Campus Life
FAQs about Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri
1) What is the significance of fasting during Ramadan?The most important thing which makes the month of Ramadan more significant is that it is the month of the Qur'an, in which the holy revelation of Islam was sent down. Through fasting, a Muslim gives up some of the worldly matters looking for God’s reward; which is Paradise in the afterlife. In addition, fasting is a practical embodiment of submission and servitude to God. Moreover, fasting is like a rein preventing him from illicit pleasure. On top of that, fasting is a means to paradise, an expiation of sins and a cause of happiness both in this life and in the Hereafter. Thus we can see that fasting is a very important and significant form of worship for a believer.
2) Why are Muslims required to fast during Ramadan?
Muslims fast to exercise empathy through experiencing the hardships faced by the less fortunate who are unable to even afford essential necessities such as food and water. Muslims will also have more endurance physically and mentally as they have to go on with their daily routines without food and water. As humans, we tend to get complacent and overlook even those basic things in life which had been bestowed upon us. By fasting, Muslims will constantly be reminded of the importance of food and water thus appreciating it even more. But most importantly, Muslims fast as a means to increase their righteousness and dutifulness to God.
3) What are the things that are forbidden during the fasting month?
Besides eating and drinking, Muslims are also forbidden from smoking and having sexual relations from dawn to dusk. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promises or cheating during the month of Ramadan. Only the ill or women having menstruation or experiencing post-childbirth bleeding are excused from fasting.
Diyana Sait (10A5) and Nurul Nazurah (10A3)
A Feline Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
Most of us in Millennia Institute may or may not have met Ayob, the severely obese cat that always hangs out at our school café. Ayob is a three-year-old cat that has been living in Millennia Institute all his life. Some students and teachers may think that a cat around the café is a nuisance but I beg to differ. Instead of complaining about its presence within the premises of the café, I would like to think of Ayob as a very valuable asset to MI.Our school cleaner (I call him Pakcik, that’s Malay for ‘uncle’) has been looking after Ayob for a very long time. He regards himself as Ayob’s owner; providing it with food, water, shelter and love. After a long day, Pakcik would call out “Yob-Yob” and this furry feline would come to him and show affection in ways many of us can never imagine. Their mutual love towards each other is so strong that when I found out students and some teachers are annoyed with the cat, I felt very sad. Ayob is a friendly cat that does not steal food from trashcans (like typical stray cats), does not harm anybody and he certainly does not make any unnecessary distractions to cause any inconvenience.
In fact, Ayob is very much our school’s unsung hero. Little do we know when the gates at the stairs get locked after hours, pests such as rats and cockroaches may scurry around. Where do these pests hang out? The cafe of course! Ayob protects our café by hunting down these unwanted pests. Many people may regard his presence as unhygienic, but he is actually contributing positively to the environment.
Although Ayob may just be a cat to many people in the school community, he has indeed served the school in silence and should be acknowledged instead of disregarded. At some point of our lives, even the smallest of creatures can play a vital role in a society. You cannot deny the fact that sometimes, we do take things for granted and that noticing such little acts of kindness is difficult as we are constantly blinded by materialistic wants. However, the reason why I am writing this short article is to ask everyone to appreciate Ayob although he is just a four-legged animal. His presence has certainly made a difference in MI.
Nur Fithri Bte Mohammed Rizal (10S5)
Teachers' Day Tributes
I have a very boisterous class
with all the energy in the world to spare
and the shortest attention span
Where does your patience come from?
all you who teach my class
your tolerance for late homework
and our incessant attempts at digression
I will not apologise
for our abovementioned flaws
as they are the hallmarks of ten S three
On the other hand
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks
to you our teachers
our very inspiration
with all the energy in the world to spare
and the shortest attention span
Where does your patience come from?
all you who teach my class
your tolerance for late homework
and our incessant attempts at digression
I will not apologise
for our abovementioned flaws
as they are the hallmarks of ten S three
On the other hand
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks
to you our teachers
our very inspiration
-- Stephanie Sim (10S3)
As my Home Tutor, she never fails to look out for us, showering the 30 of us with love and concern. She is Mdm Marnee. She always shows her motherly side to us. She gives my class and I advice and support whenever there is a need to. Even though my class had brought so much trouble to her and she did not once showed that she was angry or reprimand us like we are small kids. Instead, she treated us like young adults. Even though she may not be my home tutor again next year, I know that in my heart, she will always be one.
