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The Genius in all of us

One of the most disheartening facts of life is that few of us truly get to know our full potential. As late as the 1960s, the view was that schools make almost no difference to student achievement. Today we know that educators and family members can make a significant difference to student success because talent is not a rare gift bestowed upon a lucky few.

Yesterday’s thinking was that genes influence everything, but they actually determine very little. Individual differences in talent and intelligence are not genetically pre-determined, but are developed over time.

The question is: If we are not determined by our genes, our genome, then what are we?

Regarding the myth of talent, my belief that we are creatives of development does not refute the existence of talent. Rather, it stresses that talent and intelligence have to be earned over time through effort and deliberate practice. I believe that every child is full of potential to shape their lives. Talent is, in essence, an ongoing and dynamic developmental process. We have to teach our students that no one is genetically doomed to being average and that students are in charge of their intellectual growth.

Over the last century, our social expectations, work requirements and our schools have raised the measurable intelligence of almost everyone. There has been an eighteen point increase in intelligence (IQ) over only two generations, which is an average 3 point increase every decade!

What does this mean for us? Speaking to children early and often is a great start, as is reading early and often. Children in the best situations receive over twenty million words annually from engaged parents. But nurturing intellectual growth is not just about volume; a supportive tone, the consistency and quality of interactions are also crucial. Children need to be recognised for their effort and know that success is a product of hard work, whereas failure is a learning event.

It is imperative to accept that there are no shortcuts to excellence –it requires a long period of deliberate practice. Real challenge will put any learner at risk of falling, and ultimately to earn any success you must be ready to fail. The key is in your response, we need to embrace any failure, learn from it and not to repeat any known errors.

Rob Stokoe, Principal – Avondale Grammar School and author, ‘Leaders of Learning’

Cafe by Plain Vanilla

In ION’s many levels of luxury sits In Good Company, a Singaporean fashion label’s first pop-up store housing Singaporean designers and offering a mixture of fashion shop and café – a collaboration with the cupcake-whipping folks at Plain Vanilla. The three wide-open floor-to-roof glass doors are hard to miss, leading you into a minimalistic white-walled shop with clothing, jewellery and magazines all carefully selected.

Only seating 20, the café kept at the back of the store is a big highlight for those seeking that wish for a cool, hidden café that ION Orchard’s many floors hasn’t fulfilled.

The hazelnut cupcake ($3.90) was a soft treat, with the cheeks numbing with a sweetness from the icing on top. Just like the Plain Vanilla in Tiong Bahru, the salted caramel tart ($8) is a heavy treat with a crumbly base. The surprise came in the form of a prosciutto and truffle grilled sandwich ($18), which was the first time in a while that I felt fancy eating a toastie.

Cafe by Plain Vanilla
2 Orchard Turn #B1-06
Tel 6509 4783
ingoodcompany.asia

The Coffee Academics

 

A ‘Sensory Playground’ sign hangs at the entrance of Hong Kong’s gourmet coffee chain’s first shop in Singapore. In a city that has hundreds of cafes opening and closing every year, Scotts Square is trying to revitalise its space with a brand that Hong Kong has shown its love for in a space shoppers haven’t.

It’s hard to avoid seeing some of the brewing methods as science experiments, like the ice drip contraptions that look like an oversized lightbulb with ice cubes in it.

The menu feels more like a modern designer’s magazine, with the descriptions of coffee beans feel like you’re deciding between a French or Chilean wine.

The Japanese take-your-shoes-off Hand Brew Bar, where a coffee barista literally sits down with you across the bar with a coffee of your choosing – all brewed using different methods – and explains how each method of brewing creates a different result with your coffee.

At the time of visiting there wasn’t enough staff to try this out, but I chose to try the JWF Blend ($12), a house blend of Kenyan caracole beans with a supposed fruity, gentle flavour. Coffee is served in a science beaker and a small glass on a tray – there’s no milk or sugar to be seen. This place encourages the aficionado within, taking on the comment card given with the drink to read and see what tasting notes to consider as you sip.

