Teacher's Day

Teachers’ day - a day devoted to appreciating and thanking the teachers for all their hard work. A lot of things in life are taken for granted and this day is to shed light on the fact that teachers have always been there to support us kindheartedly and guide us tirelessly through our years in school. 

Spot your beacons! (That's right)

 This year, Teachers’ Day fell on a school day (Friday, May 16th, to be exact) so TCSH students decided to organise a celebration for the lecturers and staff of TCSH. At 12:30pm onwards, once classes were over, a little surprise awaited them. Firstly, two representatives from the Toastmasters Club made a gratifying speech, thanking the teachers for all they had done for the students and the college. One of the representatives shared a moving story about how, by encouraging her to be fit and start running, Ms. Lauren had helped her escape the horrible possibility of her starving herself. This was just one of many examples showing how deeply the staff of TCSH care for their students. 

"Build muscles in you, not a pit."

Fitness coach material

 The heartfelt speeches were followed by the lovely Cassandra Law expressing her appreciation in a unique and dramatic way through the form of an incredible choreographed contemporary dance. Furthermore, there was a performance of the song “Stand by Me”, which was indeed a fitting song for the day. Finally, the Student Council presented a beautiful video thanking the teachers; there is no doubt that I wasn’t the only person moved by that. 

Singing in front of a projector screen

 

Based on the text, this should be a touching video --

Teachers are educators, mentors, and sometimes, friends. What we have learnt from our teachers, remains with us and whether we know it or not, their existence is a great influence on how our life turns out in the future. Teachers’ Day serves the sole purpose of all of us recognising their hard work as well as making sure teachers know that everything they have done for us is being acknowledged.

Any grumpy faces around?

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!

Written by Leena Osman
Cambridge A-Levels

Movie Night

The temperature in the Alpha Theatre seemed to have dropped ten degrees below the freezing norm as students filed into the hall with their friends, trying to grab seats at the front. Tickets were checked; the quaintness of their old-fashioned, 50’s style was a general praise from the members of the audience. Students purchased popcorn at sensible prices and tried to ingest the whole cup of popcorn before their hands started shaking in barely-concealed fright.

The film that was to be shown that evening was “Shutter,” the famous (or rather, notorious) Thai film about the vindictive ghost that haunts the lives of her contemptible boyfriend and his friends. Complete with both the traditional “sudden shock” trope as well as a sinister, underlying creepiness, the students were seen spilling popcorn everywhere and clutching their friends in moments that surely would not be talked about the next day. 

Hey, it's just the poster.

 Shrieks were copious and the sheer volume would have driven people out of the college had there been any remaining classes as the film’s cornucopia of scares jolted even a buff nineteen-year old, making him scream and drop his books. The students who had eagerly bagged beanbags, soft pillows and cushions at the front of the movie seemed to regret their decision as they were closest to the turbulent countenance of the ghost on screen.

“It’s more fun watching with you guys - your screams drown out my own,” said Kay Hui from CAL. The sentiment was seemingly tinged with truth, as most students wobbled out after the movie; some weak-legged, others attempting to retain whatever semblance of macho-ness that remained. My conclusion? Horror movies are definitely more fun with friends, especially when their screaming is louder than yours.

What you missed

Written by Neha Shaji
Cambridge A-Levels

Blood Donation Drive

(Ethical) human experimentation, probably

We’ve all heard of college students raising funds for charity, or going all out to lend a hand by volunteering for charitable causes. Following tradition, the Doctors of Tomorrow (DOT) Club from TCSH contributes to their part in society by inviting people to donate blood once a year. 

Ever wondered what red chocolates labelled "no food coloring" were made of?

This year, the blood donation drive was held on the 18th of April. Donors were given the chance to apply for the drive two to three days before the event, and a whopping 51 people applied! It was really heartwarming and exciting to see so many people willing to lend a hand to charity so willingly - especially when it involved needles. I personally didn’t donate my blood because I’m just plain afraid of needles. However, the same could not be said for the 51 brave people who successfully became the heroes of the day by donating their much needed blood around the country - maybe even outside the country!
 

Not having trypanophobia makes you a hero, apparently

The event started off at 11.30 am at the Beta Theatre, with the nurses all prepped and ready to collect blood. People were already lining up to register mere minutes after the counter was open. After that, they were led to a stretcher to which empty bags were strapped to. Next, the volunteers were given a cylinder to squeeze so that the nurses could find their veins in the crook of their elbow to be hooked with the needles. All that was left to do then was to sit back and relax as their blood filled up the bags beside them. 

While the others wait to pounce

As people settled down on their stretchers, the ambience started to get merrier as the volunteers' friends visited them, cheering them on and having laughs. It was a really optimistic atmosphere for the next two hours, until the event ended at 3.30 pm.

I talked to the president of the DOT Club, Raisa Albar, about her opinions on the event and she was honestly really satisfied with the outcome. “It is important to have a very generous society as the benefits for everyone will be much greater,” she said. She also mentioned that the previous batch had done it once before. “We are trying to make this sort of like a tradition because our senior BODs (Board of Directors) held it at TCSH as well and we are hoping that the future BODs will do the same. We want to make it our signature event,” she stated.

All in all, I believe the event was a huge success and hopefully it will be even better next year! Do lend a helping hand for charities; as the president of the DOT Club said, “You may need it next time.” 

"Donate today!" (Hold it, this sounds familiar--)

Best of luck to you DOT club!

Written by Marishka Magness