The Novice

 Calligraphy

We try anything to rise up to the occasion.

So, it's the Lunar New Year mood and enthusiastic teacher Lily insists that the students too must have a try at the brush. I must confess that I have never held that brush before in my full age. 

So, I was wondering how the children were going to do it.

To my pleasant surprise, they did it anyhow. 

Obedient and cooperative, Sharyn, Chantel and Elise joined in the activity and we were caught in surprise when one of them was in the top three. 

The boys accommodated with our request and stroked the brush with whatever existing skill they had to the delight of teacher Lily. She had put in much effort to make the occasion a memorable one and though the students did not take her too seriously, the outcome was nevertheless commendable. 

It was a gesture of respect and collaborative attitude.

These are the darlings of the centre; small in size but big in ambition as they took the plunge to compete. They are adorable and sometimes naughty and cheeky but within limits.

 The word is still adorable.

That's Khai Theng trying his hand with his special brush. Esther, the neat one stroking with Ashton looking in doubt. Can she really do it?

What can we say about this little hero? Not a Chinese, but he could write without a hitch. Vinesh completed the task with his  " yik phent wan lik" which connotes prosperity in abundance. The Chinese never runs away from anything connected to wealth.

Many in this group are versatile in this exercise. Most of the winners came from them. Year 7 is boisterous and do expect anything from them. Some are good in numbers, some in language but they still get into one another's ways all the time. The clumsy ones always ask for trouble while the dainty ones suffer in silence and weep. Yes, they still do that.

A parent dropped in and offered his expertise as a judge for the competition. He was informative and lent teacher Lily a real hand in making the final decision for the winners. So we say thank you to him for his help. We will need him more in the future.

The great works of the students. They are hung in the office awaiting the final results to be announced soon. They can then bring home and hang on their doors to usher in all things good and beautiful. Yes, may the best with them.

The prayer is still that all will journey through with us in God's mercy and grace as they learn and grow together here. May all learning be what it should be and the values acquired guide  them through life.

Amen.