In celebration of St Andrew’s 150th Anniversary, Dr Kelly Tang was commissioned to arrange the School Hymn. This arrangement for Band and Choir will be premiered on Gala Night, 18 May 2012, featuring the first-ever St Andrew’s Village Combined Band and Choir.

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Dr Kelly Tang was born in 1961 and he received his undergraduate training at York University in Toronto. He received his PhD in music from the Michigan State University in 1995. Dr Kelly Tang’s works have been sung by world renowned ensembles such as the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ensemble Contemporain of Montreal. His music has also been performed at the most prestigious venues such as the Sydney opera house and the Auditorium Di Milano in Italy. He was also the composer for the set piece song for the Singapore Youth Festival in 2011. He has been given many awards for his contribution and amazing choral works and helping the arts in Singapore to develop.

When being asked upon how he felt to have been approached by St Andrew’s to be the composer to rearrange the school hymn, Dr Tang said, “I felt honored and was proud to have been given the chance and opportunity to play a part in Saint Andrew’s 150th Anniversary.” Dr. Tang at the same time also spoke of the pressure and weight on his shoulders because by rearranging this song, he needed to capture the long enduring and majestic spirit of St Andrew’s.

Dr. Tang certainly did a good job on rearranging the school hymn, bringing it to a totally new different level with its creative treatment. He said that he studied the piece for a long time before deciding what to do.
“The melody of the hymn repeats itself three times and I wanted to do something special and thus explored the possibilities.” Hence he re-harmonised it by starting the hymn wth the rich sounds of only the Tenors and Basses, then slowly bringing all the four voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) together in the subsequent verses. The key change to F major in the last verse creates a brighter and more expressive sound.

This new arrangement of the School Hymn for Band and Choir is certainly unique and will certainly put the audience on the edge of their seat. I hope you will have a chance to experience this when you join us for Gala Night on 18 May 2012.

Nigel Han
Member of SAV Choir
3S1, St Andrew’s Secondary School

“It’s more than just a carnival, it’s a family reunion!” Such were the thoughts of former SASS vice-captain, Clarence Lee, as he stepped through the main gate of St. Andrew’s School. The 7th of April was indeed a day that held much significance for all Saints. Different generations of Saints, both past and present, thronged the grounds of St. Andrew’s School, which truly brought forth the spirit of carnival. In commemorating the 150th anniversary of the school, the carnival had undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who have witnessed the myriad of events and activities, as well as the judiciously planned sequence of top-notch entertainment and rides that catered to all ages and preferences. Recognition must be given to the St. Andrew’s Parent-Teacher Association, which played a pivotal role in the organisation of the carnival.

What made the carnival truly special? It was made possible only through the combined efforts of parent volunteers, students, alumni, teachers and staff of the Ascension Kindergarten, St. Andrew’s Junior School, St. Andrew’s Secondary School and St. Andrew’s Junior College; epitomising the Saints creed”One Family Unbroken.”

The tantalising aroma of meticulously-prepared foodstuffs and snacks, together with carnival rides specially set up to cater to both the young and the young at heart, drew the largest crowds. Meanwhile, exhilarated voices reverberated from the sports stadium and swimming pool, where inflatables and water-games made the children’s eyes light up in sheer delight.

The Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda graced the carnival with their presence. As ambassadors to a foreign land, their resplendent performance exuded the values of caring for the community and raising awareness for the needy. Their cheerful faces exemplified true courage and resilience, in the face of dire conditions back home. Current SAJC and ex-SASS student, Jonathan Poh, commented, “The Watoto Choir has been entrusted with a heavy responsibility and I can’t help but think of our students, where many of us also have the chance to serve and lead for the greater good of the student populace.”

Indeed, the goal to share this wonderful experience with the community resulted in the initiative to distribute S$10,000 worth of free tickets to Club Rainbow, a charity committed to providing comprehensive help to children who are suffering from a range of chronic and life-threatening illnesses and their families.

