A few reminders....

Dear Pupils,

Things to bring for school reopening (2012)
Report book with parents' signatures.
A heart for learning.
A pair of listening ears.

Booklist can be downloaded on our Hong Wen Website very soon.

Oh ya, the School Yearbook 2011 will still be available at $2 when school reopens.

Also, not to worry, there will be pupil leaders to lead you to your new P5 classrooms on the 1st day of school. You have worked hard this year so it is time to celebrate!

I wish all of you success in P5!

Dear beloved pupils and parents of 4C & 4K,



Thank you for allowing me to be your Form Teacher / English Teacher for 2 years. I have enjoyed every moment of it and you will be missed. Now that we have to say our goodbyes....sob sob. :(






I would like to wish all of you success and good health.

Like what I always say, "The good will be rewarded". Do keep in touch through email: hwsteacher@gmail.com

Signing off for one last time.......

Cheers,

Mr Abel Kok

Hope you will find these powerpoints useful for your final revision.

Synthesis & transformation ak package

View more presentations from abelkok.

REMEMBER TO USE

TAPS + Arrows on Monday to ACE your comprehension.

Best wishes,
Mr Kok

Please R&R this long weekend

Dear Pupils,

What I mean by R&R is Relax and REVISE. Please make use of all the materials which you have brought back home to revise. Especially, the sample practice paper(s) which you have been given.

Based on last SA1 examinations results analysis,

Do pay special focus on the following sections:
Synthesis and Transformation
Comprehension MCQ
Comprehension Open-ended.

Best wishes and may all the pupils reap what you sow,
Mr Abel Kok

Surveys to be completed.

Dear Pupils,

Just a gentle reminder to complete the surveys for Readers' Theatre and RAFT project.

Thank you,
Mr Abel Kok

Tips for Oral discussion...

Congratulations to those who have done so well for SA2 Oral. I'm so proud of you!

For those who did not do well for Oral this time round, you may find the following to be useful. Best wishes for next year's Oral. I'm confident that all of you can do it if you put your mind to it.

(Main problem)-This picture depicts a/an…
This is the scene of ….
I can see that….
(Give details)- The boy/girl/people are…
(Personal opinion)- I think …/ In my opinion,
(Solution/ preventive measure)- The people should have….
(Other aspects)- I can also see that…
(End off with a good final statement)- I think it is a wonderful… but …

More egs...

(Main problem)- This picture depicts a scene of a pet shop.
(Give details)- A boy has opened the cage door…
(Personal opinion)- I think it is wrong for him to do that….the puppy might run out of the shop and be lost!
(Solution/ preventive measure)- The shopkeeper could have locked the cages properly.
(Other aspects)- repeat the process for the rest of the picture…eg. the girl who is persuading her mum to buy her a puppy… [Prediction]

A GOOD DESCRIPTION should sound something like the one below:This picture depicts a scene at a pet shop.

From the signboard, I know this pet shop is called ‘Jan’s Pet Shop’.
There are many children in the shop looking at the different animals. I could see there are puppies, tortoises, fishes and a parrot.
There is a boy who has opened the cage door and a puppy escapes from its cage. I think he shouldn’t have done that as the puppy might run out of the shop. To prevent this from happening again, maybe the shop keeper could have locked all the cages properly.
There is a man who is shouting at the boy for opening the cage. I think he must be the owner of the shop. He is seeing red that he seems to be giving him lightning glares while scolding him.
There is also a girl who is pointing at a puppy which she likes. She seems to be persuading her mother to buy her one which costs sixty dollars. From her mother’s expression, I think she is reluctant to buy her one. Maybe she thinks her daughter is not ready to own a pet at her age. I agree with her as it is a heavy responsibility to have a pet. Pets need a lot of care and time from their owners.
On the right, a girl and her father are amazed by the talking parrot which is saying, “Hello! How are you?” The parrot is so intelligent and smart.
In the background, I could see a boy choosing a tortoise of his choice and the shop assistant is helping him to net the one that he likes.
I think it is fun to have a pet but we should be reminded that having a pet is a heavy responsibility and we need to make sure we have the time to take good care of them.

Reminder: Survey on your RAFT experience

Dear Pupils,

Please be reminded to complete the Survey for RAFT. It is found in your mconline.sg portal.

Also, remember to prepare for tomorrow's Spelling test as well.

Thank you,
Mr Kok

Best of luck for Monday's Composition SA2 Test

Dear Pupils,

Do remember to prepare yourself well for Monday's Composition Test by doing the following:

1. Read all your past composition writing in your jotter and learn from your mistakes. This way, you will not make the same mistakes again.


2. If you have found the list of golden phrases to be useful, do spend time studying them. I would recommend you to write them out on a piece of paper and compare it with the list to check if you could remember most/all of them.



3. Lastly, remember to focus on both CONTENT & VOCABULARY in order to pass with flying colours. You may want to use the excito-meter (Triggering and falling events) or Somebody-wanted-BUT-so-Then strategies to guide your narrative.

***For those who are interested in knowing how the markers are assessing your writing, you may refer to page 17 of the Student Effective Writing Booklet (Focussed writing)

Best wishes to all,

Mr Abel Kok

Just a few gentle reminders.

Dear Pupils,

Just a few gentle reminders and changes on the test dates:

1) Social Studies Open Book Test will be conducted in Week 5 which is next week.
2) English Topical Test 6 (has been postponed to week 5 as well) on 12 October (Wednesday).
3) Spelling test will be on this Wednesday due to Children's Day Celebration.

Term 4 Week 4

1 The pots turned charcoal black after heating for a few hours.

2 The fierce dog was dangerous-looking.

3 The stout lifeguard was broad-shouldered and muscular.

4 The model was tall and well-proportioned.

5 Babies have very delicate skin.

6 The mischievous pupil pouted his lips at the guests.

7 The elderly lady worked hard despite having a hunched back.

8 The beggar wore a crumpled shirt.

9 Mr Lee is a well-known and prominent leader in Singapore.

10 He had bloodshot eyes after staying awake for more than twenty hours.

11 The body builder was muscular and poised during the grand finals.

12 The salesperson was neatly attired.

Congratulations to Simran & Kelven 4C

Congratulations to Simran and Kelven who have been selected to present the donations for Project Care. I am sure that the two of them will do us proud as they represent us in presenting the donated items to the eldery.

More information will be given out on Monday.

