Orchid Park Secondary School
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| Motto | Onward & Persevere |
|---|---|
| Established | 1999 |
| Type | Government School, Mixed School, Single session, {{{session}}} |
| Principal | Mrs Helen Tan |
| MOE Code | 3605 |
| Colours | Green, Beige |
| Locale | Yishun, Singapore |
| Enrollment | |
| Website | Link |
| Ministry of Education | |
 Republic of Singapore |
|
Orchid Park Secondary School (Abbreviation: OPSS) is a government secondary school in Yishun, Singapore.
Contents |
[edit] History
Officially established in January 1999, it relocated from its temporary site at Woodlands Ring Secondary School in Woodlands to its current location in Yishun in 2000.
[edit] School song
OPSS' school song is titled 'Onward and Persevere'. The lyrics was penned by founding principal Low Eng Kee and Dr. Er Yenn Chwen composed the music.
ONWARD AND PERSEVERE Onward, onward we go No mountain too high to scale Onward, onward we row No ocean too wide to sail Persevere, persevere No obstacle shall stand in our way Our destination we shall reach one day A happy and united school Where everyone has a part to play Orderly, Respectful, Caring Healthy are our ways Innovative and Diligent we shall always be Our destination we shall reach one day Onward, onward we go No mountain too high to scale Onward, onward we row No ocean too wide to sail Persevere, persevere No obstacle shall stand in our way Our destination we shall reach one day
The school introduced the Self-Improvement Programme (SIP), which took over detention classes. In the SIP, the students (most of whom have broken the school rules) are to study or revise for two hours. A teacher is normally in charge of the administration of these students. Males who skip the SIP may be caned. Females would be made to do work such as the cleaning of toilets and classrooms.
The school has a hall of fame at the school foyer where pictures of ex-head prefects , model students, and top students are put up.
One of the school rules in OPSS states that no students in school related uniform, whether after-school or before-school are allowed to eat in coffeshops, loiter in shopping malls or stay at any public areas unless accompanied by an adult that is either a.) a parent or guardian of the student or b.) a teacher. Any students found loitering or eating in coffeeshops will have their EZ-link pass confiscated and punished severely the next school day. However, these rules were not strictly enforced as many OPSS students could still be seen at nearby coffeeshops and at Northpoint Shopping Centre. No outside food is allowed in the canteen, however, the principal is considering changing this rule, as many students felt it was unfair as they had a right to bring their own food, especially students who had more financial difficulties and could not afford to buy canteen food.
[edit] Musical endeavors
Their Wind Orchestra, known as Orchid Park Wind Orchestra, was founded in 1999 as an initiative from the school to gather musically keen and inclined students to make music. Originally conceived as a marching band, the band later took on the form of a wind orchestra and was renamed in 2005 to reflect the change in musical directions.
Under the direction of the current Music Director, Mr. Clarence Tan,the orchestra has staged 3 concerts annually, namely the Alla Marziale, OP. (Opus) and Prima Volta. They also took part in the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging (SYF) for the Marching Display Band in 2008 and got a Silver. For 2 months, a concert band transformed to a "marching orchestra". The band is still working very hard to strive for excellent results for the coming competion, namely the Southern Cross International Music Festival in Australia and other local band competitions.
[edit] Other endeavours
Le Shoppe is a student-operated initiative selling various handmade arts and crafts. The school's Art Rock Cafe Club also manages the popular bubble-tea stall in the canteen, catering to both students and staff at generous prices.
[edit] Principal
1999-2007 Mr Low Eng Kee
2008-present Mrs Helen Tan
