YEARBOOK 2023 - ESTABLISHED IN 2001 - WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL
08 Our People 18 Character Excellence 46 Our Co-Curricular Activities 68 Learning Excellence 78 Staff Excellence 88 Our Departments 102 Our Classes CONTENTS
Vision Ladies and Gentlemen of Character and Learning Values Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Care Motto Thirst for Knowledge Mission Shaping Character, Engaging Learners, Touching Lives
School Song There’s a spring that’s a bubbling in our corner of the earth Come drink our waters and be quenched Come taste of the wisdom, come be of the wise Our fountain of knowledge, our fountain of life Chorus Here, We will be winners Here, We will achieve Here, With soul and spirit ‘Cause here, At West Spring we believe At West Spring a new day is dawning A new age calling us to be Come taste of the wisdom, come be of the wise Our fountain of knowledge, our fountain of life Chorus Here, at West Spring we believe Here, at West Spring we believe
My dear students of West Spring, My journey with West Spring started in August 2008. The principal at that time, Mr Seet Tiat Hee, was my classmate in Secondary 1 and the SAC Chairman at that time, Mr David Poh was a close friend. So, it was impossible to reject when I was asked to join the SAC. In hindsight, I am glad that I agreed. Even though the school was a decade old when I joined, it was still very much in its fledgling years. But today West Spring has matured. Upon the foundation built by the effort of the teachers and students before us, West Spring will scale even higher peaks. As for you, graduating class, my hope is that you will continue to give back to the school through the Alumni. In the blink of an eye, 10 years have passed since my service as chairperson, and I thank everyone for enriching my life in this journey with the school. I leave the SAC in the good hands of my trusted friend, Diana Tan. With that I wish all the students and all the staff, teaching and non-teaching, all the best as West Spring forges ahead. Message from Outgoing School Advisory Chairperson Mr Leslie Yeo WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 5
Message from Incoming School Advisory Chairperson Ms Diana Tan Congratulations to all for completing this academic year successfully. What West Spring has achieved over the past year, as this Yearbook is testimony to, would not have been possible without the help from and support of all of its stakeholders: parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, the Principal, the Parents Support Group and my peers in the School Advisory Committee (SAC), and I would like to start by expressing sincere thanks to all of them. I would also like to give special thanks to Mr Leslie Yeo, the outgoing Chair of the SAC, who has provided exceptional stewardship to the SAC for the last decade advising three principals with his unrivalled enthusiasm, passion and commitment, and left me gigantic shoes to fill. As with every Yearbook, the passing of another academic year is marked and commemorated here. I hope this Yearbook will serve as a lasting memento preserving the fond memories you have made in and of West Spring in 2023, that hopefully stays with you for life. To the graduating class of 2023, the end of the academic year traditionally serves as a time for contemplation and reflection, and more importantly for you, this also marks the end of this West Spring chapter of your lives. The impact of the pandemic has made your secondary school journey anything but normal, so please take heart in your incredible resilience and adaptability in withstanding these extraordinary times! Be proud of what you have achieved and be excited for what is to come. If I could impart a piece of advice before you move into your next chapters of your lives, that would be to follow your dreams. As we navigate through the challenges in life, it is easy to forget about the dreams we originally had when we were younger. We may also have peers or adversaries who tell us that following our dreams is neither practical nor sustainable. However, in an increasingly unpredictable world, our dreams may very well be our only guiding light that will lead us through the haze and tunnel of uncertainty. While you might not succeed at first in whatever terms you define ‘success’ to be, remember that every time you fail that failure’s existence is necessary for success to come. So, dare to dream again, and have confidence that you will be able to lead it through, because all of you are unique and special in your own way. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and look forward to you coming back to West Spring to share with us and your juniors your success stories. 