 | I've shared History Project Sec 1D 2011 Yu De |
VSCO
(Victoria school Chinese orchestra)
Victoria school Chinese orchestra was founded in 1974.
It had only 20 members when it started and fewer instructors.
VSCO only saw more participation in the 1980s and hence started to take part in community events such as mid-autumn festival concerts and Chinese new year celebrations,
VSCO had greater changes in 1990s as the Singapore government's efforts to promote participation in CCAs in schools.VSCO hence got more funds to buy better instruments and to hire renowned instructors from the Singapore Chinese orchestra .
VSCO started to participate in SYF central judging in 1997 and they also joined every SYF afterwards. They got
1997,2003,2005,2007,2009-gold
1999 -silver
2001 -certificate of participation
New members only have one practice per week-normally a Thursday
Their practice sessions gradually increase as their musical skill progress.maxed at three times a week-Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Mondays and Thursdays are sectional while Saturday is combined practice
The current conductor for VSCO is Mr Goh Yew Guan (吴友元), who has held the post for over a decade.
Our other instructors include:
Bass: Mr Poh Yee Luh (潘语录)
Plucked-strings: Mr Seetoh Poh Lam (司徒宝男)
Bowed-strings: Mr Neo Yong Soon (梁永顺)
Woodwind: Mr Tony Ang Ting Leong (洪鼎量)
Percussion/Yangqin: Mr Yeo Siew Mong (杨秀茂)
The current members are
Committee '10/'11:
* Chairman - Clifford Lok
* Vice Chairman - Russell Tan
* Student Conductor - Joshen Lim
* Secretary - Lim Jun An
* Treasurer - Darren Gan
* Librarian - Jonah Aw
* Assistant Librarian - Deon Sim
* Quarter Master - Deon Sim
* Discipline IC - Justin Wong
* Cello Bass SL - Justin Wong
* Strings SL - Joshen Lim
* Plucking SL - Teo Chin Wei
* Plucking SL - Adrian Koh
* Woodwind SL - Darren Gan
* Woodwind SL - Noris Tan
* Percussion SL - Brian Chee
Members:
* STRINGS
- Gaohu: Joshen Lim, Hong Wenyang, Ngeow Chee Fong
- Zhonghu: Alvin Lee, Zhang Baogang, Lim Ee Teck, Joshua Wong
- Erhu: Lim Jun An, Gifford Goh, Bernard Chua, Chia Si Wei, Sylvester Siew, Chan You Zhong, Isaac Lee, Jared Chiang, Chia Shang Rong, Lin Yi Hong, Bai Tianliang, Dylan Show, Xia Fuxi, Tan Jun Liang, Lin Yueyang, Maximilian Chan, Li Jiangbo
* CELLO BASS
- Cello: Jonathan Chen, Cedric Tan, Fabian Siau, Chng Tong Hoe, Peh Shao Wei, Keith Low
- Double Bass: Justin Wong, Joshua Sonneman, Cao Bing Quan, Pye Sone Kyaw, Heng Jiu Xiao
* PLUCKING
- Ruan: Clifford Lok, Nikki Yong, Heng Zhen Hong, Luke Chan, Ng Ming Liang, Matthew Ting, Chang Chuan Hong, Ikmal Syafeeq, Sim Yang Siong, Liu Yifeng, Yen Tzu Yao
- Liuqin: Russell Tan, Deon Sim, Soo Wen Wei, Matthew Lee, Jeremy Teo
- Pipa: Adrian Koh, Jonah Aw Kailer, Stanley Low, Ng Han Wei, Chan Kheng Hsien, Toh Hong Xian
- Yangqin: Teo Chin Wei, Edwin Chue, Ong Wei Da, Esmond Li, Damus Lim
- Guzheng: Luke Chan, Zhang Baogang, Matthew Lee
* WOODWIND
- Dizi: Noris Tan, Alvin Shi, Eugene Lim, Clemon Ho, Wong Wei Xuan, Jasper Ong, Royston Long, Goh Chong Hui, Justin Yip
- Gaoyinsheng: Low Feng Yi, Patrick Tsan, Chen Kanghao
- Zhongyinsheng: Chen Jie, Ong Cheng Geng
- Gaoyinsuona: Darren Gan, Ernest Lim, Yang Hao Li
- Zhongyinsuona: Darren Ther
Performance 2
VSCO
(Victoria school Chinese orchestra)
Victoria school Chinese orchestra was founded in 1974 and so is this photo
It had only 20 members and limited instructors when it started
VSCO only saw more participation in the 1980s and hence started to take part in community events such as mid-autumn festival concerts and Chinese new year celebrations,
• VSCO had greater changes in 1990s as the Singapore government's efforts to promote participation in CCAs in schools.VSCO hence got more funds to buy better instruments and to hire renowned instructors from the Singapore Chinese orchestra . They hired Bass: Mr Poh Yee Luh (潘语录)Plucked-strings: Mr Seetoh Poh Lam (司徒宝男)Bowed-strings: Mr Neo Yong Soon (梁永顺)Woodwind: Mr Tony Ang Ting Leong (洪鼎量)Percussion/Yangqin: Mr Yeo Siew Mong (杨秀茂)
VSCO started to participate in SYF central judging in 1997 and they also joined every SYF afterwards.they got
1997,2003,2005,2007,2009-gold
1999 -silver
2001 -certificate of participation
performance 3
VSCO in 1974 was not a very good start for them as there were not many participants in them.
