Mr Wong and Madam Kee’s Retirement

An awesome teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget

On the 16th of January 2017, SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (3) bade farewell to two of its precious pioneers who have played a pivotal role in shaping the school as a place of academic and co-curricular excellence. It was so as that was the day of Mr Wong's and Madam Kee’s retirement.

Even the sky couldn’t hide its sorrow as it started raining. The Prefects did a good job of receiving Mr Wong, Madam Kee and their respective families to the school on the day. Then, all of the teachers proceeded to the hall in Block A to attend the farewell reception. Videos and pictures of Mr Wong and Madam Kee were screened as they relived those memories whilst they dined. After the reception, everyone headed to the basketball court, with the wind band members leading the way.

The Prefects and Librarians stood along the side of the path, clapping and greeting the teachers as they walked past. As everyone took their places, all of the students started clapping and cheering loudly. The wind band gave a heart-wrenching performance, a clear reflection of the mood of the audience that day.

The event started with the Head Prefect giving a speech on behalf of all students to Mr Wong and Madam Kee. Then, Miss Rajeswari gave a speech about her experiences in making the school what is it today with the two pioneers. Our headmistress, Puan Zuraidah delivered an appreciation speech for Mr Wong and Madam Kee.

Then, a student came forward and shared Madam Kee’s biodata. before having Madam Kee herself give a speech about how she will miss our school.

The Head Librarian then read the biodata of Mr Wong, followed by a speech from Mr Wong himself which would linger in our hearts forever.

Later, a student played the electric guitar and the sisters Jynn and Jyllian sang as well. Even Mr Wong joined in the performance by singing along!

The Treble Clefs also gave a spectacular performance followed by a performance from the Prefect Board and a group of students. There was also a solo performance by Nicole and a demonstration of skills by the basketball team.

The representatives of each class and club gave presents to Mr Wong and Madam Kee. After the farewell, both of them were sent off while they stood on the open back of a car.

Even though they left this school, I am sure that they will always be in our hearts. We will always remember them for they have made the school what it is today, and we will continue their legacy as we strive to reach greater heights.

By: Thivyashini Selvaseelan

A Visit to the National Library of Malaysia

On the 12th of January 2017, the Librarians of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (3) had a trip to the National Library of Malaysia,. We reached the place at around 11:00AM

We were amazed at how big the building was and how many floors it had. To kick-off the tour, we went to a small exhibition at the ground floor, there was information about the history of the National Library and historical books.

Next, we went to the e-library. We were amazed by the concept of it. Books could be searched and read through a tablet, which makes it very convenient!

After that, one of the staff members there there guided us to every floor of the library. Each floor was very spacious. There were many different sections of the library. There was a floor specifically for books written by Malaysians and another one for international books only. The books were arranged very neatly and there was almost every book you could ask for!

There was a floor for surfing the web as well. Many computers were there, along with earphones so that anyone could watch a video without bothering others. All of the devices were up-to-date and in prime condition!

After that, we were brought into a room to watch a video documentary about sea animals. It was very interesting and personally, I really enjoyed the documentary.

We left the National Library around 12:00PM and went back to class after once we got back to school. It was a good educational visit and the place definitely left everyone in awe.

By: Lim Sheanni

Orientation and Open Day 2016/2017

On the 30th of December 2016, SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (3) held its Orientation Day and Open Day from 8:00AM to 12:00PM.

Orientation Day was geared towards prospective students who will be enrolled in the year 2017. These students and their parents came for Orientation Day to learn more about the school, obtain textbooks, and buy stationery as well as other school essentials

The school wind band performed for the prospective students as well, as a demonstration of the excellence they can achieve through co-curricular activities - as well as to keep them entertained!

Concurrently,  Open Day provided current students to collect their report cards with their parents and hear the reviews from their own class teachers about the student’s exam results, behaviour in class and anything else that needs to be discussed about.

The day went by pretty fast. Personally, I hope the new students will like our school and enjoy their time here. I also hope that all students will work hard in 2017, striving towards academic and co-curricular excellence.

By: Lim Sheanni

Poem - You Only Need To Look

When my day is heading down,
With no solution I can see,
I need only look around.
It's flowing all around me.

And slowly, I feel it starting,
Something from within me.
Then quickly it comes roaring,
Filling every gap and cavity.

It's shooting through my veins,
And surging through my mind.
I barely control the reigns,
It's growing stronger all the time.

It's taken me away,
A huge smile on my face,
Because today's my lucky day,
I'm going to a very special place.

Soon, it all comes spilling out,
Helping me make wonders.
Things I never knew about,
Things I'd normally think are blunders.

First it takes me fast, then slow,
The sound gliding through air,
Like an arrow from a bow,
Or the flight of a frightened hare.

Alas, it's now coming to an end,
The final note rings true.
Sending a beautiful message
To me and to you.

That note has built us a bridge
To a place of awesome bliss.
Where the contents of its message,
Are always proven to say this:

Music is all around you,
You just have to find it.
And I promise once you do,
Your efforts will be rewarded.

And anyone can sit
And waste their life away,
But the person who finds music
Will never live that way.

By: Thivyashini Selvaseelan

The Benefits of Reading

Reading has at all times and in all ages been a great source of knowledge. A book is a good friend, it gives us company during idle times. The knowledge stored up in books is inviting to us and gives us joy. There are many benefits that we could get from reading books.

Regular reading enables us to keep abreast with current trends and political issues around the world. It also increases our knowledge in various academic disciplines. The more knowledge you have, the better-equipped you are to tackle any challenge you’ll ever face.

When we read books including literature, we improve our vocabulary, which can be helpful with our writing skills. Being eloquent and well-spoken is of great help in any profession, and knowing that you can speak to higher-ups with self-confidence can be a enormous boost to your self-esteem and career.

Reading can reduce stress by 68% according to a university research. Psychologists believe this is because the human mind has to concentrate on reading and distraction of being taken to a literary world eases the tension in muscles and the heart.This is an active engaging of the imagination as the words on the page.

For entertainment, you can visit a library and bask in the glory of countless books available for free. Instead of spending your time being on social media, you can either go to nearest bookshop and buy some books to read or purchase an e-book through your smartphone.

There’s a genre of books for everyone on the planet, and whether your taste lies in classical literature, poetry, young adult books or romance novels, there’s something to capture your curiosity and imagination. Step away from your phone for a little while, open a book and replenish your soul.

By: Thivyashini Selvaseelan

Poem - Your Worth

They say never give up,
Never give in,
Keep fighting that fight,
So the devil doesn't win.
Through the hurt and the pain,
The sorrow and the shame,
The one thing you need to remember,
Is that tomorrow is never the same.

Hold on to your hopes and dreams,
For your fears are less than they seem,
So to all of those who feel like they are losing the fight,
And to those who feel like there is no hope in sight,
Take a minute to look at the sky
And remember that there's something
Out there bigger than you and I.

Just like today,
The sun will shine again,
Through the clouds and the rain,
The sun still remains,
And all the darkness will fade away.

So hold your head high,
And feel the warmth,
It may remind you,
What you are truly worth.

By: Thivyashini Selvaseelan