Ms C's Forum of Thoughts

It's OVER!

2008-11-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just came to know that today is more or less the last day of the GCE O'Levels. I have told everyone before, right? Time will fly past very quickly! I just want you guys (at least those who are reading) to reflect a bit before you go off and enjoy the break, a long one indeed.

Have you put in your best effort, not just over the past couple of months but over the 2 years of preparation?

Do you think that you have done your best for the papers?

Is your conscience pricking you for not trying hard enough although you have been telling people that you have tried your best?

If your answers to the first 2 question is 'yes' and to the last question is 'no', I just want to say that GO AND ENJOY YOUR BREAK! You deserve it! (But remember, don't be too hard on yourself with the answers. Some of you have tried your best but are too humble.) But if your answers are otherwise, what is done is done. Have a good break and hope for the best!

Just want to say I still miss everyone and I shall see you all (I try ok!) next year when you receive your results!

Hi there! Anybody?

2008-09-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

Was doing a bit of invigilating when I realised that it has been 3 months since I moved to a new place and adopted a new status. 3 months has always been an interesting way to gauge things. When you take up a new job, your probation is usually 3 months. Even in a new relationship, whether communicated or not, there seems to be a 3 month testing time too. I guess over the last 3 months, things have not been that great. But I think I have emerged from the test a stronger person. Things are also more settled and the initial difficulty to get used to the new life has more or less disappeared. I am a little happier.

Then, as I was walking down the hall, I also came to realise something. Since the final examinations are here, it also means that the final crunch for the O'level pupils is nearing. Science practical exams are starting in 1 week plus time and the written exams are starting in mid-October! I started wondering how's my dearest 4Es are doing? For most of you, I know it's one the most difficult times to get by as you are working hard while a handful of you are proabably panicking because you have not been working for the past 2 yrs. Whichever the casem no point giving yourself too muc pressure, just try your very best and never panicked during the examination period. I know nerves get some of you very easliy. Just remember to to take a deep breath before you start the paper and believe that you can do it!

If you need to vent a little of stress or an advice or two, drop me a note or sms! I don't mind lending you a listening ear! Do your best PEOPLE!

The class photo that I really want to take..

2008-08-14T06:54:00.001-07:00

Got a message from J. She said that today 4E3 took class photo..but I was not there...Felt a little down..it's the last official class photo..yet I was not there...

Get up and climb again...

2008-08-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

Dearest Sec 4s...
I know today is not a good day for many of you. I, myself, was feeling rather fidgety and I realised the reason was because sub-consciously I was worried about your MT results. I had wanted to drop you guys a message this morning but unfortunately, muddle head me left my phone at home. I was waiting for news but nothing came except for a MSN message from one of you. From that message, I knew that things did not go that right. Upon confirmation, I found out that quite a number of you did not perform up to expectations. I wish I could be there to cheer everyone up.

But look guys! I will only you all to sulk for just 12 hours because you are given a 2nd chance to better your results! Do remember that you have an ultimate battle to fight come October! Having MT as part of it is no big deal! Just remember that the teachers are here to help you along and fight with you! So, just get up and start climbing the hill again...the peak is within sight...

How's everyone?

2008-08-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Amazing, isn't it? Ms C or Mrs N actually managed 2 entries consecutively! I guess there's just so much that I want to share and let out.

Dropped Ms R an sms to congratulate her for achieving the Dedicated Service Award and had a short 'chat' with her. It felt really nice..not forgetting Ms M's comments on my blog...it's really very heart-warming to hear all the encouraging words from you girls! Isn't it interesting? It's like a role reversal. Usually, it should be the teacher encouraging the kids and seldom the other way round. Well, this is the beauty of teaching...after years of working hard and thinking that no one really cares...you realised that there are so many little angels around you. It just made my gloomy and tough day a lot prettier.

Although I must say that based on the little I know, some of you are still a little worrying...People! Remember! It's a mere 2 months to go! Isn't this what we have been waiting and working hard for all these years? I am really looking forward to next year...when we could laugh together...

The lousiest day so far...

