Talented

Found.

Many hidden talents were exhibited during the Speech Day.

Established for many years, the Wind Orchestra under the guidance of Puan Melody Tan chimed its way to the hearts of the audience. The synchronized and harmonious play spoke of hard work and discipline. It is true that the weekly drill that they plough through each week culminated in tunes that were upbeat and thrilling. 

I can see many serious players here and they brimmed with pride as the crowd applauded.

I understand that they are on agenda to raise funds to purchase new instruments for the band.This group of youth is energetic and creative and I am pretty sure a good performance will come out of the project.

May their aspiration of staging  a good show be attained.

At the same competitive level is the Chinese Classic Orchestra. The teacher-in-charge Pn Chong Yoke Shu is determined too that the group achieve commendable music. It was refreshing to hear the 'er hu' and 'pipa' in tandem with each other and the disciplined members brought joy to the coach, teachers and parents. They too are not spared of hard work and to present a piece in songs needs days of hard work. 

It is good to see them in harmony.

I noticed that the children with their deft fingers strummed their classical instruments skilfully.

Isn't this a delight? It is really not easy to find talents of this kind in schools for much is required to set up a group.

The Malay dance was also a combination of grace and skill. The pretty lasses were not inhibited and expressed the dance most graciously. It has been along while since I last saw a traditional dance of this nature.

These two girls may be small in sizes but their voices are loud and clear.
Jean on the left though quiet in class speaks well and sings with good diction. Her "I won't give up" rendition was good.
Petite Amira in her "Bukan Kerana Nama" caught us in surprise. She is akin to Yuna of the local pop scene!

Tan Chun Fai and Adyna sang "Aku Dan Dirimu" and I must say they have great hidden potential too. 

Who knows? They may turn out to be popular stars too.

I was proud of my wards. They indeed displayed talents in their voices and instruments.

I am glad and privileged to hear them perform.

It was indeed a day of talents too.

The Maiden Debut

 Some people wait for moments like this.

Parents wait for them; definitely.

The day is a tale of right guidance, right attitude and right consequences.

Students are rewarded for their hard work.

A day of recognition.

The stage was meticulously set up for the occasion. Special effort were put in to decorate it.Teachers, students and all were ready to stage the day with joy and cheer.

This is the guest of honour; Mr. Paul Ng also the vice president of the PTA of the school. A humble and hardworking member, he often sees to the computer and technology needs of the school, making sure things are in order for teachers, students and the like. Paul makes himself available whenever he is called. 

Today the honour is appropriately given to him.

Today it is my greatest pleasure too to speak on this maiden debut . I was happy to congratulate eager parents and students and everywhere I go, I know this day brings the best assurance of delight. Parents are happy to be acknowledged as their children walk up the stage to be affirmed of their achievements. These are "moments some people wait a lifetime for"; indeed I must admit that I personally draw immense pleasure as my own children went up that stage in school too. Why? This is one single time we can safely say we have led our children the way they ought to go at that juncture of their journey in life if they had done well academically. But we all also know that that alone is not enough for the greater walk in life. May they be under the unction of God as they sojourn on. So many more bulls and horns to conquer. Walk on children.

I was glad many came to be with their children. I told the parents that the school need their support and the PTA is into a project to extend the canteen premises . The canteen built for a capacity of 600, today has to house a population of 2000. Indeed the call is noble and the additional help from the parents is longed for.

The ceremony was a simple one with the students receiving certificates, cash (coffers from the PTA) and medals. The students from all forms and public exams were affirmed in the ceremony.

That's Maisarah of 5 Sc IT, Adri of 4 Cergas, Kong Sun of 4 Cergas too. The form 4 children were straight As holders of PMR.

Then we have Jonathon, Satish and Shaweena. Jonathon listens to every instruction given and abides by them. He is responsible, helpful and clever. He is every parent's dream child. Satish is street wise and has things up his sleeves but nevertheless a fighter in his studies.Shaweena has left us for a fully residential school. Her sweet and demure disposition does not make her a lesser opponent in academics.She is missed in class.

One of the main highlights is seen when Teo Xia Ler was proclaimed the best overall student of his batch in the PMR public exam. See his elated dad? His brother is equally excited. Xia Ler scored the perfect score and excelled in many subjects. His hands were full and so helping hands were needed. 

No mistakes from this child in class.

Tan Jin An has the perfect score in SPM last here. He is one of the top scorers in the nation with all A+s. What great testimony he gave to his parents. The parents could not hold back their joy too as he swept so .many prizes. Under a bursary, I believe he is pursuing his A levels in Taylor's.

        Jin An is best Science student of the cohort.

Now this pretty lass is best Arts student of the year. Accompanied by the proud mother, Chue Shao Jun does her mama proud as she was named the scorer of the year. Such a delight to see children fare well.

