Thursday, 31 May 2007
I learnt Chinese brush painting today. It is not easy. The challenge is to control the flow of ink and colours at the tip of the brush. My teacher taught me how to draw fish and panda. I enjoyed the lesson very much and I will be bringing my ‘masterpiece’ back to Singapore to show my family and friends..

Farkhanda

Wednesday, 30 May 2007

I look forward to today’s English lessons. I want to have a taste of it. The class is not bad. The Chinese standard here is very high. I can hardly keep up with it. Still, I will try my best.

Brendan

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Today, we had PE lesson. We had to run 50 metres within 10 seconds. Guess what? My record is 8.9 seconds. We also played badminton with the students here. Guangzhi can play badminton very well. Tomorrow will be the home stay! I cannot wait anymore.

Yu Jia

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Oh, my god! There are ‘millions and millions’ of mosquitoes in our room. Look! There is one flying… I really cannot stand the mosquitoes flying around. Today, I watched my friends playing badminton with the Chinese students. Wow! The Chinese students are all so fantastic. They played like the professionals.

Glenn, Yi Han

Tuesday, 29 May 2007
It was such a tiring day. We went to visit schools today. The buildings are awesome and they are very, very BIG! During dinner, Farkhanda and I learnt to eat with disposable chopsticks. Farkharda was so funny because she only used a chopstick to bring the food to her mouth. We could not help laughing.

Farhanah

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Today, we had lessons on Music, Chinese and English. I enjoyed the Music lesson. We played a song and danced to the beat. The English lesson was interesting too. Hmmm…as for Chinese… erm… I had problems understanding it so I kind of slept there. Oophs! I know this is not right. I promise to be 100% attentive from now onwards and get the best out of the lessons.

Farkhanda

Monday, 28 May 2007

Today, I had a tour around the school. It was fascinating. I took lots of photographs. The students here are good readers and they have good memory. The Mathematics problem solving methods are different from ours. I hope the days that follow will be fun.

Jia Jun

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The trip was enjoyable. My buddy is considerate and friendly. Tomorrow, we will be exploring the other schools in Shimen. I am looking forward to it.

Zhi Yong

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I am so happy today. I went to class and attend lessons with my buddy. She is very nice. She helped me with my work.

Jie Qin

Sunday, 27 May 2007
When I was at the airport today with my beloved family, I almost cried. My eyes were dreadfully red when I checked in. I almost lost my watch on the plane while I was doing ‘big business’. Well, doing ‘big business’ on the plane was really uncomfortable.

Glenn, Yi Han

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This is the first time I took the aeroplane. It was unbelievable that I was actually traveling to a distant country without my parents. It was fun sitting with Adeline and Zhi Yong on the plane. The taking off and landing of the plane made my head spin. I miss my dog, Spottie, mother and family. I almost cried.

Yee Shuin

Home stay...by Miss Ng

Today the 26 pupils finally were fetched to their buddies' house. i can see the excitement on their faces. Three of us met some buddies' parents, and we are glad that all of them are very friendly and happy about the home stay school arranged for them. i believe that they are many interesting programms awaiting our 26 pupils.

Mr.Ho, Miss Hing and me myself went through all pupils learning log (journal) last night. Most of them reflected that they are getting used to the environment here. they have also learnt many new things through the classroom learning. We are posting some of our pupils journal entries on the blog, please spend some time reading through the entries to understand how our pupils are doing, are feeling and are learning.

Parents, please do not worry about them. they are coping well, we are sure that they are going to have a fruitful trip in Shimen.

Our thoughts...by Miss Hing

Hi there c”,)

It is heartening to know that our students are coping pretty well in Shimen despite the ‘miss home syndrome’ and the differences in the curriculum, culture (for Malay students), environment and life styles. They have learnt to be more independent and are able to do things on their own. Generally, they are quite well-behaved. Guess what?　Some of them actually touched the three of us, the　 teachers-in-charge, with their sensibilitｙ especially when they comforted or cheered up their friends who missed home.

Of course, learning is not without struggles. All the students had to adjust to their new hostel life. There were times when a few of them could not see eye to eye and were upset with one another. It was only after our counselｌing that they got to see things from a new perspective. Ｔhis is really a good opportunity for them to learn about respect and how to better relate to others. It is nice to know to know that they are receptive to advice and are willing to change for the better.

No worries. We are fine in China. The students are well taken care of. Do follow up with our blog yah!

Regards,
Miss Hing :)

Participants' voices - Jonathan Siew

I like my buddy, the teachers and the hostel life. My friends treat me well.

