Merry X-Mas!

To all those celebrating Christmas, Merry Christmas and to the rest, Happy Holidays!

... and my favourite Christmas song sung by my favourite ladies, Mariah Carey and Yuna Ito :)

Looks Like Fun

from the makers of Kung Fu Panda, Transformers and Shrek.
coming March 2009.

I like the blob-thingy.

New School Diary Cover 2009

...designed by MrDA13 :)

Nice... even if I do say so myself :)

Well, I can finally reveal the cover to next year's school diary. I was given a year to design the cover and it was a tedious task since I have to collect the photos over the year first before selecting the best to make it to the cover page. Then with all the daily happenings in school, the school diary project took a backseat.

When the dateline approached, I was trying my best to complete the cover to the best of my abilities. If I was lazy, I could just do a cut-and-paste job but I realised that the project is MY project and every pupil and every teacher in YTPS is going to get a hold of it. So I have to come up with a design that I'm proud of (Pride in Work as MrDanny would always say right?).

So this is it. My final masterpiece. Hope you enjoy it.

PS: The stars on the top left corner look very familiar right? Yup, they're the same stars from the Certificate of Achievement. And they also serve to remind you to work hard to achieve A-Stars for your exams.

Remember, getting an A-Star is optional but giving an A-Star effort is a must. Only then can you say that you have done your best.

If You Make A Promise......

...... follow it through.

the IronMan 70.3 - 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run
my toughest race ever

March 2009

Train Hard . Race Easy.

Yes, the road to PSLE and the PSLE itself may be tough. But so is the Ironman :)
So let's strive hard to do our best for the goals we want to achieve.

If the mind can believe it, the body can achieve it.
- Unknown

Congratulations to our Top Scorer Jamie Foo and P5B 2007

Top Scorer Jamie Foo with 284 pts.
Article from Straits Times 21st November 2008

To all my P5B 2007 pupils, I think all of you have performed wonderfully. Even though some of you may have lamented that you did not get your ideal grades, I'm sure all of you will go to the Express stream and what is most important now is securing a place in the secondary school. Even if the school may not be your first choice, do not be disheartened as chances are, you may like it eventually.

Just remember that the journey does not end at the PSLE. It's only a beginning.

And in my book, no one came out a loser today. You are all winners.

Lastly, I hope your Primary school journey has been nothing short of wonderful and memorable like mine has been :)

PS: And to those who have 'beaten' my PSLE results and actually bothered to check with me, a double congratulations to you :) I never knew you guys/galz took up the challenge seriously :)

Regards

- Mr Danny

Report from PSLE Results Day

What a day it has been today. This is my first time covering the school's PSLE Results Day and the anticipation and anxiety filled the air. I had ... (to be continued)

Daryl, Ryan, Kar Leong and Maverick
(still looking mischievous despite waiting for the results)

Qin Kai and the ever-cheerful Daniel

I am shooting with a camera, not a gun Zheng Yu

Kai Han and Kai Jie (are you nervous Kai Jie?)

still very shy with the camera


Hui Ying, Jiawen and Claire with Russel sitting alone
because 40 divided by 3 gives a remainder of 1 :)

caught Ke Xuan with fingers locked in a prayer I think.
Oh well, she scored very well too.

thePrisca :)
another of Yew Tee's top scorer with 4A*


our DSA pupils;-
Margaret (ballet) and the 2-term P5B Monitress Rachel (violin)

I got this video clip of Jamie on her advice to her juniors on tips on preparing for PSLE :)

If Life Gets You Down..... Keep On Moving!

ANNOUNCEMENT: PSLE results to be released this Thursday. That's 2 days away.

Stay cool and best wishes :)

:: Keep On Moving by Five ::

LYRICS
I woke up today with this feelin'
Better things are comin' my way
And if the sunshine has a meaning
Tellin' me nothing's left in getting my way

When the rainy days are dyin'
Go to keep on keep on tryin'
All the bees and birds are flyin'
Ahhh...

