gRaCeFieLds @ gILstEad

Show & Tell (Nursery 2 & Kindergarten 1)

2008-04-17T16:08:00.003+08:00

Area of Development : Language & Literacy / Thematic Approach

Learning Objectives : To speak confidently in front of a small group / practice listening skills / increase vocabulary

Description : What a rare treat! Katrina, Wen Pei and Rebecca brought their favourite stuff animal to school for Show & Tell. Not only that, they also each narrated an interesting story about their favourite stuff animal. Everyone listened with awe and waited patiently to share their story too. It would be a good start for the teachers to start bringing Show & Tell to school for sharing too, wouldn't it? WINK WINK!!

Katrina and her doggy

Katrina was trying to recall how she got the doggy.

Wen Pei and her Easter Bunny Basket.

Wen Pei was showing us the eggs from the basket.

Rebecca and her Pink Funky Monkey.

Rebecca was thrilled to show us what her monkey could do.

Choo Choo Train (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1 )

2008-04-17T15:55:00.002+08:00

Area of Development : Mandarin / Music and Movement

Learning Objectives : To expand Chinese vocabulary, eg. "huo che"' (train) / engage in action song "Kai Huo Che" (Taking a Train Ride)

Description : This group of young do-ers are always on the move. In this Mandarin Music and Movement session, the children lined the chairs in a straight row and pretended to be riding on it while they sang to the song, "Kai Huo Che" (Taking a Train Ride). 1,2,3 and the train was on its way out of the station. Toot Toot!!

The children were getting ready to sing the song and do the actions.

The children pretended to be taking a trian ride.

The train was going to reach the destination soon.

Baa Baa Black Sheep (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-04-17T15:38:00.004+08:00

Area of Development : Creative Expression / Social Skills / Mathematics Concept - Colour Mixing

Learning Objectives : To express their creativity using various mediums / interact with peers in the classroom environment / observe mixing black and white gives grey

Description : Baa Baa Black Sheep, have you any wool? Of course, this painting expression is associated with cotton wool from the Baa Baa Black Sheep. Using cotton wool as an art medium, the children painted it grey excitedly. But HOW did they get the colour grey? The answer is as simple as 1,2,3. With little help from the teachers, the children just mixed black and white together to get grey. Wasn't it smart of these little ones? Cheers!!

Royce used his left hand to paint the cotton wool.

Ethan's paintbrush got stuck in the cotton wool.

Caden worked hard to paint the cotoon wool.

Rui Kang could do it all by himself.

Alvin was encouraged by the teacher to give it a try.

Cheese Toast (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-04-17T14:09:00.005+08:00

Area of Development : Thematic Approach / Science Concepts / Motor Skills

Learning Objectives : To discover that cheese is a dairy product / observe how the cheese melt in the oven / practise motor skills

Description : Although the Pre-Nursery and Nursery 1 children are still very young, but they proved themselves to be keen and active explorers in school. Through this cooking experience, the children got the opportunity to find out that cheese is a diary product that is made from the milk of cows. The children also practiced their fine motor skills by helping to peel the plastic sheet off the cheese and then put it on top of their bread. Last but not least, the teachers helped the children to put the bread into the oven for toasting. At the same time, the teachers encouraged the children to observe how the cheese melt in the hot oven and asked them to predict how the oven melt the cheese. Ethan immediately replied, "It's hot!" This demonstrated young children's thinking ability and their cognitive development in being able to associate the heat from the oven has caused the cheese to melt. Enough said, it was finally the time for the children to savour their healthy cheese toast when the buzzer on the oven went 'ting'. Hurray!

White Bread from First Choice

Cheese from Chesadale

Jasmine : "Here?"

Caden : "Eat now?"

Nikki: : "Let me do it."

Ethan : " I can do it, you know."

Rui Kang : "Cheese."

Oliver : "Oh oh!"

Cheese Toast in the Oven

Ready-baked Cheese Toast

Jasmine was enjoying the healthy Cheese Toast.

Caden wanted to dip it in milk.

Nikki took a BIG bite.

Ethan wanted to eat the cheese on top of the bread.

Oliver couldn't wait to have a piece.

Show & Tell (Nursery 2 / Kindergarten 1)

2008-04-17T13:54:00.003+08:00

Area of Development : Language & Literacy / Thematic Approach

Learning Objectives : To speak confidently in front of a small group / practice listening skills / increase vocabulary

Description : Miah and Wen Pei were featured in this entry due to their enthusiasm for Show & Tell. Without fail, these 2 girls would always remember to bring their Show & Tell on every Wednesdays. This week, they have brought along their favourite soft toy animals for sharing. They demonstrated all the possible stunts that their beloved toys could perform and got everyone excited about it. These 2 girls were getting better with every attempt at Show & Tell and it is evident that their vocabulary improved by leaps and bounds. Well done, girls!!!

Miah was showing us what Eeyore could do.

Miah dropped Eeyore on the ground with a loud 'thud'.

Wen Pei was delighted to show us her teddy and her duckie.

Wen Pei explained why she has brought them for Show & Tell.

Show & Tell (Nursery 2 / Kindergarten 1)

2008-03-05T15:22:00.003+08:00

Area of Development : Language & Literacy / Thematic Approach

Learning Objectives : To speak confidently in front of a small group / practice listening skills / increase vocabulary

Description : The children from Nursery 2 and Kindergarten 1 have participated actively in Show & Tell on Wednesdays. They would bring an item that is related to the theme every week and decribe it to their friends using their own words. From time to time, the teachers would use some probe questions to stimulate their thinking and invite them to explain in greater details. This technique is useful in getting the children to share their experiences with one another willingly and every child gets an opportunity to speak up. Without a doubt, parents have also contributed significantly to Show & Tell by helping to prepare the item together with their child. Let's look forward to more of Show & Tell in the coming weeks!

Katrina was trying to explain what was she doing in the photograph.

Katrina took a closer look at the photograph.

Wen Pei was pleased to show the photographs that she took in Japan.

Miah explained that she was playing at the beach.

Miah described the fun activities that she had at the beach.

Yu Min brought a pair of new shoes and clothes for Show & Tell.

Yu Min put on her shoes and showed it to Elijah.

Yu Min showed the dress to Ms Nisha and Ms Chee Hui.

Chocolate Chips Cookies for Valentine's Day (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-03-03T16:07:00.010+08:00

Area of Development : Thematic Approach / Nature Skills / Motor Skills

Learning Objectives : To bake Chocolate Chips Cookies for Valentine's Day / observe how the oven bakes the cookies / practise motor skills

Description : The children baked Chocolate Chips Cookies to celebration Valentine's Day in school. They were not only good helpers throughout this baking experience, they made good observers too. As the teacher introduced the ingredients (cookie mix, butter and egg) to the children, some of them exclaimed that the butter is yellow in colour. During the baking experience, the children's roles included adding the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl and blending them well using the whisk manually. The second task reuqired a lot of effort and strength to complete independently. The children definitely deserved a big round of applause from all of us! The teachers then helped to shape the ready cookie dough into baking pieces and sent them to the oven for baking. As they walked to the oven, Royce and Caden pointed to it and warned their friends not to go too near the hot oven. Well done, boys! Last but not least, the children were the first to savour their home-made Chocolate Chips cookies before the teachers packed some home for them to share with their Mummies and Daddies. Yippie!

The children were getting ready for the baking experience.

Betty Crocker's Cookie Mix

125g of Butter

2 eggs

Rui Kang's turn to touch and feel the egg.

Royce was very excited when the teacher passed him the egg.

Caden was careful not to break the egg.

Jasmine looked and smelled the cookie mix.

Oliver took a deep breath when it was his turn to smell the cookie mix.

Rui Kang and Caden looked inside the packet and saw some chococlate chips.

Alvin was happy to share the cookie mix with Ethan.

Ms Nisha cut the butter into smaller pieces before adding it into the mixing bowl.

During the demonstration, Ms Nisha whisked the butter.

Caden offered to help Ms Nisha.

Rui Kang could do it too.

Whisking the butter was too easy for Royce.

Ethan contributed too.

Even the youngest boy, Oliver did his part to help.

During the demonstration, Ms Nisha poured the cookie mix into the mixing bowl.

A close-up of the ingredients being mixed.

Royce was the first to offer his help.

Ethan demonstrated good eye-hand coordination when it was his turn.

Oliver handled the whisk single-handedly.

Together with Yuan Laoshi, Jasmine did her part too.

Rui Kang tried to lift the cookie mix in the air.

The teacher moulded the dough into cookies and put them on the baking tray.

