Staff Appreciation Week: Grateful Moments, Lasting Impact

“It’s my life~~~” Bon Jovi’s song rang out as the principal joined in the groove, signaling the official yet fun start of the Staff Appreciation Lunch. With the microphone in hand, groups eagerly showcased their unique identities – flaunting glossy balloons, rocking cool shades, or sporting bandana scarves. The royal blue attire, paired with tiaras or songkoks, added a dash of flair, as everyone embraced the theme of ‘Be Yourself.’

As the delectable eight-course feast unfolded, the room buzzed with excitement, spurred on by a battery of games. Fearless and fun-loving souls dressed up as Albert Einstein, Ninja Turtle, Phua Chu Kang, Wonder Woman or Pikachu with whatever their tablemates could find. The invitees also uncovered each other's hidden talents and passions: Who blesses people with self-made pineapple tarts? Who is an intrepid traveler and converses in Japanese effortlessly? Whose home is a kitty paradise? Whether or not you know these answers, the YCKSS family was awestruck by the versatility and delightful surprises of those in the very same room. Even the conventional lucky draw had an uncannily unconventional twist, leaving everyone beaming as winners of vouchers, big wads or not.

Thanks to the hilariously funny emcees, laughter and cheers permeated the venue, filling Holiday Inn @ Atrium with a sense of camaraderie that truly defined the luncheon on 28 August.

But the luncheon was not the only highlight! In the days leading up to the event, cards of gratitude and gifts of choice – epitomising the SPICEY framework – were lovingly handed out, radiating warmth and sending a pellucidly clear message to every member of the YCKSS family: You are never alone in this.

Mini Durian Delights

The air buzzed with anticipation when a hint of its presence was dropped through a text message. Upon its arrival, the atmosphere intensified; some rushed up to it with their like-minded colleagues, while others scrunched up their noses yet politely declined, saying, ‘I would give it a miss.’ It is none other than the king of fruits – durian!

On the 28th of June 2024, staff were greeted by the strong and distinct aroma of durians. Enthusiasts revelled in its rich and creamy texture, especially in the company of other durian lovers at the Heritage Gallery. Whether the unique aroma elicited adoration or aversion, everyone had either the king of fruits or other delectable fruits to savour that day. While durians may reign supreme in the hearts of many fruit lovers, they did not overshadow the significance of the shared experience among us in the teaching fraternity.

Embracing the Spirit of Hari Raya

Hari Raya festivities are synonymous with an exquisite array of culinary delights. It was no exception this year, with the primary aim of fostering YCKSS familial ties. On 19 April, as the aroma of tantalising lunch filled the air, it set the perfect backdrop for colleagues to engage in hearty conversations amidst their busy lives.

Gathered in the cozy comfort of the Dance Studio 2, we revelled in the light-hearted stories steeped in history and practices of Muslims. While it culminated in quizzes that challenged our knowledge and wit, the winners brought home some mementos that served as vivid reminders of the generosity and inclusivity embedded within the Muslim culture.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2024

To usher in the Year of the Dragon, all YCKSS staff convened in a calligraphy session on 2 February 2024. Empowered with creative autonomy, everyone carefully and meticulously penned auspicious words of their choice and engaged in the delicate art of paper cutting, reflecting personalised aspirations. The celebration would not be complete without the venerable tradition of Lo Hei on 16 February 2024, when a myriad of ingredients were tossed with one collective purpose: ringing in peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Monthly Theme Dressing

Monthly Theme Dressing helps to bond staff and to commemorate certain events such as World Water Day, Earth Day...etc: The themes so far have been:-

1. Valentines Day (Pink)
2. World Water Day (Sea of Blue)
3. Earth Day (Green)
4. White
5. Yellow and Gold
6. Rose Quartz

Quotes from participants

Manito-Manitee Game

During the month of September, we played the Manito-Manitee Game (Angel-Mortal) to encourage a caring environment in the school and to enhance staff bonding. All staff (teaching and non-teaching)* were randomly paired and everyone had to take care of their appointed Manitee, for a month. Many gave gifts and wrote encouraging notes to brighten up the day, but they would remain anonymous until revelation day, which was Teachers' Day. There were hand made gifts and improvised wrapping papers , well thought and nicely wrapped up snacks and useful stationery.