2008-08-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

The past 6 weeks at the new school have been rather smotth sailing, I must say. Although many colleagues did notice that I am not exactly that happy, I guess life is still not that bad. I guess today was really an exception. My dear students at LYS have been asking if my current students are bullying me. To be very honest, most are really nice and friendly. The initial reluctance to accept me has subsided quite a bit and I am slowly enjoying teaching the classes except for 1.

I walked out of the class today. I have been having terrible Monday blues all thanks to this particular class. That's because I only teach them character development and do not teach them any examinable subjects. Maybe in their minds, this is not that important. The first few weeks have been quite a struggle getting them to cooperate but today was the final straw. I had enough of their disrespect and decided to walk out. I refused to return despite the possible risk of being reprimanded by my boss as to me that's a sign of weakness. Really, at that point, no amount of scolding would deter me from staying put in the office. I was THAT angry!

After cooling down, I tried to recall when was the last time I walked out of a class. Can't really recall any this year nor last year. But I remember clearly that 2 years back, I walked out of a history class and the kids felt so bad that an apology card was made after I refused to see and her them apologise.

I guess I am still not over missing LYS and what I have experienced there. 5 long years and don't know how many hundreds of kids I have taught. Sometimes I really wonder will I ever be as happy in this new school?

It has been 3 weeks!

2008-07-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday! The 3rd Friday of Term 3. Ms C has been known as Mrs N for 2 weeks now. Time is really crazy. It runs so fast that I have no choice but to just follow the flow...as a result, I hardly have the time to think or to reflect.

I know I promise everyone that I will update this blog regularly. But changing the school and getting married at the same time is taking the toil on me. Getting used to the new home is one thing. Getting used to the new work environement is really a challenge. Just last Friday, I had a really miserable moment, while sitting at my new mini cubicle doing some marking. A sudden sense of loss overwhelmed me and I started tearing. I started sniffing, trying really hard to hold back my tears but to no avail. I thought talking to people would help so I messaged some of my dearest ex-colleagues but all the messages that returned were so sweet and touching that I just cried. Well, not surprising to all of you...Mrs N is still a cry baby. Knowing how miserable I was feeling, I received a surprise gift (A SUNFLOWER...MY FAVOURITE!) from one of my ex-colleagues...well...early in the morning, the day after the Youth Day holiday, Mrs N started sniffing again.

Not forgetting all the sweet messages from all of you. From my 2 chair persons (M - I hope you are feeling better now), D, E(over MSN) and one of the history pupils, SK. Everytime you all mentioned that you are going to trash any pupils who bully me here, it just makes me smile. You guys have no idea how much I miss everyone (especially the Sec 4s). See? Even typing this makes my eyes teary. But no worries everyone, because I do not want to see anyone of you getting into trouble for trashing people, I will not let anyone bully me. Anyway, the pupils here are really nice to me. So, you all just focused on doing SUPER well in your O'levels and let me worry less.

So, all the sweet sweet pupils of mine, do not worry about me...things are getting a little better as days go by. Will share more with you all when there's a chance (in this blog or when we meet). In the meantime...study really hard! Remember to dream the biggest dream so that you can realise it!

Miss you all!

Farewell outing with 4E3

2008-06-21T06:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys for taking so long to upload these. I must say a big thank you for organising the outing especially to Dinie who was the main coordinator for the whole thing...although I burnt a hole (and a huge one ok) during the outing, I am glad to see smiles on the faces of almost everyone. My initial fear that I would cry was pointless as no tears were really shed (except for 1 person). I guess we were all mentally prepared to say good-bye and we just want to wish each other the very best as we move on.

To 4E3, thank you for being such a charming form class. Although some of you really gave me headaches, I have never failed to believe that ALL of you are good people. I had difficulties initially with some of you who are really stubborn people, but sometimes the little messages and notes that you gave assured me that you are on the right path. Work hard, people! I want to laugh and cry in joy with you next year!

Last Day of school - With 4E History Elective class

2008-06-09T09:13:00.001-07:00

4th June 2008 spelt the last History class I would ever have with my 4E class. As much as their mid-year results were very disappointing (no one knows it better than they themselves do), I still believe that they will rise to the occassion and perform to their best ability.