VSCO only saw more participation in the 1980s and hence started to take part in community events such as mid-autumn festival concerts and Chinese new year celebrations,
but after the 1980s, VSCO started to have more participants. At first, the VSCO only had one practice per week which is on Thursday but as time progressed, the training extended from one day a week to three days a week, improving the VSCO's quality by miles. At the time near the 1990's, the VSCO started to participate in every SYF competitions. They also bagged a few trophies and most of them were the gold awards. these are the awards:
1997,2003,2005,2007,2009-gold
1999-silver
2001 -certificate of participation
Here are the current instructors for the VSCOMondays and Thursdays are sectional while Saturday is combined practice
The current conductor for VSCO is Mr Goh Yew Guan (吴友元), who has held the post for over a decade.
Our other instructors include:
Bass: Mr Poh Yee Luh (潘语录)
Plucked-strings: Mr Seetoh Poh Lam (司徒宝男)
VSCO improved so much that it became a main CCA in VS now and holds quite a large sum of willing and eager participants.VSCO has already won a lot of awards and let's hope, for VS that they will win even more in future.
Done by: Axel Lam Shi Han (3) , Lin Yue Yang, Chanc Kheng Hsien
History write up
I think that the secondary 3 camp is good for the sec 3 victorians as it can teach them values which they can apply in their daily lifes. Some of the values are resilience, teamwork and trust. They can learn how to be resilient by not giving up when they meet difficulties if they are not resilient and give up in the face of difficulties, they will not be able to succeed in life.
Teamwork
They also must learn to work with other people as a team if not a lot of thing cannot be done for example you have only one idea for a project and if you have many people you have more choice as if one person has one idea you will have a good variety of ideas to choose and work on. Also without teamwork what will this world become? Do you think someone can succeed without teamwork? Only a small chance.
Trust
They also must learn to trust their friends or else they would not be able to cooperate and do things together and will accuse one another for minute things.
The PE department had organized obstacles and challenges made for sec 3 camp. The obstacles test on the ability to trust in each other and leadership qualities must be present in other to complete the task.
Determination
Determination is a must in sec 3 camp to overcome this challenges. The video which shows the camp leaders preparing for the sec 3 camp by carrying and loading the canoes onto a truck to be delivered to the campsite. The canoes are heavy and yet they did not complain and carry out the chore.
Leadership
A leader must be strict in his decisions and command the camp leaders to carry out the preparation of the sec 3 camp. Without a leader the whole preparation would not be efficient and the task will not be completed. Not only a leader must be present but also people who need to follow the orders commanded by the leader.
Importance of the roles
They are important as the leader and without listening to the orders given out by the leader, nothing can be conveyed between the leader and his followers. So this shows that leadership is important in our daily lives and shows that everybody have to play their role as a leader or follower in carrying out the activities efficiently and smoothly.
Hard work
Even the preparations requires a lot of hard work and qualities that a Victorian must have
The quote reported by a sec 3 before the camp tells us that the hard work and people who make the sec 3 camp real. The people, teachers, students and hired workers, to set up the camp had put in a lot of hard work into it. This tells me that the sec 3 camp requires a lot of hard work. Hard work is important to make the sec 3 camp such a success.
Sportsmanship
At the camp itself, winning is not that important. Winning through cheating and crime is one of the most disgraceful thing to do. It is the hard work the put in that make them the winner that day.
Through the obstacles, qualities such as perseverance will be embedded into our hearts.
Perseverance
Without perseverance, we would easily give up and abandon the task and we would not be successful unlike the other group which had put in hard work into completing the obstacles or challenges thrown by the PE department.
Bonding
The secondary 3 camp is also a perfect time that the sec 3 victorians can bond with tier new classmates and have fun together.
