A Message from Our Dear Mdm Cassie Fan

Dearest Parent Support Group members,

Thank you for being part of the Elias family! It has been a wonderful experience working with you since I took over the school on 15 December 2010.

Seeing how hard you work really warms my heart and spurs us to want to do our best to fulfill our mission in providing a holistic education for the children. It is our vision to nurture the potential in every child in the different domains i.e. cognitive, physical, aesthetics, social/ moral and leadership.

We are heartened to see many parent volunteers giving their time and energy on different occasionsunder the leadership of our capable and self-sacrificing parent-leaders. Our PSG EXCO members also deserve our sincere applaud and appreciation. They have selflessly been giving their time and contributing their talent to plan and organize events and programmes with our staff. 

It is our hope that the PSG will serve as a bridge between the school and other EPPS parents as well as to act as a and role model for other parents to partner the school collaboratively. This vibrant group will inspire other parents to contribute to the school and bring about positive impact on their children with this collaborative synergy. 

As you interact with fellow parents, there will inevitably be times where different views are expressed. As we demonstrate mutual respect and understanding in our interactions with one another, our children will watch and learn from us. Let us work together to inculcate the Elias values of ‘Excellence’, Love’, ‘Integrity’, Adaptability’ and ‘Service’ in our children. 

It takes a village to raise the child. Let’s work together collaboratively for the children!

Your Partner-In-Education

Cassie Fan (Mdm)

Principal

Caricature of Susan Koh

Rohani's at it again. This time she sketched Susan Koh as Marilyn Monroe. Cheeky but lovely!

I am sure Susan will agree.

Caricature of Rahimah Asmore by Rohani Matnawi

Rohani is an extremely talented lady who can do a multitude of things, at her free time she sketches. She's usually very spot-on when it comes to caricatures.

Here she drew Rahimah Asmore.. it's quite hilarious! Rahimah always brought with her teh tarik and jemput jemput during our meetings and gatherings! She also drives a Camry!

Here she is.. on her way to our meeting.... with the teh tarik and paper cups!

Very funny!

Inspiring story

DON'T WE ALL
I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money.

There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times." "I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep more than his face warm. I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.


He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.


I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me. "Don't we all?" he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun. Don't we all? I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.



Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.


Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help." Don't we all?

Author Unknown

Chairman and Vice Chairman- Rohani Matnawi's point of view!

The multi-talented Rohani is at it again...... this time, she gives you her impression of the PSG Chairman and Vice-Chairman. You be the judge!

Message from Mrs. Wong Siew Shan

It was around mid-morning on 30 August 2007 when I met Yvonne at the General Office. She told me that Karen and a few PSG members were putting up the stage decorations in preparation for the Teachers' Day Performance the following day. I got myself invited to go and have a peep!

I can't accurately describe the thrill and wonderment I felt when I set my eyes onthe yet-to-be-completed jungle scene that Karen, Meng Lee, Maple, Diana andMichelle were piecing together. The animals seemed so real that I expected them to step out of the wooden panels any time! We really have some highly gifted artists amongst our parents.


When Eliasians streamed into the hallfor the Teachers' Day performance on 31 August 2007, I could almost hear their collective gasps as their eyes feasted on the beautiful stage setting!


On behalf of all staff and Eliasians, I would like to thank the PSG for demonstrating such passion, love, creativity and above all, thoughtfulness in the preparations and execution of the Teachers' Day celebrations, under the excellent leadership of Yvonne, the chairperson of the PSG.


• From auditioning pupils for the Teachers' Day performance to overseeing the rehearsals;
• from sourcing for and preparing the sale items to manning the Teachers'Day Fair;
• from making the beautiful hand-designed Teachers' Day Card to presentingthem to the teachers with the lovely teddy bears;
• from capturing the joyful faces of Eliasians, to framing them, to presenting me with the most beautiful and meaningful Teachers' Day gift I've ever received;
• from designing the spectacular stage decorations to intricately cuttingthe life-like pieces to climbing up the ladder to painstakingly piecingtogether the jungle scene;
• from making the huge attention-grabbing placards to the facilitation of audience participation;
• from baking beautiful cupcakes to presenting them to the non-teaching staff so that every staff member was included in this day of appreciation; the PSG looked into every minute detail for the Teachers' Day celebrations.


