Games Carnival Day 2

by Ryan Yoong Ka Jun, Form 4 Science 1, Class of 2014

Recuperating from the sunburns, sore throats and (extreme) fatigue is not easy. However, that’s a sacrifice we make for our houses every Games Carnival. We often feel the full force of all these things after Day 1 (and after an eternity of sitting behind a school desk). As I sit here with my still-uneven skin-toned hands typing away at the keyboard, I look back to Day 2 of Games Carnival with mixed emotions. 

Photo Credit: Lai Li Chan 

Of the many sports that day, I was drafted to play table tennis given my background on the court. Let me be the first to tell you; it’s completely different. Having gotten used to the heavier fluorescent tennis balls, hitting the extremely light ball (let alone making it go over the miniature net) was a BIG challenge. However, with some coaching from our table tennis captain, Matthew Tang, I managed to get the hang of it.

Our first opponents were the Tigers whom had managed to defeat the Eagles earlier this year. With that in mind, we were high in hopes and spirit. The first singles saw a close match between Seladang’s Matthew Tang and Harimau’s Nithin Daniel. A hit here, a lob there, a slice on occasion, the ever-so-scary smash once in a while, and the match was over; Harimau had started the ball rolling. Next up was me against my good friend, Imran Teh. Frankly speaking, we were very worried. Something that often gets overlooked throughout the Games Carnival is the planning that goes on behind the scenes. It’s tedious, mentally exhausting and part of that process is predicting the other houses’ moves. Fortunately, I managed a victory in the second singles (phew!). With the score one-all, we entered the doubles stage, which we were fortunate enough not to have that many problems with, thus lifting us into the upper bracket. 

Lo behold, our next opponents were the defending champions, Beruang. With players capable of remarkable shots from impossible angles, we knew what we were in for. Nevertheless, we fought our hardest to try to dethrone the champions but alas we were defeated. Despite that, I learnt a lot from our matches. I learnt how patience is key when playing a slow game. I leant how to adapt to situations we weren’t prepared for. I also learnt a new stroke which I have yet to use in a game (which will probably not be in the next few years since this is my last Games Carnival). Overall, it was definitely a pleasant experience with all the table tennis players. Kudos to everyone on a great job and congratulations to the defending champion, Beruang, in both the boys and girls table tennis. 

One other ongoing game that day was basketball - which was held at the outdoor basketball court this year, much to the chagrin of the basketball players. Whoopee, more time to barbecue ourselves in the hot sun. Here are some views from Seladang Basketball players Amanda Lee and Vanisha Ann:

“It was quite a big change, from the much bigger (and cooler!) court in the South Hall to the smaller one outdoors. Our first match was against Beruang- that was definitely a close one. With us only winning by one point scored in the last minute of the match, we were quite worried for our second match with Helang, whom we considered as our major opponent in the game. 

For the past four years, we have gone off face to face against Helang in the basketball finals with them constantly prevailing as champions. With zero coaching or much practice, Seladang has been able to conquer the title of second place for many years. This year, the match was a close one with one house scoring immediately after the other. However, Helang gloriously emerged as the champion yet again, but this time only a two point difference - a huge improvement for us since previous years.”

Walking down from the N1 building, the next thing you hear are the cheers from the swimming pool that echo throughout the school; a sign of an ongoing water polo match. The louder the cheers, the more intense the match was, and this one was the loudest it had ever been that day. By the time I ran (contrary to the prefect instruction) down to the poolside, the game had already gone into its final stage; penalties. It was the match between the Harimau and Helang boys which would decide the winner for the day. I thought this story would be better told from a first person point of view so here’s a personal account from Richard Ooi of Harimau and Colin Yoong of Helang:

Photo Credit: Lai Li Chan

“We played the first half and managed a 1 or 2 point lead against the Helangs. Moving into the second half, it was more intense and the final score was 10-10, pushing the game into extra time. However, by the end of it, it was still neck and neck at 10 all. As a tiebreaker for the match, we moved on to penalties. It was 1 keeper and 5 shooters per house. I was the keeper for Harimau and also a shooter later on. The whistle blew and it was on. However, midway through the intensity, I started experiencing a searing pain in both my arms. Being pulled out of the pool was something I didn’t want to do, but had to. Since it was a rule that the keeper could not be switched mid-game, we were forced to concede a goal. We lost 11-10 but I don’t blame anyone. It was a long and tiring game which I’m sure everyone will remember for years to come.”

