元宵节快乐

🍊 元宵节快乐 🍊

正月十五喜庆多，

苔家团圆委福多，

心情愉快朋友多，

身体健康快乐多，

财源滚滚钞票多，

年年吉祥如意多，

祝大家好事多多多。

Her bestest attendance in school thus far (heehee!)

Lil’ one’s school attendance this year so far is so “good”. Excluding PH, her attendance is  13/26 or should I say 13 days plus 4hrs? Her record! 

Last Friday (4th), the man was tested positive. Results came at 2pm, then he called to inform me. I called the school to check since lil’ one had to stay back for CCA. The school lent her ART kit so she did the test, she didn’t call back so it means she’s negative. Big girl n myself quickly tested ourselves, negative too. We were then issued HRWO - High Risk Warning Order for the next 7 days. 

Monday(7th) was her e-learning day so she didn’t go to school. Tuesday, she called at 9+ and asked me to pick her up

Her report book won't look good this year. *wink*

#notpontangschool# #colivingwithcovid#

Stargazing in US - Dec 2021

Last year’s stargazing  🔭 day in the freezing cold winters. 

I got my DSLR n correct lens n tripod all ready but it was so so so cold + the strong wind 💨. I couldn’t do any set-up as I think my camera will freeze in the cold. My hands and fingers will freeze until someone invents a warm but sensitive to the touch gloves. 

I experimented with my new iPhone 13Pro. I must admit the phone is marvellous. Most of these pictures posted here are unedited unless otherwise stated. 

Let’s start with the last stargazing in JTNP, which we wouldn’t have gone if we all returned home on schedule. So count our blessings. 

31st Dec 

*edited to bring out more stars*

It’s only 6.13pm but we had to make our way back to hotel. We can’t help but stopped along the way to look at the dark sky again coz the moment we head back to Palm Springs, visibility will be low. 

A ranger drive by and stopped to check if we’re alright. Maybe we pulled off at a wrong spot? Or maybe there are wild animals around? 😅 We can’t help but to lay our eyes on the huge masterpiece. This is our last chance to stargaze. Nevertheless he was very friendly with us, I mean I could pick up conversation with him and chat about the stars and this beautiful national park we've been twice already, but I think he needs to get to do his other duties. 

One's feelings is changed the moment we have that darkness all around us and only thrown to marvel the creation of the universe.

How many more days will we be stuck in US? Maybe can we go Death Valley? 😉 I miss DVNP! 

Our position 33.8734° N, 115.9010° W

I really miss the dark sky 🥰. How many times have I repeated this sentence? 

I took some pictures in Grand Canyon but I think my hands were shaking from the cold that my pictures turned out a little blurry. I was not able to get any pictures without the trees, not sure why. All I wanted to do is to snap and run back into the room. I really wonder how some people can stay out so many hours in the cold stargazing and snapping pictures.  

On 13th Dec, the day we arrived in GC. Mr Moon was up and I wondered if I can get any pictures. I’m so glad that even if the sky wasn’t that pitch dark 伸手不见五指, I did manage some shots

The lodge is at 36.0542° N, 112.1199° W

Taurus, that obvious V shape was spotted and immediately I looked up to find the 7 sisters. 

14th Dec - was cloudy. Tho I kept opening the door a few times to check but left disappointed after so many attempts. Moreover weather forecast says there’s going to be a snowstorm in the night. If I apply my geography knowledge, a sudden snowstorm means there’s way too much “droplets” evaporated days before = cloud cover. 

We are not guaranteed clear nights all the time. But I must admit I am disappointed, I don’t live here! If out of 365 days in a year, I still have many days and chances of stargazing I wouldn’t be so disappointed. 

15th Dec 

15th Dec - taken on the day we drove from GC to Page. After a stop in the supermarket, near Page’s City Hall, I just had to look up into the sky even though there were streetlights around us. 

Nearer to the building are Jupiter and Saturn. And the other bright star (to the top right of this photo) is Altair. 

Che-che’s driving lessons timeline 2021 - 2022

13th April (Tue)

Induction - $free

16th April (Fri)

Eye-test 

20th May (Thu)

BTT

Lesson commences @ $42/hr

1. 28th May 10am ($122 - inc $80 registration fee)
2. 3rd June 8pm
3. 12th June 3pm 
4. 21st June 10am
5. 24th June 4pm

FTT
25th June (Fri) 10.30am 

Lesson on-going
     6. 1st July 7pm
     7. 7th July 4pm
     8. 9th July 10am

SWITCH ACCOUNT TO PRIVATE APPT
9th July 12pm

Circuit is so quiet. Comfort Delgro closed from 15th July to 29th July due to cases reported. I should take picture of the back where there were countable cars. I'm thankful she's under private tutelage so she's not affected. It's a good thing I rushed to book her FTT on the day she passed her BTT, otherwise she might be one of those affected by the disruption.     