For those wanting their comfort, the Okinawa ($7.50) is a latte with Okinawa dark brown sugar in the coffee. Using a particular sugar isn’t worth the hike in price however, as it did taste like your run-of-the-mill velvety latte you’d find at a café, it wasn’t $2.50 better. Served on a silver tray with a gold spoon and a small glass of water on the side, there’s still the dress-up that makes your espresso-and milk drink a bit fancier than usual.

For taste, the serving of crispy fish fillet tacos ($21) –  small hard-shelled tacos with sea bream fillet – has a chipotle mayonnaise, topped with a fresh mango salsa and a side of curly fries. The shell was crisp, and wasn’t overcooked enough to turn them into shattered corn chip pieces after one bite. The fish fillets are lightly fried, and the mango salsa chopped into fine pieces instead of a puree you’d expect from a salsa.

With the care taken to brew your favourite caffeine dose, you’ll make more of an effort to appreciate what you’re sipping on – even if the bill is making you reconsider your coffee allowance.

The Coffee Academics
Scotts Square Level 2
6 Scotts Road
Tel 6538 1940
the-coffeeacademics.com

10 Minutes with…Russell Darnley, ANZA Writers Group Coordinator and Author of the upcoming book Seen and Unseen: a century of stories from Asia

 

What story from the book came to you first?
‘The Pig and the Cockfight’ – it’s a quirky tale about buying a pig for my housekeeper back in Bali. She was a cook, child minder, guide and interpreter. Her pig was an investment. Cockfights precede major temple ceremonies in Bali, and just how the pig became involved is the story.

How did the stories change as you begin to write them?
I wanted to write about seeing and not seeing aspects of other cultures – that was my theme. Starting with a vague storyline, I jotted down a loose structure, just headings, chunks of information and links to websites. Next, I started to think about context and the setting – how, when, where and why. At times I did this while walking or paddling my kayak. My first efforts were in a diarised format. There was also a lot of repetition, so I used [word cloud generator] Wordle to help assess and remedy that. In the end, my style wasn’t very engaging. Though people were polite about my stories, eventually one friend said ‘I don’t want you to tell me, I want to find out’. This made me think, but I didn’t resolve the problem until I found a publisher.

What was the process like to get this book from manuscript into the publishing machine?
At first it was challenging. I posted some stories on my blog and formally pitched my concept to publishers, with a sample chapter and book outline. Two rejected it but finally a third, Interactive Publications (IP), took an interest. They found my stories compelling and authentic, but said plainly that readers want stories to emerge from the interactions between characters. My confidence was buoyed with a contract in sight. Writing dialogue was the task. I spent nine months transforming 29 stories. IP liked them but the manuscript was 30,000 words too long and the dialogue didn’t always flow. So they mentored me through a structural edit and tightening up the dialogue. This is when I really started to consolidate my skills as a writer of short stories.

What is it about writing that resonates with you most?
Using my skills in observation and interpretation, filtered through my imagination, to create something new and distinctive for others to read.

How do you personally deal with writers block?
I accept that it’s a reality and there’s no shame in having it. It can feel intractable in the face of the burdens of work and raising families. It always passes and I can help it along its way by staying healthy, having enough sleep and physical activity. Sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting for the right time while continuing to think and plan.

How has the ANZA writers group been going so far since you took it on board?
I feel we’ve developed a very warm and supportive atmosphere, even though numbers have waxed and waned through the year. We’ve had some fine open and stimulating discussions and our diverse backgrounds and experiences bring a lot of insight. I sense that people enjoy the group.

How can people join?
Contact me at [email protected].

Seen and Unseen: a century of stories from Asia and the Pacific will launch early next year.

