My 2008 reflection

I started 2008 thinking that I won't be a form teacher any more and I was bracing myself for it. To me, I enjoy being one because the responsibilities and challenges of mentoring a class of 40 has always been meaningful, particularly as a teacher. So it means taking that responsibility away, it's like taking the joy and meaning of teaching from me and that was really depressing ...

Who can expect that within 24 hours, on the first of school I was already informed that I'd taking P6-3 again ... it was amazing!

Looking back, I can recount the ups and downs thoughout the year ... kids who are playful, coloring of their hair, not doing homework, preparing everyone for PSLE, instilling discipline and confidence and such ... this entire journey was priceless!

I'm still thankful of the rapport which is established with the pupils and parents. It was a totally different story in 2007. Perhaps knowing some of them through the 2007 Suzhou trip did the trick.

So here I am, sharing this segment of my 2008 reflection with you kids. Before I end this final entry of the year, I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all the 40 of you. To be honest, when I began the year, I felt like nobody ... you kids make me feel like I'm somebody ...

What's your reflection of the year? It'd be great for you to pen it down ...

Have an eventful 2009 people ... God bless ...

A suggestion for 31 December - just before the badminton session

Okay it's just an excuse. I need help to spring-clean my class on 31 December. Anyway I'll be in school by 9.30am. For those who are free in the morning and planning to go for the badminton session, do come as a group and meet me in our classroom ... the one beside the picturesque pond and the grass patch full of grasshoppers. We should be done by 10.30am and then we can take a relaxing stroll to Potong Pasir CC.

Those who want to help, just text (sms) me so that I'll know who to expect, thanks!

Come to think of it; it'll be meaningful to visit the school and the classroom one last time on the last day of the year ... cos technically you all are still Cedar pupils until 31 December ...

Badminton session confirmation and new year resolutions ...

I've been asked many times so I guess I need to say this.

The outing is confirmed.

Date: 31 Dec 2008
Time: 11am to 1pm
Venue: Potong Pasir CC (yes, I've booked 2 courts)

For those who are coming, do know that it's meant for P6-3 pupils (of 2008), come properly attired, with rackets (anyway I'll be bringing 3 to 4 rackets and shuttlecocks). You are discouraged from bringing expensive items and it's your responsibility to look after them. Should I find any undesirable characters attempting to steal things in a public place like this, I will not hesitate to hand this person over to the police. For me, that's all I ask cos I really want you to enjoy the session and not worry about things getting stolen.

Before I sign off, I just to point out the year is coming to an end and it'll be great you can do two things.

Firstly, reflect on the year 2008. What went well for you and what didn't. What can you learn from them? Any instances which you find memorable? In class? At home? Outside? You are encouraged to switch off your game consoles, PCs and TVs before you can do that properly. Don't let the year end without doing that!

Next, what are your resolutions for next year? Good results? Progress in sports? Play harder? Whatever it is, don't stop there. Think of ways of how to achieve them. Plan. Remember, talk is cheap and actions are always louder than words.

I've spoken enough. For me, I'll be publishing mine here. On 31 December 2008, my reflection and 1 January 2009 my resolutions. Looking forward to see yours then ... don't be shy!

Merry Christmas everybody!

Happy holiday people! I wonder how are you going to spend it ...

For me, I'll be baking!

A new chapter - Secondary 1 Posting is out!

Hi again.

I hope all of you are pleased with your posting. If not, I hope you'll soon come to terms with it. As I've mentioned it before, it's not just the school which will make who you will be; your efforts, your attitude and last but not least the decisions which you'll make will matter at the end of your 4/5 years of secondary school life.

For those of you who are alone in the new school, do take the opportunity to make new friends. Remember a simple way is just smile (not evil ones) and introduce yourself. You'll need their help and likewise, so do they! As for the rest of us who are slightly more fortunate, i.e. I realise we have a Yuying and Beatty contingent ... still make new friends and at the same time, look out for one another. Also remember dont end your secondary school life with just the same friends from Cedar Primary!

