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When conversing with the examiners, look at them (maintain eye contact), smile.

Be natural. Speak with enthusiasm and energy.

Speak clearly and confidently. Do not worry about whether the examiners will judge your habits.

Use your experiences. You can make them up but if you are not familiar with what you are saying, they will know because you will not be able to elaborate with suitable vocabulary.

Do not repeat the same point over and over again for the next question. Bring in new material and information. Initiate new and related ideas.

Speak in complete sentences. Ensure good grammar.

Use descriptive vocabulary. Do not use ‘nice’ as it does not tell the listener anything.

Do not use ‘things’ and ‘stuff’ as these terms are very vague.

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Listen to Reading Passage 5. Then try reading on your own. Practise until you sound fluent and expressive. All the best!

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Try reading aloud Reading Passage 5

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Listen to the reading of Reading Passage 4 and try reading aloud with expression. All the best!

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Try reading Passage 4 with expressiveness. All the best!

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Listen to the reading of this passage and try reading it on your own. Practise a few times. All the best!

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Try reading aloud the passage.

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Listen to the reading of Reading Passage 1. Try reading it with expression. Remember to pronounce the endings of words. If you need to listen to the reading again to model how the passage is read, do one or two more practices. Remember, practice makes perfect! :)

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Try reading the passage out loud.

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Try reading the passage aloud.

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What are some environmentally friendly practices which you and your family adopt? Do you think you are doing enough to save the Earth?
Why is it important to put in effort to save the Earth?
What do you do in school to reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse?

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Read these notes for more ideas on:
- why we must save the Earth
- how we can save the Earth
- how our school teaches us to save the Earth

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Think about your time in school. Do you have supportive friends? Do you have supportive teachers? Are lessons fun and engaging in school? Give examples to support your opinions.

Do you enjoy school? Why/ why not?

Do you think that attending school regularly is important? Why/ why not?

What time do you usually reach school? Do you think it is important to be punctual to school? Why/ why not?

What is your CCA? Why did you choose to join this CCA? What have you learnt from attending this CCA?

Would you encourage your friend to attend a CCA? Why/ why not?

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https://youtu.be/SovaX3dRhOw

Would you like to take part in an art programme like this? Why/ why not?

Would you like to learn about new art forms like mural art, print-making, and augmented reality? Why/ why not?

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Singapore primary school art syllabus refreshed

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Do you think it is important to be on good terms with your neighbours? Why/ why not?

Should neighbours help one another? Why/ why not?

Are there any activities conducted in your neighbourhood which can bring people staying in the same neighbourhood closer together? Tell me about it.

Would you take part in such activities with your neighbours? Why/ why not? (e,g dinner party to celebrate a festival, walking around the neighbourhood with lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, fitness/ exercise session with people in your neighbourhood)

Do you play with children in your neighbourhood at the playground? Why/ why not?

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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/neighbours-bad-difficult-dispute-quarrel-how-to-deal-singapore-308111

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By and large, most of us are reasonable and will happily accede so as not to cause more grief to our neighbours.

Living in a city with a high population density with a mishmash of people from different races, cultures and belief systems, tensions in neighbour relations is perhaps just another given and takes some getting used to.

Because of shared spaces such as lift lobbies, rubbish disposal areas and common corridors, we are also bound to be in regular contact with one another and would not want such issues to get out of hand. And even if we don't see our neighbours in person, we can certainly hear them (or their children).

A 2010 report titled Living Well in Greater Density by the University of New South Wales' City Futures Research Centre finds that "unfriendliness, lack of community spirit and limited social interaction with neighbours affect people's residential satisfaction, general wellbeing and quality of life."

It also points out the fact that social relations can be both strained and strengthened in such densely populated areas, and that the design and construction quality of a building can have a significant influence on resident interactions.

Since high-rise living is here to stay in Singapore, how might we create that sense of community spirit - to foster feelings of belonging and having each other's back - instead of animosity?

I can only say being a beneficiary of acts of kindness has encouraged me to reciprocate and pay it forward.

When we first moved into the new neighbourhood, our Indian neighbours gifted us with some traditional snacks during Deepavali. So we reciprocated when Chinese New Year rolled around.

Whenever we bump into them at the lift landing, we exchange greetings and mask-covered smiles.

These may be small acts of kindness but we are essentially investing in each other's emotional bank accounts. And should conflicts arise in the future, we'd have hopefully stored up sufficient goodwill to ride it out well.

Being nice may sound simplistic, and in the messy world of human relationships certainly isn't a surefire way to guarantee peace and happiness.

But still, just like how my family felt welcomed into a neighbourhood via random acts of kindness, it's the little gestures that can go a long way in sowing seeds of goodwill within a community and hopefully prevent mistrust and miscommunication from taking root.
June Yong is a mother of three, an educational therapist and owner of Mama Wear Papa Shirt, a blog that discusses parenting and education in Singapore.

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Commentary: Paying it forward and how being a good neighbour can go a long way

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SINGAPORE: Having just recently shifted, I've become more aware of the importance of building strong neighbourly relations.Shortly after moving into our new home, my youngest son fractured his arm, and two weeks later, I suffered a bad ankle sprain.As he was off school for three w

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When in front of the examiners:

Greet the examiners. “Good morning/ afternoon, teachers. My name is _______________ and I am from Canossa Catholic Primary School. My index number is ____. May I have a seat, please?

When the examiners say, “Please take a seat,”, say “Thank you" and smile.

Be confident.

Sit tall.
Be enthusiastic.

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How to handle - Preference Questions: Would you like to join/ attend/ participate...

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How to handle - Preference Questions: Would you like to join/ attend/ participate...

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Question: Look at the picture. Would you be interested in this activity? Why/ why not?

Think about your personal preferences/ personality.

-          Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

-          Do you like doing things alone or with friends?

-          Do you like indoor or outdoor activities?

-          Have you always wanted to learn this skill/ try this activity?

-          Are you interested in this topic/ in this area? Why?

Does it offer you a good opportunity?

-          Would you like to give it a try if you have never tried this before? Why?

-          Is it a great opportunity to gain experience in something?

-          Is it a great opportunity to showcase your talent?

Look at the cost of the activity. Is it value for money?

-          Does it come with freebies?

-          Are there many sessions that you can attend?

-          Will you be able to afford it? Why/ why not? (Can you take money out from your savings bank? Can you parents afford to spare you the money?)

Think about what you can learn from this activity/ workshop/ course.

-          Can you improve your skills/ develop your talents? What can you learn from this activity/ workshop/ course?

-          Are these skills important to develop? Why? Will you need them in future? Are they useful skills to have?

-          How can you benefit from this activity/ workshop/ course?

If it is a competition, think about the prizes.

-          Are the prizes attractive to you? Why/ why not?

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Get to know your neighbours.

Listening and effective communication go a long way in building relationships.

Talk to your neighbours to get to know them better.

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Keeping The Kampung Spirit/ Neighbourliness Alive

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Keeping The Kampung Spirit/ Neighbourliness Alive

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https://youtu.be/0e7Cvg81YA8

Watch this video to see how the families in this neighbourhood come together, meet up and support one another.

Would you like to be part of this community of neighbours? Why/ why not?

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The Punggol neighbours who keep the kampung spirit alive

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Tips on Neighbourliness

A great neighbourhood is one that is caring, cohesive, safe, and beautiful. It is also where neighbours greet one another with warm smiles and take ownership of the neighbourhood they live in.

Creating such a neighbourhood begins with each of us. Start by getting to know your neighbours and practising a little thoughtfulness and patience. If we all play our part, we can build lasting friendships and strong communities in our estates.

