Orientation Camp and Co-curricular Fair 2026

Reported by:
Gaby Seow Jing Yi Sr2ComC

Photography by:
Team Photography Newsletter Club

                  On the cool Friday morning of the 9th of January 2026, the bright-eyed Junior Ones of Kuen Cheng High School were seen queuing in neat rows, with pristinely ironed uniforms and not a single flyaway in sight. There was an air of cooped anticipation, as they were quickly led to their individual classrooms, where a group of volunteer-seniors were assigned for every class. There, the day was kickstarted by some delicious school-provided breakfast, followed by a warm, official welcome from the school in the Lee Shin Cheng Hall. Speeches from the Principal, Madam Chua Lee Lee, as well as speeches from individual academic departments ensued. When that came to an end, a short ice-breaking session in each of their classes was included to ensure each new student felt as comfortable as possible with their new classmates.

(Photo: A warm & hearty opening speech by the Principal, Madam Chua Lee Lee, setting a positive tone for the year ahead)

                  Then, the Jr1s had a thorough session with their Form Teachers before heading for a hearty lunch in the canteens. Once all were full and satisfied, batches of Jr1s teemed around Lee Shin Cheng Hall for the bustle of the school’s annual Co-curricular Fair. The merry sound of drums pounded through the air, with an accompaniment of various other instruments. The orchestral clubs had chosen to set up booths outside the hall, showcasing their impressive musical abilities to the new students.

                  Inside the hall, other clubs had set up beautifully designed booths, with many donning eye-catching decorations. Seniors were seen promoting their clubs, with an interesting sight being the Lion Dance Club’s lion costume parading the hall. The event itself was categorised into two sessions, with each one bringing in a different batch of new students. The Jr1s were tasked with finding clubs aligned with their interests to join for the year, which proved a definite challenge in the face of so many clubs. It was an event to remember indeed, from the excited chatter in the day’s vibrant thrum, to the immaculate booths presented. Following such jovial moments, students were shepherded back into their classrooms for in-class activities before Day 1 of the 2026 Orientation Camp came to an end.

                  Day 2 came bright and early, setting the tone for what would be another eventful day for the Junior Ones as they were ushered into the school’s auditorium for another series of introductory speeches. As everyone slowly filed into the auditorium and settled into their seats, the evident awe written across many of the Jr1s’ faces was extremely memorable. Soft murmurs were heard initially as students whispered to one another, with many commenting on how well-finished and impressive the facility was. One by one, representatives from the school’s Discipline, Library, and ICT departments took turns addressing the students, each outlining their roles and offering general guidance.

                  After the speeches concluded, the students were given a short break to stretch their legs, chat, and gather their thoughts before the next segment of the programme began. Following this, the volunteer seniors assigned to each class stepped forward to share their personal advice regarding how best to navigate school life here. Their tips ranged from serious to lighthearted, such as which building supposedly had the “best drinking” water tap, or which canteen stall consistently served the tastiest food. The relaxed atmosphere made the advice more engaging and helped the Jr1s feel slightly more at ease. To conclude the day, a class meeting with their newly assigned Form Teachers was held, allowing students to gain a clearer idea of what lies ahead this coming year. With final reminders given and questions answered, the students were eventually dismissed, bringing Day 2 to an end.

                  As the two days of orientation drew to a close, the Jr1s left not just with schedules and information, but with the first quiet stirs of belonging. What began as nervous glances had slowly transformed into shared laughter, budding friendships, and a growing sense of familiarity within the school halls.