Last Training 28th Oct 2009

Most of our Exco members were involved in the 35th Anniversary Concert, so today's training hinged greatly on the remaining Exco members, as well as the teachers and our alumni. For example, our CO, 2LT (NCC) Gaius Lee led the corps in the Physical Training for the day. The sergeants sure learned a lot from 2LT Lee on how to properly conduct PT, as well as motivate the cadets to put in their best.

After their recess, the cadets separated into their individual parts to review how the entire year's programme has been. As they listened to the list of programmes and competitions that they have participated and excelled in, one could see the pride and satisfaction on their face, for they have truly went through a rich and exciting year in NCC. At the last parade, 2LT Lee briefed the cadets on any holiday programmes, as well as remind them to come to school on the 31st of December for their in-processing. The cadets were then dismissed with a 'Bersurai', and they left for home with a loud 'NCC' that thundered through the school!

Today's training may seemed as though it was a normal Friday training, but deep inside of everyone's minds, we know that it is the last day of formal training for the year. Feelings of joy and nostalgia were both present, for the cadets are happy that they will be enjoying their well-deserved rest after a whole year's of training, while at the same time, they would miss the chance to train with their fellow cadets in their No. 4. Let's look forward to next year's training everyone!

Friday Training 23rd Oct 2009

For today's training, most of our cadets went to East Coast Park for our Community Involvement Project. The cadets did their part in keeping the park clean as they went about the park armed with plastic trash bags and gloves. As a reward for their efforts, they were allowed to take a rest at a fast food joint while waiting for the bus to fetch them back to school. It is only through such a hands-on experience that the cadets would be able to learn the valuable lesson of taking ownership of the environment. Kudos to all our cadets for their servanthood to the nation!! =)

Friday Training 16th Oct 2009

One would think that with the ending of the exams, life would get slower for students in Henderson Secondary School. However, this is definitely not the case in NCC! Today's training was yet another day of fun-filled and adrenaline-packed activity for our cadets. Let us split ourselves and go through the different things happening at the same time during today's training.

First, we thank our Sec 4N students for coming back to NCC to help after they have finished with their N Levels. They helped us to lead some cadets to clear up the logistics in the NCC room. We look forward to seeing more of our alumni in helping out with the NCC, as their expertise and relationship with the cadets are irreplaceable.

Our Part C and some of our Part B cadets had the most fun during training today. They had the chance to use life-sized M16 lookalike air rifles that are able to shoot out pellets to engage in marksmanship training and competition. First, the vendor whom we partnered with taught our cadets about the basics of zeroing. The students then had the chance to try out their newly acquired skills with some Figure 11 targets. They were all excited whenever they step forward to check out their targets, wishing to know how accurate they have progressed through the day. Our vendors also went forward to instruct the cadets on their mistakes, praising them as well as they improved.

After the basic training, we started on the marksmanship competition for the day. The cadets were separated into different details, and each shooter was given 10 pellets to try out their aiming on soft drinks can. Thereafter, the real competition started: each cadet was only given 6 pellets to shoot down 5 soft drink cans. Based on the renown motto of "One shoot, one kill" for snipers, only when a cadet is able to use only 5 pellets to shoot down 5 soft drink cans, would they be eligible for the title of sniper. Detail after detail, our cadets stepped forward to shoot their targets. Some of our cadets were amazing, for we saw many snipers being born that day in Henderson =) This competition also served to let the teachers choose the best shooters from both Part B and C for the shooting competition that will be taking place near the end of the year.

Well, enough of the marksmen, so what did the Part A and the other Part Bs do? Our Part B cadets were taught more about Individual Field Craft by CLT Gerald, while our Part A cadets practised their foot drills and arms drills under the guidance of CLT Gary and some of Part B leaders. Speaking of which, with all the Part Cs participating in the marksmanship training, we were delighted to see CPL Nai Wee Kiang and CPL Ong Xiang Zheng stepping out to lead the corps in today's training. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Sec 2 cadets to train up their leadership skills.

Two more trainings before we stop CCA for the year. Let's make the most out of the remaining trainings! =)

Orienteering Training 15th Oct 2009

In preparation for the 29th NCC Orienteering Competition on the 22nd of October, Henderson NCC has partnered with Adventure Planet, an outdoor adventure training company, to train all our Part B cadets in the essential skill of orienteering.

