Sometimes, I ask myself what kind of form teacher I am. What's my role as a form teacher?
"You collect lots of forms. That's why you're called a form teacher."
Ya, right. Well, that's true, but when they gave me a class and told me I was form teacher, it didn't come with instructions on how I should behave or what was expected of me. For some, being a form teacher meant just collecting forms and doing the administrative things - collecting money, marking attendance, meeting parents...
This is my second year as a form teacher, and with the brood I currently have, it dawned on me why form teachership didn't come with instructions. The simple reason is that the job is limitless.
I don't think people not in the teaching line can ever understand the role of a form teacher, or a demands of a form class. It's a load heavier than marking stacks of scripts, for the simple reason - it's like parenting 40 kids at one go.
I feel fortunate with my current Sec 2 Integrity, much as I scold them and punish them for what they do wrong. I am grateful that they do not play truant for one, and some know how to motivate themselves to study. I am grateful that they do not give me trouble that see me running to the police station or doing house calls to their parents. Or causing so much trouble that I have to go calling their parents and anyone else at home just to get them to behave or turn up in school. I know some of my fellow teachers doing that, and I really admire their emotional strength. It's draining on top of the teaching load, to have to deal with students' problems, and their family's problems.
It is no secret that I read my students' blogs to know what's going on in their lives, and how they are feeling. I don't mean to intrude. I just want to know them better in a less intrusive manner. I know how it can be for a 14 year old. I was once that age. My world then was just about me, and how I felt. It was a world that I felt nobody understood or nobody cared. I wrote frequently in my thick blue diary, and hid it right at the back of the cupboard so nobody could read it.
But that aside, I get affected when I read my students' blogs. I get affected when I read of quarrels betweeen friends, or see the use of bad language. I feel sad when I read of cliques being formed, and things being said against each other. Yet I get happy when I read of mature thoughts, and seeing things from another point of view. I smile when I read of conflicts being reconciled, or of who studying with who, and having found it effective. I smile when I know things are going on well between my kids, that they are organizing a class outing to see the fire works. It's a feeling of "Yes, they are growing up ok."
I don't know if my kids ever saw the role of what I'm supposed to be doing as a form teacher. Maybe they expect more from me. Maybe they expect me to be there always as they celebrate their high moments. And maybe they think I'm not a good one cos I'm not always there with them always.
At times like these, I hope they know that though I am not with them physically, I am there with them in my thoughts - always. I pray for them in church, that they be blessed. I wonder if they are doing OK, so I read their blogs. I find out in my discreet manner if they are doing ok, and ask one or two students once in a while if they are ok. I get feedback from teachers cos I care. My point is, I don't always explicitly show I am thinking of my Sec 2 Int, but the truth is that, I do.
They probably don't know how proud I am of them when they do their work well. I show off to other teachers what they are capable of. It makes me feel happy that I have a class that is able to push themselves hard, and to their fullest potential. I hope they keep in them their spirit of resilience, to push themselves to achieve their goals even as they move on to Sec 3 next year.
I hope they realise that the people they were once with may not be there with them always, but even so, they have the capacity and capability to move on, to do well, to unite with others, make new friends and establish new connections to better themselves. In short - it's all up to you to decide who you want to be no matter your environnment or who's by your side.
And really, looking at how you're growing up, if you decide right, you sure will be powerful people in your own right.
:)
13 August 2006
09 August 2006
Music is music to my ears
I had a wonderful yesterday. For starters, I could don more comfortable clothes since it was the National Day celebration in school. Decked in a red polo-T and a not too short denim skirt, I felt happy that it was a day I didn't have to be breathing down students' necks chasing them for their work. Instead, I could go to my little corner after the celebrations to clear my piles of marking.
But what made me smile was what greeted me on my desk after the celebration. Someone left a CD of songs on my table. It had a note which read, "Hey Deb, A collection of songs for your listening. Take your time."
i slid the CD into the slot on my laptop and there you have it - my personal jukebox!
Suddenly, marking and doing work seemed a whole lot more pleasant. The songs were wonderful, most of which were songs I loved in my younger days. It brought back a nostlagic feel as I recalled my school days and how we used to tape songs off the radio. And wrote down lyrics based on what we THOUGHT we heard. Looking back, we did come out with some funny lyrics!
I can't thank that someone enough for leaving that CD on that table cos it's been my companion since yesterday. I left the CD running on my mac the whole night through just so I'd be accompanied by the nice songs. And I actually stayed up through the night (yup - slept only at 5am!) doing work all just cos I had good music.
And over the holidays, I'm glad I've got good music to keep me company while I plough through the stacks of marking.
Music - what would I do without it? :)
But what made me smile was what greeted me on my desk after the celebration. Someone left a CD of songs on my table. It had a note which read, "Hey Deb, A collection of songs for your listening. Take your time."
i slid the CD into the slot on my laptop and there you have it - my personal jukebox!
Suddenly, marking and doing work seemed a whole lot more pleasant. The songs were wonderful, most of which were songs I loved in my younger days. It brought back a nostlagic feel as I recalled my school days and how we used to tape songs off the radio. And wrote down lyrics based on what we THOUGHT we heard. Looking back, we did come out with some funny lyrics!
I can't thank that someone enough for leaving that CD on that table cos it's been my companion since yesterday. I left the CD running on my mac the whole night through just so I'd be accompanied by the nice songs. And I actually stayed up through the night (yup - slept only at 5am!) doing work all just cos I had good music.
And over the holidays, I'm glad I've got good music to keep me company while I plough through the stacks of marking.
Music - what would I do without it? :)
20 July 2006
Looking back
Today, the kids in my school had a chance to use their own clothes to school instead of their school uniforms. I too took the oppotunity to be all comfortable with jeans and a red t-shirt I designed and drew last year.
But what struck me today that got me smiling was my former form class, 3 Diligence (2005).
They probably didn't notice me as I perched my head over the parapet on the third floor and saw the girls in the class have a friendly class game of captain's ball. Looking at the way they played, it dawned on me that these girls had matured somehow from the time I taught them last year. Even in the game, they looked more motivated and focused. From Michelle (grown prettier) to Rachel (less rebellious) to Clarissa (just as sweet) to Slow Pok (oops! :)), all of them looked like they had grown up, in a way that made me proud of them.
Somehow I missed them, and really, like a mother that had to give up her child for adoption, I felt sad in a way when I didn't follow them up to Sec 4. I do miss them somehow.. even Xun Fu who says "Hi" to me when he sees me along the corridor.
I wished the boys would grow up too, and be more focused in their studies. From the likes of Gifford, to Joel, to Benson and even Xun Fu, I felt each of them had so much more potential. They just needed to work harder.
So yes, girls - proud of you and miss teaching you... Take care, and study hard!
:)
starfish
But what struck me today that got me smiling was my former form class, 3 Diligence (2005).
They probably didn't notice me as I perched my head over the parapet on the third floor and saw the girls in the class have a friendly class game of captain's ball. Looking at the way they played, it dawned on me that these girls had matured somehow from the time I taught them last year. Even in the game, they looked more motivated and focused. From Michelle (grown prettier) to Rachel (less rebellious) to Clarissa (just as sweet) to Slow Pok (oops! :)), all of them looked like they had grown up, in a way that made me proud of them.
Somehow I missed them, and really, like a mother that had to give up her child for adoption, I felt sad in a way when I didn't follow them up to Sec 4. I do miss them somehow.. even Xun Fu who says "Hi" to me when he sees me along the corridor.
I wished the boys would grow up too, and be more focused in their studies. From the likes of Gifford, to Joel, to Benson and even Xun Fu, I felt each of them had so much more potential. They just needed to work harder.