When asked for her views on the carnival, SASS Principal, Mrs Toh, commented, “We have an amazing team of people who worked together to make this possible in spite of the challenges. I would like to add that no one is here by chance, and that we are all going to have a wonderful day ahead.”

Reported by:
Jonathan Poh – 12A06
Clarence Lee – 12S23
Shawn Koh – 12S14

Lucas Chua – 3SA
Kinnard Chen – 3SA
John Teo – 3SA

In celebration of the St Andrew’s 150th Anniversary, more than 400 performing arts students from St Andrew’s Junior School (SAJS), St Andrew’s Secondary School (SASS), St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC), as well as members of the Saints Alumni Band will come together for a night of music, dance and drama at the University Cultural Centre on 18 May 2012.

Groove along with the SAJS boys as they perform with the award-winning SAJC Dance Society. Experience the Saints’ spirit with the combined dance drill of the SASS Uniformed Groups and the telling of the St Andrew’s Bravehearts by the SASS Drama Club. Immerse in the melodious sounds of the SAJC Guitar Ensemble and Chinese Orchestra.

Join in song with the St Andrew’s Village Combined Band and Choir with works by up-and-coming alumni composers Benjamin Yeo and Americ Goh, and the newly commissioned arrangement of the School Hymn by Dr Kelly Tang.

Be part of the sesquicentennial celebrations as the St Andrew’s performing arts join as one family unbroken on centrestage.

Tickets are now on sale through SISTIC’s webpage.

EVENT DATE
18 May 2012

The vision of the Boys’ Brigade (BB for short) is to be the Youth Organization of Choice. Its mission is to nurture our youth, based on Christian values, to lead and serve. On this occasion they would celebrate this vision and mission, and remind themselves to continue to strive and be the best.

St Andrew’s Secondary School celebrated the annual Boys’ Brigade Day on Thursday, January 12^th. The excitement amongst the members of the Boys’ Brigade and the looks of admiration from the other students were evident. Although the day started with a drizzle and this disrupted the event, causing some parts of it to be postponed to the following day, spirits remained high as it was a time when the Boys’ Brigade showcased their skills which included the virtues of perseverance and persistence.

When asked about his feelings regarding the event being postponed, a Secondary 3 member, Joshua Soh of 3SA said : “It was a mix of sadness and disappointment as all of us were looking forward to this event. I was supposed to give a speech about this special day but this was postponed.” But displaying true character, Joshua added: “Of course, I feel some sense of disappointment but the unexpected does happen, and we have to look beyond it. “ Wise words indeed.

Another member, Zenus, the parade commander commented : “There was some disappointment but tomorrow will be better.” Indeed, it is heartening to see these BB boys seeing the silver lining in the dark clouds.

On the next day, the weather took a turn for the better. Smiles were seen on the faces of the teacher-in-charge and BB members as it was their time to shine. And shine they did! The parade started before the National Anthem was sung. Two members stunned the crowd by repelling down from the 6^th floor; thereafter one section of BB marched towards the flag pole and called the school to attention. True to form, Joshua gave a meaningful speech about the importance of the Boys’ Brigade to the school. He touched on topics like what Boys’ Brigade day meant to its members and its rich history. Thereafter, Samuel, a senior BB member led the contingent in marching to the Woodsville House.  That marked the end of the parade and the school clapped in appreciation of the effort and pride of Boys’ Brigade.

“I am very proud of the boys. Everything went as planned and the boys’ hard work was duly rewarded,” said Mr. Lim Tuck Hway, the BB Teacher-In-Charge. “They have been practicing since the end of the December holiday till yesterday, and yes, they performed to excellent standards.’’

Later, during recess, booths were set up by the Boys’ Brigade and candies and photographs showcasing the Boys’ Brigade were sold to raise funds for charity.

The celebration was a great success, with positive comments from the members of the Boys’ Brigade. The school’s spirit was high that day due to Boys’ Brigade Day. Up and On!

