a r , w h e t h e r y o u a r e

remembering the recent UN concert, learning a new l a n g u a g e o r p e r h a p s discovering more about a new culture, remember, it is not just our differences that matter, but what we make of them.

Ash Rao

FOOTPRINT

CHIEF-IN-EDITOR

Ash RAOCOPY EDITOR

Kirsten BUCKMASTER

LAYOUT

Kyungseo HAN

REPORTERS

Aline BOUGARDGabriel CORDIANO

Kavya GOPALMangala HARIKRISHAN

William IXER Gabriel JAEGER

Hana KIM Soo Min KOH

Priyanka KUMAR Frances Karla KUSUMA

Yoon Sang MOON Malavika NAIR

Sadie Dean RITTMANJack ROGERS

Meghna SESHADRIMeita Delanie SINGGIH

Mallika SRIRAMAvita VAIDYA

Alyssa VALBUENAArtem ZININ

Special Thanks

Tamana CHANRAI-HILLSRichard GLOVERJon HOMEOOD

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012

016

010

contentsOCTOBER 2010

School Life

Student Life

CAS&ECA

Lifestyle

015 Origami Club 016 Basketball017 Youth Olympic018 CAS

010 School Dance 013 Cheap Dates

004 UN Night006 Collage009 College Apps

019 Singapore River 020 Summer Vacation

page 3

015

2010’s UN Night: a concert worth watching

September 16th, was the day when students at OFS, from across the globe, showed us the results of their effort over the past two months. The day when it all came together - the Concerts, the food, and the different cultures and booths were displayed over the course of the entire day. So UN concert, yes the same old concert, with the same old stalls and the same old items right? Well actually, no, wrong. This year, not only did we see some countries showing a different side we also discovered more about the culture that they had hidden from us during the previous years’ performances. So what was new this year? Everything from the type of items, to the costumes of the choir – black to dreamy white! This year the Korean Boys added a twist to their always amazing drumming act by having their own ensemble of singers. While the Traditional India group added music to their performance with a fusion version of 'Vande Mataram'. The multicultural UN dance also had a wide array of different cultural aspects added to their routine, performed to a medley of songs from different countries. The Philippines showed their modern side, with a slightly newer form of dance on display, while France put together a mime act, a scene in Paris with a little bit of tecktonik. The Indonesian group brought on their coloured dolls, while the doll-faced Brazilian girls and the boys were full of energy in their Festa Junina act. If you missed it you made a bad error. Next time you decide not to attend one of these concerts, you might just want to think again.

Malavika NairScho

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Life

16.09.2010

UN-NIGHT

Putting the ‘Personal’ in Personal Projects

‘I can’t I’m pulling an all-nighter. Personal Project meeting tomorrow,’ is a common sentence in the life of an average 10th Grader. Personal Project has officially made us walking, talking

zombies. What happened to the MYP Personal Project being a fun new thing, that would be an ‘enriching experience’ to us all?

Somewhere along missed deadlines and frantically completed stages due at the next supervisor meeting, we lost sight of the fun

in doing a project that we got to choose. Instead, it simply became another ordeal we had accomplish just to get through the day.

So how do we cope with the magnitude of work we get daily without having to pump caffeine into our bodies to get through those sleepless nights?

Well it is really quite simple. The key is to put an end to procrastination and start planning ahead. I know it sounds meticulous, but writing all the things

you need to do will not kill you, contrary to what some may believe. Instead of piling everything up over the weekend, split your Personal Project into achievable amounts of work everyday. It might be a paragraph, but it is better than leaving everything until the last moment.

Do not neglect your Personal Project for other homework assignments. This is probably the primary cause for your PP work crisis up just before a

meeting. And most importantly, have fun with your topic and get something new out of it, instead of cursing it. It might just become easier!

