Thursday, September 29, 2011

Photo of the Week / Caption Contest!

Hey guys!

If you've explored the blog you'd have noticed this tab called 'Photos' at the top. Click on it and you'll find a veritable trove of photographs of trainings, camps, competitions and events dating back all the way to 2008.

So for these next few weeks I'll be taking you guys through some of these photosets and back into the past - posting interesting photos of your Sec4s and Sec3s when they were cadets a looong time ago. At the same time, you stand to win points for your platoon by coming up with creative captions for these photos of the week!

For this week let's start with this one from 2009:

Send an email with your name, platoon and caption for this photo to martin [dot] rcy [at] gmail [dot] com by Wednesday 5 Octobert - and the most creative caption wins you points for your platoon! There's no limit on how many captions you can give* so submit as many as you like!

Bonus points for the first person to tell me which camp this photo is from!
+11.1 points to David / Iota - this photo was taken in November 2009 when Ryan was Sec1 and Jason Sec3.


*Standard disclaimers apply - nothing racist / vulgar / offensive / insensitive please.

IPCFAEV results

Dear all,

the long-awaited results of last term's Interplatoon First Aid / Evacuation competition are here!

The scores are as follows:
Epsilon: 415.5
Iota: 357.2
Omega: 268

Congratulations to Epsilon for winning this round!

Iota and Omega - don't be disheartened - these points will be carried over camp where there will be even more exciting opportunities for you guys to earn more points for your platoon. The real platoon competition is only just beginning! Check this blog every day for more updates. (And for ways to get more points. Hint hint.)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

UIP and RCYC

(RCYC dates are changed! Please check them below)

Hi Sec2s!~ (Sec1s your turn will come soon :P)

UIP (Unit Instructor's Programme) and RCYC (Red Cross Youth Challenge) are coming!! The dates are as follows:

UIP
Contact Sessions: 5, 12 , 19 Nov
Camp: 25-27 Nov

RCYC: Camp Unity
Contact Session: 3 Dec
Camp: 15-18 Dec

Details are not out yet, but if you are interested in going for either of these two, please email the Batch 60 egroup once again (If you don't know the email look to the right! :P)

These two programmes have proven to be very enriching so far for those who have gone for it, and I'm sure some of the sec2s have been waiting to go for this :P It is also a very good way to interact with members from other RCY units, so gogogo :) If you don't believe ask the lanyard holders from last year: Ching Wai and Gabriel :D

Oh btw, today is the last day to indicate your interest for Gold Modular Workshops and Accreds! Do remember that you can only go for one accreds this time round, so choose wisely :D Also, from past experience to go for UIP you'll definitely need a Gold in the subject you are interested in, so we encourage all of you to go for it.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Gold Modular Workshops/Accreds

Hi Sec2s!

Gold Modular Workshops/Accreditations are coming on 22/29 October respectively!

For FD, OA and Evac (Gold), you'll have to attend both the workshop and the accreditation.
For RCK (Gold), you only need to go for the accreditation on the 29th.
There is also a First Aid workshop open to all interested participants on the 22nd. There is no accreditation for First Aid and this workshop does NOT take the place of SFA.
edit: the last time I checked, one can't be in 2 places at the same time - if it isn't obvious already you can only go for one (1) workshop on the 22nd and one (1) accreditation on the 29th.

All workshops and accreditations will be held from 9am to 5.30pm at the Red Cross Campsite on both days, so if you sign up do make sure that you can make it down for the relevant dates. You cannot leave early so if you have something on please either reschedule it or not sign up this round.


Details of Workshops and Accreditations
Footdrill: Attire - Full Red Cross Uniform for both days. Bring your stationery, 1.5l labelled water bottle, a set of FD (G) notes - download from the RCY website - and a blank FD (G) record sheet on the 22nd.

Evacuation: Attire - Mufti (PE shirt + dark blue or black track pants) for both days. Bring your stationery, 1.5l labelled water bottle, a set of Evac (G) notes - download from RCY website as well, newspaper and a blank Evac (G) record sheet.

OA: Attire - Mufti (PE shirt + dark blue or black track pants) for both days. Bring your stationery, 1.5l labelled water bottle, a set of OA (G) notes - download from RCY website, a metal fork and spoon and a blank OA (G) record sheet.

RCK (Accred only on 29th; no workshop): Attire - Full RC Uniform. Accreditation will be a 10 minute presentation on a set topic that has to be prepared before the accreditation. You'll be working in a team of 3 - 4 cadets so you need to find a group with your batchmates first. For information on the topics and the presentation criteria refer to the first link at the bottom. You will also need a record sheet for each member in the team which can be found below.

