Graffiti Expression Competition!

Crazy about Graffiti Art?

Need space to draw?

Join this competition organised by the South East CDC -- Graffiti Xpressions on 26 July 2009 (Sunday) among Schools in the South East District with the theme "Friendship without boundaries".


Here's what you need to do to join the competition:

1. Each team must comprise of 8 students. 2 of them must be New Citizens or Permanent Residents with the rest, 6 students from the different races.
2. All participants must attend one workshop prior to the competition.
3. Each school can send a maximum of 2 teams -- so it's 1st confirm group, 1st to get to represent CE!!
4. The deadline is 2 July 2009 Thursday.

So hurry, form your group of 8 and send me your details: Full Name, I/C number, Age and Ethnic Group to reach.fe@gmail.com

:)

ATTENTION -- Writing JOURNAL REFLECTIONS

Please make sure you ANSWER THE REFLECTION QUESTIONS!!

Many people have submitted very nice reports about their 6 hours of Personal Enrichment but have forgotten to answer the Reflection Questions!!

If you have not answered the questions, what happens is that I won't be able to grade your assignment -- because you have not actually completed the requirements of the assignment...

So, please scroll down and make sure that you answer the 3 parts of the Reflection Journal.

There are 3 parts to the Reflection Questions --

1. My Expectations
- Why did I choose to participate in this activity?
- What got me started/ How did I get started?
- What did I hope to learn or achieve from doing it?

2. Highlights & Challenges
- What I enjoyed most about the activity and why?
- What did I learn from it?
- What challenges did I encounter? And how were these overcome?

3. Looking back at the experience...
- What mattered most and why?
- What do the failures/ successes mean?
- What life lessons have I learnt?
- How will this experience affect my future?
- Have I become a better/ stronger person? In what ways?

PLEASE ENSURE that you have answered the above 3 sets of questions in your Journal.

Enrichment Activities -- April 30 to May 3

Apr 30 -- Thu: Check out this website to plan for this weekend's Nature-related activities! http://wildsingaporehappenings.blogspot.com/search/label/highlights

Look at the left side of the Wild Singapore blog for the "events calendar" and scroll to March for the updates on what's available! Plenty to choose from -- something's definitely for you! :)

May 1 -- Fri:

• Visit the Istana! :) Free entry for Singaporeans & Singapore PRs from 0830 to 1800. Nearest MRT is Dhoby Ghaut, cross over to Plaza Singapura and it's next to it. For more information: http://www.istana.gov.sg/News/Istana+Open+House+on+1+May+2009.htm
• Free Admission to Singapore Art Museum between 6-9pm! (if there's no special exhibition on, call to check first) Check out the link listings on the right side for more information!

May 2 -- Sat:

How about walking along this Civic District Trail to track Singapore's past? Check it out here: http://livelife.ecitizen.gov.sg/crs/category/civic-district-trail/


May 3 -- Sun:
Today's the day you can take a walk down the Singapore River and count the bridges -- how many bridges span the River and what are they called? Which is your favourite? Take photos and tell me why...
To plan your walk, check here: http://livelife.ecitizen.gov.sg/crs/category/singapore-river-trail/


Or

The Places of Worship Trail -- go on an outing with friends of different faiths and visit the various places of worship in the city area! :) Get your friends to explain to you about the architecture and significance of the buildings and the artefacts within them... Discover more about how multi-religious Singapore is!

Remember to be respectful when you visit places of worship:

• Dress appropriately -- cover exposed shoulders and no short shorts
• Speak softly -- no shouting or laughing
• Handphones on silent mode
• Don't touch anything, unless given permission to do so

Bugis Junction Area -- Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_4844/travel_site_13036/

Bugis Junction Area -- Sultan Mosque http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_23147/travel_site_1/

City Hall Area -- Cathedral of the Good Shepherd http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_1264/travel_site_13572/

Chinatown Area -- Sri Mariamman Temple http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_8496/travel_site_1786/

Or

Wonder what firemen do? Visit the Hill Street Fire Station to discover for yourself! There's also a cool Heritage Gallery. Here's the information: http://www.scdf.gov.sg/General/About_Us/CD_Heritage_Gallery/tour_details.html
If you're going, especially if you're a big group of more than 10, it would be good to call them at 6332 3000 to let them know you're dropping by! :)





Visit the Esplanade's open art galleries -- the various areas where art is showcased:
Venue: Esplanade -- Jendela Visual Arts Space, Theatre Street Cones, Community Wall, Tunnel & Concourse
Taken from: http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/index.jsp


Or

How about going for a "high" walk on The Southern Ridges? Find out more here: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=attractions&id=62&Itemid=73 -- take a photo to capture your trip there, or sketch a picture of the beatiful view, or write a poem...

FAQs about Assignments

Here are some common FAQs & the answers:

1. How many Journal Reflections am I supposed to do for the 6hrs of Personal Enrichment?

Well, it's really up to you -- it depends on what activities you choose to do.
Here's a possible breakdown:

1hr activity x 6 different activities = 6 Journal Reflections
2hr activity x 3 different activites = 3 Journal Reflections
3hr activity x 2 different activites = 2 Journal Reflections
6hr activity x 1 activity = 1 Journal Reflection

or it could be in combination, you could do:

1 x 2hr activity + 1 x 4hr activity = 2 Journal Reflections
1 x 5hr activity + 1 x 1hr activity = 2 Journal Reflections

The total is you have to complete is 6hrs of Personal Enrichment activities. :) Hope this helps!