- Richard Ooi, Harimau Waterpolo Boys Team

“ Nerve wrecking is the best way to describe our the final match for boys water polo between Helang and Harimau. I thought it was over when we were down four to two. What's more our captain, Mervyn had been sent off after two technical fouls, so the only thing I felt at that moment was exhaustion and hopelessness. 

The game went into halftime - a time when there’ll always be one house telling its players to keep it up and not get too overconfident, and another house telling its players to not give up and play better. Helang, sadly was the latter house. Although spirits were down and our eyes were red (not necessarily due to the chlorine water), the game wasn’t over yet. So Helangs went back into the second half, with our spirits recharged. 

Harimau scored, we scored back. This back and forth of goals and leads went on throughout the game. There were a number of underwater fouls and close tries that were really frustrating. Even more so, when the whistle blew signalling the end of second half, but the scoreboard was still even.  At extra time we were still aggravatingly head to head till the last minute, when Harimau scored one goal. It was tough to keep going, especially when you know there’s only one minute left on the clock and your team is one goal down. Finally at the last second, when I thought everything was going to crash, I took a shot from half line, which flew straight past the goalie’s arms. We then went into penalties, where we narrowly won by two goals. A great game indeed.“

- Colin Yoong, Helang Waterpolo Boys Team

With water polo wrapping up the day's events, we all went home as tired as ever. Though we went home with 0% energy, a stop at McDonalds, a cool shower and a long, uninterrupted nap easily recharged us for the next day. I for one was determined to see through the next day's matches with much vigour and I'm sure the same goes for everyone else.

A Poem For Dato' Freida

by Nicholas Tan Hao Yu, Year 6 Terra, Class of 2018

Today, Dato’ Freida, we would like to convey to you

Our warm heartfelt appreciation towards your contributions

Which we felt long overdue

For you started Cempaka Schools, and with it comes its legacy

And you have groomed us well, from small shoots to big trees.

You have taught us to be ladies and gentlemen

And not to be bickering and fussy children

You help shine a beacon to light up the way

To lead us to be the people we are today

We thank you for your optimism and kind heartedness

Which kept us all together in times of sadness

This school is at a high standard because of you

And for all these reasons which are soundly true

I, on behalf of all of us here, thank you.

Primary Concert 2013: Broadway Here I Come!

by Nicholas Tan Hao Yu, Year 6 Terra, Class of 2018

All of us at Cempaka have been waiting in anticipation for the day of this great event - Primary Concert 2013! Both teachers and students have worked diligently to make sure this concert would be a success. In conjunction with this year being the 30th year since the founding of Cempaka Schools, a special theme, ''Broadway, here I come!'' was chosen. This year, we planned to use some of the numerous Broadway classics, and give a Cempakan tone to them. 

Jellicle cats - or should we say Cempakan Cats!

The concert was comprised of songs from Cats the Musical to Oliver to Annie and even Mary Poppins - some out of the many popular Broadway shows today. Pieces of music from Andrew Lloyd Webber's work were also staged. Not forgetting, some of our very own talented musicians performed the glorious music from The Sound of Music. It gave us a sense of pride to be performing what adult musicians, singers and dancers have done for these musicals. 

Phantom Of the Opera Medley - some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest work

At first, when we started out concert practice, many of us did the math and we found that we had a month's time before the concert. One month! But still, many of us gritted out teeth and pushed on. With the mindset that "Nothing is impossible!", we practiced our very best until the day of the concert. Due to the limited spacing in the hall, we had to do the performances twice; once for the parents of the upper primary students, and once for the parents of the lower primary students.

Marry Poppins' lining up and getting ready for the show!

On the day of the concert, everything went smoothly. We were graced with the presence of our founder and mentor of Cempaka Schools, Dato' Freida binti Dato' Mohd Pilus as well as the chairman of Cempaka Damansara and Cempaka Cheras, Dr. Iskandar Rizal. Firstly, there was a prize-giving ceremony to honour the high achievers of the year. Prizes were presented to the top three students of each class and to all-rounded students. Certificates were also awarded to students for their participation in the World Education Games. Then, the concert began - or as said in Broadway, it was showtime!

Chim chimney chim chimney chim chim cheroo'! 

