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!
27 January 2006
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!
25 December 2005
Christmas...
Ah yes... this year, I had a Christmas with a difference. My mum, brother and I decided to attend midnight mass. And though I was really tired, having been out of the house since morning, I was glad I made the effort to trod down to church some one and a half hours before mass began. Indeed, it seems for the thousands of Catholics who are usually late for Mass, somehow, the midnight mass drew them in much earlier. It wasn't as if the seats were different, or that there would be a special privilege for people at the front, but somehow, people make the effort to get to Mass early so that they get the best seats in the house.
It took just ten minutes after the wardens allowed us into the church for the whole church to be filled with people - all decked up to the nines - a far cry from the usual bermudas, jeans and T-shirt garb you would usually see on Sunday. It seemed there was a silent rule, that you had to dress up a little to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
The carols before Mass began was lovely. I love the songs, and having been educated in a school where music was the soul, I immensely loved the praise and worship. I could sing my heart out all night if given a choice! And the choir - my favourite one - was just great! Grace was fantastic as usual, and the young boy (can't remember his name) - he sure has grown up, gained a whole lot of confidence, and was just awesome as he sang solo in latin! Speaking of which, certain parts of the mass were sang in latin, and it really created that prayerful atmosphere of Christmas. For a moment, in church, Christmas was not about shopping, giving and receiving presents, but it was about celebrating the birth of Christ.
And long after mass ended, I still had all the songs in my head! We reached home, exchanged gifts, and my dear brother got me such a sweet card. He even wrote nice messages in it, and took effort to add smiley faces on the stars in the card! We surprised mum with a crucifix she was saving up for. She was really touched... and it made us happy knowing that we had made her happy.
My friends came over today - my four closest friends and their husbands... Two came with their kids, so I had a house full of babies and an active 2 year old who really stole the show for the afternoon! My godson Keith, isn't exactly handsome, but he's a real charmer, making friends with whoever that crossed his path. And he was very intelligent in ensuring he got what he wanted too! When Pris and Roy wanted to leave, he even decided to wave goodbye to his parents to follow them.. All because he thought "Uncle Roy got aeroplane.." Lee Yee just shook her head when he did that!
Pris came with Eshton who cried lots at first because of the unfamiliar surroundings, but after a while, he became entertained by Keith, who was playing "catch" with my mum. Indeed, we all never saw Eshton smile so heartily before and it was just heartwarming to see Pris and Roy's joy when they saw him laugh so heartily.
It was fun making Grace happy with the series of pink items my mum and I got for her... But what made her happy was the yoga mat she had her eyes on for the longest time! Wendy got her a pink sarong too! To match the pink towel and handphone pouch I got her!
I had invited Max over but he had lunch with his family and had a dinner appointment. Every year, it was tradition for him to eat the drumstick of the turkey. Well, it's still there in the fridge if he makes it in time before we wipe it all out!
This year's food was simply fabulous. I ordered it thru Grace, who ordered it from Temasek Poly's canteen chef! Not only was it cheap, it was simply yummy! We had a turkey, ham, roasted beef and shepherd's pie. I got bread and salad, while friends brought over cakes. It was simple, yet filling... and all gave the thumbs up for a superb meal! Juicy and succulent, just the way we had wanted it. Pris said this is the first year she's come to my home and I didn't cook or bake a single thing... Yeah.. that's different.
This year, it's a Christmas with a difference. It was nice. It was peaceful. It was celebrated with the closest friends, and that is all that mattered. We had fun, we shared our joys.
Christmas, my favourite time of the year.
It took just ten minutes after the wardens allowed us into the church for the whole church to be filled with people - all decked up to the nines - a far cry from the usual bermudas, jeans and T-shirt garb you would usually see on Sunday. It seemed there was a silent rule, that you had to dress up a little to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
The carols before Mass began was lovely. I love the songs, and having been educated in a school where music was the soul, I immensely loved the praise and worship. I could sing my heart out all night if given a choice! And the choir - my favourite one - was just great! Grace was fantastic as usual, and the young boy (can't remember his name) - he sure has grown up, gained a whole lot of confidence, and was just awesome as he sang solo in latin! Speaking of which, certain parts of the mass were sang in latin, and it really created that prayerful atmosphere of Christmas. For a moment, in church, Christmas was not about shopping, giving and receiving presents, but it was about celebrating the birth of Christ.
And long after mass ended, I still had all the songs in my head! We reached home, exchanged gifts, and my dear brother got me such a sweet card. He even wrote nice messages in it, and took effort to add smiley faces on the stars in the card! We surprised mum with a crucifix she was saving up for. She was really touched... and it made us happy knowing that we had made her happy.
My friends came over today - my four closest friends and their husbands... Two came with their kids, so I had a house full of babies and an active 2 year old who really stole the show for the afternoon! My godson Keith, isn't exactly handsome, but he's a real charmer, making friends with whoever that crossed his path. And he was very intelligent in ensuring he got what he wanted too! When Pris and Roy wanted to leave, he even decided to wave goodbye to his parents to follow them.. All because he thought "Uncle Roy got aeroplane.." Lee Yee just shook her head when he did that!
Pris came with Eshton who cried lots at first because of the unfamiliar surroundings, but after a while, he became entertained by Keith, who was playing "catch" with my mum. Indeed, we all never saw Eshton smile so heartily before and it was just heartwarming to see Pris and Roy's joy when they saw him laugh so heartily.
It was fun making Grace happy with the series of pink items my mum and I got for her... But what made her happy was the yoga mat she had her eyes on for the longest time! Wendy got her a pink sarong too! To match the pink towel and handphone pouch I got her!
I had invited Max over but he had lunch with his family and had a dinner appointment. Every year, it was tradition for him to eat the drumstick of the turkey. Well, it's still there in the fridge if he makes it in time before we wipe it all out!
This year's food was simply fabulous. I ordered it thru Grace, who ordered it from Temasek Poly's canteen chef! Not only was it cheap, it was simply yummy! We had a turkey, ham, roasted beef and shepherd's pie. I got bread and salad, while friends brought over cakes. It was simple, yet filling... and all gave the thumbs up for a superb meal! Juicy and succulent, just the way we had wanted it. Pris said this is the first year she's come to my home and I didn't cook or bake a single thing... Yeah.. that's different.
This year, it's a Christmas with a difference. It was nice. It was peaceful. It was celebrated with the closest friends, and that is all that mattered. We had fun, we shared our joys.
