The New Academic Year 2009 has started!

Met my Form Class Sec 3C today and it was great to see many familiar faces whom I've taught before. I think I know the names of about 90% of them already, and for those whom I haven't taught before, don't worry, I still have about 2 yrs to get to know you! It's a relatively small class and I think it'll be an exciting year ahead.

Sec 3J also had some familiar faces but there are more students whom I've not taught before. Will try my best to get to know them asap!

Meanwhile, I need to nurse this nasty sore throat of mine which came at the most inopportune time!

Sunday thoughts...

Hi

How's everyone doing? Started revision I hope? 

Haven't been updating as you know how busy both teachers and students are at the end of the term as we prepare for exams. 

My family members are watching the F1 Grand Prix on tv now and I still cannot comprehend the 'enjoyment' of watching life-sized Tamiya cars going 61 laps round the Marina Bay circuit. Well, to each his own. I'd rather read a book, which I've been doing for the most part of the day. 

This morning while having breakfast at the Eunos hawker centre, an elderly came forward and asked if I could 'help' him. He said he was hungry and had no money to eat. I dished out $2 and gave it to him no questions asked, and he thanked me and walked away.

My brother asked me if I ever thought he would be a swindler. I don't rule out the possibility, but what if he wasn't and was really hungry? $2 is not a big sum, but if it could fill someone's stomach for a while, why not? And it must be very humiliating for someone to beg for food  - if the person really had the money would he swallow his pride and do such a thing?

A Lama once spoke about 'giving' in a Dharma class which I've attended. He said that in order to receive, one must give when someone is in need He meant that as a true Buddhist one must try his best to give.

He recounted one of his trips to China and there were many beggars on the street. They were all in need - but how to give so many people? He told us his method - 'Give smart'. He had already prepared many RMB$1 notes in his bag and dished out to any beggar who came up to him. RMB$1 is about SGD$0.25. A tiny sum, but it benefit many people at one go. That is also to say - it doesn't matter the sum of money that one gives. It is the act and intention of giving that is important.

So, my point is,  as you look at how lucky your life has been, you must remember to spare a thought for the poor. If someone begs you for money, are you going to doubt him and suspect him as a swindler? Or you'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt and act on kindness? The answer is in your heart. 

PWS

The Public Warning System (PWS) blasted at 12 noon in the middle of Geog lesson at 2D and suddenly one or two boys started waving their arms in the air, not in any sense of panic but in a very relaxed manner, exactly like what what one would witness Singaporeans do during the sing-along sessions on National Day.

Soon enough, the whole class waved as the siren went on for the next min or so. 

If it was a synchronised class spirit event, 2D would have won hands down with their languid swaying of arms in the air with precision.  *rolls eyes*

In any case, what puzzled me at that instant was why did the siren go off today? Shouldn't PWS sounding take place every 1st day of the month only? For a while I thought MAYBE it was something serious. But 2D remained so calm and composed and well, I choose to believe that it was just another exercise, since it was sounded at noon anyway. 

I did a search and was reminded that today - 15 Sept 2008 - is Civil Defence Day! Hence the PWS sounding. In any case, although it is just an exercise, do you know what to do should it be a real wartime emergency? 

PWS sounding will be activated should there be an imminent air-raid or shelling. Upon hearing the wailing signals, you should find your way to the nearest air-raid shelter and listen to the radio for information. 

Speaking of which, there isn't any air-raid shelter for me since I live in a private house. Think I will just hide in my room and pray for the best if I'm at home.

Question: Should there be an air-raid one day and you are within VS premises, where would you run to hide? 

Appreciate

Thank you for all the wonderful cards, gifts, thoughts and well-wishes last Friday. You guys are the reason why teachers choose to stay on in the teaching profession. 

Sometimes teachers too can become really 'emo' when all things go against us (like unmotivated students, poor results, rude and unappreciative students, stress at work etc etc....) and all I will do is to open my 'treasure trove' of cards written by students and ex-students, read their words and then I'll feel better, dump my emotional baggage and move on, and become even more determined to stay in the teaching profession! 

The best teacher's day gift is to appreciate his/her intentions EVERY day. How to show your appreciation? Participate actively in class, do your homework, prepare and do well for tests/exams - all these are signals to your teacher that you appreciate him/her. Really, it's that simple. 

Speaking about appreciation, I think a lot of us have forgotten about appreciating mother nature for all the good life she has given us. Clean air, water and food to keep us going. We have taken her for granted and continue to pollute the earth with our activities. Yesterday I watched Wall.E and it is about how humans have so much waste on earth that they have no choice but to leave planet Earth and seek other planets to survive...I won't reveal much here. Take this Sept hols and go watch it! We can discuss this animation film in class when school reopens. :)

I've just finished packing and I'm off to Malacca tomorrow for Sec 1 Humanities Field Trip with Mr Daryl, Ms Raksha and 36 Sec 1s. Don't miss us! ;p

MRT hit by flu bug

I think the past few hectic weeks have finally took its toll on me. I'm now running a high fever of 38.6 deg C. The fever has been fluctuating since yesterday night and I really pray I will get well tomorrow because there are just so many loose ends to tie up before you guys go from your one week break. Spamming tissue paper now as my nose runs freely. 

Those of you whom I'm seeing tomorrow, you'd know how to make my day easier yah? Especially my form class who are presenting their OPWs! 

And hand in your files (Sec 2s and 3s) + hydroponics  project! 

Thank you. 

Inconsiderate auntie on train

As I took a train home from City Hall, a middle-aged woman demonstrated the worst of any public commuter.

She hoarded two seats, one for herself, and the other for her belongings. Then she took out a portable DVD player and started to sing along with the Hokkien karaoke DVD! The icing on the cake - she scrubbed her smelly foot as she sang along.

Now tell me, how ungracious can some people be? I'm really at loss for words...

New skin and I'm off for sashimi!

Who are you, Blog Critic? 

After much 'criticisms' and feedback from you guys, I took it constructively and managed to change the look of that plain ol' boring look!

Yay!

You might think this blogskin is lame still. Whatever! I'm not a fashion blogger anyway.

I need to adjust some html settings but I'm rushing out for a sushi meal. For the whole week I've been eating canteen food just like you - now it's time to reward myself with a 5* Japanese cuisine and satisfy my sashimi craving! 

Have a good weekend everyone! :)