Never let go, got to hold on and
Non-stop 'till the break of dawn and
Keep movin' don't stop rockin'
Ahhh...

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

Feels like I should be screaming
Tryin' to get it good with my friends
Sometimes it feels that life has no meaning
But I know things will be alright in the end

When the rainy days are dyin'
Got to keep on keep on tryin'
All the bees and birds are flyin'
Ahhh...

Never let go, got to hold on and
Non-stop 'till the break of dawn and
Keep movin' don't stop rockin'
Ahhh...

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

When the rainy days are dyin'
Got to keep on keep on tryin'
All the bees and birds are flyin'
Ahhh...

Never let go, got to hold on and
Non-stop 'till the break of dawn and
Keep movin' don't stop rockin'
Ahhh...

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

Get on up when you're down, baby
Take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway

...so that's how guys should dance. Hmmm.. :)

P6 Graduation Nite 2008

Let the pictures tell the story.
PS: My mission (a final gift) that nite was to hopefully snap ALL my pupils from my ex-class P5B 2007. However some of you were 'too shy' so don't blame me if your photos are 'missing'.

the senior Zoomers;- (from left) Song Yuan aka Clansking, Favian aka Sologunner and Ernest aka DemonCommand
Thank you all for your passionate services covering the school events and such. This also goes out to the senior Zoomers;- Nadhirah, Syafiqah, Melissa, Sylvia, Yi Ting....err did I miss anyone else?

Maverick and Guan Hao

Jeannie, Jamie, Jasper and Kar Leong

The RGB girls for the nite - Jamie, Ke Xuan and Cheryl

Maverick, Daniel and Kar Leong with their creative use of toilet paper as their props for the mummy-dance

report to be continued...

Speech Day aka Prize Giving Day 2008

all the photos used for banner was taken by none other than Zoom!Club and the ZoomMaster himself :)
That's what pride in work is all about.

oh my gosh! There are sailors in our school!! Where's their captain? :)

report to be continued...

End of Year Message to My Class : P5 Excellence

Mr Danny looks different...is he smiling a bit now? Seems some make-up artists have done something to him (hehe!) :)
.......and can you spot the teacher's pet?

And so we've finally arrived on the 'island' :)

It has been a bittersweet journey with you, my pupils from P5 Excellence, but at the end of the journey I am glad that almost everyone has 'evolved'. You have definitely improved (in your studies, character and behaviour) from the first time you came to P5 and that to me, as your teacher, is the most important thing. Now I can say, without any reservations, that you are more well-prepared for the 'last leg of the race';- the PSLE. Remember, the race is still not won nor is it over.

It's going to be a race against the clock as well, since you will only have 9 months from this date today to the PSLE and though you have 'evolved', you still have not reached your FINAL evolution form :P

To those few pupils who have been disappointed with your end of the year results, I hope it would remind you to work even harder. It is still not too late to make a difference.

To those who have scored well, don't be complacent. As a saying once goes, " It's easier to get an A than to keep one for the long run."

Anyway, good luck on your journey next year.

May you get the best 'captain' to lead and guide you across the 'stormy seas' to the 'treasure' :)

-------------

PS: Thank you for the cards and the trinklets that some of you gave me.
I just want to share one interesting card that I got from a pupil (will not reveal the identity of course) that is very touching.

... my favourite line being ;- "You teach me the best and not wild wild west."

accompanied by a very cute drawing. I love it :)

That's the 'captain' navigating the ship to the island where the 'treasure' is.

Finale Song for End of School Year 2008

I chose this Japanese song titled Endless Story as the finale song for the photo-music video that is to be shown on Prize Giving Day 2008. A very touching song sung by the beautiful singer Yuna Ito. It's appropriate considering we are saying our farewell to the academic year 2008 as well as one for our P6 seniors who'll be celebrating their graduation in the evening.

PS : I don't understand what she is singing but the melody and her voice is simply beautiful.