-- Andrea Tham (10A3)
-- Andrea Tham (10A3)
MI Wired PU1 Writers
Reflections and Perspectives on YOG 2010 (3)
When I first heard through the news that Singapore was seclected to host the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG), I was a little shocked. I used to question and doubt how Singapore, so small with her limited resources, is able to sustain the lives of so many citizens. Every weekend, I used to complain about the lack of places we could go to, and how crowded places are. At times, I was envious of other countries where people could just spend the weekend going on a road trip or having a picnic in the woods.
To me, Singapore’s ability is bound by its size. There are limited things we can do or contribute to the world. This perspective stayed with me until recently, where Singapore transformed herself – building the two integrated resorts with the preparation for YOG underway. Our ability as a nation to coordinate these projects concurrently and making it all materialise at roughly the same time is very commendable. As a Singaporean, I feel proud and delighted at our nation’s achievements.
In actual fact, Singapore gets a lot of opportunities that we sometimes take for granted. We may not be able to host the Olympic Games but who would have guessed that we would be hosting the YOG – for the first time in history?
To the world, we might just be a dot (some people even think we are part of China!) but what we have done so far has proven to them that being small does not constrain us from attempting the almost-impossible. A small nation like us is also capable of big dreams.
I personally want to experience and witness how this dream will be achieved – I’m sure Singapore will do a great job of hosting the YOG.
To me, Singapore’s ability is bound by its size. There are limited things we can do or contribute to the world. This perspective stayed with me until recently, where Singapore transformed herself – building the two integrated resorts with the preparation for YOG underway. Our ability as a nation to coordinate these projects concurrently and making it all materialise at roughly the same time is very commendable. As a Singaporean, I feel proud and delighted at our nation’s achievements.
In actual fact, Singapore gets a lot of opportunities that we sometimes take for granted. We may not be able to host the Olympic Games but who would have guessed that we would be hosting the YOG – for the first time in history?
To the world, we might just be a dot (some people even think we are part of China!) but what we have done so far has proven to them that being small does not constrain us from attempting the almost-impossible. A small nation like us is also capable of big dreams.
I personally want to experience and witness how this dream will be achieved – I’m sure Singapore will do a great job of hosting the YOG.
Ang Shi Chao (08S2)
Reflections and Perspectives on YOG 2010 (2)
Singapore will be hosting the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this month – August 2010. The decision was announced on 21 February 2008. It was a tough fight for Singapore being the smallest country as compared to the others who were shortlisted such as Greece, Bangkok and Moscow. The list was further shortened to two finalists – Singapore and Moscow. Singapore managed to garner 53 votes while Russia got 44.
I believe that Singapore was nominated because we place great importance on sports and physical education. Students understand the significance of physical education as it is a main feature in the local education system. Every year they participate (although sometimes, unwillingly) in the NAPFA test and teachers often reward students thereafter by teaching them different sports and games. There are also many co-curricular activities that comprise sports and games. In addition, many schools have better sports facilities now – gymnasiums, stadiums, football fields and indoor sports halls. This enables students to engage in sports comfortably and with more ease. Also, inter-school competitions in various sports held every year motivates student athletes to excel in their favourite sport.
I believe that Singapore was nominated because we place great importance on sports and physical education. Students understand the significance of physical education as it is a main feature in the local education system. Every year they participate (although sometimes, unwillingly) in the NAPFA test and teachers often reward students thereafter by teaching them different sports and games. There are also many co-curricular activities that comprise sports and games. In addition, many schools have better sports facilities now – gymnasiums, stadiums, football fields and indoor sports halls. This enables students to engage in sports comfortably and with more ease. Also, inter-school competitions in various sports held every year motivates student athletes to excel in their favourite sport.
Justina Tan (10S4)
Reflections and Perspectives on YOG 2010 (1)
Youth Olympic Games (YOG) 2010, Singapore – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would say.Truth be told, I was never interested in sports when I was younger. I was never even interested to watch the Olympics on television, what more to keep myself updated on the local sports scene. However, it was this sudden gush of inspiration which made me very interested to watch the Games. I vividly recall, it came from an elderly man from China, featured in the news two years ago, while China was hosting their first ever Olympic Games in 2008. He practised diligently everyday in brushing up his command of the English language just to ensure that he was able to speak fluently to the visitors who came to China to watch the event. He mentioned, “I want my grandchildren and the future generations to remember that I was part of the Games. If I do not get involved now, I will never be able to do it again.”