Conclusion
Finally, I conclude that the sec 3 camp is good for all the Victorians from sec 3. It is a memorable way to learn values and many other things trough fun and games.
Sec 3 camp is a camp to develop leadership qualities in Victorians. The sec 3s are required to enter a mandatory camp to achieve the suspected results. They are required to canoe from one place to another in the sea and track through muddy tracks through the jungle and complete tasks or obstacles. Not only that this camp will bond the whole class as a family and they need to work together to complete various tasks set by the peer leaders in an attempt to bond them as a team. Teamwork is the most difficult thing to achieve as some of us disagree with one another but this camp will help them to bond as a team. They are needed to canoe to the campsite on the kayaks from east coast to changi.
Kayak is being assembled at the indoor sports hall to be brought to the campsite for the kayak activities. "Through the year's, we've constantly sought to refine the camp and with Veloci-T in its third year as a unified training program, we've incorporated several changes. Last year, we introduced the Kouze and Posner, Leadership Challenge as a framework on which to base our training activities.
This year we have further refined the modules to bring out these themes.
We also brought back the coastal navigation element where the boys kayaked and rafted from East Coast to Changi Coast Adventure Campsite.
Today, we prepped for the camp by begining the intial phase by transporting the kayaks and rafts to VS to prepare for tomorrows event.
Many thanks to our partners and stakeholders from Griffin Kinetic Logistcs who generously supported us with their transport services to enable us to achieve this massive endeavour of 30 double kayaks, , as well as the paddles and life vests." Said one sec 3 camper before the camp.
 | History latest.doc |
This is a resend. Hope you recceive the pics.
Old Victorians In Politics
Write up
This photograph shows my relatives and I with President SR Nathan. I am the person right in the centre of picture, in front of President Nathan. This photograph was taken in 2007 at a Deepavali function at Kebun Baru Bestari RC in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Nathan is an old Victorian and is currently the President of the Republic of Singapore. He was elected President on 1 September 1999 and is presently still serving out his second term. As President, he has to grace numerous events, just like the one you see in the photograph. He was a student of Victoria Secondary and has done the school proud, through the diverse portfolios he has held before attaining the greatest achievement of being our Head of State. As a current Victorian, I am indeed proud to be in the company of this Old Victorian.
Evidences:
Source A
A picture from Victoria yearbook 2003 .A picture of SR Nathan in Victoria school in 2003. He visited Victoria School and has written “A good reminder of days past”.
Source B
Extract from wikipedia:”The list of Victoria School old boys includes three Presidents: Mr Yusof Ishak, Mr C.V. Devan Nair and Mr S.R. Nathan.”
Extract from ;Speech by Dr Ong Chit Chung Chairman
Victoria Advisory and Executive Committees
at 130th Anniversary and Official Opening Ceremony
of the Victoria School New Campus
on 22 July 2006
“Thank you so much. In conclusion, I wish to thank each and every one of you who has played a part in the development and success of Victoria School. It is indeed heartening to see Victorians of all ages here today, united together.
On behalf of the school, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to past and present principals, staff, students and parents for your commitment and dedication.
Above all, I wish to thank His Excellency, President S R Nathan, and Mrs Nathan, for so graciously agreeing to officiate at the School Opening Ceremony today.
President Nathan is our most outstanding Victorian, who has given the school tremendous support over the years. I am glad that his grandson is now in Victoria School, continuing with the proud Victorian tradition.
Let us give our President and Mrs Nathan a special round of applause.”
Nathan received his primary and earlier education in Anglo-Chinese Primary School and the Rangoon Road Afternoon School, and his secondary/senior high school education at Victoria School. He started working before completing his studies. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, Nathan worked for the Japanese civilian police as a translator. After the war, whilst working, he completed his secondary education through self-study, and entered the University of Malaya (in Singapore) where he graduated in 1954 with a Diploma in Social Studies (Distinction).
Nathan began his career in the Singapore Civil Service as a medical social worker in 1955. He was appointed Seamen’s Welfare Officer the following year. In 1962, he was seconded as Assistant Director to the Labour Movement. Later he was transferred to the Foreign Ministry and rose to be Deputy Secretary. He was appointed Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 1971. That same year, Nathan moved to the Ministry of Defence where he was Director of the Security and Intelligence Division (SID), with the rank of Permanent Secretary. He was involved in the Laju incident on January 31, 1974, when members of the terrorist Japanese Red Army (JRA) bombed petroleum tanks on Pulau Bukom off the coast of Singapore. Nathan, was among a group of government officers who volunteered to be held hostage by the JRA to secure the release of civilian hostages.