Just somehow, teachers' children are especially bestowed with favour. Someone once told me the sacrifices and guidance teachers give others are seen by God. Many a time teachers lack time for their own children but they have God's special blessings ...

This is proven in the son of the counselor of the school. Harvin Nathan, son to Madam Susila is also one of the top scorers with his 9A+ and 1A. He has made mama's cause in school meaningful and special blessings came in the form of another reward; he is given a place in the government matriculation program. So, after a year, he will be on a degree course. Mama and papa are very proud of him.

Another teacher of the school, Madam Lim Li Li has a scorer in her daughter too. 

Teh Ke Wei with her 8A+ 2A and a pretty face is a pride to the home. She too has been given a place in the coveted matriculation program. Blessings aplenty for teachers too !

Now what is a school without a batch of dedicated teachers? So on this speech day, the teachers too are appreciated for their effort in the school's accomplishments. Teachers whose subjects showed improvement in concerted forms are told that they are acknowledged. This gesture made them happy and happy teachers work best. So may the appreciation effort continue to spur the teachers to greater heights and drive them on.

Though I did not really go through the year with them, I still took great pleasure to see them succeed. May they reap further accomplishments in the years to come and one day come back to serve their Alma Mater.

A happy day for all concerned.

This is the last Speech Day in my career.

My Sunday

 Today seems long.

But it's a special Sunday.

 I take delight in the noise created as I look over my windows. The neighbours have invited special guests for a swim. "Chia Yu, Chia Yu..." the Chinese connotation of encouragement. When my children were small and around the house, I dreaded the noise they made. But now, I must admit I miss the merriment of children clapping and cheering (not that I do not have enough of them in school); it's reminding me that I need to have younger ones around the home...

I ponder at the parents; they go all out to please, support, encourage the little ones. No amount of sacrifice seems enough. When they are about to go for tertiary education the parents clucker around like mad chicken; when they have finished, the parents still go about making sure the best of everything happens to their wards. What a duty. 

But that's life. You give when the children most need them; you save for rainy days and yet when the call arrives, you rise up to the occasion.

Stay happy and relevant.

 After church today, number 3 said: "hey isn't anyone interested anymore in what I bake?"

Of course we are. So, the work table is at its maddest mess but the smor cheesecake finally takes its shape ! A good surprise and a sure way of refining her skills. She is missing her baking days.

Someone sent this to me and gave me a great Sunday.

Thank you Christy for always remembering me. Your kind and sensitive ways of handling me only tell me that you are indeed a wonderful lady; full of grace and generosity. You are a great friend indeed.

So, daddy continues to make my Sunday a wonderful one.

We are going to be entertained on this last evening of their appearance.

A happy Sunday.

Grateful

I teach the children to be grateful in school.

I must also learn to be grateful; to appreciate the unsung heroine.

Who is Allie?

 Allie says ' no photos of me in your blog; maam.'

So, I promise the birthday girl not to post her photo.

Why ? I asked.

She winked and replied : I am not so pretty now !

 Allie is God-sent. She came to the family when feisty Sara was 4 months old; you know what I mean?

Look at her in her first month.

Her pursed lips is still on today.

 Allie loves all my children; Esther at 2 and a half and Grace at 5. So she took care of all the girls right from their tender years. She is known as Aunt to all of them. I do not need to spell her duties in the home. But I must confess one weakness of hers; she spoils all of them. So now you know why Esther is so helpless in the kitchen. Sara says she cooks very well in the UK but when she came home she doesn't know how to cook anymore. Grace is now a wife to someone so she jolly well knows how to cook.

When Aunty Allie is around no one has any duty anymore; that sounds bad.

 

 That's me with the funny, curly hair. But it was the trend then.

Allie took care of the children dearly when I had to work each day.

While she put Sara to watch Chinese opera videos, she cleaned the house and prepared meals for the 2 older girls to come back from school and kindergarten. I asked her why Chinese operas? She replied that Sara was especially attracted to the ching ching cheng cheng music. Mama said anything went as looking after 3 young girls was no easy task. So they grew up any way.

Sara could have forgotten that I was the mother along the way for she told many that Allie labored like a mother for her. Allie washed her socks, ironed her frocks, fed her and slept with her nightly. The mother happily passed down the duty so she could  put on the best show in school with good sleeps!

It's not surprising that Allie can chide her freely without being retorted.

At least she respects Allie well for she had rocked her to sleep from young.

  

Now the girls are adults; no more babies.

Even Grace is married.

 Allie is still here with us.

So Allie is more than a help.

She is dear to all; young and old in the family and extended families.

She has spent her best years with us; her youth sacrificed for the family.

It is because she is of such great help that I can function well at work.

She gives us peace of mind; no hanky panky tricks.

I am grateful to God for His provision in the person of Allie.