PSS: I'll upload the YewTee's version soon since I know most of you won't be coming tomorrow. So stay tuned :)

-----------

Lyrics

If you haven't changed your mind
そばにいてほしいよ　Tonight
強がることに疲れたの幼すぎたの
Every time I think about you baby
今なら言えるI miss you
It's so hard to say I'm sorry

たとえば誰かのためじゃなく
あなたのために　歌いたいこの歌を終
わらないstory　続くこの輝きに
Always　伝えたい　ずっと永遠に

Memories of our time together
消さないでこのまま　don't go away
あたたかく溶けだして　確かめるの
優しさのしずく　この胸にひろがってく
切ないほどに　I'm missin' you

重ねた手　離さないで
たとえば叶うなら　もう一度
あなたのために　歌いたいこの歌を
終わらないstory　絶え間ない愛しさで
tell me why　教えてよずっと永遠に

たとえば誰かのためじゃなく
あなたのために　歌いたいこの歌を終
わらないstory　続くこの輝きに
Always　伝えたい　ずっと永遠に

Star Award Top 5 Winners!

...and 3 ties in 5th place!

Stars Collected

Vernice - 22
Yanling - 19
Chew Xuan - 14
Amanda - 11
Amira - 10
Raihan - 10
Nazirul - 10

Well done winners, you'll get your well-deserved rewards very soon.

And yes, the Moodle Science Courseware is back online once more.

It Is Coming.....

...... the next big thing since Moodle. Another new initiative by MrDA13 of course :)

From A Marathoner to A Triathlete - The Journey

Disclaimer from Mr Danny:
Do not try the following activities without adult supervision. Marathons, triathlons, open water swim and long distance cycling are serious sports. Failure to comply with this disclaimer can result in serious or permanent injury or even death.

To my pupils, the only 'race' you should be participating and intend on winning is crossing the finish line that is your exams and ultimately your PSLE.
Mr Danny himself had crossed THAT finish line a long time ago.
... and when you are 18 years old and above (the legal age to enter marathons, etc), then you can try them out :)

--------------------

Prologue

This is it.

The day I hoped to realise my dream of completing a triathlon. A triathlon is basically a race that involves completing 3 legs of a race (a swim, bike and run) in succession.

Completing the race was part of the deal I made to my class way back in March challenging that they can achieve anything they hope to achieve if they first have a dream and and work hard for it. On my part I will do something I (and many others) once thought was impossible to do and that was to run a full marathon.

Fast forward 7 months later, and I have completed 3 Marathons, 1 Half-Marathon and I Ultra-Marathon. Basically, my mission is over. However, once you have achieved your dreams, you need to ask yourself this question; "Is that it or can you do more?" The answer for me is clear and obvious. I can do more. And so I challenged myself to completing a triathlon by year's end. The problem was, I have always been a recreational runner, swimmer and I have not done cycling for almost 10 years.

Journey to the Race

I started off from home at 7am in the morning on my brother's aging 5 year old mountain bike. I decided not to take a taxi to East Coast (where the event was held) and use the opportunity to cycle there as a warm up. It is about 21km from Choa Chu Kang to East Coast. The cycling leg of the race was also 21km. Then, I'll be cycling home which will add another 21km. That's 63km in total but still fall short of the IronMan 70.3 cycling distance of 90km which I intend to do sometime in the future. But the greater the challenge, so too will the glory be. I think my wish came true when it drizzled as I left my house.

I thought the drizzle will stop but it did not let up at all. My only concern was the camera in my bag which I had wrapped in a plastic bag in anticipation for such inclement weather.

I Have Arrived - East Coast Park Carpark E2

I was drenched when I reached the race venue 2 hours later but since I was wearing my wet-wear race suit, it did not matter as much. The journey was slow and uneventful and I had plenty of time to appreciate the cold quiet morning of a Saturday morning where I believed most people will still be in the comforts of their beds.

the race map for the day

The time was 0900hrs. My race was scheduled to begin at 1025hrs. The scene was chaotic. There were people from all walks of life. From the young to the old, the disabled and able-bodied and others who I simply could not categorise at this point. They number in the hundreds and each competitor, I believed, had a reason (or reasons) to race. So did I. But I think the number one goal all of us had in common that day was to finish the race.

