Book Bonanza and iCharacter Competition

by Hedwig Mui & Izzati Sufri.

If you can read this, thank a teacher.

The heading itself says it all. Reading, why do we read? Why do we need to read? What’s so important about it? Well, on Thursday, 12th April 2012, our school had a Book Bonanza and our guest of honour, a wise man told us about how reading will help us in our future lives and how it would be essential and beneficial for us. 

Take some time to think about it, what if you could not read? You wouldn't even be reading this then. It would be difficult for you and people around you in your everyday lives. It would be difficult in terms of education, your social life and even looking for jobs. In the society we're living in today, not many people would want to employ someone who cannot read. So be thankful to your teachers and parents who taught you how to read. 

On the same day, we had presentations by the iCharacters participants. iCharacter is a competition among students to dress up as their favorite book character. The participants were asked to dress up as their favorite book character and make a poster out of it including the character’s appearance description and why they choose this character. They were given 4 days to finish the poster which was due on the 7th April. The competition is judged based on their posters and presentation. The judges are Miss Aida and Miss Joyce.

Each participant went up stage, dressed up in their desired characters. They explained to us about their role, their reason why they chose that character and how their personality matches up with their character's personality. There were a lot of interesting information told that we never knew.

According to Tinah Marzuki, one of the contestant. “ I had spent a lot of time on icharacter actually. I did a lot of research and I reread some of the chapters of the book that I chose (Alice the Wonderland). I also had to pick a suitable costume to fit my role as the White Queen.”

“I thought the iCharacter was a way to encourage people to get involved with books. Nowadays, books have become last resorts and by this, it's a start to restoring the habit of reading once again. The presentation was a good way of showing people how well you knew the book you were talking about, and hopefully it was appreciated that we spent time to share why we love the book we presented” said Yassamin binti Ahmad Zainal.

The first place went to "The Three Musketeers", second place went to Alice in wonderland's "Queen Of Hearts" and third place went to "The Joker". The other participants were also there dressed beautifully. Here are some pictures to share.

Yassamin Zainal as 'Queen of Hearts'

 Jeeah Phm and her friends as 'The Three Musketeers'

Haziq Sheh as 'The Joker'

 Izzati Sufri as 'The White Queen'

Tinah Marzuki as 'Cleopatra'

Revised by Joanne Lim.

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Swimming Competition

by Frederick.

A swimming competition known as '20th Brunei Age Groups' took place at the national stadium from 12th April to 15th April, 2012. On this particular event, many strong teams of swimmers such as MICIA, MASA, SKIM, JIS, RBRC, and DSC from various schools have participated in this event. They were very confident and some looked even stronger than ever.

Among all of these swimmers, one was actually from PTEK and her name is Patricia Chong. She and her team had been to many competitions before and she was ready to face another challenge. Parents of the participants showed up at the event and were seen sitting together watching the competition take place. The race was 100m. Patricia with her opponent of the same age did the butterfly swim, rushing towards and back to the point.

After the event had ended smoothly, the results were out. All the swimmers were very nervous, eagerly wanting to know the outcome. The results were as expected, we congratulate our beautiful swimmer from DSC (Dolphin Swimming Club), Patricia Chong for winning 2 golds, one silver and one bronze and were satisfied by it. If there is another swimming competition, we sure know that Patricia will be up against it and will be hungry for even more gold medals.

Here are some pictures to share.

Patricia posing with her medals that she won 

Revised by Joanne Lim.

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The Mass Movement Trip

by Haziqah Amin.

On Saturday, the 7th of April, geography students from PTEK had a trip around Brunei-Muara district called 'The Mass Movement Trip'. Its purposes were to visit places in the district where there are mass movement or hill slopes occurring. There were 20 students who take Geography from PTEK involved in this trip. 

The trip started at around 2.15PM. They first went to Bukit Katok, which is located only a few meters away from PTEK. After having a few sights on hill slopes, they left the place and went to Bukit Telanai next. Mass movement, also known as mass wasting, is the downward movement by gravity of rock, regolith (loose, weathered rock) and/or soil on the sloped top layers of the Earth’s surface. It is a significant part of the process of erosion because it moves material from high elevations to lower elevations. It can be triggered by natural events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flooding but gravity is its driving force. Fortunately for us, there has not been any reported cases of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions happening in Brunei. In Brunei, having tropical rain forest as its climate, what usually triggers these processes is the soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall. 

'The hill slopes in Mabohai were the most obvious ones. You could see patches where there used to be trees growing and not see them there anymore after being washed off by heavy rainfalls' said Aziemah from AE 20, describing the sight she was having when they visited some hills in Mabohai. 

It was a knowlegdable trip as they had learnt a lot regarding mass movement and hillslopes from it. Hopefully the trip could help them in their understanding about this particular topic and thus, assisting them in their exams. 

