Friday, 31 December 2010

St Paul's Institution's turn at glamour..

Danesh Thiagarajah shares about SPI's activities for LDOPP:

i. Launching at School Assembly :

Prayers of Various Faiths led by members of PLC

Launching of LDOPP 2010 by Principal of SMK St.Paul, Madam Yap See Moi, followed by Message of Peace on the Peace Wall.

Launching ended with Universal Prayer.

Abel Arwin presenting his opening speech.


Mdm Yap See Moi launching LDOPP SPI 2010.


ii. LDOPP ‘Colourblind’ Evening :

Slide Show entitled ‘Colour Blind’ and Music Sing Along

Movie Screening : The Power of 10 Cents

Reflection

Interfaith Prayers and music, followed by the lighting of candles for peace.

‘Celebrate Diversity’ Game


Some of the many guests who attended the main event on Saturday night.


Some of the guests lighting up the STAR FOR PEACE.


The STAR FOR PEACE .


The game called Celebrate Diversity being carried out.


The guests with Mdm Ng for a group photo.


iii. PEACE WALL :

The Peace Wall was set up at the centre of the stage at the Assembly Ground for the students and teachers to put up their messages of peace. The response was overwhelming and the wall filled up with messages of peace within two days.

Mdm Yap placing her peace message onto the peace wall.


Some of the students writing in their peace messages to be placed onto the peace wall.

The peace wall with some of the many messages that were put up during the three day period.

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v. EXHIBITION :

An exhibition of articles, stories and pictures in conjunction with LDOPP was put on display a along the walkway outside the staffroom. This informative display was able to give genera information to Paulians on the significance of LDOPP, and was a focal point during the 3-day programme.

The exhibiton that was held for students to read and learn about LDOPP.


Another view of the exhibition.


Some of the students at the exhibition.


The Organising Committee of LDOPP 2010 was happy to note the encouraging response to the programmes and activities held this year. Especially motivating and much appreciated was the response to the LDOPP ‘Colourblind‘ Evening which saw an attendance of over 50 members, teachers and guests. This was despite the fact that the event was held at night.

The Organising Committee worked well together to ensure that the programmes and activities planned were carried out successfully. The hard work and cooperation is much appreciated.

We would like to record our appreciation to the La Salle Centre, Ipoh for supplying us with the LDOPP Kit to help us to carry out this programme successfully.

Our sincere thanks to the Principal, Madam Yap See Moi for her support and encouragement, our teacher-advisor Madam Ng Siew Pin for her guidance, and to all Paulians for their support in ensuring the success of LDOPP 2010.

Some of the committee members with Mdm Ng.









Thursday, 30 December 2010

When La Salle KK also became 'Colourblind'

Ms Yvonne, teacher advisor of La Salle KK shared that:

La Salle KK had our LDOPP this year between 11 Oct – 04 Nov. During the Monday assembly, Sheldon made the introduction speech (in BM), followed by inter-faith prayers led by Othman, Pritchard and Izral. Meanwhile, Fareez and other members of the Young Lasallian Movement (YLSM) had done up an exhibition on the YLSM notice board in our senior campus.

Inter-faith prayer during assembly

Exhibition on notice board

It was an improvement from last year’s exhibition and speech, as I could see the spirit in the YLSM boys when they prepare for the occasion. I think LDOPP should be continued – it is a very meaningful and educational thing for the students as a whole. To be more effective, I suggest that more BM should be used, and simpler, less sophisticated and ‘scholastic’ materials need to be adapted, as we need to cater for Form 1 – 3 students as well.

A 'Colourbind' St Martin, Tambunan

Roland Ronald:

Lasallian Youth Movement(LYM) Sm St Martin telah membuat lawatan dan kerja amal ke Pusat Pemulihan Komuniti (PPDK) pada 16 Oktober 2010 sebagai salah satu aktiviti sempena LDOPP.

LDOPP dijalankan bagi mendoakan keamanan dunia dan disertai oleh semua pergerakan La Salle di dunia, termasuklah LYM di Sm St Marrtin, Tampasak Tambunan.

