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What is global citizenship exactly?

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Many schools talk about global citizenship but what does it mean? We sat down with Jacob Martin, Deputy Head of Dulwich College (Singapore), to learn more about why Global Citizenship matters.

1. What is Global Citizenship?

At Dulwich, Global Citizenship is the idea that everyone is responsible for the wellbeing of the planet and its people. It involves being aware of global issues and events, being respectful and understanding of different cultures, and taking actions to make a positive impact in the world. After much consultation across our community, our own definition has five key components. Sustainability, Intercultural Understanding, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Social Justice and Wellbeing.

2. What is Dulwich’s approach to global citizenship and how is it integrated into the curriculum?

Dulwich has a strong commitment to developing global citizens which is what our “Live Worldwise” mission defines for us. Global citizenship is a holistic approach that is integrated into all aspects of the College and is a part of who we are. It is infused and embedded throughout the curriculum, encompassing the 5 key components. The goal is to create a well-rounded education that prepares students to be active, informed, and engaged members of the global community. In our Early Years and Junior School, we use the five components to frame all our learning experiences. In Senior School, we include dedicated curriculum programs and opportunities for students to lead in this area.

3. How does the school encourage students to become responsible global citizens?

Dulwich provides students with numerous opportunities to learn about and take action on global issues. In addition to providing education on global issues and encouraging critical thinking, we also facilitate guest speakers, field trips, community service projects, and international exchanges including to our sister school in Switzerland. We have numerous clubs and societies dedicated to this cause, including a student led ‘Aware students’ initiative and a model United Nations program.  Our goal is to empower students to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions that have a positive impact. All these experiences help students understand their role and responsibilities as global citizens whilst developing the skills and knowledge to create a positive difference.

4. Can you give some examples of recent student projects?

One example is where three of our Senior School Changemakers went through a rigorous paperwork process of auditing the school’s carbon footprint and creating an action plan to apply for the WWF Eco-Schools status. Our students’ organisation, detailed research and insightful ideas were impressive and have led to the college being awarded WWF Eco-School status. They are now working with the WWF to organise a three-month leadership programme looking at food sustainability.

Recently some of our students appeared on the Britcham Singapore Podcast to advocate for sustainability issues across Singapore. We also have Student Sustainability and Community Ambassadors in place in all three schools, as part of our student leadership programmes, and are already out there making a positive impact.

All our students (DUCKS – Year 13) are involved in local and international community service projects. This includes partnerships with community organisations, volunteer work during international trips, and community service projects organised by the school. We work closely with Singapore government agencies to ensure our local community service efforts are targeted and support those most in need in our community.

5. How does the school support the cultural diversity and promote understanding and respect for different cultures?

With over 60 nationalities in our community, we are culturally diverse. Our commitment to DEI has led us to undertake a thorough review and development of all aspects of the College’s operations. We are mid-way through a three-year review which looks at everything from our curriculum to Human Resources and the policies we use as a College. However, being aware of and understanding the issues (DEI) is half of our approach. Of greater importance is empowering our students to be active agents of change. We do not dictate specific advocacy goals, but rather encourage students to act on issues they feel passionately about.

Dulwich College (Singapore),71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966,

+65 6890 1003, [email protected]

singapore.dulwich.org

 

 

All members are invited to join the AGM

All members are invited to take part in the ANZA Annual General Meeting 2023, at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence, followed by a cocktail reception. Learn about the ANZA community with reports from our sporting and interest groups, find out about our financial standing and participate in the election of our new Executive Committee. Come and meet our Sub-group coordinators, and other members at a mix and mingle session before and after the AGM.

Please join the AGM at 6:30pm for a 7pm start Tuesday 21st March 2023 .

Election of ANZA Executive Committee 2023

The following positions on the ANZA Executive Committee will be elected at the AGM:-

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Executive Secretary
  • Executive Treasurer
  • Membership Secretary
  • Community Service Coordinator
  • Sporting Coordinator
  • Sporting Coordinator
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Executive Committee Member

Committee members are expected to:-

  • Act in good faith and within the ambit of the Rules as well as any bylaws or policies of ANZA
  • Use reasonable diligence in carrying out his or her duties

Please note that only ordinary members (Australian or New Zealand passport holders) are eligible to sit on the ANZA Executive Committee.

Nominations close Tuesday 28 February 2023. The Executive Committee Nomination Form is available online.

