Tuesday, 6 January 2009
@ 8:52:00 pm
Hello :)
Sorry for the rather late post...
Sec One Orientation Campfire!!!
Saturday 3 January 09 Unofficial 7.55-10.30
We fell in at 7.55 and had inspection and stuff. Ms Lakshmi came down and reminded us to be alert, ready for the campfire, and of course to do our best, because first impressions last! Then we fell out and took our bags to the 3rd floor classrooms, brought our water bottles and came down.
We went to our respective components to prepare for trial run later. Backdrop members hung the backdrop up, carried chairs and arranged them for the campfire later. The structure members started on their structures and the firepit members on their firepit. Qarissa collected the rags and newspapers that she told us to bring. Item members had to go up to the 5th level to transport the 8 stages (borrowed from our school band) down to the parade square.
We managed to transport the stages by the given time, and went to the den to collect our props. We took a rest and then started to rehearse. There were some technical difficulties at first, as the plug for the radio was spoilt, and we could not go to the AVA room to borrow another one, because there was a talk going on inside. So we practised without the music, and took occassional water breaks. Then, we went to the hall to practise, so that we could get used to performing on the stage if we needed to switch to the wet-weather plan later on. We rehearsed quite a few times. Tristina told us to treat these rehearsals like the real one, and reminded us to be more serious and to concentrate.
We took a break as we could not practise without the music. Our backdrop members happened to finish arranging the chairs in the hall too, so everyone gathered to bond (and gossip). We occassionally rehearsed and then when it was nearing our lunch break, we brought all our props to the parade square and then we fell in. Lunch was provided, so we went to the canteen and sat with our patrol members. After Mynah patrol said Grace, everyone tucked in. We were given one hour for lunch. After we were done, we fell in and the PLs told us to clean up the tables.
Next, we went back to the parade square to continue with our preparations. Backdrop members had to carry more chairs and the other components continued with their respective work. For item, we finally had a radio that could work, so we set about rehearsing properly. We practised for quite a while, and we also had to move the stages quite a few times, until we found the best arrangement.
Then we performed on stage and the backdrop and some other guides watched us. This was followed by a mini trial run, during which Mrs Tan came to watch us and helped us to improve. Mrs Tan commented on our performance and gave suggestions on how we could improve. For our dance at the end of the skit, especially "Caritas", we had to spread out so that we would not worry about bumping into one another. When we jumped during the chorus for Caritas, we should not jump half-heartedly but give a big star jump. Everyone also had to memorise the lyrics for Caritas and One Family, and we had to sing really loudly. Mrs Tan gave us until 3pm to practise, after which she would come and see how much improvement we have made.
So we gathered together to learn the lyrics of both the songs. We were familiar with "One Family", but needed help with "Caritas", and the backdrop members joined in and helped us. We made sure everyone, especially the Sec 2s, were word perfect and could sing loudly. Thus, we rehearsed countless times. At around 3, Mrs Tan went to the area near the HOD room on level 2, and we had to move all the way back to the St. Michael block to sing. The distance was rather long, and all of us had cooperate and sing as loudly as possible. We sang One Family and Caritas twice, one with the actions and one without. The backdrop members were sitting at the side and cheering us on. With the cooperation of everyone and the encouragement from the backdrop members, we sang extremely loudly, and most importantly, Mrs Tan could hear us too. Then we had to move nearer to where Mrs Tan was and individually do a big star-jump for her. Everyone did their best and no one had to retry. Yay! :)
After our "accomplishment", we went for a water break to replenish the water that we lost and to soothe our throats. Then we sat down with the backdrop members and played games. We had a lot of fun, and most importantly, we managed to bond and to get to know one another better. Then, everyone had to proceed to the stage for a trial run with the emcees, and Mrs Tan came to watch our performance.
