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Orientation 2015: AColando, the true ACJC experience

acjcouncil
Feb 28, 2015
3 min read

Orientation 2015: 650 new JC1s students, 115 OGLs, 15 Ad-Hoc members and 1 dream – To create a meaningful and exciting programme where our new generation of ACSians are integrated into the AC community and everlasting friendships are created, kick-starting the beginning of a dynamic ACJC experience.

Our theme for this year was AColando – to join; to unite – a concept that was uncovered in our storyline. Any participant of AColando 2015 would be able to tell you about how the four mighty Clans - Cygnus, Trident, Strato and Orion – were initially torn apart, but eventually stood united as one ACJC Clan. Throughout the planning and execution of Orientation, this is what we hoped for, too: To see the new members of our AC community united within the ACJC family.

The planning for Orientation started in August, where we crafted what we wanted for the JC1s, how we envisioned Orientation 2015 and what meaning the entire event would hold – important dreams that we held close to our hearts and continuously worked towards. Then, we rolled out the invitations for some very important people to join the Orientation Team – the Orientation Group Leaders, or OGLs.

Through a fulfilling journey of planning, ideas and never-ending encouragement, the Orientation Ad-Hoc organized and executed the OGL Meetings and OGL Day Camp, where we watched with pride as the OGLs grew from students to student leaders. It was through the process of immersing ourselves in the Orientation experience, of staying faithful to the little things, of pouring heartfelt effort into our duties, that the 115 of us grew stronger as the 2015 Batch of OGLs. By the time the fateful day had arrived – 30th January 2015 – despite muscles sore from practicing dances and bodies tired from balancing school work, CCA commitments and OGL duties, we were excited, eager, and nervous. We thought we were prepared – but nothing could prepare us for the four days ahead us.

ACJC’s JC1 Orientation was held on the 30th of January, and the 2nd – 4th of February. While our JC1s started off a little unsure and unfamiliar, by the end of Orientation, they were a group more tightly bonded than anyone could have imagined. Four days of cheering their lungs out and playing their hearts out led to our JC1 cohort growing from a quiet bunch fixated on their different uniforms and sense of awkwardness, to a vibrant and excitable team ready to start on their JC1 journey.

But all good things come to an end, and so the OGLs have returned to their daily academic routine, and the JC1s, in eager anticipation, have embarked upon their voyage. Yet, the lessons, memories, and relationships remain - whether in the OG groups that gather during breaks, the OGLs who unconsciously tuck in their shirts, or the spontaneous dancing when the mass dance song is played during Arts Night.

All that has been achieved could not have been made possible without the help, encouragement and support of our Principal, Ms Beatrice Chong, Vice-Principals, senior administration, Council teachers, teaching staff who were so loving and understanding, all CCAs who helped out, the OGLs, the JC1s, and of course, God. The AColando 2015 experience cultivated the AC spirit and forged invaluable friendships, but it is only the beginning of a unique, exciting and dynamic ACJC experience. Truly, To God Be The Glory - the glory of hard work, success, and of things yet to come, for The Best Is Yet To Be. Heather Seet