6 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Principal’s Message Another year has gone by so quickly. It has been a better year for us as we restart various activities from camps, learning journeys, X-country to Springfest. We even have two overseas trips to Vietnam and Cambodia planned at the end of October. Having gone through the years of COVID when we had to go without these activities, it teaches us to be grateful and not take things for granted. As you flip through the pages of the Yearbook, I hope the photos speak for themselves and it will remind you of both the good and tough times you spent with your friends and teachers in the school. For my graduating cohort of 2023, you are a group of young ladies and gentlemen who have had a rather different school experience as compared to your seniors or juniors. Due to the pandemic, you did not get to participate in many activities beyond school. There were times you even had to be isolated from each other to keep each other safe. For a period, you had to get used to a different mode of learning. You have stood up to the various challenges in the last 4 to 5 years adapting to the different changes that came along. You are made more resilient and adaptable than the rest. As you leave us and venture into the world, I hope your resilience and adaptability will enable you to stand the test of trying times. You will also remember that true success can only be measured by your character and the relationships you foster throughout your life. May you be a positive difference wherever you may be and know that our best wishes will follow you throughout your lives. Continue to be the pride and joy of West Spring Sec! Mrs Belinda Chan Principal WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 7
Our People
Chairperson Ms Diana Tan Member Mr Deya Shankar Dubey Treasurer Ms Yvonne Teoh Bee Ling Member Mr Jagathishwaran S/O Rajo Vice-Chairperson Mr Wong Luck Jaen Member Mr Veerappan S/O Swaminathan School Advisory Committee 2023 10 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Westspring PSG Executive Committee 2023 Norazlin Jumadi Chairperson Audrey Lee Vice Chairperson 2 Henry Agus Vice Chairperson 1 Jimmy Wong Treasurer Low Lai Chui Secretary Justine Lee Member Kelly Lim Member Jacqueline Koh Advisor Kate Swee Member WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 11
WSSS PSG EXCO Committee and Members the year so far .... highlights We promote synergy and collaborative relationship between parents and school. We support parents in nurturing their children in their parenting journey through programmes, events and activities. We represent fellow parents in showing appreciation to the teachers and staff of the school. WSSS PSG is a group of parents who are dedicated in partnering with the school in her mission of Shaping Character, Engaging Learners and Touching Lives. Parenting Talks: Equipping parents with skills to support and guide their children. Weekly Badminton Sessions: Creating bonding opportunities for parents and children. Teachers’ Day and Valediction Day Workshops: Handmade tokens and gifts by parents and students with love. Richard Clayderman Concert Outing : PSG's significant event with a turnout of 120 parents and children. Westspring PSG Executive Committee 2023 Norazlin Jumadi Chairperson Audrey Lee Vice Chairperson 2 Henry Agus Vice Chairperson 1 Jimmy Wong Treasurer Low Lai Chui Secretary Justine Lee Member Kelly Lim Member Jacqueline Koh Advisor Kate Swee Member 12 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 13
14 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 15
16 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 17
Character Excellence
Character and Citizenship Education National Education (NE) Commemorative Days The school commemorates key National Education Commemorative Days, in particular, Total Defence Day, International Friendship Day, Racial Harmony Day and National Day. These commemorative days provide opportunities for rich Student Development Experiences (SDEs). One of the highlights of the Total Defence Day Commemoration activities is that the Secondary Four and Five students took part in an amazing race at the Singapore Discovery Centre to understand how the 6 pillars of Total Defence contribute to building a strong, safe and cohesive nation in the face of new threats. On International Friendship Day, students collaborate in group research projects to understand how Singapore plays her role in international cooperation. The Racial Harmony Day commemorative activities organised for the students allow students to appreciate the unique heritage and cultural diversity that characterises Singapore life. This year, the students were treated to a Singapore Hawker Food Festival with the school canteen stalls dishing out favourite local delights such as Yong Tau Foo, Roti John, Kuih Lopes, Goreng Pisang, Bubur Chacha and Bandung Drink. We value our diversity and are determined to stay a united people. We must preserve racial and religious harmony in Singapore. Student Development Experiences and Cohort Learning Journeys As part of CCE 2021, the school