30 July 2009

Please meet outside the auditorium at 12.30pm for a short briefing about tomorrow's meeting. Pass this message around if you see this message. Thanks (:

YIS,
Darren xD

29 July 2009

You guys are reminded to bring your donation draw tickets on this coming Friday's meeting. Thanks (:

YIS,
Darren xD

Frisbee Challenge

Stage 1 – Frisbee Clinic:
Date: 31st July 2009
Time: 1500 hours – 1800 hours
Venue: East Spring Secondary School
Stage 2 – Frisbee Challenge:
Date: 15th August 2009
Time: 0800 hours – 1600 hours
Venue: East Spring Secondary School

YIS,
Nigel

29/7 and 31/7

Dear Scouts,
There will be meeting on this Wednesday and Friday so please be present. The attire for Wednesday will be PE shirt and on friday full uniform and bring black wichita shirt.Thanks

YIS,
Nigel

Hi guys,
Please that note of the upcoming events for the month of Aug!!

YIS
marcusLay

A note for PLC

Dear PLC,

Please meet me in school tomorrow (Monday 27th July) at 5pm for a short while (max 6pm). I will keep the briefing ASAP. Please conduct ur PLC meeting to plan the week's meeting before 4.30. We will be talking about the following points:

1. Evaluation of Spiderweb Messaging System (Sms)
2. Plans Ahead for Pioneering
3. Plans for Orienteering Workshop/tests
4. Updates on possible Courses coming up
5. Testcards
6. AOB

As we have many points to cover, I hope you will come prepared with the plans for this Wed and Fri. I understand that there is the Frisbee clinic/challenge on Friday. Only those who have signed up will be going; the rest will continue on with the Fri Meeting.

To help you with the planning, here's a hint for everyone: in 3 weeks time, each patrol must be able to solve a problem that will require a pioneering project as a solution (e.g. need to cross a gap, therefore construct a bridge).

Enjoy what remains of your weekend!

YIS,
Owl

Taking nutrition and fitness to a higher level

Hi fellow Scouts,

After 8 months since I started out on a quest in search of ways to improve our health and well-being, I would like to share with you what I have gathered. This is a brief guide to improving your health and fitness level that consists of the latest information in 2 main areas of study: Nutrition and environmental health. You can use this as a guide for many different purposes; whether you are out to earn the althlete’s badge, improve your NAPFA scores, or do better for your upcoming exams. This is an extensive reading that consists of simple steps for improving your heart health, overall health and mental function.

Optimal nutrition

So far, what we have been learning in school and in our healthy lifestyle programmes about nutrition is essentially the Food Pyramid. After extensive data gathering, I find that the Food Pyramid is merely nutrition at the most basic level. The Food Pyramid is known by everyone. I am not here to discuss that. If you follow the Food Pyramid faithfully, you would become decently healthy. But we should not settle for good health if we can strive for optimal health. So these are the key aspects of nutrition that I would like to share for achieving optimal health, given in a concise manner.

Superfoods:

-Fatty fish: Fatty fish are an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA -- both essential for brain growth and function. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly. Choose light tuna due to concerns over mercury content.

-Berries: Studies show that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning capacity. Blueberries and cranberries pack lots of powerful nutrients in them.

-Fruits and vegetables: Add a variety of different colours to your meals. Certain fruits like kiwis and red grapes are especially good.

-Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with improved cognitive function. Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, and a variety of antioxidants. Choose varieties that are unseasoned and contain less/no sugar.

-Yoghurt: Yoghurt is a potent addition to your diet. It contains probiotics that clear up digestive problems and is shown to improve immune function. Try to choose varieties that have live cultures. Certain brands contain information about its CFU content (I don’t think I will elaborate on that). Try to choose those with more than 100,000,000 CFU units if available.

-White Tea: White tea is known for its numerous health benefits and is superior to green tea. However, one small problem here is that tea interferes with iron absorption. So do consume white tea between meals. For more information on preparation techniques, you can search online.

-Whole grains: Whole grains are better than processed grains because they are lower on the Glycemic Index.

-Olive oil: This is a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and plant compounds that fight heart disease and cancer.

Further notes: The prevailing consensus of numerous health studies seem to point to the notion that a plant-based diet is far better compared to a diet with meat. However, when you do eat meat, try to choose white meat over red. And eat your vegetables! Also, do get enough exercise and rest. As you get closer to your exams, you might be tempted to stay up late to cram additional content. But that is obviously not advisable. I hope that you will use this information to the fullest for your benefit. All the best and take care (=

YIS,
Nazri

24 July 2009

There will be a street soccer match held on this coming Sunday, 26 July. The venue is at the East Spring street soccer court and it will start at 11pm+. For more details or queries, pls call Benedict (Eagle PL). Thanks (:

YIS,
Darren xD

Truancy from meeting

Dear scouts,
please keep in mind that projects, tuitions and any other activity other than school remedial
is not a reason for you to be absent from scout.

YIS,
Panther PL

22/7 and 24/7

Dear Scouts,
CCA resumes this wednesday and friday so please be present. Attire will be black wichita shirt on wednesday and full uniform on friday. Please bring along your test card for those who did not bring the previous time and for the rest bring along your wichita kit. On friday also bring along your PE shirt and pants. Fall in at 3pm on wednesday and 2.30pm on friday at the auditorium outside.

