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Synopsis :

At the launching ceremony of the book 'Creative Writing' at  Katong Convent, Mrs Marie Bong, a senior staff member speaks about this compilation of poems by pupils of the Katong Convent. When writing the poems, the students were not given any set topics, but expressed freely what they thought and felt. This encouraged them to develop an intense awareness of the environment around them.The poems show the very positive attitudes of the convent students. Mrs Bong feels that creative writing will help to develop a true Singapore literature and should be vigorously promoted. The students then recite some of the poems using the choral speaking technique. In his address, Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Rahim Ishak says that he was moved by the content and intent of the poems recited. They reflect life and the environment. He feels that teachers can stimulate creativity which in turn promotes peace. Very few have the opportunity to develop creativity using their mind to question and analyse situations. Mr Ishak notes that monotonous recitation is giving way to refreshing creation of verse amongst Singapore's youth. Those indulging in creative writing are pioneers in their field. They are not just  consumers of foreign products, but creators of culture. He congratulates the Principal and staff of Katong Convent for giving true character to Singapore poetry and for the school's 91% passes in the School Certificate examination. He then  launches the book on creative writing.