Sunday, January 25, 2009

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

Hi, just wanna wish those of us who celebrate CNY, 新年快乐 and those of us who don't, happy holidays!

Enjoy the break people! I'm not sure when we'll meet again (probably Teachers' Day) so do take care, okay?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Two weeks have gone by ...

Hi everybody, two weeks have gone by ... so how are you getting on?

What CCA have you taken up? How are you getting along with your new classmates, new subjects, new teachers, new culture in the school? I sincerely hope all of you are getting on well.

Anyway for me, it's pretty hectic as usual. A new class (which I think they're pretty co-operative for now but I guess it's because it's still 'honeymoon period'), more responsibilities and some trouble at home which I rather not talk about it.

By the way I heard some want to drop by for the visit. For those who 'die-die' want to come, I think this Friday's fine but do note that Cedar won't be enjoying a half-day session as it's not CNY eve; regular school hours apply ... do buzz me if you're coming.


Take care and God bless!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

A few requests

Hi, just want to make a few requests here ...

  1. If you're planning to come back to Cedar Primary for a visit, please check with me before making the arrangement. The reasons being I could be and most likely will be busy (such meeting teachers, attending workshops, conducting sessions for pupils or teachers) in the afternoon. As such, I think it won't be pleasant for you (who have to travel all the way) and me (to steal time so that I can sneak out for a few minutes).
  2. Next, even if you are coming back, the school and I will appreciate that you do not invite strangers, i.e. non-cedar pupils back. To me, this is the most basic form of respect to the school and also me. If you insist on doing so, I'm afraid to say you're not welcome.
  3. Please do me a big favor by not giving away my mobile number to the current Cedar pupils; if not I may be forced to change to a new number which may make things even more inconvenient to you. My reason for doing so I want my privacy and space too. I seek your co-operation on this.
  4. Finally, those of us who bought the Science booklets (the same ones which I made available to the class last year) and still have no idea what to do with it, can I ask you to pass them to me? I believe I will be able to put them into good use by sharing it with the P6 pupils of this year ... by the way, someone is still holding on to one copy of the booket and I'd really appreciate if you can return it to me ...

Tomorrow begins a brand new, full week for all of you. Choosing CCAs, new subjects, new teachers, new friends, homework ... I think you get the drift.

Brace yourself and happy learning!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sleep early and all the best!

First of all, happy 2009!

Right now, I'm working on the guidelines for all the EL teachers and the list of things I want to do with P6-3 (2009). For the rest of you, I won't be surprised you'll it difficult to sleep early as in less than 8 hours time, you'll be finding yourself in your new school, full of excitement and anxiety. For me, it'll be the new class. I wonder how they'll respond to me for I know this one will be a different one ... just like every of my last three P6-3s were different.

Just be your friendly self, sportingly join in the orientation programmes and start making new friends ... you'll need one another in the days to come ... like what books to bring, what homework to do, where to hang out ...

I look forward to hear your first days experience ...

Take care people and you'll be missed!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

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 ...

Monday, December 29, 2008

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!