The children sat down on the carpet to wait patiently for the cookies to be baked.

Finally, the cookies were ready!

Rui Kang took a bite and he looked very happy!

Jasmine was enjoying her cookie.

Royce looked gleeful as he savoured the cookie.

Ethan was in cloud nine when he took the first bite.

Healthy Fruit Smoothie (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-03-03T15:13:00.008+08:00

Area of Development : Thematic Approach / Nature Skills / Motor Skills

Learning Objectives : To blend Fruit Smoothie for Morning Snack / practise self-help skills & motor skills

Description : The children used healthy bananas and Mango & Peach Yoghurt to make Fruit Smoothie for Morning Snack on 22nd February 2008. They used a plastic knife to cut the bananas into smaller pieces before adding them into the blender. The children were very careful when they handled the plastic knife, especially Alvin who took extra care when it was his turn. The children also helped to scoop big spoonfuls of Mango & Peach Yoghurt into the blender. They even practised their counting skills with each scoop of Yoghurt that they added into their blender. Fantastic! Everyone looked very pleased with their contribution. At last, they were rewarded with a cup of yummy Fruit Smoothie each. Hurray!

Peach & Mango Yoghurt

Fresh Bananas

Ethan, "Soft."

Rui Kang, "Oli, look!"

Royce, "Caden's turn."

Caden, "I like the smell."

Royce, "Yummy!"

Jasmine, "Hm..."

Ethan, "I like it, you know."

Jasmine, "Laoshi! Help."

Ethan, "I can do it, you know."

Alvin, "Huh?!"

Oliver, "Yes."

Rui Kang, "Cut, cut."

Caden, "I can do it."

Royce, "Cut here?"

Ms Nisha added all the bananas into the blender.

Royce, "1-2-3."

Caden, "2."

Rui Kang, "Scoop, scoop."

Oliver, "Yeah!"

Ethan, "1-2-3."

Jasmine, "1."

Ms Nisha poured the rest of the Mango & Peach Yoghurt into the blender.

The children were getting ready to blend the Fruit Smoothie with the blender.

Ms Nisha turned the blender on.

Oliver lent a helping hand.

Jasmine was keen to explore the buttons on the blender.

The last teacher's helper was Rui Kang.

Caden was enjoying his Fruit Smoothie.

Ethan was asking Ms Nisha for a second helping.

Royce finished all his Fruit Smoothie. Yum-yum!

Oliver love the taste of the Fruit Smoothie.

Rui Kang kept on asking for more.

Chinese New Year Celebration

2008-02-15T14:34:00.003+08:00

Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead welcomes Chinese New Year with children wearing ethnic costumes, New Year couplets and decorations pasted on the walls and lots of yummy New Year goodies for everyone to share! It was indeed a very enjoyable party for all!!!

All the staff of Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead will like to take this opportunity to wish all parents, grandparents and children

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Alvin, Allan, Wen Pei, Miah and Rui Kang were delighted to pose for the camera.

Alvin, Rui Kang and Allan were getting ready for the celebration.

Alvin was in the festival mood too.

Reanu was getting very hungry.

Wen Pei and Reanu looked awesome in their ethnic costumes.

Wen Pei and Miah were best-est friends.

The girls were taking a rest from eating all the yummy goodies.

The girls looked satisfied after the celebration.

Miah could't resist taking a photo with 'Teddy'.

Happy Birthday to Royce!

2008-02-15T14:06:00.005+08:00

Royce turned 2 on 8 February 2008. He has a fantastic celebration with his friends in school. There was even a yummy walnut cake as a treat for everyone. Hurray!!!

Happy Birthday, Royce!

Royce and his friends (Wen Pei, Reanu, Alvin, Caden and Ethan).

Yummy Walnut Cake!

Royce was excited when the teacher lit the candles.

Lights OFF!

Birthday song to send our best wishes to Royce!

Now, the birthday song In Mandarin!

Everyone were cheering happily!

Royce cut the cake for sharing. Thank you!

Learn thru' play! (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-02-13T15:32:00.008+08:00

Area of Development : Creative Expression & Free Play

Learning Objectives : To gain a better understanding and knowledge of the world / interact with peers in the classroom environment / express their creativity using various mediums

Description : At Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead, the children are actively learning through their play experiences with their peers. Throughout the past 2 weeks, the young ones were actively engaged in various craft and play experiences. They were particularly interested in expressive painting. They also took turns to play in the house. This class of young children has established good bonds with one another and is often inviting friends to join in play.

Royce painted a 'car'.

Royce continued to paint a 'flower'.

Ethan was engaged in 'Expressive Painting'.

Ethan explored green, blue, red and yellow paint.

Ethan was proud to show off his master piece.

Rui Kang and Alvin were trying to find out who is in the house.

Royce took a peep in the house.

Alvin and Jasmine were curious to discover who is hiding in the house.

It was Ethan, trying to take a rest!

Ethan sprang out from the house, giving everyone a surprise!

Alvin waited patiently for Ethan to come out from the house.

Royce and Alving took turns to encourage Ethan to come out of the house.

Freeze!!! (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-02-13T14:40:00.003+08:00

Area of Development : Gross Motor Skills / Music & Movement / Listening Skills

Learning Objectives : To freeze in motion when the music stops / enjoy dancing rhythmically

Description : During Circle Time, the children began to start dancing spontaneously when they heard the music. Ethan and Rui Kang even held hands and danced together. When the music suddenly stopped, the children were equally quick to freeze in motion and waited patiently for the music to resume. It was indeed a great indoor work-out for all the children!

Ethan and Rui Kang were dancing together.

Rui Kang freezed quickly when he heard that the music has stopped.

Ethan squatted down immediately when he realized the music has stopped.

Alvin was clapping his hands to the rhythm happily.

Rui Kang took a rest. Phew!

Rui Kang shared his seat with Ethan.

Royce and Jasmine joined the teachers on the carpet for a rest too.

Jasmine recharged and joined the dance again.

"Gong Xi Gong Xi" (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-02-13T14:23:00.003+08:00

Area of Development : Creative Expression / Thematic Approach

Learning Objective : To introduce the festival 'Chinese New Year' / engage in craft experiences related to Chinese New Year

Description : As Chinese New Year was fast approaching, the children were also getting ready to welcome it in their own ways. Yuan Laoshi introduced the festival to them through a craft experience. The children used red packets to decorate their vase that was filled with 'pussy willows'. These beautiful flowers were printed onto the paper using the art technique of 'cotton bud painting' by the children creatively. Now, they were all ready to bring their master pieces home to celebrate the festival with their loved ones!

The children were working at the table with the teachers.

Ethan was using the cotton bud to print the 'pussy willows' onto his master piece.

Royce concentrated hard at creating his master piece.

After Jamsine was done, she was keen to do it again with green paint!

Yuan Laoshi lent a helping hand to Alvin.

Yummy Waffles! (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-01-25T14:48:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Nature Skills / Motor Skills

Learning Objectives : To make waffles for morning snack / practice motor skills

Description : The children made waffles for their morning snack together with the help of the teachers. They did their best to contribute their help in making the waffles. For example, some poured the ingredients into the mixing bowl and others helped to stir the mixture. The teachers then poured the mixture onto the waffle maker and served the hot waffles to the children when it was ready. It's TIME for the children to savour the fruit of their labour.

Jasmine was pouring the flour into the mixing bowl.

Royce was pouring the water into the mixing bowl.

Ethan helped to mix with the whisk.

Jasmine did her share in helping.

Royce contributed too.

Ms Angeline poured the mixture onto the waffle maker.

Yummy Waffles!

Royce likes it with strawberry jam.

Alvin likes it plain.

Show & Tell (Nursery 2 & Kindergarten 1)

2008-01-25T14:11:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Language & Literacy / Thematic Approach

Learning Objectives : To speak confidently in front of a small group / practice listening skills / increase vocabulary

Description : Show & Tell is on every Wednesdays for the Nursery 2s and Kindergarten 1s. The teacher will write in the blue book to inform the parents / children to bring an item that is related to the theme of the month. Parents can then help their children to prepare for Show & Tell at home and bring it on the day itself. For Week 3, the children were required to bring their baby photos for Show & Tell and shared with their friends. Let's take a look at what these children have for us!

Miah was showing her photo album to her friends.

Miah told her friends, "This is me, Mummy and Daddy."

Wen Pei showed her baby photos to Miah.

Wen Pei explained the photos to her friends.

Elijah told his friends that his daddy and grandfather are in this photo and the baby is him.

Elijah placed the photos in sequnce on the carpet.

Elijah explained the photos to his friends.