So yes, girls - proud of you and miss teaching you... Take care, and study hard!
:)
starfish
12 July 2006
Updates...
Alfred called out from afar yesterday just as I was coming back from buying lunch - "Miss Chew, you've not updated your blog for a month!"
In partial guilt, I'm taking some time now to do so just before I head on to do more work.
Lesson observation today. I had expected my Sec 2 Integrity to display the same kind of enthusiasm when we were playing the Atomic Bomb game, but I think they were frightened by the fact that there was another person in class observing what was going on. What more? He is from the Discipline Committee. I guess it didn't dawn on them that I was being observed, not they. And it was highly legitimate for them to do lots of talking for the group activity. On the contrary, they whispered, and "shhhh-ed". I tried to liven things up, but only for a while. I lost my usual Sec 2 Integrity for a while.
I guess you could say I felt disappointed when lesson ended. Probably cos it worked much better when I did the activity with Sec 2 Unity last year. They could put the clues together faster, and they argued better. They were vocal, and they were eagerly participating - all in front of the P and VP. Not that I was blaming my current class. It just made me miss the magic of 2 Unity last year.
I guess I have to accept the fact that I can't always have the same kind of class. That's the magic of the classroom. Each class I teach each day is different, and really, lesson plans are but plans when eventually, you throw it away cos the dynamics of the class is not taken into consideration in that plan. Not to say that it is not useful. It's just that we can't always be following it like the bible.
LCE lessons today was unusual. I held it outside the library and really, it wasn't the choicest spot. Nevertheless, I made do with what I had. I didn't want to wander to far off so the kids could start lessons immediately. I went through with them about relationships, about peer pressure, about self-control. I went through with them about being gentlemen, and about being aware of their surroundings. I wonder how much went through to them. I wonder how many of them will go home and realise that the world is not just about them. I wonder how many of them will start saying "thank you" or think about others first before himself.
I truly hope that for all I'm doing, at least some of my students will be touched somehow. The starfish remains my icon, and a reminder for me of the starfish story. I may not be able to make a difference in all their lives, but at least I made a difference to those I could make a difference to. At the end of the day, I don't think my teaching career is about how high I climb, or if I've gotten votes for the most popular teacher. I think it's about making a difference, and really when I think about it, those that made a difference in my life are usually the ones that are brutally truthful and told me straight in the face how I should be changing for the better. I used to hate these people. Now I know better and hold them dear.
I hope my students form the habit of quesitoning and reflection. That's something wonderful I've learnt through philosophy. It sets one thinking and not take things at face value. It has also brought me into a new world of creativity and discovery. I still remember the fun I had in NUS when we had a discussion board (literally - marker and whiteboard kind!) where we will pose questions which will spark a series of arguments. Maybe for starters, let's think about this statement one of my NT students asked in class today, "If you say practice makes perfect, and if none of us is perfect, then why bother practising?"
So, practice or don't practice?
In partial guilt, I'm taking some time now to do so just before I head on to do more work.
Lesson observation today. I had expected my Sec 2 Integrity to display the same kind of enthusiasm when we were playing the Atomic Bomb game, but I think they were frightened by the fact that there was another person in class observing what was going on. What more? He is from the Discipline Committee. I guess it didn't dawn on them that I was being observed, not they. And it was highly legitimate for them to do lots of talking for the group activity. On the contrary, they whispered, and "shhhh-ed". I tried to liven things up, but only for a while. I lost my usual Sec 2 Integrity for a while.
I guess you could say I felt disappointed when lesson ended. Probably cos it worked much better when I did the activity with Sec 2 Unity last year. They could put the clues together faster, and they argued better. They were vocal, and they were eagerly participating - all in front of the P and VP. Not that I was blaming my current class. It just made me miss the magic of 2 Unity last year.
I guess I have to accept the fact that I can't always have the same kind of class. That's the magic of the classroom. Each class I teach each day is different, and really, lesson plans are but plans when eventually, you throw it away cos the dynamics of the class is not taken into consideration in that plan. Not to say that it is not useful. It's just that we can't always be following it like the bible.
LCE lessons today was unusual. I held it outside the library and really, it wasn't the choicest spot. Nevertheless, I made do with what I had. I didn't want to wander to far off so the kids could start lessons immediately. I went through with them about relationships, about peer pressure, about self-control. I went through with them about being gentlemen, and about being aware of their surroundings. I wonder how much went through to them. I wonder how many of them will go home and realise that the world is not just about them. I wonder how many of them will start saying "thank you" or think about others first before himself.
I truly hope that for all I'm doing, at least some of my students will be touched somehow. The starfish remains my icon, and a reminder for me of the starfish story. I may not be able to make a difference in all their lives, but at least I made a difference to those I could make a difference to. At the end of the day, I don't think my teaching career is about how high I climb, or if I've gotten votes for the most popular teacher. I think it's about making a difference, and really when I think about it, those that made a difference in my life are usually the ones that are brutally truthful and told me straight in the face how I should be changing for the better. I used to hate these people. Now I know better and hold them dear.
I hope my students form the habit of quesitoning and reflection. That's something wonderful I've learnt through philosophy. It sets one thinking and not take things at face value. It has also brought me into a new world of creativity and discovery. I still remember the fun I had in NUS when we had a discussion board (literally - marker and whiteboard kind!) where we will pose questions which will spark a series of arguments. Maybe for starters, let's think about this statement one of my NT students asked in class today, "If you say practice makes perfect, and if none of us is perfect, then why bother practising?"
So, practice or don't practice?
26 June 2006
PESA
PESA - The Plain English Speaking Award. That has been keeping me busy with Justin over the past few days... We even met up over the weekend so that he could be prepared for today's quarter finals.
At this moment, I am so proud of him. It sure wasn't easy having to deliver a close to 7-minute speech worth some 2000 words long. Not only that, it was filled with words such as hypothyriodism! He tried hard since last week when I met up with him. Paragraph by paragraph, he ploughed through the long strings of words. I met up with him early this morning in school just to ensure he be prepared. He wanted to win, and I wanted him to win too.
I began to panic when he still couldn't remember his lines this morning!! But he delivered his speech, rose to the occasion and yes, he's through to the semi-finals. His speech on fats got the judges amused and engaged. With his diction and smooth delivery, I'm sure he wowed the judges.
I couldn't be with him at the competition as I was attending a full day course. Nevertheless, he did well. :)
As for now, we've got to get working on the speech for the semi finals on 5 July!
Way to go, Justin! :)
At this moment, I am so proud of him. It sure wasn't easy having to deliver a close to 7-minute speech worth some 2000 words long. Not only that, it was filled with words such as hypothyriodism! He tried hard since last week when I met up with him. Paragraph by paragraph, he ploughed through the long strings of words. I met up with him early this morning in school just to ensure he be prepared. He wanted to win, and I wanted him to win too.
I began to panic when he still couldn't remember his lines this morning!! But he delivered his speech, rose to the occasion and yes, he's through to the semi-finals. His speech on fats got the judges amused and engaged. With his diction and smooth delivery, I'm sure he wowed the judges.
I couldn't be with him at the competition as I was attending a full day course. Nevertheless, he did well. :)
As for now, we've got to get working on the speech for the semi finals on 5 July!
Way to go, Justin! :)
20 June 2006
Holidays.. and appreciating education
Holiday? What holiday? School holiday? You mean spending the holiday in school?
Well, that's more like it. Come next week, school will reopen again, and after a real one week break, it's back to reality. It's back to going back to planning for my lessons and getting ready for Term 3 and 4.