Kavya Gopal

Life after High School

It’s that time of year again - the season of university applications. What exactly are OFS seniors’ views on college and the application process? This edition, Footprint decided to ask a handful of seniors how they felt about leaving school and taking their first steps into tertiary education. Viviana June, has her hopes set high. “The school I'm aiming for is Cambridge - they have an amazing Natural Sciences course... I'm also applying to quite a few schools in the United States.” In Viviana’s opinion, “The UK definitely seems like an easier application process - one UCAS application [and] a personal statement... [Many US] colleges fall under the Common Application, which has one essay, [possibly with] a supplement essay ... Also, I need my SAT [Scholastic Aptitude Test]...” However, Viviana is sure the ends justifies the mean. “It's definitely a ...nerve wrecking process to apply, but after staying at a university for a few days this summer, I'm definitely excited about going...” This seems to be a common opinion among seniors. Yet the stress of applying is

setting in, especially among those taking the demanding IB diploma. Iara Rios, voices similar concerns about applying in the US. “[SATs] are quite a hassle, when combined with all of our work... I am planning to apply to US ...Canada, [and] Spain... Canada is the least concerning, and Spain will only be troublesome later on as you literally have to apply on the day that the final IB results are given out!” Yet for other senior students, university is not on their minds. For example, Ori Regev is preparing for three years of Israeli national service. “I plan on going to the air force, where if all plans go wel,l I will become a pilot. As a pilot ... I must commit to one year of intense study, after which I gain a degree in a topic I choose to study.” Other seniors’ plans include gap years, entering the workforce directly or foundation programs. Believe it or not seniors, the work you do now is worth that offer you receive in May. We are not asking you to enjoy the process, but just remember one thing before taking the BMAT or at the start of an interview: it is all worth it in the end.

Kirsten Buckmaster

College Apps? Just relax

As most seniors are well aware by now, our college applications are due soon. We have tests almost every week, while our teachers try and get our predicted scores in. We have more projects than we can deal with, and sleep seems to be an unattainable dream. The key is to relax! Take a deep breath and calm yourself. Stressing out about everything that you have to do is not going to make your problems go away. It is also not going to make you work better, nor get better grades. When you get home each day chill for a bit. Trust me, you need it. Watch some TV, drink tea or coffee, or just grab a nap, and make sure that you deal with your college stuff when you are relaxed. As odd as it might seem, you work a lot better when you are calm. Also, remember to be focused and keep open only the tabs you need. Sorry, Facebook does not count. Most of all, remember you have time. Prioritize: do all your homework and then during your 'free time' work on those college essays. Never leave things until the last minute. And finally, ask your teachers for help. You are more likely do a better job than doing it all by yourself.

Avita

Undercover at UN

It is two o’clock on a Saturday and I am sent flying into a wall repeatedly. My arms are in a twisted, tangled mess and my legs flai l ing helplessly. By S e p t e m b e r 1 6 t h , t h e s e “throws” will be elegantly honed twirls, and spins (hopefully), accompanied by the smooth melody of R o u t e 6 6 c r o o n i n g through the auditorium, but for now we have a little to refine. Clearly the smooth finesse of each annual UN performance has been shaped by hours of meticulous practice, during lunch, after school, and even six hours on a weekend. However, the driving force behind this dedication is not just blood, sweat and tears, but also excitement.

Affirmed by Jaya Malhotra, the leader of one of the Indian dance groups, who states, “I am really looking forward to the concert, because we have worked really hard […] and we can’t wait to show

everyone how awesome India is.” National pride is always a good

motivator. The leader for the US group, Viviana June says, “I hope

our performance is awesome...and it will be awesome!” She also added how much she has e n j o y e d w o r k i n g o n a n d choreographing the dance. However, others have taken the opportunity to explore different

countries, like Rachel Anyi, a Malaysian working in the group of

her “adopted country”, the USA. So when you cast your mind

back to th is year ’s impeccable performances, remember there is (much)

more to it than meets the eye.Ash Ramani

“Each year the students

at OFS put on the UN concert. And without a doubt, each year it is spectacular. Read on to

discover the secret to their success.”

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Transition from Middle to High

While climbing up the stairs with a much heavier bag than last year, I think about my last year of school. In Middle School, things sure were d i f fe rent ! Many Grade 9 students would agree that the workload has doubled and then tripled. There is always a buzz of human traffic in the corridors, with students trying to get to thei r c lasses everywhere around the school. One of the best aspects is being able to choose some of our own subjects. As a result, some of our classes have become more enjoyable. We are now able to choose subjects such as D a n c e , E c o n o m i c s , a n d Computer Studies. Many of these subjects did not exist back in Middle School. And although the responsibilities that accompany this, such as b r i n g i n g o u r o w n c l a s s

equipment, have been added on, many people still think High School is not at all bad. Other big differences are more student facilities and being a b l e t o c h o o s e o u r o w n extracurricular activities, which will help us develop skills that can only be learnt outside classrooms. And best of all at High School, we are treated like adults and given more freedom. However, that means much more responsibility is on us. One thing us Juniors envy the most about the Seniors is that they do not have to wear uniforms. Contrary to what we once feared, the transition from Middle School to High School is not so bad.