YIS,
Nigel

Spiderweb Communication

Dear Scouts,
Please stay back after school at 2.30pm for the briefing on the spiderweb communication. Due to the many confusions over the following, there will be a briefing on this matter at 2.30pm.

YIS,
Nigel

Footdrill Test

Dear Scouts,
The date of the FIC has been confirmed to be on 8 August(saturday) and will be from 9am-12pm. The attire will be Full uniform with beret and national scarf and bring along your own thermometer.

YIS,
Nigel

The Owl Speaks after a Long Absence

Dear Scouts,

I hope that everyone has had a good break during June and are starting to get back on track on your studies in a new semester ahead. Most of you would have gone for June Camp @ Sarimbun and would have known that I made a very brief drop-by on the campfire night. I am sorry that I have been away for such a long time - I have been busy with my internship @ the Ministry of Home Affairs which has been a great eye-opener (those interested can approach me personally to find out more).

That said, I have a few things to add on to what Hearty Gorilla has said:

1. Spiderweb Communication

As you should be well aware by now, the H1N1 flu bug has become a big concern for everyone: in fact, it has affected 3 Scout meetings ever since this second semester has started in Ngee Ann. While we should all do our part and avoid large groups to prevent pandemic spreads, this doesn't mean training has to stop. There are few things you can do to keep your self updated, most important of which is to... Stay Tuned to this blog! your PLC is hard at work always to come up with training programmes still.

We will also be putting in place an alternative communication network known as a Spiderweb. It is essentially a communication line from the leaders down to every Scout, from tenderfoot to Venture. To help you understand here's a simple sketch of how it flows:

Teachers-in-Charge/Leaders --> TL/SPL --> PLC --> Member 1 --> Member 2 --> Member X --> APL

After the APL has received the message, he will confirm back with his PL who will confirm back with the TL. The TL will confirm back with the Leaders that the message was spread.

Eveyrone should know the sequence in your own patrol to prevent confusion.

This system will be tested VERY SOON. So please spread the word!

2. Rough Outline of Programme [including courses!] for the Next Few Months

July = Pioneering
Aug = Backwoodsman, National Resilience Badge *NEW*
Sept = 1st Aid Course for Sec 1s, 1st Class Hike for Sec 2s

The rest will be confirmed soon!

That's all for now! Until we meet, please take care!

Cheers & YIS,
Staunch Owl

Spider Web Communication,FIC Test,Scout Test Card

Hi All,

1. Spider Web Communication

I believe most of you are still not clear about the spider web communication. I strongly advise that you ask your respective PLs. I believe they already know what is spider web communication. :)

2. FIC Test

FIC Test might be postponed to a later date. That's what I heard from our Ngee Ann Ventures. Don't worry as the Ventures will update us on this SOON.

3. Scout Test Card

Do take note that your Scout Test Card is currently with me. I am still checking/signing your individual Scout Test Card. So, don't worry. Your test card is in save hands. :)

Any questions or doubts, please feel free to ask your TL/PLs or Leaders/Teachers.

YIS

Fareeq

Hearty Gorilla

Scout Meeting POSTPONED

To ALL NGEE ANN SCOUTS,

Please be informed that this week meeting which is on the Wednesday,15th July 2009 and Friday, 17th July 2009 will be postponed to next week. Good news is that, CCA will commence from next week onwards. Information that I received not long ago was from our GSL, Mr Joseph Teo. More information will be make known by our dear TL and PLs and not forgetting our Leaders. Take note that SPIDER WEB COMMUNICATION is still ON. Please pass down the information to the rest of the scouts who do not have access to internet/computer. Thx Brothers.

YIS

Fareeq

Hearty Gorilla

15/7 and 17/7

Dear Scouts,
There is CCA on the 15/7 and 17/7 so please be present. The attire for wednesday is black wichita shirt and pe pants while the attire for friday is full uniform and bring black wichita shirt and pe pants. On both days please remember to bring along your wichita kit.Place to fall in will be beside the auditorium. Reminder that all scouts have to be present to assist with the tying of the 3-2-1 flagpole on tuesday. If possible be there by 1.30pm if not by 2.30.Thanks.

YIS,
Nigel

Frisbee Competition

Dear Scouts,
There will be a District Frisbee Competition. The date is 31 July and 15 August. Our unit will be sending minimum of 8 scouts to attend. On 31 July will be a lesson on frisbee so that every team is equal in their knowledge of the sport. 15 August will be the actual competition. The forms will be given out on 10/7 so those interested please take 1.

YIS,
Nigel

10/7

Dear Scouts,
Meeting will resume on Friday, 10/7. Attire is Full uniform and bring along your red wichita shirt and pe pants. You are reminded to bring sports shoes as well, your school shoes will do fine. Reminder to bring wichita kit ***ESPECIALLY TEST CARD***Those who forget to bring the test card will be severely dealt with.:)

YIS,
Nigel

FIC Test Postponed

Dear Scouts,

Please take note that due to the current H1N1 situation, FIC Test is postponed to Saturday, 15th Aug 2009. The Ventures will update you guys again on this matter. Thx

YIS

Fareeq

Hearty Gorilla

Resume of Scout Meeting

Hi All,

Please take note that, there will be a meeting this Friday, 10th July 2009. Timing will be as per normal. Further information will be pass down by your TL & PLs. Thx

YIS

Fareeq

Hearty Gorilla

07/07/2009

There will be no meeting until furthur notice.

YIS,
Darren
Den Master