Certainly the sweetest graduating History class I have ever had. I will never forget the lovely birthday surprise, sweet farewell (knew you guys were up to 'no good' when you actually rejected my idea to cancel class) and unwavering support and understanding. Not forgetting the 'gila girls' who can really make and spoil a day!

Just want to wish all of you the very best! Work really hard to prove that you can!

Last official Day in School - with 4E3

2008-06-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well well...here I am trying very hard to update the blog. Know many of you have been waiting for this - the pictures taken the last day of school! Special thanks to Datin, who was our official photographer for many of the photos. I must say that she did a great job! In the meantime, enjoy! Will be back with MORE!

Disappointed

2008-04-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to post about my super mega birthday celebration last week but before I could complete the post, something very disappointing happened today.

I know you are one of the few who will be reading this and you know who you are. I am terribly sad that you actually joined the rest in doing something so silly and dumb. What on earth were you guys thinking when you decided to just skip the assembly and play with some stupid paper planes in class? It's very ironic. I was just sharing with someone important in the school on what kind of values I have been teaching my students. I proudly told her that I keep telling my pupils to 'always fo the right things'. For the 5 others, I guess I won't be as upset but Mr P, you have been under my charge for 3 years and 4 months now while the other 5 have not been with me since sec 1. I only taught them on and off for 1 year plus. You know very well that my expectations are high but not unachievable.

Suddenly, I feel that I have failed once again. All the while, I have not been able to reach out to the 6 of you. Maybe I should stop being upset about you guys. I only have 2 months left here. I would rather remember the happy times and treasure my time with the rest who really care.

Disillusioned...

2008...Happy New Year?

2008-01-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

Don't know why am I having this sudden urge to write something. It seemed that I was all prepared to let this blog 'die a natual death' but a sense of nostalgia just hit me out of nowhere recent weeks.

This is week 4 of 2008. Honestly, have been pretty unused to not being the 1st form teacher of the class. No more morning attendance taking, lesser opportunities to see everyone and asking everyone how are things. I could only get little updates from a few pupils and some teachers. I really do not want to meddle too much...afterall...I should not overstep the boundary yet I really miss the class. Certainly, a few of the boys have given me 'heartbreaks' but I know they are good kids at heart. All they need is a nice proper hair cut and something call motivation to get their lives going. The girls...oh well....certainly one of the sweetest group I have ever taught.

I do feel a little concerned about a small group of boys and who they are hanging out with. All I am asking is for this group to remember last year...how you all had to fight real hard to survive in the stream...this year would be different...you are no longer facing promotion but the REAL examinations! the battle is now one-off...

Hey everyone, not too sure if anyone of you are reading this....you are very fortunate this year to have a very experienced group of teachers taking your class. All I ask is a little patience. Soon, what you dread will be over...do not even think of giving up before trying...I always think that all of you have what it takes to stay on course to achieve what you want...Just remember good luck comes with hard work and always do the right thing....

Really miss you guys...

Life goes on....

2007-11-18T02:13:00.000-08:00

Haven't been updating this blog and honestly, it might be because I am reluctant to touch on the topic. I have not quite explained fully for the decision that I have made. Not that the reason really matters to all of you, just that maybe some of you might want to know.

But before I touch on that, I just want to congratulate my form class. I am really proud that all of you have managed to promote successfuly without any help from the school. My only fear now is for the weaker ones. You guys really have to work very hard to ensure that you catch up next year which is a highly crucial year. NEVER get complacent as it will only lead you to regret. C'mon guys and girls, it is going to be the last year, make a beautiful final dash. I have 100% faith that all of you will be able to go to your preferred choice! Remember! For those who wants to go poly, aim for 14 points and below (L1R4) while those who wants to go to JC, aim to score 18 and below (L1B5). Start finding information about the courses available and repeatedly ask yourself what do you want to do and decide on that quickly! Ms C won't be there for the 2nd part of the year to constantly nag at you. So, really, remember that you walk your own path!

