CCA orientation
It was Friday, 11th January 2008. The day Montfort Secondary School had its CCA orientation. Cadets from Xinmin Secondary also came down to help us in the recruitment. There were drill performances put up by secondary 2 and 3 cadets, as well as gadgets on display. This year Montfort secondary school had additional secondary 1s enrolled in the school. Thus this year the number of sec1s was huge as compared to previous years. Rifles, drill canes, baton, awards photographs and many more items were displayed at the NPCC Booth. After the CCA orientation, the NCOs went to count the number of secondary ones; we manage to recruit 165 secondary students.
SGT (NPCC) Ashwin Jordan Pereira
Balloon sculpturing
During our previous NPCC training, 26th January 2008, on Saturday, the whole Montfort NPCC including the Sirs had participated in a balloon sculpturing session which lasted for a few hours.
The balloon sculpturing session which was conduct by the instructor, Mr. Chandra with his other two helpers, was fun-filled with enriching activities such as jokes, games magic tricks and best of all, the balloon sculpturing part. At first, the instructor taught us a few basic twisting. As the lesson continues, we learnt how to sculpt a sword, flower and even a balloon hat and bracelet to match.
Vertical Challenge
On 3rd February 2008, 11 Montfort NCOs participated in the 1st ever Sengkang West Endurance Challenge. The Challenge was to climb up 23 storeys n run down, run for about 3 km and climb up another block, which was 16 storeys. The participation fee is about $10. The race started at around 0830. It was a tiring one in deed! Running up and down the stairs was not easy. Each participant started the competition at a 20second interval. This was to prevent the congestion at the steps. There were road marshals along the route, they were of great help as they guided the participants on where to run and turn.
SGT (NPCC) Ashwin Jordan Pereira
NUS-NPCC .177 Air Rifle Competition
The Annual NUS-NPCC .177 Air rifle competition was held on 16th February 2008 this year. We were lucky to be able to participate in this competition. There were a total of three teams. We, sec 3s, were spilt into two teams and the last team was made up of the NCOs. We were given 10 target cards with one sighting card and 50 pellets each. We only ate up 5 minutes of our preparation time as we were late. Fortunately the real competition had not begun. The atmosphere was tense when the shooting began. . After the shoot was over, we waited for our results. When the result came out, most of us did not do well but all of us enjoyed ourselves.
CPL (NPCC) Ivan Ng
Campcraft Competition
On the 23rd of February was the campcraft competition held at HTA (Home Team Academy) whereby 154 schools are there competing with each other every two year. The criteria of the competition consist of the flagstaff, gadget and the shelter which had to be made using your own creativity. When we reached the place lots of people there making lots of noises cheering for their school campcraft team and the next thing you know you will be listening to the music made by the pecks. And for Montfort NPCC campcraft teams there are two campcraft teams one in the sec 4 and the other in the sec 3 teams, although the sec 4 teams. The Sec 4 NCOs told the sec 3 Junior NCOs what problems they encountered and how to counter it. That’s why we managed to complete everything within 7mins 20seconds
CPL (NPCC) Joel Tan
Participation in Marsiling Inter Unit Quiz
29th February 2008 marks the when our consistency finally paid off when we clinch overall first for the competition although it was so unexpected as there are many schools with strong competitors as well. The competition was organized by Marsiling Secondary School and was base on a quiz on History and Aspects of NPCC, including skills thought in NPCC and more regarding administration and the organization itself. Total there were totally approximate of 10 schools, each school represented by 3 NPCC cadets and one reserve. We cracked our brain juice into the quiz , making sure that we have work for has paid off for 30 minutes is given for completing the quiz which came in multiple choices. After the quiz has ended, we seem to be fall short of the goal as we suspected that we made many mistakes. After 25 minutes break, the results were announced, which is the average of the team score and we were surprise our school is mentioned as first, it was so close of the scores between the 1st and 2nd runner up.
SGT (NPCC) Ong Beng Liang
NPCC March Camp
On the 8th of March 2008, waking up one day, I got up from my bed, prepared for the camp that NPCC organised for us. After finishing my breakfast, I picked my camp bag with full of confidence, hoping to learn more drills and others from my NCOs.