Getting 'Tatooed'

I then realised that many of the competitors have numbers tatooed on their arms and legs as it was a race criteria. So I scanned around and saw the 'tattoo' booth and lined up to get my 'tatoo' as well. In the queue, I struck up a conversation with a fellow competitor named Victor; a heavily built man who was at least a head taller than me who had done multiple swim events before. He regarded himself a 'swimmer' and he can swim one lap of the swimming pool (50m) in 1 minute. My fastest time for 1 lap is 1min 27 seconds. I told him that this was my first triathlon event and he generously shared with me some useful tips on open water swimming and cycling. I listened attentively to his advice. Afterall, he had more experience.

the number 'tattooed' on my leg

*On a footnote, I do not regard myself as a runner, swimmer or a cyclist. I only do them at a recreational level.

Ready, Set, Go!


We parted company after we got our 'tattoos' and wished each other the best of luck for our races. The race was delayed by thirty minutes because it was still pouring and the 750m open water swim was cut short to 200m because of choppy waters. I was thankful that the organisers did not cancel the swim leg of the race as what I heard happened the year before. It won't be a triathlon if there wasn't a swim component.

After I placed my bike on the bike racks, I made my way to the beach where the Swim-Start was.

the bike racks

my ride - a brandless 5-year old modified mountain bike.
Beside it is a black COLNAGO racing bike which I believe costs at least $4000/-

The Swim Leg

My race started sometime at 1040hrs. With one short blast from the horn, I ran into the water with rest of the competitors. I swam away from the crowd, navigating my way along the less crowded outer lane where the pack of fast swimmers were in the lead. I stayed calm and actually felt comfortable. At the half-way mark, the current got too strong and I ended up being push to the inner lane and started swimming in the path of fellow swimmers. I kicked somebody twice and had to switched to frogstyle so I could surface to see where I was going and was afraid someone would kick me in my face. The danger was omnipresent and very real. In my panic, I ended gulping sea water and since my swimming rhythm was broken, a thought ran across my mind to call it quits. But I remained calm and before I knew it I could stand in the water as my feet found solid ground.

Time taken for 200m swim : 6min 40 seconds

The Bike Leg

Once I reached the beach, I started running towards my bike only to find that my heart was beating wildly and my legs felt like jelly. The swim took more out me than I realised. Somehow I managed to get to my bicycle and started running with it (you are not allowed to cycle in the transition area where the bike was parked) to the start of the bike-leg of the race. My heart still thumping wildly, I started pedalling fast and hard, all the while trying to catch my breath. My plan was to cycle non-stop for the entire 21km with an average speed of 25km/h.

All in all, I had to complete 3 6.67-km lap (which adds up to 21km of course). And amongst all the 3 disciplines, I think I perform best in cycling. The first lap was interesting as I get to somewhat enjoy what the sights East Coast Park has to offer. There was no water point and I guessed I did plan well considering I was carrying my hydrating pack with me.

Once I reached the end of the 1st loop, I realised that there were 2 more laps to go. More and more riders started overtaking me and those who did were riding pure racing bikes as compared to my mountain bike. I knew that if I was riding a racing bike, I could go that much faster.

Anyway, nothing eventful happened on the bike leg of the race except that on the 3rd lap, I heard a loud crash and as I turned my head back, I saw one of the competitors being thrown off his bicycle upon crashing and he was dragged across the ground from the force of the impact. Fortunately, I saw him picking himself up and shrugging off the accident.

The accident reminded me of the unforseen dangers that lurked in the race and I told myself to be extra careful.

Time taken for 21km bicycle race: 54min 27 seconds
Average speed : 23.3km/h

The Running Leg

I had to start the running leg as soon as I dismounted from my bicycle. My legs now felt like lead and every attempt to lift them was a task by itself. I started off on a slow jog and that was all I could muster from my pain-wrecked and enervated body.

