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...
30 March 2006
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!
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.
:)