“Knowing where things are, and why, is essential to rational decision making”- Jack Dangermond, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

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Japanese Club Learning Session

By Fazrenna Mks.

On Monday, 16 April 2012, the Japanese club had a short session whereby the president, Khariul Ariff, taught the Japanese language to the members of the Japanese club, both AEs and BEs.

The students were informed that they have to be in the session at about 2:30PM at the english room 15. As many as 20 students turned up for the session. As the session got to a start, the students became very enthusiastic in learning the Japanese language.

Some of what they learned in the session:

Youbi (days)


Sunday - Nichiyoubi
 日曜日 

Monday – Getsuyoubi 月曜日 


Tuesday - Kayoubi
 火曜日 

Wednesday - Suiyoubi
 水曜日 

Thursday - Mokuyoubi
 木曜日 

Friday – Kinyoubi 金曜日 


Saturday - Doyoubi
 土曜日

President's favourite word:

Holidays/break –Yasumi

休み

Info for Japanese club members: The next meeting will be on next Monday. Time will be from 2.30 until 4.30PM.
 The venue will be announced at a later date ;)

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New year, New school, New opportunities!

by Chok Siong Wee and Hedwig Mui.

On 12th and 14th of April 2012, the young and new generation of PTEK, fresh off of high school, came for interviews to join the student authority of the school ie. The student council and prefects. “ I’m so nervous, I really don’t know what to say !” says one of the candidate. Fortunately enough, the prefects and student council members helped them ease up on the stress by writing up motivational and uplifting messages on the boards to help calm their nerves.

“At first I felt so stiff, I couldn’t even breathe, but after the prefect gave a gentle laugh and smiled at me, I really feel more comfortable with them. I could actually be me with them” says a student after an interview with the bureau of CCA and Public Relation. This interview helps strengthen and mould the students, the future of tomorrow, to be ready for the problems that they may face in the future when they apply for job and be well-motivated before any future confrontation with their senior colleague at work.

There are numerous outstanding students, equipped with grades that shot sky high and well-mannered personality stumble upon answering the question “So what makes you think you’re up for the tasks we handle here as the student council”. The answer that came about after the question would start off a bit shaky, but the sentences are finished with a bang, bringing the student council shocked in awe.

“From my point of view, the students did quite well. They had injected great confidence and shown immense passion during the interview” said Joanne Lim, a prefect from the bureau of Public Relations.

Although the students may not know what obstacles that lies behind the duties of the student council, the student council and prefects know what they saw in them. Their potential--potential to be the next leaders that guides PTEK into a better college of tomorrow.

“It isn’t only just how they look, dress and the way they talk during the interview. It is how they how they show us their true individual selves that makes the difference. We want to know what they can do, and how would they do it.” Says one of the prefects on duty. A large number of different candidates may show a large variance in attitude and presentation-wise but only a few could stand out with a difference in personality, the interviews tests both their ability to perform well as well as testify their words through the their personality behavior.

Working swiftly and efficiently, the members of the student authority worked, asking questions and writing reviews on the individual candidates. At the end of the day, the student council members who gave the interviews, smiled; heart filled with hopes, to feel that the next generation could do so much better.

“I can do it” said the candidate, pumping himself up before entering the interviewing room.

 We can do this.

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VIP Day

by Caroline Tan.

FRIDAY,16TH APRIL 2012 – We had our 1st VIP day for upper sixth students. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Hall in Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok from 8.00am to 11.00 am. It was a huge success because most of the parents, and even the students themselves showed up. The parking lot was all filled with cars. One parking space would be quickly filled by another car, that’s how much the parents care about their children’s education you see. 

The most common questions asked were: 'How’s my child doing academically?', 'Why is my child not doing well?', 'What should be done to help my child?', 'How’s my child’s behavior in class?'. The best thing about VIP days is that teachers are not afraid to tell you what they think when they are asked. They might tell you positive things like: 'Congratulations, you are doing well! Keep it up!', 'No problem at all, just keep up the good work and keep working hard', 'Maintain where you are and the future is in your hands!' or negative things like: 'You have to focus harder in class', 'You could have done so much better', 'Practice more, revise more, you will achieve more'. 

Whatever kind of feedback you get from your teachers just now, they are useful ones. If it’s a positive feedback, then you use that to motivate you to maintain where you are right now! If it’s a negative one then don’t be too sad. Don’t be demotivated at all! Motivate yourself, change yourself and the next time VIP day comes, you will surely get lots of positive feedbacks! After all, VIP days are held to help you realize what your flaws are so you could improvise them! Make good use of that! So in the end, parents were satisfied with useful information. 

Students who had gone with their parents on the other hand, knew exactly what should be done to obtain better grades now. Upper six students are reminded that, AS exams are very near. I will be posting up another article on how to prepare for that one!

