AUGUST 2009 A publication of

www.spprimers.com

Happy

44SINGAPORE!
th Birthday

The Unsung Heroes Leaving Footprints From Dusk to Dawn

 SP.PRIMERS EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE 09/10
August09Issue12
President’s Office
Wen Sze (President) Front Cover: Motivators playing
Sebastian (Vice President) a part in celebrating our
Li Ting (Treasurer) Nation’s 44th birthday.
Back Cover: Finale of NDP
Administrations & NYAA
Jing Yi (Admin) Cover Graphic by: Sheng Long
Wilfred (NYAA) Back Cover Photo by: Yao Han

Logistics & AV
Huiqi 3 the editor writes
What Do You See
Programmes >> How will you react and what will be your
Shikuan response?

Publicity
Hathaway 4 top story
Ronald Showtime! NDP TOUCH Motivators
>> Check out the sweat and tears put in by the
Motivators for 11 weeks and beyond!

9 snippets!
>> Welcome Party, Primers Orientation Camp,
Food Junction, Photo Hunt, Beach Day

10 special
OHANA! is a publication of The Unsung Heroes, The EXCO
SP.PRIMERS, published every >> Find out more about these unsung heroes
3 months by the Publicity that have given much.
Department of SP.PRIMERS EXCO.
While every effort has been made
to ensure that any representation,
statement, opinion expressed 13 what’s been hot
or implied, in this publication Leaving Footprints
is accurate, it is presented in >> Poly 50 Campus Relay 09
good faith but on the basis that
SP.PRIMERS is not liable to any
person for any damage or loss
whatsoever which has or may 16 and we have...
occur.. All rights reserved. Subject
to the provisions of the Copyright From Dusk to Dawn
Act, 1986, no part of this >> Night Cycling 09
publication may in any form or by
any means (electronic, mechanical,
microcopying, photocopying, 18 upcoming hits
recording or otherwise) be >> RIOcamp, Amazing Race, OSLT Sri Lanka, Mid
reproduced or transmitted without Autumn Festival, Inter Primers Olympics Day
prior written permission from
SP.PRIMERS. Articles of interest
are invited from readers who 19 randommendations
may send them to spprimers@ We’re on Facebook.
gmail.com. SP.PRIMERS accepts
no responsibility for the return >> Become a Fan now!
of all manuscripts or artwork
submitted.
E
very single one of us had different reasons
why we made the decision to join National Day
Parade as a performer. For some, it might the
annual opportunity to see breath-taking fireworks;
for some, it might be a convenient excuse to party
late into the night. Others might even think of it as
an awesome opportunity to catch a free show and
get goodie bags! We all think differently, we all see
differently, we all are unique in our own ways. But
whatever our perspectives and views, we all share
one thing in common - we are family.
The title of NDP 09’s theme song, “What Do
You See?” by the band, Electrico, rings deep both in
my ears and my heart. As we come to the end of this
journey in NDP, some of us will be more affected by
the ‘post-NDP withdrawal symptoms’ than others.
However, we must keep in mind that we are not
just Motivators, but part of a bigger family called
PRIMERS!
As we move on with programs after NDP, we
welcome back activities such Rough It Out Camp
(RIOcamp), Overseas Service Learning Trip (OSLT)
and Inter Primers Olympics Day (IPOD), just to name
a few.
The end of NDP does not mean an end but a
new beginning of your whole PRIMERS experience
with us. I challenge each and everyone of you to
continue building deeper relationships with one
another that will last for a lifetime.
Indeed, our response or reaction to these
things is first determined by what we see with our
mind’s eyes.
No meaning.
No learning.
What do you see?
OHANA AUG 2009 | 3
A
sk any of the Motivators who took part in this to turn away people who did not meet the criteria
year’s parade and they will remember what such as attending the Welcome Party and Primers
one of the hosts, Mark Lee said: “Look inside Orientation Camp.
your bag, we got eat one, drink one and play one.” “I feel that since it’s my final year, I should be
Similarly in PRIMERS, we have people who doing something different, something that I’ve not
are loud one, shy one, fast tried. I wouldn’t want to end
one, smart one etc. Students
“The experience gained, the my tertiary life just like that,
from all walks of life, different without any significant events.
backgrounds and cultures come memories shared and the I know I will not be able to do
together under PRIMERS to friendship forged is priceless.” such things after graduation
take part in our nation’s biggest since I will then step into
party of the year. adulthood and official working life.” Jolene, a year
3 student shared.
Starting out Hazimah from Group 5 added, “The motivators
In fact, it was no easy task to even be selected inspired me when I was a Primary 5 student and
as one of the over 100 Motivators from Cluster C when I realised the opportunity offered by SP.
(SP.PRIMERS). Due to the overwhelming response PRIMERS I just had to take it. I’ve never regretted
during the recruitment, PRIMERS had no choice but joining even if it had taken up some time away from

