How do you spell...

Take note of the spelling of these words...
1. Conscious (many would leave out letter C after letter S)
2. Passers-by (not passer-bys)
3. Stretcher (do not leave out letter T. Spell 'stretch' and add suffix 'er')
4. In front (two words, not one)
5. Forward (not foward)
6. Immediately (don't forget letter E before the suffix 'ly')
7. Replied (not repiled, the root form is reply. Hence 'replies, replied)
8. Jogged past (not jogged passed. Past is a preposition. Passed is the past tense for pass.)

Writing to Show Appreciation

Thank you to a meticulous doctor ...

Letter from Angela Wong

04:45 AM May 11, 2012

I THANK Dr Ng Hsueh Mei from Outram Polyclinic for her meticulous approach towards my father's condition.

My father fell off his bicycle about a month ago and later complained about frequent headaches, even after visiting the accident and emergency (A&E) department twice. He acted oddly for a few days, such as forgetting what he was doing.

We thought he was getting dementia and brought him to the polyclinic. Dr Ng suspected that he had a blood clot in his head and referred him to A&E for a CT scan. Indeed, it confirmed that his fall had caused blood clots.

A&E departments should pay more attention to the elderly who have a fall, and CT scans for them should be made compulsory, as severe vibrations or compaction may cause internal bleeding despite no visible injury.

My father went to A&E and was not given any scan. If it was not for Dr Ng, his condition would probably be more crucial and complicated.


I THANK Mr David Ang, a senior property officer at Tampines Town Council, for acting on my recent feedback about residents who do not dispose their trash properly at the common corridor rubbish chutes.

After listening to me, he placed posters on each level at my block in Tampines Street 45 to educate residents to "Dispose your refuse properly". Keep it up, Mr Ang.

... and a young gentleman

Letter from Jessica Ng Zi Kai

MY grandmother, who is above 80, recently fell on her way to the market at Block 49 Sims Drive. My family offers our heartfelt thanks to the young gentleman who tended to her and called for an ambulance.

Presenting Sabrina's Composition (unedited) :)

  Can you help to give a suitable title?

     Birds were chirping merrily.Butterflies fluttered freely around me.Mr Sun was shining as brightly as lamp.One cool Saturday morning,I was taking a stroll along the pavement near my house.I saw a silver van speeding from far way.


     'Boom',I heard a loud crash.I looked at the place where I heard the crash coming from.The speeding silver van  I saw moments ago had accidentally hit an innocent cyclist.I dashed to the scene.The driver of the van emerged out of the van.The cyclist had bruised his arms on the rough road.


    Then,I saw the man's face.It looked familiar.It was Sally's father,Uncle Joe!Uncle Joe took the cyclist's wallet out of his pocket.He had a nasty smile on his angry face.


    'Uncle Joe'!!!I screamed."Don't steal!You are committing a crime."He looked left and right.When he saw me,he was shocked.


   'Aznil?'He asked.'What are you doing here?'He asked ,terrified.Suddenly,the cyclist moved his hand.'Help"he whimpered.Uncle Joe just stood there like a statue.I went towards the cyclist,helping him up on his feet.


   He sat on the benches near the bus stop.Uncle Joe explained what had happened.He felt bad.He told us that he got fired a week ago and his family did not know about it.We went to the clinic,Uncle Joe wheeling the bicycle.The doctor treated to the cyclist's wounds.


   The cyclist  introduced himself.His name is Mr Lee.Uncle Joe and Mr Lee exchanged name cards.Mr Lee was the CEO of  bank.Uncle Joe asked if he could loan some money from his company and Mr Lee agreed to lend him $1000.Uncle Joe promised to inform his family.They became friends.How lucky Uncle Joe was!

Picture Composition

A suggested response for Picture Composition

For years, I have not touched a bicycle. Neither do I foresee myself ever zipping around on one in the future. The sheer thought of cycling sends shudders down my spine and the vivid gory scene will replay itself in my mind, bringing back memories of an accident encountered by a dear friend, Peter.

That fateful morning, I was at the bus stop, that bus stop. I was early as usual. Peter would not be in sight till another ten minutes. While waiting, I fantasized how I would look like riding on that coolest bicycle which would soon be my priciest possession. A potential proud owner of a BMX, I grinned to myself.