had planned meaningful and engaging cohort Learning Journeys for each level from Secondary One to Secondary Five in 2023. These Student Development Experiences cater to the needs and interests of students. The programmes contribute towards the holistic development of our students in the physical, aesthetic, intellectual, cultural, moral, and social domains. • Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) • Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Experiences • Career Fair 2023 • NRIC Presentation Ceremony • National Service Engagement Talk • Outdoor Adventure Learning (OAL) Cohort Camps • Secondary One Cohort Camp • Secondary One Cohort Learning Journey to Places of Worship in Chinatown • Secondary Two Cohort Learning Journey to National Museum of Singapore • Secondary Three Cohort Learning Journey to Heritage Trail in Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India • Secondary Four and Five Cohort National Education Learning Journey in Singapore Discovery Centre • Student Leadership Development (SLD) Programmes • Values in Action (VIA) • Spring Fest 2023 • National Day Observance Parade and Celebration • Mental Health Exhibition • Dementia Awareness Talk and Engagement with Senior from Fei Yue Senior Group Home • Sustainability Talk by NWCDC and NEA • Aesthetic Assembly Programmes • Singapore Heritage Board Exhibition on Singapore Ethnic Food • SG Secure Exhibition 20 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Education and Career Guidance This year, the ECG team consisting of ECG Counsellor, Ms Aries Lim, Year Head (Upper Secondary) Mr Kok Yeong Haur and Mr Marcus Sze, planned a Career Fair in January 2023 to provide for better students’ development experiences for the Upper Secondary Students. They organised 6 Learning Journeys, 8 Career Awareness Talk by external industry partners and PSEIs and 2 workshops for the students. 78 Secondary Three students visited the WorldSkills ASEAN held in SUNTEC Convention Centre on 24 July 2023. They had the opportunity to speak to the various exhibitors and tried some hands on some of the booths. The students also attended a talk on Early Childhood Education during the convention. The ECG team will continue to partner with the school leaders, teachers, parents, educational institutions and industries, to deliver the ECG curriculum to the students. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 21
Learning For Life Programme Keeping the focus on the fundamental elements in Character Education in Sports, the Tier 1 programme (Secondary One and Two) included the following: • Mental Skills Training • Promotion of Well-Being • Values Development in Sports • Physical Preparation in Physical Activities Our emphasis for our student athletes was to equip them with fundamental knowledge in strength and conditioning. We continued Mental Skills training for students in Shooting CCA to enhance their performance through goal setting, breathing and relaxation techniques. We extended the learning through our Experiential Learning Programme. Students from Secondary One to Three were engaged in Street Dance, Bowling, Dragon Boating, improvised rafting and amazing race at the Sports Hub 22 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Values in Action (VIA) In West Spring, different levels work on VIA projects that meet the needs of the different segments of the community: • Secondary One: Environment • Secondary Two: Children and Youths • Secondary Three: Seniors The Secondary Four and Five classes were given the opportunity to come up with their own self-initiated VIA projects. As a class, they decided who their beneficiaries were and worked together to find out their needs and came up with a project to meet these needs. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 23
Class Culture Building Programme In our efforts to build strong class culture, Secondary One students have gone through a series of culture building programmes: • Bowling (Term 1) • Laser Tag (Term 4) • Escape Room (Term 4) The objectives of the programmes are: • Exposing students to an experiential learning experience as they learn to work with peers • Build inclusiveness 24 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Secondary One Cohort Learning Journey 2023 As part of the Racial Harmony Day Commemoration activities, all Secondary One students visited various places of worship at Chinatown such as Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Masjid Jamae and Thian Hock Keng Temple. There, they learn and understand the religious practices of the different ethnic groups in Singapore. The objectives of the programme are: • To foster social cohesion and harmony, appreciate and embrace social diversity. • To appreciate our different ethnic groups’ heritage. • To build class cohesion. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 25