With this, I end my role as your Form Teacher who won't be able to look out for you anymore. Stay sharp, keep in touch and do visit the blog (if you can remember)!

Oh yes, there's one more reminder; show up in your school uniform at your secondary school punctually @ 8.30am. Do bring money with you (I heard $350 should be enough) as it's quite likely you'll be buying books and uniform. Hope you'll like your new uniform and also the canteen food!

Take care and God bless!

Proposed Badminton session for P6-3 of 2008

Just a thought and I need some decent support before I can make it happen.

I'm planning to have a badmintion session @ Potong Pasir CC from 11am to 1pm on 31 December 2008. I'm thinking of booking 2 courts (in fact I think the CC only has two anyway) and hope to turn this into a monthly affair which is set to occur on the last Saturday of every month. It'll be great for us to catch up and keep in contact with one another after we have left Cedar.

What do you think of the idea? 31 December is go or not? Please reply to this post and for those of your ex-classmates who don't usually go online, let them know too! Let's decide on this soon so that I can book the courts ASAP!

Forget to mention, for now it's only open to P6-3 of 2008 so if you're coming I'd appreciate if you don't bring your so-call 'bf/gf' along ... it's not meant for a time to show-off ...

Secondary 1 Posting Results

Hi I'm back.

I was away for most part of this month due to my annual in-camp training from 17 November to 5 December and visiting some relatives in Perak, Malaysia from 10 December to 15 December.

Still feeling quite beat as the car journey was like 9 to 10 hours (and yes my butt hurts).

Anyway here's the important stuff.

Tomorrow, i.e. 18 December all of you can access your secondary One posting results via the following avenues:

1. This is new to me, SMS (as reported in the Straits Times); as long as you/your parents provided mobile phone number when you did the registration. I understand you'll receive the text message from 9am onwards.
2. You can also dial 6691-2066 to reach an interactive voice system which will inform you of the results.
3. Visit www.moe.edu.sg/education/admissions/secondary-one-posting/
4. As a last resort, you can choose to visit the school.

I guess that very much sums up everything.

So this is it people ... I know you're excited and so am I. Really hope that you'll get the school of your choice.

All the best people!

Collection of PSLE certificate

Hi I'm back.

Please help me to relay this information to as many Cedar P6 (2008) pupils as possible.

Your PSLE certificate will be ready for collection beginning tomorrow, i.e. 2 December 2008. All you need to do is to collect it from the General Office from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and you need not come in your school uniform.

Do let your friends from P6-1, P6-2, P6-3 and P6-4 know, okay?

Thanks!

Okay, still got time for one more ...

I got to share this.

For the past few nights before I sleep, I've been looking @ the sketch book which was given to me by Alex during the last week of school.

I'm aware that it's not just the effort of one and for me, it's a very meaningful gift.

I enjoyed particularly looking through the baby/kiddy photographs ... some of whom I can recognise and the rest I'm still trying to figure out. The funny thing is, everytime after I'm done with the book, I'd have the same conclusion. I'd love to have a time machine, go back in time and carry all of you in my arms (just like I'd carry my niece Grace). The innocence (as well as the 'tootness') in the eyes is something I guess your parents missed.

I just can't help to say, "Awww ... abc is so cute ..." as I flip the pages. By the way, just to let you in a little secret ... whenever I'm near some kids, I'll be tempted to ask whether I can carry them ... thank goodness I don't teach the P1s ... haha ...

I guess what I'm trying to say is, as you kids mature, I'll miss the innocence and the childish ways but I think it has to be; you kids need to mature, make decisions, make mistakes (but more importantly learn the lessons), be more responsible, especially in facing the consequences.

Okay I talk too much; just enjoy yourselves and don't get into trouble!

I'll be away till Monday ...

Today I didn't receive any calls from the school so I guess everyone has registered their preference of secondary schools.

So what's next?