I hope my students have been doing their work at home, revising. i wished I could let them know how fortunate they are to be able to experience education. I watched an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show just two weeks back, and it talked about education in the public schools in the States. It showed that in some schools, the system keeps sabotaging the students' want to learn. For example, they enrol 40 students for a class, and provide only 30 desks and chairs. Students end up standing, on some days during lessons, and eventually feel they are not given the opportunity and quality of education they deserve.
Some two months back, when I was talking to this Aussie guy I met at the airport, he gave his own theory of education too. He said, he realised in countries where education is provided for free, or highly subsidised, the students take this privilege for granted. They drag their feet to class, and skip lessons. They don't do homework and they give their teachers a hard time. He said he knew cos he was one such student. He didn't see a need for education when it was given to him. He dropped out of school eventually and went out to work. It was only then did he see a need for education. All of a sudden, learning became relevant, useful, and a need instead of a want. He went back to school, took up the subjects that interested him, and excelled. In conclusion, he gathered that education shouldn't be given free. "Let them yearn for it."
At the SPH Media Club camp, the IN crowd shared with us their trip to China, where they visited a school, and took part in some of their activities besides visiting the China Daily. What impressed the people at SPH and the IN crowd so much, was how enthusiastic the students were in wanting to learn. The IN crowd observed the students in an English lessons, and even though they were weak at the language, they raised their hands and tried and participated in the lesson so actively. It was apparent that they had taken ownership of their learning. They yearned to learn cos they knew it would be useful for them for the future.
I look at the education system in Singapore, and I look at the students I teach. How many of them actually yearn to be educated? How many of them actually realise what they learn now is useful when they leave school? How many of them actually take it all for granted - "I don't have to pay for anything anyway."
I challenge my students to ask themselves - now that I've been given an opportunity in education - what is it that I can gain whilst in school? How do I make sure I make full use of my time here? If I do badly in a subject, do I choose to give up (take the lazy way out)? or Do I choose to think of other ways to make myself improve?
With Term 3 coming up, and before school starts maybe I'd like you to take some time to think about it. What can I do in term 3 to make full use of my education?
Well, that's more like it. Come next week, school will reopen again, and after a real one week break, it's back to reality. It's back to going back to planning for my lessons and getting ready for Term 3 and 4.
I hope my students have been doing their work at home, revising. i wished I could let them know how fortunate they are to be able to experience education. I watched an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show just two weeks back, and it talked about education in the public schools in the States. It showed that in some schools, the system keeps sabotaging the students' want to learn. For example, they enrol 40 students for a class, and provide only 30 desks and chairs. Students end up standing, on some days during lessons, and eventually feel they are not given the opportunity and quality of education they deserve.
Some two months back, when I was talking to this Aussie guy I met at the airport, he gave his own theory of education too. He said, he realised in countries where education is provided for free, or highly subsidised, the students take this privilege for granted. They drag their feet to class, and skip lessons. They don't do homework and they give their teachers a hard time. He said he knew cos he was one such student. He didn't see a need for education when it was given to him. He dropped out of school eventually and went out to work. It was only then did he see a need for education. All of a sudden, learning became relevant, useful, and a need instead of a want. He went back to school, took up the subjects that interested him, and excelled. In conclusion, he gathered that education shouldn't be given free. "Let them yearn for it."
At the SPH Media Club camp, the IN crowd shared with us their trip to China, where they visited a school, and took part in some of their activities besides visiting the China Daily. What impressed the people at SPH and the IN crowd so much, was how enthusiastic the students were in wanting to learn. The IN crowd observed the students in an English lessons, and even though they were weak at the language, they raised their hands and tried and participated in the lesson so actively. It was apparent that they had taken ownership of their learning. They yearned to learn cos they knew it would be useful for them for the future.
I look at the education system in Singapore, and I look at the students I teach. How many of them actually yearn to be educated? How many of them actually realise what they learn now is useful when they leave school? How many of them actually take it all for granted - "I don't have to pay for anything anyway."
I challenge my students to ask themselves - now that I've been given an opportunity in education - what is it that I can gain whilst in school? How do I make sure I make full use of my time here? If I do badly in a subject, do I choose to give up (take the lazy way out)? or Do I choose to think of other ways to make myself improve?
With Term 3 coming up, and before school starts maybe I'd like you to take some time to think about it. What can I do in term 3 to make full use of my education?
31 May 2006
School's closed but I'm still busy!
Come week 10 of term 2, I wanted so much for the holidays to come cos all I wanted to do was to clear my desk, file all the loose papers and rest. It's funny that on the third day of the holidays, I'm still as busy as a bee!
I've since become the in-house designer for my school. The daily routine I have these days revolve round chasing some sales man from some printing firm that I swore never to work with again! Since last week, I had to be the one chasing and chasing and chasing for mock-ups and final proofs and emails and quotations and.... the man never returns my calls when he says he will, and I really don't know if he can meet tomorrow's deadline of getting the stuff printed. Something tells me he won't deliver... Arghh...
The 1500 inserts are ready and printed and ready to be packed. The first mock-up I did for the programme card looked fabulous, in my opinion... If only I had a say in the invites.. but yet again, that's another matter... I think we're all almost ready for our school blessing on Friday. Maybe after that, I'd have some slack time to finish up all the paper work and marking!
I think I could have done better for remedial lessons today. I forgot to involve good students so they could help me facilitate the learning. It was difficult to do a one-to-one in a group of 15. The boys are particularly weak, and I'm really concerned. Have to do more homework to build their foundation. First, to overcome to fear of using the language!
I hope Justin will do well for the PESA award. He came by today to ask me what he should speak on for the competition. After much teasing and taunting, we came to the idea of talking about FATS... How credible! We joked that he was authentic material, and would be certainly convincing in portraying what he wanted to say! The best part about Justin is his confidence and being able to take all of these in... Hope you'll win Justin!
OK - time to sleep. Have to get up tomorrow for the APBL workshop.. Ciao!
I've since become the in-house designer for my school. The daily routine I have these days revolve round chasing some sales man from some printing firm that I swore never to work with again! Since last week, I had to be the one chasing and chasing and chasing for mock-ups and final proofs and emails and quotations and.... the man never returns my calls when he says he will, and I really don't know if he can meet tomorrow's deadline of getting the stuff printed. Something tells me he won't deliver... Arghh...
The 1500 inserts are ready and printed and ready to be packed. The first mock-up I did for the programme card looked fabulous, in my opinion... If only I had a say in the invites.. but yet again, that's another matter... I think we're all almost ready for our school blessing on Friday. Maybe after that, I'd have some slack time to finish up all the paper work and marking!
I think I could have done better for remedial lessons today. I forgot to involve good students so they could help me facilitate the learning. It was difficult to do a one-to-one in a group of 15. The boys are particularly weak, and I'm really concerned. Have to do more homework to build their foundation. First, to overcome to fear of using the language!
I hope Justin will do well for the PESA award. He came by today to ask me what he should speak on for the competition. After much teasing and taunting, we came to the idea of talking about FATS... How credible! We joked that he was authentic material, and would be certainly convincing in portraying what he wanted to say! The best part about Justin is his confidence and being able to take all of these in... Hope you'll win Justin!
OK - time to sleep. Have to get up tomorrow for the APBL workshop.. Ciao!
13 May 2006
Done with marking...
Finally, I penned my last red mark on the last exam script, tied up all the papers and tabulated the marks. This, amidst the preparations for the school blessing, and other things, have kept me busy, not to mention physically and mentally tired.
Unlike last year, Starbucks and chocolates didn't keep me company as much whilst I marked, though the airport remains the best spot to mark. With a "don't finish this pile - don't go home" mantra, it sure was a good way to motivate myself to complete my marking in the least possible time.