In 1979, he became the First Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He left in 1982 to become the Executive Chairman of the Straits Times Press (1975) Ltd. From 1982 to 1988, Nathan also held directorship of several other companies including the Singapore Mint Pte Ltd, The Straits Times Press (London) Ltd and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. From 1983 to 1988, Nathan was Chairman of the Hindu Endowments Board. He was a founding member of SINDA. In April 1988, Nathan was appointed Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia and, in July 1990, became Ambassador to the United States of America where he served until June 1996. Nathan was made Ambassador-at-Large and was concurrently Director of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the Nanyang Technological University.
On August 18, 1999, Nathan was appointed as the only eligible and thus, unopposed, candidate for President of the Republic of Singapore.
Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sellapan_Ramanathan
Source C: President Nathan’s views on his book – Why Am I Here
It's a decision he's taken after much persuasion. President SR Nathan's has launched his first book on his early life as a labour relations officer for a Seafarers' Union.
The title of President Nathan's inaugural book is a question one would constantly ask in life, said the author.
He said: "The cover of the book is very revealing, grey and gloomy. It is into that uncertain world that I went in to, do the job I did.
“So I decided to recall my experiences and write it down and kept it until I spoke to Professor Bernard Tan from the Centre for Maritime Studies. I said I didn't think it was something interesting which would merit publication, but I asked him to read it.
“I went into an area where nobody had been before. I had no brief and I had to create my own brief.
“Mostly, the seafarers were Malays, some Chinese, and some Bangladeshis, each one had his own characteristics.
Mr Nathan recalls “The seamen of that generation were mostly with little or no education. They were rough and sometimes very crude with their manners but they had a very strong sense of camaradarie, of concern.
"Sometimes the seamen would die at sea and usually when they sign on a ship, they would make an allotment for their family, a part of the salary will be paid to the family while they are sailing.
Mr Nathan believes the younger generation can gain from reading his book.
He added: "If they read it they will get to know many lessons of how human tragedy can disrupt a family, how some human problems are formidable and states of helplessness can come and how important it is for us to show a sense of compassion and concern for others.
“I'm sure in daily life there are many such happenings. We come across them directly and indirectly. It is for them to understand and if possible give them a helping hand to uplift them."
President SR Nathan's contributions to Singapore span many areas from his role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministry, serving as envoy to Washington and Kuala Lumpur and now as the President of Singapore.
At the launching ceremony of the book on Tuesday, it was announced that President Nathan waived all fees and royalties due to him from the book.
Adapted from http://sgahneh.blogspot.com/
Source D: SPEECH BY PRESIDENT S R NATHAN AT THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY AND OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE VICTORIA SCHOOL NEW CAMPUS AT SIGLAP LINK ON 22 JULY 2006
1. Today, Victoria School celebrates its 130th Anniversary. This event must be a very nostalgic moment for students and staff, past and present. As I look back, I remember sitting among the boys of this school as a student before the war years. It was a different era. Victoria School was not among the Premier Schools then. Neither were the students the cream of the “Secondary School” cohorts. The school did not have the “Education Culture” of today, nor the “soft touch” which teachers and staff are inclined to exercise on the less fortunate or less intellectually endowed. Vintage Victoria – A 130-Year Tradition of Excellence 3. VS today is among the oldest schools in Singapore. It offers a well-rounded education to young Singaporeans from all walks of life, regardless of family background, excelling in the academic as well as in sporting and cultural areas. 5. VS is well-positioned to forge ahead to bring its quality of education to the next level. There are some things which VS will always be strong in, and you will want to continue to do well in these areas. For example, our grip on sports is legendary. I recall Ali Ahmad who became well known for the 100 yards sprint, in pre-war Singapore. Then there was Mr Vijaratnam, who wore the National Colours for Soccer, Hockey and Cricket. Commitment to Serve Singapore and Society 9. First, I ask all of you, whatever you do in your lives, to be kind towards others. Always find the time and space to do good for the community. Your actions and efforts may not make the news headlines nor make you a household name, but every single effort counts towards making Singapore being recognised by others for our humanitarian concerns. 10. Second, be engaged, be proactive to bring about the change you want to see. Don’t be afraid to speak up, and in doing so, do it positively and constructively. Look at the strengths and weaknesses of our society, think about them, have a realistic appreciation of our circumstances, before you can say “This is what I want for the future”, and then offer your commitment to help bring it about. 11. My third point for you is, be grateful. Cultivate, what someone called, “the discipline of gratitude”. Be grateful to your family, teachers, friends, neighbours, and those who make your life better and make you a better person. It is easy to ask what other people can do for us, but it is more difficult to ask how we can do more for others. 12. Just as it has done throughout its history, VS must continue to develop citizens who have a genuine desire to give back to society and make a difference in the lives of others. 13. We must also remember that Singapore’s success in the future will ultimately depend on you – the students. Your commitment to the success of our country will be critical in determining the destiny of Singapore. Past generations of Victorians have shown the way. You must do so too, for future generations to follow. Conclusion 15. Remember that great things can only be achieved through hard work. May you always live up to the School motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour). I wish the school many more years of success. |
Source E: Report in the third issue of the Victoriana on the school’s move to its new premises.