As for the reason why Ms C has to go, to be very honest, I can't really find a concrete reason for that. One thing is for sure, it has absolutely nothing to do with all of you, students. I really like teaching the Sec 3s and the graduating students and I really wish that I could see all of you all the way to the Os! I guess having stayed at the same environment for 5 years, I really need to take a look outside. It is a case of having your sight shortened after staying put in the same place for too long. Also, not getting the appreciation that you think you deserved. (Nothing to do with the students, definitely) And of course, the feeling of exhaustion and tiredness is starting to set in. Not forgetting, at the end of next year, most of you would have moved on to another stage of your life and Ms C is also moving on to another stage of her life and with that, a fresh start in a new environment allows her to view things from a fresh perspective. Of course, I could choose to inform all of you later just before I leave, but changes will set in beginning of next year (e.g. form teacher and subject teacher change) and I do not want all of you to cope with such unexpected changes as next year is too important to the Sec 3s especially. Hene, by telling you now, you would be mentally prepared to cope with new changes come Jan 2008 and will be ready for the final dash next year and not be bothered by such changes because you are already mentally prepared.

I am not sure if what I have spoken here makes sense to you. I am sure the more sensible ones will understand and many of you respect my decision. I will really miss all of you. Being able to teach all of you has been one of the best journeys of my life, to date. Please remember, I may not be physically there after June 2008, but whenever you guys need help, I will be there. I am just a call away.

The final dash to 2007 finish line

2007-10-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't been updating this blog for a while simply because time is really scarce on my side. I have been busy preparing the graduating classes work and lessons as well as marking as much work as I can. Not forgetting, tutorials and one to one remedials. Finally, I am having a short breather and SA2 is starting which means that I will only need to prepare lessons for the grad classes albeit I have 5 of them.

The past week has been emotinally draining for me. I had good times playing games with my form class, in hope that they can relieve some stress from preparation for the examinations only to be upset by a number of them the next day because they refused to learn to face consequences. One particular Sec 5 classes' lessons was constantly disrupted by this 'super attention seeker' whom I chased out the class after my patience wore off. But he really upset me when he started to be defiant and rude. The Sec 4 class is another big headache. Most of them never realise that I really hope to see them do well but at the moment, I feel that they are not that motivated despite the fact that O'levels are arriving in 2 weeks' time.

In conclusion, I am glad that the week is over. For the Sec 3s, do take the exams seriously. You know more than enough that aceing this exam is not a choice but a must. I just want to wish you all all the best! Do give in your best and DO NOT give up! For the graduating classes, you have only 2 weeks left. We, teachers, are trying our best to help you as far as possible but ask yourself, have you tried your best? Nonethless, hang in there!

The last dash to the final hurdle

2007-09-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is finally the last term of the year! In another 3 weeks or so, the final examinations will start. It is quite heartening to hear that many of my students have started their revisions. I know that it will be a highly stressful period, but remember, it is the first part of the journey to realise the goals. So, the key now is to learn to manage the stress levels. Do remember to take a break when the pressure is getting to you BUT do not get complacent, as a result. HANG IN THERE, PEOPLE!

*** *** ***
Actually during the history class yesterday, I really wanted to flare up at the group of you again. Then again, I realised that the class was not just about the group of you. Just because you are selfish does not mean that I should forget the presence of the rest of the people. I know history is boring to some of you but please be understanding that planning a history lesson takes huge effort. I spent the whole afternoon on Sunday preparing this week's history lesson. The objective is simply: Teach the class the right methods to answer the questions. Honestly, how interesting do you expect this to get? If you have chosen to not follow the lesson or use 'don't know/don't understand as an excuse', then I am sorry...you are being left behind. It just means that you have to cover a longer distance.
*** **** ***
As requested by some of the history students, I am posting some links to good websites to help in your understanding of Hitler. A very good revision website is also included.

http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/riseofhitler/index.htm (This has many pop-ups which are irritaitng but it has a good overview about the life of Hitler.)

http://home.snu.edu/~dwilliam/s98/nazism/index.htm (A website summarising Nazism)

http://www.aushchwitz.dz (Note that this website is on holocaust and it has a number of disturbing pictures of the Jews in the concentration camps)

www.johndclare.net (an excellent revision website to help you to remember your work)

Hope that these are useful! Study hard!