For more information, please see:

Voting Process

Each Ordinary Member who is financial on Tuesday 21 March 2023, and each Honorary Life Member, has the right to vote in the Annual General Meeting. Each Voting Membership is entitled to one vote.

Registration to attend the AGM is essential for security purposes at the Residence.
Register here

4 fab after school activities for kids

Centre Stage School of the Arts

This fantastic school is Singapore’s longest-running creative and performing arts school which trains aspiring actors, musical theatre performers and dancers for life on a professional stage and screen. Combining artistry with industry know-how, the skilled team brings out the best in talented young people by creating a platform for regular practice and learning.

Sign Up For

  • Confidence: “We all long for our children to grow up as confident, happy, resilient individuals with plenty to offer,” says Founder & Artistic Director, Peter Hodgson. “We use the performing arts to advance creativity, self-esteem and communication as vital tools in the advancement of your child’s cognitive, social and emotional development.”
  • A Sense Of Self: A class at Centre Stage allows children to escape school stress through the art of self expression which helps them to develop a sense of self.

 centre-stage.com

Camp Asia Singapore

This leading holiday camp offers a wide range of activities, from Multi Activity camps which encourage a child’s creative side; Multi STEM options which combine science, technology, engineering and maths with fun; and various sports like martial arts, basketball, parkour, and more.

Sign Up For

  • Surprises: In school, children tend to gravitate towards a particular subject because they’re influenced by friends. With so many camps on offer here, your child might well discover an interest they don’t know they have.
  • Self-Awareness: No matter what your child’s interests are, Camp Asia will engage them in activities that require teamwork, which in turn helps them to develop key communication skills, emotional intelligence and strong leadership skills. It’s a shame adults can’t join too!

 campasia.asia

Conundrum Theatre

Conundrum Theatre provides unique, nurturing and inclusive classes, workshops, and life changing projects for children and young people aged between 5 – 25.

Sign Up For

  • Collaboration: Using theatre-making processes, Conundrum’s young people are encouraged to think creatively. “We support them in offering ideas to one another, and negotiating how to accept and implement these,” says Founder & Artistic Director, Claire Glenn. “Through collaboration with people from a variety of backgrounds, intercultural understanding is developed and incorporated into the child’s own understanding of the world.”
  • Resilience: “We incrementally build confidence and resilience by developing a culture of acceptance and value,” continues Claire. “We challenge young people through performance-based activities in groups and independently. As their skill and confidence develops, performance tasks also become more challenging.”

 whataconundrum.com

Total Fitness Leisure (TFL) Training Consultants

TFL offers two of the best sports and lifelong skills that kids can benefit from as they develop and grow older – tennis and swimming.

Sign Up For

  • Teamwork: Tennis is not only an enjoyable and safe way to improve kids’ coordination and flexibility, but it’s also great for the development of social skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. Love all indeed!
  • Life Saving Skills: Being taught essential swimming skills such as safe entry and exit from the water and correct breathing could actually save lives. “In TFL, we believe kids’ learning experiences should be engaging and fun, hence TFL programmes are designed to be simple yet effective,” explains Gabby Remigio, Tennis Director/Operations Manager.

 tfl-training.com

Australian brands come to Boutique Fairs Singapore 2023

Summery the Label, Indii Breeze, The Bright Campaign

Singapore’s most popular shopping event — and one of our favourite events of the year — returns to the F1 Pit Building for the Spring Summer 2023 Edition! This March 17-19, clear your calendars and ready your bags to shop till you drop from over 250 brands and designers at Boutique Fairs Singapore.

3-day unlimited entry

Shopping is easier than ever this time — enjoy three-day unlimited entry to all days of the event on a single ticket of just $5. Children under 12 enter for free. Below, find a sneak peek of Aussie brands you can support at the Spring Summer 2023 Edition.

Summery the Label

This Boutiques newcomer creates timeless, modern wardrobe essentials made from medium-weight linens. Ethically made and consciously designed with lower impact fabrics, the range is meant to be trans-seasonal and travel-friendly. Look out for a new colourway launching exclusively at Boutiques this March.

Indii Breeze

The collection at Indii Breeze captures the quintessence of summer dressing – light, floaty, colourful pieces that will take you from beach to home to bar. The signature aesthetic is playful prints with a kiss of nostalgia, but they also have a range of neutral staples should you be print-averse. You can also feel good about each purchase — Indii Breeze donates $2 from every order to Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, which supports pregnant teens and their families towards their best possible future.