Speech Day is a time of celebration, a celebration of the 127th anniversary of Victoria School. Final preparations were made to welcome our Guest-of-Honour, President S R Nathan, a former student of Victoria School.
President Nathan was welcomed with cheers and applause by students who lined the entrance of the foyer. To announce the arrival of Victoria School to its new premises, President Nathan took a torch, that runners and canoeists had carried from our previous campuses at Tyrwhitt Road and Geylang Bahru to Siglap Link, and lit the Victorian Torch. To commemorate the event, President Nathan also released 18 Koi fish into the pond. |
Adapted from http://victoriana.vs.moe.edu.sg/pdf/Victoriana03_2003.pdf
Source F: Pictures of the ceremonial move to the new premises in 2003
http://vs.moe.edu.sg/heritageonline/?dir=2003%20Year%20Book
Source G: Pictures of the President with students at Speech Day 2006
http:www.flickr.com/photos/cats-eye-view/206905002/
Compilation
Singapore’s current President, SR Nathan, is Victoria School’s most illustrious Victorian. On 22 July 2006, at the 130th Anniversary and Official Opening Ceremony of the Victoria School New Campus, Dr Ong Chit Chung Chairman paid tribute to the President for his continuous support to the school. President Nathan’s has officiated in several school events such as the school’s move to its new site in 2003 and Victoria School’s Official Opening Ceremony of the Victoria School New Campus in 2006. He certainly has fond memories of the school and is proud of the school’s achievement as evident from his visit to the school in 2003 where he wrote “A good reminder of days past”. As he officiated at the ceremonial moves of Victoria School to its new existing premises, he had fond memories of his days as a Victorian. Nathan spent secondary/senior high school education at Victoria School. Times were hard and he had to work before completing his studies. In his speech at the school’s official opening at the new Siglap campus in 2006, President Nathan recalled his days at the Tyrwhitt Road campus. He remembers sitting among the boys of this school as a student before the war years. It was a different era. Victoria School was not among the Premier Schools then. Neither were the students the cream of the “Secondary School” cohorts. The school did not have the “Education Culture” of today, nor the “soft touch” which teachers and staff are inclined to exercise on the less fortunate or less intellectually endowed. Yet, he remembers that the school has a long sporting history. He is proud of the school’s strong tradition is developing outstanding sportsmen. He believes that there are some things which Victoria School will always be strong in. He says “our grip on sports is legendary” and the school will want to continue to do well in these areas. He recalled Ali Ahmad who became well known for the 100 yards sprint, in pre-war Singapore. There was also Mr Vijaratnam, who represented the nation in Soccer, Hockey and Cricket.
President Nathan embodies Victoria School’s motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour). During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, Nathan worked for the Japanese civilian police as a translator. After the war, whilst working, he completed his secondary education through self-study, and did well enough to enter the university. He continues to give his best in every job and rose up the ranks very fast; holding varied portfolios. He started with a career in the Singapore Civil Service as a medical social worker in 1955. He later went into an uncertain world to work as a labour relations officer for a Seafarers' Union. Life was not easy as he says in his book, Why Am I Here. He said he had no brief and “I had to create my own brief”. Yet, his experiences with the seafarers deepened his sense of compassion and concern. He strongly believes that in our daily lives there will be many instances of helplessness that “we come across them directly and indirectly”. He feels all of us should “give them a helping hand to uplift them" in whatever ways we possibly can.
President Nathan upholds the VS values of professionalism, integrity and compassion. He urged all Victorians to always find the time and space to do good for the community while they pursuit excellence. He stressed that our actions and efforts may not make the news headlines nor makes us a household name, but every single effort counts towards making our nation more humane. President Nathan encouraged Victorians to live up to its tradition and to continue to develop citizens who have a genuine desire to give back to society and make a difference in the lives of others. He believes that future generations of Victorians must sustain the efforts of past generations of Victorians who has pave the way and contributed to Singapore’s success in the future.