Christmas, my favourite time of the year.
07 December 2005
Where has my holidays gone?
I must say that this school holiday is hardly one! For starters, I had to teach extra two weeks for my sec threes. Then it was packing and packing and packing cos our school's shifting back to Hougang. For a moment, I didn't know how to operate as I didn't know if I should report to the new school or the old school. Finally, things began to settle last week as we teachers unpacked our belongings from the Rhema boxes.
For most teachers, December marks the start of the holidays, especially since the shifting seemed to have eaten into our holidays already. But for me, it marks the start of more work. Unknown to many, I am embarking on a new project. I met up with a new teacher, and together, we're on some big mission to ensure things run smoothly next year.
And so, the weeks so far has seen us hopping from place to place, speaking to potential trainers and vendors, chasing for quotes and syllabus. Tomorrow, I will be starting my day again at 9am in school. My new colleague and I will be heading down to the other side of the island to see if it's possible to run a diving course for the school kids.
It's tiring, but it's exciting. And I face my new challenges with a bitter-sweet relish. It is but the beginning, with more to take on next year. I just pray that I will be able to take on this challenge well, and do I was meant to do when I chose to teach.
As for the holidays, I guess I have to wave it goodbye this year as I forfeit any thought of a trip overseas. Maybe one day, I'd have a chance to claim back this holiday!
For most teachers, December marks the start of the holidays, especially since the shifting seemed to have eaten into our holidays already. But for me, it marks the start of more work. Unknown to many, I am embarking on a new project. I met up with a new teacher, and together, we're on some big mission to ensure things run smoothly next year.
And so, the weeks so far has seen us hopping from place to place, speaking to potential trainers and vendors, chasing for quotes and syllabus. Tomorrow, I will be starting my day again at 9am in school. My new colleague and I will be heading down to the other side of the island to see if it's possible to run a diving course for the school kids.
It's tiring, but it's exciting. And I face my new challenges with a bitter-sweet relish. It is but the beginning, with more to take on next year. I just pray that I will be able to take on this challenge well, and do I was meant to do when I chose to teach.
As for the holidays, I guess I have to wave it goodbye this year as I forfeit any thought of a trip overseas. Maybe one day, I'd have a chance to claim back this holiday!
17 November 2005
I'm sick!
It's a lethal combination of the very-cold-ice-room, otherwise known as the staff room and the dust from all the packing that's making me sneeze for the whole of this week. Yesterday, it got so bad that I had to take my cold pills. As I'm typing, my nose is runny and my eyes swollen. My head aches from too much sneezing and my whole body feels sore... Argh... an awful feeling.
Ah yes, my Sec 3 Dil will be pretty happy they don't have to sit through my English class today - ya?
Hopefully, I'd be better tomorrow. I'll do my last lesson for the year, pack my last book into the box, seal it all up and say goodbye to the cold and dusty staff room forever!
But for now, I'll probably take break and cure this cold of mine first...
:|
starfish
Ah yes, my Sec 3 Dil will be pretty happy they don't have to sit through my English class today - ya?
Hopefully, I'd be better tomorrow. I'll do my last lesson for the year, pack my last book into the box, seal it all up and say goodbye to the cold and dusty staff room forever!
But for now, I'll probably take break and cure this cold of mine first...
:|
starfish
12 November 2005
It's been a while...
Ah, yes. It has been a while since I last blogged. And i don't have marking to blame now. So, what's been happening in my life? Well, well, it's hard to explain to people not in the teaching force that while the kids are on hoidays, we teachers still have to come back to school for training, workshops, holiday lessons, year-end review, and for my school, packing to shift.
Just had a nice charity gala dinner at Royal Plaza at Scotts. I must say that they did a nice touch up to the place. We had a small private dinner in a function room by the pool side. My ex-colleague from Raffles Hotel invited me and nine others to attend the dinner cos his company bought one table and his colleagues didn't want to attend it.. so... It was good to meet up with my former colleagues again. Some have moved on, and some are still there.
Food was good - the pan-seared cod fish was immaculately placed on a bed of greens, drizzled with some oriental sauce. It was soft and flaky - just the right texture for the discerning palate. And amidst the crowd of "ang mo"s and Chinese - to quote the not-paid-host, Moses Lim - the clinging of wine glasses and clanging of plates mingled with the soothe sounds of jazz from Claressa Monteiro. Child prodigy, nine-year-old Julia Abueva, marvelled the crowd of socialites and businessmen with her child-like rendition of "When you wish upon a star" and became Singapore's Annie with "The sun will come out tomorrow", so much that they shouted for an encore.
Sure I didn't win that 2-night stay in the suite at the Royal Plaza at Scotts I was eyeing at, but it was an enjoyable one, and for a good cause, cos they raised a total of $65K for children's charity. Makes me itch to want to run events like these again!
Well, time to sleep off my dinner now!
Just had a nice charity gala dinner at Royal Plaza at Scotts. I must say that they did a nice touch up to the place. We had a small private dinner in a function room by the pool side. My ex-colleague from Raffles Hotel invited me and nine others to attend the dinner cos his company bought one table and his colleagues didn't want to attend it.. so... It was good to meet up with my former colleagues again. Some have moved on, and some are still there.
Food was good - the pan-seared cod fish was immaculately placed on a bed of greens, drizzled with some oriental sauce. It was soft and flaky - just the right texture for the discerning palate. And amidst the crowd of "ang mo"s and Chinese - to quote the not-paid-host, Moses Lim - the clinging of wine glasses and clanging of plates mingled with the soothe sounds of jazz from Claressa Monteiro. Child prodigy, nine-year-old Julia Abueva, marvelled the crowd of socialites and businessmen with her child-like rendition of "When you wish upon a star" and became Singapore's Annie with "The sun will come out tomorrow", so much that they shouted for an encore.
Sure I didn't win that 2-night stay in the suite at the Royal Plaza at Scotts I was eyeing at, but it was an enjoyable one, and for a good cause, cos they raised a total of $65K for children's charity. Makes me itch to want to run events like these again!
Well, time to sleep off my dinner now!
23 October 2005
Our Greatest Fear...
When I watched Coach Carter a few months back, I was struck by this quote. I was inspired to push myself to take the leap to do things I feared. Once again, a few weeks back, I was reminded of what I was meant to do. At the school's graduation ceremony, one of the teachers pulled out this quote. It has since sealed and engraved the message in my mind and heart, of the challenges that face me, and how and why I should take that leap. I hope it inspires you too, as much as it has inspired me...