Jonathan Siew

Participants' voices - Adeline

My buddy is a kind, helpful and generous girl. She teaches me all the things that I do not know. In class, the teacher got me to try some challenging Math questions and she explained to me again when I had difficulty understanding the concepts.

I was very tired on the first night. I did not sleep well because it was warm at night and there were mosquitoes. I had a few mosquito bites.

Adeline

Participants' voices - Glenn Tan

I have a better understanding of how the students learn in China. This trip has allowed me to learn new and quicket way of working out the Math questions. I suppose my friends enjoy this trip.

Glenn Tan Yihan

Participants' voices - Han Jie

I am still adjusting to the hostel life, which, is very different from Singapore. Not to worry, all of us are fine.

Han Jie

Participants' voices - Nurul Farhanah

I am thankful for the food they serve the two of us, Farkhanda and I (the Muslims). I am going to enjoy myself here as much as possible and learn Chinese with my friends.

Nurul Farhanah

Participants' voices - Jing Chao

Over here, I have learnt Wushu and it is very interesting. I have also learnt how to do things all by myself. Some times, I will still miss my family.

Yan Jing Chao

Participants' voices - Chang Hwan

All the students and teachers are very friendly and they are all very kind. The food here is okay. I think the Chinese students are all strong in Mathematics.

Kim Chang Hwan

Participants' voices - Ada Soh

If there is a chance, you should come to China for holidays. China’s great! But please do not come here when it is hot. I know that my parents are worried about me because this is the first time I join the school on a two-week immersion programme without them. Shimen is great but I think the food is not suitable for me. I still prefer Singapore food. The teachers are nice to us.

Ada Soh

Participants' voices - Yi Jie

This trip is quite interesting. The students in Shimen are very bold. Whenever the teacher asks a question, they will all want to answer.

Wang Yijie

Participants' voices - Wen Xi

My buddy is very polite and kind. In our hostel, six of us (my Keming classmates) share a room and we have a great time. I have taken many pictures.

Crystal Chai Wen Xi

Participants' voices - Su Ning

I am happy here. I think my buddy is very friendly and helpful.

Koh Su Ning

Participants' voices - Yee Shuin

I am coping well in China. I have learnt new methods to solve different types of Math problems. I am having a lot of fun. I like the school a lot. My buddy is friendly.

Chan Yee Shuin

Participants' voices - Brendan Tan

In China, overall, it is nice but I think that there is a lot of improvement needed for the toilet. My buddy is friendly and humourous. He is also a fast learner. But still, I wish to go home to see my family.

Brendan Tan

Participants' voices - GuangZhi

It is fun to be here. The school is big and I can get along with the students here.

GuangZhi

Participants' voices - Wei Song

I learn that their way of solving Math problems is different from us. They can solve the problems pretty fast. I have not attended their English lesson yet but I did have a look at their textbook.

Yeo Wei Song

Participants' voices - Tee Tiong

It is nice to be here. We are well fed. The teachers gave us a lot of food. I always feel sad when I have to throw away the unfinished food.

Tee Tiong

Participants' voices-

It is nice to be here. We are well fed. The teachers gave us a lot of food. I always feel sad when I have to throw away the unfinished food.

Tee Tiong

Participants' voices - Zhi Yong

It is fun learning in Shimen Experimental Primary School. The library and IT lab are beautiful. My buddy is helpful and the teacher in charge of the hostel is kind. They take good care of us.

Chua Zhi Yong

Participants' voices - Yew Jie Sheng

I am feeling sad because this is the first time I am away from my parents. I just want them to know that I am all right. I love them. Mummy and Daddy, I miss home.

Yew Jie Sheng

Participants' voices - Luo Meng

I felt nervous and sad when I first came here. I was nervous because I had to sleep alone (even though my friends stay in the same room with me). I felt sad because I missed my parents.

Luo Meng

Participants' voices - Jie Qin

Hi Mummy and Daddy, I can do things myself now. I am happy here so you don’t have to worry about me. I will be learning Wushu here. I think it is going to be quite challenging. Oh yes!！My camera has no more films so I won’t be able to take any photographs during the land tour. My buddy is very helpful. Her classmates asked me out for shopping but I told them that I could not go without a teacher. Bye!

Loo Jie Qin

Participants' voices - Yuen Sian

I like this place a lot. It has an interesting garden with plastic mushrooms with sounds.

Soon Yuen Sian

Participants' voices - Dong Ho

I have been given a lot of food in Shimen and I am still learning to get use to it. I am fine as my friends are always with me. I love the hostel very much but I am afraid to use the toilet. It’s different from the toilets in Singapore. Once, my sister dropped her pin into the hole (the squatting kind). She is very unlucky. Haha! 　In Shimen, the lessons are conducted in Chinese. Even though I learn Chinese in Keming, I had difficulty following the lesson as I do not really understand what my teacher was saying.