OHANA AUG 2009 | 4

my studies and routines. It was all worth it.” segment provides such aptness and reality yet with
a tinge of irony.
Working towards being one They literally took one day out of their lives,
Due to the different academic calendar every week to come for the trainings so as to be
polytechnic students have, it was a race against equipped to celebrate the Nation’s birthday. Over
time to catch up with the rest of the Motivators and above that, it actually meant that many of their
who already started with their trainings. routines would be affected. Students had to deal
With regards to that, Passport to a Colourful with project submissions and also a period of mid-
Life: Primers Orientation Camp 09 served as a term tests to add to their struggles and this was
platform to first bond the many Motivators-to-be where their commitment was really tested.
in their respective groups whilst at the same time
assimilated them into the PRIMERS family. Waiting as a virtue
The EXCO also planned events such as Food Dancing was one of the other main agendas of
Junction and Beach Day after trainings at Simei ITE a Motivator besides crowd interaction. It proved to
to further allow the group to spend more quality be a difficult task for many, especially those without
time with one another. any dance background. To be honest, seeing how
“We would meet together then have breakfast some of them try their best not to get tangled up
together at Simei ITE itself before proceeding for by their own limbs can be an interesting sight to
the trainings. Spending every Saturday together, behold.
Saturdays soon became Crimson (one of the group
name in POC 09) Day where we have a day
out together as a group,” shared Teck Yi, a
member of Group 4.

Holiday, celebrate
For many of the
Motivators, the song
(Holiday by Madonna)
which they danced
to during the
pre-show

OHANA AUG 2009 | 5

 On top of that difficulty, they had to dance in
sync. Any wrong hand rose, or any wrong footing
made can be disastrous for the whole team as
all eyes will be on them when the time comes.
Fang Yi, a year 1 student from Group 1 was
quick to share: “Some of us were slower in the
steps while some of us were faster than the
rest. I often danced too fast to a point that it
makes the whole dance untidy!”
Complementing one of the core
values of PRIMERS, waiting for one
another, she continued: “I slowed down
my movements and danced to the beat show commences. Some of the tasks they had to
of the song so as coordinate well with the rest.” execute included balloon sculpturing, interacting
with the crowd, and helping the emcees deliver
Carebears unite their instructions like encouraging people to do the
Now to one of the most talked about topics ‘Marina Wave’ just to name a few.
every year in NDP, “How do the costumes look Towards the end of the show, the Motivators
like?” will also make their way out and stand on small
Designed with this year’s theme in mind, the stages to help the audience with the songs and the
costume featured one with a heart shaped located waving of their heart-shaped lights. They also said
right in the middle, near the stomach of the one their pledge and sang the national anthem right
donning it - much like a carebear. It also consists of there.
many colours that made it really stood out. If you think that talking to strangers is an easy
task, ask Joeson, a year 1 student from
Group 1 and he will tell you: “Motivating
and shouting in front of a big group of
people requires a lot of courage, especially
when they ignore you.”

Significance of NDP
When asked what the Motivators got out of
this whole experience, Hudah from Group 5 said:
“We started out as strangers, but now we are one
family. It’s only been a few weeks but we already
created a strong bond. This bond, put teamwork
above all and there’s no such thing as ‘I’ in our
group. We set aside our differences and gelled
“After hearing so much about how ugly our together. We went through the sun, rain and H1N1
costume is, it wasn’t that bad when I saw it. It period together. Through it all we survived because
however had an ‘interesting’ mix of colours. Initially
reluctant, I was able to grow accustomed to wearing
that costume as I understood we were all in this
together and it made me sort of proud and have the
courage to wear it in front of thousands of people,”
reflected Summer, member of Group 2.

Come on folks, let’s shout!