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
17 October 2005
MARKING
Task: To mark the following -
80 compositons about 300 words in length each.
40 compositions about 400 words in length each.
80 formal letters of suggestion, about 300 words in length each.
40 informal letters of persuasion, about 350 words in length each.
80 sec 2 comprehension papers, complete with summary and cloze passage.
40 sec 3 comprehension papers, complete with summary.
Obstacles Faced:
Bad English
Sleep deprivation
Chocolate bars
Runny nose
Forgot to bring red pen home!
Support system:
Music
Camomile Tea
Chocolate Bars/Chocolate Ice-cream/Chocolate Chip Cookies/Chocolate Muffin... (You get the idea)
Starbucks
Changi Airport
United Square
Popular Bookshop
Other teachers marking (and are way behind schedule ... ahem..)
Side effects:
Eye Bags
Lack of sleep
Nightmares
Stress
Runny Nose!!
Chocolate addiction
Lack of a life outside the red pen and paper
Obsession with marking - clearly evident when being seen without fail with a pile of papers and a red pen.
How you know when you've had it
When you give all your students As
When you give all your students Fs
When you only carry a red pen and a pile of papers wherever you go
When you refuse to name your son Mark - or hate anyone who's named that
Ah yes - and who said marking was fun?
I remember when I was a child, I admired how teachers could just sit at their desks while they tasked us with work in the classroom. It seemed so easy that all they had to do was tick, tick, tick. The child in me thought it was all so easy and perhaps, it was then that I started to nurture the thought of teaching. Some twenty plus years on, I don't envy my teachers anynore. Now that I am in their shoes, I finally understood why they never liked marking.
And like a burden lifted from my shoulders, I heaved a sigh of relief as I penned the last grade on the last script. Tabulating marks was never half as enjoyable as when you know this will be the last of the marking for the rest of the year.
Tomorrow, I will release the marks and papers to my anxious students, who are probably enjoying themselves right now. I hope they did well for the rest of the subjects too.
As for me, the sleepless nights has gotten into me, and I am down with a cold. Surrounded by tissue paper, I seek solace in blogging - a luxury I have not been able to afford for a while. I shall savour this moment for a while before new challenges face me tomorrow. For now, peace.
:)
80 compositons about 300 words in length each.
40 compositions about 400 words in length each.
80 formal letters of suggestion, about 300 words in length each.
40 informal letters of persuasion, about 350 words in length each.
80 sec 2 comprehension papers, complete with summary and cloze passage.
40 sec 3 comprehension papers, complete with summary.
Obstacles Faced:
Bad English
Sleep deprivation
Chocolate bars
Runny nose
Forgot to bring red pen home!
Support system:
Music
Camomile Tea
Chocolate Bars/Chocolate Ice-cream/Chocolate Chip Cookies/Chocolate Muffin... (You get the idea)
Starbucks
Changi Airport
United Square
Popular Bookshop
Other teachers marking (and are way behind schedule ... ahem..)
Side effects:
Eye Bags
Lack of sleep
Nightmares
Stress
Runny Nose!!
Chocolate addiction
Lack of a life outside the red pen and paper
Obsession with marking - clearly evident when being seen without fail with a pile of papers and a red pen.
How you know when you've had it
When you give all your students As
When you give all your students Fs
When you only carry a red pen and a pile of papers wherever you go
When you refuse to name your son Mark - or hate anyone who's named that
Ah yes - and who said marking was fun?
I remember when I was a child, I admired how teachers could just sit at their desks while they tasked us with work in the classroom. It seemed so easy that all they had to do was tick, tick, tick. The child in me thought it was all so easy and perhaps, it was then that I started to nurture the thought of teaching. Some twenty plus years on, I don't envy my teachers anynore. Now that I am in their shoes, I finally understood why they never liked marking.
And like a burden lifted from my shoulders, I heaved a sigh of relief as I penned the last grade on the last script. Tabulating marks was never half as enjoyable as when you know this will be the last of the marking for the rest of the year.
Tomorrow, I will release the marks and papers to my anxious students, who are probably enjoying themselves right now. I hope they did well for the rest of the subjects too.
As for me, the sleepless nights has gotten into me, and I am down with a cold. Surrounded by tissue paper, I seek solace in blogging - a luxury I have not been able to afford for a while. I shall savour this moment for a while before new challenges face me tomorrow. For now, peace.
:)
08 October 2005
A new trend
I thought that when I started marking at one of the many Starbucks in Singapore last year, I was one of the only teachers in Singapore doing so. And so, when the pile of marking came in on Thursday, I planned yet again on plonking myself in one of the Starbucks to mark. And I thought I'd be the only one doing so. I guess I was wrong!
Today, I met up with a friend of mine who wanted some company as she planned for her coursework for the coming semester in the polytechnic. We decided to meet at United Square. After all, another friend of mine commented they had a nice Starbucks there. And so, with some 60 scripts and my i-book tucked in my bag, I ventured up north, armed with a thick sweater, just in case it got too cold.
Surely enough, the Starbucks there was trendier than most I've been. Yes, the lush couch seats were there, but they were mostly occupied by students. We ordered drinks and food, and I pulled out my pile of marking and my trusty red pen whilst my friend pulled out her textbooks and blank sheets of paper to plan her lessons. As time went by, we realised I wasn't the only teacher around. Tucked in another corner was a girl, armed with a red pen - marking. Beside me, two other ladies in yoga-like gear and earphones plugged into their ears had a pile of paper and a red pen in their hands - marking. Behind us, a couple had another pile of paper. Again, red pens - marking. Yet another couple sat near us. The boy was reading a book while his partner marked. Maths, Literature, English, Physics...
I was amazed. It seems it has become a trend not only to see students mugging at the airport or at cafes. Teachers are doing the same, but marking. The lady in the yoga-llike gear walked past me as she refilled her mug with yet more hot water. "You're marking too, I see?" "Yes, I am. You too?" "Yup. Lit and English. I've been clearing about 100 scripts a day, and more's coming next week!" "Same here!"
Well, it seemed as though Starbucks was incubating a cult of teachers marking in their premises. As we each sat in our little corners slashing marks of red on the scripts, we looked up once in a while, and when our eyes met, we smiled a smile of empathy, as though saying "Yes, we're all in the same boat." We all hate it, but we have to do it. It is after all what we've been preparing our students for. It's a love-hate thing hard to explain.
