CIS STUDENTS WIN SPECIAL PRIZE IN FRENCH IDOL 2018

French Idol is an annual French singing competition organised by teachers of the French Association of Singapore. Launched in 2006, the competition involves French language students of all levels representing their schools and universities and competing for the title “Singapore French Idol of the year”. It is a great way for learners to test and improve their language skills.

Held towards the end of last year at the Lycée Français de Singapour, CIS French language students Swara and Natasha spent months preparing for the competition. They performed “Ça Ira” by Joyce Jonathan. Natasha played the Ukulele and Swara sang.

“On the day of the competition, both of us were really nervous,” explained Swara. “We were honestly intimidated by the performances before us because they included many elements like harmonies, costumes, and even dance moves that we did not have. By the time we got to intermission, we felt that we only had a glimmer of hope of winning. Nevertheless, we decided to practise during the intermission to boost our spirits. Have you ever had the feeling where you felt that ‘this was it’? This last rehearsal was the boost we needed. Suddenly we felt very confident and I was having fun as I performed on stage. It wasn’t about winning anymore - I was simply enjoying myself and celebrating my progress in learning French.”

“Natasha and I weren’t expecting any award. In fact, I was doing Buzzfeed quizzes and Natasha was doing her I&S summative during the award-giving ceremony. Then we heard the announcer say: ‘Le prix spécial, L'école internationale canadienne: Swara et Natasha.’ It’s not the first place nor is it an Oscar, but it is one of my greatest achievements in French learning to date because it acts as a motivation for me to keep learning more.”

We are extremely proud of Natasha and Swara’s achievement. To read more stories about our students’ achievements check out school magazine at www.cis.edu.sg/mosaic

Ask the Dentist: Orthodontic Solutions

Q: How do I decide whether Invisalign or braces is a better option for my child who is a teenager? 

 A: Both Invisalign (clear aligners) and traditional braces have its advantages and here are two main considerations that should help you decide. 

1) Discipline

Invisalign works most effectively when the aligners are being worn diligently for at least 20 hours a day. A new set of aligners needs to be changed every 2 weeks. If there are any reduced hours of daily wear, one is advised to compensate it by wearing the current aligners for an extra 1 to 2 days before switching to the next set. 

As aligners are removable, there will not be any prescribed dental movements if the aligners are not worn. If this happens for an extended period of time, any teeth movements achieved till then may even regress. Therefore, if your child finds it hard to commit to wearing them as prescribed, traditional braces would be a better option. 

2) Lifestyle

The fees of Invisalign treatment is generally 30 to 50% higher than traditional metal braces (with the exception of lingual braces). Therefore, for most teenagers who are schooling, braces is the more common, cost efficient option. While more working adults opt for Invisalign or ceramic braces due to aesthetic reasons. 

However, if your child plays contact sports or musical instruments such as the flute, clarinet or trumpets, they may find Invisalign a safer and better fit respectively.

You are recommended to share your concerns with your child’s orthodontist so that he/she can advise accordingly.

Dr Eugene Chan is a Dental Specialist in Orthodontics with Specialist Dental Group^®. He received his specialist training in orthodontics from the University of Sydney, Australia, and his Doctorate of Medical Science from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. Dr Chan is a Clinical Consultant with Invisalign and he trains dentists and orthodontists in Singapore and Asia. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6733 7883

Avocado & Tomato Salsa Wonton Cases

Makes 36

Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray
• 36 Shanghai wonton wrappers
• 1x 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh coriander
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 avocados, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural yoghurt
• 10-12 drops red Tabasco pepper sauce

Here’s What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C.
2. Spray 36x 30ml (1½ tablespoon) capacity mini muffin pans with oil to lightly grease. Place a wonton wrapper in each pan and press to line base and sides. Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Set aside in the pans to cool completely.
3. Combine the tomato, onion, coriander and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, place the mashed avocado in a bowl. Add the yogurt and stir to combine. Add the Tabasco sauce to taste.
5. Spoon the avocado mixture evenly among the wonton cups. Arrange on a serving platter. Top with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.

Cook’s notes:

• Step 1-2 can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Store wonton cases in an airtight container.
• Step 3 can be prepared up to four hours ahead. Store mixture in an airtight container in fridge.

Fit Bit: Facing high BP and low BP - what activities & exercises can assist?

By Jessica Gan

 

Do you sometimes feel dizzy when you switch from a downward dog yoga to a standing position?

Any sudden postural changes during exercise when your head is below or level with your heart is a risk for orthostatic hypotension. You may have low BP but does not mean you are any weaker than others.

Suggestion if you have low BP:

In a group class, do inform the instructor before hand. That way, he or she can change the sequence in time.

On the opposite hand, if you have high  blood pressure, your doctor would have informed you.

Suggestion if you have high BP:

Do aerobic (cardio) activities. E.g. basketball, tennis, jogging, swimming, and even household chores like mopping the floor. Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises per week

Do weight training. Heavier weights require more strain, which can cause a greater increase in blood pressure. You can challenge your muscles with lighter weights by increasing the number of
repetitions.

Dogs can also reduce high BP. Woof! Enjoy your downward dog or furry dogs!

**************
Disclaimer: Always check with your medical professional prior to exercise.
**************

More tips email: (jessica.gan@alumni.utoronto.ca)