Yours truly,
Mr Abel Kok

SA2 Examination dates to note

Dear Parents and Pupils,

Please note the following SA2 examination dates. Taking this chance to wish everyone all the best! Break a leg!

10 Oct 2011 Monday - English Composition test (Paper 1)
11 Oct 2011 Tuesday - Chinese Composition Test (Paper 1)
24 Oct 2011 Monday - English Paper 2 and Listening Comprehension Test
25 Oct 2011 Tuesday - Chinese Paper 2 and Listening Comprehension Test
27 Oct 2011 Thursday - Mathematics Test
28 Oct 2011 Friday - Science test.

Do make good use of the books and files which have been given out. Please note: All books and Files should be brought home for revision purposes by 5 Oct 2011. Remember one of the best ways to learn is to learn from one’s mistakes.

Best wishes,
Mr Abel Kok

Social Studies Open Book Test (to be conducted in week 5)

Dear Pupils,

Please get ready for the Open Book test by reading Chapter 1-4 (Social Studies Textbook).

Also, be reminded that English Topical Test 6 will be in week 4. (Please revise learning points on our English blog and Chapter 9- 11 (English Textbook) to prepare for it.

Best wishes as we strive for the best possible results,
Mr Kok

Oral SA2 is on 29 September (Thursday) after school

This is a gentle reminder that there will be Oral SA2 Examinations this Thursday from 210pm to 4pm (After School) Please remember to arrange your transportation for that day.

Also, please make good use of the Listening Comprehension Book which contains Oral passages and Picture Discussion prompts to prepare for your Oral. Parents may want to go through the reading passages and picture discussions with your child in order to boost their confidence.

In my opinion, most of the pupils in both classes are able to ACE the reading aloud component. However, some of the pupils may need to improve on their interpretation of the picture prompt. It is important for them to understand the difference between merely describing and good interpretation. For eg. Instead of saying… “There are two adults clapping.” One could interpret based on the picture, “The two adults are applauding loudly in order to encourage the chimpanzees to perform better in their show.”

You may also want to go to hwsezportfolio.commontown.net to listen to your child’s recordings to have a better sense of their standard of reading and picture discussion. Do give them due credit for their effort in learning how to read well and how to interpret well. Thank you so much.

Cheers,
Mr Abel Kok

Spelling for this term

Spelling words for TERM 4- ***Spelling will be tested every Thursday.

Term 4 Week 2

1 The government has announced plans to create ten thousand new jobs.

2 Everyone cheers at the speed and baton-passing skills of the athletes.

3 Salaries will be paid at the end of the calendar month.

4 I was a natural athlete as a kid who was good at sports.

5 The trophies on that table were won by James for winning many swimming competitions.

6 He is practising every day, in preparation for the ice-skating championship.

7 We try to teach the kids good sportsmanship, that is being fair, honest and polite in a game or sports competition.

8 The students attend house practices once a week for several weeks.

9 Someone who runs in fast races over short distances is a sprinter.

10 A school for students between the ages of 11 and 16 is a secondary school.

11 Her greatest ambition is to represent her country at the Olympics.

12 Olympics is an international sports event held every four years in different countries.


Term 4 Week 3
1 Sports Day is a day when the children in schools have sports competitions.

2 Mr Lee is our guest-of-honour for this year’s anniversary celebrations.

3 Dr Evans thanked him for coming to the prize presentation ceremony.

4 She won a bronze medal at the last Olympics.

5 She was presented with an award for her courage.

6 The audience applauded loudly after he had ended his speech.

7 Everyone in the class is expected to participate actively in these discussions.

8 Ivan is the current holder of the skating championship.

9 James is undergoing a special coaching session with one of England's leading coaches.

10 All the children will each receive a small gift.

11 Sam does weight training twice a week.

12 There is a television programme about killer whales next month.



Term 4 Week 4

1 The pots turned charcoal black after heating for a few hours.

2 The fierce dog was dangerous-looking.

3 The stout lifeguard was broad-shouldered and muscular.

4 The model was tall and well-proportioned.

5 Babies have very delicate skin.

6 The mischievous pupil pouted his lips at the guests.

7 The elderly lady worked hard despite having a hunched back.

8 The beggar wore a crumpled shirt.

9 Mr Lee is a well-known and prominent leader in Singapore.

10 He had bloodshot eyes after staying awake for more than twenty hours.

11 The body builder was muscular and poised during the grand finals.

12 The salesperson was neatly attired.



Term 4 Week 5

1 The untidy pupil was sloppily dressed.

2 The manager has forgotten to take his leather briefcase.

3 The teacher stormed out of the room after scolding the pupils.

4 The pupil heaved a sigh of relief when the teacher told her that she had managed to
pass her examinations.

5 The shirt was torn and tattered after being stepped upon by the shoppers.

6 Some ladies wear high-heeled shoes to look elegant.

7 The prefect glared at the bully who was bullying the younger pupils in the canteen.

8 Perspiration was on their faces after the race in the hot sun.

9 The rich businessman wore gold-rimmed glasses and a gold watch.

10 The supermodel has very attractive features like a small nose and large eyes.

11 His father kept his temper to find out what exactly happened.

12 The car stuttered along in first gear.

IMPORTANT announcement

• Important announcement
  
  OLE exercises- at least 2 Mconline exercises & Class blogs
  
  Unit 8 & 9- Next Tuesday TT5 (Grammar MCQ, Synthesis- Active to Passive, Direct to indirect speech, Comprehension MCQ)
  