Secondary One Camp 2023 The Secondary One Adventure Camp is a milestone programme for our students. The students were involved in activities that will imbue in them qualities such as ruggedness that encompasses perseverance, self-reliance, a sense of adventure and a “can-do spirit”. The residential programme was held on 26 June (Monday) to 28 June(Wednesday) at Sarimbun Scout Camp in Jalan Bahtera. The objectives of the Secondary One Adventure Camp (Residential) were: • Exposing students to an Experiential Learning experience whereby they will learn to work with peers • Build inclusiveness, develop values of peace and harmony, resilience, and strive for excellence. • Encourage students to continuously learn to set high standards for themselves and strengthen the cohesion and bond with their classmates The activities included Rafting, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Cooking, Orienteering and other team building games. 26 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Secondary Two Cohort Learning Journeys 2023 Cohort learning journeys form one of the key Student Development Experiences for secondary school students as part of the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum. The Secondary Two students visited the National Museum of Singapore for their cohort learning journey. The museum-based learning experience was guided and facilitated by specially trained museum educators using various artefacts in the museum to deepen students’ appreciation of the history and heritage of Singapore. Students learnt the following: • What did people in the past do to stay connected to one another in Singapore? • How did people feel connected to different places in Singapore through time? • What were some common experiences that tied people together in Singapore? WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 27
Secondary Two Cohort Leadership Day Camp 2023 Our Secondary Two students had the opportunity to develop themselves as team leaders as they went through two leadership day camps. During these camps, they were given opportunities to lead their classmates to overcome certain challenges and accomplish the tasks that were assigned to them as a team. 28 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Secondary Three Cohort Learning Journeys 2023 This year, our Secondary Three students went on a series of exciting Learning Journeys (LJs) that went beyond regular classroom learning. These LJs had a special goal: to make learning feel authentic and meaningful. These trips showed our students that learning is not just about books and desks. They got to see how the things they learn can actually be used in the real world. Meeting experts and people who do these things every day got them interested and excited about what they’re studying. Below are the various LJs our students were engaged in: • ITE Experience (28th April) • Heritage Trail to Chinatown and Kampung Glam (23rd May) • WorldSkills ASEAN Competition (24th July) We’re really proud of how our Secondary Three students took on these Learning Journeys. They were eager to learn and take part in everything. The things they experienced during these trips will stay with them as they move forward. These adventures remind them that learning is not just in classrooms, but it’s all around us. And we’re sure these experiences will help them do great things in the future! A group of selected Sec 3 students embarked on a special journey to ITE West campus. During this event, they enjoyed an exclusive tour of the campus and even delved into some of the most coveted courses available. This experience is poised to ignite their curiosity in their Education and Career Guidance (ECG) exploration, inspiring their future pursuits. The Secondary Three cohort learning journeys form one of the key Student Development Experiences for our students as part of the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum. Our Secondary Three students went for a heritage trail in either Chinatown, Kampong Glam or Little India in May 2023. The learning journey is part of the school’s activities to commemorate Racial Harmony Day. The heritage trail gave the students an opportunity to appreciate our different ethnic groups’ culture and ways of life. It showcased to our students how the different ethnic groups foster social cohesion and harmony, appreciate and embrace social diversity. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 29