United Nations Day Celebrations

White Lodge kindergartens are among the most inspirational and nurturing educational establishments in Singapore. Our talented teachers share their educational skills not only with our students, but with the wider community, most recently through our collaboration with the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA). SINDA is a group that works hard to build a strong and vibrant Indian Community within Singapore. Key areas that they concentrate on are education, family services and active collaboration.

On Thursday 3rd December 2015, 60 students aged 7-9 years old from SINDA were invited by White Lodge for an afternoon of United Nations Day celebrations held at Melbourne Specialist International School. This theme was chosen as it would give an exciting opportunity for the students to learn about and explore all the cultures that make up our community.

The event was creatively planned to enable the children to be taken on a flight around the world. At each continent themed room, the teachers from White Lodge shared information through hands-on learning activities enabling each child to gain an insight into this world themed experience.

Music was used to enable the children to learn about Africa. They participated by using musical instruments to play along to African tribal music. For Asia, the children were able to dress in costumes to represent some of the countries within the continent. There was an art and craft activity focusing on America. Staff at The Pantry became involved in providing a cooking activity for the European continent. The children were able to make pizzas and chocolate fondue with fruits and enjoy these delicious treats. With different learning activities, the children were kept interested in a variety of ways.

At the end of the day, students and principals took a group photo and made a big postcard for SINDA as a memory of their ‘travel around the world’. The children thoroughly enjoyed their day and staff at White Lodge enjoyed sharing this learning experience with them. The children left the day happy and with a special gift from the afternoon.

White Lodge Education Group Services are responsible for eight kindergartens throughout Singapore as well as Melbourne Specialist International School and The Pantry, both at Loewen Gardens.

www.whitelodge.com.sg

The Populus Coffee & Food Co

 

There’s good reason to be cautious when trying out a new place during this phase Neil Road is having – well-dressed casual eateries selling overpriced plates. Patterned walls, jagged copper pipes for lights and a mixture of wood and white colours match the modern-day cafe look.

Taking into account the neighbourhood’s price range ascent, there’s range in the food available – delhi chicken sandwiches and chicken rice donburi to beef ragu pappardelle. The pulled pork grain bowl ($18) – with quinoa, bulgar wheat and pearl barley – came with furikake baby corn, red cabbage and apple slaw, grilled zucchini slices, roasted butternut squash cubes, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. The pulled pork grain bowl is tender, and the meat falls apart like a relaxed fabric. The quinoa was cooked right, the grilled eggplant and cherry tomatoes grilled just enough to not be dry and rubbery. The cubed butternut squash was soft and sweet, and there’s a very light dressing on the red cabbage and apple slaw.

My Ethiopia Kochere Dumerso filter coffee ($6.50), supplied by 2° North Coffee Co here in Singapore, is mild enough to comfortably drink with no additives like milk and sugar. If you’re not one to drink a coffee straight, there’s a lot to discover going au natural.

The dark chocolate sundae ($14), is a bit expensive for a dessert, but serves enough flavour to savour. Served in a small enough bowl to not feel like you’ve ordered a tall American sundae, is the sinful side after such a fresh lunch. The dark chocolate ice cream is soft-serve smooth, enough to fool you into thinking you’re eating a heavier mousse.The drizzled passionfruit curd is a nice, sour kick that tastes better than it looks. There’s a sprinkle of popping candy on top that occasionally pops between bites. Hazelnut crumbs and honeycomb pieces bring a crunch, with flowery meringue bites and whipped cream softening the blow. The raspberry purée keeps mostly to itself at the bottom for a sweet finish.

The Populus Coffee & Food Co
146 Neil Rd
Tel 6635 8420
thepopuluscafe.com

Huber’s Butchery and Bistro

 

In a new location since October, Huber’s Butchery and (now larger) Bistro, helmed by members of the affable Huber family, offers cheese and bread sections, vegetables, fruit and herbs mainly from Australia, barbecue grills with accessories, plus Aussietipples. There is even a bespoke sausage service, complete with viewing-window. The proof is inthe eating! With seating indoors or outdoors, Huber’s Bistro is nestled by the edible herb and flower garden, near a tree-shaded children’s playground.

