Thursday, 22 January 2009
@ 5:20:00 pm
Wednesday 21st Jan 2009 3-5.30 Unofficial Meeting
Happy New Year!!!
We fell in at 3pm and had patrols report strength and inspection. Some of us had to fall out as our socks were too low and others had to use the nailclippers that the PLs brought to cut their nails. After we fell out, we went to change out of our pinafores and took all our stationery and foolscap paper and went to an empty classroom. The PLs told all of us to bring our chairs to the front to sit.
Firstly, the PLs reminded us that FBTs were not allowed (only school shorts) and that we can only wear white-based school T-shirts. The CHIJ logo on our socks should be seen and our fringes are also not supposed to touch our eyebrows. The number of guides with long nails have also increased, therefore we will have to remember to cut our nails before guide meetings or we will be booked. If we have been booked thrice, we will have to look for Mrs Tan.
Secondly, the PLs covered the topic of discipline. We are a uniform group, and we have a standard. If we are unhappy about certain issues, we should not pull a face and complain and if we have any suggestions, we can tell the PLs, instead of showing a "black face". We should also respect our PSes, as they are older than us, and are our leaders. Therefore, we should not throw tantrum and show them black faces too. And when they tell us to do something, do not complain and make things difficult, as the PSes also have the responsibility to make sure all the things assigned to them are done.
Thirdly, we were also reminded of the ABCD. We should not keep complaining-directly and indirectly, and try to delay, because it will result in wasting more time as we will not be able to get things done. When we are given a task, just do it. The PLs have also set a rule: If we get out of hand, we will have to say in unison, "I will not A-argue, B-bargain, C-complain, D-delay." We should also learn to be more serious at times, and not keep playing. We should not talk back to our seniors too.
Forthly,we should remember to greet the PLs when we see them. We must also brush up on our cheers and knots, as the Sec 1s are joining us soon, and it would be quite embarrassing if we do not get our basics right, such as the squarelash. And when we tie our structures, we must take it seriously.When the Sec 1s come (next meeting), we will be having ice-breakers, so we must welcome them. :) We will also have to teach them to greet the teachers, seniors and PLs, introduce them to the ABCDs, and inform them that as a uniform group, there will be some form of discipline.
The next item is regarding attendance. If we have late days on Monday and Wednesday, please inform the PLs. Reasons such as tuition, piano lessons and dental appointments are not valid. If we do not wish to join guides, then we can quit, but it is not really advisable as all the LEAPS points will be gone-we can tell the PLs why we are unhappy with guides, and they will try to help us.
Regarding the LEAPS point system, as long as we have attained the gold badge, have at least 100 CIP hours, contribute to guides, stay committed at have at least 75% attendance, we can also get an A1 for our CCA- meaning that we do not necessarily have to hold leadership positions to do well in guides.
The next point: blogging. Even if we do not like guides, please do not blog about it, as it may hurt the feelings of another, and if it gets serious, it can be catagorised as cyberbullying, and the police can take action against you. Also, when we need to enter the den, we will have to receive permission from the PLs, and when we enter, just go in and do what we are asked to and leave, do not read whatever's on the board and search around.
Lastly, we are not advised to go on holidays, especially during March, as we still have guide meetings, and in June, as we will be having campfire preparations. Our current theme is "Shakesphere Masquerade".
After addressing all of us, the PLs requested to see those who are taking part in the Wee Kim Wee Challenge and the other activity which required us to take care of the elderly women. Joey told the Sec 2s to go home and complete Module 2.1,2.2 and 2.3 of Point 3-to research on five different types of flora and fauna found in Singapore, along with pictures and short write ups for each species. This is to be done individually.
Next, all those marching for Total Defence Day went out to practise, and after awhile the Red Cross leader joined us too. While we were practising, the rest of the COY were practising their footdrills. We also had patrol corners to come up with some cheers for our campfire. Then, we fell in. The PLs told us that what we did just now for the footdrills was the standard that we are supposed to have, and if we do not maintain that standard, we will have to keep practising. Next meeting will be next Wednesday, 3-5.30, Official Meeting. Oriole patrol will be in charge of the flag. Then,we fell out, thanked Ms Soh and the PLs, collected our wallets and went home.
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Saturday 17th Jan 2009 7.55- 11.30 Unofficial
CCA DAY
We fell in at 7.55 in and changed out of our p.e attire. Some of us went to carry the structure poles while the rest of us went to the den. We had to carry 3 tables, 3 chairs, a tent, and lots of souvenirs and items to display.
We went to the field and pitched the tent. Next, we had to arrange the tables and chairs and place the items neatly for display. Some of us had to retie the seat for the for the swing, so went to the side and retied it, using snakelash. Joey also timed us. While we were retying the seat, the rest of the guides started tying the quads so that we could hang our banner accross.
As the Sec 1s were coming down soon from the hall after attending the talk, we were given 3 minutes to change into our guides uniform. We fell in and the PLs inspected us, making sure that our uniforms and hair were neat. We did a little bit of footdrill, and the PLs also told us how to promote guides, on how to answer the parents when they come and ask about guides etc. Dove and Flowerpecker patrol had to hang around near our guides station first, while the rest of us could roam around the school and give out souvenirs and promote guides. Then, after 1/2 hour, Kingfisher and Mynah would take over, followed by Oriole and Sparrow.
When the Sec 1s came, along with some parents, we all went to our respective areas. Many parents and students came to ask about guides, and Ms Lakshmi and Ms Soh were present too. We were given a chance to practise our oral skills and inform the parents on what activities we take part in and organise. We told them we usually meet up on alternate Mondays and every Wednesday, that we take part in lots of activities, including kayaking, dragon boating etc. We also organise campfires- such as the Sec 1 Orientation campfire, initiate combined camps and attend the campfires organised by other schools. To add on, we take part in competitions such as South Division Day, and we also have a lot of CIP opportunities.
After an hour or more, the Sec 1s and their parents started to leave, so we began to clear up. Some of us closed the quad, tidied the lashings, and transported the poles back while others took all the display items back to the den, and returned the tables and chairs. We also had to close the tent and comb the field, picking up the the litter left behind. After we were done, we fell in. The PLs told us that we had to sign up for CIP in groups of 4 at the Guide House. After we fell out, we had to sign up and then collected our wallets. We also had to help clean up the canteen before we left for home sweet home. :D
Yup, that's about it for now. Thanks :)
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