Yoon Sang

New Teachers

A new school year for students and teachers alike, returning from their summer holidays, has come around. (Although it might seem now like a lifetime ago.) Coming back to

school you would have been many familiar faces and some not so familiar ones. Some of these new faces are students and teachers. Many new teachers have been recruited to join us this new school year. They have flown in from various countries and schools all over the world to teach us subjects ranging from the Arts to Sciences. Seeing as the new school year has already started, many of you might have already met some of the new teachers to OFS or seen them around school. You might have even played against them during lunchtime soccer games. I myself have three new teachers this year, and they have all have adjusted to life in Singapore and OFS well. Yo u m a y h a v e n e w teachers teaching you this entire year, so do not forget to get to know them better and make them feel at home, since it might be their first time living in Singapore.

Frances Kusuma

STUDENT LIFE

The Back to School Dance

You know you are back into the swing of things at school, when you find yourself surrounded with the seemingly never ending piles of homework and wishing that Monday is still just another day away. Trying to inject a little more fun, the Student Voice organized the 'Back to School' dance. The 'Back to School' dance allowed us a chance to have fun in school, with a lot of pizza and great music, which was provided by our very own DJ Tariq ‘Gaga’ Mustafa. For those of you who went, it was a night filled with dance-offs that showcased the many talents of our OFS dancers. The most entertaining being a young junior with extremely fancy (for a lack of a better word) foot work. The dance brought together both the old and the new students of OFS, becoming more of a bonding time rather than a mere dance. Pizza, music, new friends and old: why would anyone want to miss it? Even with almost no time to plan it, the Events Committee were somehow able to pull off planning a dance and decorating the auditorium in less than a week. It makes one wonder what they have planned for the next school Winter Dance in December.

Avita Vaidya

What you didn’t know about your Student Voice PresidentsWhat's your favorite movie been in the last year and why?Iara: UP! Not only is it a great movie, but it was also my childhood dream to have a house that floats on balloons- except I only wanted one really big balloon. I still have a little paper sculpture of this at home. Tamsin: Inception. You'll know why if you've seen it! It was both eye-candy and brain-candy at once.What do you (usually) have for breakfast?Iara: Cereal. It is the best food, anytime.

Tamsin: Cereal, in all its variations. Iara's right: cereal any time, any day.If a genie gave you three wishes, what would they be?Iara: 1. Grant me eternal happiness. 2. Let me live until I’m OLD. 3. Make me successful.Tamsin: 1. Let me always have health.2. Let me always have wealth.3. I can figure out the rest on my own ... Please

see points 1 and 2 again?Kirsten Buckmaster

Anxiously I searched through the hundreds of faces, which surrounded me, hoping to recognise a friend. After spending five years at a small primary school, I felt lost and alone in this huge building. As I was used to being one of the bigger and older pupils, I was now one of the youngest. I realised that adjusting to this strange and frightening school was not going to be easy. Within ten minutes of being in the school, I already had many worries. How would I find my way around? I was not used to changing rooms for every lesson; I was bound to get lost. Everyone else seemed to already have their own groups of friends. Would I ever fit in with all these new faces? The canteen also seemed so big. I did not know where to queue up to buy food or how to find my way there from the main building.Then, after just a few weeks, it felt as if I had never been to any other school and I was very comfortable at OFS. A big reason for this was the OFS buddy system. My buddy had shown me around school and most importantly, where all our classes would be. Far from being the frightening

creatures I had expected, my teachers turned out to be almost human. I suppose every time we leave comfortable, familiar surroundings, we worry we will not fit in. But usually, looking back a short while later, we laugh at all the worries we had.