My friend and I analysed the new trend, and concluded that teachers these days are going out to mark because they are the very group of people who went out to study when they were younger. It seems we find comfort and strength amongst those of us in the same boat. Each of us venture out for various reasons, but it all boils down to the home not being a conducive place for work.
Whatever the reason, I think Starbucks is having a swell time seeing their cakes, pastries and beverages being consumed as they provide fodder for the teachers and students whilst they mark and mug.
Today, I met up with a friend of mine who wanted some company as she planned for her coursework for the coming semester in the polytechnic. We decided to meet at United Square. After all, another friend of mine commented they had a nice Starbucks there. And so, with some 60 scripts and my i-book tucked in my bag, I ventured up north, armed with a thick sweater, just in case it got too cold.
Surely enough, the Starbucks there was trendier than most I've been. Yes, the lush couch seats were there, but they were mostly occupied by students. We ordered drinks and food, and I pulled out my pile of marking and my trusty red pen whilst my friend pulled out her textbooks and blank sheets of paper to plan her lessons. As time went by, we realised I wasn't the only teacher around. Tucked in another corner was a girl, armed with a red pen - marking. Beside me, two other ladies in yoga-like gear and earphones plugged into their ears had a pile of paper and a red pen in their hands - marking. Behind us, a couple had another pile of paper. Again, red pens - marking. Yet another couple sat near us. The boy was reading a book while his partner marked. Maths, Literature, English, Physics...
I was amazed. It seems it has become a trend not only to see students mugging at the airport or at cafes. Teachers are doing the same, but marking. The lady in the yoga-llike gear walked past me as she refilled her mug with yet more hot water. "You're marking too, I see?" "Yes, I am. You too?" "Yup. Lit and English. I've been clearing about 100 scripts a day, and more's coming next week!" "Same here!"
Well, it seemed as though Starbucks was incubating a cult of teachers marking in their premises. As we each sat in our little corners slashing marks of red on the scripts, we looked up once in a while, and when our eyes met, we smiled a smile of empathy, as though saying "Yes, we're all in the same boat." We all hate it, but we have to do it. It is after all what we've been preparing our students for. It's a love-hate thing hard to explain.
My friend and I analysed the new trend, and concluded that teachers these days are going out to mark because they are the very group of people who went out to study when they were younger. It seems we find comfort and strength amongst those of us in the same boat. Each of us venture out for various reasons, but it all boils down to the home not being a conducive place for work.
Whatever the reason, I think Starbucks is having a swell time seeing their cakes, pastries and beverages being consumed as they provide fodder for the teachers and students whilst they mark and mug.
01 October 2005
Prefixes and Suffixes
I was going through with my Sec 3 Diligence class the notions of prefixes and suffixes to better help them with the vocabulary section of the comprehension paper as preparation for the coming end of year exam. I explained that prefixes and suffixes have defined meanings which give a hint to the meaning of the word.
For example, "auto" means "self" - so you have "auto+matic" or "auto+biography". As I went down the list with them, I asked my class to give me examples for the different prefixes and suffixes.
Here's a few examples of what they came up with -
"Pre-" (as in to come before) : Pretty, Prefect
"In-" (as in not) : Indian, Indonesia
"Bi-" (as in two) : Biology
Well, at least I know they knew how to find non-examples. Which to me meant they knew what the examples were. So there you have it. Learning has taken place.
It was a lesson that made me smile even after class, though. I guess they've learnt one of the Habits of Mind - Finding humour.
Way to go 3 Dil! Don't let me and more importantly, don't let yourselves down! Study hard!!
For example, "auto" means "self" - so you have "auto+matic" or "auto+biography". As I went down the list with them, I asked my class to give me examples for the different prefixes and suffixes.
Here's a few examples of what they came up with -
"Pre-" (as in to come before) : Pretty, Prefect
"In-" (as in not) : Indian, Indonesia
"Bi-" (as in two) : Biology
Well, at least I know they knew how to find non-examples. Which to me meant they knew what the examples were. So there you have it. Learning has taken place.
It was a lesson that made me smile even after class, though. I guess they've learnt one of the Habits of Mind - Finding humour.
Way to go 3 Dil! Don't let me and more importantly, don't let yourselves down! Study hard!!
20 September 2005
The Private Doctor vs The Polyclinic
Alright. I've been hit by the bug again. This time with a throat infection, fever and runny nose.
This time, I decided to forgo the Civil Service benefit and go to a private doctor at the nearby White Sands instead of the polyclinic. My past experiences at the polyclinic were less than pleasant. Out of the many doctors I've seen there, only two showed human compassion. Others were forgettable or just plain unsympathetic. The last one I saw after my colonoscopy said that "my staff also go for the scope and they go back to work the next day." Then she had to add, "so what else is wrong with you?"
I guess that was the last straw, and so, this time I decided to trod down to White Sands, risk getting another unsympathetic doctor, and spending more money.
But I was glad I took that risk. The doctor was not only nice, he took time to know my medical history so he could treat me better. In the light of the Prime Minister's call for good service, I must say, this doctor is exemplary.
He sent me off with a dose of antibiotics, cough mixture and cold tablets and two days' MC so I could rest. "All that shouting you do as a teacher is not gonna help with your throat." He was empathetic, and that made the difference.
I thanked him as I left, telling him that I was glad I made the choice to visit him instead of the polyclinic. He understood what I meant. He said he was a doctor there before, and he didn't like the way he had to treat patients. All it took was three weeks for him to feel he had a better way to treat patients. He broke his bond and set up his own clinic. And he's happy now that he's making his patients happy with his personal touch.
Happy people make happy people. Now, that's what service is all about.
Which makes me wonder - happy teachers make happy students?
This time, I decided to forgo the Civil Service benefit and go to a private doctor at the nearby White Sands instead of the polyclinic. My past experiences at the polyclinic were less than pleasant. Out of the many doctors I've seen there, only two showed human compassion. Others were forgettable or just plain unsympathetic. The last one I saw after my colonoscopy said that "my staff also go for the scope and they go back to work the next day." Then she had to add, "so what else is wrong with you?"
I guess that was the last straw, and so, this time I decided to trod down to White Sands, risk getting another unsympathetic doctor, and spending more money.
But I was glad I took that risk. The doctor was not only nice, he took time to know my medical history so he could treat me better. In the light of the Prime Minister's call for good service, I must say, this doctor is exemplary.
