Term 2
2023 Staff Learning Symposium
Our staff participated in the yearly staff learning symposium on 23 June 2023, which focussed on “The Future of Education and Work.” The symposium began with staff going out on their preferred learning journeys together. We visited six organisations: Treatsure, Dignity Kitchen, National Gallery, Hope Technik, University of the Arts, and Singapore University of Technology and Design. Everyone gained valuable learning experiences and returned enthusiastically in the afternoon to share their key insights!
During the afternoon session, staff had the chance to explore their creativity by creating the perfect sundae and coming up with captivating captions. Following that, we delved into discussions regarding the future of work and education, focussing on ways teachers can equip students with the necessary skills for the future. Subsequently, staff divided into department breakout sessions, wearing their designer hats to create engaging lessons for students.
SG Perspectives Dialogue on Environmental Sustainability x International Friendship Day
On 19 May, students had the invaluable opportunity to hear from Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu. Her visit is part of the “SG Perspectives” initiative that seeks to broaden student perspectives on the wide-ranging impact of national issues. Students learnt about Singapore’s #NetZero ambition and environmental sustainability. They also engaged her in a robust discussion on topics such as energy security, the role of businesses in contributing to the SG Green Plan, and the need for international collaboration to achieve better outcomes.
In the lead-up to her visit, during the International Friendship Day commemoration, students learnt about the opportunities present in ASEAN to combat climate change together, a matter of grave importance given that the region is one of the world’s most vulnerable to climate change. This was complemented by a series of Spotlight! Sessions by our International Scholars, and hands-on CCE lessons that sought to help students acquire cross-cultural knowledge and skills through appreciating ASEAN’s diverse beauty and economic potential.
Pre-University Seminar 2023
A group of 20 students represented Tampines Meridian Junior College at this year’s Pre-University Seminar from 29 May to 1 June 2023. An important event for all Pre-University institutions, this year’s Pre-University Seminar theme is ‘Towards Our Shared Future: SG75’. The theme takes reference from the Forward Singapore (Forward SG) exercise, launched by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Lawrence Wong. Forward SG invites Singaporeans to come together to examine their shared values and aspirations so as to build consensus to refresh Singapore’s social compact. This was also the focus at this year’s Pre-University Seminar.
Our students were given the opportunity to learn from the rich experiences of various guest speakers and were able to keenly appreciate how individuals from different walks of life have contributed to Singapore. The empathy cultivated through active listening and engagement inspired our students to envision and imagine the future of Singapore, one in which they could serve the community and the nation. The Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony was Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing. Participants were challenged to be curious and connected, so as to take on the mantle to lead Singapore to SG75. Over the course of the Seminar, our students were empowered to work on their respective projects and shared how they could contribute to creating a better and stronger Singapore. This eventually culminated in an exhibition, where our students confidently presented their project deliverables to guests. The Closing Ceremony was graced by DPM Lawrence Wong, and our TMJC students were inspired to play their part in shaping the Singapore Story.
SBS Transit Kindness Month
On 26 May 2023, in conjunction with SBS Transit Kindness Month, students from the Interact Club designed postcards to present to bus captains at Tampines Interchange. Along with that, they rallied other TMJC students to write appreciation notes to be displayed at the interchange, and gave out post-its and pens from SBS Transit to members of the public to promote kindness towards bus captains. The students also prepared care packs for the bus captains and staff working at Tampines Bus Interchange. The students were glad to have the opportunity to interact and personally express their gratitude to the bus captains, as well as learn more about what our bus captains experience daily.
The TMJC family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been tirelessly working to ensure that our daily commute around Singapore is smooth and safe.
Arts and Humanities Week 2023
The TMJC Arts and Humanities Week 2023 took place from 8 to 12 May. Through the week, students were challenged to reflect upon the challenges humanity faces and how we can make changes to save ourselves and our planet as a whole. Students engaged in a wide range of workshops and learning journeys conducted by experts, teachers and their fellow students. The various workshops and learning journeys enabled students to engage with these issues from a variety of perspectives – geography, history, literature, theatre and art – and they came together during the AHA! Finale on 12 May to share their learning and reflections as a cohort.
Mathematics Awareness Fortnight
TMJC’s Mathematics Awareness Fortnight (MAF) was held from 17 April to 27 April 2023. MAF encourages students to develop a spirit of inquiry beyond the curriculum, discover and appreciate the beauty of Mathematics in different areas of our lives, and experience the joy of learning Mathematics.
The theme for this year is “Travel with Math”, in line with the easing of travel restrictions around the world. Students were involved in a myriad of activities related to real-world applications of Math.