FA Workshop on 22nd: Attire - Mufti (PE shirt + dark blue or black track pants), bring your stationery, 1.5l labelled water bottle, 1 triangular bandage and 1 roller bandage.


Requirements for workshops/accreditations
FD (Gold) - You need to have FD (S) to go for the workshop. Since most of you haven't taken your silver accreds yet, what we'll do is register you first and conduct your accred either next week or after EOYs but before the workshop.

Evac (Gold) - You need Evac (S) to register for this workshop. Thus only the following people are currently eligible to sign up: Jian Xing, Amos, Yimin, Joash, Yi Cheng, Zi Jun and David. Those who have failed their theory but passed practical (i.e. Rayner, Vijay, Kian Guang, Brendon, Samuel and Arun) can sign up as well, but you'll have to clear your theory next week or else we won't let you go.

OA (Gold) - Everyone with OA (B) can sign up (i.e. except Yue Howe, Brendon, Nirmeet, Jeremiah and Alfonse) but you need to clear your OA (S) accreds either next week or after EOYs before the workshop. We'll contact / inform you accordingly.

RCK (Gold) - You need RCK (S) for this. Everyone except Hetav, Alfonse, Daniel, Nirmeet and Jeremiah can go.

FA Workshop - Everyone interested can sign up.


If you are interested in joining any one of these workshops and/or accreditations, please email the Batch 60 egroup by this Sunday 25 Sep stating the following:

Name (or group of 3-4 names if you're going for RCK)
Class
Rank
Workshop and/or accreditation you're going for - give up to 3 choices.

There are limited slots available for each workshop and accreditation so not everyone might be able to go. You'll be informed of the workshop/accreditation you've been registered for, as well as any accreds that you may need to clear with us internally, in due course.


---
For all the details of the Workshops and Accreds, you can refer to HQ's letter here.

The record sheets for the various subjects can be found below; please download the relevant .pdf file and print it.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

the passing of an era -

and the beginning of another:

(click on image for full size)


Yesterday marked the end of Batch 59's year in charge of the unit - and what a year it has been.

This batch came in when I was in Sec 3 - so I only got to know them for less than half a year before my batch took over in late 2008.

I didn't have much of an impression of them back then - they were (or as I remember) a quiet bunch, generally quite well-behaved and much better than their seniors. So I didn't quite know what to expect the next year when my batch was tasked with running things for them.

So in 2009 things turned out quite well - I took their batch for FA for what was effectively 2 entire terms, and they were really an engaging, lively group of people who paid attention and always seemed eager to learn (a bit like batch 62 really but with a bit more discipline). Thus at my POC - which seemed like only a few months ago - I left the unit rather reluctantly.

And then I came back.

So in 2010 I took this batch again for the entire year - I tried to teach them what it meant to lead the unit; we worked together on innumerable tasks and projects and I pushed them way too hard, expected too much from them - but they always delivered. This batch stuck together through everything we put them through - the multiple recce trips for 6Pak last year, the constant rewriting and refining of activities - all for the sake of the unit. Never once did they give up; they always sought to work together and to give their best for the unit - and it is this spirit that has characterised their entire journey as leaders of this unit, and what I'll always remember them for.

Batch 59 thus really exemplified what it meant to be a batch - a group of unique individuals each with their own strengths and personalities coming and working together for a common goal. It's thus with a twinge of sadness that I'm seeing them leave - but at the same time I'm happy for all that they've accomplished in their years here. 2010/11 may have seemed unfairly short, but it has left with us many great memories of this batch - the various camps they've run, PN, FDCOM and countless others. But all good things must come to an end eventually - that's the way things go.

Thus as b59 moves on and as b60 steps up to fill some very big shoes left for them, I'd once again like to thank this batch for everything they've done for the unit; for the unforgettable memories they've left us, and left me in my 2 years as a VI here; and for everything that they've taught us - the value of teamwork, of determination, and for showing us what it really meant to lead the unit. Thanks for being a truly exceptional batch.

Friday, September 16, 2011

'Twas the End

'Twas the end of POC, the closing of one chapter of our seniors' lives. Well, good luck to them, and their future endeavours.

POC also marked the takeover of a group of more junior seniors, and the beginning of a new cycle of events and joy and whatnot.

So let us be filled with vigour, and take on the challenge of the new age!

Your Friendly Omega PM
George

P.S How was SFA?

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Parade Rehearsal

Hi all Sec 1s ~

Please come down to the clocktower at 3.00 pm tomorrow for a short drill session. And to try (note try) to collect your boots for the *ahem* parade.