He sent me off with a dose of antibiotics, cough mixture and cold tablets and two days' MC so I could rest. "All that shouting you do as a teacher is not gonna help with your throat." He was empathetic, and that made the difference.
I thanked him as I left, telling him that I was glad I made the choice to visit him instead of the polyclinic. He understood what I meant. He said he was a doctor there before, and he didn't like the way he had to treat patients. All it took was three weeks for him to feel he had a better way to treat patients. He broke his bond and set up his own clinic. And he's happy now that he's making his patients happy with his personal touch.
Happy people make happy people. Now, that's what service is all about.
Which makes me wonder - happy teachers make happy students?
01 September 2005
Weddings, Chemistry, Love...
Hmmm.. The world around me seems to be falling in love and getting married these days. For one, I will be attending yet another of my JC mate's wedding next Sunday. Today, I accompanied one of my best friends to try on a gown. As she walked out of the changing room, I thought she looked stunning. At last, she's getting married!
The designer of the bridal shop asked me when it was my turn. Oh well. That's another on the list who's been asking me that question. I've got to find a man first, I told him. And when I met one of my former colleagues, he too asked the same question. Just like my kids at school, he concluded that I was too fussy.
But excuse me and pardon me if I am wrong, but ain't choosing a life partner quite unlike choosing say a pair of shoes. I mean wear out your shoes and there you go, you can go get a new pair. Or even own a few pairs at a time! Nothing's wrong, no sin done. But to me marriage is something sacred. Choosing a life partner is not settling down for one just cos I can't get another. To me, it's a feeling you get when you just know that you found that someone.
I've known many a friend who had played the field, and when that someone came along, they just knew he or she was THE ONE. They all can't explain it, but they tell me that you'd know. And when you know, you don't have to be dating for ages. You'd just know you're meant to be, and you'd settle down.
Which brings me to remember by friend and my NIE classmate whom I put together two years back. And look now - they're engaged! I guess both of them just knew that they were meant for each other.
Over lunch just last week with my ex-boss, she commented that youngsters these days look for "chemistry" in their marriages. She lamented on how her two children are still looking for that someone they can have "chemistry" with. She was puzzled why it was all so important to us youngsters.
I guess to me, that "chemistry" is the level of communication I can have with one. I value communication very much. If I had a relationship, I would insist on an open communication between me and my partner. No secrets! Because I think with that, everything else will fall in place. Uncle J calls this rapport. When one communicates well with another, there's rapport when you find the other completing your sentences or speaking the words off your mind even before you say it. Of course, I've got to feel comfortable with that person too. Ah, yes... "Chemistry".
And to answer that big question as to why I'm still single? Well, maybe I'm just one of those isolated metals on the periodic table that do not form bonds with other metals. No "chemistry". But don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about the status of my singlehood. Yes, I am approaching 30, and I'm single and educated, and according to some reports, I belong to the growing number of single independent women who is not contributing to the population growth of the nation. So? I am free, independent, and I can do what I want, fly off to where I want if I want to, and pursue my goals and dreams. No, I am not selfish, but I guess instead of moping on my status as a single, why can't I celebrate it and make the best use of it while I am at it?!
But yes, I'd love to fall in love some day, with that special someone some day. But til that day comes, here's cheers to singlehood, and the freedom it brings!
:)
The designer of the bridal shop asked me when it was my turn. Oh well. That's another on the list who's been asking me that question. I've got to find a man first, I told him. And when I met one of my former colleagues, he too asked the same question. Just like my kids at school, he concluded that I was too fussy.
But excuse me and pardon me if I am wrong, but ain't choosing a life partner quite unlike choosing say a pair of shoes. I mean wear out your shoes and there you go, you can go get a new pair. Or even own a few pairs at a time! Nothing's wrong, no sin done. But to me marriage is something sacred. Choosing a life partner is not settling down for one just cos I can't get another. To me, it's a feeling you get when you just know that you found that someone.
I've known many a friend who had played the field, and when that someone came along, they just knew he or she was THE ONE. They all can't explain it, but they tell me that you'd know. And when you know, you don't have to be dating for ages. You'd just know you're meant to be, and you'd settle down.
Which brings me to remember by friend and my NIE classmate whom I put together two years back. And look now - they're engaged! I guess both of them just knew that they were meant for each other.
Over lunch just last week with my ex-boss, she commented that youngsters these days look for "chemistry" in their marriages. She lamented on how her two children are still looking for that someone they can have "chemistry" with. She was puzzled why it was all so important to us youngsters.
I guess to me, that "chemistry" is the level of communication I can have with one. I value communication very much. If I had a relationship, I would insist on an open communication between me and my partner. No secrets! Because I think with that, everything else will fall in place. Uncle J calls this rapport. When one communicates well with another, there's rapport when you find the other completing your sentences or speaking the words off your mind even before you say it. Of course, I've got to feel comfortable with that person too. Ah, yes... "Chemistry".
And to answer that big question as to why I'm still single? Well, maybe I'm just one of those isolated metals on the periodic table that do not form bonds with other metals. No "chemistry". But don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about the status of my singlehood. Yes, I am approaching 30, and I'm single and educated, and according to some reports, I belong to the growing number of single independent women who is not contributing to the population growth of the nation. So? I am free, independent, and I can do what I want, fly off to where I want if I want to, and pursue my goals and dreams. No, I am not selfish, but I guess instead of moping on my status as a single, why can't I celebrate it and make the best use of it while I am at it?!
But yes, I'd love to fall in love some day, with that special someone some day. But til that day comes, here's cheers to singlehood, and the freedom it brings!
:)
23 August 2005
Why Teachers Quit?!
In a large way, I'm glad I'm done with the O level English Oral Exams. This means that my afternoons are back in order for me to catch up with work and marking... Well, that was what I thought. But no. I am clearing up the backlog of my Sec 2 kids who have yet to sit for their oral exams. And so every afternoon, I see myself staying back again for another two hours or so clearing batches of students as they sit in front of me reading, talking about some picture and some topic I give them. It's tiring considering I start my exams without a lunch break immediately after my last lesson for the day.
And so, lunch these days are at 4pm if I am lucky.
I came across a second-hand bookshop over the weekend and was surprised to find a book written by a local, Enzo Liow, entitled "Why Teachers Quit?!" The first question I asked was "Is this book legal?" Ha.. typical civil servant in me. Out of curiosity, I asked the girl at the counter to let me take a look at the book. Flipping through, I saw familiar words such as HOD, Parents, Students, Marking.... Things we teachers face each day. The book costs $14.90. I thought it was a smart way for the author to make a quick buck. I thanked the girl at the counter. I told her I didn't need to spend $14.90 for all the things I already know.
