HOLY INNOCENTS’ HIGH SCHOOL A Community with Courage to Lead, Compassion to Serve 21 January 2015 Dear Parents/Guardian of Sec 3 Students, INFORMATION ON SCHOOL PROGRAMMES FOR SEC 3 (2C/2015) We trust your child/ward had a good start to the year, connecting with his/her peers and teachers, and setting challenging targets for himself/herself. We would like to keep you informed of the various programmes and activities lined up for your child/ward this term, and have also included key programmes for the mid-year and end of-year school holiday periods for your information. (1)

2014 GCE ‘O’ LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS

2015 began with good news at the academic front. The 2014 graduates achieved good results in the GCE ‘O’ and ‘N’ Level Examinations. 97% of our Sec 4 Express students obtained at least 5 ‘O’ level passes, with close to 98% eligible for progression to a polytechnic course, and slightly more than 75% eligible for a JC education. The Sec 5N students set a new record. Over 71% obtained at least 5 ‘O’ level passes. Over 26% are eligible for a JC education, and more than 80% qualify for a polytechnic. The Sec 4 Express students achieved higher distinction rates compared to the national cohort for Combined Science (71.4% vs 36.1%), D&T (33.3% vs 17.4%) and F&N (66.7% vs 10.8%). The Sec 5N students achieved over 20% distinction rates for Chinese, Combined Science, F&N, and POA. The Sec 5N cohort also continued the trend of high distinction rates for Combined Science, Chinese and POA.

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2014 GCE ‘N’ LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS

The 2014 NA and NT cohorts also produced commendable results at the GCE ‘N’ Level examinations. 91.1% of our Sec 4NA students are eligible for Sec 5N, way above the national percentage of 74.6%. This is also the third consecutive year where over 90% of our Sec 4NA students are eligible for progression to Sec 5N. All our NT students are eligible for progression to ITE, as with past years. More of our Sec 4NA students obtained distinctions as compared to the national cohort in Chinese Language, D&T, F&N, Mathematics, POA and Combined Science. Special mention goes to F&N, Mathematics, POA and Combined Science – these subjects have higher distinction rates compared to 2013. The distinction rate for F&N increased sharply to over 80%, while over 60% offering Mathematics and POA obtained distinctions. We are also proud of our Sec 4NT students for producing high distinction rates in subjects such as Chinese, CPA, D&T, EBS, Malay and Science. Our Sec 4NT students also showed that they are better in obtaining distinctions compared to the national cohort in English, Malay and D&T. (3)

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

i.

Schemes of Work for Academic Subjects

The Schemes of Work (SOW) for all subjects and levels was uploaded onto our school website. You can take note of the schedule of topics and check on the academic progress of your child/ward.

School Values: Humility . Integrity . Respect . Love 1191 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534786 ● Tel: 6283 3381 ● Fax: 6283 1737 ● Email: [email protected] http://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg ● https://www.facebook.com/holyinnocentshighschool

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ii.

Year-end Bridging Programme for Sec 3 Express Students (Mon, 26 Oct to Tue, 3 Nov)

The school typically arranges for a Year-End Bridging Programme for Sec 3 Express students as part of our efforts to prepare them for the national examinations. The timetable will be distributed to students 1 week before the commencement of the programme. The details are as follows: Dates : Monday, 26 October – Tuesday, 3 November Reporting Time : 7.45am at Parade Square Venue : Classrooms These lessons are compulsory for all Sec 3 Express students. Students who are absent from these lessons should present a MC to their Form Teachers. Those absent without valid reasons will face disciplinary consequences. Please ensure that your child/ward attends the programme. v.

Mother Tongue Languages Oral Examinations (Mar and Jun)

The Mother Tongue Department will be conducting the internal Oral Examination for students in March and June. Classes will be scheduled for only one of these dates. Students will be provided with a schedule, and should report punctually for the examinations. Date 16, 17 Mar 2-5 Jun

Language MTL Oral / Mock Exam MTL

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

i.

Catholic Activities

Levels 4E, 5N(A), 4N(A) ‘O’ level MTL, 3HCL 4N(A), 4NT, Sec 1, Sec 2, Sec 3

The following Masses will be held in the School Chapel: Monthly Mass : Penitential Service : ii.

