During Total Defence Day, Singaporeans commemorate the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942. Held every 15th February, this day serves two purposes – as a reminder of the sufferings endured by the people who lived during the Japanese Occupation and to educate the public on the modern defence strategy of "Total Defence" for Singapore’s survival and security.

Check out the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF) website for more information on:

• the meaning of 'Total Defence'.
• the SCDF's role in Total Defence.
• Total Defence Day activities held in recent years.

Here's a challenge for all you students out there: for this year's Total Defence Day, try suggesting to your teachers or principals how you could commemorate this day in school, perhaps through a short play, exhibition or concert. You may be able to find some ideas here. Click here to read about how one of our local schools commemorated Total Defence Day in 2007.

This year, Chinese New Year's Day falls on 7 February. But the preparations for this special day are already underway – from Chinatown's Street Light-up (starting on 19 January) to the variety of New Year goodies already being displayed at many supermarkets and shops around Singapore. For all the parents out there, make this New Year a meaningful experience for your children by cultivating in them an understanding of the festival – its significance and traditions. Entice them to surf these websites for information and fun activities:

• ActivityVillage.co.uk has links for children to try out Chinese New Year craftwork (e.g. Chinese New Year bracelet, red packet, placemat) and for making e-cards. There are lots of activities like jigsaws, puzzles and colouring pages to keep your children occupied at home.

   

  
  
• Apples4theTeacher.com is an educational website for both teachers and children. Teachers, surf this site for amazing ideas on how to carry out Chinese New Year activities with your pupils. Try out activities such as a Chinese tangram and Chinese word culture search. Learn about the Chinese zodiac and find out what animal year you were born in according to this zodiac.

   

• Thinking of organising a Chinese New Year kid's party? Then go to the Kids Party Fun website for some tips and ideas on unusual ways to create Chinese New Year party invitation cards, party decorations, party favours, fun foods and more!

   

  
  
• Countdown to Chinese New Year with pbskids.org. This website boasts 8 interactive games whose themes link to Chinese New Year traditions and practices, for example spring cleaning, decorating the house, giving red packets and lion dances. So have fun and learn at the same time!