"It's your first triathlon. You do not need to push too hard."

"No matter the timing, you have already secured the medal."

Those were some of the excuses that rang through my mind as I fought against the pain. However, I knew that I would regret it if I did not do my best. A saying once goes; “You can quit and no one will really care....but you will always know.”
The 5km seemed to take an eternity to complete but eventually I saw the finish line and with a sudden burst of strength and sheer determination, I sprinted to it.

It was an indescribable feeling to raise my hands up high, flashed a tired but satisfied smile and crossed the finish line. I may not come in first place or second or third, but everyone who crosses that finish line that day was a winner.

And at least now, I can say that once in my life, I have successfully completed a Sprint Triathlon.

Time taken for 5km run : 37 min 38 seconds

the hero of the day with the trademark cool pose and cooler sunglasses :P
Once the race is over and medal is won, then you can smile :)

One of my favourite medals to date. It has the 3 disciplines of the Triathlon etched on it; Swimming, Biking and Running.
And it also validates the end of one journey that started 7 months ago with a simple word;- 'Finisher'

"Medals aren't just made of metal. They are made by all the hard work, sweat and tears that the athlete puts in to winning that medal."

the last 100m dash to the finishing line. The competitors with the serious-desire-to-win look and concentrating hard to overcome the pain and discomfort they must be feeling (do you see them smile DURING the race?)
Notice the congregation of the crowds and supporters on the left.

some guy crossing the finish line where the finisher medals await. He can only manage a slow jog as the race had rendered many competitors to near exhaustion.

Physically disabled competitors whose will to win clearly surpassed many able-bodied persons
---------------------------

my 1st Sprint Triathlon results; not the first but never the last :)

Mission Accomplished :P

Next stop;- IronMan!

The Old Man Died

by Michael Selman

The old man poked his head out the front door to be sure that the coast was clear. He was about to do something drastic, and he preferred to have no witnesses. Perhaps, he was a little embarrassed about it. But he was frail and weak, with seemingly nothing to look forward to in his future, and he knew it. So the old man decided it was time to end his sorry old life. And he was going to do it by running.

He peered out to the neighbor's houses, first to his left, and then to his right. There was nobody else out in his well-maintained neighborhood at this moment, and he knew that his time had come. So the sorry old man slowly closed the front door behind him, and sheepishly ran out to the street. And he attempted to put an end to a life whose dreams had left him long ago, it seems.

As he slowly jogged down the street, he thought his heart would explode. Was this how it was going to end? He felt way too old for this kind of exertion, and the old man could feel the blood rushing to his head as he pushed on. He wondered just how long it would be before his demise would come. His legs were screaming for a break, but he ignored the body's pleas to stop. He was an old man on a mission, and he pushed relentlessly on.

He ran for about a mile, around the neighborhood, and he observed that his house was suddenly in front of him again. He could go no further, and so, right where he started the attempt, he stopped, stepped back inside his house, and collapsed motionless on his living room floor for what seemed forever. His whole body was pounding with every heartbeat, and he felt sick to his stomach. His chest hurt, and his legs throbbed, but that day, he didn't die. He lay there, on the floor wondering if he was making a big mistake with his attempt to kill himself off.

For the next couple of days, eradicating himself was the last thing on the old man's mind. That one attempt seemed like it was enough to discourage him from ever trying again. He hurt all over, and he was close to resigning himself to settling on just being old and miserable forever. But by the third day, he was starting to revisit the thought of eliminating his sad self again. And the fourth day, he made another attempt, using the same method. Again, he closed the door behind him, and he ran another mile. And a funny thing happened. Though it wasn't nearly enjoyable, he found it didn't hurt quite as much, and he actually felt a little better a little sooner afterwards. And the next day, the thought of trying again wasn't so for out of his mind.

The old man found that each time he ran, it became less and less painful, and now, instead of collapsing in the middle of the house after a run, he was actually starting to plan the next one. He purchased himself a running log, and monitoring his progress. He bought himself a watch, and started noticing his runs getting quicker and quicker. He was finding that he was having dreams of the future, and had something to live for. He was starting to actually feel younger than he ever had before. But in reality, the old man was succeeding in his quest. The old man was dying.

