First Week of School

July 28, 2015 was the first day of school for Mentari students. We were supposedly stay at the new building but since it's still dirty we stayed at the primary building. I met my friends in grade 8, and, as I expected, there were no new students in grade 8. I met a lot of new students in grade 7. Some of the grade 7 students were from Mentari. I met a lot of new teachers, though only few did I know. 

The first week of school was filled with many activities. We were divided into 4 houses (I'm with the Erudite). We did a lot of activities to know each other. We're having fun during the activities, well, most of the times, I guess. We have games on every subject. We made costumes with recyclable materials for our classmates to show to other houses. It's like a mini fashion show. At least we had fun, even though my group was disqualified because no girls are joining this activity.

The second activity we had was about "show the picture". We had to pose and try to show what we meant by our pose. The theme is about sustainability, global-warming and those related topics. My team was struggling to come up with a "picture". But, we finally managed to think of a pose right on time, even though it's not as good as others'.

We also had our own cheers. Every house was told to make our own cheer for our houses and we had to perform the cheer in front of the others.

Overall, it was a great week and I did have some fun and new friends, which made me interested in coming to school . ~ Vincent

During our first week, we stayed in the elementary building because the new building was not ready yet. We played fun games and did other thrilling stuff.

On the first day, we were divided into four groups based on the factions from the movie Divergent. The factions are Candor, Amity, Dauntless and Erudite. At first when the teachers told us about this I thought we would be grouped based on our ability, but we were picked randomly. I was kind of disappointed because I wanted to know what group or faction would I belong to based on my ability or attitude. But it was still fun anyway.

First we were asked to make a cheer for our group. My team, Candor, lost, and Dauntless won. At the end of the week, my team lost, Dauntless won. My team was always either the fourth or the third, never the second or the first.

My favorite game was when we were asked to make something out of old materials like shirts, plastic bottles and newspapers. Although in the end, my team, as always, lost. It was rather obvious, some members of my team, who were new students did not really take part in most activities. It's either because they did not know what to do or we did not really give them anything to do. In the end, they did help to make the posters for the student council election.

On Friday, the last day, we held the election for the student council. Each factions was to choose one candidate for each position. I was chosen to be the vice president candidate. I did not volunteer actually to be the candidate but since no one wants it, my friends wrote my name, even though I complained.

After we submitted our candidates' names, each candidate had to write and deliver a speech to convince other students to vote us. In the end, Elvira became the president, Yudha, the grade 7 representative and Adrian the grade 9 representative. 

After the election, we had our lunch and went home. ~ Audrey F.

On July  28, 2015 was the first day of school. We stayed at the primary building because the new building for the junior high was not yet done. I met lots of new students in grade 7. Most of them were from other schools, but some of them were also from Mentari. I also met lots of new teachers.

The first week of school was really exciting. All of us were divided into factions, Erudite, Dauntless, Candor and Amity. I'm with the Candor. We played lots of games, like making things out of recyclable materials. We did our best and we had lots of fun. We had our own cheers for each team, and also did exercising. It was really exhausting yet fun at the same time. Although my team didn't win, at least we can have fun and enjoy.

Overall, the first week of school was really fun. I met lots of new friends and teachers. I'm looking forward for other events like this. ~ Angelique

Week one as a grade 8 is easy and fun. Barely studying, just activities, we would already start studying if the new building is already done. Oh wait, I haven’t told you guys about our new school building. The new building is for grade 6 to grade 9. The new building is bigger and better.

So, by the way we had a lot of activities, interesting activities, we are divided into factions, we followed the factions names from the movie Divergent. We have Amity, Dauntless, Erudite, and Candor. I’m in the Amity, we won the most activities. Amity is the first.

In short, it was fun. ~ Dhana

CSW in Bali

Two weeks ago, Grade 7 students joined the CSW students. It is an annual event done by Mentari schools. For Grade 7, we were going to Bali. It is an awesome trip! We had a blast during our trip. But of course, there's always the not so fun part.