An experience I had on one of such days was when I was sitting by Pacific Coffee Company one day on one of those red comfy couch seats. i had an empty seat beside where I was sitting, and somehow, it attracted single diners to ask if they could join me. From Singaporeans to Hong Kongers to Aussies, I had them all. The Aussie was particularly interesting, cos we struck a conversation longer than the rest.
The pile of marking and the red pen always spurred strangers to ask, "Are you a teacher?"
"Oh, yes, I am."
Questions will follow that, ranging from how the students are in Singapore to why I was marking at the airport, and interestingly enough, I got to know them better.
The Aussie was from Darwin, an electrician, broke his hand and so decided to head to Phuket for 10 days to relax and get away from all the phone calls he would have to reject cos he couldn't take on the jobs because of his hurt hand. He used to be a guide for bush walking in Darwin, and had a nephew staying with him. He's got a huge family of 8 brothers and sisters, not to mention the 20-something nieces and nephews. He was on transit in Singapore and was waiting for his flight. He had 10 hours to burn when I met him, and so I sent him off to Tampines Mall to watch a moive before heading back. He was surprised to catch me back at PCC when he came back after the movie! I guess he must have thought teachers in Singapore work hard!
Back at school, I've been keeping my hands busy with designing. I have become the unofficial in-house graphic designer, churning out artwork for the invite card, to touching up the artwork for the banner, liaising with T-shirt suppliers, and printers, to choosing and scaling pictures to size for the commemorative stamps, and my biggest project ever, the commemorative pack.
And with 8 gigabytes of pictures to look through, and albums of pictures of the school since the 1950s to flip through, I have sure seen snapshots of the history of HIHS - literally!
It's a love-hate relationship I have with design, having dabbled with it since uni days, and perfecting it only when I was working at the Public Policy Programme where I took on projects that saw me designing everything for both print and web, Many have since asked me to go into graphic designing full time, but I've declined. I did consider quitting my job once to study at TP doing a graphic design diploma, but the opportunity cost was just too high. And so, here I am... an unofficial graphic designer..
Well, I've to get back to doing up the commemorative pack now, and before I sign off, I'd like to show you my masterpiece - and to thank Lynn and Chuanlian for their "mother's day" gift. Thanks, girls... I was really touched when you said, "You're like a mother to us." Study hard for your O-levels, and do yourselves proud, ok?
Starfish signs out...
Unlike last year, Starbucks and chocolates didn't keep me company as much whilst I marked, though the airport remains the best spot to mark. With a "don't finish this pile - don't go home" mantra, it sure was a good way to motivate myself to complete my marking in the least possible time.
An experience I had on one of such days was when I was sitting by Pacific Coffee Company one day on one of those red comfy couch seats. i had an empty seat beside where I was sitting, and somehow, it attracted single diners to ask if they could join me. From Singaporeans to Hong Kongers to Aussies, I had them all. The Aussie was particularly interesting, cos we struck a conversation longer than the rest.
The pile of marking and the red pen always spurred strangers to ask, "Are you a teacher?"
"Oh, yes, I am."
Questions will follow that, ranging from how the students are in Singapore to why I was marking at the airport, and interestingly enough, I got to know them better.
The Aussie was from Darwin, an electrician, broke his hand and so decided to head to Phuket for 10 days to relax and get away from all the phone calls he would have to reject cos he couldn't take on the jobs because of his hurt hand. He used to be a guide for bush walking in Darwin, and had a nephew staying with him. He's got a huge family of 8 brothers and sisters, not to mention the 20-something nieces and nephews. He was on transit in Singapore and was waiting for his flight. He had 10 hours to burn when I met him, and so I sent him off to Tampines Mall to watch a moive before heading back. He was surprised to catch me back at PCC when he came back after the movie! I guess he must have thought teachers in Singapore work hard!
Back at school, I've been keeping my hands busy with designing. I have become the unofficial in-house graphic designer, churning out artwork for the invite card, to touching up the artwork for the banner, liaising with T-shirt suppliers, and printers, to choosing and scaling pictures to size for the commemorative stamps, and my biggest project ever, the commemorative pack.
And with 8 gigabytes of pictures to look through, and albums of pictures of the school since the 1950s to flip through, I have sure seen snapshots of the history of HIHS - literally!
It's a love-hate relationship I have with design, having dabbled with it since uni days, and perfecting it only when I was working at the Public Policy Programme where I took on projects that saw me designing everything for both print and web, Many have since asked me to go into graphic designing full time, but I've declined. I did consider quitting my job once to study at TP doing a graphic design diploma, but the opportunity cost was just too high. And so, here I am... an unofficial graphic designer..
Well, I've to get back to doing up the commemorative pack now, and before I sign off, I'd like to show you my masterpiece - and to thank Lynn and Chuanlian for their "mother's day" gift. Thanks, girls... I was really touched when you said, "You're like a mother to us." Study hard for your O-levels, and do yourselves proud, ok?
Starfish signs out...
05 May 2006
Marking again
Yes. It's the exam season and it's been tiring. Besides juggling the marking and invigilation, we teachers are also planning for the school blessing come 2 June. The Archbishop will be coming to bless our spanking new school, so everything has to be well... swee-swee.
It's fun in a way cos i see it like an event, and I did enjoy my event planning days before I came into teaching. Back then, I handled almost everything. In school, it's a little different with work being split up. I guess with the teaching load, that's only logical.
So, yes, I am marking, marking, marking and planning, planning, planning.
It's close to 1am and I've just done the remarks for my students' report books. No, I've not finished marking. There is too much to, but I'm handling it ok - I think.
Here's an announcement for all Sec 1 and 2 students:
SPH Media Club Camp from 6 - 8 June.
It's not a stay-in camp, but it lasts for three full days. You'll get to learn from fellow journalists, photographers, media club members from other schools and creating a school newsletter. I'm looking for good writers or someone with a keen interest in journalism and/mass media.
Interested applicants, please write on a topic of your choice in no more than 500 words, typewritten.
Please spread the word...
In the meantime, happy studying!!
:)
deb
It's fun in a way cos i see it like an event, and I did enjoy my event planning days before I came into teaching. Back then, I handled almost everything. In school, it's a little different with work being split up. I guess with the teaching load, that's only logical.
So, yes, I am marking, marking, marking and planning, planning, planning.
It's close to 1am and I've just done the remarks for my students' report books. No, I've not finished marking. There is too much to, but I'm handling it ok - I think.
Here's an announcement for all Sec 1 and 2 students:
SPH Media Club Camp from 6 - 8 June.
It's not a stay-in camp, but it lasts for three full days. You'll get to learn from fellow journalists, photographers, media club members from other schools and creating a school newsletter. I'm looking for good writers or someone with a keen interest in journalism and/mass media.
Interested applicants, please write on a topic of your choice in no more than 500 words, typewritten.
Please spread the word...
In the meantime, happy studying!!
:)
deb
Marking again
Yes. It's the exam season and it's been tiring. Besides juggling the marking and invigilation, we teachers are also planning for the school blessing come 2 June. The Archbishop will be coming to bless our spanking new school, so everything has to be well... swee-swee.
It's fun in a way cos i see it like an event, and I did enjoy my event planning days before I came into teaching. Back then, I handled almost everything. In school, it's a little different with work being split up. I guess with the teaching load, that's only logical.
So, yes, I am marking, marking, marking and planning, planning, planning.
It's close to 1am and I've just done the remarks for my students' report books. No, I've not finished marking. There is too much to, but I'm handling it ok - I think.
Here's an announcement for all Sec 1 and 2 students:
SPH Media Club Camp from 6 - 8 June.
It's not a stay-in camp, but it lasts for three full days. You'll get to learn from fellow journalists, photographers, media club members from other schools and creating a school newsletter. I'm looking for good writers or someone with a keen interest in journalism and/mass media.