  Unit 10 & 11- Week 4 TT6

WOW!!! another composition shared

‘One small step on the moon, one giant step for mankind,” the plaque beneath the astronaut exhibit read.
Everybody gazed in awe at the life- size replica of Neil Armstrong that was before them. The first man on the moon, he had uttered these immortal words when he stepped
out from his Apollo spacecraft onto the moon.
The group of fascinated students of Class A, St. Margaret Primary, were at the Science Centre for the Astronomy Exhibition. It was the Science Crusade Week and their Science teacher, Mr. Lim, thought that it was a gem of idea for the students to pay a trip to the exhibition to learn more about space and the universe.
“ You need to wear a special spacesuit if you want to travel in space,” Mr. Lim explained to a group of wide-eyed students, pointing earnestly at Neil Armstrong's uniform.
“The spacesuit helps you keep warm by insulating your body heat, and also allows you to breathe properly through the special breathing apparatus.”
“ I vow to be the Singapore’s first astronaut!” Abu, the “Einstein’ of Class A, blurted out enthusiastically, to a chorus of approving ‘oohhhs’ from the rest of his classmates.
He cocked his head to one side, scrutinizing the astronaut exhibit with an intensity that only a completely mesmerized student could muster.
“What a noble aspiration!” Mr. Lim grinned as he patted Abu on his head.
The Astronomy Exhibition was indeed a magical treat for everybody and anybody interested in the comos- besides the astronauts and spaceships exhibits , there were also eye- catching miniature of the Solar System, intriguing samples of genuine moonrocks and fascinating chronicles on space exploration.
Documentaries such as the ‘Bid Bang Theory’, the ‘Mystery of the Black Holes’ and ‘Can Humans really Travel to the edge of the universe?’ had the students completely engaged and fully agog with born-again curiosity.
“Everybody look! That’s a shooting star!” Mary yelled exhilaratingly, peering through a gigantic telescope mounted in the middle of the Space Gallery.
The space gallery was undoubtedly another perennial favorite of all visitor. Nobody leaves the highly'- acclaimed gallery without being swept off their feet. The myriad of gigantic telescopic devices, straddled impressively across a transparent globe, offers one a breathtaking peek in the wonders of deep space.
Another key attraction was the ‘Zero- gravity’ simulator. In this special simulator, a person got to experience what it was like being weightless and being able to float around freely.
Needless to say, all the students were thrilled to this with the gravity defying sensation. The more adventurous amongst them had a whale of a time failing their limbs and squirming acrobatically in the simulator!
The students left the Astronomy Exhibition at 5 pm, completely enthralled and intrigued with what they had experienced and seen. It was a most memorable and truly unforforgatable learning experience.

Author: Irene (4K)

Another model composition to share....keep them coming. :)

Ominous grey clouds shot through the previosly blue sky. Jonah was on his way to school. He was extremely elated, until he heard a sound. '' Bang! ''. Being as curious as a cat, he looked over his shoulder. ''Oh no! Not the thunder! '' Jonah moaned. A shiver went down his spine as he stopped and stared at the sky in sheer disbelief. Shaking his head, he hastened his footsteps and continued his journey to school.

Thunder roared with ferocity a the raindrops started with a slight trickle, sprinkling down like dewdrops. When Jonah saw the raindrops, he immediately dug his bag for his raincoat and umbrella, but they were nowhere to be found. His heart was filled with immense worry as the rain was getting heavier and heavier.

Torrental rain pelted down on every inch of the earth. Five minutes had passed but there was still no sign of Jonah's raincoat or umbrella. His fear overwhelmed him. Out of the blue, Jonah spotted a HDB flat nearby. He immediately lifted his elephantine bag onto his head and ran to the flat as fast as his legs could carry him.

By the time Jonah had reached the flat, he ws filled with fatigue. Dizziness overwhelmed him as he headed straight for the bench. However, before he could even settle down on the bench, he fell onto the ground with a thud.

After five minutes, Jonah's friend, Ryan, who lived i that flat, saw him lying down on the floor sickly. When he noticed that Jonah was unconscious, he dialled his father to help Jonah.
After a while, Jonah regained conscoisness and sat up straight in the bed. He was shell- shocked to see that the bed room was not his, but it was Ryan's. Ryan then walked into the room and explained how he had ended up in his bedroom. Ryan said, " You really should stay here as we checked your temperature and it was pretty high. You can stay here for the day and get your parents to pick you up tommorow."

Although Jonah felt very grateful, he did not have the strength too express it, so he just said a weak, " Thank You".

After that incident, Jonah learnt to be more responsible in the future and remember to bring his raincoat or umbrella to school.

Charmaine Lee

Sept hol homework.... Starting preparing for SA2 exams....

Dear Pupils,

As you unwind during this school holiday, please start preparing for SA2 examinations by completing the following exercises found in your Workbook.

Pages 56-58

Pages 61-66

Pages 78-83

Thank you and I wish all of you a fruitful and enjoyable holidays ahead,

Mr Abel Kok

Survey for selected 4K pupils only

Dear selected pupils from 4K,

As mentioned in class, please complete the survey by this Friday.

Click here

Thank you,
Mr Kok

OLE activities on top of mconline assignments

Dear Pupils,

Once again, I would like all of us to work on our Golden Phrases for our composition writing. This time round, brainstorm with your parents or by yourself on good expressive phrases for the following 8 themes and leave them under the comments for this blog entry. Enjoy.

Themes:

1. Introduction. eg. the sun baked the ground mercilessly.


2. Food. eg. The aroma permeated the whole place.


3. Happiness. eg. over the moon.


4. Anger. eg. like a bull in a china shop.


5. Remorseful. eg. Her heart sank.


6. In a hurry to go some places. eg. Darted across the road.


7. Rude behaviours. eg. vulgarities sputtered out uncontrollably.


8. Others

Having OLE-ing and see you back in school on Monday!

Mr Abel Kok

Homework and reminders

• Remember to get your parents to sign on the cover page of your composition jotter. Promotees do share the good news to them as well.




• OLE activities on Mconline.sg and English blog




• Composition 5- remember to include good triggering and falling event

Situational narrative- This marks our fifth piece of writing, do remember to work on your weaknesses as mentioned on the cover page before starting.

Let’s make this your BEST piece of writing.

You and your best friend were working on a homework assignment in your room. There was a knock on the door. Your friend got up and opened it. On the other side of the door was something surprising.

Write a composition of at least two pages long based on the above situation. Give the story your own ending.

Make use of the following points in your composition.
You may re-order the points. You are encouraged to include other relevant points to make your composition interesting.

• Taken aback by what you saw
• Worried
• panicked
• Calmed each other down
• Parents informed
• ?

For 4C pupils, also complete your homework for ART- The future of Singapore.

Wishing all a fruitful long weekend,
Mr Kok

Congratulations to those who were promoted to the next proficiency level!

Dear Parents and Pupils,

Congratulations to all pupils who were promoted to the next writing skill level! Especially those who were promoted to the coveted Durian level.

Note:
4C jotters have all been returned.
4K jotters will be returned next week.


May I appeal to all parents to acknowledge on the cover page of the composition jotter and go through the areas of weakness as indicated on the cover page with your child? I believe your child will benefit from your feedback, on top of mine.