William Ixer

How to Cross Borders in Friendships

Friendship is, in my opinion, the most wonderful thing that we have. Friends are the biggest investments in our lives. Who do we go to when we are dumped by our girlfriends or boyfriends? When we are having problems at school? Our friends. They are some of the only people in the world who see us for who we truly are. They do not judge, but stand by us. Before lasting friendships are forged, they have to survive ‘the early days.’ Varied backgrounds may be barriers between friendships. However friendships at OFS are classic examples that prove that friendships can be formed despite these initial challenges. Here are some tips to help you establish a long lasting lasting friendships.

Figure out a common area of interest. In any relationship, finding an common interest and

spending time doing that together is a sure fire way to jump start your friendship. It will make you and your friends feel like you have something special and unique to yourselves, but remember to always be culturally aware of your friends’ sentiments.

Create a unique ritual. As a closely knit group, you might want to have something that defines you and your friends. For example, you and your girlfriends could make it a point to have sleepovers once a month, to help bring you closer.

Talk out your differences. Understanding each others’ values is the most important step in overcoming differences. Tell your friends about your views and opinions on issues during lunch. As long as you stay open and honest, nothing will become a barrier between you and your friends.

Mangala Dharshini

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First impressions as an OFS student

1.

2.

3.

The Variety of Cultures at OFS

There are a variety of international schools in Singapore, but OFS is one that has students from the largest number of nationalities. There are approximately 3,550 students from 74 nationalities studying at OFS, making it one of the best schools in which to obtain an international experience. The diversity in nationalities at OFS mirrors the multi-racial fabric of Singapore. As Antaara Chhabra, a new student in Grade 10, who moved to Singapore from Shanghai stated, “I like how multicultural the school is, because it gives me a chance to make friends from different cultures. The people here are also really friendly and helpful.”

This is echoed by Joseph Beviss, another Grade 10 student, who moved here from the Netherlands. He said, “My old school had about 160 students from 47 nationalities. I like that there are so many people from so many different countries at OFS, because it allows me to experience and get used to different cultures.” He also added, “I think the UN Night sounds quite interesting, because it will be a showcase of the traditional songs and dances of different countries. I’ve also heard about the Global Picnic from friends and that sounds pretty exciting to me as well, because I’ll be able to sample food from so many different countries at one place.”

Mallika Sriram

To Perform, or Not to Perform

On the first day of school, we were hit with a question: what will you contribute to United Nations night this year? Remember this? You have a few minutes to weigh your options. You could lay low and do art decoration for your country's display board or bring in national food and spend the night sitting at your UN booth. If you are really courageous, you could take a deep breath and decide to perform on stage for UN night. Performing for the UN concert means spending time rehearsing during your weekend or lunch and overcoming any stage fright. However most students agree, performing is almost always worth it. “It made me closer to some people from my own country,” said

Mariana Braga, who performed for Brazil. Viviana June, from America, added, “Performing is fun; it helped me learn about American music dance." Even if you do not perform, you are bound to have a wonderful UN night anyway. Nada Taki, from Lebanon, who worked at the display board and food table, says, “It was interesting. I was surprised by the curiosity of people about my culture and it was pretty cool talking about the food I eat everyday with people who have never heard of it before.” Whethe r you pa r t i c i pa ted i n t he performances or by simply spent the night strolling around the basketball court, learning about different cultures and tasting delicious food from all over the world, UN night was a joy to all that makes us thankful to attend an international school.

Sadie

Cheap Dates

Living and dating in Singapore can be very taxing on a student's wallet. Taking a girl out to dinner can amount to about 50 dollars. Two tickets to Universal Studios is about 110 dollars. Even two movie tickets plus two popcorns and two drinks amounts to about 45 dollars. So why not try something new and give your wallet some time to recuperate. The opinion of most down to earth girls is it would probably be far more romantic and exciting to do something creative instead of the boring old dinner and a movie. (By creative, we mean cheap.) Cheap dates can, if executed properly, actually end up being the most special ones of all. Although it is better to personalize your date to suit you and your partner, here are a few ideas to get you going. Why not take an MRT to a random station, a place you've never been to before and just spend the day getting lost and discovering Singapore? To cheapen it even further, swipe some items from your kitchen and pack for a picnic. With this date, all that you spend on is the MRT ride, which should not even exceed 3 dollars. Instead of going on a dinner date, dress up, and have a nice meal at home. If you cannot cook to save your life, think cheap boxed foods with instructions on the back. Macaroni and cheese, is a good option, bringing humor to your romantic night in. While you are at it, you can cozy up on the couch and watch a DVD afterwards, instead of venturing out to the cinemas on Orchard Road. If you are both musical, stay home and jam to your favorite songs together. If you both play sports, like soccer for example, grab a ball and find a patch of grass to kick around in. If you keep saving money in your mind, you can probably come up with tons of great date ideas and your date will think it is so cute that they will not even notice that you are just trying to be frugal.