Orienteering, also known as navigating or 'topo' (especially in the Army), is an indispensable skill for NCC cadets, or any student/soldier who has to conduct any activity outdoors. It encompasses finding one's way around using a compass and a map, as well as practical skills like pacing. Adventure Planet not only went through the theory behind orienteering, it also helped to conduct practical lessons, like helping the cadets to find out how many paces they have to take to cover 100 m. They were very engaged during the lesson as they could see how the theory they have learned can be translated into useful skills. It was thus heartening to see our cadets learning the theory and putting it into practice in one integrated lesson.

Friday Training 18th Sep 2009

Today is the last day of training before we stop for End-of-Year Examinations preparation! Knowing full well that we would not be gathering for maybe a month's time, our NCC cadets put in their all to make today's training a memorable and fruitful one.

3SG Ashwin took the corps through a session of mass stretching, before the different parts separated to do their own physical training. Part A cadets went for a 2.4 km training by jogging around the soccer field, while the Part Bs, after a short jog, decided to practice their foot drills. Our Part Cs focused on their pull-ups, and thereafter, all the parts gathered for a debrief before they broke up for recess.

The programme after recess was as follows: The part As would be instructed on their first lesson on arms drill by our experienced specialists: SSG Haziq, 3SG Iskandar, and 3SG Hafiz. The Sec 1 cadets were all focused on trying to learn the correct way to perform the arms drill, being excited to learn a new skill. The other Part Cs were also helping to train the rest of the cadets who needed practice and refinements to their foot drills.

(By the way, congratulations to SSG Haziq, SSG Jared Chong, SSG Geoffrey Sin, SSG Kee Wenjie and SSG Ng Bo Rui for successfully completing the hardest course in NCC: the Senior Specialist Course, and for being awarded the rank of SSG! =)

The Part B cadets went through a course on Individual Field Craft conducted by 2LT (Cadet) Gerald, learning about the nuances of strategic warfare, even down to the details of how to put forward a step in the correct way so as not to produce too much noise. A group of 7 Part B cadets were to go for their Live Firing exercise in the afternoon, and CLT Gary took them through some of the points to take note of when firing a rifle. After they came back from the Live Firing exercise, we found out that out of these 7 cadets, 5 of them obtained Marksmanship! Well done boys! NCC is proud of you ^_^

During the last parade, our deserving cadets received their certificates and badges for various courses that they have attended: SANA course, Total Defense Bronze (for the Sec 1s), and the Energy Efficiency Course. It was a joyous event, and all of the cadets were happy that their friends received the accolades!

Well, that's all for now. We want to take this chance to wish all the cadets all the best for their End-of-Year Exams! Gambatte! ^_^

Army Open House 2009 - 4th Sep 09

On the 4th of September 2009, selected Part A and C cadets went to Pasir Laba Camp to attend the annual Army Open House. It was an eye-opener for all of the cadets, as we saw a lot of cutting edge technology and equipment that is used by our 3G SAF fighting force. The cadets all had a chance to try out a laser tactical system, using which the cadets could engage in a 'gun-fight' using blanks, while the sensors that they wear detect whether they were 'shot' by the opponents.

Although the laser system was fun, it was the sunset parade which totally awed us and won us over! Leading the pack was the SAF Military Band, followed by a mobile bridge that could be deployed very easily in rough terrain. A group of cheerleaders performed amazing sequences that delighted the entire crowd, and yet the Precision Drill Squad from Deyi Secondary School did not lose to them in terms of the level of difficulty of their performance. The cadets from Deyi Secondary School excuted their drills with excellent dexterity, causing everyone to applaud without ceasing. Finally, the Music and Dance Company of SAF gave an amazing performance to top the entire parade, and all our cadets were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

It was really a day packed with fun and laughter, and at the same time our cadets learned more about how Singapore is equipped to protect herself with modern day technology. We undoubtedly gained more confidence in the future of Singapore, reiterating in our minds these words, "We ourselves must defend Singapore!"

Friday Training 4th Sep 2009

It's the last training of the term! Nevertheless, all the cadets had a fulfilling time as the day was packed with meaningful activities. Since there is no training next week, the Fitness Instructor 3SG Ashwin and the Platoon Sergeants led the corps in a morning of vigorous physical training. After the PT, NCC went for their well-deserved break, before gathering once again at 10 am for our first parade. ASM 3SG Jared led the corps in the recitation of the NCC pledge, and the corps broke up for the parts' individual training for the day.

CLT Seetoh taught the Part A about the M16 rifle, as well as the other essential information about Trainfire, while the Part B participated in the Mutual that was led by the specialists who are going for their Senior Specialist Course tomorrow. The rest of the Part Cs practised Freestyle Drill that was led by CPL Rizman.

