Why Value Education
As Aristotle wisely stated, "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." At the Portal where students live together under one roof, offers a unique opportunity for value education to be interwoven into the DNA of the experience. In this close-knit environment, students not only learn about the two virtues of the Portal, but also vital life lessons such as empathy, cooperation, and respect. These values shape their character and influence their interactions long after the camp ends, nurturing responsible and compassionate individuals. We are delighted to be partnering with JEMS Character Academy to amplify our values.
2R in our DNA
Our 2R motto is introduced to the students and parents as early as in the pre-camp briefing even before they check in. A deeper understanding of these values will be forged through activities during Camp Orientation as well as the two dedicated workshops on Value Education. Most importantly, these values will be put into action, reinforced, reflected upon and rewarded throughout.
Students benefit from the care and guidance of our team as led by our Portal Guardian who has over 40 years of experience shaping the character of students at St. Paul’s Co-ed. Parents, too, gain much parenting insights from the Parents’ Sharing session.
Passport to Learning
At the Summer Portal, every encounter could be a teachable moment. Students are given a Passport when they check in which is used as a learning journal, the Passport, embodies this philosophy. Designed to capture the essence of each student’s unique experience at the Portal, the Passport serves as a daily companion for noting down key learning, inspirational moments and reflections as they occur. During our dedicated DEAR time (Drop Everything and Reflect) each evening, students pause to thoughtfully consider their day, fostering a deeper understanding of their journey. As the camp comes to a close, parents are invited to read their children's reflections and add a personal letter to the Passport, transforming it into a cherished memento that celebrates the adventure of learning and personal development. This thoughtful approach ensures that the Passport is not just a journal, but a cherished memento of growth and discovery.
Rewards and Community Services
We celebrate and encourage positive behaviour through the Outstanding Portalian stamp system. Students who exemplify good behaviours are recognized and rewarded with these stamps by our faculty and staff. This initiative not only acknowledges individual achievements but also fosters a supportive community focused on personal growth. At the end of the Camp, students who accumulate the most stamps are honoured with the Most Outstanding Portalian Award.
Equally, to foster a sense of accountability and growth, students who struggle to uphold our core values may find themselves participating in community services during the camp. This approach encourages them to reflect on their actions while actively contributing to the camp community. By engaging in chores and serving others, students learn to understand the impact of their choices. This constructive experience is designed not as a consequence, but as an opportunity for personal development and a chance to reinforce the values we cherish at the Summer Portal.