PPDK adalah pusat yang menempatkan golongan orang kurang upaya sekitar daerah Tambunan. Ibubapa menghantar anak mereka ke tempat ini, agar didik untuk berdikari dan belajar untuk melakukan kerja-kerja rumah serta menguruskan diri mereka sendiri.

Seramai 15 ahli Lasallian dari LYM dan diiring dengan seorang guru La Salle telah sama-sama menjayakan aktiviti ini. Setibanya kami di sana,rombongan kami disambut oleh Puan Ruth selaku penyelia tempat itu, ibu bapa dan anak-anak mereka. Antara aktiviti yang dijalankan di tempat ini ialah:

Ø Membersihkan halaman PPDK

Ø Mengelap tingkat

Ø Menyapu ruang dalam pusat itu

Ø Membantu masak untuk makan tengah hari

Ø Bermain “games La Salle” bersama warga PPDK

Keriangan dan kegembiraan jelas terpancar di wajah warga PPDK. Setelah melakukan kerja-kerja pembersihan, kami pun berehat sambil meluangkan masa kami dengan bermain dengan mereka. Nampaknya, aktiviti yang dijalankan oleh ahli belia La Salle Sm St Martin telah merapatkan hubungan antara kami dengan mereka di sana.

Tepat pukul 1.00 petang, kami menjamu selera dengan hidangan tengah hari yang disediakan oleh beberapa ahli La Salle dan mereka yang bertugas menyediakan makanan tengah hari untuk warga di situ. Sebelum balik, ahli LYM membantu penyelia pusat itu untuk mengemas dan menyusun tempat tersebut.

Sebagai seorang manusia yang sempurna, janganlah sesekali kita menyisihkan masyarakat yang kurang sempurna dan berlainan bangsa, agama dan bahasa.

Sesungguhnya tema LDOPP pada tahun ini, benar-benar menyedarkan kita bahawa “COLOURBLIND” menuntun kita ke arah kehidupan komuniti yang aman dengan layanan yang sama rata. Ini disebabkan tema ini merupakan satu metafora untuk mengajak masyarakat untuk tidak mengamalkan diskriminasi berdasarkan warna kulit dan ketidak sempurnaan orang lain.

Saya sangat berbangga menjadi seorang lasallian yang dapat menghulurkan tangan untuk membantu mereka yang serba kekurangan.

Darrell Robert:

Pada 20 Oktober 2010, Pergerakan Belia La Salle (LYM) SM. St. Martin, Tambunan, Sabah telah menjalankan aktiviti sempena LDOPP.

Aktiviti ini dimulakan dengan mesej pengenalan LDOPP yang dibacakan oleh Saudari Dana Herman. Mesej ini menyeru kepada semua warga sekolah menjadi buta warna dan bersama-sama menentang unsur rasisme serta merayakan unsur-unsur kepelbagaian di Malaysia. Selain itu, mesej ini juga menyeru agar menghargai dan merayakan kepelbagaian agama, bangsa dan budaya yang ada di negara ini.

Selepas itu, satu “slideshow” telah dijalankan untuk memberikan pengenalan LDOPP kepada seluruh warga sekolah dan menghayati erti sebenar tema aktiviti tersebut. Kebanyakkan daripada pelajar Sm St Martin sangat khusyuk menonton “slideshow” tersebut.


Selepas slideshow selesai, pembacaan doa telah diadakan bermula dengan doa untuk seluruh dunia atau Universal Prayer yang dibacakan oleh saudara Joey clement Henry diikuti oleh doa-doa daripada agama-agama utama di dunia seperti Buddha yang dibacakan oleh saudara Boniface Wong, doa Kristian pula dibacakan oleh saudari Viona Henry dan manakala bacaan doa Muslim yang disampaikan oleh saudara Nazar Shah Anuar.

Aktiviti ini, diakhiri dengan laungan “Lasallian” oleh ahli-ahli Pergerakan Belia La Salle (LYM) Sm St Martin dan diikuti oleh seluruh warag Sm St Martin yang terlibat dalam aktiviti ini.

Ribuan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada semua ahli yang terlibat dalam menjayakan aktiviti ini dan seluruh warga sekolah atas kerjasama yang diberikan.