I wonder how useful the book would have been for aspiring teachers, or for me when I decided to come into teaching. Hadn't I not known all these would be coming? I wonder how my NIE mates are coping. I wonder if they share the same sentiments as those found in the book.
On the other hand, others have written about the joys of teaching, the fulfilment and the rich experience in shaping others' lives. I've known of teachers who stick by their jobs regardless. What makes these stay and others go?
So, does it boil down to the individual, or is it a mixture of both the individual and the system he is made to be put in. Does he grow with the system or does he get trapped in it? Do we blame the individual or the system? What can and should be done?
16 August 2005
Oral exams these days and more...
Tired. This is day four of the O Level English oral exams and I feel tired. That's because it means some eight afternoons are burnt just listening to bad English - well almost. Well, to be honest, I was a little entertained by some. I tried hard not to laugh when a student said that "the boy looks very concentrated". I think he meant "he looks as if he's concentrating hard." In my mind, and with a growling stomach, I began to wonder how a "diluted boy" looked like... Heh..
OK - 2 Integrity. You are beginning to make me smile at you. I am impressed by the efforts most of you made today to ensure you did well for your oral presentation. It wasn't easy, I know, but some of you gathered all your courage and did your best. And for that, I applaud you. You made me so proud of you, I really had no qualms giving some of you the full marks. I see that you can rise up to the occasion too if it calls for it. All of you have so much potential, I wonder why some of you decide to keep it within you when you can manifest it. I especially enjoy it when you compete just so to get better marks. Keep that competitive spirit within you and drive yourself to be better always. You can only get better, right? And so, 2 Integrity - don't let me down, but more importantly, don't let yourself down.
:)
OK - 2 Integrity. You are beginning to make me smile at you. I am impressed by the efforts most of you made today to ensure you did well for your oral presentation. It wasn't easy, I know, but some of you gathered all your courage and did your best. And for that, I applaud you. You made me so proud of you, I really had no qualms giving some of you the full marks. I see that you can rise up to the occasion too if it calls for it. All of you have so much potential, I wonder why some of you decide to keep it within you when you can manifest it. I especially enjoy it when you compete just so to get better marks. Keep that competitive spirit within you and drive yourself to be better always. You can only get better, right? And so, 2 Integrity - don't let me down, but more importantly, don't let yourself down.
:)
08 August 2005
Angels Brought Me Here
Yes, it is a fairly old song, sung by Guy Sebastian - Australian Idol 2004. But I'm totally in love with it. I've been listening to it over and over and over again... Too bad I can't fit the song in here, but I'd like to share with you the lyrics... So beautiful...
ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE
By Guy Sebastian
It's been a long and winding journey, but i'm finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces, and walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory, where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like that feeling, when i look into your eyes...
My dreams came true, when i found you
I found you, my miracle...
If you could see, what i see, that you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Standing here before you, feels like i've been born again
Every breath is your love, every heartbeat speaks your name...
My dreams came true, right here in front of you
My miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Brought me here to be with you,I'll be forever grateful (oh forever Faithful)
My dreams came true
When I found youMy miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Yes they brought me here... If you could feel, the tenderness i feel...
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE
By Guy Sebastian
It's been a long and winding journey, but i'm finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces, and walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory, where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like that feeling, when i look into your eyes...
My dreams came true, when i found you
I found you, my miracle...
If you could see, what i see, that you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Standing here before you, feels like i've been born again
Every breath is your love, every heartbeat speaks your name...
My dreams came true, right here in front of you
My miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Brought me here to be with you,I'll be forever grateful (oh forever Faithful)
My dreams came true
When I found youMy miracle...
If you could see, what i see, you're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness i feel
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
Yes they brought me here... If you could feel, the tenderness i feel...
You would know, it would be clear, that angels brought me here...
04 August 2005
I've been on MC
Yes, my kids have been asking me why I haven't been to school lately. They have been asking why I have been on MC so often lately. And as much as I don't want to say much, I think I owe them an explanation - as well as caring colleagues who have been asking what happened to me.
Well, in short, I have been visiting the hospital lately for more checks, and Monday saw me going through a colonoscopy. From morning, I had to take some awful concoction that "prepared" my intestines for the procedure. In the coldness of the various operating rooms in the endoscopy ward at SGH, I was given a jab that saw me passing out so I was spared the discomfort of the whole procedure.
When I awoke, I was glad to find mum by my side, telling me that the doc said nothing seriously wrong was with me. He'd see me again in two weeks to follow up on further treatments if necessary. I couldn't remember when I was wheeled out, or when the procedure ended, or how I got down from the bed. All I remember was I was given a hot cup of Milo by the nurse and my stomach hurt like hell. The nurse promised me the pain would subside. Thankfully, by the time I reached home, it did.
I felt nauseous the next day, and decided that I needed a longer rest than I had anticipated. A big bruise surfaced below the plaster that covered the injection mark. The pain in my abdomen comes on and off - an acute pain that alternates between the left and right regions. I've lost my appetite for my usual sustenance, and I dread meal times. My stomach feels like it is in a mess. Well, at least I am glad it's not as bad as what the other doc thought it could have been - cancer.
So, thanks my kids for your care and concern. This is what happened. This is why Miss Chew has been absent. And she hopes she doesn't have to be absent for so many days for a while...
I must say, when I returned to school on Wednesday, I was touched by my form class, 3 Diligence. For some reason, they decided to clean the classroom til it sparkling clean.. well, almost. It was as if it was their way of welcoming me back. In a way, I missed them. Sometimes, I wished they were more motivated, more driven to want to do well. It saddens me to see some give up so easily. Where is that spirit of resilience? Where is the enthusiasm? Where is the drive, the spirit? Where is the power of their youth?!
If I ever want to see anything, I'd like to see them develop these qualities. I'd love to see them succeed and be so proud of themselves, of their achievements. I'd like them to reach the top and one day say to themselves - yes, I've made it.
This is my vision for you, my dear 3 Dil...
Well, in short, I have been visiting the hospital lately for more checks, and Monday saw me going through a colonoscopy. From morning, I had to take some awful concoction that "prepared" my intestines for the procedure. In the coldness of the various operating rooms in the endoscopy ward at SGH, I was given a jab that saw me passing out so I was spared the discomfort of the whole procedure.