Day 1 was fun, except for some mistakes during PT (Physical Training). We also learned field cooking in day. Field cooking was the first time I had cooked in my life. After field cooking, we went out to do some CIP work. We collected clothes, sorted them out and went to Sin Ming Drive, BLK 26. At night, we had BBQ. Day 2 came and the game has just started. We had the PT early in the morning. After PT, some of our hands were rough and swollen and some people skin was torn. Later during the day, we had our 3rd class drill training. We learned how to report attendance and learned a few PT kit drills. Next was our field cooking with limited rations. Later in the day, we were all ready for the meet-the-parents session. After the session, we watched a movie. After a tired day, we went to sleep.
The last day of camp, so sad, hope we had more days to learn, we had a fun time during to camp, no doubt and the NCOs get all the credits.
CDT (NPCC) Lester Koh,
Heritage Race
On the 14th of March 2008, 17 secondary 3 cadets took part in a Heritage Race. We went over to Ngee Ann Auditorium at 9am for registration. We were divided into small groups and complete the tasks that were given to us. During the race, we visited National Museum of Singapore (NMS); there is a history gallery of Singapore from the 14th century to current day. Besides visiting the National Museum of Singapore, we also visited the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM). The museum focuses on the Asian cultures whose influences have came together to form the unique Singaporean identity. The major galleries include the China gallery, Southeast Asia gallery, Islamic gallery and Singapore River gallery. Lastly, we went to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). This museum has the largest collection of Southeast Asian art in the world. Although, we got into the top few positions, it did not demoralize us as we had already done our best and learnt many fruitful things. In fact, everyone is a winner as each of the group can walk away with free movie tickets and more knowledge of Singapore.
CPL (NPCC) Winston Ong
My trip to Pulau Ubin
On the 15th of March 2008, my squadmates and I assembled in Palau Ubin. We were been split into 2 groups. Our seniors were here to overlook the amazing race at Pulau Ubin. Instead of finishing the race, it became a more like a learning trip to Ubin. We came to know more about the island itself and its wildlife. There was a checkpoint in which we need us to find pictures of a scarecrow’s eyes and a few others. Instead of bringing us to finish the remaining task, he told us that this trip to Ubin was supposed to be a geography lesson on Ubin and its wildlife. We were adviced not to focus too much on finishing the race. We were been taken another tour to learn on the outskirts of Palau Ubin. At one time, we were brought to jetties to catch crabs. It was very interesting. At the final checkpoint, we made a gadget out twigs and vines we found along the way. Although it was not a very good gadget, it had a unique appearance. Overall, I feel that the trip was a great success. Everyone had fun and we learned a lot of things like map reading and survival skills.
LCP (NPCC) Vianney Ang
NPCC Annual Parade 08
On the 12th of April 2008, my unit arrived at the Home Team Academy. It was still early, when the NPCC band marched into the parade ground. Ten supporting contingents led by their contingent commanders marched out onto the parade ground with the flag bearers. Next, came the two Guard-of-Honour contingents. Their marching formations in the parade were fantastic. Soon after, the reviewing officer, Mr Masagos, arrived and started his inspection on the Guard-of-Honour. Once the inspection was over, it was time to present the UOPA awards to Gold Units. At the end of the parade, the parade commander gave the command for the march off. One by one, all the contingents left the parade ground starting. The day ended with a performance by an adventurous Precision Drill Squad. I feel that this year’s NPCC Annual parade was great and if given the chance, I would definitely come again to give my juniors and squad mates my support.
CPL (NPCC) Vianney Ang
Civil Defence
On the 29th of May 2008, we were been sent to the Yishun Fire Station for our Civil Defence course. First, we were been brought to the theaterette for our lesson. The course started off with a theory lecture, followed by a proficiency test. We embarked on the lesson to treating various types of wounds and fractures.
After lunch, we went to the hall to learn various methods on bandaging injuries. Then, we were been demonstrated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to revive victims of cardiac arrest and choking etc. After the demonstration, we went back to the theatrette for more lessons. We also watched some short clips on fire safety and a overall summary of civil defence. Soon, we had our proficiency test. On the completion of the test, we had a practical exercise with fire extinguishers. It was a really fruitful experience for me!
LCP (NPCC) Varrick Ang
Leadership Camp
On the 18th of June 2008, my squad of secondary three cadets were ask to arrive at 6 in the morning to set up the command and medic post. It was a busy morning, where everyone was running here and there. After setting up the posts, there was a physical training session. The session lasted about two hours. Afternoon was filled with multiple changing parades and arm drill sessions.
In the evening, we had to pitch up our own tents within a limited amount of time but yet we still exceeded the time given. Dinner was followed up. After dinner, we had an interview regarding our post allocations of our NCO career. As there were too many cadets, the interview had to be pushed to another day so that we could sleep.
