Hai Sing Catholic School

Hai Sing Catholic School
海星天主教中学
Hai Sing Sekolah Katolik
The view of Hai SIng Catholic School from the Parade Square
Address
9 Pasir Ris Drive 6, Singapore 519421
Pasir Ris
Singapore
Coordinates 1°22′28″N 103°57′16″E / 1.374513°N 103.954463°E / 1.374513; 103.954463
Information
Type Government-aided
Co-educational
Catholic school
Motto Ad Veritatem per Caritatemin (Latin)
(To Truth (God) through Charity)
Religious affiliation(s) Catholic
Established 1959 (1959)
Incorporating Hai Sing Girls' School (est. 1959)
Session Single session
School code 7031
Principal Mr Daniel Ang
Teaching staff 74
Employees 18
Enrolment 1,444
Colour(s)  Blue   White 
Affiliation Catholic Junior College
Website haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg

Hai Sing Catholic School (HSC) (Chinese: 海星天主教中学 Malay: Hai Sing Sekolah Katolik) is a government-aided co-educational secondary school in Pasir Ris, Singapore. Founded by the Franciscan Misionaries of Mary (FMM) sisters in 1959, it is an affiliated school of Catholic Junior College.[1]

History

Hai Sing Girls' High School (1956-1990)

Hai Sing Catholic School was founded in 1959 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) sisters, as Hai Sing Girls' High School, with 170 students. Lessons were initially conducted at Convent Primary School along Punggol Road [2] It was the first girl's high school in Serangoon and the second Catholic one in Singapore. From 1960 to 1961, a three-storey building was constructed at the ​7 1⁄4 mile mark of Upper Serangoon, with an office, science laboratories, 18 classrooms and a common room for teachers.[3]

In 1972, a new 800-seat school hall was constructed.[4] Six years later, the school was named one of the 14 outstanding Chinese secondary schools in Singapore, and was initially included as a candidate school for the Special Assistance Plan. However, with the concern from the Ministry of Education over the surplus of school places that might hinder the success of the scheme, the number of SAP schools were amended to nine, which excluded Hai Sing Girls' High, along with three other institutions.[5] Later in 1978, Hai Sing was named one of the 14 outstanding Chinese Secondary Schools in Singapore.[6]

In 1981, Hai Sing Girls' High School started taking in English stream students, and was converted from a Chinese medium school to an integrated school.[7] In 1984, the school celebrated its Silver Jubilee.[6]

Hai Sing High School (1990-1999)

In January 1990, Hai Sing Girls' High School changed its policy to admit male students, as well as students of other races. As such, the school name was changed to Hai Sing High School and went co-educational.[6] In March of the same year, the school moved from Upper Serangoon Road into Pasir Ris New Town, with the official opening ceremony held on 11 July 1992.[6]

Progress as Hai Sing Catholic School (1999-present)

On 11 July 1999, Hai Sing High School changed its name to its current name, Hai Sing Catholic School, to emphasize its Catholic status. The school emblem was also modified. [8]

In 2009, the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of education for the school.

In 2010, Hai Sing Catholic School received the Gold Synergizer award and Gold Stylo Milo award at Robotest 2010, held at Rulang Primary School. It also came in 1st as Gold for the Secondary category at the National Singapore VEX Robotics Championships 2010.

Later in 2011, the school started taking in students from the Direct School Admission (DSA) programme for the Robotics CCA.[6]

In 2014, Hai Sing Catholic School celebrated its 55th anniversary by organizing the 'Hai Carnival 2014'.[9] It was also the first year that the school started the Hai School Musical programme and had a school exchange programme with a partner school in Japan, Sagano High School. It also attained a Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Robotics and Engineering.[6]

In 2015, Hai Sing Catholic School emerged as the champions in the middle school category at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Kentucky, United States. They also were the Middle School Robot Skills World Champion, coming in at 2nd position and 3rd position.[10] The school also organised a 50 km run to celebrate Singapore's Golden Jubilee.[6]

In 2017, Hai Sing Catholic School won in the middle school category at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Kentucky, United States. The team also snagged another top honour, the Robot Skills award.[10] The school was featured in the local newspapers for their effort.[11][12]