Interested applicants, please write on a topic of your choice in no more than 500 words, typewritten.
Please spread the word...
In the meantime, happy studying!!
:)
deb
It's fun in a way cos i see it like an event, and I did enjoy my event planning days before I came into teaching. Back then, I handled almost everything. In school, it's a little different with work being split up. I guess with the teaching load, that's only logical.
So, yes, I am marking, marking, marking and planning, planning, planning.
It's close to 1am and I've just done the remarks for my students' report books. No, I've not finished marking. There is too much to, but I'm handling it ok - I think.
Here's an announcement for all Sec 1 and 2 students:
SPH Media Club Camp from 6 - 8 June.
It's not a stay-in camp, but it lasts for three full days. You'll get to learn from fellow journalists, photographers, media club members from other schools and creating a school newsletter. I'm looking for good writers or someone with a keen interest in journalism and/mass media.
Interested applicants, please write on a topic of your choice in no more than 500 words, typewritten.
Please spread the word...
In the meantime, happy studying!!
:)
deb
17 April 2006
I can't talk
My throat hurt so bad over the weekend, I decided to take the day off today to go see the doctor. After all, with such a bad throat, how can I teach?
I went to the doctor, who was shocked to see me again cos I just saw her last week for a throat infection again. She was concerned. Asked if I smoked. No I don't. Asked if I had a nasal problem. No I didn't lately. Asked if I had gastric. Yes, I did but it was a perennial problem. She told me maybe it was the gastric juices that went up to my throat.
She told me to let my voice rest. "Don't talk unless absolutely necessary."
"I'm a teacher."
"Oh no. That's an occupational hazard. I don't know what else you can do. Use a mic?"
"It doesn't work. The noise level gets too loud in some classes."
"You have to take a rest. That's the best for your throat. Take two days off. Don't talk. Don't go karaoke."
That was it.
So here I am, at home. Marking. I can't talk, but I thank God for msn. I never treasured it so much til now. Hopefully, by Wednesday, I can talk.
Be good in the meantime, kids.
:) starfish (aka haixing - as chuanlian tells me...)
I went to the doctor, who was shocked to see me again cos I just saw her last week for a throat infection again. She was concerned. Asked if I smoked. No I don't. Asked if I had a nasal problem. No I didn't lately. Asked if I had gastric. Yes, I did but it was a perennial problem. She told me maybe it was the gastric juices that went up to my throat.
She told me to let my voice rest. "Don't talk unless absolutely necessary."
"I'm a teacher."
"Oh no. That's an occupational hazard. I don't know what else you can do. Use a mic?"
"It doesn't work. The noise level gets too loud in some classes."
"You have to take a rest. That's the best for your throat. Take two days off. Don't talk. Don't go karaoke."
That was it.
So here I am, at home. Marking. I can't talk, but I thank God for msn. I never treasured it so much til now. Hopefully, by Wednesday, I can talk.
Be good in the meantime, kids.
:) starfish (aka haixing - as chuanlian tells me...)
09 April 2006
Another post for Justin
OK, Justin. Here's another post for you.
Cross country went on well this year, I thought, even if Blue Eagles didn't win. I think the ladies did us proud this year with Ms Michael (of the Blue Eagles!!) coming in first for the women's staff race, and Joan (Captain of the Blue Eagles!!) coming in first for the AB Girls race. The event ended promptly, and I think almost everyone was happy.
My throat infection the previous day scared some people who wondered if I would be able to perform my task as emcee for the event. The pills the doc gave proved to be good though I think I have put a strain on it cos my throat hurt again today. I hope I can last til the June hols!
My recruitment drive for the media club has been promising. The first newsletter is out! It's a 2-page HI Update that was inserted into the old newsletter. On Thursday, some 300 copies were distributed to some primary school. Hey my media club kids who contributed to the newsletter - well done. Here's what Mrs Wong had to say about your work.. "It's one of the best newsletters I've read for a long while..!" Way to go!!
With CCA stand down this coming week, I think I'd have to keep my plans of meeting up til after the exams. That's when we'll discuss to roll out the plans for our media club, ya? Keep your enthusiasm up in the meantime!
My Sec 2 classes will be going through the longest 2 minutes of their lives this coming week as they present their news reports. Some of my Sec 2 Int kids have already experienced it... It's just 2 minutes, but it's a killer if you're not prepared. Moral of the story? Be prepared! I used to do 4 minute speeches for debates, and really, when you have so much to say, the time just ain't enough! Guess that's when I started to talk faster!
OK - I've got to get back to more marking. The red pen is almost a permanent fixture in my hand.
Cross country went on well this year, I thought, even if Blue Eagles didn't win. I think the ladies did us proud this year with Ms Michael (of the Blue Eagles!!) coming in first for the women's staff race, and Joan (Captain of the Blue Eagles!!) coming in first for the AB Girls race. The event ended promptly, and I think almost everyone was happy.
My throat infection the previous day scared some people who wondered if I would be able to perform my task as emcee for the event. The pills the doc gave proved to be good though I think I have put a strain on it cos my throat hurt again today. I hope I can last til the June hols!
My recruitment drive for the media club has been promising. The first newsletter is out! It's a 2-page HI Update that was inserted into the old newsletter. On Thursday, some 300 copies were distributed to some primary school. Hey my media club kids who contributed to the newsletter - well done. Here's what Mrs Wong had to say about your work.. "It's one of the best newsletters I've read for a long while..!" Way to go!!
With CCA stand down this coming week, I think I'd have to keep my plans of meeting up til after the exams. That's when we'll discuss to roll out the plans for our media club, ya? Keep your enthusiasm up in the meantime!
My Sec 2 classes will be going through the longest 2 minutes of their lives this coming week as they present their news reports. Some of my Sec 2 Int kids have already experienced it... It's just 2 minutes, but it's a killer if you're not prepared. Moral of the story? Be prepared! I used to do 4 minute speeches for debates, and really, when you have so much to say, the time just ain't enough! Guess that's when I started to talk faster!
OK - I've got to get back to more marking. The red pen is almost a permanent fixture in my hand.
30 March 2006
This entry's for Justin
I promised Justin I'll blog this entry up for him, so here I am, taking a break from marking to do so...
"Yes, Miss Chew's is underblogging and I'm posting this entry cos Justin said I'm underblogging."
There you go, Justin! :)
OK - Before I go, if you know of anyone who can write well, and will be excited in being part of a dynamic team in being the "journalists" in HI, let me know. I'm recruiting for the Media Club...
"Yes, Miss Chew's is underblogging and I'm posting this entry cos Justin said I'm underblogging."
There you go, Justin! :)
OK - Before I go, if you know of anyone who can write well, and will be excited in being part of a dynamic team in being the "journalists" in HI, let me know. I'm recruiting for the Media Club...
13 March 2006
24 February 2006
sick...
yes, i am sick again... flu bug...
the bug's going round in the staff room and it has hit me. yesterday, my doc drowned me with four different kinds of tablets, two just to keep the swelling of the throat down. "infection" she says.
still, i dragged myself to school today cos there's just too many things to be done. i sorted out the IEC list, finally! now, to tie down the vendors, churn out lists, chase after students.... i wish i were less sick so i can do more..
i hope justin and ming hui found today's session with sph a fruitful one. ben's experience at the pakistan earthquake's really cool, ya? maybe you'd be like him one day! i'm counting on you two to be the backbone of the new media club i'm setting up, so don't let me down, ya?
as for now, i shall put aside my grand plans and take some time off before my nose falls off...
hope to be well soon.. can't afford to be sick with so much happening!
starfish.. out...
the bug's going round in the staff room and it has hit me. yesterday, my doc drowned me with four different kinds of tablets, two just to keep the swelling of the throat down. "infection" she says.
still, i dragged myself to school today cos there's just too many things to be done. i sorted out the IEC list, finally! now, to tie down the vendors, churn out lists, chase after students.... i wish i were less sick so i can do more..
i hope justin and ming hui found today's session with sph a fruitful one. ben's experience at the pakistan earthquake's really cool, ya? maybe you'd be like him one day! i'm counting on you two to be the backbone of the new media club i'm setting up, so don't let me down, ya?
as for now, i shall put aside my grand plans and take some time off before my nose falls off...
hope to be well soon.. can't afford to be sick with so much happening!
starfish.. out...