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Geography Field Trip To Tasek Lama

By Al Faidz

One way of learning geography is to study them hands on and on 30th March 2012, geography class L2.1 consisting of the lower six students had a field trip to Tasek Lama. This trip is lead by the geography lecture himself, Sir Ramarao. With the permission PTEK, permission slips were given to the student who are participating to inform their parents about the educational trip. PTEK conducts these kind of trips not just for the geography students, but also for students who are interested. It all depends on the subject and availability of the lecturers. 

The trip to Tasek Lama was enjoyed by students where they were given chances to observe up close and also given on field explanation on the respective subtopics of Hydrology. As many as 18 students were given the opportunity to observe the shape of the drainage basin of Tasek Lama, the seepage of water, the process of percolation and also some other upcoming topic which haven't been taught to the students. Judging from the students' response, many of those contribute in the trip by asking questions, observing the process and also increase their understanding and ability in answering questions on spot and off spot. Such that student can imagine what they see.

At the end of the day, Sir Rama quoted “What’s more important is not what you need to learn, but what you know. Don’t just be a book smart person, be a smart person, be an A* student!”

Revised by Joanne Lim.

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Chinese Club

by Hedwig Mui & Chok Siong Wee.

Hey guys! I’m a Chinese and I’m here to tell you some interesting facts about the Chinese language. First of all, the Chinese language (华语-simplified chinese/華語-traditional chinese) is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages. About one-fifth of the world's population, or over one billion people, speaks some variety of Chinese as their native language. Some examples of dialects are such as Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, FooChow and etc.

As some of you guys may know, there’s a new club that just started this year and it’s the Chinese Club! It’s supervised by 4 Chinese teachers in the school and its president is Chai Kah. On the first meeting of this club, we had a Chinese New Year celebration with lots of biscuits, cakes and drinks! Too bad I have no pictures for that but I’ll show you some from a Chinese New Year celebration at home. 

Traditional cakes eaten during Chinese New Year

Just two weeks ago, we had our second meeting and the president taught us numbers in Chinese. It was so much fun. We learned how to write, how to pronounce and how to put them into use. Last week, during the third meeting, we learned how to address our family members, such as father, mother, brother, sister, etc.

Chinese characters

This club is not only open for Chinese students, it’s for everyone. So if you are interested and want to join, just look for the president, Chai Kah!

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No Styrofoam Saturday

By Frederick.

As most of us might have known, we had the no Styrofoam day last Saturday and rumor has it that no Styrofoam day in PTEK would only last for a day with food vendors selling food without the use of Styrofoam plates and cups. But is that so? NO. We're here to prove that wrong. We are to work together to make every Saturday, no Styrofoam day in PTEK. With everyone's help and cooperation, I am sure that we will definitely succeed. 

First of all, what is Styrofoam?  

Styrofoam is actually made from foamed polystyrene which starts off as small spherical beads that contain an expanding agent called hydrocarbon. The polystyrene beads are then heated with steam, as the expanding agent boils, the beads soften and expand up to forty times their original size. The expanded beads are left to cool down before being heated again. However, this time the beads are expanded within a mold. The molds are designed in a variety of shapes depending on the desired end product for example: Styrofoam cups, cartons, wig stands, and more. The beads completely fill the mold and also fuse together. Styrofoam is about 98% percent air.

Who is the inventor of the Styrofoam?

Ray McIntire

How did he thought of inventing the Styrofoam?

The Styrofoam was invented accidentally. According to Ray, his invention came when he was originally trying to find a flexible electrical insulator during World War II.

How is Styrofoam harmful?

Styrofoam which was created by Dow Chemical Company scientist, Ray McIntire in the 1970′s as a insulation device has no made a huge impact on our daily lives. You can see Styrofoam almost everywhere. It is being used as hamburger cartons, coffee cups and even house hold construction products were made out of Styrofoam. The production of Styrofoam products included the use CFC. CFC is an organic compound that contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer and thus, the use of CFC was then banned in 1989 that so many companies stopped using products made with Styrofoam including McDonald’s (voluntarily). Production methods changed so there was no longer CFC pollution in production but many of it's ill effects remain. Styrofoam also does not decompose and breakdown easily and it releases chemicals when it gets in contact with water and therefore, contaminating our water supply when it is not disposed properly.


By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue taken as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects.

What are the real health effects of eating and drinking food from Styrofoam containers?

As styrene from Styrofoam is said to ooze into the food and drinks we consume using Styrofoam containers, World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer had stated that long-term exposure to small quantities of styrene is suspected of causing:

– low platelet counts or hemoglobin values;

– chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities;

– neurotoxic effects due to accumulation of styrene in the tissues of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, resulting in fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and other acute or chronic health problems associated with the nervous system.