Lesson on-going

     9.  20th July 2pm

Mr Lim told her to book the simulator trainings. We're totally lost in the procedures. Was there such a thing in my time? She has to clear all 3 and all her practical lessons before she can go for her driving test. And when she made the bookings the next day (21st - Wed), she told me the earliest slot is only in November! My God! She chose 26th Nov and crammed all 3 into one day, as she would be in Uni by then   

Interesting that it also helps you analyse your mistakes and best thing is you don't get injured when you get into an accident. This made me realise that one will need more than 6 months before getting a licence if she's on private tutelage and longer if one learns from school. I can't remember how long it took me to get my licence as I learnt driving on my off days, probably it took me longer + I passed at second attempt. 

    10. 22nd July 5pm

    11. 25th July 4pm 

    12. 29th July 9am

    13. 31st July 1pm

    14. 1st Aug 3pm

    15. 11th Aug 5pm 

     16.  13th Aug 5pm 

     17.  11th Sep 4pm. 1st Circuit 

     18. 23rd Sep 8pm. Circuit 

     19. 28th Sep 8pm. circuit 

     20. 9th Oct 4pm. circuit 

     21. 6th Nov 11am 

     22. 24th Nov 

Did x3 simulator on 26th Nov 

Practiced 3x in the hotel carpark, although it’s left hand drive.

She told Mr Lim to cancel her test date which is end of Jan as we didn’t know when we would be back. Apparently he didn’t which is also good coz our 7th day post arrival would long be over by then. She requested to go for few more lessons. Thankfully Mr Lim was able to accommodate her, when he had an empty slot or last minute cancellation from other students he would approach che-che first. 

      23. 20th Jan 6pm (circuit. Was informed circuit price increase to $82)

      24. 22nd Jan 8am

      25. 23rd Jan 7am

      26. 24th Jan 8am. Followed by test at 9.15am

                    AND SHE PASSED!!

1st Jan 2022

First day of the new year and we are all stuck here in LA. An unexpected thing happened, che-che was tested positive during our PCR screening for pre-flight departure on 26th Dec (results came back on 27th, the day we were to depart for home). 

While all the rest of the world are so strict with their quarantine of affected people, the US has this laxed attitude. Which is no wonder the number of infection are soaring high. We were left on our own accord. No help; no calls from California county as what SIA ground staff said we would be. I can’t imagine what would happen to those who are stuck with limited monetary expenses. Of course we can get consular help from our embassy but we didn’t approach ours as they can’t offer much help for us, they can’t fly us out even with a positive case. 

This holiday is an extended one. We got out from our room late for lunch and return early and have cooked dinner in the room. Although I brought the travel cookpot along, we basically used it for simple boiling water; cooking instant noodles; warming soup etc..it was nothing fanciful like my SQ ala-squat days where we could churn out fried rice and dishes from the handy cookpot. 

Things just have to happen this way. Really have no idea how the 🦠 got to che-che when we were all so careful. I mean, I don’t mean to start denying or start blaming anyone or anything, if it’s fated that we get it here then too bad. We need to look at things in positive manner. But just can’t help but feel a sense of bewilderment on how it can only affect 1 person and not all of us. 

Mrs Hau is informed of the current situation. Tutors informed to delay the commencement of lessons as we really have no idea when we will be back. Worst come to worst, we will do Zoom in LA. Somebody will just need to be awake at ungodly hours while we all snore in bed for her class lessons. At 4pm here in LA it would be 8am the next day in SIN. If lil’ one has her tuition at 7pm in SIN on a Monday it would be 3am on Monday in LA. 

So when does the girl sleep? Let me work out a quick conversion :

SIN TIMING (US TIMING) - SIN 16hrs ahead                       

Mon 10pm - Tue 6.30am 💤 [her usual bedtome] (Mon 6am - 2.30pm)

When school 🏫 starts from eg.

Mon 8am - 2.30pm (Sun 4pm - 10.30pm) 

Tuitions that starts at 5pm SIN time on a Monday would mean her tuition would start at 1am on a Monday. 

Imagine her needing to study on a Sunday. Miserable! 

And on a daily basis where I need to iron our undergarments and socks dry at around 6-7pm LA time, it would be 10-11am the next day. I’d definitely need to hide in one corner if she’s doing live lessons. 

Covid Situation here : No ART kits

Can you believe this country, wanting or claiming to be a super house economy? Has no ART kits in the pharmacies (which they claim is OOS), while Singapore has more than enough. But on the hindsight, the covid tests here are free and there are small stations smacked right by the roadside for people to do their walk-ins. One only needs to wait for the results which will take 24-48hrs. 

Covid Situation here : No masks

No masks for sale? (I found some masks for sale in the Asian mall after that) So whatever had happened to the tagline “Make America Great Again”? Basic stuffs like this is not easily found. 