15 February 2006
Drumline
I hope my class appreciated the movie I screened at today's LCE lesson. I used it to teach the sec 2 cohort about managing their emotions, anger in particular. I taught them about how to respond to someone who's angry with us, and how to manage our anger. Cos at the end of it all, like they realised in the video, anger gets us nowhere.
Much like the band focused on their goal to win, they didn't let anything come in their way. It didn't matter that their rival crossed the line and drummed on their drums. It didn't matter that they continued to taunt them. They just had one thing on their mind - to win. And they did just that by managing their emotions well.
When we look at our lives, there are many a times when people did us wrong, and naturally, we'll feel angry. But like I had shared with my Sec 2s - we all have choices. We can decide what we want to do with this anger. We can use it for us, or against us. And so, many of my kids were surprised when I told them anger is neither good nor bad - it is what we do with it that makes it good or bad.
I'm naturally faced with circumstances that made me angry many a times. I could choose to fight or argue, I could choose to take revenge, or backstab. I could choose to spin tales and destroy the one that hurt me, but I could also choose not to. Because, I realise that at the end of it all, if I win, what do I win? What good does it do to me to see another suffer because of my doing? What good does it do if I have to resort to such underhand methods just to prove that I am right?
The band didn't have to resort to underhand methods, or cross the line to win. They stuck to their goal, managed their emotions, remained focused, and won at the end. And frankly, all of them are winners in their own right, for not only winning the competition, but their own battles of impulsivity. They won their own internal battle of emotions by learning to manage it well.
I hope my Sec 2s learn this lesson well, and keep their heads above their shoulders in good stead, regardless of the circumstances that may face them.
I hope you all enjoyed and learnt from Drumline as much as I did.
:)
starfish
Much like the band focused on their goal to win, they didn't let anything come in their way. It didn't matter that their rival crossed the line and drummed on their drums. It didn't matter that they continued to taunt them. They just had one thing on their mind - to win. And they did just that by managing their emotions well.
When we look at our lives, there are many a times when people did us wrong, and naturally, we'll feel angry. But like I had shared with my Sec 2s - we all have choices. We can decide what we want to do with this anger. We can use it for us, or against us. And so, many of my kids were surprised when I told them anger is neither good nor bad - it is what we do with it that makes it good or bad.
I'm naturally faced with circumstances that made me angry many a times. I could choose to fight or argue, I could choose to take revenge, or backstab. I could choose to spin tales and destroy the one that hurt me, but I could also choose not to. Because, I realise that at the end of it all, if I win, what do I win? What good does it do to me to see another suffer because of my doing? What good does it do if I have to resort to such underhand methods just to prove that I am right?
The band didn't have to resort to underhand methods, or cross the line to win. They stuck to their goal, managed their emotions, remained focused, and won at the end. And frankly, all of them are winners in their own right, for not only winning the competition, but their own battles of impulsivity. They won their own internal battle of emotions by learning to manage it well.
I hope my Sec 2s learn this lesson well, and keep their heads above their shoulders in good stead, regardless of the circumstances that may face them.
I hope you all enjoyed and learnt from Drumline as much as I did.
:)
starfish
01 February 2006
My Sec 2 class
I was especially sad today. I wondered if anyone noticed. My close friends did cos I lacked that usual smile and somehow I found tears welling up in my eyes as I looked hard and straight at my new Sec 2 class.
It saddened me that for a class that had a perfect score in camp, for a class that put in so much effort to do up the class, for a class that had the best camper, and a class that had its history of being the best decorated class, it was somehow divided.
I'm not talking about cliques here, because that's normal and part of growing up. I'm talking about having such negative thoughts and feelings of others, thinking one is superior to others.
I wondered where all their values have gone to as I wondered how I were to deal with the issue come English lesson. It didn't help that I had a million and one things on my table to do and complete by today. Somehow, I felt like screaming, but I kept it all inside.
I never knew that children of their age could be filled with so much hate, that words that stung hard and deep were used on each other. Nevermind how they were said, or the manner in which they were conveyed. The truth of the matter is that it hurt.
I spoke with my VP on how to deal with the issue. She said they should be warned, that threats are serious issues, and that a case can be made against them. And we're talking about police reports here. It doesn't matter if it be in written form, verbal or via cyberspace or telephone wires. It's all the same. A threat is a threat.
As I entered the class, I couldn't bear to bring any one of the faces I saw in front of me to case. They are too young to know how best to express their anger and displeasure, I concluded. And so, I got themt to write on "What I like/dislike about my classmates/class" in an effort to understand them better and for them to let it all out through writing. After all, that's what I do when I need to get all my emotions out.
It saddedned me again to know that whilst a handful saw the glass as half full, most saw it as half empty. "I hate" filled more papers than "I like". I wondered why the negativity. What is there for me to show them that the world in which they live in is not just about themselves, but of others too.
I'm sure deep in some of their hearts, I am hated for having changed their seats. I guess if I were in their position, I would dislike the arrangement too. But if they could make sense of the benefit they would get in making space for themselves, away from their usual friends, perhaps, they would better realise and make use of the time to do something positive instead, like helping their new friend sitting beside them, knowing them better, or taking that time to pay attention in class and learn more.
It's frustrating having to keep stopping during lessons just to make sure the class is quiet, so that they know what to do, what to learn. Sometimes, I wonder if I am at fault for not engaging them in a way that they would sit up and pay attention.
I look back at my Sec 2 classes I've taught before and I wonder if I can create the same magic I did for 2 Unity. Maybe I'm impatient, but deep in my heart, I do wish they can be more attentive and responsive.
But above all, I do wish and hope that my class will take some time to think about what drew them together during the camp, how they can put aside their differences then, and how they can put aside their differences from now on. Does it really mattter if one hates someone else? Who benefits from the hate at the end of it all? None.
So I ask of my class, to let go of their hate, because it only breeds negativity in them, and really, nothing good comes out of negativity.
Tomorrow, I don't see them, but I hope to feel better by Friday knowing that they have put aside their differences, and work together as a team.
My dear Sec 2 class - I know you can do it!
It saddened me that for a class that had a perfect score in camp, for a class that put in so much effort to do up the class, for a class that had the best camper, and a class that had its history of being the best decorated class, it was somehow divided.
I'm not talking about cliques here, because that's normal and part of growing up. I'm talking about having such negative thoughts and feelings of others, thinking one is superior to others.
I wondered where all their values have gone to as I wondered how I were to deal with the issue come English lesson. It didn't help that I had a million and one things on my table to do and complete by today. Somehow, I felt like screaming, but I kept it all inside.
I never knew that children of their age could be filled with so much hate, that words that stung hard and deep were used on each other. Nevermind how they were said, or the manner in which they were conveyed. The truth of the matter is that it hurt.
I spoke with my VP on how to deal with the issue. She said they should be warned, that threats are serious issues, and that a case can be made against them. And we're talking about police reports here. It doesn't matter if it be in written form, verbal or via cyberspace or telephone wires. It's all the same. A threat is a threat.