Secondary Three Outward Bound School Challenge 2023 After a hiatus spanning 2 years, the eagerly anticipated Outward Bound School camp has made a triumphant return. This year brought a unique opportunity for our Sec 3 cohort, marking their inaugural experience of an overnight camp during Term 1. The camp unfolded over the course of 5 days and 4 nights, creating a memorable chapter in their ongoing journey. The overarching objective of the camp was to cultivate personal resilience while weaving bonds of camaraderie among peers. Despite the onset of weariness, the genuine smiles on participants’ faces bore witness to the delight derived from the experience. This was not merely a pursuit of adventure; it evolved into a voyage of selfdiscovery, personal growth, and the forging of friendships that will stand the test of time. May these encounters continue to inspire our students as they step into subsequent life chapters, armed with newfound resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of adventure. 30 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Secondary Four and Five Cohort Learning Journey 2023 The Secondary Four and Five cohort went to the Singapore Discovery Centre to commemorate Total Defence Day. They participated in the amazing race activities in the centre and had a better understanding and appreciation of the six key pillars of total defence in Singapore. Earlier in Week 1 of Term 1, the students embarked on ECG learning journey and attended talks hosted by various industries such as MPA, Alexandra Hospital, and Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA). WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 31
Secondary Four and Five Valediction Ceremony 2023 The Valediction Ceremony at West Spring Secondary School is a cherished annual event that signifies the end of our graduating students’ secondary school journey. The ceremony is a testament to the growth and accomplishments of our students, marking the beginning of their exciting new adventures. This occasion gathered students, teachers as well as alumni members. We invited 3 student representatives to give a speech. Our alumni president, Mr Dzul, also shared his experience in West Spring. It’s a bittersweet moment of reflection and celebration, where we bid farewell to a remarkable chapter in our students’ lives and send them off with the best wishes for the future. To mark this special occasion, the school gifted each student with an adorable West Spring teddy! 32 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Inter-Class Games 2023 Inter-class games are intentionally organised to enrich our students’ experience in playing sports. The value of such competitions is about the friendships that are forged when a team is formed and challenged to work towards a common goal. The platform allows students to showcase their talent and at the same time test the strength of their character and resilience. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 33
Chinese New Year Celebrations 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration This year’s Chinese New Year celebration started off with a lion dance performance. What made it even more special was the participation of a young boy who joined in the performance. Our performing arts CCA took centre stage during the school concert. The Drama Club staged a show regarding the Chinese zodiac and had a quiz for the students. Our school Band performed as a finale and we had all the performers on stage to sing the Chinese New Year song together! Interclass Classroom Decoration Competition In conjunction with the Chinese New Year Celebration, students were tasked to decorate their classrooms. They were creative in bringing rabbits to the classrooms to liven up the spirit of Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year Interclass Competition The students had a chance to collaborate with their classmates by working together for the interclass competition. Secondary one students took part in the rabbit themed auspicious collage competition where they used their creativity to make a rabbit collage. Secondary two students created a Fu ( 福) word using the materials they brought. This signifies good fortune! Secondary three students used red packets to design mandarin orange holders. The best design which can hold at least 2 mandarin oranges was the winner! Lastly the graduating classes came up with the 24 solar term handcraft. They were innovative by using rice grains and popups as designs! 34 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Student Leaders Investiture 2023 The investiture is a momentous occasion, signifying a new beginning. The 2023 cohort of student leaders embarks on their leadership journey from that pivotal moment, aiming to cultivate leadership competencies and discover key qualities as they assume their respective roles and responsibilities. It is also a time when the school showed its appreciation for the leadership of the 2022 cohort of student leaders by applauding them for their courage and initiatives in taking charge and leading by example. This year, the entire school had the opportunity to collectively witness a significant leadership event held in the hall during assembly. Notably, it marked the first occasion where class leaders were invested alongside student councillors and CCA leaders. In total, over 240 student leaders were invested this year. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 35
Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation 2023 A celebration of our students’ vitality and diverse talents in the Arts unfolded, leveraging the lessons gained from overcoming the challenges posed by Covid-19. Guided by dedicated instructors and fueled by the encouragement of our teachers, our students showcased their best performances for the arts presentation. 36 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Green Living @ West Spring Secondary In 2023, West Spring Secondary School embarked on an inspiring journey toward environmental sustainability with the inception of the “Green Living @ West Spring” initiative. This initiative was driven by a dedicated committee comprising seven passionate teachers and supported by 30 enthusiastic Eco-Stewards as founding members. Together, they harnessed the power of the Ministry of Education’s 4Cs Sustainability Green Plan to foster a culture of care for the environment among students and staff. Through various initiatives, they spearheaded awareness campaigns on environmental issues within the school community. I/C Mr Wu ZongLun (SH/History) 2nd I/C Ms Noor Faezah (SH/ML) Members Mr Low Wai Hoong (HOD/Humanities) Mdm Cheryl Koh Ye Hsia (ST/SS) Mdm Ruhaiza Mdm Oen Hui Qin Ms Pauline Wan Hui Qing Key Events for the Year Term 1 • Creation of the West Spring Environmental Creed Term 2 • Eco-stewards’ Leadership Programme • Earth Hour Commemoration • E-Waste Recycling Campaign by Secondary Two Eco-Stewards • Reduce @ North West • Plant a Difference Project by Secondary Three Eco-Stewards • Biodiversity Week Exhibition and Competition • Green Wave @ West Spring by Secondary Three Eco-Stewards Term 3 • Presentation on Green Jobs and Post-Secondary Options in the areas of Sustainability and Environment by Secondary Four and Five EcoStewards • Staff Green Living Activity- Designing Gratitude Pots and Mini-gardening • Gardening @ Senja Hawker Centre with Secondary Three Eco-Stewards • Design and Sale of reusable bags and eco-stickers @ Springfest by Secondary One and Two EcoStewards Term 4 • Eco-stewards’ Retreat • Submission for School Green Awards 2023 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 37
Internationalisation Programme (Cambodia) 2023 The school embarked on a 5-day, 4-night School & Cultural Immersion Trip to Siem Reap from October 31st to November 4th 2023 that involved 30 students and four teachers. During this educational excursion, the students engaged in a school immersion segment at Hun Sen High School in Viel Village, Siem Reap. This experience provided them with valuable insights into local school life in both Hun Sen High School and the Kokchork commune. Moreover, the students actively participated in cultural immersion experiences, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural influences shaping the city and the nation. Exploring prominent historical attractions such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon further enriched their cultural exploration. Additionally, they had the privilege of visiting Senteurs d’Angkor, a cottage industry specialising in handicrafts and other local products, which allowed them to better appreciate the local scene. Adding to their cultural experience, the students were delighted to participate in a cultural cooking class. This handson activity enhanced their overall overall cultural experience. To deepen their awareness of conservation efforts in Cambodia, the students visited the ACCB (Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity), a dedicated centre for wildlife preservation. Throughout the trip, the students thoroughly enjoyed interacting with locals, acquiring a profound understanding of their way of life. 38 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Internationalisation Programme (Vietnam) 2023 The school organised a 4-day, 3-night School & Cultural Immersion Trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which took place from October 29 to November 1, 2023, involving 30 students who were accompanied by four teachers. The students visited Truong THCS Hoang Van Thu School in Ho Chi Minh City, where they immersed themselves in the local learning environment and experienced the daily life of the students there. Additionally, the students actively participated in cultural immersion experiences, aiming to deepen their understanding of the cultural influences that have shaped the character of the nation, thereby enriching their knowledge of Vietnamese tradition and culture. The itinerary included visits to significant cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre and the Independence Palace. These sites offered insights into the historical and political significance of Vietnam. The students further explored Vietnamese history by visiting the War Remnant Museum, where relics and stories from the war were showcased, and by touring the Cu Chi Tunnels. A notable part of the trip involved a visit to a local Cottage Industry, Quang Minh Lacquerware, where the students engaged with handicapped survivors of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War. Looking back on the experience, the entire group thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the locals and gaining valuable insights into their way of life. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 39