Covid Situation here : No control. No quarantine aka 没有政府

A country so big but no control, that’s how some positive cases can be walking around and spread to the others including to che-che. While I understand that every state has their own constitutional Govt or whatever governmental rule, it should be a time to not divide their political group whether they are republicans or democratics. The President should set the rules and every states every county follows, but no… some people who thinks so highly of themselves don’t believe in science and medical reports just want to rebel for the sake of rebelling. And people who thinks they have the liberal rights to think and act what they want so it’s definitely harder for them to listen unlike the asians who are technically more obedient.

Covid Situation here : Right from the start things were done wrong.

A country so big but always so critical of others, they didn’t look at themselves. They thought they handled the situation well but no. On the other hand, the other powerhouse China handled their situation well right from the start with closing borders, lockdown. 

https://www.cnn.com/travel/amp/china-travel-covid-19/index.html

Covid Situation here : A backward approach

Vaccination cards can be forged. A country so big but yet is backwards in their technology? Things still done on paper? 真的开玩笑。

Even Europe has the Trace together app, and scan to go in before restaurants.here? None at all, strangely the only time they checked for vaccination status was the day we couldn’t fly out at Yoshinoya and few days later at Elmers.

But then again, do you think the people will allow their tracks to be traced? 

Wrong place to be stuck?

Perhaps this is a wrong place to be stuck? 

As what W said a friend of hers is stuck in Germany but they were chauffeured to a facility and accommodation n meals are provided free. 

Here? Dream on. They don’t have time and probably resources to trace anyone. So the positive note is that we are not confined to our room, we can be out and about driving infact to other National Parks for stay which nobody will know and check. So you can see how easily 🦠can move from one place to 🦠 another. Anyway, we need to be out coz we need to get lunch. There’s no Grab food, no food delivery here tho there’s a Denny’s just right next to our hotel. 

Aiyoh…we pray hard for clearance soon

That’s what we can do for now, to quickly get clearance. 

ART Test

Looking forward to our flight tomorrow.

Our ART is tonight. 

Quick! We can't wait to fly the skies again. 

A sense of urgency

So I felt a sense of urgency and could immediately churn out 7 days of imovie of our 2019 USA holiday.

Huh! And it took me how long to do one previously?? Guess sometimes I need to be forced into a corner, then I'll put in more effort. 

Need to clear the pictures asap, clear up space in phone since I'm only relying on iphone most of the time, although bringing the DSLR too. 

   

A new cookpot

Since we are going to go for our long awaited holiday this year, I decided that I'm not going to bring the silicone travel cooker  this time. Although it's compact in its storage, I never liked it that it took ages to cook and the circuit cycle keeps pausing. I will throw that away, or perhaps drop it in Salvation Army.

Bought the identical travel cooker which I used during my SQ days. Not Sanyo brand but another brand, who cares it works the same. The cookpot arrived on 1st Dec, just in time for me to pack into the luggage. Ready for the first time usage and more to come.   

I love it that this time round we're able to keep the plug in nicely beneath the cooker

How does a workout affect glucose n ketone level

Whatever diet plan one is on, we all know that exercise works hand in hand together. Nothing is easy in this world, you gotta work like shit to get to that slim figure you want. If only dieting can help, gyms can close down their businesses. 

Likewise in a ketogenic diet, a workout affects the blood glucose and ketone levels

How is ketone developed?

Ketones develop in our bodies when we mobilize fat as fuel. Fat is an important energy source that is used by the body at rest and during exercise. Ketones are a general term in medicine used to describe the three main ketone bodies that the liver produces – acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.

How workout affects glucose?

To understand how a workout affects glucose, watch this Youtube video by 2Fit Docs

If you're a dummy like me who prefers pictorial explanation, this is a good video by DiabetesforBundet

How Exercise Affects Ketosis and Blood Sugar Youtube video by Optimize with science

So the million dollar question, is exercise on a keto diet a necessity to be successful in keto?

Dr Berg answers this question well in his video Is Exercise on Keto Diet a Must for Keto Success? 

YES!!

Yes! The mentally straining work is finally all done. Tour booked for Antelope canyon. Apparently I found out that we can't do self tour on a navajo land, so I managed to book a tour with a company. Bought Disneyland tickets. 

All research done. Damn! Those are really hard work. All the late nights, plus I lose concentration, I get distracted easily. I deserve a good rest after this, a good whole 7hrs sleep.

I was excited when I did the final last binding for lil' one's travel journal today. 

Itinery planning was completed 6 days ago on 21st Nov. And then I concentrated on her travel journal. Infact, her journal at one point was done concurrently with the itinery planning, so that's why I have lesser things to research. But when I get so distracted with something that I had read, I'll go into into youtube videos (thank goodness we have the internet to help us now). I ended up spending half an hour watching videos on navajo nation, their cultures etc..