As I entered the class, I couldn't bear to bring any one of the faces I saw in front of me to case. They are too young to know how best to express their anger and displeasure, I concluded. And so, I got themt to write on "What I like/dislike about my classmates/class" in an effort to understand them better and for them to let it all out through writing. After all, that's what I do when I need to get all my emotions out.
It saddedned me again to know that whilst a handful saw the glass as half full, most saw it as half empty. "I hate" filled more papers than "I like". I wondered why the negativity. What is there for me to show them that the world in which they live in is not just about themselves, but of others too.
I'm sure deep in some of their hearts, I am hated for having changed their seats. I guess if I were in their position, I would dislike the arrangement too. But if they could make sense of the benefit they would get in making space for themselves, away from their usual friends, perhaps, they would better realise and make use of the time to do something positive instead, like helping their new friend sitting beside them, knowing them better, or taking that time to pay attention in class and learn more.
It's frustrating having to keep stopping during lessons just to make sure the class is quiet, so that they know what to do, what to learn. Sometimes, I wonder if I am at fault for not engaging them in a way that they would sit up and pay attention.
I look back at my Sec 2 classes I've taught before and I wonder if I can create the same magic I did for 2 Unity. Maybe I'm impatient, but deep in my heart, I do wish they can be more attentive and responsive.
But above all, I do wish and hope that my class will take some time to think about what drew them together during the camp, how they can put aside their differences then, and how they can put aside their differences from now on. Does it really mattter if one hates someone else? Who benefits from the hate at the end of it all? None.
So I ask of my class, to let go of their hate, because it only breeds negativity in them, and really, nothing good comes out of negativity.
Tomorrow, I don't see them, but I hope to feel better by Friday knowing that they have put aside their differences, and work together as a team.
My dear Sec 2 class - I know you can do it!
27 January 2006
Zoom... Zoom.. Zoom...
Where did the weeks go? Suddenly, I find myself smack in week five of Term one. And I didn't feel as if teaching has started! Like many teachers, week 3 was a struggle. Many found ourselves tired from the intensity of things to be done and completed. Sometimes, we ask ourselves if there will be a break.
And so, many of us welcome Chinese New Year with open arms. It sets us some time to catch up on all the administrative duties we wished we didn't have to deal with. As one fellow teacher aptly put... "We collect lots of forms... That's why we're called the Form Teacher". Yes, pun intended.
As for me, the past few weeks saw me meeting up with people from various polytechnics as we try to carve out our niche area for the school. Collaborations seem promising, but behind the project is a humongous task to be completed. In another area, the development of the Interest Elective Club for the school saw me and another fellow colleague rushing here and there as we gathered vendors to come in to conduct enrichment lessons for them. Yesterday marked the day of the IEC orientation and more than 200 kids turned up for the open house. It was encouraging to see so many interested in enriching themselves in less academic ways.
Today, as I sat at my desk sorting out the forms, I feel myself overwhelmed by the data that need to be analysed and tabulated. It didn't help that some kids filled up the form wrongly, so I forsee myself chasing after these kids just so that he/she doesn't miss out. Surprisingly, quite a number opted for diving, despite the cost.
Jeannie tells me I'm hardly at my desk right now. She misses my noise in the staff room I guess... and when I'm around, i'm either busy with work or making phone calls. One day, she looked at me and said, "You know, I'd rather mark than be as busy as you." I smiled at her, and that was when I realised what having a passion meant. I felt tired physically, but my mind was energised and full of zest. I couldn't keep it still thinking of how else I can develop the programmes to make it more enriching for the kids as they pass through secondary school education.
Being a supporter of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory, I believe that we all have our own intelligences in our own way. And so, whenever possible, I always try to look at intelligence from a holistic perspective. I try to bring out the different intelligences I find in my students.
And so, CCA is a way in which I find myself doing just that. I have seen so many a time, students who aren't academically inclined, yet show so much potential outside of the classroom. Sometimes, i wish I could go into their minds, and find out - what exactly makes them tick.
As for my new class - 2 Integrity - I'm beginning to embrace them like a mother hen. They performed so well in the camp, I was so proud of them. If only they knew that even though I wasn't there with them for the two days, I thought of them often. I hope they will grow up to be as wonderful a class as 2 Unity was last year.
Time really flies. I've only been teaching for about 2 years, and I feel like I've taught so many students already. Next year, the kids I taught in Sec 1 will be Sec 4s!! (Yes, 2 Unity 2005 - that's you!!) There seems to be so much to do still!
Come 2006, I wish for myself to bring about a change in school, a paradigm shift, a breakthrough. It's an ambitious wish, i know, but I'm a fighter, and I won't give up til I'm there.
I've a race to run... and it begins now. Ciao!
And so, many of us welcome Chinese New Year with open arms. It sets us some time to catch up on all the administrative duties we wished we didn't have to deal with. As one fellow teacher aptly put... "We collect lots of forms... That's why we're called the Form Teacher". Yes, pun intended.
As for me, the past few weeks saw me meeting up with people from various polytechnics as we try to carve out our niche area for the school. Collaborations seem promising, but behind the project is a humongous task to be completed. In another area, the development of the Interest Elective Club for the school saw me and another fellow colleague rushing here and there as we gathered vendors to come in to conduct enrichment lessons for them. Yesterday marked the day of the IEC orientation and more than 200 kids turned up for the open house. It was encouraging to see so many interested in enriching themselves in less academic ways.
Today, as I sat at my desk sorting out the forms, I feel myself overwhelmed by the data that need to be analysed and tabulated. It didn't help that some kids filled up the form wrongly, so I forsee myself chasing after these kids just so that he/she doesn't miss out. Surprisingly, quite a number opted for diving, despite the cost.
Jeannie tells me I'm hardly at my desk right now. She misses my noise in the staff room I guess... and when I'm around, i'm either busy with work or making phone calls. One day, she looked at me and said, "You know, I'd rather mark than be as busy as you." I smiled at her, and that was when I realised what having a passion meant. I felt tired physically, but my mind was energised and full of zest. I couldn't keep it still thinking of how else I can develop the programmes to make it more enriching for the kids as they pass through secondary school education.
Being a supporter of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory, I believe that we all have our own intelligences in our own way. And so, whenever possible, I always try to look at intelligence from a holistic perspective. I try to bring out the different intelligences I find in my students.
And so, CCA is a way in which I find myself doing just that. I have seen so many a time, students who aren't academically inclined, yet show so much potential outside of the classroom. Sometimes, i wish I could go into their minds, and find out - what exactly makes them tick.
As for my new class - 2 Integrity - I'm beginning to embrace them like a mother hen. They performed so well in the camp, I was so proud of them. If only they knew that even though I wasn't there with them for the two days, I thought of them often. I hope they will grow up to be as wonderful a class as 2 Unity was last year.
Time really flies. I've only been teaching for about 2 years, and I feel like I've taught so many students already. Next year, the kids I taught in Sec 1 will be Sec 4s!! (Yes, 2 Unity 2005 - that's you!!) There seems to be so much to do still!
Come 2006, I wish for myself to bring about a change in school, a paradigm shift, a breakthrough. It's an ambitious wish, i know, but I'm a fighter, and I won't give up til I'm there.
I've a race to run... and it begins now. Ciao!
13 January 2006
Week 2
It's week two of term one and yet it feels as though school had only just begun. Maybe it's because of the holidays in between. Next week my sec 2 kids are off for their camp and I'd be losing yet another three lessons with them.
This doesn't feel good as I don't feel I'm gelling with my class well considering the breaks in between.