A sudden downpour stopped the outdoors training, but the cadets continued to train under shelter. At the last parade, after various administrative matters were settled, CPT Lim, our dear Training Officer, wished all the cadets an enjoyable holidays, while at the same time reminding them to study hard and play hard at the same time.

P.S. In the coming weeks, there are quite a number of NCC activities. Please check the announcements at the top of this page for updates.

Friday Training 28th August 2009

It's Friday, and Friday means NCC day! Hooray! It was a rainy morning, and we could not start our day by having Mass PT in the parade square and the field. However, this did not dampen our spirits as the individual PSs led their parts to do physical training under shelter. Once it was safe to go outdoors, our cadets took the initiative to move outdoors to train.

After recess, Part A underwent foot drill training with their Part C seniors, under the supervision and coaching of our CSM 3SG Haziq. The Part A realized that their drill, as compared to their seniors, are still not up to par yet, but we could see that this realization motivated them to strive for even better performance, rather than cause them to be discouraged. Having the part C and the part A doing their drills together gave the corps a sense of camaraderie, as the cadets trained together without a distinction as to their ranks, but rather simply as cadets of the same corps. This exemplified what we recite weekly in the NCC pledge, striving together to better serve our corps and country! =)

The Part B learned about individual field craft (IFC) from the Cadet Lieutenants, while our PDS squad practised their Basic PDS Drills alone. These cadets will be going for a PDS selection test at HQ NCC on Monday 31 August 09. We wish our cadets all the best, and we know that they will be doing the best that they can.

Important: In the coming weeks, there will be a lot of activities and events for NCC. Please refer to the announcements at the top of this blog for more details.

Friday Training 21st August

CPT Ignatius Lim giving out the vouchers to

the winners of the NE Video Competition

It was a really exciting day for NCC today. During morning assembly, it was announced that NCC had won the NE Video Competition that was organized by the NE Committee! 10 Cadets from Part B, under the advice of Mr. Chui Kiam Ming, shot a video to explain the NCC's NE message of "We ourselves must defend Singapore". We obtained a high score of 92/100 for the competition, and our cadets won for themselves $100 worth of Popular vouchers. Well done boys! We're proud of you =) The 10 Cadets are:

• Faheem 2E1
• Tang Shi Xiang 2E1
• Andrew Leong 2E1
• Wei Da 2E1
• Iqabir 2E2
• Ong Xiang Zheng 2E2
• Alvin Ho 2E2
• Syed Rahman Khan 2E2
• Sebastian Goh 2E3
• Nai Wee Kiang 2N2

After the joyous start to the day, we started the day with our usual physical training. It was always uplifting to see the boys enjoy themselves while keeping themselves fit! Under the leadership of the Part C specialists and CLT Seetoh and CLT Gary, the cadets trained for the different stations of the NAPFA test. Some of our cadets, led by LTA Jayakumar, went to NCC HQ for their kit exchange as well.

After recess, the Part C cadets spent some time in the library preparing their presentation for the Heritage Trail that they just participated in the previous week, as required under the criteria to obtain the Heritage Badge. The Part B cadets underwent arms drill training led by CLT Seetoh, while the Part A cadets learned about IMT, being taught by their PSs 3SG Jard, 3SG Eugene, 3SG Iskandar, as well as CLT Gary.

The day ended with a bang as all the cadets cheered for our NE video winning team. As one corps, we suffer and glory together! NCC all the way!

Friday Training 14th August 2009

Today's training took place without our trustworthy Part C Specialists, as they went for their Heritage Trail with CPT Lim. Participation in this Trail is essential for the cadets to earn their Heritage Badge, and hence our entire Part C was not present for the most part of the today's training. The teachers had to run the show, and thankfully, CLT Gary came down to help out with the activities of the day. After today's training, we are sure that the entire NCC will be more appreciative of the leadership of the Part Cs, who helped to keep the entire CCA running smoothly.

Nonetheless, training for the Part As and Bs did not stop because their seniors were not around. After the PT session, the Part As were taught their Trainfire by CLT Gary, as a preparation for their upcoming IMT. They were also briefed on the details of Camp Forge which will be taking place in the later part of August i.e. this month. In this 2 days camp, the cadets will learn more about the military and other skills in HQ NCC. We are sure that the cadets are looking forward to such an exciting camp!

The Part Bs, on the other hand, revised on their IMT again. The cadets showed competency in the IMT procedure, and the revision went smoothly. As such, there was time for the cadets to rough it out on the soccer field, playing football among themselves. This was also an opportunity for the cadets to develop teamwork and keep themselves fit. The cadets had lots of fun, and we could see the esprit de corps of the NCC growing.