The Motivators’ main role is of course,
to motivate. They were in charge of getting
the crowd hyped out before the actual
OHANA AUG 2009 | 6
we helped each other, we took care of each other
and we even motivated each other.”
Naming one occasion that they will never
forget, Teck Yi commented, “It got to be NE Show
1! It rained so suddenly that it left us all drenched.
However, as soon as the National Anthem was
played, everyone stood still singing it with gusto.
When the fireworks lit up the sky that night, it was
the brightest fireworks ever.”
Auld Lang Syne
As we come to the end of this NDP journey,
many start to feel a part a part of them missing. The
camaraderie they shared and the friendships forged
during this time were some of the things to be kept
for life.

@ NDP 2009

“You guys better perform well. If Wearing the care bear suit has pretty
not you will get it from me!” much become a part of my Saturdays and I honestly
enjoyed every moment I spent at the NDP trainings and I
will definitely remember this entire joyful experience and
will miss it very much. - GERALDINE, C5

“I’m training hard to be

NE Show 1 was an
the next robin hood.”
unforgettable evening
where all of us were
soaked to the bone
but continued saying
the Pledge, singing the
National Anthem and waved goodbye to the guest of honour .That
evening, I really felt patriotic to Singapore and will never forget this
rainy experience. - SUMMER, C2
The success of the NDP,
not just finish the show, but
There are countless moments it will be everyone enjoyed,
and encounters in throughout learnt something, bringing
that I supposed I could still recall the happiness and the NDP
and laugh at it ten years down atmosphere to the crowd.
the road. Times like I finally That will be the success of
bowl a score greater than fifty; the NDP. - JOESON, C1
running here and there to look “Listening to the cues
for food for the food junction makes me sleepy.”

Does it tastes like game; break down into tears due

hotdog too? to the balloon sculpturing; taking
the Singapore Flyer in the night;
having supper and chill out session;
learning how to dance to “Holiday”;
singing, dancing, cheering despite
the heavy downpour; and many
more. - JOLENE, C2 “What it means by reaching
out reaching up!”
OHANA AUG 2009 | 7
 @ NDP 2009 (continued)

“How do you actually fix

this FM thingy?” The Motivators have done a great job! Well done
friends! I hope being motivators doesn’t end in NDP09
only. I hope you guys will continue being Motivators to
the people around you! Motivators are special. We are
special. - HUDAH, C5

Throughout the
whole NDP journey,
I had made lots of
friends. The friends I
The great friends I’ve made were the made isn’t limited to
ones who helped me through the times my group members, but
when I feel I should give up. They were also from other groups.
the ones who made my Saturdays the The friends I made is
happiest day of my week where I manage “Bet you can’t figure one of the reasons that I
out who am I!” enjoyed about NDP this
to chase away my troubles from school
and just have sheer fun. - HAZIMAH, C5 year. - JAVIER, C1
The experiences I
had during this period
of time was wonderful
and most memorable. If I’m given a chance to participate in ndp as a
motivator again, my hands would definitely be raised - TECK YI, C4

Encouraging one another and

teasing one another. From strangers
to friends to movie mates, things
just got more and more exciting! -
HUIWEN, C6 “Am I at the right place?”

“I love my cups!”
“Just let me have my
dinner peacefully...” Joining NDP is the biggest
joy throughout these
weeks. I had some problems
catching up with the dance
as I could not remember
the steps. However after
weeks of practise I could do
it well. Although training is
tough and tiring, I definitely
enjoyed myself. Because of NDP, the group even organise outing
“Teletubbies, to bond and have even more fun! - YATING, C6
where are we?”
OHANA AUG 2009 | 8
Photo Hunt 09

Beach Day 09

Colouring Soon:
Welcome Party 09

ORHlympics 09
The one thing I will never forget is that one
of the year ones told me that I did a great
job for she enjoyed the event and did not
regret turning up for it. That really touched
me, knowing that my efforts were being
appreciated.
Abstracted from:
ORHlympics - Survivor!
by: Huiwen, Committee Member

Food Junction 09

Passport to a Colourful Life: Primers Orientation Camp 09

I think the camp was fun and enjoyable. All the groups were
able to bond, and also cheered for other groups. Personally, I
feel that the GLs and AGLs did very well; they looked after their
group members, making sure that there was enough food and
all. The GLs also came up with different games, even though the
games can be rather lame sometimes, everybody still enjoyed
playing them.
Abstracted from:
Colourful Life Reflections - Part I
by Maggie, Crimson, Arco

For full stories, visit our website at www.spprimers.com

OHANA AUG 2009 | 9
W
hile most of us are enjoying the events and having fun, there is this small group of people
who chose to make a difference. Their names may sound unfamiliar or their faces may
even look stranger to you but yet this very group are the ones who painstakingly plan and
organize every meeting to ensure that SP.PRIMERS functions well. They do not get any materialistic
benefits but the enjoyment of everyone for every event is what rewards them. They are your EXCO
(Executive Committee). Let us take this opportunity to introduce these Unsung Heroes to everyone!