Please try to come :D

POC and SFA tomorrow

Hi guys:

for tomorrow take note of the following -

SFA for batch 61
The teachers haven't given us the details for tomorrow yet so for now please meet Brendan at the Atrium immediately after school tomorrow so that he can tell you what to do once he gets the information.

POC
Parade begins at 6pm on the Raffles Square. Please get changed into your full Red Cross Uniform before 6pm. Sec2s if you're delayed by your SFA we'll wait for you.

The Passing Out Ceremony begins at 630pm in the AVT and should end by 830pm. Again you'll need to be in your full Red Cross Uniform for the thing. If you don't have your full uniform for whatever reason (if you don't have badges it's alright) please be attired in school uniform with tie. Refreshments / food will be provided after the thing.

Tomorrow's the Sec4s' last day in the unit, and it's also a send-off for them after their 4 years of service to Red Cross so do show up to show your appreciation for everything they've done!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Post Inter-UG Games

Hi guys!

As they always say, results don't always matter! What matters is the participation and the experience, and as you can see we are different from the other UGs in this light. Whereas in other UGs may send a team made up entirely of seniors, in RC everyone including the juniors get a chance to participate in this annual inter-UG competition.

Of course, this does not mean we do not have talent - we may be lacking in terms for physical strength (for now!) but we can show everyone else that even in the face of defeat we do our best and strive for excellence. Sometimes instead of using your muscles you can use your brainpower too :D

Speaking of muscles, a round of applause for all the marathon runners this afternoon!! The half marathon is by far the most physically demanding of the sports played out today, so have a good rest tonight!

For those who left early, here are the results for your information:

Marathon - 6th
Basketball- 4th (sorry thought it was 5th earlier)
Captains' Ball -4th
Floorball - 5th
Frisbee - 6th
Soccer - 4th

Once again, don't have discouraged by this...in fact this is already a very commendable result! I witnessed some moments where foul play might have happened and could have affected the results, but forget about that for now. As Rafflesians we play fairly and not attempt to win by foul means, whatever the situation.

We have no doubt improved from last year, as this time we only have two sports in which we got last. This shows that we are growing into a ever more formidable force compared to last time when we have no more than 2 sports getting a non-last placing. We are ever closer to reaching the goal of getting a top 3 position, and we came close I must say.

I was highly encouraged when our soccer team went off to a good start with a first match win and a second match draw. Learn from your mistakes, and worth noting is that our soccer team is comprised mostly of juniors, which means that you guys can play again (with the same team maybe) next year! Jiayou guys...just keep improving and I'm sure next year we will clinch at least the top 2 for soccer.

Good job to all who played their hearts out for RIRC. There's always next year, and then we will show everyone how we have learnt from our mistakes and how capable we are in these sports.

For now rest well everybody! This is technically the last training before EOYs, and thus there will be standdown from now till after EOYs. Go mugmugmugmugmug :P

Coming up this Friday: Passing out Ceremony!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Inter-UG games day

Hi guys! Below are the allocations for the Inter-UG games day:

Marathon: (Juniors)

Reeve
Andrew
Jia Cheng
Forster
Jian Xing
Kian Guang
Joash

Soccer:

Fintan
Eric
Vijay
Daniel
Yi Cheng
Brendon
Wei Yang
Sub: Shawn

Floorball:

Zhen Si Qi
Jun Wei
Kenneth
Han Sheng
Nicholas
Soe Lwin
Vatsal
Sub: Tianyi

Basketball:

David
Amos
Kelvinder
Ching Wai
Ryan Lim
Li Hong
Brendan
Subs: Li Yuan and Gavin

Frisbee:

Mahesh
Yi Min
Arun
Hethav
Nirmeet
Zawad
Gabriel

Captain's ball:

Adam
Zijun
Allan
Hethav
Yue Howe
George
Kai Yan
Sub: Ryan Chiong and Ryan Foo

First Aiders:
Yu Jun
Samuel
Jia Ming
Chong Ching
Kavin
Colin
Zhi Jie

Road Marshals (you will be briefed tomorrow on what to do. Basically they direct the runners)
Kim Kwang Kyu
Qi Jing
Rayner
Darryl

Have a goodnight's rest before tomorrow! Cya! :)

Inter-UG Games Day

Hi everyone!

Tomorrow is the Inter-UG games day! Hope you all had a good warm up in your respective sports at the end of Monday's training; tomorrow your skills will be put to the test against the other UGs. All the best, encourage and cheer on others while they are playing (or running for the marathon runners), and most importantly have fun!! xD

See all of ya tomorrow! Also, based on feedback on Monday's training, we are tweaking the allocation for the individual sports a little to match your strengths and preferences, so do look out for the final allocation tonight!