We can SORT too! (Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1)

2008-01-25T13:51:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Maths Knowledge & Creative Expression

Learning Objectives : To sort by 1 attribute / recognise the colour 'Yellow'

Description : This sorting experience required this group of children to pick out all the yellow bear counters from the tub of colourful bear counters and place them on the yellow plate. The teacher used the yellow plate to help the children recognise the colour and associate it with the counters. This encourages some children to complete the experience with little or no adult assistance. Well done!!!

Ethan was trying to put the yellow bear counters on the plate.

Rui Kang showed ability to sort by 1 attribute with the teacher's help.

Royce could pick out the yellow bear counters independently.

Jasmine completed the sorting experience without much help.

Alvin put all the yellow bear counters on the plate.

New Additions to Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead's Family

2008-01-25T13:28:00.000+08:00

Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1 Sunflowers

Ethan Lee Kwang Yee

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Dear parents,

Our Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1 class is growing steadily. Ethan had just joined us about two weeks ago and he had settled down very quickly. He joins the class for Circie Time and he enjoys singing "The Wheels on the Bus" particularly. Well done, Ethan!

The rest of the children are more familiar with the teachers and the classroom environment. They are beginning to show interests in exploring the materials and resources independently. With the children more responsive to the teachers, the curriculum has began to take shape slowly. The children are engaged in various learning experiences constantly.

I am very proud of all the children at Gracefields Childcare - GIlstead. Many of them has indeed improved by leaps and bounds from the first day of school. I look forward to a year of never ending learning experiences together with the children.

Cheers,
Angeline

Music & Movement - Miah O'Donnell, Kajsa Annika Xueli Friberg & Katrina Leck

2008-01-20T15:01:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Music & Movement / Gross Motor Skills

Learning Objectives : To enjoy dancing to the music / practice gross motor exercise

Description : This video captured the girls dancing vibrantly to the music, "The Freeze". It was an impromptu Music & Movement lesson and the teacher decided to record it on video after witnessing how enthusiastically the girls were dancing to the song. They indeed showed the potential of entering the next dance competition and emerging as the champions!

Watch Us Learn Thru' Play! (All Levels)

2008-01-18T15:42:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Creative Expression & Free Play

Learning Objectives : To gain a better understanding and knowledge of the world / interact with peers in the classroom environment / express their creativity using various mediums

Description : At Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead, children are actively learning through their play experiences with their peers. Throughout the past 3 weeks, the children explored new resources and continued to 'invent' new ways of playing with the available ones.

Wen Pei, Miah & Kajsa pretened to be sitting on an airplane.

Elijah went on a nature walk and picked up flowers.

Elijah's Ceation (Fish? Dragon? Frog?)

Yu Min's Creation (Robot? Giraffe? House?)

Miah's Painting (It is being displayed at the staircase now.)

Katrina draw expressively during free play.

Wen Pei made a house with recycled materials.

Yu Min created a masterpiece with different art materials.

Elijah made a watch using papers.

Play Dough for US! (PN/N1 Sunflowers)

2008-01-18T15:22:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Creative Expression / Motor Skills / Cognitve

Learning Objectives : To explore play dough / help to pour the needed ingredients into the mixing bowl / repeat the name of the ingredients after the teacher

Description : The youngest group of children in the school has shown great independence and creativity when they made play dough with the class teachers. Most of them got the opportunity to smell, touch and see the rare ingredients needed to make play dough. Not only the children helped to pour the ingredients into the big mixing bowl, they also mixed them together to create the play dough. Some of the more articulate children were able to repeat the name of different ingredients after the teacher. Others were amazed to witness the change in colour of the play dough when the teacher poured the green food colouring onto the play dough. Now, the play dough is ready for the children to knead, roll and twist into various forms!

Royce helped to pour the salt into the mixing bowl.

Ethan helped to pour the flour into the mixing bowl.

Jasmine helped to pour the water into the mixing bowl.

Jasmine tried to push her fingers through the play dough.

Ethan tried to pull the play dough to make it into a long snake.

Threading is FUN! (N2 Lavenders)

2008-01-18T15:09:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Fine Motor Skills

Learning Ojectives : To practise fine motor skills / reinforce eye-hand coordination / introduce patterning

Description : This group of Nursery 2 (Miah & Kajsa) were having great time experimenting with the newly purchased threading set. It comes with coloured balls and strings for the children to engage in concrete threading experiences. It stimulates children's eye-hand coordination when they pushed the strings through the holes found on the balls. On top of that, teachers can use this threading set to introduce patterning concepts to the children. All in all, Miah & Kajsa exericsed patience and age-appropriate motor skills during this learning experience.

Miah was overjoyed when she finished threading.

Kajsa was proud to show of her set of threading manipulatives.

The girls decided to try it all over again!

Number Sense (K1 Orchids)

2008-01-18T14:11:00.000+08:00

Area of Development : Maths Knowledge

Learning Objectives : Counting up to 20 / Recognising numerals up to 20 / matching the total count in a group to the corresponding number.

Description : The Kindergarten 1s (Elijah & Yu Min) were engaged in a Mathematics learning experience to reinforce the number concept. It involved them to recognise numerals up to 20, count up to 20 independently and matching the total number in a count to the corresponding number accurately. This activity might look really simple to the adults, but it takes a lot of cognitive ability for this age group to complete it without any help from the teachers. Bravo, Elijah & Yu Min!

Elijah demonstrated the ability to count up to 20 independently.

Elijah recognised the numerals up to 20.

Yu Min counted up to 20 without any external assistance.

Yu Min matched the correct number of semi-circles to the corresponding number.

New Additions to our Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead's Family

2008-01-18T13:41:00.000+08:00

Pre-Nursery / Nursery 1 Sunflowers

Royce Ho Xing Lun

Alvin Chris

Yeo Rui Kang

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Nursery 2 Lavenders

Katrina Leck

Reanu Tarin Ali

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Dear parents,

A warm welcome to 2008 at Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead. From the beginning of this year, we have grown significantly in numbers. As you can see, there have been a couple of new additions to our family and I hope it will continue to grow.

The new children are adapting well to the classroom environment and are settling down. This is indeed a big step for them to take, as many of them are first-timers in school. Well done!

I will also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to all parents for their support in 2007. I look forward to work together with you in 2008 for the best interests of your child.

Cheers,
Angeline

[ Themes for 2008 ]

2008-01-03T14:39:00.000+08:00

January 2008
All About Myself

February 2008
My Family

March 2008
Aniamls

April 2008
Plants

May 2008
Food

June 2008
Colours

July 2008
Fairy Tales

August 2008
The Story of Singapore

September 2008
Community Helpers

October 2008
Children of the World

November 2008
The 4 Seasons

December 2008
All about Christmas

[ Events for 2008 ]

2008-01-03T13:15:00.000+08:00

Date: 01 January 2008
Event: New Year Day

Date: 02 January 2008
Event: First Day of Term 1

Date: 06 February 2008
Event: Chinese New Year's Eve / Celebration

Date: 07 & 08 February 2008
Event: Chinese New Year

Date: 18 - 20 February 2008
Event: Parent-Teacher Conference

Date: 07 March 2008
Event: Last Day of Term 1

Date: 08 - 16 March 2008
Event: Term 1 Holidays

Date: 17 March 2008
Event: First Day of Term 2

Date: 21 March 2008
Event: Good Friday

Date: 18 April 2008
Event: Sports Day

Date: 30 April 2008
Event: Green Day

Date: 01 May 2008
Event: Labour Day

Date: 09 May 2008
Event: Mother's Day Breakfast

Date: 19 May 2008
Event: Vesak Day

Date: 23 May 2008
Event: Last Day of Term 2

Date: 24 - 31 May 2008
Event: Term 2 Holidays

Date: 01 -22 June 2008
Event: Term 2 Holidays

Date: 20 June 2008
Event: Father's Day Sundowner

Date: 23 June 2008
Event: First Day of Term 3

Date: 07 July 2008
Event: Youth Day

Date: 21 - 23 July 2008
Event: Parent-Teacher Conference

Date: 08 August 2008
Event: National Day Celebration

Date: 09 August 2008
Event: National Day

Date: 29 August 2008
Event: Last Day of Term 3 / Teacher's Day Celebration

Date: 30 - 31 August 2008
Event: Term 3 Holidays

Date: 01 September 2008
Event: Teacher's Day Holiday

Date: 01 - 07 September 2008
Event: Term 3 Holidays

Date: 08 September 2008
Event: First Day of Term 4

Date: 30 September 2008
Event: Children's Day Celebration

Date: 01 October 2008
Event: Children's Day Holiday

Date: 01 October 2008
Event: Hari Raya Puasa

Date: 27 October 2008
Event: Deepavali

Date: 12 November 2008
Event: Art Exhibition

Date: 14 November 2008
Event: Last Day of Term 4 / Year-End Party

Date: 15 - 30 November 2008
Event: Term 4 Holidays

Date: 01 - 31 December 2008
Event: Term 4 Holidays

Date: 08 December 2008
Event: Hari Raya Haji

Date: 24 December 2008
Event: Christmas 's Eve / Christmas

Date: 25 December 2008
Event: Christmas Day

Date: 26 - 31 December 2008
Event: Professional Development Workshop

Date: 01 January 2009
Event: New Year's Day

Date: 02 January 2009
Event: First Day of Term 1

[ December Holiday Camp Day 5 - Tuna Salad ]

2007-12-14T13:51:00.000+08:00

Recipe on Tuna Salad

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min

Ingredients:
1 can garbanzo beans (drained and mashed)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
2 green onions (chopped)
salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation:
In a medium bowl, combine garbanzo beans, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, chopped green onions, salt and pepper.
Mix well.