Sadie

Homework Issues at OFS

“Homework”. Is there a word any more depressing than that in the English language? It has only been several weeks since the 2010-2011 academic year at OFS started and already many of us are buried beneath a never ending avalanche of work. Like most students, I was surprised at how heavy the high school work load was, when compared to that of the Middle School. With all the tests and assignments students get, the hours spent each day doing school work just seem to multiply. So how can it be made more manageable? I have just spent almost all of Sunday doing a huge amount of work. Why? Because I have been delaying it all week. I suppose I am far from being a good example of how to plan a homework schedule, but I really do believe that to improve grades and to try to have a balanced life outside school, good time management is essential. I am sure that I am not alone in having this problem. Yet it really should not be an impossible problem to solve. In fact, of all the things we have to do for school, it must be one of the easiest. All it takes is a little self-discipline, some forward planning, and a clear understanding of why it is important. If we can learn to do these things they might just be some of the most important skills we take with us when we leave school.

William Ixer

Keep Those Germs Away!

So you walk into the restroom and see your friend walking out of a stall without washing their hands would you high-five them? Probably not. The l ack o f s imp le hygiene has led to social inconveniences and diseases. The main ones are stomach flu, influenza, streptococcus, the common cold, typhus, and the Epstein-Barr virus. It may not matter who Epstein Barr is, but to us this means a lot of time spent sick at home or in hospital. The biggest social threat to our health comes from a lack of proper hand washing. The dirtiest and most microbe-infested objects in any room are keyboards and doorknobs. But the list does not end there. There are also purses and wal le ts , remote cont ro ls , cellphones, water fountains, buttons, and yoga mats to name just a few. If you spend some time with one of those objects, a large percentage of germs are

passed on to you, and on to the next twenty objects you touch. But the point is not to turn into a germaphobe, know your limits. Here is a secret for you - some germs are good for you and live in your intestines. Now that you are aware of how dirty our world really is, the simplest way to combat it is to wash your hands every time you have the chance. It does not hurt anyone, but it does help keep o u r e n v i r o n m e n t c l e a n . Remember, you can also to use sanitisers rather than wasting bucket loads of water. Now that we are ready to go, give each other a high-five!

Artem Zinin

Universal Studios

Surprisingly the USS o v e r p o w e r s t h e o r i g i n a l Universal Studios in Los Angeles with 17 attractions, four more t han L .A . ! Some popu la r attractions both parks share are Water World, Shrek 4D, Jurassic Park, and the Revenge of the Mummy. Grade 10 student Li-

Yen Sneah agrees and says, “I’ve been to Universal Studios [in Singapore] twice and my favorite ride by far was The Revenge of the Mummy. I really loved it!” Even the prices for entry in both parks are similar and when converted into Singapore dollars, reach around $100 for a two-day pass. However, many believe that USS prices arenot good value for money yet. Li-Yen Sneah tells us, ‘”I don’t particularly think that the entrance fee is too expensive, however it’s still an expensive purchase especially since there are rides which have not yet opened. Both parks have their own strengths and weaknesses and it is hoped that the levels of excellence only increase at Universal Studios Singapore after a l l at t ract ions are opened, especially the much anticipated Battlestar Galactica.