Shiva Designs Bespoke and Bowerbird

Looking to set the perfect table? Shiva Designs Bespoke and Bowerbird are teaming up this edition to cater to your entertaining needs. From Shiva Designs Bespoke, expect colourful glassware from Estelle Glassware, Fourchette & Cie Vintage Silverware, and a selection of organic table linen and candles, debuting exclusively at Boutiques. Complement your loot with Bowerbird’s selection of hand-painted ceramics — delicate, tropical-inspired tableware, vases, jars, trays, and more. They’ll also be launching new side plate and coaster designs — get in quickly for we hear they sold out at the last Boutiques!

Shiva Designs Bespoke, Bowerbird, The Rare Honey Company

The Bright Campaign

Love colour in your life? How about functional products that are better for the environment? If you answered yes to both questions, make a pit stop at The Bright Campaign and stock up on beloved planet-friendly Aussie brands like Project Ten, SomerSide, and Rolla Bottle. Plus, The Bright Campaign also plants a tree for every purchase.

The Rare Honey Company

Not all honey is made the same. If you haven’t had the chance to try The Rare Honey Company, make a beeline for them at Boutiques — you’ll recognise them from the crowds thronging their space. The company focuses on the careful extraction of unique, high potency honeys made from the nectar native flowering Jarrah, Redgum and Karri trees. Made in the coastal forests of Western Australia, the honey here is 100% pure, raw, and unprocessed. Besides stocking up on honey to take home, you can also pick up readymade pastries and coffee that incorporate these honeys at Boutiques. Perfect for a light snack as you shop around!

Event Details

Boutiques at the Pit Building — the Spring Summer 2023 Edition

Fri, Mar 17, 10am-8pm

Sat, Mar 18, 10am-8pm

Sun, Mar 19, 10am-6pm

F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, 038975

Tickets available online and at the door: https://www.hapz.com/experiences/boutiques-at-the-pit-building-the-spring-summer-2023-edition-tickets

https://www.boutiquefairs.com.sg/

https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefairssg/

https://www.facebook.com/BoutiquesSingapore/

Singapore’s top teachers speak out!

What got you into teaching?
This is my sixth year teaching at CIS. Every child is unique and I’ve always been fascinated observing their development.
How do you encourage your students to be the best they can be?
My goal as a teacher is to nurture and support each child’s curiosity and to champion it. I do this by always believing in them and providing a nurturing, caring and safe environment where we celebrate mistakes as much as we celebrate achievements. What works for one child may not work for another. It’s about knowing and understanding who your students are.
How do you make lessons interesting?
I observe each child to understand them so I can guide their learning. It’s essential that I ensure their school experience gives them access to the knowledge they’re trying to gain.
What do you most enjoy about teaching at CIS?
The diverse community. We have children and families from many different countries, cultures, and beliefs, who work together in harmony to build respect and understanding.
How would you MOST like to be remembered as a teacher?
As someone who gave their best. I’m fortunate to see many of my students grow through their early years.

cis.edu.sg

How long have you been teaching at AIS?
A year and a half. After studying in Australia I wanted to be a dancer. My teachers saw that I was a natural teacher, and my parents, being teachers themselves, saw something in me I did not yet see. After my first placement in university I was hooked on teaching. My calling found me!
What do you do to make lessons interesting?
I’m a huge fan of questioning the traditional role of a teacher and a student in the class that I experienced when I was in school. I like to encourage different modes of learning. For example, in teaching inferencing, my class modelled their inferences with playdough and then justified their answers.
How do you encourage your students?
Consistent accountability and clear expectations. I also have frequent check-ins with all the students in my class so they feel understood, seen, and importantly, they know someone cares about the work they’re doing. I also try to celebrate individual students in my classroom with written notes, shoutouts or rewards.
What do you most ENJOY about your job?
I like seeing the students grow in confidence and maturity, managing their self-talk when they perceive failure, cultivating their self-control and seeing what they do with trust given to them.
How would you like to be remembered as a teacher?
As one who doesn’t give up on you and who cares deeply that you’re growing, learning, and taking care of yourself and others.