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Children at Work

Charis

Julian

Samuel

Elijah

Issac

Xin Hui

Faithe

Dillon

Ashley

Allan

Miah

Kajsa

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For Parents:

Isn't it a little challenging to get young children to eat their greens during meals? This recipe could be just do the trick!

Tuna salad is not only easy to make, but it is definitely yummy and healthy to eat. The photos of the children mixing their tuna salad illustrated how much they had enjoyed this cooking experience! Parents are most welcomed to give it a try at home with their children too!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 5 - Qian Hu Fish Farm ]

2007-12-14T13:03:00.000+08:00

More about Qian Hu Fish Farm

Qian Hu is an integrated "one-stop" ornamental fish service provider ranging from breeding of Dragon Fish, farming, importing, exporting and distributing of ornamental fish as well as manufacturing of aquarium and pet accessories and distributing them to local and overseas customers.

Currently, Qian Hu has presence in 4 countries, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and China, which consists of 10 subsidiaries associates.

Qian Hu Fish Farm is located at:
71 Jalan Lekar
Agrotechnology Park
S'pore 698950

Opening Hours are as follows:
Mon-Thur 9am to 6pm
Fri-Sun & Public Holidays 9am to 7pm.

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The Farm Tour

The guide was bringing the children to see the "Arowana".

The children were looking at different species of fishes in the aquarium.

The guide was explaining how they export fishes to other countries.

The guide was explaining how the fish farm rears "Arowana" in the ponds.

Miah & Kajsa were taking care of each other.

The children were admiring the beautiful "Kois".

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"Long Kang" Fishing

Julian

Elijah & Issac

Samuel

Miranda & Elizabeth

Dillon

Xin Hui, Faithe & Charis

Elijah

Miah

Emily

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For Parents:

Many of our parents grew up playing in "Long Kang" (A malay word for drain), catching fishes and tadpoles. However, this generation doesn't have such exposure and it is always good to relive the childhood experiences of our parents.

Each child was given a plastic container and a net to go fishing the 'Long Kang. It wasn't an easy task BUT they tried really really HARD to catch the fishes before they swam away. 3 cheers to all the children! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurary!

The children were also given a farm tour by one of the guides. He showed to countless species of fishes in the farm and some species can fetch as high as a few thousands dollars. WOW!

It was indeed a different experience for the children, a step closer to Mother Nature!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 4 - Recycling Yakult Bottles ]

2007-12-13T14:40:00.000+08:00

More about Recycling

Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into new products. Recycling generally prevents the waste of potentially useful materials, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, and hence greenhouse gas emissions, compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key concept of modern waste management and is the third component of the waste hierarchy.

Recyclable materials, also called "recyclables", may originate from a wide range of sources including the home and industry. They include glass, paper, aluminium, asphalt, iron, textiles and plastics. Biodegradable waste, such as food waste or garden waste, is also recyclable with the assistance of micro-organisms through composting or anaerobic digestion.

Recyclates are sorted and separated into material types. Contamination of the recylates with other materials must be prevented to increase the recyclates' value and facilitate easier reprocessing for the ultimate recycling facility. This sorting can be performed either by the producer of the waste or within semi- or fully-automated materials recovery facilities.

There are two common household methods of recycling. In curbside collection, consumers leave presorted recyclable materials in front of their property to be collected by a recycling vehicle. With a "bring" or carry-in system, the householder takes the materials to collection points, such as transfer stations or civic amenity sites.

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Children at Work

Wen Pei

Allan

Dillon

Ashley

Elijah

Miah

Kajsa

Issac

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For Parents:

With recent concerns about global warming, it is therefore important to increase young children's awareness of various recycling methods. Everyone can do their part for the world that we live in.

Instead of throwing Yakult bottles away after drinking, the children made use of these plastic bottles to create their own shakers. How innovative of them!

The children poured green beans into the empty Yakult bottles and secured two bottles together with tape. The teachers helped to paste the construction papers over the bottles before the children decorated them with colourful gems. Now, everyone has a DIY shaker to bring home. Music, please? Yippie!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 4 - Yakult Factory ]

2007-12-13T12:21:00.000+08:00

More about Yakult

Yakult, a fermented milk drink, was developed in accordance with Dr. Shirota’s philosophy, which is expressed by the three concepts of “preventive medicine,” “A healthy intestine leads to a long life,” and “ensuring good health for as many people as possible.” Yakult’s dairy products contain Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (Yakult bacteria), which provide strong resistance to bile and gastric juice; and bifidobacteria (strain Yakult), a select variety with proven health benefits. These products are designed primarily to promote health through the daily intake of these microorganisms.

Yakult contains 230 million Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota per milliliter — or 15 billion lactobacilli per bottle — which is 23 times the minimum recommended intake of lactobacilli established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. What’s more, drinking just one bottle of Yakult 400 provides the body with 40 billion Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota!

As examples of products using probiotics, which have been shown to be effective in preventative medicine, Yakult’s dairy products are produced using the latest technology and painstaking production management, so that they can deliver the living microorganisms essential for good health.

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Products from Yakult

Skincare Products

Other Products

Yakult packaging from different countries

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Getting ready

Allan, Elizabeth, Miranda & Shaun

Shaun & Dillon

Elizabeth & Miranda

Miah, Alix, Issac & Allan

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During the talk

Group A

Group B

Bacteria under the mircoscope

The guide was showing the children a picture of Mr Shirota.

The guide was explaining the different types of good bacteria to the children.

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Children In Focus

Elizabeth

Miranda

Emily

Elijah

Shu Yi

Wen Pei

Miah

Kajsa

Ashley

Dillon

Shaun

Julian

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For Parents:

It was indeed an extremely enriching excursion for all the children and even the teachers.

The guide gave the children a talk about different types of good bacteria that each bottle of Yakult contains and how these bacteria could help our body. The guide even took a drop of Yakult and placed it under the mircosope for the children to see the good bacteria in action. Without a doubt, the children were totally amazed with the experiment.

Subsequently, the guide played a cartoon about the K-boy (Lactobacillus) and B-boy (Bifidobacteria) to further explain the usefulness of these bacteria. The cartoon had definitely captivated their interests, as they watched it attentively and quietly. Now, the children definitely had a more thorough understanding of the 2 good bacteria in the Yakult drink.

After watching the cartoon, the guide brought the children around for a tour. Before she brought us into the factory, she informed us that no photography is allowed in there. Nonethless, the children had a great time in the factory, as they managed to observe the different processes of making Yakult, such as fermenting and packaging. Most of them were very excited to see the big machinery. Cheers!

That marked the end of the tour at Yakult Factory. Each child was given a row of Yakult to bring home. A healthy and yummy drink for ALL!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 3 - Goat's Milk Soap ]

2007-12-12T12:31:00.000+08:00

More about Goat's Milk Soap

Goat's milk has long been recognized as a natural skin moisturizer and rejuvenator. In North America, when someone suggests the word "milk" we instantly think of a dairy cow. In fact, more people consume goat's milk than any other milk in the world.

From a nutritional standpoint, goat's milk and cow's milk are remarkably similar. However, there are significant differences in the protein and fatty acids that are found in goat's milk. The molecular structure of the proteins and fatty acids which predominate cow's milk are much larger and longer than in goat's milk. Some individuals who are lactose intolerant and cannot handle the digestion of cow's milk are having difficulties in digesting, or breaking down, these long strands. Frequently, goat's milk is recommended for these digestive problems. It has also been suggested that goat's milk should be strongly considered as an alternative to powdered formula for nursing babies.