Principal

Name of principal Years served
Sr. Theresa Tsang 1959-1965
Sr. Bernadette 1965-1969
Maria Ng 1969-1982
Angela Ow 1983-1987
Lydia Wan 1988-1992
Sydney Tan 1993-1994
Adrian Cordeiro 1995-1999
Mary Koh 2000-2006
Carles L. Surin 2006-2010
Judina Cheong 2010-2016
Daniel Ang 2017-Present

Affiliation

Catholic Junior College

Hai Sing Catholic School is affiliated with Catholic Junior College.[13]After students from the Express stream take their Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O-level) examination, they can apply for admission to Catholic Junior College and receive 2 bonus points due to affiliation.[13]

Catholic Schools in Singapore

Hai Sing Catholic School is recognised as one of the 17 Catholic faith-based Secondary Schools in Singapore by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore[14]. Students with other religions are still able to enroll in the school. As mentioned in the above paragraph above, the school does receive Affiliation bonus towards joining Catholic Junior College.

School identity & culture

Uniform and attire

Secondary 1 and 2 students must wear a white short-sleeved shirt with blue short trousers and white socks with white shoes. They must also wear a name tag, colours according to the year of enrolment. Secondary 3-5 (inclusive) students must wear a white short-sleeved shirt with long blue trousers. They must also wear a name tag, colours according to the year of enrolment. Student councillors are required to wear a blue tie with the school logo on it while doing their duties on the duty week. All secondary students are also given a blue and white physical education (PE) shirt, with black short trousers to wear when they have physical education classes.

Discipline

Students can get detention, caning (for males) or suspension depending on their offence. Students found smoking will receive a 3 day suspension along with referral to a external agency. Other serious offences include (but not limited to) vandalism, gangsterism, arson, forgery, fighting or any other police cases. Anyone whose offences include any misbehaviour contrary to the good order and discipline of the school will receive a punishment to be decided by the School Student Management Committee depending on their offence.

School crest

The current school crest is a shining star with a boat underneath it, to represent the school as the "Star of the Sea". It has the words, 海星天主教中学 (Hai Sing Catholic School) on top and the school's name on the bottom. A banner contains the Latin words, Ad Veritatem Per Caritatem (To truth through charity) below the logo. The school crest was created in 1959 under the name, Hai Sing Girls' School. After they changed their policy to accept boys and students of other races in 1990, the school crest was redesigned under the name Hai Sing Catholic School in 1992 after changing it from Hai Sing High School.[15]

Anthem

Hai Sing Catholic School has 2 school anthems. The school song was originally in Chinese, but is now sung in English and Chinese. The school hymn is fully in English. The songs are sung on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.[15]

Houses

There are 5 houses in Hai Sing Catholic School:

● Blue

● Green

● Yellow

● Red

The foyer of the school, with booths set up, during the annual Hai Carnival event which takes place. (Taken at 2017 Hai Carnival)

● Purple

Secondary 1 students are put into their respective houses based on their class. Each house has a house representative and each secondary class of a level play inter-class games every year, with the upper secondary games being in Semester 1 and the lower secondary games being in Term 3, (early Semester 2). They play sports such as; soccer, basketball, tchuokball and ultimate frisbee.

Hai Carnival

An annual event called the Hai Carnival is held usually during August. The school holds the event yearly with classes from Secondary 1 to 3 setting up food and games stalls. Before the event, students are given tickets to sell to relatives and family for the event-funding. A lucky draw is also held where participants can win multiple goods and prizes. A blood donation drive led by the school's St John's Brigade CCA group is also held. Students of the school who are 16 years or older are able to donate, including members of the public and alumni who attend the Carnival. There is a lucky draw held at the end of the carnival for all ticket holders, where students, the public and teachers can win multiple prizes.