Won Dong Ho

Participants' voices - Jia Jun

I like the hostel life. It is so FUN! I have learnt to be very independent. I enjoy this trip!

Jia Jun

Participants' voices - Dong Hee

Every thing is fine here. Shimen Experimental Primary School is a good and big school. My buddy is kind and helpful.

Won Dong Hee

Participants' voices - Yu Jia

The activities are superb although I sometimes do not understand what the teacher is talking about as she speaks very fast. Shimen Experimental Primary School very generous in giving food. They give a lot of food and I cannot finish it.

Tay Yu Jia

Participants' voices - Farkhanda

I find this learning trip meaningful. It is quite fun to interact with our new friends and to cope with the hostel life. Even though I have never left my parents for more than one week, I have learnt to be independent. The school is very generous. We are well fed with lots and lots of food as if we do not have to eat anymore. :）

Farkhanda

Our learning journey....Miss Ng H L

This is our fourth day here. We would like to apologize for not being able to update the blog immediately due to the network problem here. As the transport in this area is not as convenient as in Singapore, we are not able to get the phone cards ready for pupils until today. We hope for parents' understanding.

I guess most of the pupils are having fun in shimen primary School although some of them are homesick, and some of them are not used to the hostel life (first few days) But this is an expected situation. i believe this is where and when our singapore pupils can and should learn to be independent. They start to realize that they cannot take things for granted. They are also learning how to manage their emotions by themselves. They are growing stronger each day.

We are finally at Shimen by Mr Ho

After more than 5 months of preparation,we are finally here at Shimen. It's summer and the weather is almost similar to what we are experiencing in Singapore. We are all amazed by how big the school is. Everyone is very excited. We are expecting a very fruitful trip. For now, good bye and hear from me soon!

Latest Updates!!

Hi Everybody there in Keming, Singapore. Thanks for your patience but we're sorry for the looo...ong wait as we are having problems with the network here. Give us some time as we are still working on it. We miss you all so much and will post our entries a.s.a.p. when the network restores back to norm.

*keeps fingers crossed*

Meanwhile, just want all of you to know that we (teachers & pupils) are fine here in Shimen and that we are coping pretty well here.

With Cheers and Good Wishes!

出国须知 Notes - Preparation for the trip

兑换率　Currency Exchange
S$1≈RMB 5.07

天气 Weather 初夏 　　 Early Summer
摄氏24-31度　　 24-31degrees Celsius

顾好自己的随身行李，尤其是外出的时候
　Take care of your own belongings.

不要在路上／街上边走边打行动电话
　Do not use mobile phone while walking on the streets.

不要单独外出行动
Always move around in a group, never leave your group without permission or company.

身体保健
－出发前要照顾好自己的身体，多喝水，要有足够的睡眠，可在一星期前服用维他命C以增强免疫力
Take good care of yourself before the trip.
Drink lots of water, have sufficient sleep.
You may want to build up your immune system by taking Vitamin C.


* Preparation of performance item (as a group)

拨打国际电话 Making IDD calls

－买电话卡 (IDD card)

－行动电话须有国际漫游服务
(autoroaming for mobile phones)

－学生可携带手机，不过只能在晚间才能使用 (9p.m 之后)
Students can bring their mobile phones along.
However, calls can only be made after 9pm.

Introduction to Shimen Primary School 认识石门小学

石门实验小学建于2002年12月，座落在佛山南海区。
Shimen Experimental Primary School was built in 2002 , situated at Foshan Nanhai 　　District


石门教育集团五所学校之一
（涵盖小学、初中、高中三阶段）
One of the 5 schools under the Shimen Educational
Group (including secondary schools and high schools)


现代化全寄宿学校
Modernised boarding school with full hostel facilities


学校占地 108221 平方米
Land area 108221 square metres


目前共有66个教学班，学生近2400人，教职员工350人
To date, they have 66 teaching classes,
about 2400 student population and 350 teaching staff


2005年被评为广东省一级学校
Awarded Most Outstanding School in the
Guangdong Province in 2005


学校设施和设备:
　Facilities:

资讯 (Information and Technology) -
软件制作室　 Software making lab
广播视频中心 Broadcasting Centre
信息资源中心 Media and resource centre
网管中心 Internet Hub
4个电脑室 4 Computer labs

艺术殿堂 Art and Aesthetics

舞蹈室 Dance studio
唱游室 Performing Art studio
数码钢琴室 Digital Piano Room
独立钢琴房 Piano Room
书法室 Calligraphy Room
艺术室 Aesthetics Room
陶艺室 Pottery Room
图画室 Drawing Room
美劳室 Craft Room