It is MY day!

2007-09-01T09:16:00.001-07:00

WHOA HO!! It's Teachers' Day! Counting the years, this is my fifth Teachers' Day already! To be very honest, the number of presents received is decreasing as years passed by but I really don't mind it at all as the quality of presents is increasing. This year, for the first time, I received many 'Thanks yous". Most of them came in the form of cards and SMSes. For the first time, too, I received a really delicious chocolate cake from a few girls from my form class. I really appreciate the effort put in and I really LOVE it! The card is really sweet too! Not too mention the jellies, handicrafts, mugs, frames, chocolates, sweets, flower, cookies and many others. I really hope that you guys did not spend too much on the presents. Nonetheless, thank you for all the effort and sweet gestures.

Hmm...just a food for thought..what would make the best Teachers' Day present? My wishlist and it will sound really cliche:

Sensible students who always do the right things

Appreciation from students in the form of respect and attention

Eagerness to learn new things and question when in doubt

Fortunately, most of my students do have the above but a significant group still have quite a long way to go. Maybe this will be a group who probably will never say 'thank you' and it would probably upset me the most as I probably have not made much of an impact on them. Nonetheless, it is MY day! I will not feel upset over such things.

*** *** ***

To my form class: I am really happy that most of you turned up at the Road Race in your class T-shirts! I am so glad that we bought orange T-shirts instead! Hee!

The Cake!

Our Nice Tee!

My wonderful girls!

What makes a teacher's day?

2007-08-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I thought that today will be another lousy day, given the terrible 8-period day without a single break and a not so promising morning.

Well, it started off with a spot check by the DM. I was rather disappointed that one chose to play hide and seek instead of facing the consequences. I am pretty happy with the rest who got into trouble, as they just faced the music and respected the school rules. I have been quite disappointed with myself that after so many months, I still have not been able to make an impact on this particular one (actually there is another couple more). I knew he was angry as I 'turned him in' but if I did not do anything, he would not learn anything too.

My 8-period started promisingly with my 3E history. I was able to stay cool despite my unhappiness with the same group of girls again. Sometimes, I really wonder why they just don't get it? Teachers are only angry and upset when they care! When a teacher stops saying anything about your behaviour and work, it really means that you have lost the teachers' respect. It also means that he or she would rather spend the effort on the others who bother to learn. Other than the group, the rest were brilliant - well-behaved and on task! (Unfortunately, the IT failed us AGAIN!)

2nd stop was the 5As! Honestly, I like this class very much! However, today was the OFF day! I had to walk out of the class to cool down! Still, I lost it! Nonetheless, after losing my cool, I continued as though nothing happened as I was internally motivating myself to think of the really nice girls in the class.

Next was the 4E History class. I have always found this class really challenging. This is because I have a number of boys who have openly declared (though not in front of me) that they have given up on combined Humanities. Initially, I was really upset by them as they simply 'switched off' in class and disrupt my class. Despite getting the HODs involved, they still refused to change. I tried to change my approach too. I offered to give them extra lessons to help them, but apparently, they just treated my offer like a passing wind and even skipped my tutorials. So much for being kind. Anyway, now I have rationalised everything. I guess they are just bad time managers who cannot even handle the bare minimum. Coincidentally, these group of people also happen to have no CCAs. Is it because they are really that busy? Or they simply do not have that resilience and ability? Anyway, that was a side track. I was saying that the classwas ok today because of the girls again. I am really proud of the girls (and a few boys) in this class. They really came back despite having a difficult Sec 3 year. Their initiative and determination really won my respect and I really do not mind going all out to help them along. I know they will do well as long as they do not give up! (To Mr ELEPHANT, I am glad that I put you right in front as I know that you have learnt at least something today)

The final lesson was with another 5A class. Despite only taking over the class in June, I really like them very much. Think chekgu has done a great job guiding them. They were very understanding as they knew that I had the dreadful 8-period day and really cooperated, except for my cartoon characters in the centre. Trust me, I will make sure that you guys sit on the floor when you misbehave again!

