Day 3

2008/11/20 at2:50 PM

date:20.11.08 time:15:26 Journalist: Leonard&Hazmie

Right after the school ends at 3.30pm, we headed to the nearby village by trucks. It took about 30 minutes to reach Karen village. The village was very small and old. Old enough to be demolished if it were in Singapore. The head of Karen village seemed to know everyone well, just like family. He brought us around his village and we went to the padi field where we could get our hands on the padi. We felt like farmers for that few minutes of harversting. We also felt the hardship of those farmers working days and nights just to earn a living for their family. The truck ride was very cooling as we got to seat at the open area at the back of the truck.

After the long day, we then had our dinner before going off to weaving factory, where they selling hand made clothes and accesories. Some students brought some souvenir for the family while others just came and look around.

Had our daily night reflection then we went to sleep!

Day 2

2008/11/19 at12:44 PM

The day started off early for us at Mae Chaem. To be exact, 5 am local time.
Breakfast was served at 5.45 am and the dining area was situated a few meters away from our rooms. Today’s breakfast was special as we celebrated Miss Lim Hui Qi's belated birthday. After finishing up the cake, we set out for Mae Chaem school. We reached there early as intended in order to familiarise ourselves with the school environment. We were touched by the banner which read "Welcome Woodlands Ring Secondary to Mae Chaem school from 18-21 November 2008" . The HOD of English, Mrs Pongsri Wongkrajang, ushered us to the conference room.

At 7.45am, we walked eagerly to the assembly area. Students in Mae Chaem school greeted us with warm welcome. The students here are indeed polite.

When the Thailand National anthem was played, the students sang clearly and proudly.

We were overwhelmed by the Nation spirit they displayed. We tried to sing out loud liked they did but it was not loud enough to be heard in entire school.

We will be rehearsing it today and do better tomorrow. Just like the 10 year anniversary motto, " A Better Tomorrow" .

When we were done with the morning assembly, we met at the conference room for adminstrative work.We went into our individual groups: Robotics team, English Literacy team, IT team and Drama team.

Finally, was time to excecute our plans.

We started off with the ice breaking session.

It is not easy communicating with students here as they can hardly understand English. With the value taught in WRSS, we persevered, be resilence and finally, we manage to overcome the communication barrier. We tried not to depend on the teachers here(help us to interpret) but to explain ourselves. We overcome it by using our body language, talk with simple English and explain to them slowly. We glad that some methods really works!

Each group faced different kind of problems.

The Robotics team found out that the space given to them to conduct the Robotics workshop was too small. The Drama team realised their logistics list went missing and had to change their plan for the morning. The English Literacy had more number of students than expected while the

IT team experienced slow internet connection that led to lesser pictures being uploaded.

However, we looked at our challenges from different perspectives and were able to overcome many of them. In short, we learnt to think on our feet. We were able to adapt to the situations.

We left Mae Chaem school at 4pm.

Information For You

at10:15 AM

To all the caring families
who have been trying very hard to keep updated on the OCIP team,

These photos are taken yesterday.

Evon explaining what to do next to the thai students(:

We have reached the school!

The robotics hunks posing for the thai students!

The IT team would be posting every afternoon between 12pm to 3pm until friday when we will be going back to ChiangMai from Maechaem. During our stay in ChiangMai, we would be sourcing for internet connection so that we will be able to provide you with the latest piece of news of the OCIP team. We are progressing smoothly and are well taken care off. At the same time, we are enjoying ourselves as we are entertained by the unique experiences and cultures in thailand. I shall update you in the future as soon as possible. Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary, WALK THE BEST!

Regards

ChaoJian

Expedition Leader

Day 2

2008/11/18 at3:06 PM

Khun Ser Dee Mai, people in SINGAPORE!
(how are you, people in Singapore!)

From Aiin:
Hello everyone! Just to let you know that I am doing fine and enjoying the company of the Thai students. Takkaire of yourselves, orite!

From Evon:
i am doing well :] people here are super cute:]mummy dont worry,i enjoy myself here:]

From Isaac:
I doing well, very well.DO NOT worry about me, and do not touch my stuff!! God bless our family.

From Jeremy:
To Mum , Dad and sister , I am doing well in thailand and I enjoy myself .
To Chlovelle , Please rmb to have your meal regularly . =D
I miss you all xD

OCIP DAY day1

at12:48 PM

TIME:1457
DATE:17-11-2008
JOURNALIST: Hazmie

The Info & Tech team!

Drama Team!

Robotics Team!

English Literacy Team!

Chiang Mai International Airport

SET TO GO!

Sawadi kap..

The whole OCIP team was highly excited for our departure to Chiang Mai, Thailand. After one whole month of preparation, we hope that all of our efforts will pay off and we will return to Singapore with wonderful memories. At the same time, be equipped with skills that will be useful towards our daily challenges. We reported in school at 11am. Amidst the preparation, Mrs Kok and some of the HODS addressed us. Some of the member’s loving parents tagged along with us to the airport. We were all geared up for our departure with our luggage at hand

The journey on the bus was rather peaceful. The students and teachers alike, were engaged in their own conversations and seemed to be having a good time. Upon reaching Changi Airport, the students quickly formed a human chain to transport the luggage. We then made our way to the Departure Hall. After all the administrative matters were settled, we walked towards the departure hall. This was the start of our learning journey. A journey, that promised many learning points. After an emotional goodbye to our loved ones, we made our way to the check-in counter. And soon enough, we were on board Silkair,flight MI 706.

We had safely reached Chiang Mai at around 1700 local time.
Everything went smoothly and we had our delicious dinner before heading to Mae Chaem.

The trip up to Mae Chaem took about 2 hours from Chiang Mai and before we go, we went to super market to buy some snacks and drinks.

The van ride was rather bumpy and some of us got motion sickness. Teachers bought motion sickness pills and gave to those who needed it.
Most of us slept through the 2 hours ride and soon we realised, we had reached our destination.

We reached Mae Chaem at around 10pm local time.
All of us were tired yet we still held on to have final meeting, debreifing and reflection time before we were dismissed to our own room.
Accomodation so far is good.
There are water heater, televison, some have air-conditioners.

For those parents who is worried about your child's well being, rest assured, the meal are fantastic and well taken care of by the teachers.
Muslim food is catered for.

To all who are related to students of OCIP,
we miss you.