To starth with the CSW, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. Then, I prepared myself. I left home at 4:15 a.m. and arrived at the airport at 4:45 which means I'm late for 15 minutes but tha's still fine. When I arrived, the others were already lining up to enter inside the airport. Then, I joined them inside. After a few minutes, we started to fly with Airasia.

Then at 8:30 a.m. Bali's time. We went to Tanah Lot. Then, the next day, we also went to a lot of places such as Tirtha Empul, GWK and Traditional Balinese houses compound. I saw the eel in Tirtha Empul which means I'm going to be lucky.

I have done so many things in Bali. But my favourite part is the Rafting and Cycling. I like those activities because I prefer outdoor activities than indoor activities. I also like when we learn Bali's traditional Gamelans. But everything is fun.

Overall, it's a fun trip and I really want to join the CSW next year. I hope next year it will be more fun. I REALLY like this CSW in Bali. ~Vincent

On 21 April - 25 April 2015, we had a CSW to Bali. It was a really unforgettable experience, it was a blast. We gathered around at the airport around 4.30 a.m. We had our boarding at 5.00 a.m. and our flight 6.00 a.m.

At around 8.30 a.m. we arrived in Bali, according to their time, which is 1 hour faster. We went to many famous places, ex. Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), Laka Leke, etc. It was really tiring yet unforgettable.

My favorite activities there were cycling, farming, fishing, and rafting. Lots of extraordinary, fun, exciting moments we had there. Eventually, we only got to spend 4 nights there. The last day arrived, we landed in Jakarta at around 11.30 p.m., according to Jakarta's time.

I really look forward in events like this next year. Bye Bali! ~Angie

Last week, from the 21^st to 25^th of April, we went to Bali. We went by Air Asia Airplane. It was a nice trip and it taught me lessons.

We’re supposed to be at the airport at 5 a.m. in the morning. Adzra was the last one to arrive. We boarded the plane at 6 o’clock. I sat with Natasha and Sulie on the airplane. I can’t sleep on the plane because Sulie and Natasha kept on bothering and be noisy. Bali’s time was one hour faster than Jakarta.

Upon arriving in Bali, our luggage was dropped at the hotel and we went to Tanah Lot. We took pictures and some bought merchandizes and drinks. The tide was high so we can’t go down to the shore.

After going to Tanah Lot, we went to a restaurant and ate. After we ate, we went back to the hotel and unpack our things. We went to another restaurant and ate dinner. Then we went back to the hotel and sleep.

The next day we went to go rafting. We took our equipment and are explained the safety rules. The course was long and it took us about an hour or so to reach the finish line. After finishing the course, we showered and ate lunch.

We went to Laka Leke after rafting. At Laka Leke, we paint kites, eggs and learn the Kecak dance. Night falls and it was time to perform things that we learned. The show told us a story about one of the legend in Bali, specifically on Hinduism. The dance was finished and we went back to the hotel and slept.

On the third day, we went to Tirta Empul. When we arrived, it was raining so hard we have to wait in the entrance. When the rain died down, we went in. The place was magical in its own way. We rushed going around because it was late and we have to go to other places.

After visiting Tirta Empul, we went to Garuda Wishnu Kencana. We took photos, ate, and watched another show from Hinduism. It was long and before we knew it, it was nighttime when we went back. Arriving at the hotel, we fixed ourselves and went to bed.

The next day, our fourth day, we went biking at Bali’s Bird Park. The course was exciting but challenging. I fell when we passed the rice field. It was just a few bruises so I was okay. We passed and visited Kopi Luwak’s factory. It was not really a factory but they produce Luwak coffee. I bought vanilla coffee for my father.

After we finished biking, we visited the bird park. Some of us bought merchandizes and some of us don’t.