President Nathan has shown that Victoria School’s motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour) is the way to achieve great things. President Nathan embodies the Victorian vision and mission. He is a Gentleman, a Professional and a respectable Leader who makes tangible contributions to his family, work, community and nation. He has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence, served as envoy to Washington and Kuala Lumpur and now as the President of Singapore. As President, he graces numerous events such as the 2007 Deepavali function at Kebun Baru in Ang Mo Kio. As an Old Victorian he has done the school proud, through the diverse portfolios he has held and attaining the greatest achievement of being our Head of State. We are indeed honoured to have President Nathan as part of the Victoria School family
Done By:
1: Gurshant Singh Dhaliwal (14) 2: Nicholas Ong Rui Qian (27)
3: Ong Wei Siong (28) 4: Ryan Ang Shi Bin (30)
| History latest.doc |
Old Victorians In Politics
Write up
This photograph shows my relatives and I with President SR Nathan. I am the person right in the centre of picture, in front of President Nathan. This photograph was taken in 2007 at a Deepavali function at Kebun Baru Bestari RC in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Nathan is an old Victorian and is currently the President of the Republic of Singapore. He was elected President on 1 September 1999 and is presently still serving out his second term. As President, he has to grace numerous events, just like the one you see in the photograph. He was a student of Victoria Secondary and has done the school proud, through the diverse portfolios he has held before attaining the greatest achievement of being our Head of State. As a current Victorian, I am indeed proud to be in the company of this Old Victorian.
Evidences:
Source A
A picture from Victoria yearbook 2003 .A picture of SR Nathan in Victoria school in 2003. He visited Victoria School and has written “A good reminder of days past”.
Source B
Extract from wikipedia:”The list of Victoria School old boys includes three Presidents: Mr Yusof Ishak, Mr C.V. Devan Nair and Mr S.R. Nathan.”
Extract from ;Speech by Dr Ong Chit Chung Chairman
Victoria Advisory and Executive Committees
at 130th Anniversary and Official Opening Ceremony
of the Victoria School New Campus
on 22 July 2006
“Thank you so much. In conclusion, I wish to thank each and every one of you who has played a part in the development and success of Victoria School. It is indeed heartening to see Victorians of all ages here today, united together.
On behalf of the school, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to past and present principals, staff, students and parents for your commitment and dedication.
Above all, I wish to thank His Excellency, President S R Nathan, and Mrs Nathan, for so graciously agreeing to officiate at the School Opening Ceremony today.
President Nathan is our most outstanding Victorian, who has given the school tremendous support over the years. I am glad that his grandson is now in Victoria School, continuing with the proud Victorian tradition.
Let us give our President and Mrs Nathan a special round of applause.”
Nathan received his primary and earlier education in Anglo-Chinese Primary School and the Rangoon Road Afternoon School, and his secondary/senior high school education at Victoria School. He started working before completing his studies. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, Nathan worked for the Japanese civilian police as a translator. After the war, whilst working, he completed his secondary education through self-study, and entered the University of Malaya (in Singapore) where he graduated in 1954 with a Diploma in Social Studies (Distinction).
Nathan began his career in the Singapore Civil Service as a medical social worker in 1955. He was appointed Seamen’s Welfare Officer the following year. In 1962, he was seconded as Assistant Director to the Labour Movement. Later he was transferred to the Foreign Ministry and rose to be Deputy Secretary. He was appointed Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 1971. That same year, Nathan moved to the Ministry of Defence where he was Director of the Security and Intelligence Division (SID), with the rank of Permanent Secretary. He was involved in the Laju incident on January 31, 1974, when members of the terrorist Japanese Red Army (JRA) bombed petroleum tanks on Pulau Bukom off the coast of Singapore. Nathan, was among a group of government officers who volunteered to be held hostage by the JRA to secure the release of civilian hostages.
In 1979, he became the First Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He left in 1982 to become the Executive Chairman of the Straits Times Press (1975) Ltd. From 1982 to 1988, Nathan also held directorship of several other companies including the Singapore Mint Pte Ltd, The Straits Times Press (London) Ltd and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. From 1983 to 1988, Nathan was Chairman of the Hindu Endowments Board. He was a founding member of SINDA. In April 1988, Nathan was appointed Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia and, in July 1990, became Ambassador to the United States of America where he served until June 1996. Nathan was made Ambassador-at-Large and was concurrently Director of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the Nanyang Technological University.
On August 18, 1999, Nathan was appointed as the only eligible and thus, unopposed, candidate for President of the Republic of Singapore.
Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sellapan_Ramanathan
Source C: President Nathan’s views on his book – Why Am I Here
It's a decision he's taken after much persuasion. President SR Nathan's has launched his first book on his early life as a labour relations officer for a Seafarers' Union.
The title of President Nathan's inaugural book is a question one would constantly ask in life, said the author.
He said: "The cover of the book is very revealing, grey and gloomy. It is into that uncertain world that I went in to, do the job I did.
“So I decided to recall my experiences and write it down and kept it until I spoke to Professor Bernard Tan from the Centre for Maritime Studies. I said I didn't think it was something interesting which would merit publication, but I asked him to read it.
“I went into an area where nobody had been before. I had no brief and I had to create my own brief.
“Mostly, the seafarers were Malays, some Chinese, and some Bangladeshis, each one had his own characteristics.
Mr Nathan recalls “The seamen of that generation were mostly with little or no education. They were rough and sometimes very crude with their manners but they had a very strong sense of camaradarie, of concern.
"Sometimes the seamen would die at sea and usually when they sign on a ship, they would make an allotment for their family, a part of the salary will be paid to the family while they are sailing.
Mr Nathan believes the younger generation can gain from reading his book.
He added: "If they read it they will get to know many lessons of how human tragedy can disrupt a family, how some human problems are formidable and states of helplessness can come and how important it is for us to show a sense of compassion and concern for others.
“I'm sure in daily life there are many such happenings. We come across them directly and indirectly. It is for them to understand and if possible give them a helping hand to uplift them."
President SR Nathan's contributions to Singapore span many areas from his role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministry, serving as envoy to Washington and Kuala Lumpur and now as the President of Singapore.
At the launching ceremony of the book on Tuesday, it was announced that President Nathan waived all fees and royalties due to him from the book.
Adapted from http://sgahneh.blogspot.com/
Source D: SPEECH BY PRESIDENT S R NATHAN AT THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY AND OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE VICTORIA SCHOOL NEW CAMPUS AT SIGLAP LINK ON 22 JULY 2006
1. Today, Victoria School celebrates its 130th Anniversary. This event must be a very nostalgic moment for students and staff, past and present. As I look back, I remember sitting among the boys of this school as a student before the war years. It was a different era. Victoria School was not among the Premier Schools then. Neither were the students the cream of the “Secondary School” cohorts. The school did not have the “Education Culture” of today, nor the “soft touch” which teachers and staff are inclined to exercise on the less fortunate or less intellectually endowed. Vintage Victoria – A 130-Year Tradition of Excellence 3. VS today is among the oldest schools in Singapore. It offers a well-rounded education to young Singaporeans from all walks of life, regardless of family background, excelling in the academic as well as in sporting and cultural areas. 5. VS is well-positioned to forge ahead to bring its quality of education to the next level. There are some things which VS will always be strong in, and you will want to continue to do well in these areas. For example, our grip on sports is legendary. I recall Ali Ahmad who became well known for the 100 yards sprint, in pre-war Singapore. Then there was Mr Vijaratnam, who wore the National Colours for Soccer, Hockey and Cricket. Commitment to Serve Singapore and Society 9. First, I ask all of you, whatever you do in your lives, to be kind towards others. Always find the time and space to do good for the community. Your actions and efforts may not make the news headlines nor make you a household name, but every single effort counts towards making Singapore being recognised by others for our humanitarian concerns. 10. Second, be engaged, be proactive to bring about the change you want to see. Don’t be afraid to speak up, and in doing so, do it positively and constructively. Look at the strengths and weaknesses of our society, think about them, have a realistic appreciation of our circumstances, before you can say “This is what I want for the future”, and then offer your commitment to help bring it about. 11. My third point for you is, be grateful. Cultivate, what someone called, “the discipline of gratitude”. Be grateful to your family, teachers, friends, neighbours, and those who make your life better and make you a better person. It is easy to ask what other people can do for us, but it is more difficult to ask how we can do more for others. 12. Just as it has done throughout its history, VS must continue to develop citizens who have a genuine desire to give back to society and make a difference in the lives of others. 13. We must also remember that Singapore’s success in the future will ultimately depend on you – the students. Your commitment to the success of our country will be critical in determining the destiny of Singapore. Past generations of Victorians have shown the way. You must do so too, for future generations to follow. Conclusion 15. Remember that great things can only be achieved through hard work. May you always live up to the School motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour). I wish the school many more years of success. |
Source E: Report in the third issue of the Victoriana on the school’s move to its new premises.
Speech Day is a time of celebration, a celebration of the 127th anniversary of Victoria School. Final preparations were made to welcome our Guest-of-Honour, President S R Nathan, a former student of Victoria School.