Source: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/community/caring-for-your-neighbours/being-a-good-neighbour/tips-on-neighbourliness

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Good neighbourly habits will make your neighbourhood a pleasant and safe environment. Here are some things you can do to be a good neighbour!

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Do you enjoy living in Singapore? Why/ why not?
(Think about the food, festivals, lifestyles)

Do you think it is important to learn about your country's history? Why/ why not?

How can we show our love for our country?

Think about your NE Show in 2022. How did you feel as you watched the parade? Tell me about it.

Think about your school's National Day celebrations. How did your school celebrate? How did you feel about the celebrations? Tell me about it.

Do you think reciting the National Pledge important? Tell me about it.

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What hobbies do you have? Tell me about them.

Do you think it is important to have hobbies? Why/Why not?

Would you encourage your friends to take up the same hobbies as yours? Why/Why not?

What are some very interesting hobbies you know? Tell me about them.

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Community and Family (Personal Experiences)

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Community and Family (Personal Experiences)

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How often do you spend time with your whole family? What does the whole family do during such family time?

Who are the elderly in your family? What part do they play in your family?

If there is any misunderstanding among your family members, how do you resolve them?

Do you think events organised by the Community Centres like Family Day are important? Why/Why not?

Why do you think it is important to commemorate Racial Harmony Day? Why/Why not?

Do you think it is good to have friends from different races? Why/Why not?

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Do you think it is important to be honest? Why/ why not?

Do you think that good values are learnt at home or in school? Why/ why not?

Is it important to be a caring and compassionate person? Why/ why not?

Do you think that Values Education lessons are important in school? Why/Why not?

What would you do if you see your classmate doing something against the school rules? Tell me about it.

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1. How has the Internet helped you with you school work?
2. How has going on social media benefitted you or adversely affected you ? Tell me about it.
3. What can you do to promote cyber wellness?

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How do you travel/ commute to school?

What do you do as you travel from place to place? (Look out the window? Observe the behaviour of commuters? Play games on your mobile phones?)

Think about a good experience that you had while taking public transport (bus/ train/ taxi, etc)

Think about a bad experience that you had while taking public transport. How could the experience have been improved? (e.g an inconsiderate act that you witnessed, congested/ crowded trains/ buses, arrival delays due to traffic jams, breakdown of trains, etc)

Are you a considerate commuter? Why? Why not? (Do you place your bags on the floor instead of on the seat? Do you give your seat up to those who need it more?)
If you had a choice - whether to walk or take a bus or train to a place not very far from you (e.g a 10-15 minute walk), which would you choose to do? Why?

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Think about your relationship with your grandparents or people who are senior.
Have you heard stories of life in the past when you conversed with your grandparents/ an elderly person?
Do you think it is important to connect with elderly people in our lives? Why/ why not?

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Think about how you and your family keep healthy.
How much fruit and vegetables do you eat daily?
Do you exercise regularly?
Do you get enough sleep?
Do you have healthy ways to manage your stress levels?

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Building Trust and Teamwork to Achieve our Goals

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Building Trust and Teamwork to Achieve our Goals

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The second day of the camp was a fun-filled, meaningful day for us Primary 6s.

We developed teamwork and trust through the activities.

The day started with an energizer dance and teambuilding activities (Blindfold and Group Charade) that helped to build trust and help us recognize the importance of peer support.

We worked together to whip up a sumptuous meal for ourselves (roast chicken, vegetables and cream soup) under The Little Chef in Me Programme - P6 Kidz Fine Dining. Before we enjoyed the delicious food, we were taught the fine dining etiquette so that we could practise it while having our lunch.

Why is teamwork important?
Teamwork is important so that goals can be achieved with a collective effort. When each student brings his strengths and ideas to the table, we learn to tap on each other's strengths to achieve our goals and respect different opinions.

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Managing Time and Stress (Our P6 Camp Experience)

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Managing Time and Stress (Our P6 Camp Experience)

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Our Primary 6 Hearts@Work 2-day non-residential camp was held on 25 and 26 May 2023.

Centred on the theme Aspire . Believe . Commit, it aimed to motivate the P6 students in their PSLE journey, equip them with skills to study effectively, and help them manage fear and negative thoughts that might lead to stress, build courage and confidence and provide opportunities to build peer and parental support as we prepare for a major milestone in their lives – the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).

On the first day of the camp, we started the day with traditional games that we hardly play with our friends (e.g. Five Stones, Yo-Yo) in this day and age. With our experience in trying to learn and play the traditional games, we learnt that if we want to make improvement and succeed, we have to possess a Growth Mindset and take steps to make improvement by practising regularly, learning from others and seeking help from others.

At the end of that game segment, we received a Yo-yo each to remind ourselves that when we fell, we have the power and resources to lift ourselves up.

We also learnt about motivation and what could motivate us. Some of us were invited to share our personal journey about how we motivate ourselves to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.

After that, we were encouraged to ASPIRE through the creation of our personal vision boards which include our interests, choice school/s and career ambitions. We were reminded to keep their vision board within our sight at home, so that we can continually see ourselves achieving our goals.

To help us BELIEVE that we can achieve our goals, we were taught strategies to drive away negative thoughts and emotions (e.g. writing affirmation statements to themselves).
On my affirmation card to myself, I wrote: ".... (think about what you wrote". I wrote this because ... (what is the reason for writing this?)

We also learnt that we can COMMIT themselves to work towards our goals through effective lifeskills. The barbeque was the day’s highlight for us. For some of us, it was their very first barbecue experience.

I was thrilled to gather with my friends around the barbeque pits, barbecuing sausages, fish fingers and marshmallows, and chatting happily with my friends over food.

We ended the day in high spirits, cheering, singing camp songs and playing games as a cohort.

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Understanding the History of Singapore (Learning Journeys)

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Understanding the History of Singapore (Learning Journeys)

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It is important to understand the history of our country so we develop a love and understanding for our country and the people here.

P6 CCE Learning Journey to Asian Civilisations Museum

We were filled with anticipation on 16 May as we boarded the bus to go to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). This visit to the ACM was part of the CCE museum-based cohort learning journey which ties in with the content we learnt in Social Studies about ancient civilisations and the way of life in Southeast Asia.

At the museum, wewere brought on an exciting interactive journey to meet, hear and experience the stories of people in Southeast Asia in the past. At each station, they met a guide who acted as one of the people living in Southeast Asia in the past, such as a ship captain, a ceramics trader and a textile merchant.

We learnt from them about the captivating history and culture of the region. We even had the opportunity to touch artefacts such as bronze coins used for trading in the past and observe artefacts such as intricately painted porcelain bowls.

We left the museum with contented smiles as we reflected on our encounters with the different people and artefacts from Southeast Asia in the past and how our lives in Singapore are influenced by the diverse cultures in Southeast Asia.

We definitely developed a deeper appreciation for the region we live in through this enjoyable and interesting learning journey!

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What Makes You You? (Identity and Values)

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What Makes You You? (Identity and Values)

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https://youtu.be/om3INBWfoxY

What do you think are your core values?
Tell me about it?

What values do you value most/ feel are most important?
For example, you may value honesty so you always tell the truth even if it means that you will get a scolding if you do something wrong. You will still admit your mistakes honestly.

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Wellbeing For Children: Identity And Values

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Having an Attitude of Gratitude at Teachers’ Day

On 2 September 2021, our teachers were celebrated.

They play a significant role in moulding the hearts and minds of our students.

In the Teachers’ Day Paraliturgy, all were reminded that we should feel gratitude for the love, care and guidance that we have received from all our teachers.

We began the day with a paraliturgy, conducted via Zoom, with a poignant message on how we should be thankful for our educators every day.