Saya sangat bersyukur kerana diberikan peluang yang besar ini untuk melaporkan betapa jayanya aktiviti ini dijalankan pada tahun ini. Semoga aktiviti ini dapat memberikan kesedaran dan dorongan kepada seluruh warga sekolah dalam jangka masa yang panjang kerana ini dapat membantu pelajar Sm St Martin agar tidak bersikap rasisme dalam mengharungi apa jua cabaran pada masa hadapan.





Dana Herman, coordinator for St Martin’s:

Sepanjang pantauan yang saya lakukan, saya dapat melihat bahawa ahli La Salle SMART sanggup meninggalkan kelas peperiksaan mereka untuk menjayakan aktiviti Ldopp ini.

Pada awalnya pengetua sekolah ini tidak mahu ahli La Salle yang terlibat dalam peperiksaan seperti PMR,SPM, dan STPM melibatkan diri dalam program LDOPP.

Namun, ia tidak melemahkan semangat Lasallian mereka. Mereka yang melibatkan diri secara majoriti adalah di kalangan Ting. 5 & 6.


Hal ini telah membuatkan kalangan pendidik sedar bahawa kelab ini bukan sahaja mampu mengubah nasib orang lain tetapi juga telah mencipta satu semangat yang utuh.

Bagi pandangan saya, program Ldopp seperti tahun ini, perlu diteruskan pada setiap tahun kerana aktiviti ini kemungkinan boleh meningkatkan motivasi kepada diri belia La Salle di seluruh Malaysia.

Akhir kata dari saya, saya sangat berbangga kerana mendapat peluang untuk menjadi salah seorang kordinator dalam program yang julung-julung diadakan ini. “Once A Lasallian, Always Be Lasallian”.


Thursday, 23 December 2010

Formation Team Weekend 1

Time flies. Soon it will be Christmas Day, and then New Year Day will creep up on us, and what next?

The Formation Team Weekend 1! It will be held on 15 - 16 January, 2011. We're telling you this one year ahead of time, so make sure you book your weekend at La Salle Centre early!


Here's wishing all who are celebrating, a very Merry Christmas and a ...New Year's wish on the way!

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Voices of Students: LISTEN UP!

Hello!

It is the end of the year when everyone is bitten by the holiday bug, be it for Christmas or New Year.

While you're taking a break from studies/work, please do spend a little bit of time to support (sign) this campaign, and also to FORWARD the information below to all your friends, family, colleagues....EVERYONE!

During the Conference on Education Malaysia 2010 organised by La Salle Centre in May, a campaign was launched to promote a student-centric education system, one where students' views are given due consideration in matters affecting them (English or Malay, History or not, PMR or UPSR etc).

This campaign is helmed by the Malaysian Lasallian Formation Team (FT), led by the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commision (MLYC).

The objectives of this campaign are:

- to gain endorsement from 25,000 Malaysians who believe that the views of students need to be taken into consideration for their best interest.

- on 16 April 2011, a youth forum will be held to discuss on Malaysian educational issues and come up with recommendations for the education system.

- on 15 May 2011 (Malaysian National Youth Day), a report containing the recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Malaysia

The purpose of this campaign goes beyond encouraging people to listen to the students in terms of education. It is hoped that further long-term benefits will also be achieved.

When others listen, students will be more empowered to speak up and to give their opinions. Encouraging students to articulate their views will lead to a culture of analytical and critical thinking, which is a much-needed skill for students to become leaders of tomorrow (or even today!).

We have approximately 80 delegates for each convention. With 20 conventions under La Salle Centre’s belts, we could have 1,330 (70 x 19) signatures from delegates alone.

With approximately 1,000 students in each Lasallian school, and 15 Lasallian schools all over Malaysia, we could have 15,000 (1000 x 15) signatures from Lasallian students alone.

After that we only need 8,670 more signatures to reach that targeted 25,000.

If each Lasallian student asked 0.5 family member to join in, we would reach our target in no time! (of course, friends, family, teachers… are very much needed to help make this campaign a success, not just 0.5. ;P )

So, in this season of giving, do lend your name for a good cause and spread the word, and to all current students, do get EVERYONE in your schools to sign our petition in January!

Please visit www.voicesofstudents.wordpress.com for more information. The online petition can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/VOSLU/petition.html.