Although I have already praised and rewarded the promotees, please give them a pat on their shoulders for their hard work. It is really not easy to improve in their writing within such a short period of time.

Thank you so much,
Mr Abel Kok

Some excellent pieces of writing to spur everyone to write well....

Jewels glittered enticingly, flicking off the sun's gentle rays. Myriads of diamonds sparkled under the warmth of the leather cushion. Mrs Lee trotted into Stars Departmental Store. She nodded at a manager, a blossoming smile appearing on her wrinkled face. She trudged a few steps forward, cushioning herself in the embrace of a chair. Her mood uplifted tremendously when she glanced at the ruby necklaces commandeering themselves on tiny steel pins stapled on a brown slice of cardboard. She grabbed a crimson red necklace from a pin and flicked it over and over, adorning it. Her pleasant smile deepened. Bright stars ignited in her almond eyes.


Mrs Lee fished out her leather wallet from her pocket and flicked it open, unleashing the sight of dollar bills which decorated her wallet, and credit cards from Visas to Masters. She plucked out a dozen bills. A mischievous thought gnawed at her mind. A smile clamped her wrinkled face as she shoved the dollar bills back into her wallet. Knowing that the coast was clear, she pretended to drop her wallet, while her other hand shoved the necklace into her wallet. She immediately stood up, and rushed towards the exit. " Where's the necklace?" a muscular hand clamped down on her shoulder blades. She turned around, astonished, to see a security guard glaring at her. His glare seemed to drill tiny cave holes in her face. " I am a doubting Thomas!" she stammered, and strutted towards the exit. " Then show me your wallet!" the security guard leered at her. Mrs Lee face flushed the same colour as the necklace, knowing that she had been caught red handed.


Rivulets of teardrops streamed down her eyes as she was led to the security's guard office. The security guard reached for the phone while another security guard relieved Mrs Lee off the necklace and placed it back at its original place. Mrs Lee cried buckets as the security guard talked into the phone." Someone was caught in the act trying to steal a ruby necklace. Yes..." The security guard eyes were fixed on her. His words pelted her like fire. " You are lucky this time, as our boss has asked me to relieve you off two thousand and forty dollars, twice the amount of the necklace.Understood?" Mrs Lee nodded bitterly.

Mrs Lee peeled open her wallet and picked out more than a dozen bills and laid them on the table. The secirity guard gestured for her to leave. She frowned, and left the room. As the proverb goes," Once bitten, twice shy." Mrs Lee did not attempt to commit theft again. The punishment would be worse than paying for the item.


Author: Gabriel Lee 4K

It was a blistering hot morning. It was also a public holiday. The rumbling sound of cars and buses awoke Edmond up who was still in his deep sleep although it was 7.30am
in the morning. He grouched, “It is so early in the morning, Why are there so many cars and buses?” After thinking for some moments, Edmond decided to look at his alarm clock. To his astonishment, it was already 7.35am in the morning. He mumbled to himself, “Oh no, my teacher had assigned some homework to me at 7.30am.” Without any hesitation, he stormed out in lightning speed to the nearest toilet which was a stone’s throw away to brush his teeth and washed his face.
When he came out from the toilet, without any further delay, he switched on his computer and started doing his work. After a while, Edmond began to feel thirsty. So he went to get his favourite canned drink. When he came out from the kitchen, he went to his room and continued doing his work. While he was savouring every bit of his favourite canned drink, he heard the telephone ranging. He ran out to the living room within seconds to pick up the telephone. When Edmond answered the telephone, he was extremely surprised to find out that the caller was actually a female. The female caller claimed to be Edmond's aunt and she wanted to pay his mother a visit. She asked for his address and when his parents would be home. Edmond started to feel suspicious and asked the female caller for more information. To his utter dismay, instead of getting more information from the female caller, she actually hung up. Edmond was at a loss of what to do and was panic-stricken as he sensed something wrong.


A moment later, an idea struck his mind. He called his parents and narrated the whole situation about the female caller who claimed to be his aunt and wanted to pay his mother a visit. After hearing that, Edmond's parents were dumbfounded as there was nobody who lived at overseas whom they knew. Without much thinking, Edmond finally decided to call the police and narrated the whole incident to a police officer. After some time, the policemen arrived at Edmond's house. They surrounded the whole place, waiting patiently for the female caller to arrive. When the female caller appeared at the scene, she was shell-shocked and flabbergasted to see the policemen standing in front of her. The female caller stood rooted to the ground as she knew that sooner or later, she would be handcuffed by the police. Immediately, the police handcuffed her and praised Edmond for what he had did. When his parents came home from work, Edmond told the whole situation to them. When they heard the incident that happened, they were very delighted. Edmond would always remember the incident which had happened on that day as it was very meaningful to him.

Author: Guo Jie 4C

It was a typical Sunday afternoon. Mary felt bored and decided to go to shopping. She took the MRT train which would bring her to the shopping centre. She walked past a departmental store and went to the jewellery department. She saw beautiful necklaces that hung on the board. “Wow, if only I could wear it, it is so beautiful.’’ But it was too expensive and she decided to stolen it.


The guard felt suspicious why the woman looked around. The burly guard pointing at the woman would bought the necklace or to steal it. And he saw the woman put the necklace into her bag. The muscular guard stopped her and bought her to the room and told the manager that that woman had stolen the necklace.


The woman felt a shiver down her spine and goosebumps all over. and was hopeless. The manager quickly alerted the police and caught her red-handed. In a jiffy, the police arrived and arrested her and bought her to the police station for questioning. She felt regretful and was put behind bars. After that lesson, she learned her lesson not to steal ever again.

Author: Lii Wen 4C

One breezy afternoon, Edmond was doing the online work his teacher assigned him to do on his computer.
He was about to press the answer for a question in a quiz when a ringing sound from the telephone came.
Edmond rushed to answer the phone, thinking that it could be his friend. “Hello, who’s that?” asked Edmond when he answered the phone. A female caller, who claimed to be his distant aunt, said that she wanted to pay his mother a visit. She asked him for his address and added, “Oh, my sister! I haven’t seen her for ages! Edmond, darling, would you mind if you tell me when your parents will be home please?” Hearing the stranger’s voice, Edmond stood rooted the ground, not knowing what to do. On one hand, he remembered his mother telling him about safety, and not giving private information to strangers. On the other hand, he thought, if the stranger was really my distant aunt, then she would know when Mum was born! He answered, “Okay, but when was my mother born?” There was a hesitation. Edmond heard people murmuring to each other. “What should Alice reply him?” whispered one urgently. With goosebumps on Edmond’s hand, he slammed the phone down, heart beating as fast a hammer.
Edmond proceeded to call his parents and was all thumbs as he pressed their phone number. He got through the line and told his parents about the whole matter breathlessly, and when he finished, both his father and mother sounded surprised. “I don’t have a sister. I’m glad I mentioned about this, or you will surely tell the stranger about what she asked for. Anyway, I’ll talk to you later. Bye!”