Sunday, September 11, 2011

Attendance for POC

Hi all

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZDNH76N

Please complete the above survey to confirm or deny your attendance for POC this coming Friday. It is compulsory and mandatory.

Help yourself and help us at the same time :D

Sign Ups for Inter UG Games Day

The team allocation has finally been decided.

To take a look at the team allocations, please view it from this link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgNwetKvUff2dHBSUWJyRGpKTHNDc1ZZcjFTd0ctV3c&hl=en_US

Please note that you may not be assigned to your favourite sport but do still turn up do your best for the games you have been allocated to! :)

Some of you may not find your names on the list. However, do take note that you are still supposed to attend CCA and you will be supporting your unit or helping out.

Remember the games start on 14 September 2011~! Good luck and do your best despite any odds~!

You may want to bring your own equipments such as the soccer balls, basket balls, etc.

PS There may be minor changes on Monday.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

DVTOW 30: Season Finale

Welcome to the last episode of DVOTW. This week, we will be featuring a new dance crew for the first time (and probably the last). It is the Quick Crew. Enjoy.



Enough of the analysis, you probably know quite a fair bit.

In this season of DVOTW, we hope we have opened your eyes, mind and heart to a performing arts form called Dance. You yourself have tried your hands and legs at dance too during PN. As school reopens, all the best in your exams and stay tune for the next season of DVOTW (if there is another one…)

From the backstage, your team of producers working to make RIRC a success wants to say……

CCA is a place to try things you can’t in the constraint of a classroom, and dance is just one out of many. For me, it has been a fruitful experience picking up dance as an interest, so to all of you, keep breaking new ground and do something new. That is how you can be someone new after 4 years in RIRC :P
--Zheng Wei

Hey, it isn't just a CCA kays :) its a passion. Red Cross has been my home, my family. Not just another fond memory but a life experience as well. There are so many lessons and good memories from RIRC that... I can't say all of it here :) but all of which, you can have too. Put in the effort, try smthing new like Zheng Wei and make use of your time in RIRC wisely; you'll get something so valuable (be it a gf like big boss down there) that you'll never regret :) You all can do it too! =)
-- Deo

Red Cross is where you explore new stuff like first aid and footdrill you wouldn't do anywhere else, meet new friends (like those of the opposite gender *ahem* deo *ahem*), bond with your batch and unit, and just have fun. It's like a family to me and I'm really glad to have known all you wonderful peeps! Keep on striving to do your best in whatever you do, be it school or cca life! When you meet difficulties in life, just remember RIRC is always there for you :D Make the sec 4s proud and keep the phoenix soaring high in the sky! We know you guys can do it :)
-- Brendan

Hey guys, do treasure your time in Red Cross. 4 years pass by really quickly and it will be over in a flash. For me, I have had a lot of fun and many interesting experiences. All the fun and laughter is unforgettable. I would like to add on to what big boss said above: When you meet difficulties in life, just remember RIRC is always there for you and that 三仙 will always bless you :D
-- Kai Yan

Hihi guys, hope you all will have fun in Red Cross with each other like wabbits weegly and meebling around :D Like Auntie ^, 三仙 will always bless you :O Wun around like boogle buggle and dun forget Zheng Weiiiiiiiii! (esp. Jun Weiiiiiiii) Hahahahah! Zheng Weiiiiiiiiii!
-- Wabbit

Hi guys, hope you enjoyed your Red Cross journey thus far! Please treasure the bonds and friendships that you have built in Red Cross. For the year 1s and 2s, you guys still have much to look forward to (eg. RCYC and UIP). For the year 3s, I trust that you guys will take care of our unit and help maintain our unit's standard of excellence.
I hope that you guys will continue to have the passion for Red Cross. And good luck for the future ahead!!! (And work hard for FAC next year!!!)
-- Colin

4 years in RIRC has given me a lot of wonderful experiences and memories. All the hardship and fun that I've gone through with my batch and you guys are definitely unforgettable. And It's been fun knowing you awesome people. (:
I hope you guys are having a wonderful experience here too. Enjoy awesome and fun things that classrooms and most other CCAs can't provide, such as FOOTDRILL. xP Do treasure the time here in RIRC with your batchmates, seniors and juniors. Let the passion burn in your hearts and bring RIRC to greater heights! (:
--Soe Lwin