“The distance I covered on foot then was more

than the amount I’ve covered for the past 17 years
combined!” she recalled (believe us, we are not the
ones who exaggerated this).
It is her hope that PRIMERS can become a
place where we not only come together to have fun
but also to share difficult times together.

Wen Sze joined FamRus - Primers Orientation

Camp 08 along with her friends and never looked
back. PRIMERS has become from a group of
strangers, to friends and now a family to her.
This Business Admin student can always
be seen giving 100% of her effort despite the
overwhelming workload and responsibility as the
leader of the EXCO.
He started out his journey by coming for a
Talking about the one event that she
BBQ event in which he chose to keep to himself
remembers vividly till now, she singled out RedEX.
OHANA AUG 2009 | 10
and not open up. Subsequently, this Mechanical
Engineering student attended YOUmeweOus! -
Primers Orientation Camp 07.
Sebastian went through a difficult period
initially but continued to join PRIMERS events
regularly after knowing many of the people.
When asked if he has any thoughts, he said:
“I give thanks to my brothers, the EXCO 08 and
PRIMERS because they’ve put in their time and
effort to see me grow and rise up to be the person
that I am today.” He then added: “I give thanks to
them for caring, sharing and waiting for me. They
are like family to me!”
Li Ting who is currently studying Property showcase hoping to find a suitable CCA landed
Development and Facilities Management (DPFM) Wilfred into FamRus - Primers Orientation Camp
came to join PRIMERS with her like-minded friends
with the agenda knowing and making more
friends.
Having an outgoing personality, she finds joy in
every outdoor activity with PRIMERS.
What was especially unforgettable for her was
the Overseas Service Learning Trip to Sri Lanka.
She told us: “As long as I can contribute whatever
little I have, it’s a great experience and I feel really
accomplished!”
Through this journey, she has learned to
understand and communicate better with people.
Of course, she had achieved her initial objective for
she has many friends around her right now!
Ask this DPFM student if she has any regrets
joining PRIMERS and the answer is a big NO!
For Jing Yi, Poly life without a CCA would be
mundane and boring and she was introduced to the
PRIMERS family through her friend and as time goes
by, she realized that PRIMERS is a perfect CCA for
her.
“I didn’t really want to go back to the life with
hectic physical trainings but there’ll be no chance
for me to exercise and I will get fat eventually simply
because the food in Poly is cheap and delicious!”
she shared with a chuckle.
She enjoys sports related events like Inter
Primers Olympics Day which she said, “These events
keep me in the acceptable weight range!”
Wandering around the sports hall during CCA
08. For him, it was a time of many firsts.
He said: “I am very grateful to have wonderful
seniors to inspire me to open up, make more friends,
persevere, smile, believe, and to finish my 5th bowl
of steamboat scraps!”
PRIMERS to him have been about grabbing the
person next to you and get high! (You know who
to avoid now, don’t say we didn’t warn you, just
kidding!)
He wants to encourage all PRIMERS out
there that even when one go through painful and
challenging times, PRIMERS will only leave you
with stronger bonds with strangers and friends that
would a benefit and last for a lifetime!
She may look frail and defenceless and
especially with her small frame, she looks like a
OHANA AUG 2009 | 11
target for many to bully. (An advice from us is not
to underestimate her abilities for you will regret if
you do so!)
Always prepared to work extra hard to meet
her expectations, Huiqi hopes for the best and
expects the worst.
“The most memorable event for me was Night
Cycling 08. It was my first attempt to cycle only
after a few hours of learning! It was fun, exciting
and I realised my friends are always there to
encourage and help me throughout the journey,”
she revealed.
She is also an avid fan of warm Milo and would
feel really weird if she misses her daily dose.
A future accountant, Shikuan joined PRIMERS
after being approached on the day of registration
into SP. Although still feeling lost and unsure about
what PRIMERS really is, he continued to participate
in events nevertheless.
Soon he discovered that PRIMERS is unique
and decided to stay and subsequently became part
of the EXCO!
He explained: “What really made me stay is
that I realized how different PRIMERS is, Some join
a club to play a specific sports while people join
PRIMERS not only because we host great events but
because of the people we meet and the experience
they we together.”
It is his hope that more people will get a once
in a lifetime chance to know about PRIMERS and
choose to share their life’s journey with us.
OHANA AUG 2009 | 12
Hathaway joined PRIMERS when he was
approached by one of our members during the CCA
showcase.
Asked if he has any special habits, he said: “I’ve
the ability to sleep through the nosiest of alarm
clocks although I have 4 of them in my bedroom!”
He enjoyed Night Cycling 08 the most especially
with the company that he had that night. “It’s the
very first time that I went for an overnight event
that was filled with so much fun! Food, jokes and
games all included and enjoyed with the people
around you, people who would accept you for who
you are,” he recalled.
Hathaway hopes that PRIMERS will continue to
let their hair down for future events and have fun!
Describing himself as a “quiet and happy go
lucky chap”, Ronald is known in the EXCO as the
shy one. (Do we see alot of stunned faces?)
A classic event for him would Night Cycling 08.
Reluctant and unwilling to go in the first place, he
relented after much persuasion from some good
friends. “Guess what, one of them was Wen Sze,
the current President of the club!” he added. He
still keeps the event close to his heart as it was his
first ever PRIMERS event and it left his butt aching
after the night.
He ended off by saying: “I perceive PRIMERS
like a bunch of random people who get together by
a bond, and doing things together as a family for the
greater good of everyone and the club.”
The traditional Poly 50 event, which
started way back in the 60's in the
old Prince Edward Campus with
students running along corridors and
subsequently on dirt track, is now
competed along a 600-metre route
flanked by the workshops and main
administration building. Participants are
required to complete 50 rounds of the
circuit, of which certain rounds must be
completed by lady runners.