Yay! I'm all done! Not bad, not bad. It's more than a month after we bought our tickets. I had initially set a targetted date for myself to complete everything in 5 weeks. So I'm late, but it's ok coz I always buffer some time with the final final target date.  

I can finally concentrate on the cooking of meals (a silly me suggested that we should do a self quarantine 2 weeks before our flights, so as not to sabotage our PCR test. So home quarantine started 2 days ago on 25th Nov.)

Did I mention that I arranged for all tutors to start zoom lessons as well, so I have no visitors. Which is good, otherwise I'm always lugging the laptop and printer to and fro when I have tutors coming into the house. It's really sad, I can't use the study table in the master bedroom as the man needs to work. I always end up either at the dining table or in lil' one's room on the floor when she's having tuition outside. 

I can also start packing our luggage and at the same time get the ironing done. I haven't ironed for 3 weeks, so I have a huge pile of clothes piling up in the laundry bag. Sigh..... when you're a one woman show, need to set priority. Not to mention my walk-in-wardrobe is a total mess with stuffs I need to pack into luggage.   

  

Lectures online

With the rising number of cases, uni has ceased in person lectures from 4th Oct - 24th Oct. The students were informed on 2nd Oct. 

Good! I didn’t have to send or pick her up from school. Only need to take care of one kid who dismisses from school at weird timings (coz it’s exam weeks! 4th - 14th) 

Then on 20th Oct, they informed an extension from 25th - 31st. That’s an entire month of HBL! Oh man….I wonder how much can she learn. 

And when she’s back in uni, the little one starts HBL for a week at home.sigh… 

Thanks to VTL. Our air tickets booked!

Off to LA! 

Yippee! Time to get busy - planning itinery. 

Feeling like a sloth

Have things I need to do -
1) Clear that bloody big pot in PES 
2) The blue pea flower seeds that che-che chose, I need to plant them. I also need to plant my sunflowers. But it means a massive change in the pot stands (will probably need a dual level pot stands), getting that same uniformed rectangular pot 
3) Tidy the bomb shelter, which is messy again with all the girls' snacks
4) Clear and throw and whatever shit things I need to do in the walk-in
5) Tidy and re-organize the washing machine area. Can we get rid of that damn sink? 
6) De-clutter the toilet cabinets.

7) Re-pot the pennyworts into hydro. But might attract 🦟 

8) Get a vase and do something with the extra arrowhead plant    

 
Not forgetting the (9), (10) and ....... (??) 2008 NZ photos, maybe the girls' photo albums, my 2019 US iMovies, my video camera - need to convert the videos into something somewhere. blah blahblah......

When will I ever find the time and energy to do so many things? And don't forget I had wanted to pick up German. 

Just thinking of what I need to do around the house makes me weary and then I slothed out. Literally! I spend my time playing with the colouring app instead. But seriously, I need to get my mojo moving. Coz' I might be busy next year with lil' one's major exams. 

What is cyclical ketogenic diet?

Such an interesting read on this. 

Click on the links :

1)  CYCLICAL KETOGENIC DIET (CKD): COMPLETE GUIDE  

2) WHAT IS THE CYCLICAL KETOGENIC DIET? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

3) WHAT TO EAT ON A CYCLICAL KETOGENIC DIET

4) CKD: THE CYCLICAL KETO DIET AND YOUR LOW CARB LIFESTYLE

Videos to help visual learners like me :

1) Cyclical Keto Diet| How to carb cycle on Keto

2) How to Follow a Cyclical Ketogenic Diet

Teacher's Day 2021 gifts

3rd August
The year has gone by too quickly, before I know it it's already August. And before anyone knows, September will roll in. 
This year, I didn't realize Teacher's Day is in a month's time. I haven't thought about what to gift the teachers. (usually start thinking and then sourcing for ideas, source for craft materials etc at least 2 months in advance) And for who? Are primary teachers included? There's no way lil' one can go back to KCP with covid and all the safety measurements enforced. 

Asked her and her reply was she will prepare them herself this year. She wants to give food items. Haha! Did she think she was giving teacher's kiddy goodie packs? But perhaps it's not a bad idea after all. Teachers (I believe) are overwhelmed with gifts that they might not want, so snacks/food is a win-win solution. They can give it to their kids if they do not want to eat, everyone's happy.

In the end, I thought perhaps can outsource the gifts to this cute personalised handphone stand. And she selected only 3 school teachers she's gifting and not forgetting all her tutors. 

First time ever, I'm so free with prepping for Teacher's Day. I only helped her with printing the cards, laminated and packed for her.  

She only gave tutors the handphone stand.  