And as 2011 knocks on our door, let us open the door and say ‘Yes, we can!’

Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Photo and Films on Children's Rights at The Annexe Gallery

If you want to learn more about children rights, or if you are on holiday with not much planned, do head to Central Market Annexe in Kuala Lumpur for some films.


YOUTH LENS: Photo & films on children’s rights


Date: 14.12.2010 - 19.12.2010
Time: 11.00 AM - 08.00 PM
yellowcamera2

YOUTH LENS: Photos & Films on Children’s Rights

Photography Exhibition & Film Screenings
Tue 14 to Sun 19 Dec
Photo Exhibition: 11am to 8pm
Film Screenings: 8pm (Mon to Fri), 3pm (Sat & Sun)

Presented by Voice of the Children
Admission free

“Youth Lens” represents a collection of photos taken by the children of Chow Kit. Led by Dina Zaman, Sheng Saw, Zulfirdous Abu Hassan and Adriana Nordin Manan, these children were each given a disposal camera, taught the rudiments of working a camera and just told to have fun. And have fun they did. The exhibition is exciting, funny, sweet, sad and a little naughty. The images carry a certain insouciance with the backdrop of Chow Kit reflected back into the children's lenses.

This exhibition (like “Everyone Has Hope: Photos by Burmese refugee children” held here last month) is inspired by the documentary "Born into Brothels" by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski. Described as a tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, "Born into Brothels" is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, where their mothers are sex workers. Given a camera each, the children were taught to look at the world with new eyes.

You are invited to the
EXHIBITION OPENING
Tue 14 Dec, 7.30pm

Screening of “Back to the Streets” & “Stolen Futures” by Malaysian filmmaker Mahi, followed by discussion
Refreshments are served

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WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME
Films about street children
Tue 14 to Sun 19 Dec
Admission free

A mini film festival on the theme of children will be held in conjunction with the exhibition. These films of social realism provide a brutally honest look at the lives of kids on the streets of the world. Powerful, raw and often despairing, these films have awakened societies to the harsh realities of the forgotten children on the streets, as well as the inadequacy of the institutions designed to help them. All these are films more people need to see. We also hope the films may inspire local filmmakers, artists and writers as well as the public to document and listen to similar stories in Malaysia and join in the struggle to protect children’s rights.

Tue 14 Dec, 8pm
“BACK TO THE STREETS” & “STOLEN FUTURES”

Dir: Mahi Ramakrishnan | Malaysia | 2009 & 2010
In "Back to the Streets" Mahi follows the story of angry teenagers who find themselves on the street living in a rubbish chute. Honest, frank and at times alarming, it is a mirror to how we have let our children down. "Stolen Futures" looks unsentimentally at issues around baby selling – the reasons why babies are bought and sold.

Wed 15 Dec, 8pm
SALAAM BOMBAY!

Dir: Mira Nair | India | 1988
salaam_bombay_2
Abandoned by the circus for which he was working, 10-year-old Krishna made his way to Bombay to earn some money – he wants to save up before returning home to his mother. While selling tea in the red-light district, he befriends a drug addict, falls in love with the new girl at the brothel and earns the wrath of the pimp and pusher. Filmed with actual children from the streets of Bombay, this film-festival favourite reveals the innate dignity, resilience and hopes of all children.

Thu 16 Dec, 8pm
PIXOTE: SURVIVAL OF THE WEAKEST

Dir: Hector Babenco | Brazil | 1981
pixote2
On the streets of Sao Paulo, a 10-year-old runaway boy named Pixote is arrested during a police round-up homeless people. Pixote endures torture, degradation and corruption at a local youth detention center. When he eventually escapes with three other boys, they survive by the only means available to them: robbing, pushing drugs and pimping. Rejected by the Academy Awards but hailed by critics, the film is described by Roger Ebert as “a rough, unblinking look at lives no human being should be required to lead.” [Audience advisory: Contains mature themes and scenes]

Fri 17 Dec, 8pm
LOS OLVIDADOS (THE YOUNG & THE DAMNED)

Dir: Luis Bunuel | Mexico | 1950
los_olvidados2b
When El Jaibo is released from juvenile detention, he reunites with his old gang to terrorise the slums of Mexico City – taking revenge on those who betrayed him, bullying the weak and robbing the crippled. When young Pedro is framed for Jaibo’s crime, he is given a chance to rehabilitate. Will he break the cycle of poverty and violence? Regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, even winning the exiled filmmaker the Best Director award at Cannes in 1951, Los Olvidados was initially reviled as too damning a portrait of Mexico.