Friday Training 31st July 2009

Hi to all! It has been a long while since photos of our Friday Training has been uploaded onto this blog. Life seems different without NCC training on Friday, not only for the students, but for the teachers as well. The students in particular miss wearing their No. 4 in school, for the No. 4 signifies their part as the young fighting force of this country.

It was a day packed with fun activities: the Part A, having learned their stationary drills last semester, is advancing into the next stage of their training i.e. the marching drills. The level of difficulty of the marching drills is much higher than the stationary drills, for the cadets will now have to coordinate their marching with the execution of the drills. Part B, on the other hand, were totally engaged in learning what to do during their upcoming IMT. They just went for their Trainfire on Wednesday, and most probably IMT will be after National Day. Part C will be taking part in a Heritage Trail, and together with some Boys Brigade students, they were learning about the details of the Trail from CPT Ignatius Lim.

Next Friday will be National Day Celebration, so there won't be training for most of the cadets. However, we do have some cadets who are involved in the celebration. We wish them, as well as all the other people working hard to make this year's National Day Ceremony a memorable one, all the best!

Happy Birthday Singapore!! =)

UG Camp Day 3 - 29th May

The 3rd and final day of our UG camp has finally arrived! Today is supposed to be a more relaxing day as compared to the first 2 days of camp, with all the cadets reporting in their PT kit. The Part C cadets led the entire NCC in Physical Training, before the cadets parted for recess. After recess the Part A and B cadets had a good time sharing and bonding while they learned new songs and cheers. At the same time, our CO 2LT Gaius Lee led the Part C cadets in the preparation of the Strategy Games, designed for the Part A and B cadets to play and compete. The Part C cadets had some fun while preparing the stations, as they tried out the games themselves. After the preparation had finished, the Part A and B cadets started to play the Strategy Games. In a healthy spirit of sportsmanship and competition, the Part A cadets wheel-barrowed their peers across the field, before trying to land a frisbee in a target area. The Part B cadets, on the other hand, surprised the teachers even by thinking of new and very efficient strategies to complete the tasks set before them. All in all, the entire day was fun and adrenalin-packed!

With that, the semester has come to an end. The next time we shall be seeing the all the cadets would be the last Friday of the month, during checking-in. Till then, all the teachers of NCC wish our cadets happy holidays!

UG Camp Day 2 - 28th May

Today is the 2nd day of the NCC Camp, and the entire Corps went to East Coast Park to do our bit for the environment: the cadets donned gloves and took trashbags to the beach to help clean up the scenic venue. The cadets were very self-organized, and they enjoyed themselves as they went about the cleaning up. After the clean-up, the cadets were given around half and hour of relaxation time at East Coast Park before we set back for school.

After having recess in school, NCC once again boarded the bus, now for the Army Museum and Singapore Discovery Centre. Part C cadets went to the Army Museum first, while Part B and C cadets went to the Discovery Centre, where they learned about Total Defence in a most fun and exciting way. Let's talk about our Part C cadets first.

The Army Museum has kindly organized a tour guide, Mr. Frank Sng, to lead the cadets around the Museum. The cadets went to watch a movie about the army first, before going around the museum, immersing themselves in the exhibits and the stories of our soldiers. The cadets were visibly intrigued by the exhibits and the stories behind them, and time passed by quickly. The cadets even had the chance to try out a miniature Standard Obstacle Course at the Army Museum. Almost all the cadets tried the course 2 or 3 times, enjoying themselves thoroughly while competing against one another. Finally, before leaving for Singapore Discovery Centre, the Museum kindly offered to let our cadets have a go at the Firing Simulation Game free (which originally costs $6 for each try). The cadets put their training in firing to work there and then, and we could see some marksmen already!

The Part A and B cadets were led by professionals from the Singapore Discovery Centre to learn about Total Defence. For example, the Part B cadets had to put up a show to simulate what could happen if a MRT train was to be attacked by terrorists. Their stunning performance won the applause of the other students and the teachers alike.

After the tour, our cadets took the bus to go back to school, all looking forward to the next day of camp's events!

UG Camp Day 1 - 27th May 09

Today marks the very first day of the 3-days UG camp for Henderson Secondary School. Our NCC cadets reported to school in their uniforms, knowing full well that it will not be an easy first day: all 3 parts have to take their Proficiency Tests to prove that they have fully internalized whatever they have learned for the past few months. The tests were conducted by the neutral parties of Cadet Lieutenants and Specialists, namely CLT Gerald, CLT Gary, and MSG Halim. The cadets were tested in their turnout and their drills, and all in all, we are very pleased with the cadets' performance, as they exude confidence in showing what they have learned. After the tests, the Part A cadets were given the chance to play soccer and frisbee games, a well-deserved break that they all deserved.