Next, our knowledge of our teachers was put to the test through a fun quiz on the Quizizz platform. When called upon, the teachers spontaneously shared about some of their childhood ambitions, favourite food and even some quirks that we did not know they had.

Our student leaders led the next segment. They were each assigned to a class and tasked to facilitate 3 games, which they had come up with collaboratively in Term 3. The first game, titled ‘Student-Teacher Telepathy’, got both students and teachers trying to see whether they could read each other’s’ minds through a series of this-or-that questions. Cheers could be heard down the hallways as the students tried to encourage both their teachers and friends!

Next, our teachers and students played a game of ‘Snakes and Ladders’… with a twist! Each time the counter landed on a tile with a ladder, the teacher had to answer a question about themselves but if the counter landed on a tile with a snake, the teacher would have to do a dare. It was fun getting to know our teachers better through this game.

The games segment ended off with ‘Describe a Teacher’, where a description of some of the schools’ teachers were given and our teachers and students had to try to guess who the teachers were. Although some of the clues were not easy, both our teachers and students did their best and definitely learnt something new during this game.

Finally, the day ended with our student leaders presenting gifts that they had handmade for the teachers especially for this occasion. This Teachers’ Day celebration proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our student leaders to serve the school, as Leaders of Hope and Sowers of Change.

I will always remember the kindness of my teachers.

Think about a teacher whom you feel very grateful for.
There is a teacher in my life who made a difference in my life. She / he helped me by.... Due to her kindness and care, I (what change did you make?). I showed her/ him gratitude by .... (what did you do? Make a card to say thank you?)

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https://youtu.be/oj_ShSo7BfI

Watch this video.

Think about your experiences at CCPS where we practise inclusion in the classroom and embrace everyone, despite their differences.

Do you think it is important to embrace differences in people? Why/ why not?

Should the classroom be a place where there is inclusion and everyone has equal opportunities to learn and grow? Why/ why not?

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Our school equips us students with the information we need to make good and right choices in life.

In 2021, the school collaborated with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on the Anti-Drug Ambassador Programme to raise awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and the legal consequences.

There were a variety of activities across the different levels.

We went through the Anti-Drug Ambassador booklet specially curated by the CNB.

We also created poster designs and montage creations for the Anti-Drug Montage Competition.

We also had fun cutting out the green and white anti-drug ribbon strip and folding it, as well as participating in the ribbon pledge.

In addition to these engaging hands-on activities, we had the opportunity to meet the CNB officer online via a sharing session.

From this informative conversation, we had a better understanding of the consequences of drug taking and how it can affect their families.

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Every year, students at Canossa Catholic Primary School (CCPS) embark on a service innovation programme through Project LOVE, our Values-in-Action (VIA) projects.

It aims to provide all students with the platform to communicate effectively, develop empathy and seek to understand the needs of others.

Our students are able to develop a deeper sense of empathy for others and are empowered to actively make a difference in their lives.

For our P5 Project 'Key to Love', we designed and handcrafted Christmas-themed shrink plastic keychains along with personalised Christmas cards containing messages of love to bring festive cheer to the elderly from CareElderly.

How did you feel?
I felt happy and priveliged to be able to usher joy into the lives of the elderly from CareElderly. If I were one of these elderly folk, I would like to receive this colourful keychain which I can hang on my bag.

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Racial Harmony in Singapore - How is it inculcated?

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Racial Harmony in Singapore - How is it inculcated?

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https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/hands-up-for-racial-harmony-day!-how-you-can-commemorate-the-occasion-with-your-child

Why is racial harmony important?
Singapore suffered racial riots in the early days. People were injured or killed because of the violence. Hence, it is important to ensure that we educate our children on the importance of racial harmony.

Acts of kindness, however small, can foster harmonious and meaningful relationships. The school encourages our students to be kind and compassionate towards others. Our students become more sensitive to the feelings of others and show them respect.

Schools conduct Racial Harmony Day celebrations. My school does it too. in 2022, our teacher discussed with us about the importance of racial harmony and why we commemorate Racial Harmony Day. This year, we had a quiz in the hall. All these activities are good reminders that we are Canossian Leaders who uphold peace and harmony in our school, at home and in Singapore.

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Beyond donning ethnic costumes or trying traditional food and games from different cultures, how about talking to your child about this important day on the school calendar? Here are some conversation starters. By Lim Jun Kang
Racial Harmony Day is commemorated in school, but how can parents do their part?

By encouraging healthy conversations with our children about the different cultures and religions in Singapore. A little goes a long way into nurturing kindness and building empathy in Singapore's multicultural and multi-ethnic society.

Here are some conversation starters you can try:

"What new things have you learnt about your friends who might be different from you?"

"How can your friends know you better?

Encourage your child to be curious about people from different backgrounds and to be proactive in connecting with them. Each culture brings unique perspectives, customs and knowledge to our society, and we can help our children to get to know their peers better by understanding what is special about their backgrounds.

"How can you show kindness and be caring towards your friends and others in school?

"If a friend has been left out, what can you say or do to be kind to that person?"

In school or at the playground, encourage your child to take the lead to include everyone in their activities. For example, they can invite a new classmate, friend or neighbour to play together.

Acts of kindness, however small, can foster harmonious and meaningful relationships. Children can also become more sensitive to the differences and feelings of others.

We play an important role in helping our children respect and appreciate the diversity and harmony that we have in Singapore.

Beyond conversations with your child, there are also hands-on activities you can partake in together at home.

The Kindsville Times Junior (for Primary 1 and 2 students), Kindsville Times Adventure (for Primary 3 and 4 students) and A-OK! (for Primary 5 and 6) are publications given to all primary school student. They contain comic strips, sticker sheets and quizzes, fostering fun while promoting a deeper appreciation of racial harmony as well.

Ask them for their copy to work on the activities together, or find the e-copy here:
We are on Telegram! Subscribe to our channel: https://t.me/schoolbag_edu_sg

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Hands up for Racial Harmony Day! How you can commemorate the occasion with your child

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Beyond donning ethnic costumes or trying traditional food and games from different cultures, how about talking to your child about Racial Harmony? Here are some conversation starters

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What is the benefit of having a CCA in school?

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What is the benefit of having a CCA in school?

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https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/is-cca-a-waste-of-time

Benefits of CCA
Students acquire skills and values from the many experiences that CCA offers.

For example, students can learn teamwork and camaraderie when they work together for different activities.

When CCA groups take part in competitions, it teaches them discipline and resilience. They will work hard despite any challenges they may face so they can do the school proud and do themselves proud.

CCAs like Track and Field, Badminton, Taekwondo allow students to exercise. It allows them to relax their minds and reduce stress faced in school as they take part in the activities.

Think about your own CCA and what you have learnt from the CCA teachers/ instructors/ your CCA friends.

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"It's better to study than spend time on CCA." "My child is in a CCA he doesn't like and there's nothing we can do about it." If these sound familiar, read on. We demystify 5 myths about CCA.

"CCA is a waste of time; focus on lessons and homework!"

We often hear this - and possibly other - misperceptions of CCA. We debunk this way of thinking and explain why our children will still need CCA...

"CCA is a waste of time. You're better off channelling your time and energy into things that matter; i.e. tests and exams."

CCA plays a huge part in enriching the students' lives outside classroom. Skills and values, which cannot be directly taught from textbooks per se, can be complemented via lived experiences. Collective efforts to gather materials for a campfire and striving to do better from failures in a competition, for example, are practical ways to instil camaraderie and teamwork, build resilience and character, promote competition rigour and nurture an excellence mindset. Besides sports and uniform groups, interest-based programmes also give students added multi-disciplinary exposure and help build competencies. All these qualities will come in handy at work and in relationships where interaction is key for collaborative growth.