By: Lim Rui Bin and Tan Tuan Hao of 3SA

It was 12 January 2012, 2.30pm. The scorching hot sun was bearing down on both the rugby pitch and the spectators’ stands at St Andrew’s Junior College. Contingents of Secondary One students came marching in across the bridge to the stage, all  set for the battle that was imminent. Saints of all ages, old boys, school staff and parents came in the hundreds in a sea of blue and white.

The younger Saints in the “C” division for the curtain raiser match were already on the field warming up. At 3.30pm, the kick-off time, both teams got into position and the referee blew his whistle signaling the start of the curtain raiser match. Although the Raffles side had a few more experienced and stronger players, they could not keep up with the pace and vigour of Saints. Raffles was tight in their defence and our full back Viviyan Philip spotted the huge gap on the wings and made a couple of good runs. One of the experienced Raffles players managed to get past four of our players before finally getting tackled after he advanced a threatening 40 metres. Our winger Wei Han scored on two occasions. In the line outs, our skillful jumper, Bernard, managed to turn-over a couple of opposition line outs. Even though we took a stumble when Gabriel Koh, our No. 8, took an injury to his ankle and had to be substituted, we persevered and in the end victory was ours. Sweet.

Next up, it was the fierce battle for the Kiwi Cup, which comprised players from both the A and B divisions from both sides.

4.30pm – the Raffles Kiwi Cup team stood in a straight line next to the referees facing the stands. Then there was a loud cheer as the Saints Kiwi Cup team came jogging out of the tunnel and faced their supporters. This was when the captain of each side introduced the players to the guest of honour, his Excellency Mr Peter Hamilton, the High Commissioner of the New Zealand High Commission. The Saints kick-started the match against Raffles. The Saints committed a few mistakes early on in the game, resulting in one successful attack from the Raffles winger, who successfully converted. The deficit of seven points jolted the Saints and they started playing with much determination and fire. A successful try was scored by Toh Kiat, the Saints prop. The score was then 5 : 7, in favour of Raffles. Up step Maurice Wong, who managed to redeem himself by converting a penalty kick, giving Saints the precious three points they needed. After a gruelling last few minutes, the referee blew the final whistle and the game was over! The Saints had emerged victorious once more!

Mr. Danapal, HOD CCA of SASS commented: “It’s indeed a vibrant event that we use to kick-start the rugby season each year. It was a closely fought game and we won.”

Saints captain, Razali, had this to share: “It’s a very close game; Raffles put up a good fight and it was not easy to win this game. All the hours and hard work put into the trainings beforehand had paid off. “

After both the “C” Division team and the Kiwi Cup team received their medals, the Kiwi Cup team performed the Saints battle cry again.

It was a happy ending for the Saints as we claimed a clean sweep of matches. What a great year to accomplish this feat as it is the 150th anniversary of St. Andrew’s School. We are truly proud to be Saints! Up & On!

Article and interviews by:

Matias Chong, 3SA

Jotham Teo, 3SA

13th January 2012

“Lives are in the making here, Hearts are in the waking here.”

The annual Founder’s Day commemorates the many boys of wisdom and stature that St Andrew’s Secondary School has nurtured. The 149^th Founder’s Day was a grandiose event with many distinguished guests such as Mr Koh Boon Hwee, Chairman of the Nanyang Technological University Board of Trustees gracing the occasion.

The Founder’s Day was a celebrated school event to recognize students who have performed well academically and also those who have excelled in their respective CCA in sports, uniform groups and society clubs. Dressed smartly, our saints went up the stage in boys of wisdom and stature as they received their awards. It was a triumph moment for many of them who have laboured and reap what they have sown on this special day.

The celebration began with the Guest of Honour, Mr Koh Boon Hwee inspecting the GOH contingent. Our boys in their uniform perfected their drills and gave the Guest of Honour a rousing welcome with our award winning band performing in the background.