What a satisfying day it has been! Let us look forward to the following day of camp activities!

Friday Training 22 May 2009

Last Friday, on the 22nd of May, Henderson Secondary School NCC has had her last formal training for the semester, after a few weeks of Mid-Year Examinations. During the training, the different parts focused on practising for their proficiency tests, which will take place from the 27th to the 29th of May, Wednesday to Friday of the coming week. 

Our Part A cadets were instructed on their foot drill by our experienced teacher, Mr. Jayakumar, principally because the Sec 3s were training to take over the leadership positions, as well as training for their own proficiency tests. It was heartening to see the Part A cadets fall in in their full uniform attire, looking smart in their Smart 4 (no pun intended ^_^).

Our Part B cadets were trained on their arms drill and their Individual Field Craft. CLT Gary led the cadets to practise the different kinds of crawls that are employed in the army: the baby crawl, the leopard crawl, and the worm crawl. It was evident that the cadets were enjoying themselves from the photos taken, as they went down near the mud and grass and tried out the different crawls together as a team. Some mini competition between the cadets took place amidst laughter and joy. The cadets showed that it was possible to have serious training and fun at the same time!

Lastly, the Part C cadets focused on refining their Mutuals, a difficult component of their proficiency tests where they have to instruct and lead their own peers. All the best, Part C!

Let us look forward to the upcoming 3-day NCC Camp! All the best, NCC! ;-)

PTA Car Wash CIP on 16 May 2009 (Sat)

The NCC cadets were part of the car wash team organised by the Parent-Teacher Association members. The commanders assigned the cadets into various teams consisting of ticket collection, car washing and drying stations. They washed and dried around 60 vehicles, including minibus, taxis and police cars. The cadets worked hard and enjoyed this meaningful CIP activity. The NCC would like to extend their gratitude to members and teacher-in-charge of PTA - Mrs Mak S E for co-ordinating this event and staff members for their support.

Friday Training 24th April 2009

Today is the last day of training before the mid-year exams start. In view of this, our cadets put in their all into the training, having a wonderful time with their friends as well.

The day began with a mass physical training, where the seniors led in a warm-up session, before the 3 parts separate into different stations and commenced with the actual physical training. The cadets rotated among the stations, and the vigor of the cadets' enthusiasm made the school alive with youthfulness! 

After the morning of physical training, the cadets went for a break, before gathering together again to recite the NCC pledge, something that NCC does every training so that the cadets are reminded of the core values, and learn to live up to NCC expectations of them. The Part C cadets gathered in the classroom to be instructed by CLT Gary regarding their Control and Command, an area that will be tested in their Specialist Course.

The Part B cadets engaged in an exciting day of arms drill, perfecting their skills under the supervision of 1SG Asaraf. It was particularly encouraging to see some cadets teaching their peers on the correct way to perform the drills, fostering their camaraderie through the demanding training.

After numerous weeks of training, it was evident that the Part A cadets were improving in their foot drills. Under the supervision of SSG Syahadat and 1SG Kar Leong, the Part A cadets braved the hot sun and focused on perfecting their drills. Kudos to our young NCC members! We look forward to seeing them improving in the other areas of the NCC training =)

With that, our teachers-in-charge, CO 2LT Gaius Lee, TO CPT Ignatius Lim, Mr. Jayakumar, Mr. Lau Teck Gun, and Mr. Chui Kiam Ming, wish all our cadets all the best for the exams! Study hard, and reap the fruits of perspiration! All the best NCC, cos we're the best!

Volunteer Thank You-Lunch at Henderson Student Care Centre

Henderson Secondary School's NCC, under the leadership of CPT Ignatius Lim, started on a long-term volunteer relationship with Henderson Student Care Centre starting from this year. Selected NCC cadets, who are in the running for the prestigious National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA), regularly visited the centre to tutor primary school kids who live around the region. During these past few months, both the teachers and the students established a cordial and warm relationship with the primary school kids, sharing in one another's lives. Although our students have had a long day in school, with some of the students rushing down from their D&T coursework to teach the students, they willingly went down to the centre every alternate Thursday. This was primarily not for the community service hours that they will receive, but more for the students themselves, whom they know are waiting for these 'Big brothers' from Henderson to come and teach, chat and play with them.