I've been very firm still with my Sec 2 kids and I hope they don't blame me. I must say I am a real harsh one compared to my co-form. But I strongly feel that they need the correct guidance or when they move on to Sec 3, things will start to get out of hand. I am pleased so far that they have been handing in their assignments on time. Yet, I don't want every lesson to be one of discipline. Sometimes, I wished I had the class of last year's 2 Unity back. There was just some magic in that class that I enjoyed and loved.
Maybe I am a little impatient. After all, I've only seen them for a total of three lessons. I can't expect a rapport built over a year plus. I think my new class has potential. It's only they have to start to see it more for themselves than for me to see it in them.
I didn't like the fact that i had to pick out a student in class to teach the rest about respect today, but her actions were highly disrespectful, and could not go unchecked. I think it hit her when I highlighted her behaviour. It wasn't personal. It was the behaviour that I could not condone.
Another of my kid smsed me through his friend. He asked me to pray for him as he has been down with fever since Monday. It must be really scary for him to be sick for so long. I said a prayer for him immediately and sent him an sms. I pray he'd recover and be well. There's just too much youth and potential in him for anything to happen to him. I truly hope to see him in school on Monday.
CCA orientation saw me leaving school only at 7pm. That seems to be the norm these days. I guess my new portfolio in school has kept me really busy, and like Jeannie puts it, "you're like a call centre".
But I think I'm juggling well, thanks to good support from some of my colleagues.
It was good to catch some of my former students today at the CCA orientation. Xunfu looked so smart in his uniform. I sure hope he does well in his studies and doesn't slacken again. Lynn's hair grew!! Heard she's the English rep again. Saw Chuan Lian in the morning.. She's the class monitor now... I wonder how the others are doing...
Alright - time to sign off. Back to more work on the drawing board!
:)
starfish
This doesn't feel good as I don't feel I'm gelling with my class well considering the breaks in between.
I've been very firm still with my Sec 2 kids and I hope they don't blame me. I must say I am a real harsh one compared to my co-form. But I strongly feel that they need the correct guidance or when they move on to Sec 3, things will start to get out of hand. I am pleased so far that they have been handing in their assignments on time. Yet, I don't want every lesson to be one of discipline. Sometimes, I wished I had the class of last year's 2 Unity back. There was just some magic in that class that I enjoyed and loved.
Maybe I am a little impatient. After all, I've only seen them for a total of three lessons. I can't expect a rapport built over a year plus. I think my new class has potential. It's only they have to start to see it more for themselves than for me to see it in them.
I didn't like the fact that i had to pick out a student in class to teach the rest about respect today, but her actions were highly disrespectful, and could not go unchecked. I think it hit her when I highlighted her behaviour. It wasn't personal. It was the behaviour that I could not condone.
Another of my kid smsed me through his friend. He asked me to pray for him as he has been down with fever since Monday. It must be really scary for him to be sick for so long. I said a prayer for him immediately and sent him an sms. I pray he'd recover and be well. There's just too much youth and potential in him for anything to happen to him. I truly hope to see him in school on Monday.
CCA orientation saw me leaving school only at 7pm. That seems to be the norm these days. I guess my new portfolio in school has kept me really busy, and like Jeannie puts it, "you're like a call centre".
But I think I'm juggling well, thanks to good support from some of my colleagues.
It was good to catch some of my former students today at the CCA orientation. Xunfu looked so smart in his uniform. I sure hope he does well in his studies and doesn't slacken again. Lynn's hair grew!! Heard she's the English rep again. Saw Chuan Lian in the morning.. She's the class monitor now... I wonder how the others are doing...
Alright - time to sign off. Back to more work on the drawing board!
:)
starfish
03 January 2006
First day at the new campus
It always feels nice to have new things, and so moving into the new campus is surely something I was looking forward to. The air-conditioned hall was a great welcome, so we didn't have to melt in the humidity during assembly and mass. But what I looked forward most to, was to see the familiar faces of my students.
I don't know how many of my former form class will be reading this, but I'd just like to share with them how I felt as I saw them entering the hall. It was a warm sense of familiarity, and like a mother hen, I felt responsible to look out for them. I felt a little sad that I was no longer their form teacher, and really, if I had been more prepared, I would have taken up the challenge. But I couldn't let my sentiments affect the fact that I feel they need and deserve a more experienced teacher for their graduating year. In the deepest of my hearts, I felt sad that I could no longer be as involved in their lives as I would have been if I had been teaching them.
I had to learn to let go as I looked away from my adopted godson. I wondered if he had studied hard during the holidays. And as I went down the row, I seem to have a little message in my head for each of them. I wondered if Michelle is copiing better after the holidays, and if Terence would stop playing and start bucking up in his studies. I wondered if Benson will prove himself of the potential he's worth, and if Clarissa will shine like the natural leader she is. I was happy to note that Yang Jun had been elected Chairman of the class and Chuan Lian the vice chairperson. It warmed my heart when she waved frantically at me as I left school. I wondered if they knew I'd miss them that much.
My new class was great. I've always enjoyed teaching Sec 2s. They are at this in-between age where nothing matters, but yet they want things to matter. They are asserting their identity, yet yearning for guidance. They are trying out things, and really, sometimes, it can get quite adorable observing them. I had fun with them, but it would have been better if all the games I had prepared for them worked. I can't wait to have more fun with them during English!
I hardly sat at my seat today as I shuttled from meeting to meeting after school. I hardly had lunch as I was determined to ensure that the idea I had proposed worked. Never had I expected that a little conversation with my P and VP would result in a shift of focus for the school. I had never thought that my idea would be bought, and it makes me even more determined to make it work for those who believed in me.
It's a new year, and I can feel a new me. I told my good friend today that I feel powerful this year. And I'm gonna make things happen. I'm determined I will.
And for starters... it's back to the drawing board for more planning!
Starfish... out!
I don't know how many of my former form class will be reading this, but I'd just like to share with them how I felt as I saw them entering the hall. It was a warm sense of familiarity, and like a mother hen, I felt responsible to look out for them. I felt a little sad that I was no longer their form teacher, and really, if I had been more prepared, I would have taken up the challenge. But I couldn't let my sentiments affect the fact that I feel they need and deserve a more experienced teacher for their graduating year. In the deepest of my hearts, I felt sad that I could no longer be as involved in their lives as I would have been if I had been teaching them.
I had to learn to let go as I looked away from my adopted godson. I wondered if he had studied hard during the holidays. And as I went down the row, I seem to have a little message in my head for each of them. I wondered if Michelle is copiing better after the holidays, and if Terence would stop playing and start bucking up in his studies. I wondered if Benson will prove himself of the potential he's worth, and if Clarissa will shine like the natural leader she is. I was happy to note that Yang Jun had been elected Chairman of the class and Chuan Lian the vice chairperson. It warmed my heart when she waved frantically at me as I left school. I wondered if they knew I'd miss them that much.
My new class was great. I've always enjoyed teaching Sec 2s. They are at this in-between age where nothing matters, but yet they want things to matter. They are asserting their identity, yet yearning for guidance. They are trying out things, and really, sometimes, it can get quite adorable observing them. I had fun with them, but it would have been better if all the games I had prepared for them worked. I can't wait to have more fun with them during English!
I hardly sat at my seat today as I shuttled from meeting to meeting after school. I hardly had lunch as I was determined to ensure that the idea I had proposed worked. Never had I expected that a little conversation with my P and VP would result in a shift of focus for the school. I had never thought that my idea would be bought, and it makes me even more determined to make it work for those who believed in me.
It's a new year, and I can feel a new me. I told my good friend today that I feel powerful this year. And I'm gonna make things happen. I'm determined I will.
And for starters... it's back to the drawing board for more planning!
Starfish... out!