Mr Koh Boon Hwee in the midst of inspecting the combined uniform group contingent.

The invited guests then proceeded to the school hall for the Founder’s Day service. Reverend Michael Tay led the school in an opening prayer, followed by a recital of excerpts from the New and Old Testament by our school’s captain, Russ Hoe. We were honoured to have the very Reverend Ong to lead the school in another special prayer.

Mrs Lucy Toh delivering the first speech.

Mr. Phoon a strong vocalist led the school in the traditional singing of the school song with much gusto. Mrs. Toh, St Andew’s Secondary

School principal then delivered a rousing and inspiring speech which won the hearts of many saints.

Mr. Koh Boon Hwee delivered a heart warming speech affirming the quality education in St Andrew’s secondary school. He strike a chord with many saints in sharing the unique and quality education in St Andrew’s Secondary School. The strong foundation laid in the moral values and characters of saints have been a testament to the quality education St Andrew’s School has provided. He encouraged the saints from the Junior School to continue their education journey in one family unbroken. He truly epitomizes the slogan of ‘Once a Saint, Always a Saint.’

Mr Koh Boon Hwee delivering the guest of honor's opening speech. ShintaroTay/VillageOnline

After the service, the guests then proceeded to the Centre of Excellence where many of the Saints’ showcased their excellent photographic skills in the Hearts of the School Photograph exhibition.

“I must say, it is good to be home” Mrs. Charles, ex-principal of SASS said as she looked around her with a sense of nostalgia. “If I were to be remembered, I would want to be remembered by how I understood how the boys thought,” she said as she expressed her opinion on her deep impression left on the Saints’ minds about her.

Mr Koh commented in an interview with our student Journalist, Yu Sheng, “I believe that there is no difference, modern or not… Students must always be curious, have the urge to continuously learn and be able to differentiate right from wrong,” He then left the Saints a ‘goal’ to achieve while talking about what constitutes a holistic schooling experience,” Students must enjoy their school, do their best in whatever they do, take part in their CCAs and most of all, value all their relationships formed within the school.”

The 149^th Founder’s Day has touched the hearts of many saints, both past and present. We are reminded today of the privilege and the blessings to be a member of the Saints family. Today we join as one family unbroken, one heart and one voice uplifting to glorify thy name.

Up and On

The Founder’s Day was a celebrated school event to recognize students who have performed well  academically and also those who have excelled in their respective CCA in sports, uniform groups  and society clubs. Dressed smartly, our saints went up the stage in boys of wisdom and stature as  they received their awards. It was a triumph moment for many of them who have laboured and reap  what they have sown on this special day.

The celebration began with the Guest of Honour, Mr Koh Boon Hwee inspecting the GOH contingent.  Our boys in their uniform perfected their drills and gave the Guest of Honour a rousing welcome with our award winning band performing in the background.

The invited guests then proceeded to the school hall for the Founder’s Day service. Reverend Michael Tay led the school in an opening prayer, followed by a recital of excerpts from the New and Old Testament by our school’s captain, Russ Hoe. We were honoured to have the very Reverend Ong to lead the school in another special prayer.

Mr. Phoon a strong vocalist led the school in the traditional singing of the school song with much gusto. Mrs. Toh, St Andew’s Secondary School principal then delivered a rousing and inspiring speech which won the hearts of many saints.

Mr. Koh Boon Hwee delivered a heart warming speech affirming the quality education in St Andrew’s secondary school. He strike a chord with many saints in sharing the unique and quality education in St Andrew’s Secondary School. The strong foundation laid in the moral values and characters of saints have been a testament to the quality education St Andrew’s School has provided. He encouraged the saints from the Junior School to continue their education journey in one family unbroken. He truly epitomizes the slogan of ‘Once a Saint, Always a Saint.’

After the service, the guests then proceeded to the Centre of Excellence where many of the Saints’ showcased their excellent photographic skills in the Hearts of the School Photograph exhibition.

