The Lion City

 Parameswara founded the Lon City; that I learned in history.

 Visiting schools during our visit to the Lion City would not make the story complete without a little tour round the city state.

 This sweet lass with her Singapore counter part took us to Marina Bay Sands, gardens and a glimpse of Orchard road before entering Universal Studio in Sentosa Island.

Why a glimpse and not a stop?  It's the currency affair...honestly what we could get there could be easily gotten at home. It's this very difficult decision to buy or not to buy; so we had better not shop along the famous road.

We kept our money for the Premium Outlet.

 Some of us have not been to the island for many years so the learning trip was made more meaningful with the little tour; it sort of added value to the trip. Well, to tell the truth, it was quite a job getting 40 individuals to agree for the trip. But when they did go, they have really made a good decision. We have got to learn to leave the family behind and go. A trip made is a gain made.

 So, sometimes it's really good to let go. We occasionally let inhibitions go and aspire to be happy.

I chose to pose to show my pleasure.

Merlion behind me.

 That's the group of tired teachers relaxing; Azizah, Ainon, Tan GS, Saadiah and Sumalidza.

 There; putting their right hands out in agreement. Tan sisters, Siti Rohana, Ainon, Azizah and Ms Goh.

The hardworking teachers letting their hair down.

 Now you see, now you don't. This pose must be at the suggestion of Tan GS. She did that in Cambodia !

 On that hot afternoon, we behaved as happy beings.All of us are no more young and we have multiple tasks in life as wives, mothers and teachers. We have decided to rise above situations despite challenges, disappointments and burdensome duties. Somehow, we look at the brighter side of life and be strong to go ahead. Oh, the challenges that come along life !

 Pn Loy and Pn Doris loved the ice cream potong ; so famous in Singapore. The ice cream vendor had us to thank for that afternoon. That's it; sometimes some good things happen in life for some people.

 The much-talked about Universal Studio; really only a studio unlike the size in US.

But to many of us, it was a first time experience.

So, it's photo time again.

 Another photo time for me too!

 We had bonding time here. So glad we came together as it is difficult to find time to be together.

Every fun place has the Sesame Street people.

Unforgettable with the display of their songs and dances.

 We did not go for the harrowing rides; we took slow and simple rides.

The tea cup ride...for the young and old only.

Viani,Shanta, Sujatha, Lee Lan, Periachee and Datin Zaleha were thumbs up !

 Another train ride round the place; smooth and easy for the old.

 How about a little shake with the guys humming some oldies from behind ?

 This carousal ride is perfect for all of us ! Spot your favourite star !

Some of us even had the pleasure of buying pretty lace for weddings !

So, the weekend came and went.

We saw the stipulated schools.

We shopped.

We ate.

We played.

We had fun.

Not easy to have another trip but that which had taken place, we are grateful.

The Lion city tour.

The Causeway Connection (2)

 Northlight touched our hearts with their simple motto of love and care.

But we also needed to see how some top schools in Singapore operate.

So Mr. Gan carefully selected NUS school of Maths and Science and Nanyang Girls' High School

 The coordinator of NUS school briefed us on the set up of the school .

Students were highly scrutinized through some tests before allowed a place here.

The subjects offered here are Maths and Science related and after year 5 and 6 here, the students are warmly received by NUS and other major international universities including the Ivy League ones.

 The content and syllabi of the subjects record such credibility that no institution question the validity and reliability of the subjects taught and assessed. Competition is stiff and the best concur here. I asked if all who went in as year 1 students will eventually exit as year 6 graduates to which she replied some do go through challenges and drop out. Surely, only the best can survive here.

Here, everyone must be independent learners and learn the tough game.

I cringed at the stress they have to go through. Some are just made for this type of learning environment while others look for less demanding ones.

We were brought round the school and saw some of the learning labs. There is no compromise here; only the best equipment and latest knowledge are accrued here. The young man is also a graduate of this school and after serving the national service is back here for a part time job before starting his degree in a top US university. He is confident, approachable, knowledgeable and spoke with conviction about the school . He knows the ins and outs of the place at the tip of his fingers. This is a proud product of the school. So, we can safely say after 6 years in the school, the student is all too ready for any learning experience outside Singapore.

 We examined the roll of honour's list and it was impressive.

Surely , the top notch ones are found here. It is the birthplace of some of the finest brains in town.

 The physical facilities here are also for development of the best.

Every corner is made used of as space is planned well.

Talking about the best; it's alarming to see the energy involved.