I could have never agreed more.
Afidah Mohamad Hanaffi (10A5)
"Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag "– A Reflection
Our PU2 student-writers over the period of National Day festivities to find out what 2010's theme "Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag" mean to students and educators in MI."The theme allows Singaporeans to realise their dreams and aspire to achieve better. In this globalised world that’s ever changing, we need to keep up with the rest of the world and make Singapore a name known to everyone. Singaporeans should be proud of our achievements and how we’ve made it thus far. This year, especially with the first ever Youth Olympic Games, we are going to set a high standard for future games. Singapore is set to be on the world stage. We should keep it up!" -- Fitri Anugerah (09A2)
"This year theme makes us as Singaporeans realise how important it is to feel a sense of patriotism for our nation by “ flying our flag”. We should make Singapore a place we want it to be, not have to be as this is our home, one we should develop and defend for we have nowhere else to call our own. Singapore is our country, not a pit stop and we can appreciate her by living our dreams and flying our flag!"
-- Eswar (08S2)
"Although many Singaporeans are studying and working overseas in the name of living their dreams, they should come back and contribute to our homeland, to make it prosper even more and to instill great pride in Singapore for achievements thus far."
-- Syarfiqah (09A2)
"This year’s theme makes one realise how many opportunities one has to be himself. It also allows Singaporeans to connect as a family through flying our own country’s flag, and this reflects the pride we have for our country."
-- Mdm Cho Chan Ying (English Department)
"This year’s theme is definitely appropriate. Everyone from all ages can relate to this theme. The question I ask myself is ‘Can you connect with the theme?’ I can say for sure that I can because I still have dreams. Every morning, I sing the National Anthem with pride. ‘Flying the flag’ to me means that Singapore is my home, my country and I’m proud to be a citizen. Opportunities are given to all of us, regardless of age to achieve the dreams and live them."
-- Mr Mohd Azman Bin Mohd Sidek, Vice Principal
"This year theme makes us as Singaporeans realise how important it is to feel a sense of patriotism for our nation by “ flying our flag”. We should make Singapore a place we want it to be, not have to be as this is our home, one we should develop and defend for we have nowhere else to call our own. Singapore is our country, not a pit stop and we can appreciate her by living our dreams and flying our flag!"
-- Eswar (08S2)
"Although many Singaporeans are studying and working overseas in the name of living their dreams, they should come back and contribute to our homeland, to make it prosper even more and to instill great pride in Singapore for achievements thus far."
-- Syarfiqah (09A2)
"This year’s theme makes one realise how many opportunities one has to be himself. It also allows Singaporeans to connect as a family through flying our own country’s flag, and this reflects the pride we have for our country."
-- Mdm Cho Chan Ying (English Department)
"This year’s theme is definitely appropriate. Everyone from all ages can relate to this theme. The question I ask myself is ‘Can you connect with the theme?’ I can say for sure that I can because I still have dreams. Every morning, I sing the National Anthem with pride. ‘Flying the flag’ to me means that Singapore is my home, my country and I’m proud to be a citizen. Opportunities are given to all of us, regardless of age to achieve the dreams and live them."
-- Mr Mohd Azman Bin Mohd Sidek, Vice Principal
Nurul Fathin, Priscilla Lydia, Tabitha Subramaniam and Cristy Rodrigues (09A2)
Budding Geographers Do MI Proud
Every year the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) holds a competition open to all junior colleges and Millennia Institute to encourage youths to be involved in designing graphical virtual maps using the Geographic Information System (GIS). This competition is called the Spatial Challenge, a competition where our students often clinch the top positions.
The Spatial Challenge was first introduced in 2008 with the aim of creating awareness of the GIS software in schools and among students. In addition, it tries to promote novel ways of using GIS technology to create virtual maps for future landscape plans and to tackle the environmental problems of urban living.
More importantIy, the competition aims to tap the creativity of young minds to better Singapore’s landscape, while developing ideas for more sustainable living for the near future.