Goat's milk is also naturally homogenized. In the preparation of our soaps and skin care products, we only use fresh goat's milk. Many goat's milk skin care products utilize powdered milk which is stable and far easier to store. We feel that the high heat used in the dehydration process somehow changes the structure of the milk, and that using fresh milk produces a better feeling on the skin.

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Children at Work

Dillon

Ashley

Issac

Shu Yi

Wen Pei

Miah

Julian

Allan

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For Parents:

It isn't that difficult to get baby soft skin! You just have to start using goat's milk soap from today! Amazing results that you will see in just a few weeks!

After visiting Hay Dairies Goat Farm, the children came back to school and made their own bottle of goat's milk soap. There were only 3 simple steps involved.

Step 1: Pour the goat's milk soap into the soap dispenser.
Step 2: Cover the soap dispenser with the pump.
Step 3: Decorate the soap dispenser with glitter stickers provided.

There you go!!! Children were ready to bring the goat's milk soap dispenser home for use! Wasn't it fast and convenient? Hm... And goat's milk soap smells very fragrant too!

[ December Holiday Camp Day 3 - Hay Dairies Goat Farm ]

2007-12-12T11:06:00.000+08:00

More about Hay Dairies Goat Farm

Hay Dairies Pte Ltd is a small goat farm, with about 1,000 goats of mixed breed, producing milk for sale. The farm uses the latest milking, pasteurising, homogenising and bottling machines to produce very fresh goat's milk, which it sells directly to customers. It serves a niche market in Singapore, providing an alternative to those who are allergic to cow's milk.

Hay Dairies produces goat's milk for sale. The farm also welcomes visitors on organised excursions or family outings.

Hay Dairies is located at:
No. 3 Lim Chu Kang
Agrotech Park Lane 4
Singapore 718859

The contacts are as follow:
Tel: (65) 6792 0931
Fax: (65) 6794 1580

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The Bus Ride

Wen Pei & Yuan Laoshi

Julian & Allan

Shu Yi & Elijah

Issac

Ms Zi Hui & Miah

Ariel

Alix

Ashley

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The Farm Tour - Part 1

The children saw how the goats were being milked.

The workers were milking the goats using the machinery.

The children listened attentively as Joe explained more about the goats to them.

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The Farm Tour - Part 2

The children were feeding the goats in the barn.

Elizabeth

Dillon

Miah

Julian

Alix

Elijah & Ashley

Ariel

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Resting Time

Miranda, Elizabeth & Ariel

Wen Pei, Miah & Shu Yi

Issac, Dillion & Shaun

Elijah, Allan, Julian & Alix

Ashley & Shu Yi

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For Parents:

An excursion to Hay Dairires has provided the children an opportunity to get closer to nature. They were extremely excited before reaching the farm and many asked if they were really going to see real goats. Of course!

Upon reaching the farm. the children were brought to see a live demo on milking the goats. The children saw how the workers used the machinery to milk the goats. As the demo was going on, Joe (our guide) provided the children with more information about goats. For example, a male goat is called a 'buck', a female goat is called a 'doe' and a baby goat is called a 'kid'. Surprisingly, the children rememebered most of the information easily and they discussed what they have learnt during the bus journey back to school.

The highlight of this farm tour is that children get to feed the goats with hay. They were brought to the barn where all the goats were kept and they feed the animals. They had such an enjoyable time that they requested for more hay so that they could feed the goats for a longer time. I am sure the experience helps to promote children's love for animals. Cheers!

After taking a short break, the children went back to school happily with a bottle of goat's milk, a souvenir from the farm, more knowledge and understanding about goats and happy memories from this excursion! Yippie!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 2 - Cheesecake Deco ]

2007-12-11T14:35:00.000+08:00

Recipe on Fluffy Cheesecake

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 3 hr 15 min

Ingredients:
8 oz PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
8 oz COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (thawed)
6 oz HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust

Preparation:
Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with wire whisk or electric mixer until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping.
Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until set.
Garnish as desired.

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Children at Work

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Samuel

Ashley

Elijah

Dillon

Shu Yi

Miah

Allan

Wen Pei

Julian

Xin Hui

Charis

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For Parents:

Let all the litlle pastry chefs begin working on their cheescake deco! I bet you will be very surprised by how creative they can get!

First, let add the sprinkles. Hmm... It's so colouful! Yellow, pink, blue, red, white, green and ... WOW!

Next, it is the chocolate syrup. Yummy! Everyone loves the taste of oozing chocolate, don't we? Cheers!

Now, we have the whipped cream. Let's give it some shake! *shake shake* Ready? *pzzzzz*

Finally, it is the almond flakes to finish the toppings. Where shall we put it? Maybe some here and some over there? *wink*

What's NEXT???

Of course, it is time to EAT the yummy cheesecake! Heavenly delicious!!!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 2 - PastaMania ]

2007-12-11T10:42:00.001+08:00

More about PastaMania

At PastaMania, the team works closely with many excellent brands, using only the very best ingredients found all over the world, to create that famous 'PastaMania' experience that consumers love so much. Their purchasing team toils relentlessly, seeking and negotiating with various suppliers and producers from a multitude of countries, often having to speak in different languages to find ingredients that match up to what we call the ‘PastaMania Standard’.

Their Research and Development team then takes over; first testing and assessing the product, ensuring it is of sufficient quality before the recipe is produced. Then experimenting with alternative recipes, trying out and put to trial to a panel of Food Testers and Critics over and over again, before the final recipe is decided. Finally, streamlining and developing the work process for that particular product, and put to trial once again, before it is presented to the customers.

Therefore, more often than not, only Brands that are widely recognized to be of quality can possibly survive this series of arduous and demanding tests.

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The bus ride

Wen Pei

Julian

Miah

Shu Yi

Xin Hui, Charis & Faithe

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Samuel & Elijah

Elizabeth & Miranda

Dillon & Ashley

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Brief Introduction By Cheryl

Cherly was explaining the different types of pastas to the children.

Dillion, Elijah, Samuel, Miranda & Elizabeth

Kai Wei, Kai Le, Miah, Shu Yi, Ashley, Wen Pei & Julian

Charis, Xin Hui, Faithe & Allan

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Kitchen Tour By Lawerence

Lawerence was showing the coffee machine to the children.

Lawerence was setting up the coffee machine.

Lawerence was making coffee to show the children.

Lawerence was showing the electrical stove to the children.

Lawerence was showing the ice maker to the children.

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Getting ready to make Pizza

The ingredients - shredded chicken, mozarella cheese and button mushrooms

Tomato sauce

Pizza dough

Lawerence was doing a demo for the children.

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Kneading the dough

Lawerence with Xin Hui & Faithe

Miranda & Elizabeth

Julian

Elizabeth

Samuel

Wen Pei

Ashley

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Spreading the tomato sauce on the dough

Samuel

Elizabeth

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Adding the ingredients

Miranda

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Miah & Shu Yi

Ashley & Wen Pei

Faithe & Xin Hui

Elijah

Dillon

Allan

Julian

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For Parents:

This had to be the best excursion that the children enjoyed the most. Not only they get to eat pizzas and pastas for their lunch, they also get to make their very own pizza.

We were greeted warmly by Cheryl at the lift lobby. She brought us to take a SUPER BIG cargo lift that could fit in all 20 of us. We stopped at Level 5 where PastaMania Headquarters is located. We started the programme with a brief introduction of pizzas and pastas. Now, the children knew that these foods origin from Italy and there are many different types of pastas. I am really surprised that most of them listened attentively and asked relevant questions! Cheers!

Next, Cherly's friend, Lawerence brought us on a kitchen tour around PastaMania. We explored the coffee machine, electrical stove, ice maker and the oven and Lawerence explained patiently the functions of each machine. The children were very cooperative by taking turns to ask questions. I am really so proud of them!

Last but not least, the children got the opportunity to make their own pizza with the help of Lawerence and other chefs on duty. They kneaded the dough, spreaded the tomato sauce, added the ingredients (shredded chicken, mozarella cheese and button mushrooms) onto their ready dough expressively. They had really put in a lot of effort and creativity in making and deocrating their pizza. I am so sure that they were very proud of themselves. That marked the end of our PastaMania tour. Horray!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 1 - Kokeshi Dolls ]

2007-12-10T16:23:00.000+08:00

More about Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the signature of the artist.

Kokeshi was first produced by Kiji-shi in Shinchi, in Togatta/Miyagi Prefecture from where Kokeshi making techniques spread to other spa areas in the Tōhoku Region. It is said that these dolls were originally made from the middle of the Edo period to be sold to people who were visiting the hot springs in the north-east of the country.