Links to items purchased

1) Gifts are from shopminthome   

2) Kraft bags from packeverything since I was at the vicinity. I remember seeing cute packaging from their shop years ago. So tempted to buy rubbish home then, but this time I was able to hold myself back knowing that I've long past the 'packing favors' stage. I wouldn't have any use for them. And even if I want to get any packaging, I had better finish what I have at home - the varied cellophane bags sizes.    

My new territory

Suaku me. 长到这么大还是第一次来武吉知马大厦. My new territory this year? I’ve expanded from Parkway 😂. 

Sent girls to school twice this week (and it has to rain on those days that I sent them. Daddy send no problem 🧐). 

First time I sat at Beauty World’s Macs to have breakfast coz big girl ends at 10am and need to zoom her home fast fast for her zoom lesson at 12pm. Today, dropped by BT Plaza so that I can do my grocery shopping as both girls end school early (Teacher's Day celebration). 

Next time, maybe every Mondays I'll go for exercise? 

Am I coming back on track?

After all the sinning and breaking rules since June, my ketone level reading was really low. Low that I wonder if I was still in ketosis. Plus there were just so many keto goodies I had. OMG! I have a bad weakness for desserts and sweets. 

Perhaps I was able to keep track coz I ran out of goodies and chocolates, which is also about time as I topped up and am expecting my chocolates soon and ketojunkie's goodies came in today. 

Had a splitting headache yesterday (25th) and something tells me to get the blood test kit out. My ketone read 0.7mmol/L and glucose went down to 4.2mmol/L. Based on GKI calculation I'm 6, which means I'm in low level ofketosis. Initially wanted to eat the chocolate chip cookie that Aruna (@ketojunkie) gave, I decided against it. I'm finally seeing some positive signs so I do not want to jinx it. 

Slept at 11pm. It was the time I slept when I started keto. But sometime in June, I began sleeping late at 2am. So does sleep affects keto results? Yes, apparently it does.

26th Aug (Thu)

My weight had been stagnant at 69kg for some time, inevitable since I was on high level of intoxicating myself with all the goodies. So this morning's 68kg gave me some positive vibes. *wink wink*

Went for Fight Do class and after sending the girls to Tampines and I returned home, I had headache again but I was also very hungry. By then it was already 3+pm, it was my late lunch. 

Took the test kit out again. My ketone reading read 0.6mmol/L and glucose went even southwards to 3.6mmol/L.  GKI Index is 6, which means I'm in low level of ketosis. 

Bought KFC for dinner. should i eat it? My ChocZero haul arrived. Oh no! 

I had only one piece of chicken breast and that's it coz I'll hit my carbs intake if I were to eat two. Told myself not to eat the chocs but ..... I took one hazelnut choc. Argh! I have very weak will power. So I guess the best thing is not to have those things at home. I won't think of them if I don't see them right? I really need to be more disciplined. 5months into this diet and only 10kg lost (my weight was stagnant after 3mths coz nottie girl lor...), I would have lost more if I had been more strict with myself.  

Re-organizing

Have the craziest idea of re-organizing stuffs in the fridge - pour all sauces into uniformed sauce containers

Get another set of airtight containers, maybe a different colour or design (if there is) of OXO to put the keto baking stuffs inside. Abit siao. So can differentiate between the normal baking and keto friendly baking ingredients. But I don't have a big pantry!! 

Flower pot stands. Find a double level so I can put more pots. Get more rectangular pot to make everything look uniformed. Perhaps re-pot my adenium so pot will look similar. If too large space, then get one more adenium and put 2 in one rectangular pot? 

I think I'm crazy. I have so many things I need to do, why am I thinking about some other things. 

Qo Broadcast from Ms CXXX, the school Principal

This serves as a recollection of the events that happened in 2021 August when lil' one and 3 classes were given QO. 

I copied the messages and saved them in the camera roll as a "souvenir" for lil' one too.  

Ms CXXX, the Principal started a chatgroup for the parents of the affected children. She did very well as a leader of the school, she chose to keep us updated which means she'll be kept busy day and night. Thank you very much Ms CXXX     

QO BROADCAST - MS CXXX

9th Aug @ 3.12pm

Dear parent, the school will create a broadcast Whatsapp group for parents of affected students from the S3 classes to provide updates where possible. In order to receive these broadcast messages, please add this number to your phone contacts list now. Thank you. ~school name~.

@ 4.41pm

Dear Parents and Guardian

Good afternoon.  This is XXX, Principal/ ~school name~. Thank you for accepting this into your phone address book so that you can receive any broadcast message from me. I understand that MOH has followed up/ will be following up with you very shortly to serve the Quarantine Order.  

To have your daughter undergo the quarantine process may be an anxiety-ridden one and we recognise that.  I am setting this broadcast chat as a support platform for parents with the aim to 

1) provide general information MOE HQ and MOH may provide to the school

2) provide an overview of school support to the girls' learning and socio-emotional development

3) share school announcements, if any

Should there be queries on any MOH-related process, we will try our best to assist.  However, I appeal for your understanding that the school may not have all MOH-related information.  