Everyone definitely performed with enthusiasm and much vigour, culminating all the hard work we had put into this concert into one spectacular performance. We took the audience on a roller coaster of a ride, through the brightly lit streets of the city that never sleeps, showing them the best of Broadway. It seemed like all of our effort certainly paid off. 

Annie and Oliver Medley

Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down!

When the stage lights turned off and the house lights on, the CPAC teachers could finally breath a sigh of relief that the concert was over, and the hall was filled with tumultuous applause. Parents were brought to their feet, clapping at the wonderful show, and none of us wished we were anywhere else but the North Hall, Cempaka Cheras. As a final flourish, all the students sang 'When I Grow Up', a song from the musical Matilda, ending the Primary Concert 2013 with a bang. 

Finale and a widescale view of the wonderful set

Photo credit : Ms Ann Salina

The Last Day of School

by Lee Ting An, Sophomore 2 Cempaka, Class of 2015

Tomorrow, the last day of school will finally come to an end, and with it, school life will cease. After tomorrow, there will be no more last-minute rushes to finish your math corrections, no more prefects asking you for your formal attire. The chatter, gossip and laughter of the bus will become silence, the smell of exhaust in the morning, which we are all now familiar with, will probably be forgotten. There will be no more late nights spent looming over a computer screen, or mornings drooling on the bus window while the incessant rattling of the bus jerks you from your slumber. No longer will we have to line up for Tom Yam fried rice and Char Kuay Teow, or iced lemon tea and Teh Tarik. Tomorrow will be the last day we drag you to the poolside when we disembark from the bus for one final morning assembly. Tomorrow will be the last day we will smell the immediately recognizable scent that is the poolside boy’s toilet. Tomorrow will be the last day we shout and run our hearts out, doing our houses proud while the cheers and banners spur us on. Tomorrow, all of this will end.

I, like many other, have conflicted feelings about tomorrow. Like anyone and everyone else, I most definitely want the holidays, but somehow have yet to fully grasp the thought of school ending tomorrow. Many other students out there, I trust, as well as myself spend more or less the entire academic year fantasizing about this very day. So why is it that when the day comes, we’re reluctant to see it through?

Maybe it’s because we do enjoy school, even though it always feels like we’re tired enough to drop like flies. True, the thought of the New Product Convention doesn’t really bring the words ‘fun’ or ‘enjoyment’ to mind, but then again it is merely a part of the rich tapestry of school life we are all accustomed to, molded by. Games Carnival, Cempaka Connect, the many assemblies and performances that inevitably pepper our calendar - after all, aren’t these what we live for? I imagine holiday life without these things to be, well, dull. Not bad, because everyone definitely deserves a break, but simply monotonous and tedious. There’s no constant demand for work to be done, no team lists to finalize, no gold bars to complete, no dance steps to be remembered. After spending ten months living under constant pressure, maybe the holidays, though a deserving break, would seem just a tad too boring for us.

Maybe it’s because we’ll miss all the fun. All our lives are filled to the brim with more or less everything with little time for anything else, but you can be sure we’ll have fun along the way. The exhilarating thrill of a goal, the tired euphoria of camps (yoga, anybody?), or even the simple contentment of a presentation that actually met Mr. Wong’s high standards. If we don’t miss the workload, the after school practices, angry parents, bus drivers, and teacher chaperones, definitely we will miss all the things they entail.

Maybe it’s because we’ll miss the environment. No one can come close to us for having an electrifying atmosphere- here, there’s always something in the air, always a buzz, a constant hum of energy from those around you. You’re perpetually surrounded by people doing things, talking about things, thinking about things, and who probably dream about things too. The energy’s infectious; which is why, when you visit school during the holidays to buy your books, it just doesn’t feel the same. We are the life and breath of the school. So maybe when we’re off holidaying in foreign lands, we’ll miss the kick, the vigour and liveliness that we, the student community, create.

Maybe it’s because we’ll miss the commute, the buses with their exhaust and air conditioners that works every other day. Sure, maybe we prefer sleeping till noon, but the bus ride to and back is a chance to talk, socialize, bond with our friends outside the classroom, where talking isn’t exactly encouraged. I’m sure every bus has their very own busload of inside jokes and stories.