"Ring, ring, ring," I heard Peter's signature announcement of his arrival. From a distance, I looked in silent envy his superb handling of his bicycle. I vowed to be like him one day! I stood up from the bench, giving him a wave in the air when I noticed a goods van gaining on Peter. Apparently, whoever driving in the van had exceeded the speed limit and was a road hazard.

Peter, on noticing the van coming fast and furious behind him, was taken aback. He steered out from the lane, a quick but terribly wrong move, attempting to give way. He leg power was however not a match to the wheels of the revving van. I watched from the opposite side of the road with clenched fists, praying that the worst would not happen.

Panicked, Peter soon lost control of his bicycle. His bicycle wobbled from side to side only inches ahead of the van. "Peter, watch out!" I screamed across the road, my heart beating faster than ever.

He steadied on his pedalling, attempting to take control. Needless to say, his attempts were futile. By then, the reckless van driver had already hit him from the side.

The bicycle fell over to the side, throwing Peter lying face down on the road. The van screeched noisily to a stop.

An accident. So many times I read in the papers about road accidents. Never had I ever expected myself to witness one unfolding before my eyes. I gasped, my heart almost stopped beating for a few seconds. Paralysed by fear, I was at my wits' end.

The door of the van opened. Out came the errant driver. For a minute, I was thankful that I was not alone at the scene. Walking towards Peter's motionless body, he committed the most inhumane act in the world. Instead of rendering help, the callous driver slipped his hand into the side pocket of Peter's pants to remove his wallet. He returned to his van and drove off, leaving a trail of dust behind and was never to be seen again,

"Oh my God! How could he?" I muttered, infuriated and disgusted.

I ran across the road. Peter's face was drained of colours. Other than his grazed elbows, there were no other visible external injuries.

"Peter, Peter, are you all right?" I shook his shoulder.

Much to my relief, he lifted his head feebly. Forcing a smile on his writhing face, he struggled to say, "Help me up, pal."

I gingerly pulled him up. After settling him down on the pavement, I quickly propped up his bicycle and wheeled it to the side of the road. The bicycle had survived the impact of the knock without a single scratch. What a miracle! Peter was lucky enough to have escaped almost unscathed. The colours on his face were back. He stood up and returned to his usual gait after a few steps of hobbling.

"That van driver must be very disappointed when he can't even find a single cent in my wallet. Let's leave this place," Peter said with a chuckle.

I really marvelled at Peter. I was more shaken by the accident than he was. He still cycled around but always with his helmet on. The driver went scot free as Peter did not want to pursue the matter. As for me, the fantasy of owning a BMX was no longer a fantasy,

Writing - Basketball Match

At Hougang Indoor Stadium, spectators started filling up the seats way before the commencement of National Primary Schools Basketball Championship. It was the big day to many, a very important one too. My school was the defending champion last year. This year, we met the same rival, Xin Min Primary School, again in the finals.

"Go, Punggol, go!" the supporters from my school cheered in gusto.

"Xin Min, Xin Min! We are the best!" went the supporters from our opponents.

The stadium was filled with high spirits and excitement. Everyone waited in great anticipation. At the court, players clad in their smart jerseys were doing the drills and warming-up exercises. Xin Min, in their sky-blue jerseys, looked determined to claim the championship title back from us. My team, in our fierce black and yellow outfit, would not let that happen!

My eyes met Ronnie’s, the captain of Xin Min, a few times. His expression was serious and cold. He dribbled and gave a shot. The ball lobbed in the air and went through the net beautifully every time. The crowd cheered and applauded with every of his nimble move.

"Bee… eeep," the umpire's whistle was blown. Our team players patted on one another's shoulders and quickly took our positions. Ronnie and I met again at the centre of the court. We exchanged the fieriest glance and fixed our eyes on the ball. As the umpire tossed the ball in the air, we leapt simultaneously.

Having the advantage of being taller, I tipped the ball over to Gary. Punggol supporters screamed in triumph and their cheers rocked the stadium. The battle began. Gary dribbled the ball and attempted to pass it to Ahmad but was intercepted.