Thinking about the whole matter, Edmond was very grateful that his mother taught him to be careful when it came to strangers. He shouted, “ Mum is the best!” Then, he ran back to the computer, wanting to finish the quiz, so that his mother will be pleased that he completed his homework.

Author: Megan 4K

Poster competition- any takers?

Dear Pupils,

Let's do our part to encourage pupils in our school to use proper English and not singlish by designing a poster during our Computer lab lesson these 2 weeks.

More details:
Design a PPT slide to teach/encourage the school population to speak Good English. Pupils may work in groups (max size 4) to create their PPT. Your PPT will be judged based on their Educational Quality, Appealing Content and Design. The teachers will be selecting the top 2 PPTs per level as the winning entry. The best 2 PPT slides from the class will be submitted Ms Narin by 12 August.

Please email your completed slide to me at hwsteacher@gmail.com

This are a few examples, opps... I meant, 'These are a few examples',



Mr Kok

Launch of the Student Effective Writing Booklet

Dear Parents,

I’m pleased to inform you that the writing guide entitled the Student Effective Writing Booklet has been given to your child. This guide is in response to your requests at the previous meet-the-parents meeting; many of you wanted some sort of guide to offer some pointers to your child on their writing. I hope you will find it useful and informative to use with your child.

Do give me feedback on it. You may leave your comments in this entry. Remember to sign on the cover page as a form of acknowledgement. Thank you.

Enjoy!

Mr Abel Kok

A very touching and moving article to share.

You can also find it at http://sg.yahoo.matchmove.com/news/article/a-fathers-message-from-beyond-the-grave

A father's message from beyond the grave

1. Ever wondered what it is like to have Death staring straight in your eyes? Is there anything you will like to do or change before you draw your last breath? What if you have a family with young children and perhaps some precious time left? What would you do?
   
   Here’s a sad but true story to be shared, about a loving dad and husband, who did what he could in the little time he was left for his family. From their country cottage filled with memories of Mandy Flanagan’s late husband Paul, she shared with us their story.
   
   Paul, a teacher, who died of cancer at the age of 45 in November 2009, passionately believed his children, Thomas and Lucy, should have more than just fading photographs to remember him by. For the children were only five and one-and-half years old at the time of his passing. “There was nothing more important to Paul than being the best father he could be,” says Mandy.
   
   
   
   
   “When he knew he was dying, there was no time for self-pity. He became absolutely focused on doing whatever he could to continue being a good dad to them throughout the years, even though he wouldn’t be here in person.”
   
   Amongst his preparation included letters, filmed messages, future birthday presents and his personal chest of favorite books. “Each book is accompanied by a note to Thomas and Lucy explaining why Paul loved it, and how much he hopes they will too when they’re old enough to read it,” explains Mandy.
   
   But perhaps all these gifts pales in comparison to a document titled “On finding fulfillment”, accidentally discovered on his laptop by Mandy. “I opened it and, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I discovered his bullet-pointed code to living a good and happy life,” says Mandy. And this list of 28 instructions was the very way Paul lived his life.
   
   Addressing his children who were too young to understand the tragedy that was unfolding, Paul writes, ”In these last few weeks, following my terminal diagnosis, I have searched my soul and heart to find ways in which I can reach out to you as you grow up.
   
   “I’ve been thinking about the matters in life that are important, and the values and aspirations that make people happy and successful. In my view, and you may well have your own ideas by now, the formula is pretty simple.
   
   “The three most important virtues are: Loyalty, integrity and moral courage. If you aspire, friends will respect you, employers will retain you, and your father will be immensely proud of you. I am therefore giving you several pieces of advice. These are the principles on which I have tried to build my life and they are exactly those that I would have encouraged you to embrace, had I been able to.” “I love you very much. Never forget that.”
   
   “He also wrote that they should never give up, and he certainly never did. He fought so bravely, so courageously, right to the end.”
   
   
   
   
   Having been first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2004, where a birthmark on his chest had become malignant. The cancer was removed in November that year when their son Thomas was only a few months old. And after years of regular follow-ups, he was given the all clear in January 2008 when Mandy was expecting Lucy.
   
   However a swelling that appears in May 2008 proved the cancer had spread to his lymph glands in his arms and neck shortly after. Even surgery and radiotherapy was not able to halt its progression. By March 2009, the cancer had spread to his brain and his condition was terminal.
   
   “He never pitied himself,” says Mandy. “The diagnosis, and perhaps the drugs he was on, triggered a sort of mania. He suddenly had so much energy. While I lay awake upstairs worrying, Paul would work through the nights, determined to get his affairs in order.”
   
   Having meticulously organized the family finances, arranged his own funeral, buying presents for their children, their dining room was soon filled piles of shoeboxes filled with paperwork, hand-written letters and DVD messages for his family and friends.
   
   With Lucy christened last summer, she now has one godmother and nine godfathers. “He wanted his friends to have a permanent tie to his family, I think,” says Mandy. “And if Lucy couldn’t have her father, a fantastic team of godfathers was the very least she deserved.”
   
   With his passing at home, some eight months after his terminal diagnosis, Mandy was certain he’ll be able to rest peacefully knowing that he had left the best legacy any father could. “When some people are told they have just a few months to live, they decide their life won’t be complete until they’ve bungee-jumped off Sydney Harbor Bridge or seen the Grand Canyon. But that wasn’t Paul. All that was important to him was right here. He lived and died by his own rules, and I know he had found his fulfillment.”
   
   We all have a finite amount of time in this world, some less than others. And it is not the amount of time, rather how we use it which truly matters. Ever so often we get absorbed by our daily rat race and tend to take our loved ones for granted. Perhaps it is time we slow down and re-examine ourselves before it is too late.
   