On Friday, 17th of April, the Student Care Centre organized a Thank you- Lunch for all volunteers, including our teachers and cadets, as well as the volunteers from other schools, like RJC and ACS. 9 of our students, as well as 2 of our teachers (CPT Lim and Mr. Chui), went down to the Centre for an afternoon of sharing and fun with the kids as well as the other volunteers. Near the end of the lunch, we were invited to speak to the students, as the cadets will be stopping their service at the Student Care Centre to focus on their Mid-Year Examinations. CPT Lim started the ball rolling, and it was plain that he really cared for and loved the kids as though they were his own. His rapport and interaction with the kids put smiles on our faces, and the kids thoroughly loved him! Truly, the kids made all of us feel young again, and teaching them helped our own students to take on the role of a leader and a role model to the kids. One by one, the cadets and Mr. Chui said a few words to the students, which could be summed up by what Marcus Cheong, one of our cadets said, "I did not teach them as much as they (the kids) taught us."

Let's hope that NCC can continue to serve the community through this avenue in the days to come! Good job guys! We're proud of you and your sacrificial service!

Friday Training on 17th April 2009

It has really been an exciting day of training for our NCC cadets! Our Part A cadets have just received their uniforms, and our outgoing ASM (newly promoted) MSG Danial taught them how to properly fold their Smart No. 4 uniforms. Thereafter, they learned more about the technicalities behind the M16 assault rifle as well as how to shoot the rifle, in preparation of their Individual Marksmanship Training. 

Our Part B cadets, on the other hand, learned about Individual Field Craft from CLT Gary (our alumni) and CLT Benedict, especially on how to contact the enemy. (For the reader's information, CLT Gary just graduated from the 57th NCC Cadet Officer course. Congratulations Gary!) The students were engrossed in learning about the different tactics to adopt when approaching a dangerous situation, as well as how to conduct a patrol and search of enemy soldiers. Their enthusiasm was unabated by the scorching Sun, making use of each and every minute to practice their newly acquired skills. 

The Part C cadets engaged in yet another day of training on the SAR21, with CLT Gary and CPT Lim leading the group in preparation for their Individual Marksmanship Training. We would just like to add one thing: when the Part C cadets were marching back to the parade square after their SAR21 training, they were singing loudly and proudly for the entire school to hear, while marching with exemplary postures. Their final song reverberated throughout the whole school, and all the other students in the school canteen stopped whatever they were doing to hear the cadets giving their all after a hard day's training! We're proud of you, Part C cadets!

Upcoming events

We're pleased to announce that NCC will be sending 3 students from Part C to participate in the preliminaries of the Hillary Challenge (Singapore), 2009. The preliminaries will take place on the 3rd and 4th of June 2009, and only 12 teams will be selected for the final phase that will take placed from 5th to 7th September 2009. The Hillary Challenge will challenge the youths to stretch their limits and abilities on many fronts including fitness, strategic thinking, knowledge and skills, leadership, ability to work with others and ability to think on their feet. As the teams will have to prepare themselves for a gruelling challenge, both mentally and physically, let us support and encourage them to excel during the preliminaries, in the hope that they will shine and be selected for the finals.

In addition, we are fielding 4 teams of 3 cadets (2 teams from Part B and 2 from Part C) for Henderson Secondary School 3rd Humanities-Inter UG Orienteering Competition 2009, which is taking place during the September holidays. Let's all root for our cadets, for we are sure that they will do us proud!

Friday Training on 3rd April 2009 & Affirmation Ceremony

MSG Halim Gafoor receiving his Outstanding Cadet Plaque and Certificate
from CPT (NS) Vincent Chia

It has really been an exciting day! The entire day has been packed with meaningful and fun activities for our cadets from all parts. The Part A cadets spent their morning training before recess learning from their seniors on the correct way to fire a M16 rifle. At the same time, the Part B cadets underwent training by CPT Ignatius Lim, our training officer, on the correct way to fire a M16 rifle in the prone position and a sandbag. Under the professional training, the cadets learned fast and we are confident that when the time comes for the actual Marksmanship Course, they will be able to perform the actions with minimal mistakes. Our Part C cadets were taught on how to conduct a Mutual Individual Field Craft (IFC) by their seniors as part of the requirements for their Specialist Course.

After recess, the Part A cadets trained in their foot drill routines, also as part of their Proficiency Training. The Part B cadets took turns to issue commands to their peers, as training for their upcoming test as well. It is a joy to see our cadets rising up to the occasion and taking on leadership roles in the Corps! The Part C cadets continued the training on IFC with their seniors, and at around 1030 am, the entire NCC moved up to the school hall for the decentralized NCC Affirmation Ceremony.

