2011 Mathematics & Science Exchange Programme at AB Paterson College

Teachers:
MRS CHEW FOO KIM, MS JACLYN THANG
Students:
KERK PER-LYN, VANESSA | AMALINA BTE ABDUL HALIM | SANDY YU NAING | SARAH NG SHU QI | SHERILYN YEO JING YI | TANYA PURI | YEO SHI HUI GRAYCE | TAN ZHI HAN | WANG KAI QI | ADABEL TAN KAI YING | ONG YONG XIN | CLARICE YEOH HWEE LI | GOH POH TING PRISCILLA | HUANG MINGMIN EUNICE | HEW QIAN YU | NADIA BTE MOHD HAMZAH | S ROSHINI

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 1: Harbour Town Shopping Outlet . Reflection

At Changi Airport


We are Group 4, consisting of group members Roshini, Priscilla, Qian Yu, Tanya and Sherilyn.


At the Harbour Town Outlet


During the flight from Singapore to Brisbane, there was a video provided by Emirates on declaration of items brought to Australia and we learnt that honest declaration of certain products (like food, plants, soil and wood) is important - honesty and personal integrity are paramount. Though we were unsure about the answers to be filled, we had to be honest and declare all food items brought it (even instant noodles!) as Australia is serious about protecting its people and agricultural industry.

For many of us, it was the first time filling up declaration forms on our own and we realized that we had to be independent and handle situations efficiently so as to take care of ourselves. What we were unsure of, we had to seek clarifications with our teachers. In addition, we had to explain clearly when asked and queried by the immigration officials when our baggage was subjected to checks.

After we checked into Blue Waters Apartment, we organized ourselves and made sure that the keys were in safe hands.
Blue Waters Apartment

In the living room of our apartments


Working in the kitchen of our apartment

In one of the bedrooms of our apartment


During the stay in Brisbane, we also had to purchase groceries for our meals as some of our meals are not provided.

We had McDonalds for breakfast when we first arrived but we realized that having a meal outside for all meals will be costly. When we heard that Harbour Town Outlet has a supermarket, we decided to purchase groceries so that we can prepare our meals in our apartments.

We had to work together and compromise to decide on the purchase of certain necessities and groceries. While we shopped at the supermarket, we have different tastes and preferences so we had to come to a decision and compromise so that everyone's needs were met ( for some of our members are vegetarians; while some of them could not consume spicy food). In addition, when we selected the food for the breakfast and dinner, we had to consider the nutritional content of the foods - bearing in mind our Home Econs lessons from school.

Budgeting was an important consideration when we make purchases as we had to make sure we have enough money to last us for the rest of the trip.

During the tour at Harbour Town Shopping Outlet, we also bonded and got to know each other better as we had to move in our groups and look out for one another.  

We also realized that the Australian service staff were also exceptionally friendly in serving the customers. They greeted customers sincerely and offered help voluntarily. This excellent service helps us feel very warm and welcomed. We feel that the Singapore service sector can work on helping customers feel comfortable and welcomed.

1 comment:

  1. Vow thxs for the reflection & lovely pics of Day1. I am glad to know that u r getting to know each other more and working in teams. The idea of preparing meals in the kitchen is a very wise one..but watch out for the drinking water u use. I heard tap water may not b suitable for all & can make u sick. so use mineral water for drinking to b on the safe side. Follow ur teacher's advice in this regard.
    Have a good rest!
    Tanya's mom

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