May God grant her many, many, many more good years and sustain her through good health.

May she enjoy the fruits of her labour as she watches her wards fare well in life.

May she blessed by the Almighty One for her love to everyone around her.

I thank God for the unsung heroine of the home.

Happy Birthday Allie.

 I must admit I do not really know her age; she avoids telling me the real number. 

So, it's only one candle for every year.

A Sad Day

 17 April of every year.

 A true statesman.

Lived for others, died for others.

His legacy stays in the hearts of Malaysians.

Taken away so suddenly; maybe he needed the rest.

He will be remembered by.

Today we lost a spark in Malaysia; the conscience rake no one can replace.

Rest In Peace dear Mr. Singh.

Today is also a day for my family to remember by.

It is the second death anniversary of grandma Lau.

The teacher had taught well; her sons and daughters reflect her values.

Grandma, we thank you for your guidance, sacrifice and love.

A day to remember by indeed.

On A Wednesday

Wednesdays

 Wednesdays are days that the children enjoy as it will be a day of clean fun; hopefully.

On Wednesdays besides the usual lessons, they get to display their feelings, skills and capabilities in co-curriculum activities in the afternoons. Society members get to wear their uniforms and portray some higher esteem in themselves. It is indeed a pleasure to see them involved in healthy and fun activities especially if they keep themselves away from trouble. Boisterous, impulsive and energetic, do not be surprised if a single stare will evoke the worst of feelings.You keep them at bay by being watchful but trust me, if they up to something fishy, it is a task to detect. 

So, you pray for good days; that students, teachers and students are in good states and moods.

 Today, this standard sports event was held where every child was encouraged to go through certain mileages and pass.When they do well, they score points for their houses and yes, achieve the minimal requirements. So, from afar, it was a pleasure to see them in unity and participate positively.

But you only need a spark to start a fire going...

 I take the greatest delight in observing the participation of these students during a civics class. They are to show acts of gratitude and kindness and the teacher in control of the class is busy raking up the soil too. This is an ideal situation.The students participating obediently and the practical lesson carried out effectively. This is every principal's dream; under control.

 As you make your rounds, you are bound to see the unsightly. But you use the situation to establish good values in others. Harjit , I believe listens to me; and I hope the friendship with him is sustainable. It is this that adds colours and heartaches to the life of a teacher. When they listen, you are happy and feel that it is so worthwhile teaching; the best profession. But when days are difficult and moods go hay wire, you need the patience and grit to hold on to teaching; the noble profession.

The teacher knows that the profession is all about discernment, wisdom and perseverance. 

The teacher knows that under the toughest of trials, you still need to remain steadfast and stay cool.

You really need to be cool.

 Wednesdays give opportunities for soft skills to emerge. It is with pride that I see the boards well-maintained and decorated.This board belongs to the lions of the school. They are an active lot; interested in the right affairs and take pains to help here and there.

 Just like the way they put up this drawing on a wall. Bright, sunny and cheerful, they painted up the place to bring cheer to many. Keep up the good effort.

 Maisarah, the leader of the Leo pack, on this day is up to something again for the next feat. I am sure to see something unique and informative. The Leo club is roaring again !

 This pretty board is put up by a group of versatile musicians. Expect a great performance later in the year as they gear themselves up.So, today they get together for that disciplined training and with determination, they will make it ; I am very sure. So, when you have difficult days, this group of hopefuls add meaning to what you are doing.

 Other societies also take pride in their display and take effort to beautify their boards and to attract others to join them. It is on Wednesdays that members get together to put ideas together and hasten their work.

 Today, the Chinese Society members had a whale of time performing away in renditions. Using Mandarin, it took quite an effort for me to comprehend them. They had fun, I could see. This is good fun agreed and approved.If only all will stay good; all the time.

 These boys tell me they belong to the Art Club.

They are the ones who make you cry and laugh.

To sustain them in good spirits and activities requires loads of energy.

 So, today they drew; I hope.

 The uniform clubs have their fair share of practice too. Under roll-calls, they march and are drilled in exercises required of them. Instilling stamina and discipline is the call of the day. So on Wednesdays, we groom all under one umbrella.

But today, we received the best news for the week. The under 15 basket ball team made it to the top after 6 rounds of gruesome fights with other local schools.Congratulations boys; the school is proud of you guys.

From right back row: Kim Hou, Andrew, Alan, Hoey En, Chee Hoax, Zhong Shin, Tzu Siang.

From right front row: Ming Zhe, Henry, Jun Jie, Eddy, Eugene. 

ZhongShin, Tzu Siang, Hoey En and Chee Hoax were selected for further training for state competitions.

So Wednesdays are all about activities outside the classroom after school.

When all fall into place with students, teachers and parents in harmony; the school indeed is a beautiful melting pot.

Let there be good days.