ais.com.sg

How long have you been teaching?
The satisfaction I gain from watching the children evolve into confident and empathetic individuals has kept me going for 10 years. Based on my own schooling experience, I came to an understanding that children are meant to be unfolded, not molded.
What does teaching mean to you?
I believe it’s vital to give children ample time to experiment, explore, observe and construct. Through a hands-on manner, it gives the
children autonomy and agency in their own learning journeys, creating an intrinsic motivation for them to delve deeper.
How do you make lessons engaging?
Children have a hundred ways to express themselves and make connections to the world, so I offer open materials which allow them to make their thinking visible and express themselves creatively. I empower children to tap into their strengths and challenge themselves further whilst providing support from the side.
What do you love most about your work?
I’m blessed to work in a school whose view and image of the children aligns with mine. We work seamlessly together to present a way of education that is respectful, empowering and meaningful to the young learners.
How would you most like to be remembered as a teacher?
As a partner and friend in the children’s learning journey and time in school.

bluehouseinternational.com

Meet Centre Stage dance teacher Charlotte Pritchard


“Before joining Centre Stage I taught dance in the UK for 11 years in educational and community institutions. When I was younger, I discovered ballet, tap and modern and when an urban dance company emerged, I joined and this became my first teaching job. I mainly trained in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz in college and university. Once I finished my degree, I undertook my PGCE and became a qualified teacher and taught GCSE and BTEC dance and BTEC musical theatre. During this time, I worked for the urban dance company, Streetbeat and at another community dance school teaching gymnastics and cheerleading.

Hip hop, ballet, musical theatre & more

I realised that I was ready for a new adventure. For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to work abroad – especially somewhere hot! Centre Stage was the first role I was particularly interested in when looking for jobs. I researched the school and loved everything I saw. There were many classes for children and young adults to be involved in and plenty of programmes delivered in schools and during the holidays. There is always room for professional development, and Centre Stage offers many courses taught by outstanding teachers whom I thought would be a privilege to work with and learn from. I realised I was ready to change from a college setting to a centre that strives to engage people in the arts.

Centre Stage is a family. You are instantly welcomed in as soon as you walk through the door. It is a community where strong friendships are formed and will last a lifetime. When I started here, my colleagues and students were amiable and made me feel at home. The students are honestly a pleasure to teach and make Centre Stage proud. They are always lively, willing to participate in anything and everything, and committed to the centre.

I teach dance classes such as Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre Dance, Boy’s Dance, Tap, Musical Theatre Workshop and Hip Hop.

Children need an outlet as much as an adult. Dance is an excellent way for children to express any emotion, especially those they may not be able to explain verbally. It should be fun for children, playing games, laughing, and keeping active, but I also believe dance provides children with imperative skills to help them through life. Dance helps to mould children into creative thinkers and problem solvers; it can help build resilience, discipline and a strong work ethic by overcoming challenges. Finally, it can leave someone with a sense of accomplishment. No one will walk into a dance class and feel like they are the best, but that is ok, you are there for yourself and no one else.

Safe & inclusive

I have only been here for six months, but my favourite moment must be the Little Mermaid Ballet. I love everything to do with preparing for performances and the performances themselves and to be a part of this as my first show was an honour. The students were delightful and performed their hearts out. The excitement on their faces, to be provided with the opportunity to perform after a tough couple of years of the pandemic.

Centre Stage is unlike any institute I have worked in before. It is a safe and inclusive environment for children and young adults to be creative. The teachers are passionate about their jobs and go the extra mile to make every student’s experience as positive and enjoyable as possible. The content of each course is considered carefully to ensure each student’s maximum potential is unlocked. Centre Stage has something for everyone.”

Follow Centre Stage on Instagram and Facebook. Find out more about Charlotte here 

Bug-proof your kids!

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What with one very dominating virus taking over our lives these last few years, we could be forgiven for forgetting that there are other illnesses around. Colds and flu are a fact of life, but in the past few months, it feels like there has been a sharp increase in cases in Singapore. While everyone needs safeguarding against them, it’s our responsibility as parents to protect our children from such nasties.

“Our immune system at birth is a simple immune system with no exposure,” explains Dr Shivani Paliwal of Singapore’s International Medical Clinic (imc-healthcare.com). “Then, slowly, children boost and develop their immune systems by battling a slow ongoing series of germs, viruses, and other organisms so much so that paediatricians consider six to eight colds, bouts of flu, or ear infections per year normal.”