Further, research has shown that kids need some outdoor and leisure time outside of school in order to upkeep their mental and developmental wellness. There is a limit as to how much the brain can absorb for effective learning, so CCA can provide a good reprieve from the daily grind.

"Doing well in CCA competitions and presentations adds to the DSA advantage. It could also help my child in getting 2 additional cut-off points in his application to the various post-secondary educational institutes."

Direct School Admission (DSA) is a programme that recognises different types of talent, which may not be shown through the national exams. CCA is just one of the possible platforms to uncover and develop talent. "Doing well" in a CCA might help but is not necessarily the "be all, end all" approach when it comes to DSA per se.

On the second point: to "do well" in CCA constitutes many components. Under the LEAPS 2.0 Recognition Scheme for secondary school students, students will be recognised as a whole under 5 domains: Participation, Achievement, Leadership, Service and Enrichment in the Co-Curriculum as they progress through their schooling years. In this case, doing well in competitions and presentations comes under the Achievement domain. There are other factors to consider from the other domains as a whole, which may not necessarily have to come from CCA. LEAPS 2.0 applies to non-CCA commitments, such as student leadership and service learning, as well.

"CCA is compulsory."

While CCA is compulsory for secondary school students, it is non-mandatory for Primary School pupils (Primary 3 and above). However, there are merits to attending CCA in Primary School, where teachers can observe and guide the students within the continuous environment of the school, chart their character development holistically and allow them to learn, grow and stretch themselves non-academically. The qualities that these experiences nurture will stand the students in good stead as they head to secondary school and beyond.

"Can I enrol my child in a preferred programme outside of school - and register it for CCA points?"

The objective of CCA is to allow students to experience an all-rounded prospectus within the school context. A student's involvement in an external organisation cannot replace the need for students to participate in a school-based CCA.

However, a school can exercise discretion to endorse a child's external stint - and recognise the involvement - if, for instance, it meets the broader educational outcomes of CCA in the school. Case in point: a child's taekwondo training outside of school cannot be recognised under LEAPS 2.0's Participation domain because it is not a school-based CCA. However, a representation and/or achievement in this involvement (be it in the form of competition) that is not solely for social interaction or personal self-enrichment can be recognised under the Achievement domain - subject to the school's approval.

"I'll have to be content with a CCA I dislike once I'm 'assigned' to it."

It is not all doom and gloom if you "happen" to be allocated to a CCA of your last choice. Give it time and your best shot, and keep an open mind to see how things will pan out. Mastery of skillsets you had not expected or planned for, and the friendships forged can play a big part in shifting one's mindset. If you give up at first instance, you might not know what you have missed.

Try to work towards a set of goals. But if after a while, this does not work out, you can ask to change your CCA. Most schools do allow at least one change of CCA after a certain period. Students could also discuss their CCA memberships with relevant teachers to explore feasible alternatives on a case-by-case basis. In some schools, students could even propose to start a new activity, pending resourcing, assessment and approval by the school.

***

As school reopens, do take some time to check out various CCA orientation programme and open houses to be exposed to their culture and demands. Chat with the seniors in the CCA to have a better first-person view of the activity. CCA are meant to enrich your learning experience in schools, so do commit to it and enjoy your time picking up a new skill with like-minded friends in the new year.

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"It's better to study than spend time on CCA." "My child is in a CCA he doesn't like and there's nothing we can do about it." If these sound familiar, read on. We demystify 5 myths about CCA. "CCA is a waste of time; focus on lessons and homework!"

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Useful articles for kids about Technology

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Useful articles for kids about Technology

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What are the different modes of transport?

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What are the different modes of transport?

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Mode of transport for kids || types of transportation || Transportation video for kids

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Tips for Taking Public Transportation for the First Time

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Tips for Taking Public Transportation for the First Time

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1. Start a Trial Run with your parent/caregiver. This will make you feel less nervous about travelling alone.

2. Make a Plan. As with all travel, it’s important to have a plan and be prepared when taking public transport. Make sure you check the route using a phone application such as Google Maps so you can plan your schedule.

3. Then make a backup plan. If the situation turns sour, a backup plan is essential for safety and peace of mind. After all, nobody complains about being too prepared!

4. Travel with a friend or in a group. There’s safety in numbers. This will also make you feel less nervous.

5. Use your student concession card to enjoy more affordable rates. Ensure that there is sufficient money in your card before travelling.

6. Stay aware. Don’t zone out, and make sure you are aware of your surroundings and anyone around you. This means turning headphones down, keeping your eyes open, and keeping hold of your possessions at all times.

7. Carry your phone with you. Phones are an amazing tool. If a bus route suddenly changes or you sleep through your stop, a phone is the best way to get in contact with parents and figure out a new plan.

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https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/13/ways_to_live_healthy

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A healthy lifestyle is about having a healthy diet, active lifestyle and caring for your mental wellbeing.

Being healthy or leading a healthy lifestyle is more than just keeping yourself from falling sick. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines "health" as complete physical, mental and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of disease or illness.

Besides keeping yourself free from diseases, good health or healthy living encompasses many other areas, which include physical health, mental health and health management. Every area is important and cannot be neglected for you to achieve better health. You will see that with a few simple tips, you can learn to manage the different aspects of health, lead a more fulfilling and active lifestyle and keep diseases at bay.

Physical Activity and An Active Lifestyle

Taking care of your body is important for good health, but the problem is that people often neglect their own bodies. If you do not eat a proper diet or do not get enough sleep, you are depriving yourself of good physical health! Keeping yourself physically healthy with an active lifestyle and physical activity will allow you to feel better and more energetic every day.

Adults should participate in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and at least 2 days of muscle strengthening exercise per week for substantial health benefits. For those over 50 years, including multi-component physical activity at least 3 days of the week at a moderate or greater intensity is encouraged to emphasize strength and functional balance.

Nutrition from A Healthy Diet

Good nutrition is about eating right. The food you eat provides the important nutrients needed by your body. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet will result in:

a stronger immune system to fight diseases

reduced likelihood of falling ill

better physical health

Here are a few tips on how you can have a healthy diet and pick up good eating habits for a healthier body:

Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep your body healthy and strengthen your immune system. You should eat at least two servings of fruits and two servings of vegetables every day.

Eat a well-balanced meal by following My Healthy Plate, to obtain all the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy.

Choose food products with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS). These products are generally lower in fat, saturated fat, sodium or sugar, and higher in calcium or wholegrains as compared to similar products within the same category.

Active Lifestyle

Another thing you should do to be healthy is to get active! An active lifestyle with adequate physical activity and exercise can really help to improve your health, not only by reducing the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease but also:

helps you feel more confident and better about yourself

improves your energy level and concentration

relieves stress and anxiety

Some moderate-intensity activities you can do are brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. To know if you are working out at moderate intensity, you should be able to talk in short phrases but not sing.

Interested to find out more about the importance of exercise from HealthHub and register for any physical activity programme that may be ongoing near you, check out Health Hub.

Related: Healthy Home Cooking Meal Tips

Mental Wellness and Health

Besides a healthy body, you also need to have a healthy mind. Diseases not only affect the physical body but the mind as well. Mental health is therefore a very important component of your overall health and well-being.

The absence of mental illnesses or disorders such as depression or schizophrenia does not mean that a person is mentally healthy. The WHO defines good mental health as the state of wellbeing in which an individual can:

cope with the normal stresses of life

work productively and fruitfully

realises his or her own potential

contribute to his or her community

Having positive mental health will greatly improve the way you cope with stress and allow you to lead a more fulfilling and effective life. Some tips for good mental health:

Learn to relax. Find something that you enjoy doing that helps to soothe anxiety or stress. You can go for a massage, listen to music or engage in exercise.