You think the day is finally over, right? Well, not so! The icing of the cake came in the afternoon. I had tutorial with 2 Sec 3E history girls (and 1 boy). I am really glad to have that session with them as I have always respected pupils who takes initative. (Although in the case, they did not take the entire initiative) This really made my day as I know that I have helped them today.

After the rather long tutorial, with a number of interruptions, I went to meet the student leaders. It was a nice break from the staffroom as I was 'hanging out' in their clubhouse. I am really happy to see the school developing student leadership. I have been speaking about this for years and finally it has materialised. (haha...I have been speaking and not doing as I did not want to be 'shot') I think the current Sec 3s have a lot of potential. But they need to stay level-headed and always remember to do the right thing.

By the time I returned to staffroom, it was 4.30pm. Surprisingly, I was able to stay focused and finished quite a bit of my work till knock off time at 6.30pm.

So, what makes a teacher's day? Enthusiasm, initiative, positivity and lots of encouragement.

Motivation

2007-08-17T06:03:00.001-07:00

This is a rather busy week, one again. But what makes this week really meaningful is the interaction I has with a few students.

She is often tired in class and falls asleep many times during lessons (but I know she does have some circumstances that caused her to be so tired) . Finally, I lost my final straw and asked her to sit up. Never did I know that that day, she was really sick. She was down with flu and cough and she came to school instead of taking MC as she did not want to stay home as she knew she would not be able to get the rest that she needed. After my outburst, she totally went quiet and she was angry with me. After I found out the truth, I decided to drop her a letter as we used to exchange notes a lot when she was in my form class last two years. I glad I apologise to her and wrote the letter. I saw her first sign of effort today! She managed to stay awake during my lesson today and we had a short remediation session to catch up on her History.

He is often distracted, playful and talkative in class. Finally, I lost it earlier this week when his pencil case came flying in my direction while I was writing on the board. Well, my first instinct was to really put a stop to this. Using my 'creativity' (a must when coming up with punishment in my school), I emptied the pencil case and hid all the items away in different. He was really MAD and refused to talk to me after lesson when he went around collecting his things. I approached him and he kept quiet. It was only after some probing before I found out the pencil was not thrown by him. I felt really bad. Nonethless, I told him to go back first and I stayed for a while to look for his missing pen which I found ultimately. The pen did not have any ink refill. When I returned to him the pen and gave him a new pen refill, there were no words of thanks nor any response from either of us. He just started doing his work.

Spoke to her this morning. This was after her friends alerted me yesterday that she has given up on her studies and lost all hopes in promoting to Sec 4. I was very disappointed upon hearing this and decided that I need to speak to her. Likewise, she was in my form class for the last two years, but not this year. I did speak her earlier this year to see how she is coping but since this beginning this term, I have no time to really sit down with her. I knew that this cannot wait. During the chat, I found out that her friends were right. She has lost all confidence. What I am glad is that at the end of the conversation, I knew that she is going to make the final dash. Whether she makes it or not, she is not going to leave it up to fate. I hope that her friends will help her and support her through these 8 weeks. 加油！

He was scribbing on some paper when I was carrying out a group activity. Took his paper away and told him to do his work. He simply said, ' I do not want to do it...you p***** me off'. That ticked me off. But refusing to confront, I simply told him to do his work and by the end of the lesson, I want to hear an apology. After a few minutes, I went back to his table and returned him the paper when he was still not doing his work. I coolly informed that I was disappointed and it was rude for him to comment that. Told him that after hearing what he said, I certainly felt the same way too. I walked off and after a while, he started doing his work. Before the end of the lesson, I went to his desk again and corrected his work and extorted the apology.

This week really seemed like a struggle of power between the students and myself. When such circumstances happen, it will simply drain the energy out of us. The takeaway is certainly something that we as social engineers often forget. We also make mistakes, there is no point blaming ourselves for the mistakes made. What is important is our effort to make things right. It is also about relations building and both side will need to learn to give way and compromise. I am glad that my students are willing to overlook my shortcomings and I am able to do the same too.