Student volunteers were empowered and mentored by Math Subject Tutors in the InfiniTuM Student Committee to come up with interesting and fun activities for their peers. For example, the InfiniTuM Student Committee planned and hosted Math Station Games and our very own version of Around the World Monopoly Board Game during students’ break time at the Multi-purpose Hall.
A new highlight this year is the sharing by seven groups of JC2 students during the JC2 Math Elective Lectures. Students were exposed to topics and applications of Math beyond the curriculum such as:
- Making Imaginary Numbers Real
- √-1 ❤️ food
- Math in Origami
- Weather Predictions with Partial Differential Equations
- Probability in Blackjack
- The use of Math behind Traffic Lights
- Cryptography in our Digital World
For JC1 students, MAF Electives were conducted online in SLS! Students had the autonomy to choose from three Electives:
- Discover how the branch of Mathematics called Graph Theory can be used to solve crimes
- Uncover the Mystery of the NRIC alphabet using Number Theory
- Virtual Math Treasure Hunt
There were also daily Math quizzes in the MAF 2023 Inter-CG Challenge.
Three classes from each level received attractive prizes for their active participation. They are: JC1: 23S201 (1st), 23S307 (2nd), 23S301 (3rd) JC2: 22S202 (1st), 22S303 (2nd), 22S502 (3rd)
Mother Tongue Fortnight 2023 - Embracing our Ethnicity, Exploring Possibilites
The Mother Tongue Fortnight 2023 is centered around the theme “Embracing our Ethnicity, Exploring Possibilities”, with the objective to create an immersive environment for learning and appreciation of Mother Tongue languages and cultures.
On 13 April, our Principal, Mr Sin launched the fortnight of events, with a series of 3 mini-performances: Malay Kompang, Chinese Wushu and Indian Dance. The fortnight’s programme was also presented in the three Mother Tongue languages.
An array of common enrichment activities were carried out by the three language units to ignite the students’ interest in Mother Tongue languages. This included the broadcast of popular songs in the different languages before morning assemblies, online QR code quizzes on language and culture, and students’ presentation of cultural topics during lessons. Through “Quote of the Day”, our student presenters also shared a Chinese, Malay or Tamil proverb with their insights during morning assembly, to motivate their peers in their learning.
At the individual unit level, the Malay unit organised the Translation Competition for the H2 MLL students to sharpen their language skills. H2 MLL students were also facilitators for the JC1 H1 Malay Cultural Trail on Malay gastronomy such as herbs and spices, cuisines and traditional desserts.
The Tamil unit organised a guided visit to the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre for our Tamil students who were introduced to the use of herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Indian traditional music instruments. During the Tamil Enrichment Day on 21 April, the JC1 students participated in an Indian Short Film-Making Workshop to learn to create short videos centered around our school values.
Heritage, music and movies were the main highlights of the Chinese unit’s enrichment activities. In the learning journey titled “Rejuvenation of our Heritage”, H1 Chinese students went on a walking trail to various heritage sites and businesses in Telok Ayer historical district. The Chinese Soundbites was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall during lunchtime on two afternoons with presentation and broadcast of Chinese popular songs to the lunchtime audience. On Chinese Enrichment Day, which was the highlight, the renowned local movie director Royston Tan shared with our JC1 Chinese students meaningful local short films.
All participating students of the fortnight were gifted a highlighter with a proverb in the respective Mother Tongue languages that encapsulated the essence of the Mother Tongue Fortnight 2023: “Embracing our Ethnicity, Cherish our Culture, Exploring Possibilites”.
Sorsilambam 2023
This year, TMJC’s Tamil Language Unit fielded a team for Sorsilambam 2023, a National Tamil Debate Competition organised by Narpani Peravai and The Tamil Language Council.
We are thrilled to announce that our team made it to the semifinals, competing with various other tertiary institutions. Throughout the competition, our team faced several tough opponents with determination and hard work. During the quarter-finals, they defeated Ngee Ann Polytechnic in a thrilling round.
Although we did not win the semifinals against ACSI, we are incredibly proud of our team’s performance, which undoubtedly provided many opportunities for learning and growth.
The team consisted of Siddharth Narenthiran Pillai [23S304], Karthik Harini [23S501], Kesav Kumar Subburaj [23S303], Dinesh Aalia [22S305], Jayraman Saravanan Shakaana [22S501] and Venkatesan Bharathi Kannan [22S502]. In recognition of their outstanding performance, they won trophies and cash prizes for emerging as the top 4 teams in the National Debate series.
During the finals of Sorsilambam, televised on Sunday 23 April 2023,the team received their trophies from Minister Vikram Nair. We are also proud to share that Siddharth Narenthiran Pillai [23S304] received the Best Speaker Award for the audience debate round that evening. We are extremely proud of his achievements and recognition.
Congratulations once again to the team!