Kick your kid’s immune system into gear with Dr Shivani’s top tips.

Serve more fruit & veggies

When germs come knocking, reach for colourful fruits and veggies, such as carrots, green beans, oranges, and strawberries. The bright stuff contains carotenoids, which are immunity-boosting phytonutrients which may increase the body’s infection-fighting white blood cells, and interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that a diet rich in phytonutrients can protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your little one to eat five servings of fruits and veggies daily.

Increase sleep

Sleep deprivation can make children more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. But how much kip do kids need? An infant may require up to 16 hours of crib time each day, toddlers should have 11 to 14 hours, and pre-schoolers need 10 to 13 hours. “If your child can’t or won’t take naps during the day, try to put them to bed earlier,” says Dr Shivani.

Six to eight colds, bouts of flu or ear infections per year are normal

Breastfeed your baby if you can

Breast milk contains turbo-charged immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Studies show that it may also enhance your baby’s brain power and help to protect them against insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and certain forms of cancer later in life. Colostrum, the thin yellow ‘pre-milk’ that flows from the breasts during the first few days after birth, is especially rich in disease-fighting antibodies.

Exercise as a family

Research shows that exercise increases the number of natural killer cells that help fight infections. Be a good role model and get your children into a lifelong fitness habit. “Exercise with them rather than just urge them to go outside and play,” says Dr Shivani. Cool family activities include bike riding, hiking, in-line skating and tennis.

Swerve the antibiotics

It might feel productive to do something when your child is sick, but reaching for antibiotics whenever your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat probably won’t help. This is because antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, but viruses cause most childhood illnesses. Therefore, giving them when unnecessary can cause strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to flourish. As a result, a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it’s caused by bacteria that doesn’t respond to standard treatment.

Keep on vaxxing

Keeping your child’s recommended childhood vaccinations up-to-date can help their immune system stay primed and ready to fight off dangerous pathogens like meningitis, polio, and chicken pox. Vaccinations work with your child’s immune system to teach it to recognise certain bacteria and viruses they might encounter, so they’ll be ready to fight them off.

If you have concerns about vaccinations, talk to your child’s doctor. They can offer you a better understanding of how vaccinations work, which ones are essential for your child, and point you to resources that can help. And don’t forget to stay up-to-date on your own vaccinations too – afterall, a healthy child starts with a healthy parent.

Guard against spread

Reducing germs doesn’t technically boost immunity, but it does decrease stress on your child’s immune system. One of the simplest and most effective strategies is ensuring your kids wash their hands often with soap. Pay attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from day care. When you’re out, carry disposable wipes for quick clean ups. Lastly, get children into the hand washing habit at home by allowing them to pick out colourful soap in fun shapes and scents.

Dr Shivani Paliwal
MBBS (Aligarh Muslim U, India), Board Cert (Paediatrics, United States)

 www.imc-healthcare.com
 @IMCSG
 international_medical_clinic

Love & Marriage ANZA style!

“We arrange date nights to catch up properly”

PJ Roberts is from Canberra, Australia, and his wife Jo Lu hails from Taiwan. They met at Ce La Vie at Marina Bay Sands 8 years ago and have a little boy, Ashleigh, 3. 

ANZA: You met in Singapore. What brought you both here?
PJ: I’ve been in SG for 20 years. Jo was living in London and only visiting the island when we first met.
Jo: We started a long distance relationship for about a year before I moved to Singapore to be with him. My mum thought I was crazy!

Was it love at first sight?
PJ: Absolutely, Jo was smitten the second she laid eyes on me!
Jo: I was definitely interested, but the feelings grew as we got to know each other better and for longer.

How did moving overseas change your relationship?
PJ: When Jo arrived it was great as I had a good group of friends and Jo was able to slot in easily. In time she found her own friends through work and other social activities. 

What do you think is your biggest challenge as an expat couple?
PJ: Making sure we prioritise spending time with each other while living a busy, hectic, expat life. We manage this by setting up ‘date nights’.
Jo: Singapore is a very busy place. Days seem to go faster and you never have enough time for everything. We arrange date nights to catch up properly and give time to each other. 