30 Jan, Friday at 1 – 1.45 pm 2 Mar, Monday at 7.35 am

Award Presentation Ceremony (Fri, 13 Feb)

The school will be celebrating our students’ achievements at the Award Presentation Ceremony on 13 February, Friday. We will be giving both academic and co-curricular awards to outstanding students and Long Service Awards to staff. The Friends of HIHS Award will also be presented. iii.

Chinese New Year Celebration (Wed, 18 Feb)

The school will be celebrating Chinese New Year on 18 February, Wednesday. To enhance the festive atmosphere, please encourage your child/ward to come to school dressed in red. Students will be dismissed by 11 am. iv.

Sports Carnival (Fri, 13 Mar)

Our annual Sports Carnival will be held on Friday, 13 March. The Sports Carnival will provide a platform for students to exhibit our school values of Humility, Integrity, Respect and Love through inter class sports and games. Students will report at 7.30 am in their PE attire (School PE Shirt or Class T Shirt). Students should bring along their water bottles and have their breakfast before the start of the Sports Carnival. All students will be dismissed at 11 am.

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v.

Intensive Training for Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation

The school’s performing arts groups will be participating in the SYF Arts Presentation this year. Students will have more frequent training sessions in Terms 1 and 2. We wish them all the best in the Arts Presentation, and are sure that this experience will give them fond memories of HIHS life. Do give your child/ward support and encouragement during this period. vi.

Sexuality Education

The school will conduct a series of lessons on sexuality education during CCE periods. The schedule is appended below for your reference: UNIT

Lessons about Love (Part 3)

The Real Self (Part 2)

LESSONS

TIME PERIOD

Getting to know you…

Term 1 Wk 9, 5/3

The Dating… Game?

Term 1 Wk 10, 12/3

Mean what you say and say what you mean

Term 2 Wk 1, 26/3

Publicly private matters of the heart

Term 2 Wk 4, 16/4

Beauty or the beast

A

Main task

B

Term 2 Wk 6, 30/4

Mass Talk by HPB appointed vendor

Term 3 Wk 1, 30/6

Classroom-based Lesson 1: Decision-Making

Term 3 Wk 2, 7/7

Classroom-based Lesson 2: Assertiveness

Term 3 Wk 3, 14/7

Please sign the attached acknowledgement form and return through your child’s/ward’s form teacher by 30 January 2015 (Friday).

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PARTNERSHIPS

i.

Family Matters @School Programme - Workshop for Parents – 2 Feb (Sat)

As part of our continuing effort to bring Family Matters @School Programme to you, we have prepared a parenting workshop on boy-girl relationship on February. There is also a bonding event centred on balloon art and sculpting at the same time. You can sign up by sending an email ([email protected]) or SMS (90141604) to Cecil (coordinator) by 30 January 2015 (Friday). ii.

Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) (Fri, 13 Mar)

The school will hold the first of our termly PTMs on Friday, 13 March. At the PTM, you can discuss with our teachers about your child’s/ward’s progress. PTM will be from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm. The school will not allow vehicles to enter until 11 am, after the Sports Carnival is over. If you are unavailable on this date, we suggest that you make a separate appointment with the form teacher, at a mutually agreed time.

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iii.

Home-School Collaboration Protocol

Home and school partnership is important in aiding in the development and well-being of students. We have prepared a home-school collaboration protocol where we mention how we will work with parents/guardians for student development and well-being. We have also included corresponding actions from parents/guardians in the protocol for your consideration. iv.

School Notification and Attendance App

We have subscribed to a service called the School Notification and Attendance App (SNAAPP), which allows us to inform you of your child’s/ward’s absence. The app also allows us to send notifications to parents. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms (search for ‘SNAAPP’).

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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

i.

Public Holidays

Please note that the school will be closed on 19 and 20 February 2015 (Thursday and Friday). Please contact your child’s/ward’s Form Teachers, if you have any queries. We look forward to working closely with you to bring out the best in your child/ward. Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Mr Yap Wai Meng Principal

Cyberwellness Parenting Tip #2 Help your child understand that s/he can say ‘no’ to any requests from online strangers in social media platforms, if those requests make him or her feel uncomfortable. S/he should seek help from a trusted family member or teacher if they are caught in a negative online situation.