 The library is neat and home to self learning, exploration and knowledge.

 The teachers learn that in NUS school of Maths and Science, things matter and work is serious.

You teach the best brains and you have to be a 'best brain' too !

Next, we visited the much talked about girls' school in Singapore.

 We were greeted by this beautiful painting and a statue of the ex-principal who led the school for 4 decades. The school has more than 9 decades of history behind it; as old as my father.

Nanyang ( the South Seas) was started by a group who were convinced that girls should go to school.

They are right and look at their legacy today.

 This is my dream school. I must confess that when I was in my initial years of teaching, I wanted so much to teach in Singapore. But it was not easy to get into the education system here. I was rejected ! But it's alright, God had greater plans for me. So, I witnessed a school that is so 'proper', clean, well-equipped and

 'so right'. I fell in love with the outlook of the school.

I would love  to have a grandchild parked here...

 Even at this age, I still think if only I had a chance...

 The coordinator is young and informative. She speaks about the school with pride and love and we were enlightened by her stories of the school's history and aspirations. Of all she said, I remember this best; every student in the school is taught to REFLECT. It is mandatory they practise this habit for improvement and development of character. I thought this is so true.

 Maybe we should also nurture this skill among our students.

An autonomous institution, Nanyang GS speaks of integrity and validity, and so the students are highly regarded after their stint here.After year 4, students go to Hwa Chong Institution for  pre U studies and there after to the university.

The girls we were told are creative and artistic as they sing, dance and  act professionally. Their production is also top notch. Everything is top, top, top ! Wow, I wonder , I wonder, I wonder.

They have an entry requirement which is not friendly to international students; every student who wants to enrol here must know Mandarin. So, the nationality most found here can only be the Chinese. But do not lose hope; if you want your next generation to come here, tuition them Mandarin. It is indeed the most demanding requirement.

 This must be a glimpse of their production; "Liew San Jie"; my type of movie, to the chagrin of my daughters.

 We moved around as quickly as we could for we were running out of time and stole glances here and there.

 Yes, we noticed the girls drew well and took pains at the production. My Art teachers snapped profusely for inspiration to be brought home.

 We stood on top a large pond; the ecstatic add-on to the school compound. Here, all things are in place and properly kept. I casually asked a staff if she would encourage her child to study here after 6 years in Chee Wen to which she replied; "No la. Pressure cooker !" Hahahaha. 

Only the top girls of Singapore are parked here.

Another group shot to remind us that much out there is to be learnt and emulated.

We have a long way to go.

But the exposure and the trip was good to remind us that the best are yet to be seen.

The Causeway Connection was an eye opener and enlightened us.

Thank you to the 2 great schools.

Good Job

 She says "enough".

After 32 years of service, Puan Daisy Tan says it's time to go round the world in 80 days!

20th June 2013 saw her last day at work; a day before her 58th birthday.

 She is fortunate to have a full group bidding her the best and saying their goodbyes.

It's not everyday someone retires but when it happens, everyone feels the loss.

 Having served the school for about 18 years since its inception, Daisy is known for her dedication and integrity. She does not compromise in her teaching and duties and always puts in the best effort. A job under her is always a good job done. You can rest assured the assignment given to her is never a shoddy piece of work and she sees to every detail of it. Reliable and highly accountable, she is an exemplary teacher; rare to find.The school is indeed sad to lose such a great teacher.

Speaking to her on a private note, she shares that teaching is challenging as it's techno-savvy and she believes the younger generation can do just as good a job with determination. In fact, to stay relevant we have to think and act fast to cater to the needs of the Y generation. So stay relevant teachers !

 The young ones sang to her in appreciation of her dedication and kindness to them.

Last year the STPM Biology students did her proud by scoring the best ever results !

Teachers alike find it difficult to let go of her.

 That's Puan Chow on behalf of CF. The other is Puan Zaidah with her SPBT gift.

 Puan Maziha, the chief of the teacher's club bade her farewell with a kiss.

 Puan Jagah and her St John crew said goodbye. Puan Zunaidah represented a group of teachers.

 Jonathon lighted candles for the birthday girl !

 Everyone sang the song; name the lingos !

 Soon the roll call; everyone said goodbye.

 Students kept rolling in ; one by one.

 Some of us stole the last shot with her.

So; it is goodbye.

Well done, Puan Daisy.

 You made it.

Many would love to follow suit !

God Bless You in your future days and may retirement bring you greater joy.