Academic Information

Being a integrated secondary school running a standard academic curriculum, Hai Sing Catholic School offers three academic streams, namely the four-year Express course, as well as the Normal Course, comprising Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) academic tracks.[16]

O Level Express Course

The Express Course is a nationwide four-year programme that leads up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level examination.[17]

Academic subjects

The examinable academic subjects for Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level offered by Hai Sing Catholic School for upper secondary level (via. streaming in secondary 2 level), as of 2017, are listed below.[18]

Notes:

  1. Subjects indicated with ' * ' are mandatory subjects.
  2. All students in Singapore are required to undertake a Mother Tongue Language as an examinable subject, as indicated by ' ^ '.
  3. "SPA" in Pure Science subjects refers to the incorporation of School-based Science Practical Assessment, which 20% of the subject result in the national examination are determined by school-based practical examinations, supervised by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board. The SPA Assessment has been replaced by one Practical Assessment in the 2018 O Levels.[19]
Sciences Language & Humanities Arts & Aesthetics
  • Additional Mathematics*
  • Mathematics*
  • Physics (SPA)
  • Chemistry (SPA)*
  • Biology (SPA)
  • Science (Combined)
  • English Language*
  • English Literature
  • Mother Tongue Language* ^
  • Higher Mother Tongue Language
  • Geography
  • History
  • Combined Humanities (Social Studies & another Humanities subject at elective level)*
  • Art
  • Design & Technology
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Music
  • Principals of Accounts
  • Physical Education

Normal Courses

The Normal Course is a nationwide 4-year programme leading to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Normal Level examination, which runs either the Normal (Academic) curriculum or Normal (Technical) curriculum, abbreviated as N(A) and N(T) respectively.[20]

Normal (Academic) Course

In the Normal (Academic) course, students offer 5-8 subjects in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Normal Level examination.Compulsory subjects include:[21]

  • English Language
  • Mother Tongue Language
  • Mathematics
  • Combined Humanities

A 5th year leading to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level examination is available to N(A) students who perform well in their Singapore-Cambridge GCE Normal Level examination. Students can move from one course to another based on their performance and the assessment of the school principal and teachers.[20]

Normal (Technical) Course

The Normal (Technical) course prepares students for a technical-vocational education at the Institute of Technical Education.[21] Students will offer 5-7 subjects in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Normal Level examination.[21] The curriculum is tailored towards strengthening students’ proficiency in English and Mathematics.[21] Students take English Language, Mathematics, Basic Mother Tongue and Computer Applications as compulsory subjects.[21]

Academic and arts achievements

Hai Sing Catholic School has won a wide array of prizes and attained many achievements in multiple diverse types of academic-based competitions.

Hai Sing Catholic students participating in the East Zone A*STAR Science Fair Compeitition @ VJC in 2017.

Science

In the C.B. Paul Science Quiz, the school overcame elite, prestigious schools, clinching 2 Science Talent Awards, 2 Bronze Awards, 1 Silver Award and 2 Gold Awards.[22]

In the NYP Science & Technology Challenge, the school positioned itself as a worthy 1st runner up. The team was composed of 4 Secondary 3 students.[22]

In the Innovation Programme challenge, the school obtained 2 Certificates of Commendation, along with 3 Certificates of Participation.[22]

In the East Zone A*STAR Science Fair Competition @ Victoria Junior College, the school acquired a East Zone Category Merit Award for a project taken on by a Upper Secondary team. (Seen in photo beside)[22]

Mathematics

In the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad (SMO) 2017, the school secured 1 Bronze medal along with 3 Honourable Mentions.[23]

In the same year, the school participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMO) and received 3 Distinctions. [23]

In 2018, the school took part in the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad, better known as SASMO, and attained 1 Gold Award, 5 Silver Awards and 6 Bronze Awards.

The school also took part in the SMO 2018 Competition, winning emerging with 1 Bronze and 2 Honourable Mentions.

Art

At the 11th Singapore National Junior Watercolour Competition 2017, held at Hwa Chong International School, the school won a Certificate of Achievement award,[24]

At the 12th Singapore National Junior Watercolour Competition 2018, the school clinched another Certificate of Achievement with a Highly Commended Prize. The event was held by the Singapore Watercolour Society.

Co-curricular activities

The Robotics Team after the VEX 2016 competition.

Hai Sing Catholic School offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, labelled as Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) by the Ministry of Education (Singapore), available to all of its students.