I am very proud...

2007-08-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Have been scratching my head, fretting over how should I continue after the first entry. Honestly, I have been so tired after weeks of staying behind in school, lesson preparations, 'baby-sitting' that everything seemed to have passed me by in a flash. But there is one event that I really must put a record to that. The success of choir at the Commendation Day last week!

After weeks of preparation and all the ups and the downs (due to costumes issues, technical bloopers and mess up), the final performance was indeed a success! For the first time, I could hear the audience truely cheering for the choir after a shaky start. The 3rd song was really the turn around. I could sense that the choir enjoyed singing the song and the audience enjoyed listening to them! See? Didn't I tell you guys that you have to be confident of yourselves (not complacent) and you MUST enjoy yourself before you want the audience to enjoy your performance! Kudos to every single one of you! Despite the initial unhappiness about the strict discipline rules and firm decisions, but I know it would pay off and I think it has. Most of you did not give major problems and really cooperated. Ms Chua is really touched and happy for the choir! Good job everyone! Believe in yourself! Do look forward to the end of the year project!

A Typical Week

2007-07-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ever since starting on this job 4 plus years ago, my typical work week starts on Sundays. I think I have been doing work on most Sundays (exclude holidays) except when I feel really burnt out or when there is some events to attend. Now here's how a typical week will look like.

Monday - Rush to workplace. Print and print worksheet. Teach lessons as per normal. Stay back in school to prepare some work and clear admin. Reach home at about 6 pm. Have dinner shower and then start preparing next day's lesson. Sleep between 11 to 12.

Tuesday - Rush to workplace. Print and print worksheet. Teach lessons as per normal. Stay back in school to prepare some work and clear admin. Tutorials, CCA and sometimes meetings. Reach home at about 6 pm. Have dinner shower and then start preparing next day's lesson. Sleep between 11 to 12.

Wednesday - Rush to workplace. Print and print worksheet. Teach lessons as per normal. Stay back in school to prepare some work and clear admin. Reach home at about 6 pm. Have dinner shower and then start preparing next day's lesson. Sleep between 11 to 12.

Thursday - Rush to workplace. Print and print worksheet. Teach lessons as per normal. Stay back in school to prepare some work and clear admin. CCA and sometimes meetings. Reach home at about 6 pm. Have dinner shower and then start preparing next day's lesson. Sleep between 11 to 12.

Friday - Rush to workplace. Print and print worksheet. Teach lessons as per normal. Stay back in school to prepare some work and clear admin. Leave school a bit earlier to meet Dar. Dinner and return home to rest.

Saturday - Aerobics. Try as much as possible not to work but sometimes not avoidable. Go out and have some fun.

Sunday (my least favourite) - Aerobics. Return home and start preparing work for next day.

As mentioned, this is a typical week. It has excluded the impromptu meetings, meeting with students, interaction with students and special projects and events preparation like COL.

Don't I get sick of such life? Well, yes definitely. In fact, sometimes I really feel lethargic in the morning and do not feel like going to school. But somehow, when I reach school and start my lessons, the energy would somewhat come back. I do feel alive in the classrooms but what is left at the end of the day, is often tiredness and huge amount of accumulated work.

An Introduction

2007-07-14T01:42:00.001-07:00

This is a platform, dedicated to my main motivation in my job - young people and the daily happenings in my life. Many people think that being a social engineer involves imparting knowledge and needs to have an authoritative persona to make sure that the future generation will learn something. However, many people conveniently forget that information is rampant in this fast-moving world and for all we know,the job of social engineering might just become obsolete.

During my 4 years in the job, I realise that this is the kind of job in which you will get in touch with up to 200 different people a day. Everything you say impact not just your boss, your colleagues but also young people who also have aspirations of their own. The direction of learning does not just take place from a social engineer to the young people. Honestly, the vice versa has happened to me and is still happening.

Thus, this is my main motivation to even take time to set this blog up. I want to share stories. However, due to my job, this is going to be a controversial move. Therefore, please note that NO real name will be mentioned. I am just sharing my thoughts and snapshots from my experiences.

Enjoy!