Kavya Gopal

Keeping in Touch

Being an international student is pretty tough, especially when our friends and close relatives seem to be constantly leaving. However it does not have to be all that bad, if we keep in touch with the people we want to keep in our lives. There are many ways that we can keep our friends close, including emailing, letter writing, phone calls, and skyping. The list just keeps

expanding. We are very lucky to have such amazing modern technology which helps us stay connected to our loved ones. Such advances have come at a price, with the Internet pushing out most of the older ways of communication. For example, letter writing is still one of my favourite ways to communicate with friends and family overseas. It is so much more sentimental and although it takes more time and effort to write and send a letter, it just shows that person how much you care for them. Just by putting in that bit of extra effort. It does not even have to be that long. I’d much rather get something as little as a postcard over a long, detailed email any day. It is so much more fun to receive mail, than to receive an email!

So whether you send an email or a good old fashioned letter, just remember to take that extra

step to ensure we keep those special people in our lives.

Alyssa

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page 15

Need a fun ECA or CAS creativity club to join? Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into finished sculptures. You might know about the iconic origami cranes which are made this way.

This club is led by two of our very own senior students, Sruti Mukherjee and Amenah Jafarey, who have come up with various origami creations, ranging from basic origami to complicated, but unique ones. Origami making is a good way to let go and use art as a medium for relaxing, while learning new skills. In the first few weeks, they started by making an origami dragon. It was quite difficult, looking at the students folding the paper; however, they all enjoyed it and thought it was really fun.

Uttara Kumar said, “In Origami Club, I have met lots of people [and] I made many friends. The club is fun!” The Origami Club can also allow you to bond with new students and the teacher in charge, Ms. Stewart. CAS students could also gain leadership points in this club, by taking initiative and responsibility for the club activities. So come by the Origami Club: boost your creativity skills and have fun during Wednesday lunchtimes in K200!

Frances KusumaOriga

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page 16

21st Century Sports

Throughout the school year there are many different sport teams, ranging from basketball, volleyball, cricket, and swimming. However the b i g g e s t e v e n t w e h a v e witnessed so far is the Youth Olympic Games held right here in Singapore, during the two weeks of August (14th to 26th). Young athletes from all over the wor ld came to c o m p e t e i n t h e Yo u t h Olympics, with 26 sports and different categories. Quite a few people from our school attended these Olympics as volunteers, most of who were l a n g u a g e i n t e r p r e t e r s . M a n y o f t h e O F S interpreters were able to go to almost all venues around Singapore, but most preferred to be stationed around the centre, like ICC (International Convention Centre), SCA (*scape Youth Space), SSS (Singapore Sports School), and the Toa Payoh area. There was also the YOV (Youth Olympic Village), where all the

athletes stayed during non-competition days, and were able to enjoy most of the recreation facilities. Some interpreters had to be stationed there in the beginning because the visitors needed orientation information. T h e i n a u g u r a l Yo u t h Olympics was a grand event. Besides the pressure of the competition and all the official business, it was a really great time for everyone to make new friends and have fun.

Artem

Through the Hoops

The new school year has started and so have our sports teams. OFS has a variety of sports codes ranging from cricket to rugby with basketball being one of the most visible. The OFS basketball teams have started intense training since the ACSIS Basketball Leagues have started. Our teams consist of the U16 boys’ (A, B, and C teams), the U16 girls’ team, the U19 boys’ (A and B teams), and the U19 girls’ team.

Our basketball coaches include P.E coaches from both High School and Middle School. S i n c e s o m e o f o u r m o r e experienced basketball players have either graduated or moved from OFS, most teams need remodeling to pick the best p l a y e r s t o p l a y f o r o u r competitive teams. It has been tough deciding which players get to be a member of the basketball teams. All U16 and U19 teams have started on their intense training on offense and defense. They have also started working on their strategy to compete against international schools in t h e A t h l e t i c C o n f e r e n c e Singapore International School (ACSIS) Basketball League. These include: United World College (UWC), the German European School Singapore (GESS), International Community S c h o o l ( I C S ) , a n d t h e International School Singapore (ISS) to name a few.