   A FATHER'S RULES FOR FINDING FULFILLMENT
   
   
   
   Be courteous, be punctual, always say please and thank you, and be sure to hold your knife and fork properly. Others take their cue on how to treat you from your manners.
   
   
   Be kind, considerate and compassionate when others are in trouble, even if you have problems of your own. Others will admire your selflessness and will help you in due course.
   
   
   Show moral courage. Do what is right, even if that makes you unpopular. I always thought it important to be able to look at myself in the shaving mirror every morning and not feel guilt or remorse. I depart this world with a pretty clear conscience.
   
   
   Show humility. Stand your ground but pause to reflect on what the other side are saying, and back off when you know you are wrong. Never worry about losing face. That only happens when you are pig-headed.
   Learn from your mistakes. You will make plenty so use them as a learning tool. If you keep making the same mistake or run into a problem, you’re doing something wrong.
   
   
   Avoid disparaging someone to a third party; it is only you who will look bad. If you have a problem with someone, tell them face to face.
   
   
   Hold fire! If someone crosses you, don’t react immediately. Once you say something it can never be taken back, and most people deserve a second chance.
   
   
   Have fun. If this involves taking risks, so be it. If you get caught, hold your hands up.
   
   
   Give to charity and help those who are less fortunate than yourselves: it’s easy and so rewarding.
   
   
   Always look on the upside! The glass is half full, never half empty. Every adversity has a silver lining if you seek it out.
   
   
   Make it your instinct always to say ‘yes’. Look for reasons to do something, not reasons to say no. Your friends will cherish you for that.
   
   
   Be canny: you will get more of what you want if you can give someone more of what they desire. Compromise can be king.
   
   
   Always accept a party invitation. You may not want to go, but they want you there. Show them courtesy and respect.
   
   
   Never ever let a friend down. I would bury bodies for my friends, if they asked me to . . . which is why I have chosen them carefully.
   
   
   Always tip for good service. It shows respect. But never reward poor service. Poor service is insulting.
   
   
   Always treat those you meet as your social equal, whether they are above or below your station in life. For those above you, show due deference, but don’t be a sycophant.
   
   
   Always respect age, as age equals wisdom.
   
   
   Be prepared to put the interests of your sibling first.
   
   
   Be proud of who you are and where you come from, but open your mind to other cultures and languages. When you begin to travel (as I hope you will), you’ll learn that your place in the world is both vital and insignificant. Don’t get too big for your breeches.
   
   
   Be ambitious, but not nakedly so. Be prepared to back your assertions with craftsmanship and hard work.
   
   
   Live every day to its full: do something that makes you smile or laugh, and avoid procrastination.
   
   
   Give of your best at school. Some teachers forget that pupils need incentives. So if your teacher doesn’t give you one, devise your own.
   
   
   Always pay the most you can afford. Never skimp on hotels, clothing, shoes, make-up or jewellery. But always look for a deal. You get what you pay for.
   
   
   Never give up! My two little soldiers have no dad, but you are brave, big-hearted, fit and strong. You are also loved by an immensely kind and supportive team of family and friends. You make your own good fortune, my children, so battle on.
   
   
   Never feel sorry for yourself, or at least don’t do it for long. Crying doesn’t make things better.
   
   
   Look after your body and it will look after you.
   
   
   Learn a language, or at least try. Never engage a person abroad in conversation without first greeting them in their own language; by all means ask if they speak English!
   
   
   And finally, cherish your mother, and take very good care of her.
   
   
   I love you both with all my heart.
   Daddy x
   
   
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement: Cyberwellness Bus & Topical test 4

SUPER FRIDAYS!!!

5 August 2011 (Friday) Cyberwellness bus

Do visit the bus on Friday. Tokens await you!

12 August 2011 (Friday) - Topical test 4

Focus: Unit 7 & 8 Textbook and workbook.

Reminder: Please revise all learning points covered for the above chapters and read instructions carefully.

Best wishes,
Mr Abel Kok

Important announcement: POSB forms

Important announcement: POSB forms to be handed in tomorrow, Wednesday 27 July. Please note the change in the date.

Let's save for a rainy day.

Mr Kok

Recap on Indirect & Direct speeches , & metaphors

Dear pupils,

Click on the following links and learn more about Indirect & Direct speeches and Metaphors.

Direct and indirect speech P4K & P4C

View more presentations from abelkok

P4 metaphor p4K &4C

View more presentations from abelkok

After you have viewed the slides, do summarised your learning under the comments.
This is a great way to learn more! Try it.

Cheers,
Mr Abel Kok

T3W4 Learning points + Lesson Extensions for parents

Dear all,

These are some of the things which we have covered this week:
Journal writing
Revised on the use of direct and indirect speeches
Reflection on Racial Harmony
RAFT- Roles Audience Format Topic (Project work)

Vocabulary related to accidents- three-lane road, head on collision, rear-view mirror, veered, side mirror, bumper, headlights, tail-lights, windscreen, etc.

ICAS exams English- for selected pupils

Lesson extensions for parents:

Discuss some of the traditional customs with your child and explain the significance to them.

eg. Why Chinese wear RED during Chinese New Year? To ward off the monster named 'Nian'.

According to Chinese mythology, a Nian (simplified Chinese: 年兽; traditional Chinese: 年獸; pinyin: nián shòu) is a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains. Once each spring, on or around Chinese New Year, it comes out of hiding to attack people, and prefers children. Weaknesses of the Nian are purported to be a sensitivity to loud noises, and a fear of the colour red. The Chinese Lion Dance is known to have originated from the legend of the Nian. The tradition has its origins in a story of a Nian's attack on a village. After the attack, the villagers discussed how to make the Nian leave them in peace. The traditions of firecrackers and red robes found in many Lion Dance portrayals originates from the plans the villagers had in which drums, plates and empty bowls were hit, red robes were worn, and firecrackers were thrown, causing loud banging sounds that they hoped to intimidate the Nian. According to this same myth, the Nian has not appeared in the village again. The Nian is still believed to exist; however, it is not believed to ever make an appearance to a human again - a result of the successful plan.

Let's save!

POSB Banking Day- Announcement

POSB has initiated a Banking Day to give pupils the experience of saving money as a follow up activity from the “Save for a brighter future” skit. The POSB Banking Day will be conducted on Thursday 28 July 2011 during recess. Pupils will be able to open a personal POSBKids Account or deposit coins into their POSB Savings Account by submitting their application forms and coins (if any) to the POSB Officers on duty.

