Happenings

Calendar of Past Events

2nd September 2000 : Farewell, Alumni and Teachers’ Day (FAT Day)

Instead of the usual Teachers’ Day celebrations which we have yearly, FAT Day marked a welcoming change as we combined the celebrations for Farewell, Alumni and Teachers’ Day for a triple-ly joyous time! FAT Day had performances by staff and students, a staff versus trainees captain’s ball, an auction of staff memorabilia, and even a sale of cookies and cakes. Staff and trainees were then treated to a hearty lunch where we got to interact informally with each other.

29th September 2000 : Investiture cum Farewell

The investiture was to welcome the Trainee Teachers’ Club 10th Management Committee as well as to thank the 9th Management Committee for their valuable time and service. In order to mark the final year of all the 10 clubs of NIE officially functioning together, this 10th investiture also highlighted the services of the other 9 clubs with appreciation to the Presidents. A heart-warming event, the investiture started a new milestone for the student leaders of NIE as they uptook a set of new challenges that would be inevitably be faced. Do read on our President’s speech to find out more!

20th to 21st November 2000 : Student Leaders’ Retreat

This yearly overnight camp was organised for all club leaders as a channel of interaction and to cultivate rapport among the clubs of NIE. As a platform of discussion, many issues were raised, particularly that of the campus move to Yunnan Gardens. Student leaders spoke up of concerns tagged with the move and brainstormed on areas to protect the welfare of the student population. Serious brain stuff aside, the retreat had its fair share of fun and games, as well as a nice chat with our Director and Club Advisor over lunch.

29th December 2000 : Flag Lowering Ceremony

As a symbolic gesture to commemorate our last moments in the Bukit Timah Campus, a Flag Lowering Ceremony was held. Our President, Miss Rita Zamzamah, lowered the NIE flag and later handed it over to the Director, Professor Leo Tan. This flag will then be carried through the run to the Yunnan Gardens Campus. A solemn moment followed as we spent an intimate time remembering pleasant times in the campus grounds. For a preview of the event, do check out the NIE website at http://www.nie.edu.sg/nieweb/Main/Announcements/Event983/default.html.

8th to 12th January 2001 : Marking our move to Yunnan Gardens

Possibly the largest scale event for the academic year, our move to Yunnan Gardens was followed by a series of events. The most interesting of all has to be the run from Bukit Timah Campus to this new one over at Yunnan Gardens. The runners saw through a steady 22km route non-stop! A Flag Raising and Tree Planting Ceremony welcomed the runners.

The students leaders had a big hand in the celebrations on top of the ones mentioned. Lunchtime Concerts were held for the first 3 days of the move, with the 3rd one receiving an overwhelming full house audience at the Nanyang Playhouse. A bazaar which filled the entire Library Plaza was held for 2 days with almost $2000 proceeds donated to our chosen charity, the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Other events included a campus tour, a blood donation drive, and not forgetting, the launch of the NTU Tribune (with efforts of NIE students) and ‘Survive!’, the NIE student’s personal handbook.

14th February 2001 : Valentine’s Day

Love was in the air over at Yunnan Gardens this Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day 2001 was welcomed with a warm celebration in a mini bazaar. With a wide range of gifts, from roses to accessories to potted plants, who could give any excuse not to express their love!

27th March 2001 : Teacher Culture Day 2001

The Teacher Culture Campaign was launched by Professor Leo Tan on the 24th of February 1999. Spearheaded by The Trainee Teachers’ Club (formerly known as Students’ NIE Club), this campaign aimed to cultivate a positive culture amongst trainee teachers. In view of the strict dress code introduced by the Ministry of Education, the student clubs of the 8th Management Committee, after much brainstorming, came up with a dress code that represents a balance between practicality and decorum. Contrary to the popular belief, dressing is not the only yardstick to a cultured teacher. A cultured teacher is one who is smart looking, confident, caring, creative and is a mentor, learner and leader. A cultured teacher is one who displays both extrinsic and intrinsic grace; one with the passion for the profession.

Teacher Culture 2001 highlighted this multi-faceted picture of a cultured teacher. Under the tentage in the middle of the campus, a presentation was put up by our very own students as they portray the Multi-faceted Cultured Teacher Model in a drama as well as fashion performance. Photos of these models will also greet you as you walk pass the library plaza to the canteen. Trainee Teachers were also given an opportunity to make a personal commitment towards being a Cultured Teacher by signing a pledge at the booths under the tentage. A ‘Search for THE Cultured Teacher’ Competition was also held as our roving photographers take a snap at candidates who won $100 cash vouchers. Revised dress code signs and posters will also be put up around campus as gentle reminders to trainee teachers to the appropriate campus dressing. Here’s what our President has to say…