Frances Kusuma

Life at the Youth Olympic Village

The first ever Youth Olympic Games, held here in Singapore from the 10th to the 28th of August, received lots of hype all throughout Asia. It was thrilling for us, as students living in Singapore, to have the opportunity to watch some of the Olympic Games. We had the opportunity to go to either the opening or closing ceremony or even simply pass by groups of international athletes on the street as they visited tourist attractions or shopped at Orchard Road. The biggest mystery to most however, was where all the Youth Olympians stayed for the duration of the games. All Youth Olympic athletes and team officials, numbering over 5,000 people, spent their time in Singapore staying at what was temporarily called, the Youth Olympic Village. It is known to most local people as the Nanyang Technological University campus. The Village consisted of two main zones: the residential zone and the village square. All athletes had complete access to both zones, as the residential zone was the location of their dormitories and training facilities. The Village

Square housed the main dining hall as well as a the cultural education program. There were a series of booths run by local school students, each representing a different country and running activities that were simultaneously culturally educative and supportive of the Olympic values. In typically efficient Singapore fashion, internal shuttle buses circulated the village, saving athletes the hassle of having to walk to and from the two zones. There were other things for athletes to do in the village, such as a disco and various shows that ran every night. Most athletes said that the best thing about the Youth Olympic Village was the opportunity to make friends from all around the world. A Bolivian runner said, “I made lots of friends and I hope to go back and see them.” However he was not talking only of the other athletes, but also about the teenage volunteers working at the village. “The volunteers were super cool and nice, I liked them all!” he added. Another Bolivian athlete agreed saying, “Everyone was really friendly, especially the volunteers.” All in all, it would be safe to say, the Youth Olympic Games will always be one of the memorable events of our lives.

Sadie Rittman

CAS&ECA

When we join clubs and activities at OFS, some of us sign on because of what they can do for us in the short term. Perhaps others think how they can help people both around school and around Singapore. However, we o f ten do not consider how these can help us beyond our school years. More specifically, we do no t a lways see the lifelong skills the activity actually offers. So the question is, what can we get out of these activities that will continue on after we leave OFS?

Sport activities e n a b l e u s t o experience what it is to be part of a team, and service activities make us feel more involved in our community. Activities such as MINDS and Bishan Home encourages students to help people in Singapore while challenging their preconceptions. The basketball teams teach members the meaning of perseverance and cooperation. Throughout all of these experiences, students are encouraged to take on more

leadership roles, enabling them to learn how to voice their opinions and translate their skills to a larger audience.

This is a trait echoed in clubs, which involve public speaking,

such as Mode l Un i t ed Nations (MUN). These,

much like the Tea and World Issues club,

enable us to discuss and form our own o p i n i o n s a b o u t current events.The Journal ism club and META4 help p e o p l e g a i n confidence in their writing skil ls, in a d d i t i o n t o

d e v e l o p i n g a n a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r

writing, for much longer than the semester.

So no matter which activity you have chosen to

do this semester or how you chose to do it, remember it’s more

than just hours you will walk away with.

Ash Ramani

“IB students are

expected to complete three components of

Creativity, Action, and Service-related activities (CAS), while MYP, and OFS diploma students have to do two different activities over the year. However along the way, do we really find out if there is more

to CAS than just fulfilling requirements?”

World Issues in a Cup

Tea and World Issues is an activity that runs during Thursday lunch times. When I first heard about it the name made me laugh, as I had an image of a group of OFS students drinking tea together whilst discussing world issues. The two ideas do not seem to go hand in hand.

Although drinking tea is a laid back activity, the topics that we talk about in the group are serious issues that are arising around the world. It is strange that although these two activities are very different they fit together very neatly. In the club we discuss many issues such as human rights, environmental issues, and poverty to name a few. However it is very casual chatter and all opinions are taken into account and discussed throughout the group. The club does not have many members, so each individual has the chance to talk. The club is great to join if you want to broaden your knowledge about overseas issues in a relaxed atmosphere. As a bonus, you will definitely earn yourself that global awareness credit for CAS.

Alyssa

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Creativity Action and… Satisfaction?

LIFESTYLE

Have it your way

The hustling and bustling of choosing CAS activities and ECAs ended not long ago and Ms Mares-Manton’s office seems a lot quieter. During the first few weeks of school, students sat around with their yellow ECA list in one hand and a highlighter in the other, marking clubs of interest. Regretfully, not all of us made the clubs we signed up for. If there is something you really like doing and the clubs you want to join are full in this semester, why not gather with your friends and be creative. At OFS, it is possible for you to make your own ECA activity. Mirim Jeon, an 11th Grader said, “My friends and I are planning to open several new clubs next semester. We [have] got

really creative about the clubs. It was also really fun brainstorming with my friends sitting in McDonald’s [thinking] about what kind of clubs we would make!” So if you are ready, what ensures success? An idea which captures student interest helps. You want to run a club that you are interested in, whilst not just being the only member there. The key is to make sure the activity does not solely focus on your interests. Then make the name interesting! You want people to be curious about your club and be interested in it at first sight. This is where discussions with friends come in handy. Do not be disappointed if you do not make a club. There will always be a club that suits your tastes!