B
eing a relatively young club with a history
of less than 5 years, Poly 50 2008 was
the first time that SP.PRIMERS have sent
a team to take part in this campus wide race.
This year, the Family managed to send a total of
5 teams (3 Junior, 1 Senior 1 and 1 Alumni).
“Despite being an alumnus of SP, it was
my very first time participating in Poly 50. It
was both very exciting and anticipative on
my end for it allows me to once again meet
up with the people whom I’ve spent so many
great memories with when I was still a student
in PRIMERS,” said Steven, who graduated in
2007.

Start of the race

The weather on that day was perfect as
Steven would put it: “It was sunny and yet
cooling at the same time, something which I
would rate as the best weather for exercise.”
The contestants ran stretches of 200m before
passing the Round card to his/her teammate.
“The killing factor of the race is not the distance,

OHANA AUG 2009 | 13

but in fact the waiting time, as you need to warm up
again each time after you finish running your lap,”
stated Steven.
The first 20 laps were generally regarded as
the most tiring part of the race as the bodies
of the contestants are unable to regulate their
temperatures, thus tiring them out easily. The lack
of time for a proper warm up added further strain
to the contestants.
their friends who are part of the race cheered on
the runners dashed past them. It provided a morale
boost for the exhausted participants. Hathaway
recalled: “As I ran past the supporters, their cheers
and screams refreshed my exhausted self, making
me pour out my remaining energy before I reached
the next checkpoint.”
“Without my friends’ encouragement, I
would’ve given up,” Anna added further.

Difficulties faced
Throughout the race, the PRIMERS
faced one obstacle after another.
Steven recalled: “When I reached
a particular check point that my
teammate was supposed to be,
he’s nowhere to be seen! Someone
shouted to me that he wasn’t feeling
well so I’ve got no choice but to run
to the next checkpoint.”
The morale of the team grew low as
the amount of casualties rose as the race continues.
“I saw my friend vomit badly. I was worried for them, The outcome
but what could I do? I knew nothing that could help After a gruelling 50 rounds around the track,
ease their discomfort,” stated Anna, a Year 1. the race is completed. Ya Ting remembered when
she ran to the finishing line: “I was the last girl to
Our dear cheerleaders run and hence I was the one to run to the finishing
With the help of our cheerleaders, line. Upon completing poly 50 I feel so proud
PRIMERS who came down of my team and myself!”
to support Anna

