CCA Recruitment / Open House 2013

On 12^th January 2013, our college held its Open House to welcome prospective students with a display of our vibrant school culture by exhibitions and performances by our numerous CCAs. Later on 20^th February 2013 was the CCA fest for the new students of our school, to help them find the CCA of their interests. On these days, the Saints Advocate took to the crowds, to advocate our cause and to seek out the new Advocates to share our flame.

Publicity items (: the 'Heart Plaster'

Throughout the whole journey of planning and designing our Advocate booth – to best display our purpose as Advocates as well as our one year’s journey in this CCA – I have gained a lot of experience and insight to the importance of time management.

During Open House when we first set up our booth, I felt that the task force was not very ready and that the display boards were too hastily made. Although the boards were extremely creative and informative, there were considerations that we had failed to take into account, such as the small font we used for the introductions on our various projects. The concave set-up of our booth also deterred many from walking forward to examine our boards closely. It was undeniable that many of the Advocates also felt slightly disheartened that most students who came for the Open House were more interested in what subjects the school offers rather than the CCAs available. Being turned down numerous times or simply being consulted on matters of the school’s academic achievements made us feel that the effort we put in to construct our booth was much under-appreciated  Nevertheless, we still gave it our best effort and approached many groups of students and parents who walked past our booth to advocate the cause that we stand for.

Setting up the booth in the morning before Open House (:

Due to time limitations, the booth during Open House did not turn out as effective or appealing as we expected, and that was a great concern for us. Fortunately, we had a second chance to revamp our booth for the CCA Recruitment day. With the new lease of time, better time management and more help, we successfully managed complete all our props by recruitment day.

The banner of Saints Advocate held high

One of the most satisfying props that we completed was an approximately 10m long banner that proudly hails "Saints Advocate". At first, the task force thought that it would be almost impossible for us to complete that banner in time as it stretched longer than a classroom floor and was long and wide, making drawing the alphabets difficult and tedious. Despite having to stay back in school many days to complete the banner, we worked at it with perseverance and managed to finish it three days before the actual day. Through this arduous activity and others, I felt that we had also strengthened our friendships within the task force.

Our Advocates beside the 'sign-post of events'

Furthermore, what I felt we did well in was the creation of a sign-post structure that showcased to the juniors some projects that they can look forward to in joining Saints Advocate. It attracted much attention and I felt that it was the best prop as it applied directly to the JC1s and gave them a rough idea of what to expect as compared to just finding out our past experiences. In addition, it gave me the opportunity to approach some of my potential juniors, helping me to step out of my comfort zone as well.

The CCA Recruitment task force, and the hard work of the entire Saints Advocate

All in all, I feel that the members of the task force have all grown from the experience, greatly unrecognizable from the very first time we came together. Seeing our juniors now, we could truly say that our recruitment efforts have been quite a great success!

-Natalie Keong, 3rd Saints Advocate

Saints Advocate Application Form 2013

Saints Advocate Application Form 2013

Due to restrictions on this blogging website, we apologize for not being to upload the form in a document format. Please download and print out the JPEG copy of the form and fill it in. Completed forms can be submitted to the teachers indicated in the form either directly or by putting it in their pigeon holes.

Please note that the deadline for submission is 20th February (Wednesday) 12pm.

We look forward to your application! (:

***As the CCA Recruitment Fair was held on 20th February, the deadline for submission has been extended to 21st February (Thursday) 12pm. Submission procedures remain the same!

Mark of Servitude (Badge Presentation Ceremony)

On 9^th January 2013, the 3^rd Saints Advocate was official presented with badges of the school, as an affirmation of the CCA’s contributions, past and present, as community builders and servant leaders.

It was an exciting afternoon, as the 3^rd Saints Advocate gathered in the lecture theater. With exhortations by the teachers and the Head-Of-Department of student leadership, and a review of our code of conduct, we were reminded of the office we bore as Advocates.

It is the office of the heart, where we serve our duties to the community, and display our leadership by our uncompromising voice for the needs of our community. This is our mission, and by the badge, we declare it to the school wherever we go. This is not a cause for pride, but a symbol of compassion. This is not the emblem of authority; it is the mark of servitude. And this mark we do gladly bear.

For the two years of Advocates before us, though no badge has been given to them, they have this mark imprinted on their hearts. On their steadfast foundation, on their broad shoulders we stand, to take this CCA to even greater heights: heights of love.

Legacy, learning, and leaping for joy (:

SAJC Open House!

LOOK FORWARD TO OUR BOOTH AT OUR 
ST. ANDREW'S JUNIOR COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE 
ON 12th JANUARY 2013 FROM 10AM-3PM @SAJC (:

SEE YOU THERE~!

Wheelchair Basketball 2012

Being in the Wheelchair Basketball Association (WBA) task force has allowed me to experience a sport I had never known before, experience just how a sport can transform a person’s life. It was a very meaningful experience for me.

Through wheelchair basketball, I learnt that sports are not only an avenue to have fun, but also a way for people to connect with one another. Many physically disabled people are conservative as they are afraid to express themselves. They tend not to interact with the society due to the strong social stigma.  However through wheelchair basketball, they no longer see themselves as simply disabled persons, but as sportsmen, and this helps them to give them confidence and break away from their fear. When they see themselves differently, and open up to people such as our task force, we cannot see them as the same anymore either.

Training session at UWCSEA

This platform allows them to make new friends not only with other disabled, but also with the able-bodied people. The collaboration of the WBA with the Ngee Ann Wheelpower Club, and also with our school Saint Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) is a very good example. We have both attended training sessions at the United World College with the WBA members, and spent time understanding the sport as well as the sportsmen. This interaction allows them to gradually come to terms with their disability and people’s initial awkwardness around them. Acceptance is forging a relationship, and a relationship is a two way connection. However, I have noticed that some disabled people are skeptical about the society’s acceptance of them. What we, as part of society, can do for them is to open our arms and accept them.

Saints facing the wheelchair giants

In our project, a lot of preparation and contacting was required. My group and I did much planning, and at times we were disappointed with the rejection of some of our ideas. We had to make many changes multiple times to suit the beneficiary. Also, it was rather difficult to contact the different stakeholders as they may take a long time to reply. However, all these challenges turned out to be beneficial as it helped to improve my communication and leadership skills. I can better understand what it means to be a leader and the responsibilities I have to take up.

On the competition day itself, many unforeseen problems also cropped up. Having to make swift decisions then, I learnt how to be flexible in my planning skills and not to rigidly follow schedule. I also learnt the value of never giving up. Although the stress was immense, I didn't give up and continued on, putting in my best effort.

Saints feeling the difficulty of the game, but enjoying themselves nonetheless

Moreover, I also learnt the importance of seeking opinions from other people such as teachers and group mates. My own way of handling things might not be the very best. Through help from others, I could have further improved the plan, thus enabling things to run smoother.

-Larry, 3rd Saints Advocate

The end of the event, but the wheels that have been set in motion will keep turning.