At the 2nd day of the camp, we started off the day by having physical training, followed by breakfast. Drill sessions came in next. It lasted until lunch at the end of this session. After lunch, we had another 2nd class drill revision and test that lasted until dinner. After dinner, we had a campfire preparation. Once finished with our night run, we went for a wash up, and finally back to sleep.
During the 3rd day of NCO camp, there was a campcraft test. Our sir told us that we have to tie eight different knots in 1 and a half minute with one metre twine. Most of us passed the campcraft test and got our campcraft badge. The next activity was on 2nd class drill revision.
During the first half of the drill session, the squad was very demoralized but we managed to pull up our morales and we did better in the second half. After drill session, we had a final campfire preparation and the squad was been split up to do their respective allocations. During the campfire, song leaders have to lead the sec 1 and 2 to sing in the campfire. It was quite a challenge for our squad to conduct a campfire and we made mistakes here and there. Overall. I think we did quite well.
The 4th day of the NCO camp was the last day. We had 2nd class drill revision. After, we had an end parade and some of us got promoted to sergeant. We also got our 2nd class and campcraft badge. During this camp, I have learnt a lot of things like teamwork, initiative and many other more qualities. I also feel that my squad has excelled in this camp and we will achieve more when we are NCOs.
Sgt (NPCC) Lee Sheng Jie
Sgt (NPCC) Vianney Ang
Visit to Hougang NPC (Neighbourhood Police Centre)
After assembling in school, we got ready for the trip to Hougang Neighbourhood Police Centre. Our squad was been separated into 3 smaller squads, naming “A”, “B” and “C”. Accompanied by a few NCOs and a Teacher Officer, we were been split into two rows and took a quick walk to the NPC. Within minutes, we managed to reach the NPC and were warmly welcomed by the officers there. We quickly settled down and listen attentively to Staff Sergeant Yap.. Then, there were displays by Staff Sergeant Yap’s fellow juniors.
They were quite well-designed, and one that really caught my attention was called the “Secure Box”. This secure box is to cater the needs of young teenagers to secure and take care of their belongings while having their activities. This box is attached with two bells. When the lid of the box is been lifted up, the bell will sound. In this way, they will be notified when any thief attempt to steal their belongings.
Later, we were been proceeded to view the temporary holding room. The purpose of this room is to hold up suspects before they were been taken for interrogation of victims etc. Next, we went to a briefing room to see a video. The video showed us on how pick pocketing and thieving works and how we can prevent it. Then, our own NCOs presented a slideshow that was especially for Staff Sergeant Yap. At the end, we returned back to school. We had a great day at the NPC and had a better knowledge about NPC.
CDT (NPCC) Lester Koh Chong Jie
First-Aid Course
On the 23rd June 2008, Sec 3 representatives attended a first-aid course where they will be trained to be Emergency First-aid Responders. There are two parts to this course, the primary and the secondary care.
Besides applying skills to aid a person, they also educate us with good Samitarian laws that protect us from being sued by the victim should we provide the wrong aid.
Next, we had hands-on CPR. Before doing that, we need to wear a protective mask and gloves to prevent infection during the assessment.
After the practical lesson, we proceeded to secondary care. In this part, we are been taught on how to regain the casualties’ consciousness in an emergency situation. It’s about gathering information for the paramedics.
After all this, we are been test to determine if we are qualified to be an emergency first responder.
Cpl (NPCC) Ooi Wei Qiang
Overseas expedition trip to Perak
On the 23rd of June 2008, 10 Sec Three cadet leaders, representing Montfort NPCC Unit, went for an overseas expedition trip to Malaysia, Perak. We board the coach and started an eight-hour journey to Perak.
By the time we reached Perak, it was already in the morning. We have breakfast at YMCA Hotel and we headed straight to a cave called Gua Tempurung for our caving activity. When we reached the cave, it was huge with vegetations stranding all over the mountains. Before the caving activity, we wore our helmets strapped with headlamps and the whole expedition group took a picture with a school banner.
The caving activity started off with a dry entrance. Immediately, we submerged into the wet stream in the cave. There were bats’ echoes too and they were quite strange. It was very cold and soon, the cave got darker. Luckily, we had headlamps throwing light in the cave. As we go deeper, the tunnel gets smaller. We had no choice but to go down on all four limbs and leopard crawl all the way till we get to the lesser constricted areas of the cave.