The results will be out @ noon (or latest) on 18 December and subsequently, on the next day, i.e. 19 December, you're expected to report to the secondary school @ 8.30am, in your uniform (for the last time). Do bring along your report book and results slip in case the school asked for it.

At this juncture, I wish everyone the best and hope that you'll receive good news on the 18th.

For me as most of you are aware of, I'm currently on reservist training. As of tonight, I'll be away till 1 Dec as I'll be involved in a military exercise. As such, I won't access to internet but should there be urgent calls, I may still be contactable.

At the meantime, take care, avoid Bangkok and enjoy your hols!

We'll meet again!

Final call ...

Hi people, do note that the registration exercise ends tomorrow @ 3pm ... don't forget!

Counting down, Sec 1 registration ...

Hi again, managed to meet 4 just now.

For those of you or your parents who wish to discuss this with me, I can be reached @ 91518640. However, do text me prior to calling to me especially for the next few days I may be in-camp; I may need time to refer to the list of schools and find pockets of time to talk ...

Cheerio!

Sunday meeting confirmed!

Ok, it's confirmed. Tomorrow, i.e. 23 November, I'll be @ Potong Pasir Mcdonalds from 8am to 11am. Please help me to tell the rest about this.

For those who are coming, please come prepared, at least with a list of schools and having ranked them.

For me, I'll be looking to meet you ... not to mention the Big Breakfast too! Haha ...

Toying with this thought ...

Okay, I've been mulling over this.

I having been receiving calls and text messenges on the selection of schools over the last 3 days. I'm considering setting aside time and make myself available for consultation tomorrow, i.e. 23 November, Sunday, from 8 to 11am @ Potong Pasir McDonalds. I can't make myself available for other times as for the whole of next week, I'll be away and it may be difficult to get in touch with me ...

Any response from the rest? I'd love to hear from you and hope that you'll reply to this entry so that I can guage the response. I scared if no one requires my attention and I may end up looking like a goondu, instead of a guru for the 3 hours ...

Will confirm whether this will happen later ...

Results Day!

First of all, I must say I'm pretty pleased with the results on the whole.

1. Most of us passed the much 'dreaded' Maths paper and I overheard that many were surprised by their grades!
2. No one got posted to N(T) ... though it doesn't mean it is bad stream.
3. Finally, what I have always believed remain true! What you reap is what you sow ... they were good results!

For the next few days, please take your time in making your selections, remember:

1. Proximity - choose schools which are easily accessible, i.e. take one bus or one train ride which hopefully doesn't last more than 30 minutes...
2. Cut-off points (based on 2007), try not to choose schools which have cut-off like 10-20 points more than what you have ... it's going to be risky!
3. Arrange schools in descending order, i.e. from the highest cut-off to the lowest and plus don't waste your options by choosing school which you don't like ...

If need be, get in touch with me (I assume most of you still have my number) or visit me tomorrow, i.e. 21 November; I'll be in school. I'll keep updating this blog with relevant information pertaining to Sec 1 Posting Exercise. Do take your time in making the selection and do remember to get it done by next Wednesday, i.e. 26 November, 3pm.

Remember people, this is not the end; it's just the beginning! By the way, do help me to let the rest of the Class of 2008 know about this blog ... it'll be a useful avenue to keep in touch!

I'll see you guys tomorrow ...

Okay ... now I can confirm this.

I'll be back tomorrow and I may be possibly be around on Friday should there be a need. For the latter, again I can only confirm it tomorrow.

In short, you'll see me tomorrow; really thankful that the key personnels are understanding enough to release me; not forgetting Mrs Siew's strong letter helped too.

I may be there for PSLE Results release afterall ...

Hi again.

Currently going through my in-camp training (ICT) and it has not been strenous. Other than spending most of my time waiting for things to happen, I have been and probably will be allowed to book out every evening probably until next Thursday when things get really busy.

Anyway, I've just sent in my application to be excused on Thursday so that I can return to school to do the needful. Based on my sensing (and also talking to some of the relevant people), the signs are good.