President Nathan was welcomed with cheers and applause by students who lined the entrance of the foyer. To announce the arrival of Victoria School to its new premises, President Nathan took a torch, that runners and canoeists had carried from our previous campuses at Tyrwhitt Road and Geylang Bahru to Siglap Link, and lit the Victorian Torch. To commemorate the event, President Nathan also released 18 Koi fish into the pond. |
Adapted from http://victoriana.vs.moe.edu.sg/pdf/Victoriana03_2003.pdf
Source F: Pictures of the ceremonial move to the new premises in 2003
http://vs.moe.edu.sg/heritageonline/?dir=2003%20Year%20Book
Source G: Pictures of the President with students at Speech Day 2006
http:www.flickr.com/photos/cats-eye-view/206905002/
Compilation
Singapore’s current President, SR Nathan, is Victoria School’s most illustrious Victorian. On 22 July 2006, at the 130th Anniversary and Official Opening Ceremony of the Victoria School New Campus, Dr Ong Chit Chung Chairman paid tribute to the President for his continuous support to the school. President Nathan’s has officiated in several school events such as the school’s move to its new site in 2003 and Victoria School’s Official Opening Ceremony of the Victoria School New Campus in 2006. He certainly has fond memories of the school and is proud of the school’s achievement as evident from his visit to the school in 2003 where he wrote “A good reminder of days past”. As he officiated at the ceremonial moves of Victoria School to its new existing premises, he had fond memories of his days as a Victorian. Nathan spent secondary/senior high school education at Victoria School. Times were hard and he had to work before completing his studies. In his speech at the school’s official opening at the new Siglap campus in 2006, President Nathan recalled his days at the Tyrwhitt Road campus. He remembers sitting among the boys of this school as a student before the war years. It was a different era. Victoria School was not among the Premier Schools then. Neither were the students the cream of the “Secondary School” cohorts. The school did not have the “Education Culture” of today, nor the “soft touch” which teachers and staff are inclined to exercise on the less fortunate or less intellectually endowed. Yet, he remembers that the school has a long sporting history. He is proud of the school’s strong tradition is developing outstanding sportsmen. He believes that there are some things which Victoria School will always be strong in. He says “our grip on sports is legendary” and the school will want to continue to do well in these areas. He recalled Ali Ahmad who became well known for the 100 yards sprint, in pre-war Singapore. There was also Mr Vijaratnam, who represented the nation in Soccer, Hockey and Cricket.
President Nathan embodies Victoria School’s motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour). During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, Nathan worked for the Japanese civilian police as a translator. After the war, whilst working, he completed his secondary education through self-study, and did well enough to enter the university. He continues to give his best in every job and rose up the ranks very fast; holding varied portfolios. He started with a career in the Singapore Civil Service as a medical social worker in 1955. He later went into an uncertain world to work as a labour relations officer for a Seafarers' Union. Life was not easy as he says in his book, Why Am I Here. He said he had no brief and “I had to create my own brief”. Yet, his experiences with the seafarers deepened his sense of compassion and concern. He strongly believes that in our daily lives there will be many instances of helplessness that “we come across them directly and indirectly”. He feels all of us should “give them a helping hand to uplift them" in whatever ways we possibly can.
President Nathan upholds the VS values of professionalism, integrity and compassion. He urged all Victorians to always find the time and space to do good for the community while they pursuit excellence. He stressed that our actions and efforts may not make the news headlines nor makes us a household name, but every single effort counts towards making our nation more humane. President Nathan encouraged Victorians to live up to its tradition and to continue to develop citizens who have a genuine desire to give back to society and make a difference in the lives of others. He believes that future generations of Victorians must sustain the efforts of past generations of Victorians who has pave the way and contributed to Singapore’s success in the future.
President Nathan has shown that Victoria School’s motto, NIL SINE LABORE (Nothing without Labour) is the way to achieve great things. President Nathan embodies the Victorian vision and mission. He is a Gentleman, a Professional and a respectable Leader who makes tangible contributions to his family, work, community and nation. He has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence, served as envoy to Washington and Kuala Lumpur and now as the President of Singapore. As President, he graces numerous events such as the 2007 Deepavali function at Kebun Baru in Ang Mo Kio. As an Old Victorian he has done the school proud, through the diverse portfolios he has held and attaining the greatest achievement of being our Head of State. We are indeed honoured to have President Nathan as part of the Victoria School family
Done By:
1: Gurshant Singh Dhaliwal (14) 2: Nicholas Ong Rui Qian (27)
3: Ong Wei Siong (28) 4: Ryan Ang Shi Bin (30)