Interact with your friends and family. They can give you emotional and psychological support in times of need. Speak to them if you have problems.

Be confident in yourself. Building up your self-esteem will give you the confidence to face problems and overcome challenges that life may throw at you. Always think positively.

Choose Healthy Living, Stay Smoke-free

Being in good health also means not smoking if you have not started or quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is the single most avoidable cause of death. Globally, it has been estimated that smoking kills one person every 10 seconds. It not only causes cancer but is also a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive lung disease.

Quitting smoking has numerous benefits - physical, emotional and financial. And one of the first steps in quitting smoking is to make the decision to quit. Find out more about quitting smoking at I Quit.

Related: Quit Smoking-The Supporter's Guide

So, Remember

Being healthy does not stop at keeping yourself free from disease and illness. Being healthy requires you to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. There are no limits to how much health you can achieve. The healthier you are, the better you will be able to enjoy life!

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play orApple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.

Read these next:

Related Articles

Related Stories

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Related Stories

A healthy lifestyle is about having a healthy diet, active lifestyle and caring for your mental wellbeing.

<div class="ExternalClassD8044C58EA1C42AAAB0606F5E001634C"><p>Being healthy or leading a healthy lifestyle is more than just keeping yourself from falling sick. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines &quot;health&quot; as complete physical, mental and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of disease or illness.</p><p>Besides keeping yourself free from diseases, good health or healthy living encompasses many other areas, which include physical health, mental health and health management. Every area is important and cannot be neglected for you to achieve better health. You will see that with a few simple tips, you can learn to manage the different aspects of health, lead a more fulfilling and active lifestyle and keep diseases at bay.</p><h2>Physical Activity and An Active Lifestyle</h2><p style="text-align&#58;center;">
<img src="/sites/assets/Assets/Categories/Body%20Care/healthy-physical-health.jpg" alt="Boost your physical health with an active lifestyle" style="margin&#58;5px;" />

</p><p>Taking care of your body is important for good health, but the problem is that people often neglect their own bodies. If you do not eat a proper diet or do not get enough sleep, you are depriving yourself of good physical health! Keeping yourself physically healthy with an active lifestyle and physical activity will allow you to feel better and more energetic every day.
</p><p><span style="font-size&#58;13px;">Adults should participate in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and at least 2 days of muscle strengthening exercise per week for substantial health benefits. For those over 50 years, including multi-component physical activity at least 3 days of the week at a moderate or greater intensity is encouraged to emphasize strength and functional balance.</span>
</p><p><span style="color&#58;#262626;font-family&#58;&quot;segoe ui semilight&quot;, &quot;segoe ui&quot;, segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size&#58;1.15em;">Nutrition from A Healthy Diet</span>
</p><p>Good nutrition is about eating right. The food you eat provides the important nutrients needed by your body. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet will result in&#58;</p><ul><li>a stronger immune system to fight diseases</li><li>reduced likelihood of falling ill</li><li>better physical health</li></ul><p>Here are a few tips on how you can have a healthy diet and pick up good eating habits for a healthier body&#58;</p><ul><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep your body healthy and strengthen your immune system. You should eat at least two servings of fruits and two servings of vegetables every day.</li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Eat a well-balanced meal by following <a href="https&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/programmes/55/my-healthy-plate">My Healthy Plate</a>, to obtain all the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. </li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Choose food products with the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS). These products are generally lower in fat, saturated fat, sodium or sugar, and higher in calcium or wholegrains as compared to similar products within the same category.</li></ul><h3>Active Lifestyle</h3><p>Another thing you should do to be healthy is to get active! An active lifestyle with adequate physical activity and exercise can really help to improve your health, not only by reducing the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease but also&#58;</p><ul><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">helps you feel more confident and better about yourself</li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">improves your energy level and concentration</li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">relieves stress and anxiety</li></ul><p>Some moderate-intensity activities you can do are brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. To know if you are working out at moderate intensity, you should be able to talk in short phrases but not sing.
</p><p>Interested to find out more about the importance of exercise from HealthHub and register for any physical activity programme that may be ongoing near you, check out Health Hub.
</p><p>
<strong>Related&#58; </strong>
<a href="http&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/165/healthy_cooking">
<strong>Healthy Home Cooking Meal Tips</strong></a>
</p>

<h2>Mental Wellness and Health</h2><p style="text-align&#58;center;">
<img src="/sites/assets/Assets/Categories/Body%20Care/healthy-mental-health.jpg" alt="Achieve mental wellness by actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle" style="margin&#58;5px;" />

</p><p>Besides a healthy body, you also need to have a healthy mind. Diseases not only affect the physical body but the mind as well. Mental health is therefore a very important component of your overall health and well-being.</p><p>The absence of mental illnesses or disorders such as depression or schizophrenia does not mean that a person is mentally healthy. The WHO defines good mental health as the state of wellbeing in which an individual can&#58;</p><ul><li>cope with the normal stresses of life</li><li>work productively and fruitfully</li><li>realises his or her own potential</li><li>contribute to his or her community</li></ul><p>Having positive mental health will greatly improve the way you cope with stress and allow you to lead a more fulfilling and effective life. Some tips for good mental health&#58;</p><p></p><ul><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Learn to relax. Find something that you enjoy doing that helps to soothe anxiety or stress. You can go for a massage, listen to music or engage in exercise.</li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Interact with your friends and family. They can give you emotional and psychological support in times of need. Speak to them if you have problems.</li><li style="margin-bottom&#58;10px;">Be confident in yourself. Building up your self-esteem will give you the confidence to face problems and overcome challenges that life may throw at you. Always think positively.</li></ul><h3>Choose Healthy Living, Stay Smoke-free</h3><p>Being in good health also means not smoking if you have not started or quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is the single most avoidable cause of death. Globally, it has been estimated that smoking kills one person every 10 seconds. It not only causes cancer but is also a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive lung disease.</p><p>Quitting smoking has numerous benefits - physical, emotional and financial. And one of the first steps in quitting smoking is to make the decision to quit. Find out more about quitting smoking at
<a href="/_layouts/15/Catalog.aspx?Url=http%3A%2F%2Fauthoring%2Ehealthhub%2Esg%2FArticle%2FLists%2FArticles%2Fhealthhub%2Esg%2Fiquit">I Quit</a>.
</p><p>
<strong>Related&#58; </strong>
<a href="http&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/706/quittingsmokingthesupportersguide_pdf">
<strong>Quit Smoking-The Supporter's Guide</strong></a>
</p><h2>So, Remember</h2><p style="text-align&#58;center;">
<img src="/sites/assets/Assets/Categories/Body%20Care/tips-to-stay-physically-and-mentally-healthy.jpg" alt="Stay healthy with a healthy diet and active lifestyle" style="margin&#58;5px;" />

</p><p>Being healthy does not stop at keeping yourself free from disease and illness. Being healthy requires you to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. There are no limits to how much health you can achieve. The healthier you are, the better you will be able to enjoy life!
</p><p>
<em>Download the HealthHub app on
<a href="https&#58;//play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sg.gov.hpb.healthhub&amp;hl=en_SG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Google Play</a> or
<a href="https&#58;//itunes.apple.com/sg/app/healthhub-sg/id1034200875?mt=8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Apple Store</a> to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.</em> </p><hr /><p>
<strong>Read these next&#58;</strong></p><ul><li>
<a href="https&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/21/get_active_lifestyle_guide">How Much Exercise Is Enough for a Healthier You</a></li><li>
<a href="http&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1290/healthy-eating-for-life">Healthy Eating for Life</a>
</li><li>
<a href="http&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/466/helpsomeonequitsmoking">Help Someone Quit Smoking</a></li><li>
<a href="https&#58;//www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1779/just-keep-moving-just-keep-moving">How to Stay Motivated and Lead a Healthy Lifestyle</a></li></ul></div>

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

AGE_Adult INTEREST_Body Care,

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

/sites/assets/Assets/Logos%20and%20Official/HPB%20CMYK%20Logo%20Padded.jpg

Healthy Living: Ways to Live Healthy and Stay Healthy

ICD-1-Infectious Parasitic, ICD-4-Endocrine Nutritional Metablolic, ICD-10-Respiratory, ICD-11-Digestive, PGM_Obesity Prevention, PGM_National Brisk Walking, PGM_Physical Activity (Lets Move), PGM_Physical Activity (Programmes Schedule), PGM_Sundays@ The Park, PGM_Lose to Win, PGM_Million Kg, PGM_Integrated Screening, PGM_Substance Abuse, AGE_Adult, INTEREST_Body Care

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Healthy Living: Ways to Live Healthy and Stay Healthy

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A healthy lifestyle is about having a healthy diet, active lifestyle and caring for your mental wellbeing.

