Giving new students a taste of what it's like to be a true Scholar, Sportsman and Gentleman of Sri Cempaka.

On the 27th of December, the Form One students of the oncoming year were roused from their sleepy holiday mood to attend their first official orientation session at Sri Cempaka Damansara. At 9am sharp, students congregated in the hall while anxious parents chatted amongst themselves outside the hall. Students met with respective tutors for the first time that morning and the expression on most students faces were ones of apprehension and shyness.
       "Good morning, Datin Freida, Dr. Rizal, Puan Farah and teachers." This was the barely audible drone the new, still shy students offered our school authorities that morning. Unfazed, Datin Freida greeted students with zest and warmth, putting some of the students more at ease. In tow was Puan Farah briefly introducing our school and breaking the ice by interacting with the "newbies", as they shall be referred to for the whole of this year. Although the response given by the students with regard to Puan Farah's question "What do you expect from Sri Cempaka?" was less than lukewarm, it was a fine start. While there were a handful of rather outspoken students, "Err... I don't know?" became the general stammered answer. Give them time I say, and soon they'll become the confident and energetic students we've all come to be!
       During this gathering, the new students were also taught the school song by Miss Tan. Tentative and not exactly melodious singing filled the air of the hall that day as the students were still bashful and unsure of themselves. Next up on the agenda of the day was the introduction of the school rules! Yippee! This section was conducted by our very own Head Prefect Arizz Azhar, Deputy Nick Quah and Joshua Chew. I can imagine how intimidated the students must have been by our beloved senior Prefects! After a short break, the prefects had a chance to be 'tour guides', albeit amateurish ones as we showed the Form One students around school. The orientation ended shortly after 12 noon and students left with what we hope was a better understanding and comprehension of what secondary school life in Sri Cempaka was going to be like.

-After the first week of school-

       On the first Saturday after school reopened, the Form One students assembled for their second orientation session. This somewhat concise assembly comprised speeches by Dr. Rizal and Puan Farah. During the brief meeting, students were first told of their academic expectations throughout their term in school. (Talk about pressure!) On a lighter note, Dr. Rizal emphasised on the extracurricular activities available in school. Other than the usual sports students are able to join, this year's Form One students are the first batch of secondary students given the opportunity to have a Performing Arts program, which includes musical instruments, theatre and so on. Lucky kids!
       Moreover, Dr. Rizal gave an overview of the various societies existing in school. Students were also greatly encouraged to take part in the expeditions held throughout the year, the primary incentive being the Expedition Grand Slam Collar Pin! Of course, not neglecting the soul of Sri Cempaka, the importance of community service in our school was heavily conveyed to the students as well. Dr. Rizal talked of our donations to homeless shelters, visits to hospital wards and so on and so forth. After covering the three most important attributes of our school: Mind, Body and Soul, 'Glimpses 2005' was screened to endorse the significance of these qualities. Rest assured Form Ones, no student in Sri Cempaka will lead a humdrum school life!
            At the end of the morning, Dr. Rizal left students with sound advice. "Being the smartest, most athletic and active student would mean nothing at all, if a student is not nice inside." So Cempakans, new and old alike, pay close attention to the back cover of your exercise books!

                  "In Sri Cempaka, I learn good values,
         To be disciplined, hardworking and wise,
                  And that it is nice to be clever,
         And just as clever to be nice."

Read it. Memorise it. Live by it.