Total Defence Day Assembly – Together We Keep Our Community Strong
On Thursday, 22nd February 2018, our school had our annual Total Defence Day assembly, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in keeping our community united. Below are some reflections from our students involved in the assembly:
“Being new to the school, I felt I had a lot to learn about Total Defence. I wanted to be knowledgeable about the topic so I did my own research at home and asked my teacher and classmates for any information that I could use. I was so excited yet nervous to present in front of the whole school. My emcee partner and I spent every lunchtime with our teacher practising and refining our script before the assembly. When the day finally arrived, I was so nervous, but I knew I had to just be confident. I walked on stage and reminded myself that I had practised a lot and that I was ready. Although I stuttered a bit on some words, I quickly managed to correct myself. Overall, I was really pleased with my performance, and my teacher and classmates were so proud of me.
After the assembly, I could finally relax. We learnt that during the war, food was scarce. Many people did not have food and would just eat sweet potatoes. We got to try some sweet potato at recess to experience a little bit of what people’s lives were like during the war. It made me appreciate the peaceful and harmonious life we have now. Day-to-day, it is easy to forget the hardships suffered by those who have gone before us. I am thankful that I learnt to be grateful every day for the safe environment that we all share.”
by Melinda Lam, P4L
“Every year, students and teachers gather to celebrate national events with an assembly and do some educational school activities. This year was special for me as it marked my first time being an emcee in front of the school. I had always admired the P6 emcees being calm and confident performing on stage. I knew that was what I wanted to be like. Melinda and I practised every day at school and I went home determined to practise some more with my parents. As the day quickly approached, I felt more and more nervous, but reminded myself about all the hard work I had put in. On stage, I did not feel as afraid, and spoke as confidently as I could. It was a very memorable moment for me and I was proud of myself for working hard to do the best that I could.
Once the assembly had ended, we got to enjoy some sweet potatoes during recess. We learnt how difficult life was for Singaporeans during the war, which made me realize just how lucky we are. In class, we reviewed the five defences and learnt to appreciate those around us that help keep our school safe. I learnt that we all have a part to play in keeping our community strong, be it our school or Singapore.”
by Mak Chun Ho, P4L