2. Do I have to write the date and time I did the Personal Enrichment activities?

Yes. That would be a good way to let me know how many hours your activity/activities took.

3. Must I type out my Journal Reflections?

Yes, you can type it out and hand it in, or alternatively, you could create a scrapbook to record your Journal Reflections. Up to you to be creative! :)

4. Must I take photos of what I did?

It's not necessary, but it's a nice way to share with me not just your thoughts but pictures too.

5. Will this be graded?

Yes. This Personal Enrichment assignment is graded and will count towards your final grade.

6. When is the deadline?

The deadline is 17 April 2009, Friday. That means you have from now till the term break to complete it. :) Need some ideas of what to do, just check out my weekly suggestions!

7. The Cover Letter assignment -- What date should I write in the Cover Letter?

You can write the date as on the date you do the assignment or you could write a future date if you want to imagine yourself writing an actual Cover Letter for a job when you've already graduated. I'm fine with that.

8. Must I type out and print my Cover Letter and Resume assignment?

Yes. It's highly recommended so that you can have a real feel of what it is to do an actual Cover Letter and Resume -- things like the alignment and spacing of these 2 things. Plus, you'd have a saved soft copy of the Cover Letter and Resume which you can update and use in the future! :)

So my advice -- do a great job of this assignment and you'd feel pretty prepared for doing an actual one when it's time to apply for a real job!

9. When must I hand it in -- the Cover Letter and Resume?

Please check with your respective teachers when is the deadline, but hearing from a couple of you from different classes, it's pretty soon, isn't it? :)

Lifeskills Enrichment Activities

The Enrichment Activities are designed to help you have a more encompassing learning experience.

It comprises 14 hours of Core Enrichment Activities and 6 hours of Elective Enrichment Activities.

The Core Enrichment Activites include:

1. Literary & Artistic Appreciation -- timetabled into Semester 1 lessons
2. Basic Financial Management -- timetabled into Semester 2 lessons
3. Entrepreneurship E-learning -- to be completed by MAY 15, 2009.


You have to complete 6 hours of Elective Enrichment Activities.
This has to be handed in by April 17, 2009.

These activities are either activities or events organised by ITE or ITE CE and can be:

These are 3 hour activities:
1. GEP Seminar
2. CPF MoneySense
3. Student Seminar Presentation Workshop
4. CE Arts Festival
5. Plain English Speaking Award (PESA)
6. Camps -- BLAZE/ YEP...
7. Sports Day -- swimming/ track...
8. National Day
9. Racial Harmony Day
10.Total Defense DAy activities
11.Learning Journey

Or you can choose to do these are Personal Activities:

These are 3 hour activities:
1. Public performances -- drama/ musicals
2. Workshops -- where you learn a new skill, for example: culinary/baking skills, computer/IT skills/ new/ third language...
3. Competitions -- sporting or artistic competitions organised by external organisations
4. Public talks -- any informative or self-motivating talks organised by external organisations
5. Community service
6. Any voluntary, self-funded enrichment activities -- such as exercise classes, music lessons...

These are 2 hour activities:
1. Cultural visits -- visiting the museums, heritage places of Singapore
2. Educational visits -- visiting the Singapore Science Centre, Hill Street Fire Station, Discovery Centre and so on...


After you have completed an enrichment activity, you'd have to write your reflection.

For example,
if you visited the Asian Civilisations Museum for 2 hours, you'd write 1 journal reflection for that.
This leaves you with 4 hours.
With that 4 hours, you can visit the Singapore Science Centre (1 journal reflection) and the Discovery Centre (1 journal reflection)
So, you have a total of 3 reflections to hand in.

It's up to you what you want to do for your enrichment based on the guidelines above.


Here are the Reflection Questions:
There are 3 parts to the Reflection --

1. My Expectations

• Why did I choose to participate in this activity?
• What got me started/ How did I get started?
• What did I hope to learn or achieve from doing it?

2. Highlights & Challenges

• What I enjoyed most about the activity and why?
• What did I learn from it?
• What challenges did I encounter? And how were these overcome?

3. Looking back at the experience...

• What mattered most and why?
• What do the failures/ successes mean?
• What life lessons have I learnt?
• How will this experience affect my future?
• Have I become a better/ stronger person? In what ways?

Bear in mind that this is graded and counts towards your passing and scoring an 'A' for this module! ;)

Job Seeking -- Cover Letter Template

Your full name
Mailing address
Telephone number(s)
Email address

Today’s date

Your addressee’s name
Professional title
Organization name
Mailing address

Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name or Sir/Madam,
RE: write what you are applying for here

Start your letter with a grabber – a statement that makes a connection with your reader, a thoughtful question, or a interesting quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for and why you want to join this company – how you will be able to contribute to the company.