At around 5, we went to the canteen for dinner. We had to finish our dinner as soon as possible and then change into our guides uniform, tidy ourselves up to prepare for the campfire. Then we fell in and Mrs Tan came to remind us to give our best and encouraged us. After we fell out, those who were supposed to guard the bridge went to the structure, and those who were in charge of ushering got ready. Our seniors came, and everyone greeted them. For us item members, we were starting to feel rather nervous, and Eliza came over to reassure us.
After awhile,the parents and a few of the sec one classes started arriving. When all the classses were present, and most of parents had arrived, the campfire started. Tristina and Joey got everyone started by practising the Adiji Yell, which was quite successful. Then Mrs Lee, our Principal, arrived and declared the campfire open. We sang "Campfire's burning" and this was followed by a few other songs and cheers. Next up was the game "Scavenger Hunting", which required classes to bring up the items that was mentioned as soon as possible. The Sec ones were rather enthusiastic, and the next game "Can you rember the lyrics" was also one of their favourite. The game ended with everyone singing "Apologise".
The classes also went onstage to perform, and some of the items were really funny. After many cheers and songs, it was finally time for our Guides Item. We did our upmost best, performing to the best of our abilities, bearing in mind what Mrs Tan told us earlier on. It went pretty well, and everyone swayed and put their hands around each other when we sang "Caritas" and "One Family". When we reached the song "Hold on to our dreams", all the guides went onstage, and it was really nice and touching. Then, after the song, we went offstage and together with the emcees, the campfire was declared close. Whoosh! There were some announcements, and we had to fall in. Our seniors came and gave us their comments; Ashleigh felt that we really improved alot as compared to the last meeting, and Eliza reminded us that although the campfire was a success, we should not be complacent, but most importantly, remember the process that we went through during our preparations- which was quite shaky, and try to improve on it next year. Mrs Tan also came and told us that we did a good job- each and everyone of us did our part well. Then we fell out and got ready to shower, and those who were not staying over were dismissed.
After we showered, we had to write our entry for our logbooks and we had some light refreshments. The Guides Com had COH and then it was lights out, time to crash into our sleeping bags after a long, tiring but exciting and fruitful day.
Sunday 4 January 09 7.30
We fell in at 7, and moved our bags to the canteen. Then it was time for breakfast. After that, we had to return our wallets and the PSs fell in as the PLs were not there. After we fell out, we had to get to our respective components to clear up. The item members helped those in backdrop to stack up all the chairs and put them back to the original places. A human chain was formed, so we were quite systematic and efficient. The firepit girls also came along to help. After the chairs were cleared, all the other components had cleaned up too, so we had finally managed to BREAK THE RECORD and go home at 10! :D We took around 2 hrs and 40 min. Then we fell in, listened to some announcements, collected our wallets and home sweet home!
This Sec One orientation- the preparations and the campfire itself, has certainly served as a learning journey for all of us. We have learnt new skills, managed to showcase our talents in different ways, and perhaps, even discovered certain talents that we actually possess. We have learnt to work together, not just as a patrol or a component, but as a whole COY, helping one another, encouraging and supporting each other. Through the whole process of preparation, we have faced many obstacles, and managed to learn how overcome them.
Perhaps unknowingly, we have also incorperated many values such as patience, persistance, teamwork and cooperation. We have learnt to work hard, to give our best in all that we do, so that we will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labour, and to feel a sense of accomplishment when all is done. Most importantly, we have bonded with one another and made new friends. We have shown the whole school; teachers, parents and students, our Guiding spirit and the meaning of a true blue IJ girl! Well done, everyone! :D
"The IJ spirit's living on,
it's stretching far and far beyond,
it's never gonna die,
it's gonna live in EACH OF US,
and we will keep it burning, burning strong,
the flame of zest lies in us all along,
always inspiring us, TO GO ON!!!" :)
Natalie
SiYing; Chomel; Katrina; Meenatchi; Safila; Krystal; Christine; Siti; Rukaiya; Kalyani
Qarissa (YA)(not in picture); Sherwynn; Nicole (not in picture); Caitlin; Charmaine; Vanessa; Amanda; Claudia; Michelle