Maybe it’s because we’ll miss the people. Our friends, no different from our family. What is school without them anyway? We will miss the talks on the long walk down to the canteen from our N1 block, the inside jokes, or how teachers in the staffroom always get mad at us because we’re just too loud. We’ll miss the Roti Shop auntie scolding us for being too slow, or making fun of each other for buying the iced milk (Seriously though, with one last day at school, try the milk. You will have no regrets.) We won’t forget the endless walk up the avenue, excursions to the Roti Shop, the hustle and bustle of the canteen, or even the times they threatened to fail us for finals because we made too much noise during mandarin. We’ll miss those.

Maybe we’ll miss the memories. Because every time we step into that bus right until we get off it seven hours later, we’re doing more than just going to school and coming back. Together with our friends, we’re living out the beginnings of our lives within those cream coloured walls and cement floors. With everyday that passed we made new memories, and when you sit and reflect, they all come back, fast and unforgiving, a nostalgic punch to the gut that leaves you sitting and thinking of the good times.

Picture yourself in school. The earthy tang of mud and the unmistakable odour emanating from the boy’s toilet with just a hint of cologne, are now all too familiar and no longer assault your senses. The light breeze from the field blows your sweat-drenched shirt against your stomach while you stand in the meagre shade cast by the bleachers, amidst coloured banners and flags carelessly cast aside. Dried mud and grass cling to your weary legs as your wet shoes leave a puddle on the ground. Shouts, cheers, screams, hoarse throats giving orders and starting cheers from the field reach your ears.

For some of you, tomorrow will be the last time you’ll get to experience that in your life. Here’s to hoping you savour it all you can, and live it to your fullest. 

For the rest of us, there will only ever be one Annual Games Carnival 2014. True, we’ll have another chance, but as any senior would tell you, make the most of it.

For some of us, tomorrow might be the last time we see the school altogether. We hope you remember your time here, and the friends you make, with a sense of mingled happiness and sorrow.

For all of us, tomorrow will be the last time our classes are together. Some of us will leave, some of us will drop, and some of us will rise. Even though most of us will have the chance to see each other again, the memories we made as that class are unique. So break out the polaroids, because if tomorrow’s the last day we’re together as one, damn right we’re going to remember it.

For every single one of us, tomorrow will be the last day we’re exactly as we are. Maybe we’ll still be here and together next year, but next year won’t be the same - tomorrow is the last day we’re Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors. Tomorrow is a day of your life you’ll never get back. Tomorrow’s a memory yet to be made, but to be remembered forever.

I hope you make the most of tomorrow; enjoy it, relish it, and go make some lifelong memories.

Special Assembly (3-in-1!)

by Akhilan Manivannan, Sophomore 2 Cempaka, Class of 2015

November 11th 2013 was no ordinary Monday - not the kind of Monday we usually hate and loathe waking up to. On this particular Monday, it was not only the first day of the Annual Games Carnival, but a special and noteworthy assembly was also held for three very different yet very commemorative occasions. Needless to say, spirits were quite dampened after a long hard day of sports, and the sight of annoying prefects herding worn out students up to the hall was not a pretty one to behold. However we would all be hard pressed to say that it was not worth it at the end, for students were treated to some esteemed guests, wonderful performances and overall, a thorough learning experience.

After every student had filed into the hall, the much anticipated special guests finally arrived, clad in noble uniforms with dutiful smiles on their faces, our very own Malaysian fire fighters! They were led by the Pengarah JBPM Kuala Lumpur (Chief Director for the Kuala Lumpur Department of Fire Fighters), Encik Khirudin Bin Drahman. Esteemed guests indeed! 

The assembly began as always with the school song, and the emcees then introduced themselves to be Vanisha Ann of Cempaka Damansara and Tan Kian Leong of Cempaka Cheras; two very familiar faces of the Cempaka community. The emcees proceeded to kickstart the first of the three main events, the prize- giving session for some very well deserving Cempakans from both campuses.

First up was the award for a special video competition - Liga Remaja, held for secondary schools all over Malaysia. A group from our very own Cempaka Cheras had clinched a spot in the top 10 and it’s members proudly went up on stage to receive their award. Next, was the presentation of certificates to a few members who had done exceptionally well in a book review event - one out of the many post PMR activities held the week before. Next up was the certificate presentation to the winning groups of the annual Cempaka Connect New Product Convention for both campuses. The list of winners was full of creative names from Zikry's Secret to Chicken Rice to Pixies Inc. Finally, we had the much anticipated prize giving for the winners of the joint Amazing Race 2013! It was an exciting event held by Cempaka Inc, drawing in teams from both Damansara and Cheras. The team that won first place was Space Monkeys from Cempaka Damansara! A big congratulations to all prize winners and high achievers of the day.