My friends and I enjoyed the bundner teller, comprising Swissstyle air-dried beef, raw bacon and ham served with cheese, gherkins, silverskin onions andrye bread ($14.80). A warm roast beef sandwich hits the right spot with its mustard-horseradish dressing. Australian lamb chops ($24) tempt, as does Australian angus fillet steak topped with café de paris butter, served with vegetables and chips (fries) ($28). For children, meatloaf, noodles or meat balls are available.

Huber’s Butchery and Bistro
22 Dempsey Road
Tel 6737 1588
hubers.com.sg

Image courtesy Raelene Tan

Glamorous Giving 5 – Fashion and Homewares Clearance Sale

Glamorous Giving, the fashion, accessories and homewares clearance sale organized by jewellery brand Stones that Rock, is back for the fifth time. The event features over 30 independent local brands, designers and boutiques all selling their stock at clearance prices in support of the Singapore Committee for UN Women.

Shoppers can buy quality pieces at great prices – end of line, end of season and sample stock. Fashionista’s and bargain hunters will rejoice at the rock bottom prices, which are up to 70{d2c05350095ed942d62ca1635aad234a702e9575e5f9632e6c89e76dec25dfbf} off and starting as low as $5.

Here is the list of fabulous participating brands: AM Home, Baliza Shop, Bowerbird, Coral Secret, Desti Saint Handbags, Dragonfly Lifestyle, DS Cosmetics, earth.ologie, Feroza Hand Block Prints, Indii Breeze, Interior Design Journey, Inzone5, Jack and Bunny, Jeunesse, Lampelier, Madie Moo, Maissone, Melbelle Clothing, My Gem Workshop, RIA Menorca Shoes, Saffron Rain, Shiva Designs Bespoke, Simply Silk, Sole 2 Sole, Stones that Rock, Summer Moments, The Cinnamon Room, The Punch List, Triologie, Trollied Dolly, Veya Designs and Zarabelle.

Representatives from the Singapore Committee for UN Women will be on hand to discuss their work and the benefits of membership.

When –Tuesday 2 February 6-9pm and Wednesday 3 February10am-4pm

Where –Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park (off Adam Rd), Sg 299814. Plenty of Parking

Enquiries to [email protected] or Leah Lambert – 9236-3488

Jayne Nadarajoo: Creating Unique Learning Environments for Children

Jayne Nadarajoo is the Founding Director of White Lodge Education Group Services which has eight Kindergartens in Singapore, Melbourne Specialist International School, ASPIRE vocational centre for special needs education and The Pantry at Loewen Gardens.

Jayne opened the first White Lodge Kindergarten in 1999 inspired by the feeling that other pre-schools in Singapore did not provide the learning environment that she was so passionate about. Having a wealth of knowledge from being a highly experienced Early Childhood professional, Jayne decided to start her own kindergarten for her children, Saktish and Kenisha.

At White Lodge, the learning ethic focuses on an interactive curriculum where the children learn by the experiences they encounter. White Lodge recognizes that each child is individual and encompasses diversity and internationalism within their teaching practice.

With Jayne being an advocate for special needs integration and realizing there were not many options for special needs education in Singapore, she made it her vision to open a special needs school.

Through tremendous research and hard graft she achieved her dream and Melbourne Specialist International School was opened in November 2014. Catering for children aged 3-18 years old, it focuses on a model used at Port Philip Specialist School in Melbourne.

The curriculum at MSIS is continuously evolving and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual child. The curriculum combines education, therapy and well-being for each pupil. MSIS uses a collaborative approach and has specialists from Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre, STRAVANTIS Speech and Oral Motor Centre, Centre Stage, Act 3 Theatre , SWISH Swim School and Tanglin Arts Studio visiting the school each week to provide specialist programmes at no extra costs. This is done during school hours and uniquely available at MSIS only.

