National Day 2019

In line with this year’s National Day theme, Our Singapore as well as to commemorate our bicentennial year, Woodgrove crafted our very own version of Our Singapore story to share with fellow Woodgrovers.

Our celebrations began with the Singapore River trail, which tapped on the BALIKSG application. The BALIKSG application is a Bicentennial Project by the National Heritage Board and National Park Boards. The Secondary 3 students explored 6 activity stations along the Singapore River. The students went through an interactive trail along with customised activities at each station. 

They encountered historical characters, discovered stories and places and revisited the significant events in Singapore’s history through the Augmented Reality (AR) technology. The activities allowed the students to appreciate what Singapore is today and pay tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of our earlier generations as we are living the dreams of our pioneers.

On 8 August 2019, we kickstarted the celebrations with the parade by the Uniformed Groups (NPCC, NCC & RCY) led by Parade Commander Puteri Nur Myeisha from NPCC. Our Principal Mr Chee Chit Yeng delivered the National Day speech followed by Recollections by Mr Fariz. Mr Chee also inspected the Parade.

After the parade, our students were engaged in different classroom activities. The lower secondary students reflected and discussed on their hopes and aspirations for themselves and Singapore. The activity also emphasized our school value of Resilience as the students learnt about the contributions of the everyday heroes of early Singapore such as the Majie, Coolies, Orang Laut, Policemen and Samsui Women.

The upper secondary students took on a more empowering role on how they can take collective ownership in shaping Singapore’s future as the pioneers of the future. They also discussed on what kind of Singapore they wish to have and the roles that they play to shape the future. They designed a coaster that reflected their hopes and aspirations as the pioneers of the future.

The concert comprised of 4 acts, Our Home, Our Heart, Our Dream and Our Singapore. 

“Our Home” tells a story of how Singapore was founded before becoming a Home for us today. The vibrant moves from the Modern Dance encapsulated the early era of the 1800s. “Our Heart” segment revolved around the people. The NE Ambassadors shared their Bicentennial Project, interviewing the Merdeka Generation. We had the honour to hear stories from Mr Ho, our pioneer Chinese teacher and also Major Jeffrey, a retired military officer. 

The Symphonic Band also played a medley of familiar National Day songs. “Our Dream” comprises of the dreams of Woodgrovers on what they want to achieve for Singapore in the future. The Choir sang their hearts out to a popular National Day number, We Will Get There. 

The last act, “Our Singapore” featured an NDP Preview Sharing by our own Woodgrover, Mdm Tan Hwee Lin. She shared about her experiences attending the NDP preview. The pinnacle of the concert was the finale item which showcased our Principal, Mr Chee, our teachers and students who sang their own rendition of this year’s NDP song, Our Singapore.

By and large, we hope that the National Day Celebrations brought about fond memories and a strong sense of pride as Singaporeans.