The NCC Affirmation Ceremony has two main aims: one, to officially welcome the Part A cadets into our ranks, as our family members, as well as recognize the contributions for outstanding cadets. For this year, MSG Halim Gafoor, a former student of HSS, has been award the pretigious Outstanding Cadet award from NCC HQ. We invited HSS's PWDD HOD, Mr Vincent Chia, who was also a Captain (NS) in the Singapore Army, to give out the award to Halim. In addition, many of our current batch of cadets also received their well-deserved promotion from our Commanding Officer, 2Lt Gaius Lee. Kudos to our cadets who were promoted! They are good role models for their juniors to emulate.

We ended the ceremony with a speech from 2Lt Lee, and all the cadets sang the National Anthem with pride and gusto, letting the school know how proud they are of the Corps! Well done NCC!

Friday Training on 27th March 2009

We welcome our cadets back from the March holidays with a fulfilling day of NCC training. This is the first week of Term 2, 2009, and there are already plenty of activities that we are looking forward to.

Our Sec 1 Part A cadets went through a lesson conducted by our ASM Danial and PS Syahadat on how to hold, aim and shoot the M16 rifle. This is to prepare the students for their individual marksmanship training (IMT) that will be coming soon. The students were intent on learning as much as they can from the experienced seniors, who taught them the nuances behind the assault rifle. After recess, the Part A cadets were trained in their foot drills. When they shouted the timing for the execution of the drills, their loud and determined voice echoed throughout the school.

The Sec 2 Part B cadets were briefed on the various Proficiency Tests that they have to undergo. Similar to their juniors, they were taught the M16 IMT requirements by our alumni CLT Gerald Seetoh. After recess, the cadets focused on their arm drills. They thoroughly enjoyed the chance to be able to learn a new set of drills.

Lastly, our Part C cadets were given a briefing on the changes in the SAR21 IMT requirements by CLT Gerald as well. For the Sec 3s, they will be undergoing their Specialist Course this year, which is a time of excitement for them. They continued with the trainfire on the SAR21 after recess, before joining the other parts for the last parade of the day.

Let's look forward to the next week of training!

Congratulations to our Prize Winners!

NCC would like to congratulate the following cadets for receiving subject prizes during Henderson Secondary School's 35th Speech and Award Giving Day:

Mohammad Rizman B Rashid - Computer Applications (Class in 2008: 2T1; in 2009: 3T1)

Aloysius Ng Shi Qiang - Mathematics (Class in 2008: 2T1; in 2009: 3T1)

Tan Kuan Kiat (Class in 2008: 3T1; in 2009: 4T1)
- Computer Applications
- HSS - PTA Merit Bursary Award

Danial Matin B Abdul Raup - Basic Malay (Class in 2008: 3T1; in 2009: 4T1)

Low Navin - Design and Technology (Class in 2008: 3N1; in 2009: 4N1)

Hameed Misbahuddin Rowther B M (Class in 2008: 3E1; in 2009: 4E1)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- 1st in 3E1
- 1st in standard
- Chia Kam Wing Award

Once again, NCC is proud of you guys! Keep up the good work!

Training on the 13th of March

We started off our last training day of Term 1 by patting the backs of our proud cadets who were a part of the Guard of Honour and Supporting Contingent of the Speech Day parade that was held the previous day (see post below for more information).  Indeed, they have done us proud, and we started the day full of joy!

Our cadets gave their all for physical training today, thoroughly enjoying the chance to 'sweat it out' with their fellow cadets. The physical training was expertly conducted by our student leaders, like CPL Ashwin who was a certified Fitness Instructor.

In the later part of the day, our Part A cadets were trained by our specialists on basic stationary drill. It was clear from their drills that their performance and discipline are improving. Through these drills, we hope to instill a sense of pride and discipline in our young cadets, transforming them into the future leaders of the Corps and the school.

Our Part B cadets underwent training by our alumni cadet, SSG Gary, in Trainfire on the M-16. SSG Gary explained the parts of the M-16 professionally, engaging our cadets in learning. In fact, SSG Gary will be attending the 57th Cadet Officer Course from 24th March to 11 April, 2009. Congratulations Gary!

Part C cadets were trained by our alumni cadet, CLT Gerald, in Trainfire on SAR-21. He used ICT professionally by displaying the information on SAR-21 on the Interactive Whiteboard, and explained about the nuances of the rifle to our interested cadets.

Let's look forward to another Term of training in the coming week!