Moving on to the second and most important event of all, the honoring of our admirable special guests who had worked with supreme efficiency and diligence to put out the recent tragic fire in the Damansara campus. The courageous men put out the fire in just 20 minutes and who knew what would have happened if they had not acted as quickly as they did. The fire fighters then proceeded to stay for hours at the school, checking for any remnants or potential sparks that could have reignited the fire. These heroes had risked their lives to save our school and they deserve nothing but our highest respect and admiration, as illustrated perfectly by Dato' Freida's emotional and heartfelt speech. A short iMovie was then screened about the shocking and disastrous fire.

After the iMovie, Pengarah JBPM Kuala Lumpur, Encik Khirudin Bin Drahman was invited up on stage to deliver his address and some irreplaceable, valuable information on fire safety. In the speech, Encik Khirudin stressed on the importance of taking fire safety seriously and how to prepare for such an incident. These preparations include keeping a fire extinguisher handy at home and in the car, checking electrical appliances before leaving the house and finding out more about fire safety in our own time. He also gave listeners some insight into a firefighter’s job, and some heart wrenching experiences of fire related deaths that left us thankful to have escaped such fates. Before Encik Khirudin concluded his prestigious address, he once again reminded everyone listening that fighting fires cannot be done by just the firefighters alone. All citizens should contribute equally to fighting fires by being aware, as well as prepared. In his very own unforgettable words, “A fire never chooses it’s victims.”

The fire fighters then went on stage to receive tokens of appreciation presented by Dato’ Hamzah himself, afterwards staying for some memorable group pictures. Not enough “thank you”s can be said to these heroes, who will remain engraved in Cempaka’s rich history for all eternity. 

The assembly then concluded with the last event of the day, a stunning array of Deepavali performances, executed by Cempakans from both campuses. Dancers leapt onto the stage, dressed in vari-coloured saris and other such traditional costumes. The hall was filled with the sound of upbeat Indian music and the jingle of the dancers' bangles as they shimmied their way to an outstanding showcase of talent. A dance to remember would definitely be the last performance by Form 4s of Cempaka Damansara, where the dancers moved in such sync that it was a delight to watch. It was indeed a beautiful way to commemorate the Festival of Lights, and a joyous end to a truly special assembly.

Photo credit: Amanda Lee

Games Carnival Day 1

by Chin Wye Mun, Junior 1 Cempaka, Class of 2014

#FHC2014 #merpatiRTH #tigersYSF #RHGP #seladangsHTG. If you have probably seen your Twitter timeline recently, you've probably wondered to yourself: What’s going on with all these hashtags? Perhaps you've also seen hordes of burnt faces, tan lines, grass-covered legs, muddy shoes and wet socks in school lately, as these are telltale signs of a Cempakan during Games Carnival. Today, 11th of November 2013 was the start of a week to be filled with such students. The field today was abundant with colourful banners and flags, each house marking their territory and trying their best to present a display that would garner them high fan club points. 

Games Carnival started officially with a briefing by Mr. Is about the rules and schedule for the day. From there, the students split up into their different sports and fan cells. The sports being played for the day were football 9-a-side and football 5-a-side for boys, netball for girls and volleyball which was a mixed event. 

Here is Lee Jien Tzen’s thoughts on playing volleyball for this year’s Games Carnival, a first for the Merpati badminton captain!

“To kick start Games Carnival with a sport that I rarely play was certainly challenging. What I disliked most were the times when our captain held trainings under the burning sun for this very day, further contrasting our harsh tan lines. However, as Merpati house captain, Ezzamel Zarif, always stressed upon volleyball as a team sport, urging us to always be there to support each other. To be honest, I guess that’s what made us top today! Whenever any of the members hit the ball and didn’t manage to pass the net, we would give them a pat on the back and say ‘Let’s win that point back!’. And whenever we won a point, the fan cells cheered on and we gave each other a high five, boosting each other’s confidence. Special thanks to Ms Tok too for cheering for Beruang when we were playing a tough match against Helang.

