Sunday 7 August 2011

Our First National Day Parade, July 2011

Reported by Ah Boi & Jodd Foxfire

Majulah! The 2011 Singapore National Day Parade, a musical performance in five separate acts, was an extraordinary multimedia musical indeed. Centered around the topic “Majulah! The Singapore Spirit”, the audience was enthralled and captivated by the finesse displayed by the hosts, actors and the performance itself. The hosts were none other than Gurmit Singh, Belinda Lee, Suhami Yusof and Jean Danker.

We, a tiny group of enthusiastic, jovial homeschoolers, took the MRT via the Circle Line from the Serangoon station to the Esplanade station, which was 10 stops away. Our group consisted of children aged 11 and 12 years old and a minority of their parents accompanying us. At the stadium, the total turnout was a good 17 children and 7 adults.

When we arrived at the Marina Bay floating platform, the show was about to start. We were led by a soldier on duty to our seating area. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by volunteers handing out Fun Packs. Every bag contained a Singapore flag, a light stick, a hand fan, collar pin, sun visor, lots of food and water, and much more.

After a warm greeting from the show hosts, we welcomed the ministers with open arms but the whole stadium erupted in laughter when the loudspeaker blurted out: ”This is a simulation” multiple times when all the representatives of the ministers and honored personnel were entering. This was so, as we were attending a rehearsal two weeks before the actual National Day Parade.

With dusk in the evening sky, the Red Lions floated down in their parachutes onto the road in front of the platform. Landing on the narrow strip of road was a tough maneuver for them as they normally land in an open field, but they managed it perfectly, including the cameraman who touchdown last. Just then, Act 1 started.

The first act started with a man, talking to his son. The man was recalling the time when he was young and a soldier at the first national day parade. The man recollects the time when he was a commander in battle. The act focused on the man commanding people during a crisis. Even though there was no real crisis, the dynamic defense display exhibited Singapore’s armed forces and what they would do in times of danger. The dynamic defense display was performed by the combined forces of the army, navy and air force. They operated as though there was an apparent danger and made the performance breathtaking. As for us, we were well entertained by all the various explosions taking place.

After the display of our country’s forces, the parade came out in orderly fashion, with the guards of honor coming out one by one, followed by the regimental colors. Next the Minister of Education, Mr. Heng Swee Keat made his appearance, and inspected the Guard of Honor. After the minister took his seat, the flag raising ceremony started. We all stood as the national anthem was played. The soldiers left the stage as the sky began to darken and the other acts started.

Act 2 continues with the man telling his son the story of Singapore’s beginnings. The man's mother had become pregnant and not long after had given birth. This act reflected the pioneering spirit of the early generation of Singaporeans.

Act 3 was set in the 1970’s where mother and the man grew up with other neighbors. The man was at a beach and got lost. His mother became worried and with the neighbors, looked for him. Eventually they found him, and mother and son were reunited. This act portrayed Singapore’s community spirit and its racial harmony.

Act 4 was pretty fascinating as the man grew up in the 1970’s to the year 2000, from childhood to adulthood, paralleling Singaporean’s “can-do” spirit and progress from a kampong to a bustling city. In this act, a truck was decorated to look like an MRT with people dancing in the carriage.

Act 5 came next. The man's son and his friends lost a relay match and the boy was feeling dejected. The man talked to his son and shared with him the meaning of the Singaporean spirit. With determination and teamwork, the boy and his friends finally succeeded. This act showcased Singaporean’s aspirations to a better future.

Very soon, all the acts were over, and fireworks were launched as songs were being played. Brilliant hues of brown, red and orange illuminated the night sky as all the audience sat back in astonishment. The atmosphere was electric and people were standing, singing and shouting and some, even screaming. After a few more songs and lots more electrifying fireworks, the parade came to an end. We, an ecstatic but exhausted group of homeschoolers languidly got up, with fatigue overwhelming us as we embarked on our journey home.

We are proud to be citizens of a small but mighty and well-respected country, Singapore. Happy 46th Birthday, Singapore! May you prosper and progress rapidly!

"Write-a-Fairytale" Contest

A wicked princess, a talking turtle or a brave pirate. Imagine your best tale - a story with a magical, funny or mystical element, and send it in to THG. The best 2 entries will be rewarded with a pair of tickets each, to the all-time favourite "Sleeping Beauty" by DuffleBag Theatre Company and ACT 3 International.  


Please note:
  • Contest is open to children born in 1999 to 2001, who are currently homeschooling 
  • Writers have the option of working alone or with a maximum of one partner. 
  • All entries should reflect original work by the student writers, and should not exceed 2000 words.
  • All entries should be submitted in a MSWord document, by email to sghomeschoolgazette@gmail.com with the following details: Name(s) & Date(s) of Birth.
  • Closing date : 25 September 2011


Have fun writing, and do keep the afternoon of 15 October available.





"Sleeping Beauty" 
a play by DuffleBag Theatre Company, Canada 

"Awaken your Children's imagination with this side-splitting parody of a very famous classic fairy tale and be enchanted by Dufflebag's brand of wit, comic action and improvisation."

NDP Rehearsal 2011

Special thanks to parents,
Jasmine Goh for organizing and leading the homeschool group to this event, and
Tan Mei Sie for the awesome videos and photos!




















Friday 5 August 2011

A Day at Summer Camp - A (fictional) Photo Story

(Photos by John Chua)


Once upon a time, Mr. Tim said,

"Listen guys, debate is a serious sport. 
It is war!"

Really, ah?

I'd better take down notes.

Me too, if I'm gonna be Malaysia's champion debater.


"No need lah, you can just watch Youtube."


After the morning break, the action starts... 


"Who wants to go first?"
I volunteer... him!

Preparing for the war ahead ...
Intense in battle ... Girl Power


Intense in study...



...  or not.


(Well, it did not hurt, this debater still brought home the gold medal.)

Finally, the debate starts...

"I have a dream...

that from the hills of Bukit Timah...

...   to the longkang outside my house, democracy shall reign."


Huh  ???


Meanwhile, at the Parent Corner ...
I can definitely beat them.


Next, comes Cross-X...

The Webster of Debate defines 
"Cross-examination is the way to take down your opponent by words alone."
"I don't know what to say lah! " 

 Lunchtime finally arrived for the battle-weary...
ahh...  my chicken rice. 

NOOo! It's my chicken rice!


I'm warning you. Do not take my chicken rice!



Eh, boys, don't fight. It's only chicken rice.



But it's mine!

After lunch, in an exhibition match, "FaceBook is a Nett Detriment", 
the instructors face-off...


Luke demonstrated his "must-have" debate power gestures

while Josiah retaliated... 
... by doing the Macarena?


At last,  some R & R time ...
We can dribble as well as we can debate!

Or can we? 

"Better stick to Debate."
So much for brotherly love.

Stop the game! My bus is here! Balik Kampung!


-The End-


A Special Thanks to ...
John Chua for the fantastic photos, and to 
all our "stars" for graciously allowing us to laugh at them, with them.




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The Homeschool Gazette (THG) is a platform dedicated to nurturing homeschoolers as writers, and all-rounded savvy communicators as the...