Soo Min Koh

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lifestyleHow to Spend an Evening along the Singapore River

You can experience adventure, dining, culture and history just by walking along the Singapore River while soaking up the atmosphere in the evening.There are a variety of dining options, with every possible cuisine – Mexican, Indian, Mongolian, Chinese, Japanese, and Western. Many of these restaurants have tables overlooking the river which, combined with Singapore’s lights, is an amazing sight. For the brave at heart (and those not prone to motion-sickness), the Reverse Bungee at Clarke Quay is thrilling. For a cost of $45 per person, you will go at speeds of up to 200 kph and 60 meters in the air. It is truly for a ride for adventure-seekers. The Asian Civilisations Museum is the place to explore the rich history and cultures of Asia. It makes it an interesting stop along the walk, especially for tourists or those who are new to Singapore. If you are more interested in the history and culture of Singapore, hop onto a bumboat at one of the docks along the river and enjoy a leisurely cruise with views of the Esplanade, the Merlion in Merlion Park. Just sit back and listen to the tour guide explain the significance of many of the places you pass along the way. For a peaceful end to the evening, head to the Esplanade, where you can sit at the outdoor theatre if there happens to be a show scheduled, otherwise sit on the steps overlooking the water. A lovely sight, especially in the evening, as the sun sets. Bring either a book, some music or just people-watch while staring at the Singapore skyline.

Mallika Sriram

In Memory of The Summer Vacation:

Sleep is really important for your brain to function well. The

healthiest amount you can get is around 7 to 9 hours per day. If

you cannot sleep that much at night, nap frequently. Having a

short nap on the bus on your way to and from school is a good idea. This gives a break to your eyes and brain

and helps you stay awake when you need to be awake. E a t p l e n t y o f carbohydrates like wheat and rice. When feeling tired it is a good idea to eat sweets like chocolate for a quick boost of energy. It is also a good idea to have cups of coffee w h e n y o u f e e l l e s s e n e r g i z e d . I n f a c t , researchers have proved that coffee has health benefits of waking the brain up, preventing

certain types of cancer therefore preventing depression. However, too much of anything takes its toll. Excessive amounts of coffee may lead to high blood pressure and higher stress levels, so watch how much you drink. The final tip is the cliché

everyone knows but not many can do. Do not procrastinate! Try not to waste your time browsing online websites

o r s p e n d i n g t i m e o n Facebook when you know

you have an important essay due the next day. Yes, it is

really difficult to concentrate on work sometimes, but you

can be guaranteed that the hard work you put in now will pay off.

SooMin Koh

Marina Bay Sands

! Marina Bay Sands may become one of the most famous examples of architecture in the world. Based in the heart of Singapore, you will be able to recognise those colossal structures and the giant ship, also known as the Sky Park, from a long way off. However, what makes Marina Bay Sands so famous? Was i t because it was built in record time? It could be; because of its popular world-class casino, which is often visited by tourists a s w e l l a s m a n y Singaporeans. Hotel residents cannot complain about the v iew f rom the i r exclusive luxury rooms. Mar ina Bay Sands is situated in a prime spot in Singapore, overlooking the Singapore skyline and the river. Furthermore, they have the added privilege of being able to swim in the substantial swimming pool in the Sky Park, with breath-taking views. Not only hotel guests enjoy the facilities of Marina Bay Sands. The general public is allowed to get tickets to gain access to the Sky Park. It is as good as being on the Singapore Flyer, except that the Sky Park is higher and offers a wider 360-degree view of the city. Marina Bay Sands has a luxury shopping mall with top designer shops. There is even a small river where you can hop on a boat and sail through the water! So go ahead and visit Singapore’s famous attraction now. It is the perfect place to go when you want something to do during the weekend.

Priyanka

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