The old man started entering races. At first, he could not run one all the way without stopping. There were often very few people, if any, behind him, but the old man didn't seem to mind. After all, he was ancient, so it was positive that he was doing this at all. He continued running, and he continued racing, and he continued to experience a slow death. His weekly mileage increased to 15 miles, then through the 20's, and even into the 30's some weeks. and his race times dropped. 40 minute 5K times dropped to 35 minutes, then 30 and even 25 minutes and lower.

Then, on the very day he ran his fastest race ever, it finally happened. While he was driving to the race, he had a feeling this was going to be the day. And he was right. He had been running for about 6 months now, and was actually starting to feel very good. But his running indicated that he still had a serious death wish. He ran more than ever, and also faster. His life was becoming full, and his dreams were starting to appear in vivid color.

As he approached the finish line of the race this day, he looked down at his watch. 22:10. Never in a million years did the man dream of running such a fast time. As he crossed the finish line, with one last big push, he went to stop his watch to immortalize this race. Then he looked at the watch, just to be sure it was true. The watch was blank. The battery had given out. Foreshadowing can be spooky some times.

At the awards ceremony, the trophies went three deep in each age group. He waited and wondered as they announced the awards in the youngest age groups first. Finally, they announced the winners in his age group. First place, and then second place in his age group were announced. His name was not called. Then they announced the third place winner. He heard his name being called. He had won third place in his age group. The 25-29 year age group.

He went to pick up his award, and as he proudly carried it back to show his young wife and baby, he knew that he had finally accomplished his goal. He had finally killed off the old man, and replaced it with the fit, youthful 26 year old he had wanted to become when he first started running. Looking back, he realized it was a slow, and sometimes painful death, but he knew the old man would not be missed. He liked who he had become much better.

And he gazed at his watch one more time. And he realized that at the very moment the watch stopped never to beep again, that the old man died.

--------------
As the saying goes; "Age is a number but old is an attitude."

The above story highlights that one is only 'old' if you have no more dreams to strive for. But if you wake up each day and continue to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be, you are 'young' forever.

So ask yourself this question;- "Are you young or old?"

Live Your Dreams!

They say your dreams are just too big
they say its impossible too
but that wont stop you anyway
nothing's gettin in your way

they tell you, "Hey dont even try"
you'll hurt yourself, you might even die
but that wont stop you anyway
nothing's gettin in your way

so you get your hammer and nails and you pound away
you face the sky and dream you'll be there someday
you'll scale that cliff and you don't care if you pretend
just wanna live out your dream in the end

up in the clouds by the beaming sun
you're staring down, can't see the bottom
but that wont stop you anyway
nothing's gettin in your way

you click your heels, and you sing your song
excited that you'll prove them wrong
just a kiwi wanting to fly
gettin his chance to touch the sky

get a running start, leap your destiny
what you see and feel is real, not make-believe
tears in your eyes, let the wind wipe them away
just you and your wings till the end sets you free
fly away to your eternity

Why We Should Appreciate Maths

What Is Your Deepest Fear?

One of my favourite scenes from the movie Coach Carter.

TITLE : COACH CARTER

Plot Synopsis
(based on a true story)

In 1999, Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor in the games. However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray and Carter learns that too many players are doing poorly in class, he takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. In the ensuing debate, Carter fights to keep his methods, determined to show the boys that they need to rely on more than sports for their futures and eventually finds he has affected them more profoundly than he ever expected.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness which frightens us. Your playing small doesn't serve the world there is nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people dont feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do it's not just in some of us its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear. Our presence automatically liberates others.

-----------------------------------

The message is;-

In life, don't play small. It doesn't serve any purpose. Dream big and go all out to achieve them. Everyone has the potential to shine.

And when you do shine, you will inevitably and unconsciously become a source of inspiration to others and help them to achieve their dreams.

