A Green Thumbs Up from Singapore’s National Parks Board: Canadian International School’s Community Rooftop Garden

The community rooftop garden at Canadian International School (CIS) — born out of a class project by their very own students — recently received the prestigious National Parks Community in Bloom Award. This award recognises excellence in gardening across criteria of aesthetics, horti-cultural practice, community involvement, biodiversity, and sustainability efforts in Singapore’s education institutes and organisations.

Since its inception in 2022, CIS’ community garden has been an effective learning environment for students. From adding new visual features like hanging baskets and upcycled vertical plant palettes, to routine tasks like watering, weeding and harvesting plants, projects at the community garden are aimed at encouraging CIS students to be more involved in sustainability efforts.

Participation in this initiative has also helped students prepare for an ever-changing world. One grade 7 student, Horace S., who discovered his green thumb through his primary year-end exhibition on responsible waste management on Singapore’s landfill Pulau Semakau said; “Incorporating environmental facts and practical examples [learnt through gardening] into science lessons not only enhances my learning, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.” Horace added that he gained invaluable skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Meanwhile, grade 11 student, Julienne B. highlighted the respect she has come to develop for nature, becoming more conscious of “the modern impact human acts have on our global footprint”. She also developed more responsibility and patience, skills she believes will help her in the future.

Sustainability is a familiar concept to CIS students. Earlier this year, four grade 11 students came in top 3 for social enterprise Green Nudge’s “Beyond the Green” challenge. They presented their proposal on reducing food waste to a judges’ panel that included Senior Minister of State for National Development, Mr. Tan Kiat How. 

Visit CIS’ award-winning community rooftop garden at their upcoming Open House on 19 January and see how students thrive in its different learning environments. 

Register your interest here.

Ask the Dentist: Why do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, start to develop around the ages of 10 to 12, and start to erupt at ages of 18 to 21. Typically, the removal of a wisdom tooth is unnecessary when it erupts normally, functions properly, and doesn’t present any problems. However, as wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, there is usually insufficient space in the mouth for normal teeth growth, leading to partially erupted wisdom teeth. 

That being said, partially erupted wisdom teeth can contribute to cyst formation. As the growth process of a wisdom tooth may involve remnant cells around the crown of the tooth, these cells can proliferate by some form of stimulation and form a cyst growth. The most common cyst associated with impacted wisdom teeth is the dentigerous cyst, which develops around the crown of an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.

A partially erupted wisdom tooth may also result in:

    • tooth decay

    • pericoronitis (inflammation of the tissue around the crown of the wisdom tooth)

    • abscess (pus around the wisdom tooth due to bacterial infection)

    • gum disease

If any of the mentioned scenarios occur, you may experience pain and swelling, serving as indicators for the need of removal. It is advisable to that you visit an oral surgeon/dentist for a thorough assessment, and he/she will advise accordingly. 

While the idea of wisdom tooth extraction or surgery might be daunting for some, it is essential to understand that it is a routine and safe procedure. When performed early, it can effectively prevent more severe dental issues in the future.

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Dr Ho Kok Sen is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. Dr Ho is a mentor, lecturer, and examiner to students in the Graduate Diploma in Dental Implantology course at the National University of Singapore.  Dr Ho is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Academy of Medicine Singapore. He has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, and complex extractions. http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

The Perfect Travel Checklist

By Ellie Sakrzewski

Like most of us, I love travelling, however my skin and hair don’t. My biggest concern is dehydration. Here are some of my favourite and essential things I pack with me both in my hand luggage and my suitcase.

To Moisturise:

I slather my skin throughout my flights with moisturiser. I find it really counteracts the feeling of it being ‘parched’. I also love bringing along a facial spritz, my favourite is Luxe Botanics Camu Brightening Mist. Don’t forget your hand cream too.

To De-puff: 

Dry skin makes crow’s-feet and lines more pronounced. I get puffy as well. At a high altitude, this can be more pronounced. Mini eye patches help to add moisture while de-puffing the eyes. 

To Hydrate from the inside: 

Flying dehydrates us inside and out. We all know the benefits of drinking water on a flight. It’s also good to do the same the day before and after travel. Each morning I take my vitamin C & D super booster which is great for skin. I also bring packets to mix in my water bottle on the plane.

Crowning Glory: 

Most great hair care brands make travel size options now, so they are easy to take in your carry-on case. I do take a full-size smoothing lotion that is also a hair treatment so I can keep my hair in good condition (especially on a beach holiday) without having to bring extra.

Vitamins: 

I always travel with my vitamins. I recommend Ashwagandha and Magnesium to help combat stress and keep sleep cycles in check, Probiotics for gut health and Vitamin C for that extra boost we need when we travel.