Address points, road lines, X and Y-coordinates may sound like Greek to all of us, but they are the mere basics of GIS today. Using this, the GIS can now create three-dimensional graphics with intricate details, from the satellite view of the Earth to the minute details of the country’s infrastructure. The GIS also allows us to quickly locate our favourite getaways and even epidemic hotspots.
MI has taken part in this competition over the past two years, and has won awards in both. This year, we emerged second runner-up and the team comprises Bjorn Liu, Shawn Loo, Jonathan Eduard Lim, Muhammad Izzuddin and Szymon Gwozdz. All of them are PU2 students.
With sheer perseverance and determination, Team Millennia withstood the gruelling and challenging training, as well as the stages of idea development and preparing for the presentation. Their relief was evident when the event and prize presentation was finally over.
They started off by choosing a project to work on: the sky garden. It is quite an ambitious project – it aims to modify Singapore’s future residential buildings (our HDB flats), to have gardens for roofs. The main idea of this project is to use sky gardens to increase the land area that has vegetation, and thus lower the atmospheric temperature of our country. This is done all in the name of sustainable development.
A lot of research was needed to spearhead the project. The team discovered that sky gardens have a sphere of influence of radius 50 metres from where they are located. They also had to adjust the percentage of land the plants cover, create the virtual map using the GIS software and finally present their proposal to the judges. Proving the credibility of their proposal was not easy, as it included careful planning, calculations as well as wit and grit.
Stephanie Sim (10S3)
MI Celebrates 45 Years of Nationhood
Even though the capacity of the stadium was not enough to cater to the whole school population, that did not dampen the spirit of the National Day celebrations. An array of different uniform groups such as National Cadet Corps (Land) , National Police Cadet Corps as well as St John’s Brigade marched along the tracks to the beat of the drums. Our very own Sports and Student Councillors did an amazing job in marching and contributed to making our very own National Day Parade a success. In addition, we absolutely cannot forget the participating teachers’ spontaneity in donning the different uniforms which definitely livened up the atmosphere. After the parade, our principal, Mr Tan Chor Pang read out the National Day Message. The message definitely brought out the spirit of patriotism and allowed us to reflect on how far our beloved country has come. The message highlighted how we have overcome the recent economic challenges with a “can-do spirit” - we cannot help but be proud of how much Singapore has progressed. After the parade, students and staff proceeded to the school hall for the second segment of the celebrations. The hall was bustling with excitement as students gathered around to sit according to their houses while the song for this year’s National Day, ‘Song for Singapore’ by Corrinne May was played. Our hosts for the day, Amir and Diana brightened up the atmosphere that morning through their wit and enthusiasm that drew cheers from the crowd. The concert kicked off with a great start with a drama performance by PU1 students from our very own Millennian Stage. The performance highlighted the importance of having dreams in our lives. As our vice-principal Mr Azman put it, “ The message got through that regardless of age, we still have opportunities and this performance added meaning to the theme this year”. It certainly taught many of us that our dreams carry value and we should be aspired greatly to achieve them.
Priscilla Lydia, Cristy Amanda Rodrigues, Tabitha Sharon Subramanian, Nurul Fatin (09A2)
Meet the Parents!
The day where our parents are required to come to school and meet our teachers; the day where your parents and teachers sit down and discuss your academic performance and behaviour. The thought just gives us the chills, so we try ways and means to prevent them from meeting. However, unless your parents meet the teachers personally, you will not receive your results slip. But should we really dread this day? Or should we accept that the discussion between our parents and teachers will indeed do us good for our ‘A’ Levels journey? Let’s see what our principal has to say:
Mr Tan Chor Pang: “I think it’s important for parents to be in the know of their child’s progress in school, so that they can provide the necessary support for the child. Through this meeting with the teachers, parents will be given a clearer picture of the needs of their child. We want parents to be involved, so that they become part of the process for the child’s success. Parents’ Day is a conscious and active way to engage parents. We hope that parents come at least once a year to see us. This meeting and collaboration of the school and the parents is crucial to the student’s development, academically and character wise.”
Mr Pillai (Business Department) who has been teaching for 15 years, will tell you that contrary to popular belief, our parents do not focus on the negative things that the teachers tell them. Instead, they are more concerned with how to help us, more than anything else.
Stephanie Sim (10S3)