Amongst us, I am aware that there are some girls who have to undergo this QO experience for the second time… I am grateful that many of these parents who calm when the Form Teachers (FT) broke the news to you. We are in extraordinary times, it is a trying period for the school – students and staff. We do our best to support and weather this as a KC family, we will emerge _stronger together_.

If you wish to get in touch with us, pls call us at ~telephone number~ to reach my Vice-Principals Mrs XXX/ Ms XXX or me.  You can also email us at our respective email addresses here: ~email addresses~ 

For any reason if you do not wish to continue to be on this broadcast list, pls send me a text.

@ 4.42pm

Over the next few days, your girl's FTs and I will do our best to assist you in the QO process. In order that I continue to support you during this period of their’ QO, I will raise some pointers here so that I can manage expectations ☺

Some admin pointers here:

1. We will broadcast to parents whose numbers are in the school records as the first number for data integrity, and to parents whose students are on QO.

2. I am the _only_ person manning this line, a channel I avail to whenever our girls are on QO. For now, as you are aware I do have to juggle amongst a few groups in this WA line, my response may not be immediate. I ask for your understanding and patience on this! 🙏

@ 6.19pm

*Update 1*

I understand many have received their Quarantine Order (QO).   Some may serve their QO at home (if there is ensuite facilities), some may serve their QO at a Government Quarantine Facility (GQF). I learnt that, for GQF allocation, Certis may not be allocating all students to the same hotel due to supply issues. We have had parents accompanying their child in the QO.  For students between 13 to 19, parents may sign letter to allow the minor to stay alone. 

This is what I have found out from MOH website on QO:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/faqs/faqs---leave-of-absence-(loa)-stay-home-notice-(shn)-and-quarantine-order-(qo)

For packing list, beyond all her personal daily necessities, do remember to pack in their learning materials, medication, learning/mobile devices and chargers. Not forgetting, their favourite soft toys/ snacks or books/ games to engage them during their down time.  

MOH protocols I am aware of:

1) There are two swabs needed for the QO process:  Entry and Exit Swabs 

2) Entry Swabs may be conducted after the girls enter into Government Quarantine Facility (GQF), swabs may be conducted onsite at GQF.  Or in past instance, MOH will send a driver to pick them from the GQF to the swab site. But increasingly I am hearing from our past cases, that swab is now done onsite at the GQF.

3) Exit Swab is conducted at the end of their QO.

4) Girls will have to upload their temperatures 3X daily through the Homer app

5) Sometimes MOH officers will make video calls to them to check that they are in their rightful quarantined settings

6) Parental consent may be needed for the swab tests (pls check with CISCO or MOH)

I beg the indulgence of some parents who may find this info familiar. I will continue to customise where I can on the specific situation of this group of QO girls..

@ 6.20am

*Update #2*

Also, I think this is a good link to go to. It gives a good handy list of FAQs:

How is a COVID-19 quarantine order different from a stay-home notice? And what happens if you are staying with family? 

Here's a handy list of FAQs: https://cna.asia/3A80xpg

@ 6.22am

*Update #3*

A parent from an earlier case has shared the following info with me which I am in turn providing to parents here who are preparing to be conveyed to GQF.  Just need to bear in mind that different hotels may have different services:

1) fridge, hairdryer and ironing board available in the room 

2) Laundry service available. FOC for up to 4 pieces per person. Towels change every 3 days, bed linen, 7 days 

3) Special meal choices available 

4) Food delivery service ok. Family members can send home cook food but should be packed in disposal ware. Otherwise, she will have to keep the containers with her and take them home only upon “check out”

Further suggestions to add on to packing list : 

5) Thermometer. Students have to record their temperature 3 times a day. Caregiver should bring one too.

6) Extension cord for the multiple gadgets the kids and caregiver might have

7) Face masks. Needed whenever we open the room door to collect / dispose food, rubbish or laundry. 

8) Room spray or Lysol disinfectant spray may be useful (for toilet runs!)

Hotels may provide but they might also be overwhelmed.

May I request that you *let the FTs know* if your girl is serving QO at home or at a GQF once you have confirmation from Certis pls. And also which Hotel when she is eventually conveyed.

That’s all I have for today. I will update here should here be noteworthy information which will be useful for the QO process. Thank you and keep well.

10th Aug

@ 5.17pm

*Update #4*

Good afternoon.  I am happy to share that most of the girls’ entry swabs have been done. And for those done, all negative! For girls who have not been contacted for entry swabs, pls let their FTs know and I will follow up with MOH.

It appears that many of our girls have been conveyed to the GQF already, with just a handful awaiting for their transport.  Currently, it looks that the spread of the GQF is within our school vicinity and in city areas.  I understand some girls are serving their GQF alone.  Do remind them to *secure their doors at all times* and a little reminder that they are not to visit each other if they happen to be at the same GQF! QO is a legal order!