On the last day, we went to Krishna to buy merchandizes for our family or friends. I bought some bracelets, foods and clothes. After that we went to eat and went to the airport to go to Jakarta. Our plane boarded at 12.30 and we arrived in Jakarta approximately at 12.45. ~Audrey F

Speech Fest

A week ago, specifically on May 30, 2015, Mentari School Grand Surya did the Speech Fest. I did the declamation piece called "Juvenile Delinquent". My classmates did between the declamation text or a poem. My partner for the piece Juvenile Delinquent is Dhana. He's my only friend that is a boy in EFL because the others are girls. I was rated by the Grade 6 students while Dhana was rated by the Grade 5 students.

Overall. I enjoyed the speech fest. I feel happy that i finished my speech and I hope i'll get an easier piece next year. ~Vincent

On the 30^th of April, our school held a Speech Fest. My class performed poems and declamations, while the grade 8 performed speeches.

My piece and Adzra’s was entitled, “Vengeance is not ours, its God’s”. It was about a boy who lost his parents to a war. He was blind and alone. It was a tragic story. The first try was not as good, but eventually I got it and performed well enough.

The grade 6 and 5 evaluated our performance. It was divided into two sections, in the morning and in the evening. I was really nervous that I forgot one line, but I covered it quick enough that no one noticed.

It was a fun experience and I was glad that I can do it.

-Audrey F

On May 30, 2015, we had a speech fest. My classmates did declamations and poems. I did a declamation piece, "A Glass of Cold Water". I did my declamation in the first session, which the 6th grader, graded us. I was really nervous that time, but it was a new experience for all of us.

I did enjoyed this year's speech fest. Some of the performers were nervous, but they did their declamation, poems, or speech really well. Overall, the speech fest was a success. I really look forward in events like this. ~Angelique

Junior High's Book Review

Last week on Friday, the Junior High held an event called Book Review. It was like a talkshow but about books. The books that we talked about are The Holes and The Kite Runner for grade 8 and journey to Jo’Burg and The boy in the Striped Pajamas for grade 7.

It was divided into 3 segments. Grade 8’s talkshow was in the morning, and grade 7’s talkshow was in 13:15. Our hosts are Adzra, Phoebe, Alan and Tanezia.

It was fun because it was our first time. It was also nerve wracking because we were being watched by many people. There were also intermissions. There’s people singing, dancing and playing instruments too. Grade 6 until grade 8 are watching us. -Audrey F.

Fun During the Chinese New Year

On 15-17 February, our school celebrated Chinese New Year. First, we started with Mandarin Quiz Bee. I also joined the Mandarin Quiz Bee, but I did not win. The Quiz Bee was fun yet exciting. It was exciting because we did not know which words would come out or who will be the winners.

On the 16^th February, our school held an awarding event. The winners or participants that joined SASMO, ICAS, Spelling Bees, and Quiz Bees. I got certificate for SASMO and ICAS. It was a new experience for me because I’ve not received certificate for a long time for competitions like that. After the awarding, I left early because my father needs to go to work and there’s no one to pick me up.

Then, the next day we have our Chinese New Year celebration. We’ve had performances from grade 4 to 8. After the performances, there is Barongsai show. The event was held in the auditorium. It was a fun Chinese New Year celebration.

On the 18^th, we’ve had holiday. My mom and dad also had holiday, so we go to our relatives’ houses. It was to strengthen our bonds between families. We spent the whole day going from one house to another. Though it was tiring, it was fun.

On the Wednesday, my uncle was also having a wedding. It was held in my great grandmother’s house. It was not really a big ceremony but it was fun. I sang a song in the wedding to practice for my competition. -Audrey F.

Last month, Mentari School Grand Surya celebrated Chinese New Year. We started the event with the Mandarin Spelling Bee. Every grade from grade 1-8 joined the Mandarin Spelling Bee. There were 6 contestants and will be 3 at the final round. I joined Mandarin Spelling Bee for grade 7 but did not make it to top three. The winners are Angie, Sulie and Evangela.I also helped in writing down the scores for the lower grades.