OHANA AUG 2009 | 14

shared: “Poly 50 was a challenge I never thought I event brought out the family spirit in the team
could overcome, for I was never the athletic type”. members.
“During the run, I couldn’t take it and wanted
Aftermath to give up, but I believe it is perseverance and the
Running as a team encouragement from my team mates and friends
might result in more that allowed me to continue. It was so nice and
stress for the runner as touching to hear my team mates and friends cheer
he/she will never want for me when I ran. That is definitely my motivation
to disappoint his/her to continue running,” commented the 1st year
teammates. Acceptance PRIMER.
and availability plays a
significant role in this
event as runners would
have to take the place
of their team members
when there is a need for
it.
Ya Ting felt that this

SP.PRIMERS Results at Poly 50 Campus Relay 2009

Team Name Rank Division Timing

9 PRIMERS Team 1 88 Student 1:55’43
4 PRIMERS Oldies 46 Student 1:37’08
61 PRIMERS Team 2 83 Student 1:51’09
77 PRIMERS Team 3 75 Student 1:47’40
153 PRIMERS Lummi 9 Alumni 1:45’02
OHANA AUG 2009 | 15
 A widely popular event
for four years running,
Night Cycling challenges
By Hathaway Teo participants to cover an
EXCO Publicity
astonishing distance of
32km in a single night

T
his year’s event started out with the Team
Leaders gathering their group and playing
some ice-breaking games. This broke down
the barriers between the group members as for
some, it was the first time that they were taking
part in a PRIMERS event.
“This is the first time I ever tried night cycling
and initially there were a few members that I was
not very familiar with, but we played icebreaker
games and I got to know them much better,” said
Geraldine, who is also involved in NDP.
The event was officially opened by Captain
Danny, who gave us a warm welcome speech and
declared the start of the Primers Night Cycling 09!
All set to move off
After much preparations such as attending a
minor safety briefing and learning the basic code of
conduct that had to be followed, the participants
were all geared up and ready to go after the warm
up exercise!
They collected their bikes and cycled off in
batches after getting the set off signal from Captain Halfway there!
Danny. It was not long before the cyclists reached
and complete a series
of challenges along the
way.
the games stations that were spread throughout
the journey.
Not just cycling alone
These games require sheer teamwork from
participants whereby in one, they were asked to
form a human chain and then form complicated
knots such as the “overhand knot” and the “figure-
of-eight knot”.
There were also competitive ones where they
were required to compete against other groups in a
series of games but with a primary condition: they
had to finish it all in 300 seconds! This was an exciting
and challenging task as contestants had to do things
which they would never experience in their daily
life, such as picking up peas with chopsticks.
After completing the last station and

OHANA AUG 2009 | 16

overcoming a long stretch of cycling, PRIMERS
finally reached the mid point where they settled
down for some delicious nasi lemak before cycling
back to East Coast Park.
When asked how she felt at that point,
Geraldine said: “As this was the first time I joined
a night cycling event, I was not really expecting the
journey to be so long. It was really quiet at night and
sometimes it got really tedious to cycle on.”
The year 2 optometry student then added:
“The quiet and breezy atmosphere made me feel
sleepy and many of us were starting to feel tired
and our muscles ached as the night went on. I was
about to fall asleep!”
What’s so special
On the journey back, different group employed
different handles to keep their spirits high, Geraldine
remarked: “For my group, we joked while cycling
and we also raced each other to get ourselves to
move faster. We talked a lot to each other to keep
ourselves occupied as cycling alone can be boring.”
About some unique experience or feeling
while cycling back, Geradine commented: “I loved
the sound of the wind in my ears, the sound of the
leaves rustling and also the sound of the crickets.
The breeze was cooling and the night was very
quiet and serene. As we were cycling on the ‘never
ending road’, we heard a lot of airplanes fly by as
we cycled past Changi airport. It was just a beautiful
sight to see all the airplanes and the lights that lit
up the airport.”
The final burst
Finally group after group started to stream in
towards the finishing point. “I was eagerly looking
forward to the finish line because I was so worn
out. By the time we reached the finishing line I was
silently cheering inside for I managed to complete
the night cycling event and was able to keep awake
throughout the entire journey,” said Geraldine.
The Primers spirit
Due to the sheer distance covered in a single
night, it would have been easy for participants to
not enjoy the ride and to take it as a form of torture
instead. However, this is where support from team
members came into the picture where it cleared
all the doubts that the cyclistst might had and
motivated them towards their goal.
Similarly, Royston felt that this event brings out
the family sprit of PRIMERS.
“I feel that overall this night cycling event was
a great success as for individuals like us, we get
to stretch our limits. We learned that nothing is
impossible as long as you try. Support from team
mates brings out the best of everybody,” said the
Year 3 Primer.
More than just teamwork
Sharing her post-event feeling as a first timer
for such an event, Geraldine told OHANA: “I felt
very accomplished because I thought I would get
really grumpy while cycling due to the lack of sleep.
But instead, I had a lot of fun!”
She added: “Overall, the night cycling was a
tiring yet enjoyable experience. Through this event,
I got to bond more with my team members and
most importantly, I believe we displayed qualities of
team work as we all provided some form of support
to one another and cheered each other on even
when all of us were struggling.”
OHANA AUG 2009 | 17
 UPCOMING HITS - September / October
Rough It Out Camp (RIOcamp)
Date: Tuesday - Friday, 08 - 10 September 09
Venue: Pulau Ubin
Cost: $11.00