“I must say, it is good to be home” Mrs. Charles, ex-principal of SASS said as she looked around her with a sense of nostalgia. “If I were to be remembered, I would want to be remembered by how I understood how the boys thought,” she said as she expressed her opinion on her deep impression left on the Saints’ minds about her.

Mr Koh commented in an interview with our student Journalist, Yu Sheng, “I believe that there is no difference, modern or not… Students must always be curious, have the urge to continuously learn and be able to differentiate right from wrong,” He then left the Saints a ‘goal’ to achieve while talking about what constitutes a holistic schooling experience,” Students must enjoy their school, do their best in whatever they do, take part in their CCAs and most of all, value all their relationships formed within the school.”

The 149^th Founder’s Day has touched the hearts of many saints, both past and present. We are reminded today of the privilege and the blessings to be a member of the Saints family. Today we join as one family unbroken, one heart and one voice uplifting to glorify thy name.

Up and On

The Saints Alumni Band (SAB) has always been an important pillar of the St. Andrew’s School Military Band (SASMB). Through the years, the faith and support of the alumni has grown immensely; their motivation and their guidance have been a key factor to the band’s success these past years.  They have been instrumental to the nurturing each of the band members and providing the scaffold for them to scale their individual peaks of excellence.

On 20 August 2011, the SAB went the extra mile and demonstrated the strong band family ties by organising a High-tea at Joan Bowen. The different generations which turned up, was a testament to how music keeps Saints together.  Mr Ho Koon Leong, a member of the St. Andrew’s Alumni, who was present at the tea, commented ‘The alumni members have always played an important role in the band. In the past, I fondly remember the band ‘shed’ where they used to practice. Even in those days, I could always clearly hear the band playing their music.’

This unique tripartite relationship between the current members, the alumni and the management has turned SASMB into one of the most interdependent CCAs in the school. All three, strive to bring out the spirit of the Saints through making the most beautiful sounds anyone would hear.

To the alumni members, the band is not just a place to make music, it is a place where they can call their home. It is a place where they can bond and create unyielding friendships with the young members.

Current members look forward to seeing their loyal and supportive seniors coming to help them with their music after work or school, affirming the bonds of music.The evening ended on a high note, with alumni members reminiscing about days past as they visited the “new” band room.

Indeed, as Principal Mrs Lucy Toh, commented, “The relationship between the alumni and the members symbolizes a brotherhood, (which is) what we are all about. We are a family.”

“Because we think about future generations, they will never forget us. ”

- Henrik Tikkanen.

Statistics have shown after another century, all oil and fuel would be completely consumed by mankind. This is due to our great demand for oil. If we continue to abundantly rely on oil, the future we leave for our children  would be filled with much despair and disappointment. Hence, one of our sources of hope is renewable energy, such as solar energy.

St. Andrew’s Secondary School had sent a team to participate in the National Solar Car Race organised by Singapore Polytechnic. The history of the competition goes back to 2002 when it first started in United States. Our school have been participating in this competition for the past 4 years. We are definitely proud to have won the championship champion this year!

The race was a tough fight between strong teams from other school who were are equally good. But with strong teamwork, we emerged champion.

‘ We did well as we emerged first runner up despite the fact that we were also working around a low budget so I think our performance was good.’ - Our mentor, Mr Jason Ang commented.

After 4 years of participating in this competition, A new traditional is created. We will certainly be participating in this competition in years to come. Improving ourselves and achieving higher goals.

Ever upward to the fight!

Ever onward to the light!

Ever true to God and right!

Up and on!

Story Contributed By Duan Jia Fei, 3SA

“We chose this theme because the school is the main stage on which the many dramas in the lives of young people are enacted,” said Ms Chua Xin Yuan, Head of Craft & Technology at SASS. “We want to showcase how photography makes youths look deeper at things around them, as well as inside them.”