Now, take some time to think about it. Everyday in school, we use AT LEAST 400 Styrofoam containers per day. My question is, is it really worth it, to use the very convenient Styrofoam even though the effects of it affects our health? I have asked several students how they feel about the Styrofoam day and most of it said that it is not quite helpful as the stall vendors are still using Styrofoam cartons when it is not a Saturday. 

What do you think?


Revised by Joanne Lim

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Second Term!

By Lim Shirley.

This is the second week of college since the first school break and guess what, NEW CANTEEN VENDORS! On the first week, most of us were all looking forward to trying the food from each stall. There are altogether four new stalls, selling different kinds of food. This time we have a lot of variety to choose from which is a good thing. They have some food that weren’t sold by the previous stalls like spaghetti, crab stick and so on. I don’t know whether the students like their food but from what I see, there are students who still buy them so I guess the food is fine.

The food isn't so bad but it is not better than the previous stalls I suppose. I’m pretty sure most of us misses the aunties that calls us “sayang”. Yes, those were the moments. I don’t really know what happened to the previous stalls though but that’s okay. I guess as long we have something to fill of empty stomach with, to prevent us from having gastric.

Other than the new canteen vendors, what’s more is that AS is just around the corner for the seniors and hopefully most of the then are already preparing for their exams. Study smart and practice on a lot of past year papers. Doing so helps a lot and most of you know that already. With AS coming, teachers are giving extra classes and revisions to students, hoping that their students will achieve good grades that satisfies them and knowing that their hard work are not in vain but instead paid off.

After AS, we will be having our mocks, I suppose. All of us seniors will be busy preparing for our A level exams while the juniors will also be busy with their APR. I guess most of us will be busy preparing for our exams but also, take some time off from the books and relax. Get your mind off it for a little while then start studying again. Don’t be too stressed although A levels ARE supposed to be stressful. Plan your study time wisely. I’m sure all of us know what we’re suppose to do. So all the best to all of us, both juniors and seniors.

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Day 2: Japanese club OUTDOOR Ice Breaking session

By Fazrenna Mks

Photos by Faiz Salleh & Zulfadhli Rosli

On the 14^th of March 2012, the Japanese Club had their second ice breaking session with the all the present and new members of the club, which consist of more than 40 students. This time the session took place at the grandstand, assembly point, MPH and LT 1. This activity is almost the same as the ice breaking session with the cohort 1 students, but even more challenging.

First, the members were asked to assemble at LT 1 for registration, after that they were divided into 6 groups and were given a paper, which consisted of checkpoints they must surpass to finish. There were 4 checkpoints altogether.

The first check point is Nihon no hoto-tori gemu “ find the japanese flag”, it was located at the grand stand arena where each group were to collect 1 japanese war flag and 4 other japanese national flags.

After completing this checkpoint, the next checkpoint was located in front of the MPH. The members had to complete a game called “be silent about it” at that area.

After that, they had to go to the assembly point to finish a game called “Rubik titans” where the members had to complete one side of a rubik’s cube to answer the questions given.

The last check point was at LT 1, this time the members had to find the hints which were hidden in LT1 that leads them to finding X-man.

Group 5 - WINNER of the Race!

Second place went to Group 6!

Third place went to Group 3!

*And sorry for group 2 we forgot to take a picture of you guys! :((*

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Day 1: Japanese club INDOOR Ice breaking session

By Fazrenna Mks

Photos by Fadhil

On 13^th March 2012, the Japanese club had their first ice breaking session with the juniors, which included cohort 1 and cohort 2 students with a total of over 30 students. It took place in gallery 1. First, the juniors sign up their names before settling down for the ice breaking session. Then it started off with an introduction from each committee of the Japanese club. The members were then divided into 5 different groups named: Hachi, Kamikaze, J-students, J-Beats and Rainpal.

j-beats

The first game in this ice breaking session is known as “shoot game” this is when each team give their own cheer and shoots another team to make them say their own cheer and so on eliminating groups that are not synchronized.  The game ended with two winners; J-beats and Hachi as both were very synchronized and it was hard to choose the winner.

The next game is known as “Hitotsu no okina eki”. It is a japanese game where the  students have to play a game of rock paper scissors “Jan-ken-pon (じゃんけんぽん)” and the loser has to follow the winner's back and form a train, this continues on until there is only one winner.

“Ninjah” is the last game where the students were divided into groups. This game required some action to eliminate people in their own group. The last man standing in the group would then fight with the other winners of other groups in the final round.

After hours of activities, Khariul – the president of Japanes Club, talked about the activities they do in the club and also mentioned that there would be a trip to UBD when there is a “Japanese Cultural Week”. This is for the students who are interested to join the trip that would be on the 28^th  & 29^th March after the holiday term.

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