After completing the tunnel, we had an adventurous slide-down the smoothest landscape of the cave. I was nervous as it was quite steep, and it does require a lot of courage. When everybody has completed the slide-down, we had to return to surface. Halfway climbing up, a huge ghastly sound can be heard from up the cave. It was wind entering the cave.
We learnt how to overcome our fears of darkness. Soon, we went for a wash-up and had lunch. “Loading-up” was over and we head for our next activity, white-water rafting. Upon reaching the whitewaters, we were been briefed by our instructors on safety measures. Then, we will have to undergo a water-confidence test before our activity starts. Next was another briefing on paddling techniques and we were ready to go for the rafting.
During the rafting, we encountered a lot of rapids. Our raft had already gone quite far and a clear competitor appeared in our sight- our squad mates. Our squad were been split into two groups and we ensure that we were the fastest among the rest. Closing to the finishing line, we decided to compete. With our usual timing, we head on with constant acceleration. The finishing line is very near to us now. Both groups used all their energy conserved during the rafting and at the end; we hit the finishing line at the same time!!!
We went for a drying-up and head back to Gua Tempurung. We went back to YMCA club and have dinner. We were all tired after the dinner, and the coach led us to our new hotel. It’s a three-star hotel. Then, we were been split and organised into our respective rooms.
The second day of the trip has arrived, and we prepare our backpacks for the next activity-the visit to Orang Asli settlement. Before that, we had a buffet for breakfast. After the assembly of the whole group, we went for our next activity. Upon reaching the Orang Asli settlement, the tour guide led us to the various parts of the settlement. Attap huts were the only shelters for settlers and domestic animals. The settlers also used latex as their source of livelihood.
We head on for our next activity, hiking. After a few hours on coach, we reached natural vegetation. From here, we can also see the Gua Tempurung super-geological wonder. Then, our tour guides presented us with the traps that they constructed and they taught us to use a blowpipe, to hunt animals. After that, we went to the waterfall for our lunch.
After hiking, all of us were tired and we returned back to our coach. Then, we went to a shopping centre to shop. A Thai restaurant was booked for us for dinner on our way. We had a filling dinner and by then our activities for the 2nd day and night have completed. Tiredly, we returned back to hotel and had a rest.
The last day of the trip has arrived and our final activity was shopping! All of us were packing our things and we assemble to leave the hotel with our luggage. We went for breakfast and then head on to Mid-valley for shopping. Mid-valley was around three to four times as big as Takashimaya in Singapore. After, we went back to coach and finally, another 8-hour journey to Singapore had begun! This was my first time in going overseas with the squad. Sure, we do bond a lot!
Cpl (NPCC) Shannon Chan Fuchen
Article for ATC
On the 25th July 2008, ATC was held at Pulau Ubin which helped us to learn many things and make new friends. When we reach Pulau Ubin jetty, we started walking towards the campsite. When we reached the campsite, we settled down in the canteen to wait for the other schools. When all schools are present, all schools reorganised into six groups.
After the organisation, we went to get rations. After that, we drew out tentage. After finishing, we went for wash up. Followed up were dinner and game sessions all six groups. Next morning, we fall in at the canteen to report strength and had a sing along session in preparation for the campfire. We proceeded to low elements and kayaking. All groups were back from their activity and the next activity was campfire. We were enjoying throughout the whole campfire.
Last day of camp, all the cadets were happy and looking forward to go home. But before going home, we need to clean up the whole campsite and wash the ground sheets. After area cleaning, we fall in and took our belongings. The whole ATC camp was a very good learning experience and a wonderful camp.
LCP (NPCC) Ryan Chua
Area Six Survival Training Camp
On the 25th July 2008, Area Six had their annual Camps at Pulau Ubin had their Survival Training Camp (STC).
The journey to the NPCC resilience camp was enjoyable and everyone was looking forward to it. Soon, other schools arrived and the whole Sec 3 cohort was organised into their groups. The first activity was to draw out the rations and tentage equipments. We had some activities before dinner. After dinner, everyone had a sing-a-long session with the CIs in preparation for the campfire. It was around 11.15pm when the song session ended. We had to go to out selected tents. We had our nights at 11.45pm.