Student Leadership Academy Camp 2023 The Student Leadership Academy is a platform where the current Secondary Three Tier 3 leaders, comprising the Student Council Executive Committee members and CCA leaders, come together to plan activities for potential Secondary Two student leaders to achieve the three leadership outcomes of ‘Taking Charge’, ‘Leading by Example’, and ‘Communicating Effectively’. The Student Leadership Committee will then provide their observations of the potential Secondary Two student leaders to the CCA teachers, offering an additional source of information to assist in deciding who will take over as their CCA leader in the following year. 40 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations 2023 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration West Spring Secondary School collaborated with West View Primary School for this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations! The concert showcased silat, Malay dance, kompang, and a drama performance depicting the significance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. As part of this collaboration, our student performers also had the opportunity to participate in West View Primary School’s Hari Raya Concert. The joint effort between the two schools brought double the cheer and happiness this Hari Raya! Hari Raya Aidiladha & Community Pantry Challenge (VIA) To celebrate the spirit of giving and sustainability, the Malay Language Unit organised a Values in Action activity for all staff and students in commemoration of Hari Raya Aidiladha, or Hari Raya Haji. West Spring Secondary School collaborated with the Community Pantry @ Al-Iman to collect food items to help individuals and families in need, regardless of race and religion. A Community Pantry Challenge was also initiated to encourage students to collaborate with their peers as they searched for the pantry items in the Bingo Card. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 41
National Day Celebrations 2023 This year’s National Day Celebrations were organised into three distinct parts, involving active participation from the entire school community. The celebrations began with all students and staff converging in the school hall to partake in the National Day Observance Parade. This year’s parade featured the four uniformed groups: the Police Cadet Corps, National Civil Defence Cadet Corps, Girl Guides, and National Cadet Corps. In addition to the state flag and school flag, the flags of these uniformed groups were proudly displayed during the parade. Leading the parade as Parade Commander was Staff Sergeant Lim Jun Zhi Darius from the National Police Cadet Corps, who also holds the esteemed position of overall-in-charge of NPCC for 2023. Assisting him as the Parade Secondin-Command was Staff Sergeant Foong Rui Toong Xandra from the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps, who serves as the Unit Sergeant Major of NCDCC in 2023. Providing musical accompaniment for this grand event was the West Spring Marching Band, under the guidance of Mr. Jack Lim. The Guard of Honour contingent consisted of personnel from all four uniformed groups, with leadership responsibilities shared between Girl Guides Company Leader Ammera Zahra Binte Mohammad Moktar and Staff Sergeant Chua Zong Shao from the National Cadet Corps. The second phase of our celebrations was spearheaded by the Secondary Three CCA Leaders. Collaborating with their teammates, these leaders set up booths aimed at sharing their CCA skill sets and engaging the broader school population with creatively interactive games. This segment provided a unique opportunity for students to explore new interests outside their own CCAs. The grand finale of the celebrations saw the entire school reconvening in the school hall for a National Day SingAlong Concert with songs thoughtfully curated by a dedicated group of teachers and student leaders. 42 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Teachers’ Day Celebrations & Spring Fest 2023 After a four year hiatus, SpringFest is back! This year, SpringFest is held during Teachers’ Day. Many students and staff came together to celebrate as one school. There were popular fun fair booths such as the dunking machine and gladiators. The secondary two classes also came up with interesting game booths and innovative food stalls. On top of that, the Green Living committee also had a booth that sold plants and tote bags to encourage sustainable living among West Spring staff and students. From the carnival, we were able to raise a total of $10,030 and all of the proceeds were donated to the Singapore’s Children Society. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 43