In our previous QO experiences with our staff and students, some of them are tagged (a little wrist tag) for the QO. This is basically a tracker, as I understand it.

Do let us know if your girl have any difficulty uploading her temperature through the Homer App. I understand that it will have to be the _number which MOH has first contacted you_ to be registered in the Homer App.

Back in school, we have also just completed our Mandatory Swab Test smoothly. The first batch of results (comprising largely the staff’s) has also been received, with happy news!

That’s all I have for today now. Take Care and Keep Well.

@ 5.46am

*Update #4a*

Some parents have texted me that their daughters are still awaiting or not received the calls to be conveyed to a GQF _yet_ despite the decision from MOH that it is a GQF.  May I ask that you alert their FTs. I will request the *FTs to collate* so that I can send a chaser to MOH.  Just to prepare parents, in our previous case, a handful of girls were conveyed to GQF a few days later in spite of the (day and night chasers!). FT collation will be a lot easier for me😅 Thank you for your understanding

12th Aug

@ 6.28pm

*Update #5*

Thank you for your patience and understanding!  By now, save for 3, all who were supposed to be conveyed to a QGF have all been conveyed.  The outstanding 3, pls be assured that I have been on MOH's heels!  The FTs or I will reach out to you personally.

Regarding swabs results, a parent shared with me that you can also access _Health Hub_ for your girl’s PCR result, lest you are waiting in vain for a text message.  It is a similar experience for us at ~abbreviated school name~ on the day of our swabs op too - staff in ~abbreviated school name~ received their Negative results – some from SMS and some from their Health Hub.  It continues to confound us on the difference and it didn’t matter! What matters is that we are Negative! 🙏

It’s been a trying period for us, but I know it is also the same for you parents as well.  So if you haven’t video called your girl, or given her a virtual hug or send her favourite food over, do take this time to bond with your girl.  I would like to end with this message from a parent, “The darker the night, the nearer the dawn”.  Powerful imagery and message for us here in ~abbreviated school name~! And we continue to trust and have the faith that we will weather together as a ~abbreviated school name~ family. Your kind words and support meant a lot to us.

13th Aug

@ 10.14pm

*Update #6*

Good evening.  I am happy to report that all who are to be conveyed to GQF have finally done so!  For majority of our girls, this would have been their third/ fourth day being quarantined. Perhaps some of them might feel a little homesick, I hope this coming weekend would be kind to you and avail some time for you to connect with your girl. 

I am excited to share this clip which my staff had sent me. This was aired over Symphony 92.4 over the evening drive earlier.  I encourage you to share this with your daughter and let them know that the teachers are trying innovatively to let them know they are on our minds!

Since it is late and I do try to pace out my updates, I will broadcast the QO exit process tomorrow instead and the info is still in good time for you.

Have a good night!

** 2 videos on radio dedication **

14th Aug

@ 6.45pm

*Update #7*

With the girls exiting their QO on *Thursday 19 August*, I would like to share some important information here:

_Transport back from GQF_

Conveyance is only provided from home to the GQF in view of the health risk measures. However, once exited from GQF, no transport, as I understand it, is provided. Accompanying parent and child are to make their own way home on their own. Parents with child staying alone at GQF, pls note this.

_Exit Swabs_

The all clear to exit QO is given only upon negative exit swab. 

Here is the process in the lead-up to the successful transition out of the QO which I am sharing here for your advance info.  Your girls (through your mobile line which MOH uses to contact you) must

1. receive their notification for exit swab,

2. receive exit swab and also

3. exit swab results.

For most of them, this would be

• notified on 17 Aug,

• swabbed on 18 Aug and

• received negative result/exit on 19 Aug

Essentially, it is [Exit Day -2 ] for notification of exit swab.

So, let’s monitor 17 Aug closely.  The FTs will collate the responses from the girls. As and when they have received *1* and *2*, pls get her to inform both FTs. We plan to collate at end of day (17 Aug) so that we can escalate asap to MOH if she has not received 1 and 2.

It’s been an eventful week for many of us.  I hope you have been able to rest a bit this weekend.

We must remember to care for ourselves, centre ourselves so that we can in turn, care for our children. 

Sharing our Founder, Blessed Nicolas Barre’s words as the day winds down:

_Whatever happens, remain always in peace and trust in God_

17th Aug

@ 10.47am

*Update #8*

By now, most of your girls would have received one e-care pack from the ~abbreviated school name~ Family through their FTs.  It is a e-voucher of sweet treats which the girls can request delivery to their GQF or homes. This is to be redeemed online and delivered to Home/GQF.  In our previous QO cases, we had the luxury of student leaders coming together to pack the physical care packs and teachers to double up as delivery folks. In this round, with the intermittent HBL we have been on and a third of our staff on quarantine, it will have further taxed our manpower to repeat what we did.  Our teachers have innovatively explored this alternative (see image below👇) and I am glad to be able to bring to the students. For students exiting QO soon, it is advisable that the sweet treats be delivered to their homes, instead of the GQF. I hope the carepack will brighten their day.  Pls tell our girls we love them and they do themselves proud to get through this period positively!