When I awoke, I was glad to find mum by my side, telling me that the doc said nothing seriously wrong was with me. He'd see me again in two weeks to follow up on further treatments if necessary. I couldn't remember when I was wheeled out, or when the procedure ended, or how I got down from the bed. All I remember was I was given a hot cup of Milo by the nurse and my stomach hurt like hell. The nurse promised me the pain would subside. Thankfully, by the time I reached home, it did.
I felt nauseous the next day, and decided that I needed a longer rest than I had anticipated. A big bruise surfaced below the plaster that covered the injection mark. The pain in my abdomen comes on and off - an acute pain that alternates between the left and right regions. I've lost my appetite for my usual sustenance, and I dread meal times. My stomach feels like it is in a mess. Well, at least I am glad it's not as bad as what the other doc thought it could have been - cancer.
So, thanks my kids for your care and concern. This is what happened. This is why Miss Chew has been absent. And she hopes she doesn't have to be absent for so many days for a while...
I must say, when I returned to school on Wednesday, I was touched by my form class, 3 Diligence. For some reason, they decided to clean the classroom til it sparkling clean.. well, almost. It was as if it was their way of welcoming me back. In a way, I missed them. Sometimes, I wished they were more motivated, more driven to want to do well. It saddens me to see some give up so easily. Where is that spirit of resilience? Where is the enthusiasm? Where is the drive, the spirit? Where is the power of their youth?!
If I ever want to see anything, I'd like to see them develop these qualities. I'd love to see them succeed and be so proud of themselves, of their achievements. I'd like them to reach the top and one day say to themselves - yes, I've made it.
This is my vision for you, my dear 3 Dil...
22 July 2005
Unity does it again!
This blog entry is dedicated to Sec 2 Unity - yes, you've done it again!
Thanks for today's immaculate performance, for participating, and rising to the occasion when the moment arrived. I smiled when Sam raised his hands to ask a question. Or even when Jason asked a simple question like, "Where did you get the money from, ah?" That put smiles on our visitors' faces.
You see, all of you have the potential. All of you can be up there in the top class. Even our VIP asked if you were the top class. I guess he was pleasantly surprised when I said you were not. And he wasn't the only one asking if you were the top class. You made us all very proud of you, because to us it meant that you need not be in the top class to be good. You can be good where you are. And that motivates us teachers to want to persevere, because we've been encouraged.
Justin - I must say you did a fabulous job! A few teachers came up to me after that, asking about you. Look out for more opportunities to show your talent and strength! :)
I must also commend the panel of speakers - Weiqi, Bryan, Rachel, Maryse and Jackson. I know it's not easy being placed in the hot seat, to be asked question. But you took up the challenge and worked hard to making the lesson work. You put in the effort to read the long articles, to do the research, to rehearse, and to perfect it all. Thanks for calling me up yesterday after school just to make sure you all knew what to do today, and for coming in early today. I hope you had fun doing all the research as much as the class had fun asking all the questions!
Sec 2 Unity - you are a special class, and don't let anyone let you think otherwise. Remember that if you can rise up to the occasion and do so exceptionally well for this lesson today, you can also do equally well in every aspect of your life. It's just putting your mind to it. Believe you can achieve great things and you will. Because when you do, all your actions lead you towards that goal. All of you wanted the lesson to be perfect, and that's why you put in your best effort. Want that perfectionism in the other parts of your life. You'd find yourself directiong your actions to working towards perfect in no time.
Don't give up when difficulties face you, because you've just proven that you've got what it takes to make it all happen despite the odds.
:)
Thanks for today's immaculate performance, for participating, and rising to the occasion when the moment arrived. I smiled when Sam raised his hands to ask a question. Or even when Jason asked a simple question like, "Where did you get the money from, ah?" That put smiles on our visitors' faces.
You see, all of you have the potential. All of you can be up there in the top class. Even our VIP asked if you were the top class. I guess he was pleasantly surprised when I said you were not. And he wasn't the only one asking if you were the top class. You made us all very proud of you, because to us it meant that you need not be in the top class to be good. You can be good where you are. And that motivates us teachers to want to persevere, because we've been encouraged.
Justin - I must say you did a fabulous job! A few teachers came up to me after that, asking about you. Look out for more opportunities to show your talent and strength! :)
I must also commend the panel of speakers - Weiqi, Bryan, Rachel, Maryse and Jackson. I know it's not easy being placed in the hot seat, to be asked question. But you took up the challenge and worked hard to making the lesson work. You put in the effort to read the long articles, to do the research, to rehearse, and to perfect it all. Thanks for calling me up yesterday after school just to make sure you all knew what to do today, and for coming in early today. I hope you had fun doing all the research as much as the class had fun asking all the questions!
Sec 2 Unity - you are a special class, and don't let anyone let you think otherwise. Remember that if you can rise up to the occasion and do so exceptionally well for this lesson today, you can also do equally well in every aspect of your life. It's just putting your mind to it. Believe you can achieve great things and you will. Because when you do, all your actions lead you towards that goal. All of you wanted the lesson to be perfect, and that's why you put in your best effort. Want that perfectionism in the other parts of your life. You'd find yourself directiong your actions to working towards perfect in no time.
Don't give up when difficulties face you, because you've just proven that you've got what it takes to make it all happen despite the odds.
:)
21 July 2005
The Cold Bug
I've been hit by the cold bug, and I think my kids are either very happy that I'm not there to teach them, or sad that they have some other boring relief teacher to. :P
Well, I've been fighting the virus since last week, and I guess the additional pressure of some VIP coming over tomorrow to observe my class doesn't help. And so, after being down on Monday, I'm down again with the "haaaahhh choooooo!". Yes, I'm a germ-spreader.
But I'm so proud of my 2 Unity kids, who are so conscientious about making the lesson tomorrow work, that they decided to call me to find out exactly what they should do. And so, all dizzy eyed, I briefed them.. "Are you really sick, Miss Chew?" asked one of them after realising that I'm still working at home to finalise the lesson for tomorrow despite the medicine that's making me all drowsy.
Yes, I've not been well lately and I wonder why. My resistance level seem to have dropped over the years. I remember being able to stay in my cold office at 18 degrees celcius in NUS and not feel cold at all. Now, I shiver and sneeze when it gets too cold. Time to balance the ying yang!