HSS 35th Speech Day

(Our supporting contingent is at the left of the picture, while our Guard of Honour stood proudly before the various contingents, donned with white gloves on their hands.)

Henderson Secondary School successfully held her 35th Speech and Award Giving Day on the 12th of March, 2009. NCC had the honor of being both a part of the supporting contingent as well as the Guard of Honour (GOH) for the parade.

Our cadets, led by our dedicated specialists and alumni, trained hard for this day, believing that they must give their best and utmost to show their pride as student leaders of both Henderson Secondary school as well as NCC. Even on the day of the parade, our GOH trained under the hot sun, wanting only to present their best to the school. When the news that Cat 1 (Lightning alert) was raised by the weather station, and that the wet weather program could be utilized instead of the real parade, our cadets' disappointment was evidently seen from their crestfallen faces. In the end, the rain really fell, and the chances of having a parade seemed bleak.

However, after around 30 minutes, the rain miraculously stopped, and the Speech Day parade was held as planned! Joyous beyond words, our supporting contingent and especially our GOH put on a fine show before the Guest of Honour, Mr. Dennis Wong, Vice-President of the Parents-Teachers Association. Our Parade Commander from NCC itself, SSG Navin Low from 4N1, professionally showed off the pride of our school to the parents, teachers, guests and students of HSS. The drills performed by the GOH as well as the other supporting contingents were sharp and fine, like a blade refined through uncountable sharpening. The applause that rang from the hall which overlooks the parade square was evidence of the fine performance of all our Uniformed Groups!

Well done once again, NCC!

Friday Training on 6 Mar 2009

One more week, in fact only 6 more days to Speech Day 2009. The Guard-of-Honour and the supporting contingent had a combined full-dress rehearsal with the other uniformed groups of HSS. Under the hot sun, the students gave their all to prepare for their first parade of the year.

Part A underwent a talk on the structure of NCC by 2LT Gaius Lee (CO) after a drill practice. As for the rest of the cadets who were not involved in the Speech Day training, they had a fun time playing Captain's Ball.

Hopefully, on the 12th of March, the actual day of Speech Day itself, the weather will be fine so that our GOH and supporting contingent, as well as the other UGs can show the school and the guests the fruit of their training!

Friday Training on 20 Feb 2009

For NAFPA categorisation test, Part A did inclined chin-up. Part B did shuttle-run and Part C did sit-up. For sessions 2 and 3, Part A had basic foot drill training. Part B & C had speech day marching contingent rehearsal and advanced drill competition training. At the last part of the training, all Part A to D had a phototaking session together as one big NCC family.

Friday Training on 13 Feb 2009

For NAPFA categorisation test, Part A had Standing Board Jump, Part B had inclined chin-up and Part C had 600m run. For Session 2, Part A went through their uniform sizing. The Speech Day contingent had their combined rehearsals with other uniform groups, while the non-Speech Day cadets had foot drills session. For Session 3, Part A and the non-Speech Day cadets went through a brief introduction to Total Defence. The whole nation is celebrating Total Defence Day on 15 Feb.

Friday Training on 6 Feb 2009

For Physical Training, Part A and B cadets took the categorisation test for 600m run and Part C took their categorisation test for chin-up. During session 2, the unit rehearsed for the Assumption of Command parade for the incoming Commanding Officer (CO) - 2LT Gaius Lee. During his address, he informed all officers and cadets on the direction for the unit, and led the unit in reaffirming the NCC pledge. For session 3, Part A cadets learned about the NCC uniform. They had a hands-on experience on how to roll up the sleeves to Smart 4 and how to tie up the bootlaces. The Speech Day Guard-of-Honour contingent viewed a video segment on the proceedings of the parade. The officers also shared about their expectations and experiences. The Speech Day supporting contingent and non-Speech Day participants went through a basic expectations talk by the new CO.

Friday Training on 30 Jan 2009

Part A cadets officially joined NCC, HSS today. They went through a brief session on basic expectations while the Part B and C cadets rehearsed for the upcoming Speech Day parade. For PT, the cadets had shuttle run and stationary exercises trainings.

Friday Training on 23 Jan 2009

Part B and C cadets went through foot drill trainings for the upcoming Speech Day. Part A cadets had a brief introduction to NCC and enjoyed themselves through bonding games conducted by the commanders.

Outgoing Commanding Officer

LTA(NCC) Wardi, outgoing Commanding Officer, Henderson Sec Corps

We thank LTA(NCC) Wardi for leading the Henderson Sec Corps for the past few years and the positive impact he made as the Commanding Officer. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Once again, "Thank you, Sir!"

Combined UG Camp