Holy Innocents’ High School Home School Collaboration Protocol 2015 Note: This is a concise version of the protocol. For the full version, please refer to our school website: http://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/ Areas In School: At Home: Character Development and Social-Emotional Well-Being General Discipline

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Brief students on the school rules (printed in the Student Handbook) on the first day of school

•

Ensure children adhere to the school rules (especially on attire and personal grooming)

Serious offences

•

Inform parents if their children involved in serious offences

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Work closely with the school to help their children change their undesirable behaviours

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Facilitate students’ reflection on their behaviours using counselling / restorative approach and mete out appropriate consequences

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Help children understand how their behaviour and actions may have affected others

• •

Collect and check medical certificate (MC) when students return to school

Inform FT via SMS before 7.25 am if children are unable to attend school Bring children to see a doctor and request for a MC

Minor offences

Absenteeism

Late-coming

•

Send a message to parents each time the child is late for school

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Ensure children wake up on time so that they are punctual for school

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Counsellors will provide support for students with special learning needs, and assist students with social-emotional needs

• •

Inform FTs on their children’s special learning needs if any Request for children to meet school counsellors for social-emotional support when necessary

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Discuss VIA projects with children to help them deepen their learning

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Encourage children to attend the camps to learn important life skills

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Catholic parents can encourage children to participate in Catholic activities

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Espouse the same set of values at home to help children internalise them

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Reinforce the green messages (e.g. reduce, reuse, recycle) at home

Counselling

Value-InAction (VIA) projects

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Plan VIA projects to provide opportunities for students serve the community and build characters

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Organise level camps for Sec 1 to 3 students every year to build characters Time set aside on Friday afternoons to foster spiritual growth for Catholic students

School Camps Faith Formation

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Character Education

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Inculcate school values of ‘Humility’, ‘Integrity’, ‘Respect’ and ‘Love’ through the CCE lessons

•

Educate students to care for their environment through CCE lessons and Environment Education programmes

Environmental Education Academic Studies • Scheme of Work and • Common Test

Upload the summarised scheme of work (SOW) on the school website Inform students on the exact date and coverage of the Common Tests at least 1 week before each test

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• •

Monitor the learning progress of children Guide them in planning revision for common tests

Holy Innocents’ High School Home School Collaboration Protocol 2015 Areas

In School:

At Home:

Homework

•

Assign appropriate amount of work in the core subjects every week

Remedial lessons, Supplementary Lessons and Consultations

•

Organise remedial / supplementary lessons to provide additional support and guidance to the students Issue notification letters to inform parents of such arrangements Ensure students are given assignments with reasonable deadlines for submission

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School Holiday Assignments / Projects

•

• •

Major Examination

•

Remind children to complete all the assigned homework on time

•

Ensure children attend the remedial/ supplementary lessons Make alternative arrangement for outside-school activities (e.g. tuition) if necessary

•

Issue examination timetable Upload soft copies of the examination timetables on the school website

•

Monitor and ensure children complete the holiday assignments on time

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Discuss and guide children in planning the revision for the examinations

Physical and Co-Curricular Development • Safety and Security

Physical Exercise

• • •

• Healthy Eating Habits • Lifestyle Choices

• Co-curricular Activities (CCA)

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•

After-School Enrichment Programmes

• •

Provide a safe and secure environment for students Provide basic group insurance policy for all students

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Schedule regular PE lessons Organise APPLE programme to help students with weight management issues

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Work with canteen stallholders to implement HPB guidelines in the sale of food and drinks

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Educate students to stay away from harmful activities such as smoking, alcohol consumption, substanceabuse, gambling, gaming addiction, cyber-bullying etc Provide a wide range of CCA for students to engage in healthy and enriching activities after school Upload CCA training schedule and other important information on the school website Provide CCA grading/recognition system (LEAPS) in the Student Handbook Organise after-school enrichment programmes for the students Issue parent-consent letters for official enrichment programmes

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•

•

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Comply with the school’s advice on road safety Remind children to follow safety / traffic rules Surface any medical conditions and issues to the school immediately. Encourage children to exercise weekly in their own free time Prepare home-cooked food that follows HPB recommendations Ensure children have a proper breakfast before coming school