Although this camp was named as Rough It Out camp, it does not totally mean roughing it out. More of the
times were on reflecting and sharing to enable us to understand ourselves inside out. For example during
the first night, we were asked to share our past experiences. At that time, it had really got me to think back
and reflect about the past, in which I had never done before.
Abstracted testimony from:
3 Days and Nights!
Amazing Race by Weiting, Participant, RIOcamp 2008
Date: Saturday, 26 September 09
Cost: $4.00

In this big race you will have to find the clues given and do a certain task before you can proceed to the
next one and Singapore will be the stage for this grand event.It is a good activity for you to test your
general knowledge about Singapore and how well you can work in a team.

Overseas Service Learning Trip

Date: 20 September - 02 October 09
Country: Sri Lanka
Cost: ~ $800.00 - $1,000.00

I opened up a little bit more after the trip and get along with people better. I also start to treat people
around me in a better way. I used to have the ‘princess attitude’ as if the whole world revolves around me.
Just one trip and it’s able to change someone. Amazing isn’t it?
Abstracted testimony from:
Mid Autumn Festival Celebrations Planting Hope
by Jingyi, Tripper, OSLT - Sri Lanka 2008
Date: Friday, 02 October 09

It was indeed enjoyable! It has been really a long time since I last played with lanterns. The last time I
played was probably during primary school, so hence the event was a good way to relieve those childhood
memories. I can’t wait for next year’s festival!
Abstracted testimony from:
An Enjoyable Day!
by Ignatius, Participant, MAF 07

Inter Primers Olympics Day (IPOD)

Date: Saturday, 24 October 09
Cost: $6.50

More affectionately known to PRIMERS as IPOD, this event gathers PRIMERS from the various polytechnics
and colleges to come together and sweat it out! Will we be able to retain our crown of the overall champion
for the third year running? Come find out or even more, be part of the legacy by participating!
OHANA AUG 2009 | 18
Who: SP.PRIMERS
What: Official SP.PRIMERS Facebook Page Note: The FB Page provides
When: Any day, any time a supplement to the existing
Where: www.facebook.com/pages/SPPrimers/32840556774 website and is not designed to
replace it.
How:
1. Log on to Facebook and using the search function located on the top right hand corner of your screen,
do a search for ‘SP.Primers’ (note the dot - it must be included)
2. Be reminded that it is a PAGE and not a GROUP and once you get in, click the
button right on top.
3. Your key to instant interaction begins!

I do not have a Facebook account, how?

No worries, you can still view our page via the address stated above. Pages behave the same way websites
do. However, we would recommend that you sign up for one so that you can start interacting with us.

Start uploading your fan photos, share links and videos, write notes, share your thoughts on the wall and
comment on updates. Invite your friends, PRIMERS and non-PRIMERS alike to become a fan now!

www.spprimers.com spprimers@gmail.com PC127 (above FC3)

Credits
This publication is brought to you by SP.PRIMERS EXCO Publicity Department.

OHANA AUG 2009 | 19