This Day

 Today is a happy day for many.

It marks the beginning of the term holidays.

It is also the eve of a public holiday.

Everyone makes plans; big or small for the break.

Today is also the day which we use annually to teach the children to remember their teachers. I am afraid to say it but it is true to presume that many feel it's old-fashioned just to come to school to say thank you. Some are not ready to forgo a 'sleep-in' day and not willing to sacrifice it. So, we did not get the full quorum.

But we did not let this deter us from appreciating the rest who made it a point to come to celebrate with us.

We teachers are grateful for those who came.

It made our day just to have their presence with us.

So, we teachers say thank you boys and girls for coming.

There was much to see and hear.

I noted some incidents which touched me.

 This boy is physically challenged but taught many able bodies the values of life. He is humble and willing to go up stage to speak on behalf of all his comrades on this day. He remembered his lines and in a nutshell told us teachers that he appreciates us.

 So listen to his speech.

 The principal broke down after what he said. She gave him a bear hug because she is touched to the core of heart. Look at the mother. I watch her each time with much compassion. She would drive that special van and lift her son onto the wheel chair and then to the hall for assembly. Her love for him is to the brim; nothing stops her for giving the best possible to him. Her hope is that he mingles among normal children and grow the way he should. She has taught her son well. He works hard in school and is a good example to many. He has put many to shame because he has been guided well. To them, living a life with right attitudes and values are legacies they will use to tell others about gratitude and humility.

Indeed the strong and arrogant in school must learn from him.

 This was yet another surprise we had today. Malar who graduated from Seafield in 2002 came today to say thank you to the teachers in person. By now she should be in her late 20s and is now a mother to a child. The principal was dumbfounded as she witnessed Malar distributing a rose to every teacher present !

See what I mean? For some she could recite their names.

 Everyone waved the rose in applause to a meaningful gesture. Datin Zaleha attributed it to a portion of effort by the teachers; that they have taught her well; well enough for her  to want to come back on this special day.

She has indeed made our day.

 Then we had Kae Lan the ex headboy of 2011 to wish us a good day. 

The Alumni came too with Shang Shi and Reu Bin heading the team.

The parents have taught them well.

 We sure had a great treat... Cup cakes, cup cakes, cup cakes.

 Some old teachers to remember by... come next year many of us will be not be here.

Do you think you can make a good guess?

 At the hall, there were many who sang, danced and acted. But this is for real;
father and son hugging each other like nobody's business !

That's Encik Musawir with his 'anak bongsu' !

The smile was broad and gentle on the father's lips.

 Look- alikes? That's the evergreen Puan Chuah looking every inch a student with Mr. Leong; a new comer to the school but has assimilated so well that you would think he has been with us for decades ! We were amazed at their 'youthfulness' !

Back to school.

 Who is this sweetie pie ? She's Thurga, daughter to Puan Thilaham.

She may be small in stature but surely big in the dance below !

 Try emulating her.

 We had fun and joy; we would have been happier if more were to come; but we also know some things cannot be forced so we will continue to plough on to win the battle and hope more will come next year to affirm our teaching.

Happy Teacher's Day, Seafield.

Happy teacher's day to you too Robin; you missed us by just one day.

 And... happy holidays.

Teachers can forget about school for the next two weeks but come back with the papers all marked.