27 Apr 2018 - Javier became teacher's assistant during period Phi

This year, Rosyth School is piloting a new program called Period Phi for Primary 3 and 4 students.  During this fortnightly one-hour class, the students get to learn new and interesting topics outside of their usual school curriculum.  The aim is to have the students to put on their thinking hats to be creative and innovative.

Today, the teacher introduced Scratch programming to Javier's class during Period Phi.  He was excited but at the same time, he was a bit bored because he already knows all the basics of Scratch programming.  When the students started their hands-on project, Javier took just a minute to create the following animation.

His classmates then started asking him how to do this and that.  He became the teacher's assistant for most part of the class.  :-)

22 Apr 2018 - Taekwando Red Belt Grading

Javier went for his Taekwando Red Belt grading today.  As usual, before entering the grading hall, he did his warm up and practice outside of the hall.

This time round, the grading was held at Ang Mo Kio ITE Sports Hall.  It's a good location for us as it's very near to our place.

I think Javier had improved a lot from his previous grading 3 months ago.  His power has strengthened and his kicks are higher.  Also, his sparring is now more aggressive.

Below's video shows his grading session.  He remembered all his patterns and I just want to say:"Javier, you did a great job today"!  Proud of you!

21 Apr 2018 - Swimsafer Silver Award

Jerlene and Javier received their Swimsafer Silver Award certificates today.  It's another milestone achieved and passing this test means they are able to perform the following:

1. Entries & Exits
- Dive entry (crouching).
2. Sculling & Body Orientation
- Backward somersault in the water.
- Scull, float or tread whilst putting on a PFD in water (incorporated in Survival & Activity Skills).
3. Underwater Skills
- In at least 1.4m deep water, perform feet-first surface dive, swim through hoops on pool bottom for 3m.
4. Movement/Swimming/Strokes
Swim:
- 50m Front Crawl (within 1:30 min).
- 50m Breaststroke(within 1:50 min).
- 50m Backstroke (within 1:40 min).
- 25m Survival Backstroke.
- 25m Sidestroke.
- Dolphin kick 10m on front.
5. Survival & Activity Skills
- Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt demonstrate:
- Enter deep water using a straddle jump.
- Perform a backward somersault.
- Submerge using feet first surface dive.
- Swim through hoops on pool bottom for 3m and resurface.
- Swim 45m quickly using front crawl.
- Wave and call for help (rescuer to throw PFD).
- Retrieve a PFD in water and fit it while treading water.
- Demonstrate Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) technique for 30 sec.
- Then swim 25m with PFD and climb out of the water.
6. Rescue Skills
- Throw a PFD to a partner 3m away and instruct the partner to kick to the edge.
7. Knowledge
- Principles of Personal Safety and Survival.
- Environmental Awareness.
- Health Awareness.
- Emergency Situations and Survival Techniques.
- Rescues.

17 Apr 2018 - Beautiful Dawn Sky

As the subject says.....

15 Apr 2018 - RPG "Maze Boss" created by JJJwong

Javier's Scratch programming has upped another level now.  He started creating Role Playing Game which we used to call RPG.  This particular game called Maze Boss has multiple parts.  It actually has a story line, though simple but good enough for a 9 year old boy I guess.  There are 5 parts now but the story hasn't ended.  In other words, more parts are on their way.  Try it out here.

The first part doesn't have any dialogue but I find the part fighting King Pig very funny, especially its blue-black eyes.....haha.......... Try it out and see for yourself.  :-)

14 Apr 2018 - Bittergourd plant growing well

After slightly more than a month from being just a seed, our bittergourd plant started to bloom.  This is the first time I see how a bittergourd flower looks like.

Bittergourd is a vine that bears tendril, a specialized stem with a threadlike shape that is used by climbing plants for support, generally by twining around suitable hosts found by touch.

A number of buds can be seen on the plant now.  Hopefully we can see some fruits soon.

By the way, our orchid should be blooming soon too.

11 Apr 2018 - Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Chinese Orchestra

After months of training, today is the actual SYF performance for Chinese Orchestra.  As Jerlene got to be in school early this morning to get ready for the performance, we all woke up much earlier than normal.  She's all set for the performance.

I took leave this morning to give Jerlene my support.  The SYF performance was held at Singapore Conference Hall.  Any form of audio/video recording was not allowed during the performance.

After her performance, I managed to take a photo with my pretty girl outside the concert hall.  I must congratulate everyone for the accomplished performance.  Well done, Rosyth Chinese Orchestra!

8 Apr 2018 - Broadsword Play (刀术)

It has been 2+ years since Javier took up Chinese Martial Arts (中华武术).  From Fan Play (扇术), to Cudgel Play (棍术) till now Broadsword Play (刀术). I like the sound when he swings the broadsword around.

I'm interested in Wushu since young but never had the chance to learn.  Now at least I got the chance to play with some of these "weapons".  Shiok!  :-P

8 Apr 2018 - Traditional Kopitiam Breakfast

Weeks after weeks, we have been having Prata for our Sunday breakfast.  Today we decided to have a change and switch to traditional coffee shop style breakfast (Toast bread, Soft boiled eggs and coffee/tea).  Jerlene and Javier ordered French Toast, Soft boiled eggs and Milo.  They love it and knowing them, we'll probably going to have it for the coming weeks/months.  :-)