Robotics

The most well-known Co-curricular activity at Hai Sing Catholic School, the team has snagged a wide variety of awards from events such as:

In 2004, Hai Robotics Club (HRC) was started in Hai Sing Catholic School. When it first started, HRC started off with only modest resources in LEGO–RCX and 9 students. In 2004, HRC sent our first school team to compete in the inaugural First Lego League. Since then, HRC has grown to include 35 students competing in various major national competitions. The school has won multiple World Champion Titles and Gold awards at the championships they have taken part in.[10]

Over the years, the school has built up its resources and HRC has been expanding our training programmes into multiple platforms such as VEX Robotics System, Roborobo Robotics System and other robotics system.[10]

Sports

There are in total 4 physical sport Co-curricular activities offered at Hai Sing Catholic School. The school Golf team at the Inter-School Golf Tournament came back with a ‘C” Girls – Bronze Team award SSSC Colours (TEAM Award).[26] The award given out at a national level. The Archery team at the 6th National Interschool Archery Championship ‘C’ Division event achieved a Gold award by the Recurve girls team during the team knockout event.[26] During the indiviual ranking event, the Recurve Girls Team won a silver award.[26] During the 6th National Interschool Archery Championship ‘B’ Division, the Recurve Girls Team won a Gold award, followed by the Compound Girls Team and Recurve Boys Team, each winning the bronze award.[26] The Taekwondo Co-curricular activity has received 1 Gold, 7 Bronze and 7 SSSC Colours Award at the National Inter-School TKD (Kyorugi and Poomsae) Competitions.[26] Most notably, the Singapore Youth Flying Club received the Champion award for the Electronic Control Line at the SYFC Inter-school Aero-modelling Competition 2015.[26]

The school's NPCC Unit after attaining the Gold Award (7th Consecutive Gold) at the Annual Parade.

Visual & Performing Arts Groups

At the Singapore Youth Central Judging Competition 2015, the Malay Dance and Choir CCAs got a Certificate of Distinction.[26] The Modern Dance, Band and Drama CCAs received a Certificate of Accomplishment.[26]

Uniformed Groups

The school's National Police Cadet Corps CCA (NPCC) snagged a Gold Award and Outstanding Achievement, which is earned by 5 years of sustained achievement of gold award. At the Inter Unit .22 Revolver Shooting Competition 2015 (Finals), the Girls' Team received a Gold award and a Khoo Boon Hui Challenge Trophy. [26] The Boys' Team won a Bronze award. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) CCA won a Silver Award at the National Best Unit Competition in 2015. St John's Ambulance Brigade (SJAB or SJB for short) also won a Gold Award (Excellence) for 5 years sustained achievement of gold awards.[26]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Online USA News, "Hai Sing Catholic School Singapore," January 3, 2011
  2. ↑ "School to build 15 classrooms and science blocks". The Singapore Free Press. 14 January 1961. Retrieved 2018-05-08 – via NewspaperSG.
  3. ↑ "$250,000 high school in Serangoon is first for girls in the area". The Singapore Free Press. 4 November 1960. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  4. ↑ "School hall opening". The Straits Times. 21 February 1972. Retrieved 2018-05-08 – via NewspaperSG.
  5. ↑ Lee, Kuan Yew (2011). 李光耀 - 我一生的挑战 - 新加坡双语之路. Singapore Press Holdings. pp. 97–122. ISBN 978-981-4342-04-9.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Historical milestones". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  7. ↑ "Good English teachers to attract better students". The Straits Times. 31 July 1980. Retrieved 2018-05-08 – via NewspaperSG.
  8. ↑ "Historical Milestones". Hai Sing Catholic High School. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  9. ↑ "Hai Carnival". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Direct School Admission - Robotics & Engineering". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  11. 1 2 Calvin Yang (22 May 2017). "Extra hours pay off for Hai Sing robotics team". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  12. ↑ "Hai Sing wins big again at robotics world championship". The New Paper. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  13. 1 2 "Catholic Junior College" Affiliated Schools". cjc.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  14. ↑ "Directory – ACCS". accs.sg. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
  15. 1 2 "School Symbol/Song/Hymn". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  16. ↑ "Secondary School Courses". www.moe.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  17. ↑ "Express Course Curriculum". www.moe.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  18. ↑ "School Information Service". Ministry of Education, Singapore. Ministry of Education, Singapore. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  19. ↑ "GCE O-Level Syllabuses Examined in 2018". Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  20. 1 2 "Secondary School Courses". www.moe.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 "Normal Course Curriculum". www.moe.gov.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "Science". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  23. 1 2 "Mathematics". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  24. ↑ " Art Department". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  25. ↑ Lin Hui Hui (12 May 2017). "Hai Sing wins big again at robotics world championship". The New Paper. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "CCA". haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
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