EAS Appreciation 2023 The Secondary One student leaders collaborated to organise an appreciation lunch for our nonteaching staff. Despite it being their inaugural school event that they were organising, they were able to devise interesting activities to engage the non-teaching staff and ended it all off with a sumptuous lunch to treat this group of staff as part of showing their appreciation for their hard work. 44 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Farewell to Mr Siva, Vice Principal Fare thee well, Mr Siva! We bade a fond farewell to our Vice Principal of 6 years, Mr V Sivakumar. Mr Siva has been a champion of the students’ well being and a personable and passionate person who impacted the lives of the people he has worked with. We wish Mr Siva all the best at his new posting. You’ll Never Walk Alone! Thank you for your guidance throughout your stay with us in West Spring Secondary School. You will be remembered as a strict but reasonable and passionate school leader. It has been a pleasure and honour to work under your leadership. Your strong pillar of support to the school and to all of us has been a true inspiration to all. Though every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end, here’s wishing you all the very best in your new role. You will be missed. Thank you for being a great mentor and leader. The teachers and students of West Spring will miss having you around in the school. Best of luck for the future! Thank you for your leadership and guidance. Wishing you all the best in your new job. Thank you for the nuggets of leadership wisdom in our interactions over the years. All the best for the next chapter of your leadership journey! Thank you for being an empowering leader, providing guidance & kind words when needed, and ensuring our focus is on the students and their well being. All the best in all your endeavours and may you continue to find fulfilment in your leadership journey. Mr Siva has been inspiring in guiding us to be someone who will always put students in the centre. May your future endeavours be as rewarding as the impact you have had on us. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 45
Our Co-Curricular Activities
Audio Visual Aids Club Teacher in-charge Mr Mok Kai Fore CCA Student Leaders [2023 - 2024] President Harith Rizq Bin Mohamad Hasmi (3C/2023) Vice-President Kwek Pei Qi (3D/2023) EXCO Member Lim Fan Hao (3D/2023) Chan Celine (3E/2023) Goh Cheng Rui Adam (2C/2023) Goh Jek Boon (2C/2023) CCA Key Programmes & Highlights The club provides students with opportunities to serve the school community through planning, coordinating and providing audiovisual aid (AVA) for school events including: • Daily school morning assembly • Friday afternoon assembly • School Excellence Awards Ceremony • Student Leader Investiture • Hari Raya Celebration • Aesthetic Week Concert • National Day Celebration • Teacher’s Day Celebration • Valediction Ceremony 48 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023
Badminton Teachers in-charge Mdm Nur Alinah Bte Ali Mr Goh Se U Mr Siow Gim Onn Mr Soh Hong Wei CCA Student Leaders [2023 - 2024] Girls Team Captain Dorothy Lim Jing Hang (3F/2023) Vice-Captain Jamie Tang (3C/2023) Lee En Qi Alicia Kate (2D/2023) Goh Yu Han (2D/2023) PSL (US) Igraine Kuek Lee Ying (3A/2023) Lee Yu Xuan Clarisse Rachel (2F/2023) Boys Team Captain Cayden Teng Ding Yi (3A/2023) Vice-Captain Thaddeus Tiah Cheng Xun (3F/2023) Yeo Zhi Sheng (2D/2023) Yeo Ren Hao Trevor (2E/2023) PSL (US) Jarrell Chua Kun Hui (3G/2023) Philadelphia Tian E Hrn (2G/2023) Key Programmes • Weekly training sessions • Participation in National Schools Games (NSG) in Term 1 for ‘B’ Division and in term 2 for ‘C’ Division • Farewell Ceremony for Sec 4 & 5 seniors • Team bonding as the year-end activity • Participation in friendly matches with other schools • Opportunities to play in external competitions CCA Highlights • ‘C’ Division Boys team qualified for the quarter finals of NSG 2023, ranking them as top 8 teams in the west zone. • Members will attend Life-long Learning Programme (LLP) every year. • More involvement in leadership in school programmes for our EXCO members to contribute such as National Day and Student-led camp for potential leaders. WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023 49
Festive Drums Teachers in-charge Ms Loh Yan Luan Jacinthia Mdm Oen Hui Qin CCA Student Leaders [2023 - 2024] Lui Jie Yang (3G/2023) Lee Jia Jun (3C/2023) Tang Rong Qiang (3E/2023) CCA Key Programmes & Highlights • Chingay Parade 2023 • CNY Performance at Meridian Secondary School • Cashew Zone 3 RC Family Day 2023 Performance • SpringFest 2023 • Exchange Programme with Edgefield Secondary School 50 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2023