The ball was in Xin Min's possession. Player Number 5 adeptly dribbled at break-neck speed towards the basket. He did a swift pass to Ronnie who seized the opportunity to shoot. The ball obediently went into the basket. Xin Min's supporters roared.

"2 – nil, not so easy, Ronnie," I muttered. The ball was back to us. Dribbling across the court, I was approaching the 3-point range. Breaking through the attackers, I took aim and shot. It was an easy shot. Our supporters burst into a frenzy.

The match went on. It was a tough and close fight with both teams scoring alternatively. When the whistle was blown for half-time, it was a tie.

"Boys! Keep an eye on Ronnie! Don't let him go near the net. Step up your attacks!" Mr Chen, our coach gave his instructions in a barrage. We nodded and threw them a resolute look to beat them.

The match resumed. We played, abiding by Mr Chen's instructions and our points on the scoreboard climbed steadily with Xin Min lagging further and further. Our confidence rose with the score. My energy was draining but I pushed on. I could sense Ronnie's anxiety from the manner he played. His team was getting rough. They shoved and pushed our players but the umpire did not notice. We were tired, but more frustrated.

Gary hurled the ball to me. I caught it and turned around, heading towards the basket. On seeing that, Ronnie ran menacingly in my direction. When I leapt to shoot, he jumped. Instead of blocking the ball, he pushed me forcefully down. I keeled over and dropped to the ground. An excruciating pain on my shin was felt instantly.

"Ouch!" I groaned in agony. It was an old injury. The pain was ripping me apart.

The match was stopped. Players from both teams crowded around me. Confrontations and denials were exchanged. Gary pushed Ronnie aside. Mr Chen came running to the court with his medical kit. He iced my shin which was by then bulging and bruised. I gritted my teeth. I could not pull myself up. A medic, with the help of Mr Chen, carried me away from the court. Ronnie was given a red card. Both captains were out of the game.

The game continued and the crowd cheered on again. When the game ended, it was clear who the champion was. Punggol won, not just the title, but also the sportsmanship of fair play.

Kindness is Everywhere Writing Competition

Following up on Mrs Lye's announcement,


You are to nominate a person whom you deem is the kindest within the school community in your writing.
It may be your friend, the canteen vendor, teacher, or cleaner - anyone in school.


You should write your opinion and reasons for choosing the person you are nominating.
The best writer will win a prize and the nominee of the winning entry will receive a token and acknowledgement for his/her kind acts.


You are to use the template provided.

The person I am nominating is Ms Nur Syirain.

I am writing this nomination with a heart filled with deep gratitude.

I lost my access card yesterday. I was shocked to find my case empty when I needed it to enter the staff room. Losing this card would bring about inconvenience, great inconvenience. Worse, I had to make a police report and pay a hefty amount to have it replaced. I scoured the school for the missing card in vain. Losing all hopes, I walked back to the General Office. Mdm Neela saw me and she said Ms Nur Syirain had found my card lying on the floor just outside the staff room!

I really could not believe my good luck. Thank you, Ms Nur Syirain! Had she been inconsiderate and indifferent, she would not even bother to pick up my card and hand it to the General Office. Because she was concerned enough, her simple act of kindness had saved my day.

Whenever I use my card, I am reminded of Ms Nur Syirain’s kindness and to pass on her kindness to all around me.

Submitted by Mdm Toh                  Class: 5-6

Post-reading: Weave a story

Tom hurled expletives at the gangsters. He could not fight back as he was clearly outnumbered. The gangsters cornered him and rained blows on him. Scared, he ran away and called the police. The police soon arrested the gangsters and everything was peaceful again.
~Stanley~

Sarah was walking home when she heard faint cries for help. She followed the sound to a dark alley. When she sneaked a peek, she saw a pair of brutes cornering a small boy. She saw the victim's face and recognised it a Sage Reed. The poor boy's face was stricken with fear as bullies rained blows on him.

Sarah rushed to help the boy. "Stop it! Stop it!" she yelled at the top of her lungs. The boy was pummelled and stepped on.