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As people get older, they are more likely to fall sick and suffer disabilities.

The prevalence of chronic diseases increases as they age causing significant health, emotional, and financial burden on individuals & families. But healthy habits and preventive care can help older people to stay active and maintain a good quality of life. For those with diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels, managing these well will reduce the risks of developing serious health problems like kidney failure and stroke.

Tips for the elderly:
1. Prevention is better than cure.

Go for regular health screening at polyclinics and family doctor clinics.  Early detection of diseases will enable them to receive treatment and cured.

Eat better. Cut down on sugar and salt.

2.  Physical activity and an active lifestyle.

Participate in activities organised by various agencies and community clubs.  The community clubs organises activities such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, Farming.

Learn a new skill such as painting, photoshop, baking or even a foreign language. Some of these courses and workshops may be subsidied by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Funding Scheme.

Exercise regularly. Take up exercises that are less vigorous such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Brisk walking.

Be a volunteer and serve at non-profit charitable organisations which may give them a sense of belonging and self-worth.

Stay in touch with family and friends and get their support. Social interaction can enable elderly people to have better mental health – it can lighten their mood and make them feel happier. Lower their risk of dementia – social interaction is good for their brain health. Promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security. Allows them to confide in others and let others confide in them.

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International Day of Families is a United Nations observance day that is celebrated on May 15 each year. The day was established in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of families and the issues affecting them. It's a day to celebrate family unity and solidarity, and to reflect on the role of families in society.

Families are the foundation of society, and the well-being of families is essential for the well-being of communities and nations. By recognising International Day of Families, we can raise awareness of the importance of families and the issues affecting them. We can also promote policies and programmes that support families and address the challenges they face.

To find out more read the article at https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/international-day-families-how-and-why-it-celebrated

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The advantages of family are that you have people to love and who love you. No matter what. The advantages of family are having people catch you when you fall, guide you when you are lost, and restore hope in you.

Sometimes it is easy to take our family for granted but they are a gift. If you ever lose a family member, you will be reminded how precious they are so we should treasure our family every day. An extended family with grandparents and uncles and aunts and cousins just means more people to love and care about each other. It gives you an even stable foundation to build your life on.

One of the benefits of spending time with family and indulging in leisure activities together, is that it strengthens the family bond. They do not always need to be fancy activities that require a bigger sum of money. Even home-based, low-cost activities such as game night, movie night, gardening, or playing outdoors have a big impact in creating good family relationships. The benefits of family time are as follows:

1.    Encourages Communication: People often find no time to communicate with their family members due to a hectic schedule. But spending time with your loved ones is a chance to overcome this issue. You can talk freely and listen to what others have to say. It helps create a space for easy and open communication between the members of your family.

2.    Creates Positivity

If a family seldom gets time to spend together, the home environment can become negative. With every member dealing with their own pressures, there seems to be no outlet. Making time for family can help reduce such stress as you can discuss about it and find solutions to the problems faced.

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Benefits of Hobbies (adapted from: https://www.parentcircle.com/benefits-and-advantages-of-hobbies-for-children/article

1.  Help reduce stress: Engaging in hobbies provides relaxation both for the mind and body. Children are under constant pressure to excel, pressure, to attain goals and to meet expectations. In such a scenario, hobbies offer the perfect break for them.

2. Nurture creativity: Most hobbies tap into one's creative potential. Even a simple hobby like stamp collection requires creativity in displaying the collection. Drawing, painting, music, and arts and crafts serve as perfect outlets for one's creative interests.

3. Improve cognitive skills: Hobbies enable children to focus and concentrate better. They develop their reasoning, analytical and problem-solving skills.

4. Ensure physical well-being: Some hobbies (gardening, trekking, cycling) require children to spend their time outdoors, making them physically strong and well-built and they are exposed to enough sunlight and fresh air.

5. Build social skills: In activities where children need to interact with others, they build their social skills. Being a part of hobby groups and interacting with people who have similar hobbies improves social skills.

Hobbies for relaxation: Reading, Colouring, Yoga, Gardening, Walking

Hobbies for getting active: Rock Climbing, Dancing, Skateboarding, Rollerblading, Swimming

Hobbies that teach a skill: Chess, Coding, Cooking, Woodworking, Playing a musical instrument.

Hobbies that are creative: Writing music, Painting, Pottery, Scrapbooking, Photography

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What is carbon footprint?
It is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

Why is carbon emissions harmful to the environment?
Our carbon footprint has a negative impact on the environment in multiple ways: It is the main cause of human-induced climate change, it contributes to urban air pollution, it leads to toxic acid rain, it affects the pH of coastal and ocean over time, and it worsens the melting of glaciers and polar ice.

What can I do to limit my carbon footprint?
Food

Consume local and seasonal products

Limit meat consumption, especially beef

Buy fish from sustainable fishing sources; and other foods from farmers who practise sustainable farming

Bring reusable shopping bags and avoid products with excessive plastic packaging (better yet, bring your own reusable containers when buying take-outs)

Make sure to buy only what you need, to avoid food waste

Transport

Cycle or use public transport

Car pool

Energy and waste

Use the fan instead of air-conditioners to keep cool. When using air-conditioners, set the thermostat at 25o C.

Take short showers

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, soaping yourself and cleaning the dishes

Unplug electronic equipment and don’t leave the mobile phone on charge when the battery is already full

Select energy-efficient home appliances with an “A” or 5 Star energy rating.

Limit and recycle your waste

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Deforestation and its Impact of the Environment

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Deforestation and its Impact of the Environment

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Deforestation | Causes, Effects & Solutions | Video for Kids

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Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.

Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.

Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.

Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.

Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.

Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.

Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!

Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.

Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

Bike more. Drive less.

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- SLS Lessons on "Protecting the Earth"
- Earth Day and World Water Day Lessons during FTGP
Eg. Lesson for World Water Day

FTGP World Water Day 23 March 2023

Focus on respecting and appreciating “Mother Earth”, Our Home, for all the gifts that we receive from the Earth, especially water that people and ALL living things need, to survive.

As patron of the environment, St Francis teaches us that the environment is sacred and he calls us to be protectors of creation, of God’s plan inscribed in nature.

We discussed the importance of water conservation and pledge our commitment to reduce water wastage.

Key messages :

Singapore is a small country with limited resources (lacks water resources and land to build dams and reservoirs) and our water supply remains vulnerable to climate change.

As population and economy continue to grow, Singapore needs to ensure that our supply of clean water remains sustainable.

Everyone has an important role to play in conserving water.

Many countries have no access to clean water. We should be grateful to have access to clean water and not waste water as every drop counts.

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Good afternoon everyone!