I feel that our practices have paid off well, despite facing a few tough rallies against the opposing teams. With every team we played against, we always tried to increase the margin between our points and theirs, giving the other team a lesser chance of a comeback against us. When victory was ours, we leaped with joy and celebrated with our fellow Beruangs in our Fan Cells, knowing that the gold medal was ours. It was a wonderful experience and I wish I could relive that indescribable moment once again.”

And for football 9-a-side, Seladang house captain, Amanda Lee shares her views of the game from the sidelines. 

Photo credit : Lai Li Chan

"If anyone tells you that you won't be feeling the same pressure as the actual players on the field, well they're wrong! Or so it felt like, especially during the last football 9-aside final of the day between Seladang and Helang. The other matches were intense enough, but the last match just blew us away. Every single moment had us on the edge, leaning over so much in anticipation that the coach had to call out for us to move back several times. Seladang kicked off (pun intended!) to a great start, leading the way with two to one. The second point being an own goal - to the delight of Seladang players and the chagrin of the Helang players. When it came to the second half, both the houses went head to head, each one scoring in succession of the other, making the fan cells mad with excitement. The second half ended with a teeth-clenching tie, Seladang being so close to winning! The game went into extra time, and footballers were dropping like flies, their muscles cramping after a strenuous hour on the field. 

Again, it was as frustrating and heart-stopping to watch as the first two halves had been. Seladang scored first, followed by Helang, then Seladang, then Helang again. Sounds like a total roller coaster for the fan cell members right? Well, it was. This boring game I could never stand to watch, had me jumping up and down like a maniac - not unlike football fans we see today. We screamed ourselves hoarse for the players to not give up, to keep on going, to defend, to score, and to give their all. I think I might finally understand what people see in the game. 

Twenty minutes of extra time passed, and both houses were still in a tie! Penalty rounds were called out. The players huddled together, strategizing who would shoot what, who would keep when. I don't exactly know the rules for how football penalties work, but I can say that there were some pretty spectacular saves and of course superb goals. It was always almost pin drop silent before a player would take the shot. When it was all down to one last shot - a shot that would make it or break it, the moment was just so intense. And oh, what a moment it was! One of the many that I, and no doubt most of us, will remember when we think of Games Carnival 2014. The ball just grazed the top of the goalpost, placing Seladang in first place. There was this rather confused moment, before the cheers and shouts erupted. A beautiful game indeed."

Other than 9-a-side, there was also football 5-a-side, which Ryan Yoong, house captain and Seladang 5-a-side captain presents his experience on as follows.

Photo credit : Lai Li Chan

"I've never really been one to play football. I'd always be in the team but never one of the main players; so imagine my surprise when I was chosen as the captain for the 5-a-side team for Seladang. Not chosen exactly, more like there was no one else to put! Shocked, nervous, excited. A combination of the trio would have to be the summary of what I felt at the time. Now? Pure happiness and nothing but the utmost respect for my team who never gave up no matter how badly the odds were against us. 

Just last GC, Seladang placed 4th in this event but GC 2014 proved to be very, very different. With a new team, completely revamped with the majority consisting of juniors, whom I sincerely hope will continue the legacy we seniors have left behind, it was a fresh start. Stepping on to the field with our multi-coloured boots and what not, we were high in spirit and energy. 

Our first match was against Helang, whom we viewed as a major threat since they knocked us out of the 1st/2nd placing in the previous year. The first half of the match was intense; both teams bursting with energy, pacing from one end of the field to the other, whilst skillfully maintaining control over the ball. After some meticulous passing, Seladang managed to convert an opportunity into a goal. Cheers from the sidelines only added to that moment of joy. The best part? Minutes later, we did it again; and it propelled us into the upper bracket of the event. 

Next up was Harimau. The first half was an intense passing session between the two houses with the occasional shot that would just brush the edge of the goal. However, in the second half, things started to heat up. After some substitutions from our part, we managed to score two goals which secured the gold for Seladang. 

It is my last year playing in the Games Carnival, thus effectively making this the last time I play 5-a-side with such an amazing team of people. I couldn't have asked for a better team and I wouldn't have. We didn't think we could do it but we did. I believed in my team; but more importantly, we believed in each other."