Students from Primary schools to Junior Colleges in Singapore participated in this competition. Attractive prizes consisting of cameras, accessories and vouchers were generously sponsored by Yolo, Cathay Photo, Photographic Society of Singapore and Popular E-Learning Holdings Pte Ltd.

Out of the 1310 photographs submitted, only 30 were shortlisted. It was a day of jubilation for the prize-winners. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Wong Siew Hoong, Director of Schools for Ministry of Education, gave a rousing speech to encourage the participants to continue with their good work and to view art from various perspectives. Madam Tan Yen Fong, South Zone 5 Cluster Superintendent, also graced the occasion.

The top prize winners for the Category A, B, C are: Muhd Duzlfiqar B MdRasid from Edgefield Primary School; Lim Jia Jin from SASS; and Zhao Wan Ting from Raffles Institution respectively.

Several participants were interviewed and one of them was a student from St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC), Tan Ze Xun, who won the Special Mention Award. He described his picture of the SAJC band as a part of his life rather than just a photo itself: “My photograph is a snapshot of my brother’s growing years, the formative days he spent pursuing his passion.” He hopes that his photo would portray “the Saints’ spirit to musical excellence”. He feels greatly honored to be able to showcase his photo to members of the public at the National Geographic Store.

Another prize-winner was Ernest Ng, 11, from Edgefield Primary who won the Special Mention Award. His photograph related his account of students learning chemistry under their teacher’s guidance. He hoped that his teacher would be known for his efforts in teaching the students. His Father, Mr. Ng, felt proud of his son’s achievement. “I go all out to support Ernest in whatever he does, especially photography,” said Mr. Ng.

“Photography needs an eye for perspective, an eye for the unusual as well as a mind that is willing to go out of the box,” said Mrs Lucy Toh, Principal of SASS, when asked for the purpose of organising this competition. “These are, significantly, the same skills students need to develop for success in academic work, in project planning and in leadership,” she added.

The 30 photos will be on display at the National Geographic Store from 4^th to 17^th August. Members of the public can view the exhibition for free, from 10am to 10pm daily.

Written by: Eugene Lim Jia Jin, Jerome Liang and Lokendra
Photographs: Sng Meng Seng, Lucas Tan, Shintaro Tay

The next time you are at Bras Basah MRT Station, do pop by the Bras Basah – Bugis Old Schools’ Gallery. The gallery was opened on 3 August 2011 and it features the history of schools in the vicinity; schools in the European part of Singapore such as St. Andrew’s School, Raffles’ Institution and many other prestigious schools.

Bras Basah Road and its neighbouring precinct were marked out as the European part of Singapore back then and hence, many of the early schools were established in the area. The gallery aims to preserve the heritage of this area in Singapore by making known the many schools which were situated here. For one, the old St. Andrew’s School is now the Stamford Road Carpark!

The gallery was opened by Miss Bernadette Toh, Director, Office of Student Life from Singapore Management University (SMU) ,during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

In an interview with Miss Bernadette Toh, she said that the reason why SMU decided to embark on this project, in collaboration with the National Heritage Board (NHB), is because SMU is sitting on the old St. Joseph Institution (SJI) field making it very appropriate. It is located in the MRT station so commuters can read it and have a sense of awareness of the past. This project is also to inculcate a sense of place and time in the students of today, to ensure that they are aware of their school’s heritage and are proud of it. Linking the present to the history is very important as this would allow them to know where they were before especially in this fast-modernizing world.

Mrs Toh, Principal of St Andrew’s Secondary School, commented “Our forebears had the foresight to move St Andrew’s School from downtown to our current site at Woodsville before World War II.  As a result, we continue to enjoy heritage buildings as part of our school whereas other schools that shifted from the downtown area are at sites which do not have such a great amount of history attached to them.  Furthermore, the spacious Village was made possible because of the forward-thinking of the church and school leaders at that time.”

So the next time you are at Bras Basah MRT Station, remember to take some time off to visit the gallery!