Do you know that at least 7200 million kilograms of plastic enter the oceans each year? That’s similar to emptying a garbage truck of plastic into an ocean every minute. This plastic is polluting our seas and killing our marine life! We need to work together –every single one of us – to stop this from happening.

Innocent creatures are dying because of Man’s irresponsible dumping of plastic into seas. Fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris. This causes suffocation, starvation, and drowning.

I urge all of you to stop using plastic straws, plastic bottles and anything plastic so that we do not produce so much plastic waste. Single-use plastics are the biggest contributor to this problem so if you can, reuse these plastic containers and turn them into useful items such as pencil holders or storage containers.

We need to play our part today, before it is too late. Thank you.

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PM Lee Hsien Loong at the ‘Singapore Ageing: Issues and Challenges Ahead’ Book Launch

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PM Lee Hsien Loong at the ‘Singapore Ageing: Issues and Challenges Ahead’ Book Launch

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Our experience in reaching out to the Elderly as part of Project LOVE in P5

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Our experience in reaching out to the Elderly as part of Project LOVE in P5

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Pros And Cons on Healthcare Facilities For The Elderly

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Pros And Cons on Healthcare Facilities For The Elderly

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A time comes when the young grow and the need to give them adequate care becomes a concern on the hearts of their children or other relations. They begin to consider options of nursing home utilities or a maid and can somewhat be confused on what choice to settle for. Especially when you put into consideration their recreational and social activities, their transportation and their particular nutritional intake demand. It is this reason that gave rise to the elderly healthcare facilities.

These healthcare facilities for the elderly otherwise called seniors in Singapore is classified as either residential health care service or Community health care service which are provided by voluntary welfare organization, private establishment or government-owned facilities.

1. Community Healthcare Service

With this arrangement, health care services are either provided at home by trained or specialist nurses or at centers where the elderly patient goes to during the day and returns home after the appointment with the doctor or caregiver. The services provided include:

– Help with the daily living routine such as using the toilet, having their bath, brushing their teeth.
– Physiotherapy o Recreational activities
– Social activities
– Preparing food and feeding themo Transportation
– Doctor’s appointment
– Administering prescribed medications

Cons
– Older adults need the interaction and friendship of the age group which personalized care doesn’t afford them
– A sense of community is taken from them
– They could feel lonely and quickly get tired
– It is usually quite expensive.
o Your home might be redesigned or furnished to suit the need of the elderly patient.

Pros
– You elderly parent gets access to quality health caregivers
– This option is more convenient for your elderly parent
– He or she gets to remain in a familiar environment which can foster recovery or healthy mind

2. Residential Healthcare Service

Another alternative for another health care service is the residential health care service. The elderly are taken care of specially designed for the comfort and welfare of aged people. These facilities include:• Community hospital also called public facilities

Pros
– These hospitals are usually the most respected in Singapore
– They are empowered to handle complicated or life-threatening cases
– They are highly subsidized by the government
– Opportunity to bond with other elderly people

Cons
– No personalized care for your elderly.
– The subsidy is mainly for permanent residence holders.

• Nursing Homes Care

A nursing home is for people who don’t need a hospital admission and need to be cared for at home but cannot. Nursing homes have trained nurses and matrons to help take care of their elderly ones.

Pros
– Skilled nursing available to meet all the special needs of the elderly including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
– The elderly people are in a community of similar people who they can easily relate with.
– Provides full-time care.
– They have a more structured schedule which is easier for elderly people to work with.

Cons
– Can be quite expensive
– Lack of freedom for elderly people who are used to deciding their routine
– Some nursing home these days mistreat the elderly in their care.

• Inpatient Hospice care

This is a health care plan for the comfort and care for elderly people with advanced illness.

Pros
– It tends to provide more comfort, dignity for patients that doctors feel they have six months or less to live other things been equal in the case of the illness.
– It is suitable for those who are unable to care for their loved ones who are dying.
– Specialized physicians and skilled doctors are always available with hands on deck to give patients all the comfort needed.

Cons
– Can be capital intensive

• Respite Care

Respite care refers to your old one being cared for; usually for a short duration of time so that the main caregiver often a family member can take a break or go on a family vacation. Respite care can run for a few hours to a few weeks.

Pros
– Day to day caregiver which are usually family members can get a break
– A holiday trip can be a soothing relief to take the stress for caring for an elderly person
– Give the primary caregiver time to attend to other matters, care for the family and run some pending errands
– Getting a specialist care once in a while is good for the elderly in your care.
– Introducing your elderly parent to other alternative care once in a while may help their condition from deteriorating further.

Cons

– the elderly parents may not like the change in their routine
– Depression may easily set in for the aged if familiar hands are away.
– Respite care may not be readily available
– Cost of seeking respite care
– Adequate planning is required for moving your elderly patient to a respite care facility.
– Some elderly people can be difficult and reject moving into a respite care facility.

Elderly care can be quite costly as prices range from twenty-two to thirty dollars per hour for homes services and about one hundred and forty dollars for a session with the physician with eligible candidates enjoying up to eighty percent government subsidy.

As good as these elderly care facilities are, they are in short supply. Daycare spots are estimated to be about three thousand five hundred in the country which the government is working hard to increase, and these daycare centers are going into extinction which doesn’t speak well of the future because the number of old people is on a steady increase.

Another problem which the government of Singapore is trying to address is the shortage of elderly healthcare workers. The government of Singapore which can boast that Singapore has the best health care facility for their elderly in the world is working hard to find a solution to the problem. They are trying to explore technology as another way to help the elderly and reduce their reliance on nursing maids for care.

It seems robotics is the future for elderly health care. For example, the Cyberdyne which is a robotic exoskeleton is expected to provide support limbs for an elderly individual to enable hi assist himself and not depend solely on a maid.

In Singapore, the government is not relentless in its fight for the welfare of the elderly, and it has already budgeted over four hundred and fifty million dollars for its elderly care technological project.
Taken from https://www.elderlyhomecare.com.sg/articles/pros-and-cons-on-healthcare-facilities-for-the-

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Nearly half a million people in Singapore are 65 and older today and their numbers are set to double by 2030. While most hope to grow old at home, some will need to live elsewhere to get more help. Insight explores the various care options.

Home. Nursing home. Hospital and community hospital. Ageing in place. Mrs Theresa Hogan, 88, has experienced them all over the past 15 years.

The widow was living with her son when she suffered a stroke that took away her ability to walk or eat.

So, she was put in a nursing home. The pros: She liked the place as it was clean and its nurses took good care of her. She also enjoyed attending its exercise and flower arrangement classes.

The cons: She was lonely, even though she slept in a room with nine other people. Mrs Hogan recalls: "It was dull. The people there couldn't really communicate, and my family hardly visited. I would lie on my bed, just looking at the sky outside the window."

After five years, she went to live with a grandson who managed to obtain a two-room rental flat in Whampoa. She had housekeeping services from homecare company Comfort Keepers, and the non-profit Tsao Foundation helped link her up to services in the community and monitor her well-being.

Taken from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/growing-old-should-you-be-worried

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VIA/Community Projects – Working with the Elderly

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VIA/Community Projects – Working with the Elderly

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Would you be interested to take part? Why or Why not?

YES - Meaningful. Enriching. Enthusiastic. Good exposure.

We can also help the elderly to clean up their surroundings and make their environment cleaner/more aesthetically pleasing, opportunity for them to interact with people outside the home, performing for them to cheer them up, relieve their boredom.

No - Unable to speak their dialect/language/shy – volunteer to help in cleaning chores

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Elderly in Nursing Homes or Old Aged Homes

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Elderly in Nursing Homes or Old Aged Homes

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Challenges Faced by the Elderly at Elderly Homes

Change of Environment

Moving is stressful and some elderly may find it daunting to sort through their personal belongings, physically move them from one location to another, and say goodbye to their old home. Some elderly are not used to the new physical environment and the fact that they now need to share their home with many others.

Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

While living in elderly care facilities may actually help alleviate loneliness and isolation for the elderly in the long run, it’s natural to feel alone and uncomfortable upon initially moving to a new environment. They may miss their families, friends, pets, and neighbours whom they will not see so often anymore.

Lack of Freedom

Another common concern is being stuck in the enclosed space of the elderly care and not being able to go out at any time they wish to.

Issues with Other Residents

Personality clashes can exist in any environment that involves interacting with other humans, and elderly care facilities are no exception. Some elderly may not get along with their roommates and fellow residents.

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A child's health is very important. The Ministry of Education is working with schools to implement to Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP) to promote healthy eating in childen and youth. In our school canteen, our drinks stall sells drinks with the Healthier Symbol. There is another stall which sells mixed brown and white rice. Vegetables are also available and each meal comes with a fruit for a more balanced diet. When finger food like nuggets is sold, they are air fried instead of deep fried in oil.

Fruits and vegetables offer us vitamins and minerals which our body needs to stay healthy.

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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How To Structure Your Answer: [POINT, 5W, 1H + 1 Story]

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How To Structure Your Answer: [POINT, 5W, 1H + 1 Story]

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Remember to answer each question with a well-structured answer.

There are many ways to structure your answer:
RRR (Reply, Reason, Relate),
PEEL (Point, Explanation, Example, Link)
5W, 1H + 1S (What, Who, Where, When, Why, How and 1 Story from your experience)

-          State your point/ your opinion.

-          WHY: Give reasons (I say this because … / I think this is important because…/ I do this because there are many benefits such as...)

-          WHO: Who do you do this with? (I do this with my mother/ my brother/ my father, my cousin…)

-          HOW: How often do you do this? (We meet up every month for a swim/ I doodle on Procreate at least twice a week to relax/ I exercise once a week with my family)

-          WHEN: When do you do this? (I do it on Sunday/ I do this during the holidays when I have more free time/ I do it on rainy days when I am stuck at home, unable to go out…)

-          WHERE: Where do you do this? (I go to the park to cycle, I go to my cousin’s condominium to swim in the swimming pool/ I go to Our Tampines Hub for a jog/ I go to Kallang Ice Skating Rink to ice skate/ I go to East Coast Park to roller blade)

-          HOW: How do you feel? (I feel delighted when …/ I feel a sense of achievement when…/ I feel encouraged when …./ I feel motivated to…/ I was disappointed when I ….)

-          WHAT: What is a related current event? (I am now in Primary 6 so I do not have much time to …./ The pandemic that just passed taught us… Nowadays, we are encouraged to pursue our talents and interests./ There is now greater emphasis on keeping the earth clean and green as we only have one earth./ My school emphasises on character development… It has always been very important to develop ourselves as good citizens with love for our nation/ My teachers always tell us that …/ )
-          WHAT: What have you learned from this experience/ activity/ event?

-          Link back to the question: In conclusion, I feel that… (state your opinion again)/ Therefore, I feel that (state your opinion again)/ That is why I feel that (state your opinion again).

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How to handle - Effective Poster Questions

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How to handle - Effective Poster Questions

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Question: Do you think the poster is useful/ effective?

Look at the headings.

-          Are large letters used?

-          Is it eye-catching?

Look at the pictures that are used.

-          Do they support the information?

-          Are they showing an attractive place that will motivate others to go somewhere/ do something?

Is the poster in a prominent place?

-          Is it large enough?

-          Is it placed on a wall at a place with high footfall?

What would make the poster more effective?

-          The use of vibrant colours to attract the readers’ attention.
- Placing the poster in a more prominent place, with a high volume of passers-by/ higher footfall.

-          The use of catchy headlines which will grab the attention of people passing by.
-           Addressing the reader directly : using the pronoun ‘you’ to get them pulled in/ they will start thinking about themselves/ their situation.
- Featuring celebrities or famous people (endorsing the product/ event/ programme/ activity)
- Featuring testimonials of previous participants (to highlight the strengths of the programme/ activity/ event/ product)

Who is the poster targetting (target audience)?
Think about whether the poster would be able to reach out to different groups of people:

-          Children versus young people or adults

-          Young adults versus the elderly

-          Children – lower primary children versus upper primary children

-          Teenagers versus working adults

-          Working adults versus people who stay at home (housewives, stay-home mothers/ fathers)

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Real Life Application Questions:
Examples:
- Look at the picture. Are you like the girl in the picture? Why/ why not? (PSLE 2021)
Look at the picture. Do you think the child should be playing  a game at this hour? (PSLE 2022)

Think about your character/ personality/ personal preferences/ values.

-          Study the given picture.
-          What is the person in question doing/ behaving?
-          What is happening in this given situation?
-          Think about what you would do in a similar situation.

-          Think about your character/ personality.

-          Think about your values.
-          Would you make the same choices as the person in question? Why? Why not?
-          What are the possible consequences of the actions/ behaviour of the person in question? Are the  consequences desirable/ undesirable? Why/ why not?

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What To Do During The 5 Minutes Of Preparation?

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What To Do During The 5 Minutes Of Preparation?

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Preparation Time:

Read aloud during the preparation time.

If there are difficult words, break them up into their syllables and pronounce the word slowly, then pronounce it 7 times. E,g ex/u/ber/ant, ex/a/gger/ate

You should read the passage at least twice; aloud and with expression.

Look at the picture. Take in the details and make sense of them.

e.g If it is an activity/ competition/ course/ workshop, think about whether you want to take part and why and why not.

Think about the topic/ theme in the passage. Usually the conversation is related to the topic or theme of the passage.

For example if the passage is about a boy who used his mobile phone too much and failed his examination, expect one of the questions to be about how much time you spend on your phone/ screen time, etc.

Start thinking about your experiences that are related to the theme or topic.

If the passage is about a healthy lifestyle, start thinking about what you do to keep healthy (exercise, food).

If the passage is about spending time with family/ grandparents, think about specific family outings when you had fun and had the chance to bond with your family members.

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Listen to the reading aloud of Reading Passage 2. Model after the reading. Read the passage aloud. If you need to listen to the recording again, play it back and try reading again. All the best!

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Growing The Kampung Spirit On A Rooftop Garden

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Growing The Kampung Spirit On A Rooftop Garden

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https://youtu.be/zDxZVAo3PRk

Watch this video to see how this rooftop garden brings people living in the neighbourhood closer together.

Would you like to contribute to this community garden? Would you like to take part in these activities? Why/ why not?

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Growing The Kampung Spirit On A Special Rooftop Garden | CNA Insider

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https://youtu.be/dNn4nukR6gk

Watch this video to get a glimpse into how Westwood Primary's Values Education lessons are like.

Do you remember your Values Education lessons in school? You learn about the school values of charity, humility, forgiveness and faith. You can bring in what you learned during VE lessons in school.

You can talk about how you learn about charity and humility from St Magdalene of Canossa and how you learn about forgiveness from St Bakhita.

Do you think the Values Education in your school has helped develop you as a person? (Instilled good values and good character?)

How do you apply what you learn in VE to your daily like? (eg in school, at home?)

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Character & Citizenship Education - Values in Action @ Westwood Primary School

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https://youtu.be/UlntUpOJPYA

Watch this video to find out how discussions on cyberwellness are made more interesting and appealing to students.

Would you like to participate in such an interactive cyberwellness lesson? Why/ why not?

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Character and Citizenship Education: Secondary schools try out interactive cyber wellness lessons