In RIRC, you'll go through a whole lot of experiences that can't be had in the classroom, nor (may I say) other CCAs. You'll learn more about yourself, more about other people and more about life as a whole, especially of the less fortunate. I'll never forget my experience in this CCA, the times i've shared with others and the lessons I will take away when I leave. I hope you will too. Make good use of your time here, bring glory to the unit and make yourself a better person. All the best!
-- Han Sheng


Just remember, in the future, when RIRC participates in competitions or HQ events, whether you guys win or lose, do so like gentlemen. Show they what RI boys are like. Also, treasure your youth and the opportunities being served to your doorsteps. Don't come regretting that you haven't done this or that a few days before your own POC. As you can see from above, we have high hopes for you!!!
-- Hui Jun

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Inter UG Games Day Practice Session

Hi Guys~!

Do fill up this survey so we can know if we should have a practice session before the Inter UG Games Day. We will be trying out the different games, mimicking the actual games day.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LBV9VRZ

Thanks~! :)

DVOTW 29

Hey all,

Sorry for the delayed telecast of DVOTW due to FDCom :P Today we are featuring Tony Tran and his epic freestyle.



I guess you all know wad freestyle is from DVTOW 26. So you can try freestyling at home or anywhere to feel comfortable with. It doesn't take much, just allow your body to follow the music.

Try to observe how the moves and steps in Tony's freestyle followed the music e.g. the soft lyrics, and strong drum beats and random little thingies hidden within the music. Tads how freestyle is done.

Oh and btw, the throwing of shoes at the end doesn't mean anything negative (unlike the shoe throwing at George Bush incident)

Anyways, happy holidays (if you have any to speak of :P)

See you soon for the next episode of DVOTW

Red Cross Flag Day + SANA Results

For those who have signed up for the Flag Day,

Please be reminded of the following details:

Date: 7th September 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 0700 - 1230
Venue: Report at Raffles Institution Main Atrium (by 0650 as bus ;eaving @ 7am)
Dismissal at CHIJ Secondary School, Toa Payoh (collection center)
Attire: Unit Tee with PE Shorts or PE Attire

The following people are those who have signed up:

Allan Zhou
David Wang
Wang Zijun
Chan Zhi Zhang Amos
Lee Jian Xing
Joash Chin
Kang Yi Cheng
Zhang Yimin
Daniel Lim
Lau Yue Howe
Ye Yixin Samuel
See Wei Yang
Ryan Lim
Tan Zong Xian Justin
Chua Ching Wai
Ryan Chiong
Darryl Lee
George Lin
Sean Wong

(Those who signed up but are not supposed to attend:
Ng Jun Wei
Tan Li Yuan
Forster Khoo
Gavin Tan
Reeve Chia Jing
Zhen Si Qi
Please do not come as you guys are underaged)

Please do not forget to come~! Also, if you still do not have your consent forms please download from: http://www.mediafire.com/?bjuf7duat0n23sb

On a side note, these are the people who have passed the SANA coures~! :)
ANDREW CHEN QING FU
CHAN ZHI ZHENG AMOS
GAVIN TAN KOH WEE
KANG YI CHENG
NG JUN WEI
TAN LI YUAN
YEO ZHI JIE BRENDON

Congrats~! Your badges will be arriving soon~!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

FDC 2011 : NyanCom Edition

Hi all,

This year's FDCom has several 'firsts'.

To start off, it is the first time we are having a Sec 1 participating in the competition. A round off applause for Kelvinder for all his effort to catch up with the more experienced and proficient Sec 3s and 4s. He was really great during the competition.

For the prelims, we got South District 3rd placing as well as....... BEST NATIONAL COMMANDER!!!!!!!! Basically, this is the first time it was awarded to an RI commander. Our dear Soe Lwin sir was awarded this amongst the 32 other commanders from other units in this competition. AWESUM!!!!

For the finals, it was a National 2nd. So far, this is the highest achievement we have gotten for the recent 5 years of FDCom.

I think the FDcommers all deserve big round of applause and a good rest after all the 10 hours of neck-breaking, feet-cracking and brain-wrecking experience. Good job guys!!!

So this FDCom concludes our series of competitions this year. Next year, will be a greater and more groundbreaking experience for competitions. So all the best for next year!!!!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Footdrill Competition 2011

Hi all,

Here are the details for FDCom tomorrow.
Reporting: Raffles Institution Main Atrium, 7.45 a.m. (disregard consent form)
Dismissal: Compassvale Secondary School, ~5.00 p.m.

You can come even if you have not indicated your attendance to Justin IC. Consent form is here.

All the best to our FDCom squad!