All in all, most staff gave positive feedback and are looking forward to more of such engaging activities in future.

Potluck Breakfast Session

The staff welfare committee had organised a Brunch Potluck session during Marking Day. Food has always been a successful way to bring staff from different department together. Every department was invited to bring a few different types of food. There was a splendid array of food on the table. Staff enjoyed themselves.

Quotes from participants

Run for Your ‘Life’

‘Stretch! Swing! Skip! Squat!’ ...

These were some of the warm-up exercises that a group of staff performed before commencing their 14 th MOE Olive Run at Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Square, on 13 July 2024. Whether or not their counterparts were dashing past them toward the finishing line, they remained focused on their personal pace, form, and even the enjoyment of the scenic beauty around them. Ultimately, their primary goal in joining the activity was to stay fit and healthy. Anything else, such as refreshments, goodie bags, complimentary fitness check, and even lucky draw prizes, was a bonus but secondary. After all, health is the greatest wealth.

Yoga: Ignite Your Mind, Body and Soul!

Armed with water bottles, towels, and even yoga mats, the staff soldiered on to the sacred sanctuaries where tranquil melodies and revitalising yoga awaited on an ordinary Friday, 1 March 2024. Namaste!

Having greeted the yoga teachers respectfully, some traversed along an infinity pattern gracefully in the cavernous hall, while others curled their toes and lifted their hips methodically in the cozy studio. The rewards were immense – radiant smiles across the faces, beads of perspiration testament to a vigorous workout and last but not least, a much-cherished respite from the hustle and bustle of life.

Staff retreat & celebrations

Objective : To foster strong and cohesive teams through a team building staff retreat.

Feel the soft sand, the smooth sea and the bright sun while we **"Cruise the Southern Seas of Singapore"** - an adventure to discover the sustainability efforts of Singapore in the Southern Islands of Sisters Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom.

It was a clear sky on Friday, 24 June 2022, after days of rain. The staff had a bonding game with a boarding pass on the buses going to the Marina Bay Ferry Terminal. The staff disembarked on Kusu Island where they had a game untangling themselves. Engaging session learning the legends of the names of the islands, the sustainability efforts by the government.

Ended the day with a buffet lunch on Sentosa. Staff made a pledge to save the environment.

Professional Development

Professional development sessions ensure that staff continue to strengthen their practice throughout their career.

The key learning programmes for 2019 are Assessment for Learning (AfL), Differentiated Instruction (DI) and ICT in Pedagogy using The Student Learning Space (SLS).

Quotes from participants

Celebration of Learning Day

The objectives of the annual Celebration of Learning Day are as follows:

• To celebrate and affirm the meaningful work done by PLTs since 2021 Term 3.
• To provide a platform for PLTs to share and learn from each other.
• To allow PLTs to gather feedback and suggestions to improve on the lesson design and refine their tech-enabled learning activities.

The Celebration of Learning Day employed the Blended Learning approach with VP Mr Kevin Lim delivering his opening remarks via the Zoom Platform while the showcase of PLT lesson packages by 21 teams was conducted face-to-face in separate classrooms for safe distancing in 2021.

First Aid Course

Our teachers continue to improve their competencies even when the school term has ended. The Standard First-Aid Course + CPR + AED Course Online Theory lesson was held on 6 September 2021 and the Face to Face Practical session was held on 19 November 2021. The objective of the course is to ensure that all staff be trained in life saving skills.

Staff Appreciation Day 5th Sept

The grouping for the bowling activity was done so that every team had a mixed number of bowlers from school leaders to the EAS staff. There was much bonding during the event. It was an event that favoured no male or female bowlers. All 120 bowlers had an equal chance of doing well for the team. At the end of the day, hidden talents in bowling emerged and the rest had a very joyful day.

Quotes from participants

Durian Feast

At the durian feast held on 31st July 2019, our staff were spoiled for choices. With a variety of fruits to choose from, the King of fruits was definitely the favourite. Staff who tried the Mao Shan Wang (MSW) durian, known to be the premium type, commented on its rich, bitter and heavily rich flavour.

It was indeed a great way to end the day and we had an enjoyable bonding session over the feasting.

Quotes from participants