Jayne is constantly improving the school for the consideration of the students. She has recognised that there is a need to prepare pupils for their life after school. Recently, she completed her Masters in Teaching to complement her work at the schools.

The ‘Aspire Vocational Centre’ is currently in the development stages with funds still being raised but it will give both students and people in the community an opportunity to gain skills in areas such as hospitality and catering, leisure and retail. It is located next to MSIS giving students easy access and includes a 2500 sq ft gym where children extend their gross motor and perceptual motor skills. The use the outstanding SPIDERFIT fitness programme from the United States at MSIS and White Lodge elevates its curriculum and makes learning at these schools truly unique.

Currently, students are acquiring work experience at The Pantry every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 11am. Please come to support MSIS’s vocational and life skills programme during these times. Our sincere thanks in advance as the patrons at the Pantry will help our students from MSIS gain more confidence and enhance their skills.

White Lodge has 8 kindergartens islandwide www.whitelodge.com.sg
Melbourne Specialist International School 75C Loewen Road www.msis.edu.sg
The Pantry Cookery School 75E Loewen Road www.thepantry.com.sg

Calling all brave girls

The 1st ANZA Scouts is looking for girls to join in the adventure, Rachel Landau says.

 

Scouts (age 10 to 14)

Scouts Australia has always been open to girls and boys, for many years 1st ANZA Scouts has only had boys. But things have changed this term, as we welcomed our first girl member in a very long time. A major reason for joining was to learn useful outdoor skills. Already she is making great progress and will soon be outdoing some of our longer standing boys!

We would love to have more girls join us, so any girls out there from the age of 10 upwards who want to show our boys how it’s done, please do sign up for our next term starting in January 2016. The haze has restricted us a bit this term, as we had to postpone a number of outdoor activities – but it hasn’t stopped us in our tracks. We have learnt knots, done small scale construction challenges – including one with spaghetti and marshmallows – and learnt basic navigation among our regular meetings. Our more experienced Scouts are taking an ever- increasing role in planning and organising events, as this is a big part of scouting.

At time of writing we still have a day hike on Pulau Ubin with a local flora and fauna guide, an introduction to scuba diving, an overnight camp and – working with ANZA Action– spending an afternoon with children from Melrose Home, giving them the experience of being a Scout for a day. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community.

Venturers (age 15 to 18)

So what happens when scouts pass the age of 14? Venturers do more advanced activities, and are going to be taking on bigger challenges and providing more service to the community. They also assist with the activities and training of the Scouts, and have now planned and run several sessions – including our recent navigation session.

Although Venturers work with a leader, they aim to become more autonomous, and are expected to largely plan and organise the activities they would like to take part in. Although it is an extension of scouting, girls and boys with little or no scouting experience are welcome to join the 1st ANZA Venturer Unit. Currently two of our three boys are using this as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) for the IB Diploma. It is giving them time and experience across all three areas in an enjoyable way.

Rovers, the epitome of scouting (age 18-25)

Rover Scouts is the final section of the ‘path’ to adult life with a strong focus on community engagement and social inclusion. Rovering develops leadership abilities and mateship by empowering Rover Scouts to run their own activities. We currently have just one Rover who is also one of our leaders. Rovers is also open to ladies and gentlemen with no prior scouting experience.

Finally, our Leaders

We currently have three long-standing scout leaders, but with the expansion of our other sections, we are looking for more. Even with three dedicated guys, there are still times when family or work commitments can leave us shorthanded. Scouting experience or not, if you love the outdoors, working with children from 10 upwards and encouraging the Scout values, get in touch at [email protected].

The Scouts waiting list can be found on the ANZA website under ‘Groups’. Our next term will start in late January, and we offer a free trial session to all those interested. Venturers, Rovers and Leaders may start any time. If you have any questions please email Rachel Landau on [email protected].

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