What keeps your marriage successful?
PJ: My insightful football analysis. Jo always loves it!
Jo: Looking forward to hearing more of PJ’s insightful football analysis…

“We have fun and are each other’s best friend”

Paddy and Maria Taylor are from Sydney, Australia and met 20 years ago. They have three children from previous marriages who live back in Oz. Singapore expats for 15 years, they live with their cat, Footy.

ANZA: How did you meet?
Maria: It was on 17 August 2003 at The Observer Hotel at The Rocks in Sydney. I was out with friends at the pub where my then-boyfriend was playing in a band. At around 10pm, Pat tapped me on the shoulder on the dancefloor and said “You’ll be bopping (dancing )with me!”

Was it love at first sight?
We liked that we were both tall and enjoyed having fun. We met leading up to the Rugby World Cup in Australia and we were both big rugby fans. 

What brought you to Singapore?
My job. Pat really didn’t want to move. He didn’t know what to expect being the “trailing spouse” and was very worried that he’d be bored. How wrong he was!

How easy was it for you to create a new life here?
Pat met up with the ANZA Secret Men’s Business group within two weeks of our arrival, and the rest is history. The group has been the basis of our social life the entire time. 

How did moving overseas change your relationship?
We got closer. Spending weekends together gave us quality time to just be in one another’s company. Also, as Pat was not working, it meant he focused on “making me happy”. He drives me to work, does all the errands and makes sure our home life runs smoothly. We say “A happy husband makes a happy home” and “A happy wife makes for a happy life”.

What’s been the biggest challenge to you as an expat couple?
Keeping in contact with family overseas. We have regular video calls and all try to get together at least once a year.

What’s the key to your happy marriage?
We have fun together and we’re each other’s best friend! We don’t keep secrets and we let the other person be who they are. Plus, we discuss any big decisions together until we both agree.

“The key to marriage? Laughing  with and at each other!”

Tim and Nikki Hutchins are originally from  the UK and have been together for 29 years. They moved to Singapore in 2020 and have two daughters, Florence, 20, and Freya, 18.

ANZA: When and where did you meet?
Nikki: Back in 1993, when we both worked in the student union bars at the University of Birmingham in the UK.

Was it love at first sight?
No, we got together as the result of a bet!

How long have you lived overseas?
This is our third spell since 2003. In the past nine years we’ve lived in three different countries. 

How easy was it to find a new life here?
It was easy for Tim as he went straight into a high intensity job. I found it harder  as I couldn’t work within my professional role – even more so as we arrived during  the pandemic, so getting out and meeting people was difficult. 

Did moving overseas change your relationship in any way?
We’ve moved nine times in 26 years. We’re used to relying on each other as we’ve often not had much of a support network.

What’s been the biggest challenge for you as an expat couple?
Appreciating that for the trailing spouse there will be times when they will resent having to pack up their lives and start again – no matter that they agreed to do it and how supportive they are!

What’s your key to a happy marriage?
Laughing with – and at – each other! Appreciating that we have separate interests and hobbies and don’t need to do everything together, but valuing the time when it’s just us. 

Enjoy Vibe Hotel’s backyard BBQ brunch experience

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If you love a good barbeque and weekend brunch, Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard has just the experience for you! Get ready for the ultimate weekend Aussie-style BBQ brunch experience right in their backyard, the perfect way to spend a leisurely weekend with friends and family.

Weekend Vibes

Firmly rooted in the pillars of “Lifestyle”, “Connection” and “Discovery”, Vibe Singapore seeks to create memorable experiences for guests through a regular calendar of unique events themed as ‘Weekend Vibes’.

The hotel’s outdoor pool area serves as a delightful backyard setting for an authentic Aussie barbeque experience. Savour delicious grilled meats while watching live broadcasts of Australian sports on the TV. 

To commemorate Australia Day in January and their first ‘Weekend Vibes’ event, Vibe Singapore transformed its outdoor pool area into a classic Aussie pool party extravaganza. The guests were treated to an array of delectable surf and turf favourites, grilled on the spot by all-day dining restaurant ROOS’ chef, accompanied with free-flow Australian craft beers and Penfolds’ wines. Children had a blast splashing around on pool floats and competing in various outdoor games.

Stay tuned for future ‘Weekend Vibes’ events, featuring the signature backyard BBQ brunch with pop-up stations by like-minded partners. Mark down these upcoming dates on your calendar: 18 March, 8 April (Easter special), 13 May and 17 June 2023, from 12-3pm. More information on ‘Weekend Vibes’ will be available soon on Vibe Singapore’s website. 