I'll confirm this again tomorrow; really hope to be there on Thursday ... to also celebrate (regardless of the results) as they are still the fruit of our hard work and also to meet everyone for the last time as Form Teacher.

Let's keep our fingers crossed; so how are you kids feeling now?

EOY message for P6-3 (2008) Part II: Thank You!

Let's move on to a more cheery note.

I want to thank you kids, P6-3 of 2008. It was quite a ride this year. I didn't expect the transition to be smoother as compared to last year. The rapport and support from you guys and even your parents were great; it was as if I have been teaching all of you since P5.
This year was eventful for me because it's been a long while since I felt like a teacher; doing what a teacher ought to do. Teach, discipline and counsel ... in fact they have been ongoing throughout 2008, even after PSLE.
As I have told everyone, even though your 6-years primary school stint has come to an end, I hope all of you will treasure the good times, the bad and even the strange ones. For me, I just find strange affinity with the Class of 2008; it's as if I've literally watched some of you grow up! Friends forever does not mean everyday must talk over the phone, going to the same school ... it's about keeping in touch, meeting up once or twice a year and having fond thoughts of one another. Trust me, this alone is no easy feat to achieve; do work on it if you really mean it.
As of now, I'm not sure whether I'll be there on the 20 November when your results are out. If not for my ICT, I'd love to be there not to just praise the few who got outstanding results but rather to celebrate with all ... for your result, regardless what it may, is an achievement and sending you kids off the school gate for the last time.
Anyway we'll see how things go from here. You guys take care and by the way, I have asked Alex to look into organising a monthly badminton session at possibly Potong Pasir CC beginning next month ... we'll work out the details soon so do keep coming back here for updates.
This blog is still in its infancy as I may be adding more features, i.e. giving authorship to you kids so that you can update your secondary school experience, future gatherings, when you're expecting to see your grandchildren (okay, I doubt I'll be around then).
Oh yes, there's a chalet-related activity coming this weekend. So to those who are going, have lots of fun but please be considerate and don't tear up the place. If the doctor clears me on Saturday, I may be able to see some of you then ...
Till we meet again, take care and God bless!

Ah, to clarify I didn't cry today. It just happened that there were alot of sand, dust and dirt in my eyes ... I can tell that you still don't believe a word I'm saying ... nevermind ...

EOY message for P6-3 (2008) Part I: Sorry ...

Hi again.

Firstly I just want to say I didn't want the year to end this way. For me, I was expecting to see the class through the projects, give some more prep talks about relationships and secondary life during the last two weeks but this dengue fever thingy (not confirmed though) has forced me to rule myself out for the last 7 days or so.

So here's what I want to say, in fact I managed to share part of it today in school. I wasn't really expecting to get the chance.

Firstly I want to say sorry to everybody. I wasn't really there to facilitate you kids in your project. I'm aware some of you have put in much effort while the rest of us ... erm ... no need to say. In short, I should be there.
Another sorry for the things I've said, especially when some of us are still having persistent problem in handing in assignments and not paying attention in class. It may sound unpleasant at times but it was necessary. One can't improve if there's no practise and sometimes, (though not all the time), there are some important learning points which you really need to hear and then practise.
Final sorry for not being there during the Graduation Party. I hope you all like the PPT... it was quite a piece of last minute work and if I had started earlier, I would have make it more presentable. I know I missed the performances (by the gals especially), the chance to celebrate with all of you and to make my presence felt, especially when the other Form Teachers were all present. Sorry for making all of you felt like 'teacher-less'.
There's a reason for all these (an excuse actually). The fever started last Thursday and on Monday, I have been diagnosed that I may have dengue fever. On Wednesday, I had another blood-test and afterwards the doctor felt that I would need another one on Saturday. As such I was given more sick leave and at the meantime, I've been advised to stay away from crowded places. Perhaps that explains why you kids didn't see me most of the time; I stayed in my office most of the time.

I lost the password...

Sorry people... it appears that I've lost the password to our class blog.

So here's our new home. Enjoy ...