Reflections

June 2003: The National Schools' Dragonboat Competition 2003 is a tough one - we managed to come in 4th for all events, failing to achieve a medal. However, it is still an improvement over last year, whereby we came in last for all events. Aim to be among top 3 in 2004! The cadets were spirited and determined to win but they lack in their strength and coordination. Sec 3 should also be more encouraging to the sec 2 as well if the sec 2 cannot perform to your expectation. Overall, i am very impressed with the support parents gave by coming down to encourage their child in the events!! keep it up!! By Daniel Yong

1 March 2003: National Captain's Ball Comp: I am really very heartened by the HSCNPCC spirit: never say die. The song goes: "famous for fighting, we come from a famous fighting company, we fight for our glory......victory......" Your performance is exactly that. You have all worked hard to achieve 4th placing at the national level, a good result! You give all your best till the last minute. Though you did not make it to the finals, still the fact is that all of you volunteered enthusiastically for this event! Whats more all of you have the Classification Shoot after that!

If this spirit lives on for the next few years, i guess HSCNPCC will really be the best and 'Bartley of the East'. Kudos to all!

Submitted by Mr Yong

....Pinnacle Camp December 2002. SSGT Irvin, one of the 8 NPCC cadets selected by NPCC HQ, attended the camp organised by NCC HQ......

On the 9^th of December 2002, it was a day I was looking forward to. NCC Camp Pinnacle 2002 held at Amoy Quee Camp on the 9^th-13^th December 2002. It was an annual event held by the NCC HQ. 8 NPCC cadets and 8 India NCC cadets were invited to join the prestigious camp. To the 8 NPCC cadets, it was like a once in a lifetime chance to attend this camp.

On the first day, we booked in to Amoy Quee Camp after meeting at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Then we were split up into various platoons with other NCC mates. The NCC cadets chosen for this camp were the elites from their school; discipline is the best word to describe them. Thereafter, we visited the Singapore Civil Defence Force Academy (SCDFA) at Boon Lay. I was impressed by the efficiency of the fire fighters. They demonstrated various fire fighting skills.

On the second day, we went to the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) at the Singapore Polytechnic. We attended talks upon reaching the place. Then we proceeded to the tour around the campus. Then we went to the World Trade Center for the cruise trip to Clifford Pier.

On the next day, we went to the Singapore Air Force School at the Changi Naval Base. They briefed us and we were given an opportunity to take the Fokker-50 plane. However, some groups were disappointed as the last two flights were cancelled due to the bad weather.

On the fourth day, the Commandos and the Army Recruitment Center organised various activated for us. We enjoyed the paintball and the jungle survival skills. The Commandos demonstrated how to kill animals for survival in a jungle. We had hands-on experience on chickens, quails and frogs. At night, we had a campfire for the Camp Pinnacle Night. The NCC cadets from India presented their dance cultures items and we were impressed greatly.

On the last day during the Passing Out Ceremony, we were each presented a Camp Pinnacle Badge. It was a prestigious badge that brought us special memories from the camp. At last, it was time to go. Certainly, we learnt many things during the camp and made new friends. I also learnt many things about NCC, like how to wear their uniform.

SGT Irvin Zeng

Hai Sing Catholic NPCC Unit

Opportunities pass by quickly. Seize the day!