I am very sure that apart from the above that I was aware of, there would have been a myriad of other time-consuming and equally important activities that went into the planning of Teachers' Day 2007 that I may not have been aware of.


Thank you for making all of us feel so special and for being an inspiration to us. My colleagues and I have lots to learn from the PSG about audience involvement.

I believe the National Day Parade organizers would have given their thumbs up too to our PSG for succeeding to create such an electrifying atmosphere of anticipation and building it to such a deafening crescendo with enthusiastic audience participation and unabashed appreciation for the talented and exuberant performers, that it motivated them to surpass themselves in performing for such an appreciative audience.


And just as we thought the Teachers' Day performance has ended on the highest note, three huge 'Happy Teachers' Day'’ banners lovingly painted by a grandfather, fell from heaven (He! He! Actually it was from Level 2 ofthe school hall!). We are extremely privileged and thankful that in Elias Park Primary School, we not only have parents who actively partner us intheir children's education, we also have grandparents who actively support us in our endeavours.


The messages on the banners read, 'You're my guiding light!', 'You inspire me!' and 'You're a class above the rest!'. My colleagues and I pledge to be the guiding light for all Eliasians, to inspire them to be scholars, sportsmen, artists, citizens and leaders, and to do that, we'll continue striving to be a class above the rest!

Thank you, PSG, for putting all our ELIAS Values in action through the many programmes and initiatives you undertake throughout the year. The Teachers' Day celebration was a platform that presented Eliasians with many opportunities to demonstrate the values of Excellence, Love, Integity,Adaptability and Service. Thank you, PSG, for helping Elias Park Primary further her mission and vision of providing a holistic education where potential becomes a reality!

Bouquets for Teachers' Day Concert

From Mr. Jeremy Ang
"Hi Yvonne and all other parents from the PSG,
Must say that this year's Teachers' Day Celebrations was one of those very memorable ones for us teachers at EPPS! Thanks for all your efforts of love and time spent in the deco, in training the pupils etc. It shows the tremendous support from the parents and is an encouragement to us that we can always count on the PSG as one of our very supportive partners in education. regards, Jeremy"

From Mrs Pat Ng
" Thank you for organising such a wonderful concert. So much effort put into details and preparations. We really enjoyed the show."

From Mdm Aini
" Thank for the great concert! Wow! The PSG has really put in so much effort in details and creating the atmosphere. Good job!"

From Mdm Melati
" It was very heartening to see our parents putting so much effort to say thank you to us for teaching their children. We are so grateful and appreciative."

From Mr. Sim Soon Huat,
" Thank you Mrs. Chin and PSG members for putting up such an interesting concert."

From Mr. Ang Swee Chong,
" We're impressed that the PSG were able to engage the students in such a positive and vibrant manner to show appreciation for their fellow students' performances and their teachers' efforts. Also, we love the creativity and thought put into making the show more interactive and captivating by using placards and banners. "

Thank you, EPPS.PSG & all Parents

Hi Partners

On behalf of my colleagues and all pupils of Elias Park Primary, I would like to thank the EPPS.PSG and all parents who have in one way or another made our Racial Harmony Community Carnival and Elias Park Primary Open House such a resounding success. Thank you for your unfailing support for all that we do in the school. It is truly remarkable and inspiring that our parents are ever willing to lend us a helping hand in all that we strive to do.

To Yvonne, Helen, Susan, Maple, Zubaidah, Juriana, Rahimah, Rohani, Jenny, Vathana, Michelle and Raymond, our humble thanks to you. My colleagues and I are deeply touched by your passion and commitment, so evident on 30 June 2007 and throughout the year. Thanks for always being there for us =)

Siew Shan

Talent and Beauty

We are proud to showcase the works of our beautiful and talented mums of EPPS.