I had a good chat over the msn with one of my NIE mates just two days back. We talked about school, about our kids, about bureaucracies, about future plans, and future partners! She loved my previous blog entry, and told me it was a good one. Thanks for your encouragement, D, for pushing me to pick up more starfishes and throw them into the sea! I guess sometimes, some people don't appreciate or see the effort we're putting in to save these starfishes. Sure, we're not perfect, and we may have to throw the same starfish back into the sea over and over again. But we know what we're doing it for, and we know our conscience is clear. And if it saves starfishes, really, it's all that matters.
My brother was just over the msn with me, and though we're in our 30s, we really are children at heart. We recall our school days once in a while, of how we would smuggle food into the study room so we could eat them without our dad knowing, or of how we used to eat the "pie porridge" my mum used to cook. We joke that it taught us fractions! Remembering our childhood doesn't make us childish. It makes us realise how far we've moved on. And sharing it doesn't make us any weaker. It makes us realise we were strong then. And we can be stronger now.
So don't forget to be a child sometimes. My brother says being a child is good.. He quotes from the bible, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
:)
Well, I've been fighting the virus since last week, and I guess the additional pressure of some VIP coming over tomorrow to observe my class doesn't help. And so, after being down on Monday, I'm down again with the "haaaahhh choooooo!". Yes, I'm a germ-spreader.
But I'm so proud of my 2 Unity kids, who are so conscientious about making the lesson tomorrow work, that they decided to call me to find out exactly what they should do. And so, all dizzy eyed, I briefed them.. "Are you really sick, Miss Chew?" asked one of them after realising that I'm still working at home to finalise the lesson for tomorrow despite the medicine that's making me all drowsy.
Yes, I've not been well lately and I wonder why. My resistance level seem to have dropped over the years. I remember being able to stay in my cold office at 18 degrees celcius in NUS and not feel cold at all. Now, I shiver and sneeze when it gets too cold. Time to balance the ying yang!
I had a good chat over the msn with one of my NIE mates just two days back. We talked about school, about our kids, about bureaucracies, about future plans, and future partners! She loved my previous blog entry, and told me it was a good one. Thanks for your encouragement, D, for pushing me to pick up more starfishes and throw them into the sea! I guess sometimes, some people don't appreciate or see the effort we're putting in to save these starfishes. Sure, we're not perfect, and we may have to throw the same starfish back into the sea over and over again. But we know what we're doing it for, and we know our conscience is clear. And if it saves starfishes, really, it's all that matters.
My brother was just over the msn with me, and though we're in our 30s, we really are children at heart. We recall our school days once in a while, of how we would smuggle food into the study room so we could eat them without our dad knowing, or of how we used to eat the "pie porridge" my mum used to cook. We joke that it taught us fractions! Remembering our childhood doesn't make us childish. It makes us realise how far we've moved on. And sharing it doesn't make us any weaker. It makes us realise we were strong then. And we can be stronger now.
So don't forget to be a child sometimes. My brother says being a child is good.. He quotes from the bible, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
:)
14 July 2005
Thanks kids!
It's uncanny how life can be when it deals you with a wild card you don't expect.
My student posted a blog entry in the school blog that was set up to participate in a blog competition. In it, he wrote about how he was affected by what I shared with him and a few other students in class, about my life when I was a teenager, about growing up faster than my counterparts, about hitting hurdle after hurdle, and despite all the odds, I didn't even once felt like giving up. In fact, I went on and on. I just felt that there was a necessity to go on, to remain strong for myself and those around me.
My student said that he thought he was stong, but after what I shared with him, he felt he wasn't. He said that if he were in my shoes, he'd have given up. He said that one day, he hopes to have my never-give-up attitude.
I knew I had to go through what I went through for a reason. I knew that for what I went through, I had to share my experience with those around me. It is for this reason perhaps that I found my calling in teaching some two years back. I knew I had to share this part of my life in school.
I don't really know what drove me then, or what made me so strong that I just could go on and on with a stamina even I didn't realise I had. But I know some things made the experience less bitter.
My student posted a blog entry in the school blog that was set up to participate in a blog competition. In it, he wrote about how he was affected by what I shared with him and a few other students in class, about my life when I was a teenager, about growing up faster than my counterparts, about hitting hurdle after hurdle, and despite all the odds, I didn't even once felt like giving up. In fact, I went on and on. I just felt that there was a necessity to go on, to remain strong for myself and those around me.
My student said that he thought he was stong, but after what I shared with him, he felt he wasn't. He said that if he were in my shoes, he'd have given up. He said that one day, he hopes to have my never-give-up attitude.
I knew I had to go through what I went through for a reason. I knew that for what I went through, I had to share my experience with those around me. It is for this reason perhaps that I found my calling in teaching some two years back. I knew I had to share this part of my life in school.
I don't really know what drove me then, or what made me so strong that I just could go on and on with a stamina even I didn't realise I had. But I know some things made the experience less bitter.
- Firstly, the power of prayer. I prayed whenever I felt low. I asked God to give me patience and strength daily. That was all I asked for. He sent me angels in my life, coming in the form of friends.
- Secondly, my upbringing. I remember that when I was young, mum used to have this small book filled with positive quotes. Almost every day, she'd tell me about the power of positive thinking. Although perhaps too young to understand the full essence of it at that age, somehow, I believed that what you believe in your mind, you will get. In my mind, I believed that home would be a better place. Well, it is now for me!
- Thirdly, this quote - "Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." It gave me strength, and hope. It made me realise that it doesn't matter how often my hurdles bring me down on my journey. It is me picking myself up that matters.
Of course, I have a wonderful brother that I knew loves me although he doesn't say it. Ever since dad left, he's taken on the role as head of the house, ensuring that our daily needs are met.
Today, life isn't exactly luxurious, but we have enough to get by. I'm proud to be able to send my mum on holidays cos that's what she enjoys.
And just as I thought life could be all comfortable, I'm hit with news that may mean I may not be in the best of health for some time.
I've learnt to realise that I don't know what tomorrow will bring, and so I'll do all I can do today.
To my student who wrote that blog entry, I'd like to thank you. And for all of you who have been tagging on the tagboard, and posting your comments, i'd like to thank you too for your concern and encouraging words. Being a teacher can be trying at times, but your words push me on. All of you are angels sent to me by God, to encourage me and push me on when the road gets tough.
Thanks for inspiring me, kids! Don't give up on your dream. I'm sure one day, you'll be an inspiration to others too!
:)