The second day, at 6am, we had Physical Training (PT). After PT, we had our breakfast till 9am and the group activities would start. As for my group, we started fire starting. It was fun, but challenging as our resources were damped by the rain. Shelter building was exciting and each group would have to compete with each other in two teams. Through these activities, we learn to build an outdoor shelter and a fire for SOS. Treasure hunting was challenging but we were given clues by the CIs on the destinations locate them with a map. It took quite a while as the clues were tough to decode. In the end, we managed to find our way through, just like the other groups. Lastly, we were instructed to collect firewood for the campfire. Rafting was also a fun activity as we get to refresh themselves. The building of raft was the tough bit as much coordination was needed for the raft to be constructed.
After the day’s main activities, all the groups would have their wash up and dinner before the campfire preparations. Next! The actual campfire has arrived, and the Sec 2s came over to join us. Everyone gathered, and the Guest-of-Honour for the campfire was ASP Vincent Loh, OC of Montfort Secondary School. The campfire was fun and exciting as it includes dances from the campers and CIs themselves. The campfire reached climax although the flame was small.
During the last day, the main activity was area cleaning. Groups were given different tasks for area cleaning. Later, the announcement of both the best male and female campers was made. The best male camper was Jaren from Montfort Secondary School and the best female camper was Olivia from Anderson Secondary School. Finally, Group Three was announced as the best group. At the end, we had a photo taking session with the officers and the camp was ended. Everyone had learned many new things and met many new people in this three days two nights camp.
CPL (NPCC) Jaren Lee
VISIT TO THE K-9 UNIT ARTICLE
On the 3rd of July 2008, Montfort Secondary School visited the K-9 unit together with the Sec 1s. My squadmates and I were seated in front of the field. After a short while, the instructor came and introduced himself with a general description of the K-9 unit.
After a short speech, there was a performance staged by the staff members. It was about two robbers holding a hostage and being caught by the police with the help of the dogs. After that, the instructor led us to the briefing room on the unit’s history, the different species of dogs and branches of the K-9 unit in Singapore.
When the session was over, the instructor led us to visit some of the tamed dogs. The dogs were been bathed when we reached there, and the instructor gave everyone a signal to go and pat the dogs. After, the instructor told us to go back as it was time to leave.
All the other schools left while Montfort stayed behind to take a few shots before we all went home. What a memorable day! How I wished I could receive another opportunity to visit the K-9 unit again.
CDT (NPCC) Desmond Tan
Visit to Ang Mo Kio Land Division
On the 13th of August 2008, 19 Montfort NCOs and a few Teacher Officers made a visit to Ang Mo Kio Land Division for Land Division visit. We reported at 3.20pm, and were asked to wait for a presentation in the lecture theatre. After we settled into the theatre, we waited for another school that supposedly arranged to be there. However, they did not turn up and we started without them.
We first watched a 10 minute video about the different Land Divisions all over Singapore and the NPCs they were in-charge of. Then, we had a presentation on crime prevention. The presentation included 5 preventable crimes.
Also, we learnt the penalties of committing these crimes and how to lodge a police report. The most important message of the presentation was to ‘spread the message of crime prevention to our loved ones’. We were then asked a few questions to test on what we have learnt from the presentation before watching another two videos. Lastly, we were shown and taught about the equipment, which included the Taurus .38 revolver with laser and the retractable baton, which the officers brought on every patrol. After that, we were each given a goodie bag and dismissed from Ang Mo Kio Land Division. All of us had a fruitful tour to the Land Division.
CPL (NPCC) Galvin Lim
Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP)
On the 25th of August 2008, Montfort NCOs attended the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme organized by the Singapore Civil Defence Force. It has five modules to educate and prepare the students on what to do during an emergency. The first lesson is on First Aid, which teaches us on doing injury assessment for casualties. We also learnt how to treat severe injuries such as fractures and amputations.
We learnt about other things like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). It aims to get the heart pumping again. It consists of two components, the chest compressions and rescue breathing. CPR has five cycles which each cycle consist of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths into the casualtie’s mouth. They taught us the steps in CPR and what can we do to assess him further.
Last of all, we learned fire fighting and safety measures. We’ve also learned how to evacuate the public during fires and also what to do when a fire is in your house. Many people think that their house won’t be on fire and they don’t install fire extinguishers or smoke detectors in their houses. Little do they know that these safety measures can save them from a raging fire. By learning all this, I will be more prepared in handling such emergencies and will play my part in helping out in my community.
Although I’ve learned many skills, I will teach my cadets as well as the people around me. I hope that I will be able to put my skills to good use.
CPL (NPCC) Lee Xing Qian
Next! … JAPAN trip coming up on 12 November… So! Stay tune…
TO BE CONTINUED…