•

Reinforce and convey the same messages at home

• •

Monitor children’s CCA attendance Read the Student Handbook to be familiar with the CCA grading/recognition system

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Support all school enrichment programmes, if possible Contact the respective teacher-incharge if there are queries regarding the programmes

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Holy Innocents’ High School Home School Collaboration Protocol 2015 Areas In School: School-Parent Relations • School will contact parents when students (1) fall sick or are injured in school, (2) are absent or late from school (via SNAAPP), Nature of (3) are involved in disciplinary Parent-Teacher issues that warrant attention by Communication the discipline committee, (4) exhibit unproductive learning behaviours • School will contact parents on matters only on weekdays up till 6 pm, unless absolutely necessary

At Home:

Contact Information

•

Update contact information with the school when there are changes to the contact information

•

Visit the School Facebook and School Website regularly to be updated of the school events and programmes

•

Download SNAAPP App in smartphones to monitor children’s attendance in school

• •

Download class timetables Monitor children’s daily learning routines in school

School Website and Facebook

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Provide individual staff contact emails on the school website

•

Provide updates on Facebook page to keep all parents and students informed of the happenings in the school Upload official information such as timetables, presentation slides, and termly letters to school website Mark attendance of the students using SNAAPP, which will automatically notify parents if students are absent Upload class-timetables on the school website

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• Student Attendance • Class Timetable

• •

•

For non-urgent matters, email concerns to the relevant teachers For urgent matters, call the school General Office and request to talk to the teachers directly or leave a message for the teachers to call back Encourage children not to communicate with teachers late in the evenings

Termly Letters to Parents

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Issue termly letters to inform parents on upcoming events in the following term

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Read the letters to be informed of children’s activities in school

Mass Messaging System

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Send messages to parents and students to inform/ remind them of important upcoming activities that require their attention

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Remind your children if the messages warrant follow-up action

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Attend the Principal’s Talks to keep themselves updated, or download the slides to view

• Organise parent-teacher meeting (PTM) sessions at least once per year for parents to interact with the • Form Teachers

Attend the PTM to find out their children’s conduct and academic performance in school Make arrangements if parents wish to speak with subject teachers

• Principal’s Talks

Parent-Teacher Meeting sessions

• •

Organise Principal’s Talks for parents to different levels Upload briefing slides to the school website after each session

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Holy Innocents’ High School Home School Collaboration Protocol 2015 Areas In School: Monitoring of • Issue Termly Report Card at the Results end of each term School Fees • Send letters to inform/ remind and Other Fees parents on payment of school fees and student-related fees as and when necessary

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At Home: • Review children’s academic progress at the end of every term • Make prompt payments for school and student-related fees • Approach FT or General Office for financial assistance, if necessary

HOLY INNOCENTS’ HIGH SCHOOL A Community with Courage to Lead, Compassion to Serve Date: ______________ Parent’s Name: _____________________________ Parent of (Child’s name): _____________________________

Name of Principal : Name of School :

Mr Yap Wai Meng Holy Innocents’ High School

Dear Principal

THE GROWING YEARS PROGRAMME FOR YEAR 2015 Acknowledgement of Letter – For all parents. I acknowledge receipt of letter from the school regarding the school’s sexuality education, Growing Years programme, that will be taught in 2015. I have read the information provided on the content coverage and delivery of the programme.

__________________________________________________ Parent’s Acknowledgement: Name & Signature

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Parent Opt-out Form – Applicable only if parents wish to opt their child out of the Growing Years programme 1.

I would like to withdraw my child, ______________________________________, of (full name of child) ______________ from the Growing Years programme for 2015. (class of child)

2.

My reason(s) for my decision to opt my child out of the programme:
Religious reasons
My child is too young.
I would like to personally educate my child on sexuality matters.
I do not think it is important for my child to attend Sexuality Education lessons.
I have previously taught my child the topics in the GY Programme for this year.
I am not comfortable with the topics covered in the GY Programme for this year.
Others: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

3.

Thank you.

________________________________ ____________________ ______________________ Parent’s Name & Signature Contact No. (mobile) Email address (optional)

School Values: Humility . Integrity . Respect . Love 1191 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534786 ● Tel: 6283 3381 ● Fax: 6283 1737 ● Email: [email protected] http://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg ● https://www.facebook.com/holyinnocentshighschool