WELCOME TO THE MAPLE LEAF TIMES BLOG

A couple of articles are added each month with many more articles provided in the CAS's Maple Leaf Times (eMLT) magazine. To receive your eMLT magazine sent directly to your inbox (8 issues per year), become a member of the Canadian Association of Singapore. Visit the CAS website to register -- www.canadians.org.sg

Saturday, December 1, 2018

A Christmas arts party for you and your little ones!

Celebrate Christmas at CIS! We are hosting a magical Christmas arts party at our Lakeside campus. Everyone who loves Christmas and the arts are welcome!

🎄 When:    Thursday, 6 December, 2018

🎄 Time:     9am - 11am

🎄 Why:     To spend a magical morning singing Christmas carols, making decorations and watching a scene from Aladdin performed by our grade 5 students. We even hear Santa will be dropping by! The event is also the perfect opportunity to observe first hand our vibrant Arts programme in the kindergarten and primary years. 

🎄 Cost:    Free

🎄 How:     Register at https://www.cis.edu.sg/events/christmas-at-cis-2018 

About CIS’ primary school Arts programmeOur Arts programme plays a vital role in our primary school curriculum. It incorporates music, drama and visual arts in the classroom and as an extracurricular activity for students who wish to advance their learning through music ensembles, choral groups and drama productions. We’ve got modern drama and dance studios, a 500-seat theatre at our Lakeside campus, a black-box theatre, practice rooms and an audio-visual suite. We teach students specific skills about performing and listening, including how to be good audience members. There are opportunities for students of all abilities; we don’t just focus on those with exceptional talents.

What sets our programme apart. We really want our students to understand the history and culture behind their learning. For example, our Grade 4 music students are currently learning to sing two traditional songs – one in Hindi and another in Thai – for their holiday concert in December. This includes learning about the Thai and Hindi languages, customs and traditions.

Our programme also focuses on developing important life skills, like independence, self-discipline, concentration, perseverance and teamwork. These are critical for every student’s success regardless of what career they choose. For example, activities such as band, choir, and theatre require students to work together. Performing live on stage in front of an audience teaches them that regardless of what happens – making a mistake or stage fright – the show must go on.

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For more information about CIS’ arts programme visit www.cis.edu.sg/learning/arts

Bleeding Gums

Q: I brush daily, why do I still have bleeding gums?


A: Bleeding gums are caused by plaque that are not removed. They attack the gums, causing them to be inflamed and bleed when being brushed or flossed. This is the first stage of gum disease, and is also called gingivitis. At this stage, gingivitis can be reversed and treated. If left untreated, you may experience persistent bad breath, swollen gums, receding gums and ultimately, tooth loss. Hence you are advised to visit your dentist/Periodontist as soon as possible.

At the same time, it is important to review your oral care routine to ensure the following:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each
  • Use a soft toothbrush with a small head and avoid brushing too hard
  • Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from areas that are hard to reach
  • Visit your dentist/Periodontist for at least once every six months for a professional cleaning so that accumulated plaque and tartar can be removed
Bleeding gums has been linked to more serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Do take bleeding gums seriously and speak to your dentist/Periodontist.




Dr Ben Wang is a Dental Surgeon with Postgraduate Training in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group. He received his training in Periodontics from the Eastman Dental Institute, University of London. Dr Wang has a special interest in the critical appraisal of research, regeneration, bone, soft tissue grafting around teeth and implants www.specialistdentalgroup.com / 6733 7883




Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Magic Circle

Why is the Pilates circle also known as the "Magic circle"? What can it do for you?

By Jessica Gan




A.  It strengthens your core and incorporates gentle movements without having to stress out on comparatively riskier programs, such as weight lifting.

B. It can be a form of rehab as it offers a low maximum resistance threshold.

C. It improves your body alignment and balance. Why? Because when you press the ring from both sides, you will be challenged to remain in your posture. The ring will assist in finding your center.

It is quite magical. Have fun with the Pilates magic circle!

Chilled Cucumber, Mint & Pea soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups frozen green peas 
  • 1½ cup vegetable stock
  • A few mint leaves
  • 1¼ cucumber, diced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoon sour cream
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste


Here’s what to do:


  1. Sauté onion for a few minutes until translucent, adding a bit of sugar to help it caramelise.
  1. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  1. Add peas and mix well for 1-2 minutes.
  1. Add vegetable stock, cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat.
  1. Let cool and transfer to a blender.
  1. Add cucumber and a few mint leaves and puree until smooth.
  1. Add olive oil, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons sour cream and puree again.
  1. Season with salt and pepper.
  1. Transfer to fridge and chill.
  1. Serve soup with a swirl of sour cream and a garnish of diced cucumber and mint leaves.
     
     

     


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