Traditional Kokeshi dolls shapes and patterns became particular to a certain area and are classified under eleven types including: Tsuchiyu, Togatta, Yajiro, Naruko, Sakunami, Yamagata, Kijiyama, Nanbu, Tsugaru, Zao-takayu, and Hijioro. The most dominant type is the Naruko variety originally made in Miyagi Prefecture, which can also be found in Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures. The main street of the Naruko Hot Spring resort is known as Kokeshi Street and has shops which are operated directly by the Kokeshi carvers.

Creative Kokeshi allow the artist complete freedom in terms of shape, design and color and were developed after World War II. They are not particular to a specific region of Japan and generally creative Kokeshi artists are found in the cities.

The woods used for Kokeshi vary with cherry used for its darkness and dogwood which is softer. Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple is also used. In the creation of both traditional and creative dolls the wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used.

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Children at Work

Shu Yi

Miah

Julian

Elijah

Xin Hui

Charis

Allan

Wen Pei

Ashley

Dillon

Faithe

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For parents:

This camp has successfully transformed the traditional way of making Kokeshi dolls with the use of innovative materials. At the same time, it made this Japanese craft comes ALIVE for the children!

Using concrete materials, such as glass bottles, ping pong balls, felt, wiggly eyes, sequins, collage buttons and yarns, the children designed their own Kokeshi dolls creatively.

They used white glue to attach the ping pong balls to the opening of the glass bottles, thus creating the visual effect of a doll. Next, they cut clothes for their dolls using the felt. They also used collage buttons and sequins to decorate their masterpiece artistically. They could easily pass off as fashion designer for famous labels, such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. The next step was to add yarn to put in place the hair for their Kokeshi dolls. Last but not least, they sticked the wiggly eyes on their dolls to complete the craft. Horray!

Cheers,
Angeline

[December Holiday Camp Day 1 - Ikebana]

2007-12-10T15:26:00.000+08:00

More about Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangement in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement is based on the line of twigs and/or leaves, filled in with a small number of blooms. The container is also a key element of the composition. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man.

Ikebana, one of the traditional arts of Japan, has been practiced for more than 600 years. It developed from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. By the middle of the fifteenth century, with the emergence of the first classical styles, Ikebana achieved the status of an art form independent of its religious origins, though it continued to retain strong symbolic and philosophical overtones. The first teachers and students were priests and members of the nobility. However, as time passed, many different schools arose, styles changed, and Ikebana came to be practiced at all levels of Japanese society.

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Children at Work

Elijah

Allan

Miah

Shu Yi

Julian

Dillon

Ashley

Charis

Faithe

Xin Hui

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For parents:

Piaget stated that children learn best through active exploration of concrete materials. There you go!

This activity was one of the ideal way for children to grasp concepts. It made use of fresh flowers to engage children in discovering more about Ikebana, nature and their creativity. Children get to touch, smell and see the different varieties of flowers, such as daisies and baby's breath.

The children were encouraged to select and arrange the flowers in their flower pot creatively. Therefore, all the end products were the children's very own work, which gives them a great sense of satisfaction. They were definitely very very proud of themselves when they showed it to mummies and daddies at the end of the day. Well done!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ HoLiDaY caMp fOR dEceMbEr 2007 ]

2007-11-14T13:44:00.000+08:00

Day 1

Ikebana – Japanese art of flower arrangement
Young children get a chance to gain hands-on experiences of this traditional Japanese art when they create their own masterpiece expressively!

Japanese Kokeshi Doll
These dolls are simple stylized dolls that are made for tourists on vacation in Japan. Let’s try creating one using different materials too!

S is for Sushi
Hungry for afternoon snack? Then let’s whip up some yummy sushi to fill our tummies!

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Day 2

Pasta Mania Kitchen
At Pasta Mania, young children get to tour their kitchen, see a demo on making pizza, experience making one themselves and even to sample food from the restaurant. Souvenirs include a Pasta Mania T-shirt, balloon and a pizza.

I want to be a Pizza Chef
Can't wait that long? This art activity of making pizza will help you to realize your dreams in an instant. Young children get the opportunity to create their own pizza using interactive art materials.

C is for Cheesecake
Baking cheesecake is not challenging enough for us! We’re going to decorate our own cheesecake! Maybe we can add crushed nuts, marshmallows, caramel syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream and many more on our appetizing cheesecake?

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Day 3

Hay Dairies Goat Farm
At Hay Dairies, the guide explains interesting facts about goats to young children. A tour of the farm is naturally a fascinating experience for many first-timers. Children also get the opportunity to see a live demo on milking the goats and feeding them in the barn. Souvenirs include a door gift and a bottle of goat milk.

Showering with Goat Milk Soap
Goat's milk makes soap gentle and moisturizing. It adds natural proteins, vitamins, and minerals to soap and lowers the Ph of the soap to make it more compatible with skin. What are we waiting for? Let’s start to make one to pamper ourselves!

V is for Vegemite SandwichesVegemite makes the best sandwiches for everyone! A simple and healthy snack that gives us all the energy we need for the day!

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Day 4

Yakult Factory
Why is Yakult good for us? How is Yakult being produced? Are all Yakult the same everywhere? Let’s find out the answer at Yakult Factory! Souvenir includes Yummy Yakult for everyone!

What is that?
What can children design from recycled Yakult bottles? Let’s just wait and see all of their ‘one of a kind’ creation!

K is for Kabobs
Using satay sticks to make kabobs helps to promote children’s creativity and patterning ability. Not only that, children get to enjoy a round of healthy snacks!

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Day 5

Qian Hu Fish Farm
After a tour around the farm to introduce the different species of fishes, young children get the chance to try the once-in-a-lifetime experience of ‘longkang’ fishing. Let’s guess how many fishes the children can catch!

Fishy-Fishy
Hm.. It isn’t too difficult to make a fish with paper plate, glittering sequins, wiggly eyes and many other decorative, or is it? Let’s see what the children can do with it!

T is for Tuna Salad
Scrumptious Tuna Salad is just minutes away. It helps children to eat their greens in an interesting way! They can choose from a variety of ingredients to be added, such as cherry tomatoes, lettuces and crotons!

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Date: 3 Dec 2007 to 7 Dec 2007
Time: 9am to 3pm
Venue: Gracefields Childcare – Gilstead
Cost: $200.00 / child

For more information, please kindly contact Ms Angeline at 62566018. There are limited spaces and it will be based on a first come first serve basis. I thank you for your kind understanding and I look forward to hear from you soon. Cheers!

[ HoLidaY caMp daY 3 - 5 sePteMbEr 2007 ]

2007-09-07T14:24:00.000+08:00

Activity: Children's Treasure Hunt

Oh dear! Sara, the forgetful dinosaur has left some eggs in the Singapore Botanic Gardens and she couldn't find it anywhere. She was getting very worried and she needed some help in finding all the eggs. But WHO could she ask?

Of course! They were Jason, Justin, Brandon, Jolene, Julia, Roxanne, Manfred, Irina, Megan, Miah, Samuel, Ashley, Shu Yi, Wen Pei, James and Vanessa!

During this guided tour, the children would discover some interesting members of the plant kingdom as they helped Sara to find her missing eggs.

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On the bus ride to Singapore Botanic Gardens

Wen Pei

Jason

Roxanne

Brandon

Vanessa & Julia

Justin & Jolene

Megan & Shu Yi

James & Ms Nisha

Manfred & Irina

Samuel & Miah

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Singapore Botanic Gardens ( The Green Pavilion)

Uncle Joseph was welcoming the children to Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Miah & James were paying close attention.

Uncle Joseph was surprising the children with Sara the Dinosaur's badge.

The children were getting anxious to write their name on Sara the Dinosaur's book.

Irina & Manfred were getting ready to write their names.

After writing their names, the children were waiting for Uncle Joseph's instruction.

Uncle Joseph was reading the story of Sara, the forgetful Dinosaur to the children.

The children were listening to the story quietly.

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Singapore Botanic Gardens - The children took a walk by tracing the roots of a BIG tree.

Megan, Jason, Mandred, Jolene, Julia, Irina & Wen Pei

Uncle Joseph & the children.

Jason

Manfred

Irina, Jolene, Roxanne

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Singapore Botanic Gardens - The children did tree rubbing.

James & Julia

Ashley

Megan

Julia, Vanessa & Irina

Miah

Wen Pei, Jolene & Ashley

Jason

Uncle Joseph & the children

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Singapore Botanic Gardens - The children drew 'Cannon Balls' on their tree.