With love,  The ~abbreviated school name~ Family.

@ 10.48am

@ 11.13am

*Update #9*

Further to our plan shared with you in _Update 7_, we will be alerting MOH based on our collation as of *5pm* this evening for all who have not received the notification for exit swab.  I also hear that for those who are in the GQF, the notification may be on the same day of the swab. I’d be grateful for your girls to contact her FTs as we begin collation at 5pm later for us to submit the names to MOH (for those not contacted yet)

If you happen to have received the notification _after 5pm_, pls also just inform their FTs anyway, so that we can help monitor this list, for and with MOH on the go!

Currently it looks that the girls have progressively received their exit swab notification and swabs too. I think the exit process is making good progress! In the event, for any reason it is not the case for your girl, pls reach out the FT who are collating. Regardless, let’s continue to still keep the spirits up for her and with her, in spite of our own anxieties (and frustrations). We are on our final stretch! 

I will provide the next broadcast tomorrow regarding the physical exit out of GQF. Until then, keep well!

18th Aug

@ 12.09pm

*Update #10*

*Exit Swabs*

Almost all girls have been swabbed and they are progressively receiving their negative results! Notification is through SMS or Health Hub (so, pls check Health Hub App). Results should be posted today.

*Impt Info for Exiting out of QO*

_Those on Home QO_ - Person Under Quarantine (PUQ) who have -ve result for exit swab, they will receive a notification on the Homer App, where they will automatically exit at 12noon on day of QO expiry. 

You can find out more info in this link:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/general/faqs/faqs---for-persons-under-quarantine-(puq)-on-home-quarantine-order-(hqo)-who-are-fully-vaccinated

_Those at GQF_ - PUQ with  -ve exit swab result, please wait for hotel to get update from MOH on day of QO expiry. PUQ can inform front desk that they are ready to check out and hotel will also chase MOH if no word from MOH.  Hence stay in the room till call from front desk! Unlike those on HQO, exit may or may not happen at noon, pls check in with the front desk.  Also, pls ask front office or get your girls to ask the staff escorting them out, where you should pick her up (hotel driveway, for instance?). Different hotels have different exit points, as I understand. 

I will have a final broadcast tomorrow, to ensure all have exited safely. We are on a home stretch and let us pray that it will be smooth. Thank you.

19th Aug 

@ 1.10pm

*Final Update*

This is the final update of our QO journey with our girls. Many are either progressively checking out and have already checked out. Parents, pls give them a good embrace for us when they are home. For our HQO girls, no hugs are too many for you too at home! 

We look forward to seeing them back in school *tomorrow (20 Aug)* ! I will cease broadcast after this.  If you need to get in touch with the school leaders, you can email us or call us at the school number (details in my Update 1). You can also reach out to the FTs as well. I will be turning off the phone _after_ today and _after_ deleting your numbers.  

Thank you, parents, for all your patience and cooperation.  I am grateful to have journeyed with you.  In spite of the context, I see the silver lining of this experience... that perhaps, we have grown closer to our girls, have enabled them to see that we are here for them, or perhaps, they have discovered something invaluable about themselves they didn't know they have. 

As we move into an endemic state and with the revision of the QO policy (which takes effect 19 August today – PG notification to all parents yesterday), I hope for the beacon of light to come for many of us.  Covid-19 has caused much disruption to lives and livelihoods. These are tough times, and as the significant adults for our children, we want to continue to help them (and help ourselves) to distill from this experience and appreciate that we have all grown from this experience.  Anxieties aside and SMM notwithstanding, we want to help our children grow up as normally as we can, be connected to one another, we remain hopeful that as a nation, we are together in battling this, playing our respective roles as our nation implements our Covid-19 endemic road map. And then, I look to years later, when they can recall this chapter of their lives, and say that we have been for them, and that the experience has shaped them for the better. 

Nicolas Barré says, _a little love makes everything easy._We want to remember the front liners (our Certis folks, the swab teams, the MOH folks) who have been confronting this for the past 18 months… May we all connect with each other with patience and love.

We look forward to giving our girls a welcome Milo drink at Uncle Jeffrey’s stall during their recess tomorrow. Code name is *Dinosaur QO* (_pls share code name with them, only they get it! And only on _20 August!_) ☺️

God bless all of us, and ~abbreviated school name~.  _~school motto~ _

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Link to this topic : 

10th Aug - Somebody Striked Toto