REAL Heroes

Team Hoyt - YOU CAN

"Dad when I'm running it feels like my disability disappears"

That was all the words Dick (66 years old) needed to her to transform himself and run races so that his son, Rick (afflicted with cerebral palsy) is able to experience life.

Lessons from this Video

1) You Can. That was the father-son team's motto. They lead by example despite their disabilities and made no excuses or blame their circumstances.

2) Never underestimate the love your parents.

3) Have fun doing the things you love to do and excel in them. Be an inspiration to others.

-----------------

Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt) and son (Rick Hoyt) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick pulls him in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.

Thanks to his parents, who ignored the advice of doctors that he would live life in a persistent vegetative state, and Tufts University engineers, who recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence, at the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate, using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.

Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.

As of August 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 984 events, including 229 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 66 Marathons, including 26 Boston Marathons. They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.

When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, his reply was;-
"The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once."

Sarah Reinertsen



" ... for me to keep up, I've always had to be tougher than the rest".
- Sarah Reinertsen

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Epilogue

These are stories of people with perceived 'disabilities' (Dick who was already 'old', Sarah an amputee and Rick who has cerebral palsy). Their stories serve as an inspiration and a reminder to us that anything is possible if we set our hearts and minds to it.

They hve a million reasons not to try but they chose not to.

These are their stories.

What will yours be?

When the world says you can't, it's time to prove you can.

The Will of Iron

Strive for greater dreams and success....

MOODLE is Down!

Dear pupils,

The MOODLE is down. And of all days during the day of launch of the online Science SA2. I've contacted the technical support and still waiting for the reply. From past experience, everything should be alright within a day. So please check back again tomorrow, Monday.

Please help to pass the message to your friends who do not chance upon this message.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Regards

Mr Danny

Funny Exam Answers... but the Results Won't Be :=)

Boy! It's more than a month since the last update. Been busy with mock paper marking and now the PSLE marking. When school reopens, it'll be the SA2 exam paper marking :)

Anyway, hope you (my pupils and visitors) will be cheered up by the following collection of funny exam answers from candidates. Hope you will be prepared when the time comes to answer instead of doing what the following 'jokers' did (it's so obvious they were not prepared well for the exams).

Enjoy!

PS: Oh and I finally completed the covers for 2009 school diary :) It was a very stressful task considering that everyone's going to see it in the end. And knowing me, I also set a high standard for the design as well.
Oh! And of course no one can get to see it till the entire diary is ready. Hahaha!

I Got Mail....

One of the joys of being a teacher :)

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Hello Mr Danny,

Do you remember me? I'm _________ from 5E 2006. I just thought I'd email you to great you a wonderful Teacher's Day. My apologies for not returning to YTPS during the Teacher's Day celebration. I was away on a holiday.

I still remember those days when you were teaching us. I just want you to know that I enjoyed the classes with you. And your interesting lessons kept me interested in reading and improving my vocabulary. Actually, whatever values I learnt from having you as a teacher has been a great asset for me now.

When I entered Secondary School, everyone I met and got along with very well, spoke good English. Well of course, I too, tried to improve my English. Haha! But well, yeah. English is one of the subjects I'm doing well in right now. In fact, I'm topping my class for English.

Well, hope to see you soon.

Keep in touch.

xoxo

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email reproduced with permission from the author

The Moodle is coming....

The Volume Song!

"length times width times height ..... gives you the volume"

Leave Your Old Self Behind

A lone runner makes his way along a lonely dirt track. A battle rages between the part of him that wants to stop and the part of him that wants to go on. As he pushes himself beyond his old limitations the new self leaves the old self behind.

Thank You for the Well-Wishes!

a well-wish card from most of my ex-P5B 2007 class

Hmmmm..... I wonder what's with the 'volleyball girl' and 'Minotaur' references. Can't say I remember anything about that :)

well-wish from my current class P5 Excellence

Anyway, thank you for the well-wishes and the thoughts you galz and guyz penned down.
I'm touched.