Sat 18 Dec, 3pm
GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

Dir: Isao Takahata | Japan | 1988
graveofthefireflies-light
A brother and a sister have to fend for themselves in Japan during WWII after their mother died and their aunty becomes mean to them. To distract from their constant hunger, they entertain themselves with fireflies in a jar. Based on the autobiographical novel of the same name, this Studio Ghibli-produced anime is perhaps one of the most haunting and devastating anti-war films you will ever see. "Takahata's alternately sweeping and intimate animated feature," according to Movie Guide, "is a moving depiction of the fates of cast-off children who become casualties of war."

Sun 19 Dec, 3pm
BORN INTO BROTHELS: CALCUTTA'S RED LIGHTS KIDS

Dir: Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski | India | 2003
brothels
Described as a tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, "Born into Brothels" is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, where their mothers are sex workers. Given a camera each, the children were taught to look at the world with new eyes and empowered to document it for themselves. In this Oscar winner for Best Documentary Feature, “these children give us vibrant pictures of hope in the midst of oppression.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Annexe Gallery is supported by Central Market.

For enquiries, please call:

Pang Khee Teik (Arts Programme Director): 012 305 1135
Jerome Kugan (Media Manager): 016 802 7347
Lim Chung Wei (Arts Manager): 012 207 5140

The Annexe Gallery
1st & 2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Kuala Lumpur
Tel +603-2070 1137
www.annexegallery.com

Sunday, 28 November 2010

A record of LEAD - St Anthony's School, Teluk Intan

LEAD camps were held during the second half of this year to encourage and build leadership skills and teamwork amongst Lasallians chosen to attend the camps. Thanks to Stephen Liew who collected the sharings of others, we all get to share a tiny part of SASTI's LEAD experience.


From the point of view of an organising team member, Sit Teng:

All throughout the three days that I was there, I was totally amazed and inspired by how the organising team fulfilled their tasks. It was overwhelming to see how dedicated they were and how they selflessly gave more of themselves to guide other organising team members and participants without any complaints.

The warmth and acceptance among the participants was really heart-warming as they mingled around regardless of their skin colours. And they could definitely put a smile on your face despite how tired you were.

The most incredible experience during the LEAD programme was definitely the hiking activity. It was the first time I went hiking and what made it better was that I was doing it together with new friends.

Many things happened during hiking that was worth remembering. It surprised me how challenging it was to climb a hill and how everyone worked together to reach the top. The participants learned to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

LEAD was an unforgettable learning process where you can learn and play at the same time. It was a great experience to be part of the LEAD programme.

~HST~


From the point of view of a participant:

Saya naik bas untuk pergi ke Ulu Kenas pada hari yang pertama. Dalam perjalanan, saya nampak banyak benda yang menarik. Perjalanan itu amat menyeronokkan bagi saya dan kawan-kawan saya. Setelah sampai di Ulu Kenas, kami menurunkan kayu "bamboo". Selepas itu kami main permainan dan dipecahkan kepada beberapa kumpulan.

Nama kumpulan saya ialah "Forest Monkeys". Nama kumpulan lain termasuk "Mix-FM", "Waka-Waka", dan "Cap Ayam". Selepas itu kami pergi ke kem yang disediakan dan letakkan barangan kami di sana.

Selepas itu kami semua mandi bergilir-gilir, makan malam, dan pergi ke dewan. Kami mendapat banyak ilmu di sana.


Harvey: 'Don't worry, you'll soon grow to be as tall as I am'.


William: 'It's ok to be vertically-challenged. You must make up for it by being larger than life!'


Joanne compliments the participants on the clean, tiled floor?


How to build a raft: 1. Talk about it.


2. Somehow the strings get tied and we PUSH!


3. Pose for pictures and look cool!


4. Test out the rafts.


5. Have fun!


Writing thank you cards.


William congratulates the boys while Isaac...er...


Group picture!