Karen works magic with any kind of medium.. pastels, crayons or oil on canvass. Helen turn plain paper into works of art. Anything she touches turns into life with her 3D art pieces. Faizah bakes delicious cupcakes and decorate them so pretty.. you won't feel like eating it because they are so beautiful!

Check out more of Karen's and Faizah's work at their websites. They are truly an inspiration.

Karen's website:

http://warrex849.blogspot.com/

Faizah's website:

http://ladydeyria.multiply.com/

Thoughts of the Day..

Positive Mental Attitude

1. Smile
2. Laugh
3. Greet people courteously
4. Be enthusiastic
5. Dream. Engage in 'Imagineering'. Set a goal. Aim high.
6. Act. Work your plan. Don't be an 'Excusiologists'.
7. Be single minded in your purpose.
8. Love your work.
9. Be focused at all times. Be dedicated, disciplined and regular in your work.
10. Show commitment.
11. Strive for excellence. Set your own benchmark.
12.'Sharpen the saw, 'Polish the brass' everyday.
13. Be humble and open- minded. Always wear your 'white belt'.
14. Be open to change. Don't be afraid of taking risks.
15. Don't be judgmental. Forgive and forget.
16. Develop a loving attitude to all around you.
17. Accept adversity and disappointments. Overcome them and emerge stronger.
18. Cultivate a working philosophy of life: Turn every experience, 'good' or 'bad', into a 'learning' experience.
19. Be your own critic. Strive for improvement. Be a life-long ardent student of life.
20. Live each day as though it were your last.
21. Lead. The five key *facets of leadership are..... Focus, Authenticity, Courage, Empathy, Timing.
22. Remember, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Always, keep your face to the sun,and shadows will fall behind you.

Note:
*(Taken from one of the motivational Leadership article)
N.SRIVATHSHANMBA(PHARMA MARKETING),BA SALES,product, ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT,PHARMACY,NUTRITION&DIETETICS. product MANAGER NANDAN BIOMATRIX

Quotes on Volunteerism

"Destiny is not necessarily what we get out of life, but rather, what we give."
--Cary Grant

Some people see things as they are and say 'why', I look at things that never were and say 'why not'.
--Robert F. Kennedy

We are all like one-winged angels. It is only when we help each other that we can fly.
--Luciano de Crescenzo

He who does nothing for others does nothing for himself
--Goethe

"Put yourself in someone's shoes" is a common phrase. But it is not a common thing that we do everyday. We are, most of the time, self-centred. Especially in this modern, fast-paced life. It is only when we stop for a moment and give our time to others, that we realise the true meaning of empathy.
--The word "empathy".Submitted by Abdul Manan Bin Hassan, ASP, PRIS DEPT, Changi, Singapore

Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.­
--Martin Luther King, Jr.

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
- Mahatma Gandhi

It is one of the beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.
-- Tom Brokaw

Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others.
- Danny Thomas

Volunteering is not a choice, it's a responsibility

And the award goes to...... Parents Award, Nov 2006

Parents awarded by Mrs Wong Siew Shan, Principal, Elias Park Primary School

On the last day of school in 2006, Nov 18th , it was the Awards day. It's a special day as students who have been performing were rewarded for their hardwork and dedication. Parents came to show their support for their children. It was a heart warming sight as you see students and parents beaming with pride.

As parents, we celebrate every single one of our children's success regardless whether it big or small. It is our responsibility to inspire and support them.

There are parents who went beyond helping and supporting their own children and actually gave time and effort to help pther people's children by giving extra tuition and enrichment classes. The school showed their appreciation to the parent support group by awarding them with a special PSG award. It's is indeed an very honourable thing to do. Most parent volunteers will tell you that they get alot of satisfaction from doing it.

Most times, they get satisfaction from their charges thanking them and showing appreciation. Other times, their charges' parents thank them for their help. It take a special person/s to want to give their time to help others.

We lead a very fast paced lifestyle in Singapore, many a times, we are too busy with our lives to think of other people. Most people say they are too busy but these parent volunteers without expecting any rewards or personal gratifications still continue to teach, support and motivate other people's children. They deserve our respect.