The children

Julia

James

Vanessa

Samuel

Manfred & Shu Yi

Miah

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Singapore Botanic Gardens - Children's Treasure Hunt

The children were all ready to look for Sara's eggs.

Mission completed!

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For parents:

It was absolutely a perfect day to go on an excursion. We were blessed with good weather, warm sunshine and cooling breeze. Hurray!

After our scientific experiment on 'Volcano's Eruption', we ate some egg mayonnaise sandwiches before boarding the bus to go to Singapore Botanic Gardens.That really gave us all the energy we needed!

It was a short bus ride to Singapore Botanic Gardens but the children couldn't contain their excitment at all. Like the previous excursion, they kept on asking, "Are we going to reach soon?" And my answer, "Definitely! In a jiffy!"

Uncle Joseph recieved us at the Green Pavilion when we arrived at Singapore Botanic Gardens. He brought us to sit down at a cooling spot of the Pavilion and began to brief the children on the coming attractions. Uncle Joseph built rapport with the chidlren very easily because he was like a Santa Claus, giving out a lot of goodies for them. Each child receives a Sara the forgetful Dinosaur's book and badge, a set of crayons and not to mention their favourite sweets. No wonder, he was so popular!

Next, we embarked on the guided tour around Singapore Botanic Gardens. There were 4 activities wating for us, including a walk on the roots of a GIANTIC tree, tree rubbing on a HISTORIC tree and drawing 'cannon balls'. OH YES! And finding Sara's missing eggs!

GOSH! The children have managed to complete ALL the above activities effortlessly! And the bonus was they have learned something new about plants as they went through this treasure hunt. Not only that, they also practised their gross motor skills in balancing when they walked on the roots of the tree.

It was indeed a very enriching and entertaining way to acquire knowledge. While enjoying themselves, the children were also engaged in learning. It fits perfectly well with this idiom that says, 'One stone kills 2 birds'. Isn't it? You bet!

Cheers
Angeline

[ HoLIdaY caMp daY 3 - 5 SePteMbeR 2007 ]

2007-09-07T12:55:00.000+08:00

Activity: Volcano's Eruption!

Bubble, Bubble, Bubble.
See the Volcano!
Bubble, Bubble, Bubble.
Hear the Volcano!
Bubble, Bubble, Bubble.
See the Volcano!
Lava spilling out, again and again.

An action song by the famous group Hi-5 and it connects perfectly well to the scientific experiment that the children had conducted. Using household cooking ingredients like bicarbonate soda, vinegar and red food colouring, the children created red bubbling lava spilling out of their volcanoes!

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Isn't it amazing? The children used materials, such as plasticines, glass bottles, styrofoam boards, masking tapes and recycled papers, to build their own volcanoes from scratch! Let's take a look together!

Ashley

Julia

Megan & Julia

Jolene

Shu Yi & Wen Pei

Brandon & Jason

James & Miah

Irina & Megan

Wen Pei

Roxanne

Shu Yi, Wen Pei, Brandon & James

Irina, Megan & Julia

******************************************

Now, it's time to see and hear the volcanoes erupting!
Ready? 1-2-3!

Justin

Jolene

Jason

Shu Yi

Brandon, Irina, Megan & Julia

Ashley, Samuel, Manfred & Wen Pei

An example of the experiement

******************************************

For parents:

This scientific experiment gave young children a new avenue to explore the amazing world that they live in. It helps them to assimilate the newly acquired information and also gains hands-on experiences at the same time.

Language & Literacy also come into play during this experiment. For the younger children, they picked up new vocabulary, such as 'volcano', 'eruption', 'lava', 'molten substance', 'bicarbonate soda', 'vinegar' and 'food colouring'. The older children were able to reinforce their concepts of 'letters and phonics'. For example, when I asked them to name words that starts with the letter as 'Volcano', most of them raised their hands and answered spontaneously.

Naturally, ALL of them were extremely excited throughout this experiment. They were eager to see the reaction between the bicarbonate soda and vinegar. When I asked questions to stimulate their logical thinking, most of them applied their inference skills adeptly. For example, their answer was red when I asked them to predict the colour the lava that would flow out from their volcanoes. Bravo!

Lastly, nothing makes learning more interactive and motivating for young children than engaging them actively in experiences that interest them.

Cheers,
Angeline

[ HoLidaY caMP daY 2 - 4 sePTeMbeR 2007 ]

2007-09-06T14:51:00.000+08:00

Activity: Little Puppets on my Fingers!

What is needed for this art activity? Is it a pair of gloves? Is it lots of shiny sequins? Is it scary wiggly eyese? Is it cut-outs of clothes?

No. No. No. No.

This art activity just need children to express their creativity freely. Yeah!

Megan

Wen Pei

Ashley

Irina

Justin

Jolene

Yu Han

Vanessa

Jason

Brandon

James

Shu Yi

Ashley

Miah

Julia

Samuel

For parents:

Using a range of different art materials, this activity aims to practice young children's fine motor skills. These materials included gloves, felts, wiggly eyes and sequins of different shapes, sizes and colours. Some of these materials were very fine and it required the children to exercise great patience and good eye-hand coordination to pick them up and paste on the gloves independently. This was espcially so for the much younger children. So here is a big pat on all their back!

Not only that, this activity also encourages the children to be as creative as possible. The child could select various art materials provided and used them to make their own finger puppets. Needless to say, the children perfectly displayed their creativity in many possible ways. One look at the end products, and you will know why.

In a nutshell, I encourage young children to learn concepts and to develop holistically through their acive participation in a wide range of learning experiences.

Cheers,
Angeline

[ HoLiday CaMp daY 2 - 4 sEpteMBer 2007 ]

2007-09-06T13:34:00.001+08:00

Activity: Excursion to Thow Kwang Industry Pte Ltd

Hiden somewhere at 85 Lorong Tawas in Singapore, Thow Kwang Industry serves the public in its own quiet way. Other than providing exclusive potteryware, such as latex cups, water jars, flower pots and a wide range of local flavoured decorative display products, it also caters educational tours for children to visit the site. So here we are,all ready to explore!

**********************************************************
On the BUS

Megan & Ashley

Manfred & Irina

Shu Yi & Wen Pei

James & Yu Han

Roxanne & Wen Pei

Brandon & Jason

Vanessa & Julia

Justin & Jolene

**********************************************************
Tour at Thow Kwang Industry Pte Ltd

Uncle Todd was introducing the Dragon Kiln to the children.

All ready to enter the Dragon Kiln.

In the Kiln itself.

Uncle Todd was working on the potter's wheel with clay.

Some products from Thow Kwang Industry Pte Ltd

**********************************************************

Hands-on Clay Experience

The art materials

Irina

Ashley

Miah

Brandon

Yu Han

Samuel

Vanessa

Julia

Roxanne

Jolene

Justin

Megan

Shu Yi

Wen Pei

Manfred

James

Jason

Irina, Megan, Justin & Jolene

Miah, Shu Yi & Wen Pei

Julia, Vanessa, Samuel & Yu Han

Ashley & Miah

**********************************************************

For parents:

It was a fun-filled bus ride to Thow Kwang Industry Pte Ltd. The children simply couldn't contain their excitment. They kept asking, "How long more are we going to take?" and more questions kept on popping out throughout the bus journey, such as "What are we going to do there?" and "What can we see there?" To entertain the children, I suggested singing songs that we have learnt on the first day of the camp. Their favourites include [I'm bringing home a bumble bee], [B-I-N-G-O] and [Down by the river].

Upon reaching the place, the children were thrilled to witness a pair of Mummy monkey and Baby monkey walking on thin wire above their heads. And it was sure hard for the guide (Uncle Todd) to get their attention.

Finally, the tour began with an introduction of the Dragon Kiln and followed by a tour of an operating kiln. Uncle Todd explained that it acts as a giantic oven that helps to bake the potteries that are made. The entrance of the Dragon Kiln was just the right size for the children to enter and they squealed with excitment!

Next on the agenda was the demonstration on the art of pottery making. Uncle Todd took a lump of clay, placed it on the potter's wheel and began working on it. Totally awesome! The children were captivated by the speed of the wheel and they kept asking him what is going to happen next. As he worked on the clay, Uncle Todd explained the entire procedure to the children and answered most of their inquisitive questions.

Last but not least, the children were bought to a raised platform where they could work on thier clay work. Each child was given a box containing a clay ornament, red paint, blue paint, yellow paint, a paintbrush and a pallet. Uncle Todd briefed the children on the activity before leaving them to paint the clay ornament independently.