Now, I myself played netball, which I’ve played for most of my Games Carnival years. Before the matches started, balls, nail clippers and team cheers were flying everywhere. In the spirit of the game, there was always the line-up to shake hands before the game starts. It’s the last moment before everything turns serious. It is when each handshake represents a pledge from each player to play to the best of their ability, to play fair and to play with a certain spirit that would leave no room for regrets. 

After the handshakes, players made their way to their respective positions. This year, I took on the role of Centre, not exactly something I’m used to but when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? Anyway, I must admit our first few games were not our best. We were too nervous, unorganized, too rushed and just uncoordinated. Blind passes and butterfingers ruled our game. With time and patience though, we won our first match against CILC. 

Photo credit : Lai Li Chan

We had a close match with Helang who really stepped up their game especially in the second half, giving them a win by 2 goals. Following that, we went up against Seladang, who took the win by 6 goals or so and our last match with Harimau gained us a favourable win. 

Even though we lost by the most points in the Seladang match, I feel that I have learnt a lot from it. I have learnt the importance of being patient, especially in a team, being supportive, courteous and never backing down. In the match against Harimau, I learnt to enjoy the game, love the game and simply, play the game. Most of all, I love how 15 minutes of passing a ball around can teach you a life worth of lessons. 

Even though we only placed 3rd overall, a major drop from our glorious position at the top last Games Carnival, I’m still content with how the game went. Admitedly, I was disappointed at first. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was full of regret. But then, I realized that it was just the first day of Games Carnival. With four days more to go and so many people cheering me on, I wasn’t going to give up just then. What’s done is done and the best thing to do would be to accept the results, focus on the next day and come back stronger than ever. 

So, to anyone who didn’t get that much sought after gold medal so far for Games Carnival 2014, no worries! Each day entails a new sport and a shiny gold medal waiting for you. You just have to keep on going, keep fighting and never give up. Your spirit will drive you and your house to a precious placing at the top. Thanks to all the members of the Beruang Netball team for a great last Netball Games Carnival. I couldn’t have hoped for a better family to play with or a better house to play for. :) #merpatirth ! 

Games Carnival 2014

by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 1 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Games Carnival has always been one of my most favorite First House Cup event. I love the spirit, the camaraderie, the way we huddle up before a match, anxious with nervous excitement. The whole week is fraught with rivalry between the houses, yet there are also shows of sportsmanship in between. Everyone has a part to play, be it on the field or off at the sidelines. It being moved up to this year gives all of us less time to really face the facts that - "oh wow, it's going to be the last time I'll play netball as a Seladang, waterpolo as a Harimau, handball as a Helang, football as a Beruang."

You'd think after exams we'd finally have the time to do the 101 things we've been saying and looking forward to doing. House lists, Games Carnival training, new banners, the list goes on and on. But what with RAG day, Cempaka Connect, the flood of corrections for test papers and prefect socials (ultimately lasting the whole weekend), our time had been eaten up; And before you know it, you're staring depressed at your computer screen as tweets about it being your last Games Carnival tomorrow keep flooding the timeline. I still remember how we used to say 'I can't wait till it's our year, we are so going to win!' - Oh how wrong we were. The first part I mean. 

It hasn't really sunk in yet that we're finally seniors. Not that we've been waiting for it. We've seen how a big part of a seniors role is to run around, looking and scolding any unruly juniors - heck we were those unruly juniors! But as the clock strikes twelve, and you're still frantically calling, typing, printing and making endless lists, the fact that our carefree days are over starts to sink in. It has come to a point where we can look in the mirror and no longer be fazed by the colour change - from fair to lobster red. Where we can look at the clock and go 'it's only one in the morning'?

We may have had less than a week to practice.

We may have had to deal with Cempaka Connect, Amazing Race, RAG Day, Socials, etcetera.

We may have had to beg, force and coerce juniors into joining a few sports (some we're not even sure they knew how to play!) since we were a whole level short. 

But we're here today. For better or for worse. This is it guys, we're finally the ones leading the cheers, scolding the juniors, losing our voices, running around trying to oversee everything, wishing we had voices like boom boxes and superman's ability to fly. This is the start of the long FHC battle, this is Games Carnival 2014. All the best, and may the best house (Seladang!) win.

Photo Credit: Matthias Lim

Do stay tuned the whole week for daily updates of the whole Games Carnival; From Day 1 to Day 5!