General Paper (GP) Day 2023
GP Day was held on 5 May 2023. In the lead up to GP Day, the GP department organised a range of fringe activities for students.
Mr Timothy Goh, SPH Journalist turned GP tutor shared about the chaos behind the calm of Singapore’s COVID-19 response during morning assembly. In addition, students got to play a Special Edition Singapore Trivia GP Day Kahoot Quiz! JC1 students got the chance to take part in the Meme Competition whilst JC2 students were treated to Learning Journeys at the National Gallery Singapore. They embarked on an Art x Contemporary Issues tour, as well as the Namjooning @ the National Gallery Singapore // Art x BTS Art Trail cum Playlist learning journey.
On GP Day, we held the GP Unconference in collaboration with The Birthday Collective. In line with the theme of ‘Unmasking: Heart Truths’, students participated in the Opening and Closing Sessions and joined different Breakout Rooms that considered different Singapore issues.
It was indeed an enriching and enjoyable experience for all students!
College Day 2023
On 28 April, the College celebrated the efforts and achievements of the Class of 2022. The guests, awardees, parents and staff came together to enjoy the beautiful music and movements presented by the TMJC Chinese Orchestra, Modern Dance, and Choir, and witnessed the presentation of awards to distinguished students.
At the ceremony, our Principal Mr Sin Kim Ho commended the Class of 2022 for their resilience and creativity in adapting to learning amidst Covid restrictions, how they kept the College spirit burning strong and even left the legacy of TM Cove, a popular common student space, for future generations of TMJCians to enjoy. Professor Cheah Horn Mun, the Guest of Honour, also shared insightfully about learning for life and learning as life, inspiring the Class of 2022 to never stop learning in an increasingly challenging but also exciting world.
The College sincerely wishes the awardees all the very best in their future endeavours.
TMJCians of the Class of 2022: we are proud of you and we look forward to having you back as alumni among our TMJC family!
TMJC Hari Raya Celebrations
The College held a two-part programme in celebration of the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Adilfiltri. The first part was an assembly programme held on the mornings of 19 and 20 April 2023. The opening segment focussed on the different etymology of phrases and wishes related to Hari Raya. The student emcees explained the significance of key phrases such as ‘Eid al-Fitr’, ‘Eid Mubarak’, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Puasa.
The programme continued with an impressive Dikir Barat by our own Malay Language Elective Programme (MLEP) students. This synchronised Malay choral singing was fully choreographed by the students, with the help of their teacher mentors to showcase a glimpse of our college’s MLEP niche programme that focusses on the beautiful Malay heritage and culture. It incorporated singing, poetry, movement and music in a single performance.
The second part of the celebration was held between 25 April and 2 May 2023, where the College provided Hari Raya cookie platters for students during one of their CCE lessons. Civic tutors share the meaning of some traditional Malay kuehs such as Kueh Bangkit (The cookie that rises), Kueh Batang Buruk (The ugly branch cookie) and Kueh Tart Sepit (Pinched Pineapple Tarts). The aim of this activity was to promote cohesiveness and class bonding through the communal sharing, and to raise cultural awareness of the festive celebration activities. The students enjoyed the fun sharing and delightful cookies with their friends.
The College would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
2023 National School Games Shooting
From 10 to 14 April, the TMJC Shooting Team participated in the National School Games and obtained impressive results in the team and individual category. Our Air Pistol Women (APW) team came in first and amongst our students, 3 air rifle boys, 2 air rifle girls and 3 air pistol girls qualified for the individual finals.
In the APW team category on 13 April, our APW team finished first, winning by 1 point with a score of 1587.
On Friday (14 April), 8 students qualified for the finals for National School Games Individual Shooting Championship. This included 3 boys and 2 girls in the Air Rifle category and 3 girls in the Air Pistol category. Lauryn Joshua En Xi emerged champion! It was a thrilling final as the result was determined by the last shot with only a score difference of 0.1. We are proud of our students’ efforts and accomplishments.
Mother Tongue Fortnight Chinese Enrichment Day 2023 - An Afternoon with Movie Director Royston Tan, Local Artistes Rao Zijie and Ben Hum
It was an afternoon of short films and songs in LT4 on 21 April 2023. A highlight of the Mother Tongue Fortnight 2023, the Chinese language event titled “Sing a Movie” was a talk and performance by local renowned director Royston Tan and various artistes. Royston Tan shared with the students his journey as a film maker and showcased various short films and local singers Rao Zi Jie and Ben Hum sang their hearts out with a repertoire of Chinese popular songs, bringing immense joy to our student audience.
Six of our very own student performers (Keran 23A101, Li Wen 23S307, Fiona 23S302, as well as Iva, Yuxin and Abby from 23S301 presented 3 Chinese language songs from television serials and movies.