I believe the pictures above have said it all. The children had definitely enjoyed this clay painting experience thoroughly!

Soon, it was time to pack up and head back to school for LUNCH! Gosh, everyone was starving after a session of intensive concentration on their clay work.

Let's look forward to more of these excursions!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ OuR LoCaTiOn ]

2007-09-06T11:00:00.000+08:00

25 Gilstead Road
Singapore 309070

[ OuR eVenTs ]

2007-09-05T17:08:00.000+08:00

Date: 07 August 2007

Day: Tuesday

Event: ACES Day - Get Up, Go Out & Play

Date: 08 August 2007
Day: Wednesday
Event: National Day Celebration

Date: 09 August 2007
Day: Thursday
Event: National Day Holiday

Date: 30 August 2007
Day: Thursday
Event: Teachers' Day Celebration / Last Day of Term 3

Date: 31 August 2007
Day: Friday
Event: Teachers' Day Holiday

Date: 01 September 2007 to 09 September 2007
Day: Saturday to Sunday
Event: Term 3 Holiday

Date: 10 September 2007
Day: Monday
Event: First Day of Term 4

Date: 28 September 2007
Day: Friday
Event: Children's Day Celebration

Date: 01 October 2007
Day: Monday
Event: Children's Day Holiday

Date: 08 October 2007 - 12 October 2007
Day: Monday - Friday
Event: Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC)

Date: 13 October 2007
Day: Saturday
Event: Hari Raya Puasa Holiday

Date: 08 November 2007
Day: Thursday
Event: Deepavali Holiday

Date: 16 November 2007
Day: Friday
Event: Year-End Party / Last Day of Term 4

Date: 17 November 2007 - 31 December 2007
Day: Saturday - Monday
Event: Term 4 Hollidays

Date: 20 December 2007
Day: Thursday
Event: Hari Raya Haji

Date: 24 December 2007
Day: Monday
Event: Christmas Party

Date: 25 December 2007
Day: Tuesday
Event: Chirstmas Holiday

Date: 28 December 2007
Day: Friday
Event: Professional Development - Teachers

Date: 01 January 2008
Day: Tuesday
Event: New Year Holiday

Date: 02 January 2008
Day: Wednesday
Event: First Day of Term 1

[ OUr cONtacTs ]

2007-09-05T17:03:00.001+08:00

Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead

Person-in-charge : Ms Angeline Goh
Tel : 62566018
Fax : 62566062

Gracefields Kindergarten - Gilstead

Person-in-charge : Mrs Joyce Teo
Tel : 63542822
Fax : 63542922

[ OuR tHEmeS - 2007 ]

2007-09-05T16:28:00.000+08:00

01 August 2007 - 10 August 2007

The Story of Singapore

13 August 2007 - 24 August 2007

Old Singapore & Modern Singapore

27 August 2007 - 31 August 2007

My Teacher My Friend

03 September 2007 to 07 September 2007

What's in Outer Space?

10 September 2007 - 14 September 2007

The Story of Mid Autumn Festival

17 September 2007 - 28 September 2007

Children of the World

01 October 2007 - 12 October 2007

Community Helpers

15 October 2007 - 26 October 2007

Fantasy & Fairy Tales

29 October 2007 to 31 October 2007

Hari Raya & Deepavali

01 Novemebr 2007 - 09 November 2007

Under the Sea

12 November 2007 - 16 November 2007

Animal Kingdom - Creepy Crawlies

19 November 2007 to 30 November 2007

The 4 Seasons : Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter

03 December 2007 - 28 December 2007

All About Christmas

[ oUr fEes ]

2007-09-05T16:20:00.000+08:00

Registration Fees : S$50.00

Refundable Deposit : S$990.00

Yearly Insurance (Optional) : S$4.00

3 Hours Flexi Care : S$247.50

4 Hours Flexi Care : S$330.00

5 Hours Flexi Care : S$412.50

Half Day Care (AM) : S$590.00 (*)

Half Day Care (PM) : S$590.00 (*)

Full Day Care : S$990.00 (*)

Before School Care: S$550.00

After School Care: S$550.00

Please Note:

The services that are marked with (*) are entitled to monthly subsidy of S$75.00 (Half Day Care - AM & PM) & S$150.00 (Full Day Care).

Cheques are to be made payable to Gracefields Childcare - Gilstead.

The school fees reflected above are based on monthly basis.

All fees are subjected to 7% GST.

[ OuR seRvICes ]

2007-09-05T16:14:00.000+08:00

3 Hours Flexi Care : 11.30am to 2.30pm or 3pm to 6pm

4 Hours Flexi Care : 11.30am to 3.30pm or 3pm to 7pm

5 Hours Flexi Care : 11.30am to 4.30pm

Half Day Care (AM) : 7.00am to 1.00pm

Half Day Care (PM) : 1.00pm to 7.00pm

Full Day Care : 7.00am to 7.00pm

Before School Care : 7.00 to 1.00pm

After School Care : 1.00pm to 7.00pm

[ OuR ProGraMMe ]

2007-09-05T16:09:00.000+08:00

18 months to 2 years old
Pre-Nursery Tulips

2 years old to 3 years old
Nursery 1 Sunflowers

3 years old to 4 years old
Nursery 2 Lavenders

4 years old to 5 years old
Kindergarten 1 Lilies

5 years old to 6 years old
Kindergarten 2 Daisies

6 years old to 12 years old
Before & After School Care Orchids

[ OuR PhiLOsOpHy]

2007-09-05T15:50:00.000+08:00

To provide a graded programme of pre-school experiences that would promote the development of a whole child.

We endeavour to offer quality, comprehensive, practical and reliable child development programme in a supportive and stimulating environment.

We emphasise the total development of the child focusing on:

Cognitive (Intellectual) Self Development

Creative Self Development

Social and Moral Development

Emotional Health Development

Physical Development

We are committed to ensure that our qualified teaching staff assists the child to realise his or her maximum potential for growing and learning.

[ HoLidaY caMp DaY 1 - 3 SeptEmbEr 2007 ]

2007-09-04T15:55:00.000+08:00

Activity: Buttons on Frames

Buttons on Daddy's shirts, buttons on Mummy's blouses, buttons on your school uniform! Buttons are everywhere. Of course, they can be used to decorate photo frames too! And the effect is definitely FANTASTIC!

Manfred

Jason

Justin

Roxanne & Megan

Jolene

Wen Pei

Shu Yi

Irina

Julia

Yu Han & Jerry

Miah

James

Brandon

Samuel

For parents:

Buttons come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours. This activity provides young children with the opportunity to reinforce these concepts when they used the buttons to decorate their photo frame.

On top of that, their spatial concept is further strengthened when they have to decide the number of buttons that will fit into each frame perfectly.

Last but not least, learning is made fun through the exploration of interactive art experiences. It becomes more meaninful to the children and it helps them to retain the information more explicitly.

Cheers,
Angeline

P/S: Please keep a lookout for more updates on this blog. Thank You!

[ HoLiDay caMp daY 1 - 3 sepTemBer 2007 ]

2007-09-03T16:13:00.000+08:00

Activity : Clay is for?

Let the fingers do ALL the job! Using colouful clay to design own creation spontaneously, it can be anything under the sun!

Jolene

Justin & Brandon

Jason

Ashley

Shui Yi

Miah & James

Samuel

Wen Pei

Megan

Manfred

Jerry

Julia

Roxanne

Yu Han

For Parents:

To add on to the children's excitment, the teachers invited the children to participate in a contest. This contest aims to encourage young children to utilize all the provided clay and make as many intereting creations as they can.

The children were sure excited about this contest. They spent a good quantity of time moulding their clay into desired creations patiently. This contest also helps to promote young children's fine motor skills, as they manipulate with the clay skillfully.

Of course! There were 3 winners for this contest!

Drum ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And they were

SHU YI,

JUSTIN &...............

IRINA!

3 cheers for the WINNERS!

HIP HIP HURRAY!

HIP HIP HURRAY!

HIP HIP HURRAY!

Ultimately, all the children have enjoyed themselves tremendously throughout this activity and in fact they were cheering for their friends who won the contest!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ weLcoMe tO gRacEfiElds aT gILstEad ]

2007-09-02T19:01:00.000+08:00

A warm welcome to all parents.

This is the first time that Gracefields has adpoted such a methodalogy to communicate with parents. I hope this new-age IT experience will bridge the partnership between school and home.

I always welcome parents to leave comments after reading entries. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and it will help me to make improvments and address concerns more eficiently.

Thank You.

Cheers,
Angeline