科普天地 Domestic and Science
劳技室　　　 　Carpentry workroom
烹调室　　 　 Culinary Room
科学实验室 Science laboratories
● 阅读中心 Reading Centre
● 图书馆 　Library

体育：　Sports and Health:　　　　
大型运动场　　　 Sports Stadium

大自然： Nature :
自然探索园　　 Nature Discovery Park
果园、菜园　　 Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Itinerary 行程安排

Itinerary


第一天　Day One
1200 中午抵达广州白云机场 Arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport @
1200 hrs

入住宿舍
Check in for accommodation

参观校园
Orientation of hostel and school

第二天至第六天（Day2 - Day6) (Monday to Friday)

早上 Morning
- 随堂学习 Assimilation - normal curriculum learning

下午 Afternoon
武术、书法、 Wushu, Calligraphy, Pottery
古诗词、中国象棋 Classical Poetry, Chinese Chess
其他课外活动 Other CCA


晚上 Night
看电影、国画 Movie appreciation, Chinese Painting
英语互动 Interaction with local students in English


第七、八天 （周末）Day 7 & 8 (Saturday & Sunday)

周六 Saturday
南海一日游 A day tour in the city

周日 Sunday
参观活动 Sight-seeing

(主要参观广州的爱国主义教育基地）


第九天至第十三天（Day9-Day13) (Monday to Friday)

与第一周相似 Same as Week 1

第十二天（周五晚上) (Day13,Friday night) 入住学生家庭 1 Weekend Home-stay
(住两个晚上）　　　 　 (Spend 2 nights)
第十四天欢送会 Farewell Party (Sunday)
第十五天回新 Home sweet home

Ways of Contacting Keming Teachers (In China)

Dear all, from now onwards , you can contact all 3 teachers through these numbers:

+8615986156503
+8615986156523


Mr Ho Boon Huat h/p : 9838 2959
Miss Hing Mui Hong h/p : 9787 3069
Miss Ng Hui Leng h/p : 9875 1130


电邮：
ho_boon_huat@moe.edu.sg
hing_mui_hong@moe.edu.sg
ng_hui_leng@moe.edu.sg
amazhings@yahoo.com


石门实验小学
001-86-757-0757-86688377

Preparation for the trip ....by Miss Ng

As a preparation to Shimen Pri School, our pupils are learning Fusion Dance, singing, Wushu, some are preparing power points slides to introduce Singapore to our fellow china teachers and pupils. they are a bit stressed...i wanna tell them, me and the other 2 teachers are also stressed, but i believe after the trip, we will become stronger...

Few words from Mr.Ho

Enjoy yourselves children! Turn your stress into strengths, we will definitely do a good job there and bring back with us a lot of knowledge and valuable experiences.

Flight Information

Departure (from Singapore to Guangzhou)
Flight Number:SQ804
Reporting Time 27 May 2007 5:45am
Reporting Area：Terminal 2 Row 4
Departure Time: 8:15am
Arrival Time at Guangzhou: 12:15pm


Arrival (from GuangZhou to Singapore)
Flight Number:SQ803
Reporting Time 10 june 2007 11:00am
Reporting Area：Teachers will be leading all pupils
Departure Time: 1:20pm
Arrival Time at Singapore:L 5:15pm

此行的目的

佛 山 石 门 小 学
学 习 之 旅
2007
5 月 27 日 - 6月 10 日

此 行 的 目 的：

1.学习、欣赏、认识中国地方文化的精髓,拓展学生的视野及知识面
To enrich students’ knowledge and experiences by immersing them in the rich Chinese culture.


2. 培养学生文化适应性的能力,让学生学会独立自主,适应集体生活
To provide students with the opportunities to experience school life in a foreign
country

3.通过考察与交流, 同中国师生建立诚挚的友谊。
To allow students to make new friends and foster closer bonding with their teachers
and classmates


4.通过各项学术及文艺活动，培养学生对华文及中华传统艺术的兴趣。
To foster the interest in learning Chinese Language among our pupils and to expose them to Chinese traditional arts




石 门 实 验 小 学 概 况

1. 石门实验小学建于2002 年 12 月，座落于佛山南海区。
2. 它是石门教育集团里， 5 所学校之一。
3. 现代化全寄宿学校
4. 目前共有66个教学班，教职员近350名, 及学生近2400名。
5. 2005 年被评为广东省一级学校。

Teacher's Reflection

Hurrah! We are going to shimen soon..

too soon actually.

as a matter of fact, the exam fever has yet to subside and most of us are still in midst of marking the papers frantically.

view pictures here