One short paragraph that makes relevant points about your educational qualifications – school learning specialization/ focus, industrial attachment and any school achievements like bursary awards. Highlight the skills and experiences you’ve gained. Say how these have helped to prepare you for the job you’re applying.

Another short paragraph about your out of classroom activities – CCA, CIP, and other interests that you have; say what is your level and frequency of involvement. Say what kinds of skills and experiences you’ve gained from being involved. Also include what you do in your free time and why you do them. You may also state what you believe are some of your key qualities and strengths that make you good for this job.

Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer), make the reader contact you or express interest in setting up an interview with them soon. Close by saying “thank you.”

Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully,

Your handwritten signature

Your full name (must be typed)

Enclosure: resume


Some Helpful Sentences you can use:

Remember to start your letter with a “Dear Sir/ Madam” if you don’t know the name of who you’re writing to, or “Dear Mr./ Miss/ Ms/ Madam/ Dr./ Prof. ____” if you know their surname.

Options for 1st paragraph: state interest in job and how you will contribute/ be good for this job

I refer to the advertisement for the position of _______ in ______ dated ______.

or

I would like to be a part of the dynamic team at _____ and that is why I am applying for the position of ______.



I am confident that my skills and training in ______ will make me a good candidate for this position.

or

I am sure that I would be a valuable contributor to your company because of my skills and experience in ________.


Options for 2nd paragraph: state where you completed studies at, what knowledge and skills you have, any specialization/ special courses you took, how this will prepare you better

I obtained my Nitec in ________ from ITE, College East in May 200_.

or

I completed my Nitec in _______ at ITE, College East in May 200_.



This has provided me with the necessary skills in ________________.

or

This has equipped me with expertise in ________.



I have done consistently well in __________ and had a GPA of ___.

or/and

I was awarded a certificate/ bursary award/ ______ for my good performance in ______.



Besides, my specialization in _______ is well-suited for this job.

or

As part of my coursework, I specialized in ______ which I believe is essential for this job.



I have also widened my knowledge in ______ as they were my elective subjects.

or/and

I have improved my skills and knowledge by taking up _________. I believe this will be useful in this job.



Options for 3rd paragraph: state what other achievements you have outside of classroom – CCA/ CIP/ other activities

In my free time, I enjoy ______ as I enjoy learning new things/ taking on new challenges.

or/and

Outside of the classroom, I was involved in ______. This gave me the opportunity to ______.One of the key challenges I undertook was ______. This gave me an opportunity to improve on _____.



I regularly volunteer at _________ during the holidays/ my free time. I enjoy doing this because I believe _______.

or/and

To widen my knowledge, I enjoy _____ and _____. I believe it is important to be a life-long learner. I had the opportunity to travel to ______ for a Youth Expedition Project/ CIP trip. I learnt important skills like _______ and _____ which I believe are useful and beneficial.



Options for closing paragraph: restate interest and remind them that you want a favourable reply

Thank you for your kind consideration.

or

Thank you for considering my application.



I am very interested in joining your company.

or

I would be most pleased to contribute to your company.



Please feel free to contact me at my email ______ or handphone ______ should you need to contact me.

or

Please contact me at my email ______ or handphone _______ if you have any queries.



I would be most happy to meet up with you for an interview soon.

or

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.


End off your letter with: “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely” (depends on salutation above). Leave space for your signature. Type your full name under that.

Job Seeking -- Resume Template

Name
Address
Contact Number(s)
Email
Date of birth
Nationality

Job Objective: What you would like to do on the job, what you hope to contribute/ achieve


Highlights of Qualifications
2 – 3 statements about why you would be good at your job objective
Highlight relevant strengths such as community service, skills, experience and personality traits
Arrange the statements here so that the more important one is placed first


Professional Accomplishments
Key Skill 1 (Substitute the words here with your Key Skill No. 1)
1 – 2 statements about professional work or voluntary activities where you used this skill
Quantify where possible the output of your work on your boss, the company’s objectives, your colleagues or customers – show you have made a positive impact/ contribution to your previous employers
Mention awards that you received that required this skill
If you use this skill to solve problems, briefly describe the problem and results

Key Skill 2
Repeat what was done for Key Skill 1, but now with a different skill


Work History
200x – present Name of Company, Singapore
Job Title

19xx – 200x Name of Company, Singapore
Job Title

Education
2009 – present Institute of Technical Education, College East, Singapore
Nitec in _____________

200x – 200x Name of Secondary School, Singapore
GCE ‘O’/ ‘N’ level

200x – 200x Name of Primary School, Singapore
Primary School Leaving Examination Certificate


Community Contributions
200x – 200x National Service
Rank and role

2006 – 200x CCA activities: highlight key ones that are noteworthy
19xx – 200x CIP involvement: level of involvement and frequency


Language Proficiency
English : Fluent/ Competent/ Poor in Written and Spoken
2nd Language Fluent/ Competent/ Poor in Written and Spoken
Others Fluent/ Competent/ Poor in Written and Spoken


Hobbies & Interest
State a few of your key hobbies and interests


References
Name of person
Professional title
Name of company
Address of company
Phone number
Years known


Expected Salary
$xxxx