Combined rehearsals could end as late at past 10pm, but the girls took it all in their stride.

As combined rehearsals could last till 10 or 11 p.m., the parents also raised funds for the students' snacks and personally prepared them to maximise the limited budget they had. They were also on hand to distribute dinner packs during rehearsals.

Retiree Mr Gary Wong, a regular figure at all the sessions, was all for his daughter Kelly's involvement. "It's an experience of a lifetime - for Singapore to host the event, and for Kelly to be taking part in it," he says. He expressed "full confidence (that) the school and teachers know what they are doing. My daughter has matured over the months; I have seen improvement in her time management skills, motivation and self-discipline."

Juggling rehearsals and schoolwork

The students started learning the steps for the Song of Youth dance item in February and March. Training was intensified in April, when it was integrated into the school's PE curriculum and also conducted after school hours. After a short hiatus in May for the mid-year examinations, thrice-weekly training sessions resumed over two weeks in the June school holidays.

The core group of parent volunteers including Mr Gary Wong (in black) took charge of food distribution during rehearsals.

It may sound like a lot of work, but CHIJ St Theresa's Convent also introduced several approaches to ensure that students were not overstretched. In addition to using the PE curriculum time for training and reducing CCA activities, the school implemented home-based learning on the days following late-night rehearsals. As Sec 1 student Dareen Atiran reflects, "I am glad that we had the opportunity to rest a bit more after a late night, and study at our own pace during home-based learning days." The school also tweaked its timetable so that home-based learning days would not affect the same subjects each time.

To lighten the load on students, teachers did not conduct extra lessons during the June school holidays, and the Continual Assessment for term three was scaled down: student learning was evaluated instead using formative assessment methods such as class assignments and smaller class tests. CCA training sessions were also put on hold in July and August.

"Because we were spending so much time on training, we worked much harder in class," highlights Sec 2 student Chan Shiyin. Sec 3 student Dini Nadhira chimes in, "Time management skills were taught as part Values Education, so even though our schedule was so hectic, we could manage."

Learning lessons in life

More than just "manage", the students came away with a vivid experience and memories that will probably last for a very long time. "We became really, really close with our classmates as we were spending so much time together," says Dareen. "The Olympic values were already part of our curriculum, and the YOG performance was all we talked about."

The girls kept each others' spirits high despite the tough training.

Shiyin has a slightly different perspective. "I think it strengthened the bond between our teachers and us as they would be with us during training. The training also helped to boost the school spirit." For Sec 3 student leader Dini, the rehearsals provided an unexpected opportunity to hone her leadership skills. "If the choreographers were not available, Dini would volunteer to take over and conduct the sessions," notes Ms Quek.

Asked about the most valuable lesson the students learnt from their participation, Ms Quek says, "Resilience." The girls went about their tasks resolutely, "no matter how tired they were, how many times they had to repeat a movement or how many times the steps were changed. They've really become tougher over the months - they don't complain, they take instructions well, they understand," says Ms Quek. "This is why we are so very, very proud of our girls."