Experience contemporary Australian hospitality

As the 11th addition to Vibe Hotels and the first to open outside of Australia, Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard aims to be the go-to destination for contemporary Australian hospitality in the city and a gathering place for the Australian community.

Located in the residential enclave of Orchard Road, within easy access to Singapore’s longest shopping belt, Vibe Singapore offers 256 rooms across five categories: Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Family and Suites, with room size starting from 23 square metres. 

The hotel’s all-day dining destination ROOS (owned by lifestyle group Caerus Holding) is named after the Australian slang for “Kangaroos”. ROOS offers a wide selection of menu offerings ranging from Aussie-inspired brekkie items, all-day grills, handmade pasta and a selection of Asian food fare brimming with local favourites. In collaboration with Penfolds, diners in search of premium wines are welcome to step inside the Penfolds Lounge, a walk-in cellar with an impressive floor-to-ceiling display of wines.

Sign up for Vibe Singapore’s mailing list here to be among the first to know about future events. The first 20 subscribers will receive a $50 ROOS dining voucher (no minimum spend).

Connect with us here:

Instagram: instagram.com/vibehotelsg

Facebook: facebook.com/vibehotelsg

Making new friends: Tips for children

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As children begin a new school year, perhaps in a new country or new school, it’s natural for parents to wonder how they can support them in building positive relationships with others.

Building and maintaining friendships plays an important role in helping children to develop emotionally. Not only do they learn how to communicate with others by enhancing their social skills, but healthy friendships are also instrumental in helping young people to learn how to control their emotions and express themselves constructively.

Check in

If you’re not sure if your child has friends, or you’re concerned about their social skills, there are a couple of initial steps you can take. First, check in with their teacher to see how they interact with others. Also, ask your child questions that will give you a better idea of how well they’re mixing with others. For example, asking who they played with that day or what was the most fun part about school will reveal who they’re interacting with and how they feel about their peers.

Importantly, if your child seems content with the number of friends they have, avoid turning the concept of making new ones into a bigger issue than it needs to be. Some children are naturally more introverted and a few good friends is enough, while other more extroverted children thrive in a crowd.
Although friendship is an important part of life, not everyone is gifted at making friends. The good news is that friendship building is a skill that can be learned with a little effort, bravery and patience (on the part of both parent and child).

Be curious

If you believe your child may like some support in friendship building, an important first step is to approach them empathetically. Rather than expressing judgement or concern, be curious: perhaps they feel nervous about initiating play with others or introducing themselves? Maybe they feel intimidated sitting on a new lunch table? Or are they more comfortable in their own space?

By taking the time to actively listen and paraphrase what they tell you, you’ll be able to better identify how your child feels and if they may be open to receiving guidance from you. Rather than assume they want help, a great entry point is simply to ask: “Would you like Mummy or Daddy to help?”

If the answer is yes, or even if their answer is no, read below for some simple practical strategies which you can share with – or at least model to – your child.

  1. Build conversation skills
    Giving your child a few key conversation starters that they can use can build confidence. “What do you do for fun?” or “Who is your favourite superhero?” can be simple entry points for them to get into a new conversation with a potential friend.
  2. Learn to listen
    Can you help your child to be attentive to what is being shared with them? Can they have a follow up question in mind to show that they have listened, or a general statement that expresses interest? Active listening and modelling this is one of the best ways to help them.
  3. Keep things considerate
    Sometimes children can come across as overly assertive, and this can discourage others from engaging with them. To help them understand the value of being considerate of others, ask them questions like: “How does it feel when someone shares with you?” or “What games do you like to share with others?”
  4. Be Hospitable
    Simple acts like seeing a parent offer a cup of coffee to someone else, take an interest in a topic that the other person wants to talk about, and showing kindness are very powerful. Children learn more from what they see their parents do rather than what they hear them say.
  5. Look for opportunities to meet up
    Encourage your child if you notice them taking a step to initiate play with others, for example at a playground or park. If you’re concerned that they’ll be stressed about meeting new people, bring an ice-breaker – a toy, pet or snacks – to help draw other kids to your child. This is especially helpful if your child is not naturally outgoing.

UWC South East Asia
 Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Rd, Singapore, 139654
 East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore, 528704
 www.uwcsea.edu.sg
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