Please complete the application form and brochure, if you are interested. The forms will be given out this Wednesday.Please note this is TOTALLY OPTIONAL, even though strongly encouraged.
(1) open a POSBKids Account only (to complete sections A and B)
(2) deposit their coins into existing POSB Savings Account (to complete section C only)
(3) open a POSBKids Account and deposit coins into the account (to complete sections A, B and C)
No initial deposit is required for new POSBKids Account and S$1 cash gift will be credited into each new account.

MORE information will be given to you by your form teacher.

Survey for Cyberwellness lessons and AOB

Dear Pupils,

I hope you still remember the learning points for our Cyberwellness lessons on Netiquette. Do go to Mconline to complete a survey as you reflect on the learning points.

Next, complete all Mconline online work by today as this is the last week for submission.

Then, remember to contribute the Acrostic poems as assigned to you in class. Let us give the dedicated teachers a surprise on Teachers’ Day.

Finally, click here to play a game and revise on adjectives and click here to play a game about idioms.

Have fun,
Mr Abel Kok

ICAS English TEST on Next Tuesday 19 July

A gentle reminder for pupils are scheduled to take their UNSW ICAS English next Tuesday, 19 July 2010.

Some housekeeping matters:

4K pupils are to have the test during English lessons.

4C pupils will have their test at 11.05am to 11.35am

Term 3 Week 2/3 Learning points

Dear Pupils,

These are the learning points which we have covered for week 2/3:

• Composition writing- Excito-meter (Rising & Falling events)


• Homonyms


• Rhyming words


• Idioms. eg. lending a helping hand


• Alliteration


• Complete Unit 7 for English Workbook


• Ezportfolio recording


• Order of adjectives


• RAFT - roles, audience, format, topic

For 4K

Project for literature lessons (Deadline: end of term 3)

Lesson extension for parents
Brainstorm alliteration for each others' names. eg. Marvellous, magnificant Max!
I wonder who can come up with the longest alliteration. Do share and contribute under comments.

T3W1 Main learning points and Homework

Dear Pupils,

I hope you are as excited as me when it comes to poems.

Homework & things which we have covered for this week:

• Mconline tasks + Ezportfolio
  
• Workbook page 1-5
• Cyberwellness lesson on Netiquette
• Revision on the use of effective dialogues. eg. "I like you," teased David. "Not!"
• Writing effective dialogues (Do you know how to punctuate correctly?)
• Use variants of 'said'
• nonsensical poems
• rhyming words

Lesson extensions for Parents:
Together with your child, write Acrostic poems using names of relatives, friends, etc.
These poems make great gifts for all occasions!

For eg:
Able to listen with a listening ear
Being there to lend a helping hand
Eager to teach everyone in class 4C & 4K
Learning is key to success in life!

Would you like to form an Acrostic poem using words like, "ENGLISH" or "Hong Wen School" or "HWS" , etc? You may leave your contribution under the comments.

Have fun,
Mr Abel Kok

Timetable for 4C (Semester 2)

Legend:

• AS: Assembly
• EL: English
• CL: Chinese
• MA: Maths
• Sc: Science
• MU: Music
• M. Ex: Mass Exercise
• HE: Health Education
• CME: Civic Moral Education
• PE: Physical Education

Pupils who have exhibited honesty (Lost&found)

I'm so proud of the following pupils,

Please update the green chart:


Damien Teo & Adrian 4K

Tan Kah Sin 4C

Ygee Leng 4K

Simran kaur & Chelza Lee 4C

Justin Tan Keng Hong 4K

Lim Rui Jia & Lynette Lim 4K

UNSW ICAS Writing English this Wednesday, 29 July 2011

Please note the following:

UNSW ICAS Writing English this Wednesday, 29 July 2011.

For Class 4K pupils, it will be conducted in class during English periods.

For Class 4C pupils (Only 4 pupils are involved), it will be conducted at 11.05 at the IT lab.


Thanks,
Mr Kok

Please remember to bring a thermometer to school.

Dear Pupils,

Please remember to bring a thermometer to school. Check that it is still working properly.
Also, those who have not brought back the books (esp. 4B ones) and files, please remember to bring them next week.

I can't wait to see all of you!
Mr Kok

Congratulations to the following 4K & 4C pupils who have done well for Mconline assignments

YAU JIAN HAO

TSAI GIN-YEN

CHAN JIA LE KEVIN

SIMONE TEO KAY

SHAUN GAN YEW HAN

QUEK YGEE LENG

QUEK SI MIN

LOW JUN CHEN JASON

LIM WEN YE

KAN SHAO EN, SEAN

CHONG KE LIN, MARK

THIA JING YING

SEOW HUI EN

PHUA YI FONG, EVAN

PETRINA NG JING XUAN

MEGAN TAN

GOH TING XUAN, TIFFANY

GOH ANGEL

DAMIEN TEO ZHI HAO

CHIN SI HUI

Please note: The above pupils deserve special mention because they have not only completed their online tasks but more importantly, done very well for their work! Congratulations!

Thank you for your fantastic effort! I'm confident that you have learned a lot from these assignments. There will be one last assignment ready for you on 24 June 2011. Do look out for it! Let's follow the good examples of the above pupils.

For your valiant effort, you have all earned another record on the yellow chart! Congratulations. Please update on the chart when school reopens- What a perfect way to start off Semester 2!

Cheers,
Mr Kok

Gentle reminders for all...

Dear beloved pupils (Both 4C & 4K),

Please reminder to complete the weekly mconline tasks. Many thanks for those who have completed the first few assignments and have done well.

Next, do spend some time to pack your bags and get ready your stationery like whiteboard marker, mini-whiteboard, correction tape, blue pen, pencil, green pen, etc. Doing this will prevent any last minute anxiety nearing the end of June holidays.

Also, do remember to submit the books (already mentioned in class) when school reopens if you have not already done so.

Thank you,
Mr Kok

http://www.roxer.com

Dear all,

Do visit the above website to start building your every own webpage for FREE! I'm very excited to find this website so I decided to share with all of you. http://www.roxer.com

Have fun building one for yourself or even for the entire family. Have fun!

Cheers,
Mr Abel Kok

As promised...Photos of Reyes Kok

One thing for sure, Reyes looks exactly like Hosea! Amazing!