~Regis~

Ted was pushed against a wall in the dark room. He glanced around and saw someone emerging from the shadows. The newcomer rained blows on Ted as Ted shielded himself. A series of shouts erupted from Ted's throat. Ted hated violence. He really hated it. Ted ducked away from a blow, and ran to the door. But the gangster grabbed him back and gave him a huge punch. Ted kicked back and punched the gangster;s chin. As the gangster groaned in pain, Ted ran for the door.
~Junyang~

John was found dead yesterday night on the streets. The incident happened when he almost banged into a pedestrian. The pedestrian, Tedio Ming, shouted expletives and started kicking the car violently. John then emerged from the car and taunted Tedio by beckoning Tedio towards him.

Being a 56-year-old, John could not fight like Tedio. Tedio started throwing punches and kicks to John. Within seconds, Tedio's gang joined him and started to rain punches on John. He staggered and fell with a last blow to his head.
~Wei Ting~

Writing from different perspectives - Student attacks classmate with pe-knife

Remember the earlier article on the Student Attacks Classmate with Pen-knife?


Look at the responses submitted. Taking into the considerations of what your peers have written, refine and rewrite your account on a piece of paper.


Here is another report on the same incident. Read it here.

Metaphors LS 4.2

1.     Stuck in traffic

The vehicles crawled at a snail’s pace. Impatient motorists honked incessantly while motorcyclists weaved in and out dangerously.

2.     Caught in a crowded MRT

The home-bound MRT was packed like sardines. I craned my neck and was relieved to see a vacant seat. How lucky I was!

These are two very simple examples of using metaphors. I am giving away grand prizes to pupils who can best describe the given situations with metaphors.

Continuous Writing (1) - Attention Regan and Zheng Quan

Some general writing tips...

All stories begin with an introduction. A good introduction tells the readers what to expect. It contains information like 'who', 'where' and 'when' of the story.

It is important to name your main characters.

You are advised to keep the number of characters to four in your composition writing.

The focus after the introduction is on the 'what'.
- what happened to the characters
- what problem(s) the characters faced
- what was done to resolve the problems
- what happened in the end

Regan and Zheng Quan, your classmates wrote a composition based on the given situation below in class today.

You were alone at home one night, watching television when suddenly a blackout occurred.

In your composition, make use of the points below. You may include other relevant points.
- what you did the moment the lights went out
- how you felt at first
- what you decided to do
- what happened in the end

This weekend, you will have to...

Hi Boys and Girls

How time flies. In a blink, we have come to an end of Week One of the new school term. We have discussed quite a lot in class about our targets and goals, how we can practise STAR values in our day-to-day life. We have also started a little on Whole Numbers for Math, read some articles and stories together in class and conducted our first Science experiment to observe how water is transported in plants.

My greatest achievement is that I have remembered each and every of the 42 new names! :)

Here's looking forward to the second week of school. Do make sure you are prepared.

On Monday (9 Jan 2012), you are expected to:

1. Hand in your Maths Practice 2 (complete with Practice 1 corrections and parent's signature for Practice 1)

2. Hand in your travel declaration form (detached from the main letter with your class index number written in the box at the top right hand corner)

3. Hand in your second journal writing - Lost and Found. View the slides to recapitulate the story.



4. Bring $29.40 ($15 for the subscription of What's Up Newsletter, $14.40 for the subscription of Little Red Dot). Place the exact amount in a sealed envelop. Write your name on the envelope.

5. Go to this link to learn about the transport system of plants.

That's all. Be focused and you will not take too long to accomplish all the tasks.

See you soon.

Yours
Mdm Toh

Preparation for the new learning year

Dear all

By now,  you should have known most of your classmates and a little bit more about me.

Prepare a single-lined Exercise Book, label it "My Writing Journal". You may want to personalise the book with art paper and give it a unique design. Your first post will be Day One of School. You may include these points in your post.
- your hopes and aspiration as a P5 child
- your friends in the class
- your new teacher
- what you did in class today
- the Buddy Programme (how you feel about it)
- ...

Put thoughts in what you want to include in this post. Turn in your post to me tomorrow. :)

Yours
Mdm Toh

Reminders:
working ODT, $2.70 for School Diary.