The next thing we had was the Chinese New Year performance. All grades performed something on this day. Parents came to watch their kids’ performance. Grade 7 performed 2 songs which were combined into one. We danced following the music. We practiced the movements in 1 day which is quite fast. The performance that I like is the grade 8. They performed the song “Ting Ma Ma de Hua” which is a very good song. They showed their picture with their mother. They danced with the song. They also showed their picture with their mother.

We also had the Barongsai in the auditorium. It was raining so they decided to perform in the auditorium. It was really cool. They have 2 barongsai/lions performing. It amazed me everytime I see them.

The last thing we had is the awarding day. The winners of SASMO, ICAS and the quiz bees were awarded. Some of the students of the Junior High were absent. Only some of us attended the school.

I think the Chinese New Year is a good event in MSGS. It is an exciting event in our school. I  am looking forward to next year’s Chinese New Year. Hopefully it will be more exciting than this year’s event. -Vincent

My idol

My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a well-known player from Real Madrid. He's like the best player for me. He is tall. He practices working on his muscles which made an outstanding results. He always gives all of his effort to the game. He can control the ball amazingly which amazes me every time I see the videos. He can control the ball on air or on ground perfectly. His muscles are big which means he is very strong. His face is very good looking. He has many rivals like Messi. But, he is the best for me.-Vincent

Mine is Steve Jobs, the man who changed the world. He was the one who created the Apple Inc. The way how he thinks compared to how other people is different, that’s what made him special. He was born in California, San Francisco on February, 24 1955. He was the first man who invented the touchscreen technology. He overcomes failure but then he became a very successful man. He got problems with his health; he was diagnosed with a pancreas neuroendocrine tumor also, he once underwent a liver transplant. He died at Palo Alto, California on October 5 2011. When he died, everyone was sad, feeling like we all lost something. -Dhana

Christmas Concert

Christmas Concert

We, Mentari students, had our Christmas concert December 11 2014. It was a blast. We had foods from the Student Council. Students enjoyed the show, at least i guess so. It was divided into 2 schedules. The first one was on 11:30 until 12:15. The next schedule was on 12:30 until 1:15.

My group performed on the 2nd schedule which is 12:30. Dhana played the guitar, I played the drums, Audrey played the piano while Marcell, Reyner, Tanezia and Daniella as the vocalists. We played 2 songs. We had arguments during practice. But of course, it paid off in the end.

It was really fun. I learned co-operation and confidence. We surely have spent hard work during practice and tried our best on the performance which surely is worth it and we're glad for that. -Vincent

                                    Christmas Concert Performance

          

           The Mentari Grand Surya school had Christmas concert at December 11 201. My group had 8 members and we played 2 songs. The atmosphere at the auditorium was really crowded, we even had foods and drinks there. We, (Mentari Grand Surya school)had many performances, wa are all performing really well.

           

           We, (our group) was the second last to perform, when it’s our turn, I feel worried, nervous, and scared, because I am the one that is playing the guitar. More worse, the guitar is plugged with a speaker. In the middle of the performance, I forgot what chord should I play. I was worried, but the second performance of our group was just fine I feel better, and I realize that I learned something too... which is don’t be worried, nervous, and scared because everything is going to be fine.

-Dhana


Christmas Concert Fun!

Last Thursday, 11 December 2014, our school celebrated Christmas by making a concert. At the concert, every class prepared a performance to either show it to the parents or students. Our class was divided into groups or bands and chooses one song to perform. My group performed two songs. In the first song, I played the piano, Dhana played the guitar, Vincent played the drum and Tanezia, Marcellino, Daniella, Reyner, and Natasha sing. In the second song, we all sing.

Adzra’s group sang “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, Phoebe’s group sang “Royals” by Lorde, and my group dang “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz and “Somebody to You” by The Vamps. When my group sang, everyone join us by clapping along with the song, it was so relieving to know that they enjoyed our performance.

The Christmas Concert last year was the most fun and exciting among all the Christmas concerts we’ve ever done. Although it’s the first time we made a band and someone played the instruments. It was an overwhelming feeling for me.

-Audrey F