Our student audience showed their enjoyment and support by lighting up their handphone flash lights, waving enthusiastically and singing along with the singers. Our Principal Mr Sin also graced the event, joining our audience and enjoying an afternoon of fun and learning.
What a memorable afternoon of learning the Chinese Language, in a joyous atmosphere of movies and songs. The event was indeed an actualisation of “Joy of Learning”!
Student Council Camp
On 14 and 15 April 2023, the 5th Tampines Meridian Student Council (TMSC) held the Student Council Camp that would initiate the 6th batch of TMSC.
The 5th TMSC strove to unite the juniors, shared their rewarding experiences and inspired transformational leadership. Leadership training workshops, physical activities and College cheers were conducted to strengthen the camaraderie in each House and equip the 6th TMSC with the leadership knowledge and skills to serve the College. A dialogue session with our Senior Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean further inspired our student leaders to serve our community wholeheartedly.
To mark the start of the TMSC leadership journey, the iconic Student Council Initiation Ceremony was held, where a flame was passed from the Council Teacher Advisors to our alumni representatives of the 3rd and 4th TMSC, then to the 5th TMSC and finally to our newly initiated 6th TMSC. This tradition is significant as it signifies the symbolic passing of the passion and responsibilities of student councillors through the generations of TMSC. The flame is also a representation of a guiding light, one that will steer our TMSC towards the path of excellence and duty, as they serve the College with fervour and commitment.
Mother Tongue Fortnight: Rejuvenation of our Heritage Learning Journey to the Telok Ayer Historic District
As part of the Mother Tongue Fortnight’s fringe activities, the Mother Tongue Languages Department organised a learning journey on 14 April 2023 to the Telok Ayer Historic District. Through this activity, the department hopes to promote students’ interest in Chinese culture and heritage.
The Chinese Language teachers brought 7 subject groups of about 120 H1 Chinese students on a walking trail to various cultural and heritage sites, buildings and businesses from Telok Ayer Street to South Bridge Road. Students explored Thian Hock Keng Temple and the wall murals depicting the history of our Chinese pioneers. They also visited historical sites like the old Chung Hwa Free Clinic and Chong Wen Ge (Chong Hock Girls School), which have now been transformed to an exotic restaurant and museum. At Pek Sin Choo Tea Company, our students learnt how to appreciate traditional Chinese tea and the art of roasting and packaging tea leaves, and also how the business has kept up with modern times. They were also enriched by the sharing held at Tong Heng Traditional Confectionary, and have a better understanding of how the company has rebranded and rejuvenated the business, while preserving the rich heritage of Cantonese pastries. With the knowledge acquired, our students also completed a class quiz on the culture and heritage of Telok Ayer.
Cohort Kahoot Current Affairs Quiz
On the morning of 12 April 2023, we kicked off our inaugural Cohort Kahoot Current Affairs Quiz. The aim of the quiz is to ignite a passion for current affairs and create a buzz about the latest news. There was excitement in the air as students from the various classes competed for the top 3 prizes. Most of all, everyone had fun!
TM Unites 2023 - Recycle Right for a Greener Future
After 3 years of hiatus, TM Unites - our cohort VIA, finally took flight on 25 March 2023. The JC1 and JC2 cohorts reached out to the residents of Pasir Ris and Tampines Central respectively to educate and promote good recycling and water conservation habits. The students also worked alongside the Pasir Ris and Tampines Central Town Council cleaners to perform a clean-up of the estates to gain a greater appreciation for the cleaners and develop a stronger sense of responsibility in ensuring the cleanliness of public spaces. Through TM Unites 2023, we hope to do our part as a College to support Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan to build a sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient nation. At the same time, we also hope to inspire all TMJC students to be young stewards of the environment.
National School Games Athletes Oath-Taking Ceremony 2023
To mark the beginning of the National School Games (NSG), the respective Sports Captains and Vice Captains representing our College recited the Athlete’s Oath in the presence of all staff and students at the combined cohort assembly on Friday, 24 March 2023. Our Principal, Mr Sin Kim Ho also delivered a snippet of the Minister’s speech as well as shared his own hopes for the games. Mr Sin also commemorated the ceremony by unveiling our NSG banner to the entire school cohort.
This Oath-taking Ceremony is significant as it advocates the importance of demonstrating sportsmanship through the athlete’s words and actions, both off and on the playing field. Its symbolism aims to unite all with the principles of integrity, fair play and friendship established through sports.
Each athlete has come a long way and prepared well amidst ongoing challenges. May our College athletes develop tenacity and grit in the pursuit of excellence and embody the values of winning with humility and losing with graciousness in the upcoming competitions. Let us wish our athletes the very best as they compete in the National School Games.