Suggested activities for parents to get involved with your child's learning

Suggested activities for this June holiday:

1. Together with your child, plan an outing for the whole family. Brainstorm and write down the activities. Get your child to search for information online using google.com, etc. and do some budgeting for the trip as well.


2. Write a poem or letter to thank someone in their lives. Remember to get them to affix the stamp and post it at the post office. Of course, encourage the recipient to reply to the child.

Thank you and have fun!

Mr Abel Kok

So glad to know that some of you are hungry for more online work

Dear all,

I'm jumping for joy to know that some of you have emailed me for more online work. I will be added more in these couple of days. Do check mconline every Monday and Friday to check for more assignments online. Do enjoy doing them but do remember to have some fun like going out with your parents to recharge and get your mind and body ready for some serious work when school reopens.

Go to mconline.sg and you will find the assigned tasks online.

Take care and keep up the good work,
Mr Abel Kok

Happy holidays and some interesting online work to keep our minds awake!

Dear beloved pupils, both 4C & 4K,

I wish all of you a fruitful and fun-filled June Holidays, especially those who have done well for the SA1 examinations- you truly deserve a good break.

After you have recharged yourself, you may want to visit mconline.sg to complete some online quizzes on tenses. I noticed in your English papers and compositions, you will need more work on it you see. Remember to click on submit for each question to check your answers. Try to figure out when to use each of the tenses. Have fun!

Oh ya, Reyes Kok has been added to the family on 31 May 2011 at 9.35am. Watch this space as I may be sharing some photographs with all of you.

Best wishes,
Mr Abel Kok

Reminder to submit Travel Declaration form and Meet-the-parents reply slips

Dear 4C Pupils,

Please remember to submit Travel Declaration form and Meet-the-parents reply slips if you have not already done so.

Thank you,
Mr Kok

Spelling list for Stellar Book 3

1. enjoying




2. frightened




3. bored




4. competition




5. whispered




6. nibble




7. notice




8. straining




9. spout




10. popped




11. dangling




12. squeak




13. scoop




14. arrived




15. fuss




16. pest




17. floppy




18. moaned




19. gobbled




20. swift

Spelling will be given in week 10. Please revise during the weekend.

Also, please note that there will be a photo taking session on

Mon 23 May 2011


8.40 am – 8.50 am
4C


9.10 am – 9.20 am
4K

Congratulations to the following 4K & 4C pupils who have done well for Social Studies Open Book Test

Dear Pupils,

Well done for the Social Studies Open Book Test!

4K

• Megan
• Jie Lin
• Jovie
• Petrina
• Wei Hymn
• Sean Kan
• Eddy
• Jason

4C

• Michelle
• Howard
• Ervin
• Simran

recap on golden phrases that we have learned before

A crop of disappointments
A flood of pride rose in him
A glittering infectious smile
A reputation that swelled like a sponge
An albatross around my neck
An apple of his eye
Break one’s heart
By word of mouth
Crowed about
Despite bleeding profusely, she endured the pain
Tim chickened out when the bully challenged him to a fight.
Everyone was whispering to another about the scene
felt a shiver down my spine
fished out my handphone and dialled triple nine
Flames leaped in his eyes
He was on cloud nine when he won the prize
her laughter moves like a bat through silent haunted woods
Her scream cut like a knife as the snatch thief ran off with her handbag.
His face turned red like a tomato
hollered, exclaimed, yelled, whispered, warned, advised...
horsed around

I felt a shiver down my spine when I heard the bad news.
I was all thumbs with the dialling as I was feeling nervous
In the twinkling of an eye
Lend a helping hand
lightning glare
Made a beeline
mathematical precision
My friends horsed around in class when the teacher was away
My mother nagged, "Wake up, you will be late for school."
Paramedics rushed over to attend to the wounded
Passersby stood rooted not knowing what to do next.
Pay through one’s nose
Put one’s foot down
She was elated over her results
She was so embarrassed that she weeped bitterly
stung like a scorpion
The beating of her heart was like a drum
The place swarmed like a hive
the pupils roared in laughters
turned a deaf ear
When Andrew saw his results, a bitterness crept into his face.
Words as soft as rain

Congratulations to the following 4K & 4C pupils who have done well for Topical Test 3

Dear Pupils,

We have done better for Topical Test 3 as compared to Topical Test 2. Keep up the good work as we prepare for SA1 Examinations.

These pupils deserve special mention:

4C
Emily
Ting Fang
Bi Ling
Simran
Ing Zi
Guo Jie
Howard
Lee Yao

4K
Charmaine
Si Hui
Eileen
Angel
Lynette
Megan
Jie Lin
Petrina
Jia En
Wei Hymn
Mark
Gabriel
Justin
Shaun Gan
Jian Hao
Hong Siong

More important dates to note

Dear Parents and pupils,

(1)Social Studies Test (Open Book) Term 2 Week 6

Please revise learning points from Chapter 1- 4.

(2) Labour Day / Vesak Day Holidays

As Labour Day falls on Sunday 1 May 2011, Monday 2 May 2011 will be a holiday.

Tuesday 17 May 2011 is Vesak Day, a Public Holiday.

(3) Semestral Assessment 1 (SA1) for P3 – P6 pupils

The SA1 (written) will be held from 3 to 13 May 2011. The timetable for the examination has been sent out to you on 30 March 2011. Please provide the necessary support for your child/ward.

(4) Photo-taking session for all pupils

The school has engaged a photographer to take the class photos for all classes on Monday 23 May and Tuesday 24 May 2011. The purchase of the photo (size 5R) which will be priced at $2.00 per copy is optional. Details regarding the ordering of the photos will be made known to pupils when the photos are ready.

(5) Meet-the-Parents Session – Friday 27 May 2011

Our second Meet-the-Parents Session will be held on Friday 27 May 2011 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. The meeting with the parents will be staggered and you will be informed of your allocated time slot for the session.

As there will not be any lessons on that day, your child/ward does not need to report to school. However, your child/ward is strongly encouraged to attend the session with you. If your child/ward is attending the session, please remind him/her to be in full school uniform and proper white school shoes.

Friday 27 May 2011 is also “Eat With Your Family Day”. We request all parents who will be meeting the teachers to end the session by 4.00 pm to enable our teachers to leave school to be with their families for dinner.

(6) End-of-Term 2 School Holidays

The End-of-Term 2 school holidays will be from Saturday 28 May to Sunday 26 June 2011.

Best wishes for the coming SA1 Examinations,

Mr Abel Kok