Cold...

The hazards of the cold

A sister of mine once told me that Malaysians are a fortunate lot. We go through each year under shine and maybe some mild floods and rain. She has resided in both temperate and tropical lands and finally admitted that the people who go through the four seasons have a higher threshold of grit and determination especially when they have to put up with the cold. They have to adjust and accomodate accordingly and in the process become stronger species.

The UK has been going through bouts of very cold and cruel winters as recorded in the last few decades. I do not know what it really means to face winters. I suffer from ear aches when the early morning breeze slaps my ears and I go under layers of warm coverings when the air condition is on.
I gather I will not survive well under the cold weather. I may not be able to withstand it.

So when I received a call from Sara this afternoon amidst a meeting, I knew she must be facing a problem...

Sara : Mummy, I dowana go to class.
Me : Why?
She is a good girl. Playing truant has never been her cup of tea and it must have pricked her conscience real hard that she has decided maybe to skip class.

Sara : Mummy it' s so cold... I will get all wet before I reach class. I hate to go out in the cold.
Me : Then don't go. ( when your child is so far away, I will not force anything upon her but to give in to needs of the moment).

Sara : But Mummy, I have 5 classes today. I cannot afford to miss them.
Ma : Then go girl.
Sara : Hmm...

As I sat and reflected on her years back home, I must admit that she has to go through many adjustments...the weather, cooking for herself and having to face challenges on her own. But that will also mean the process of growing up. I must be strong myself and not worry.

She will be fine.

The Apprentice

Truth Revealed

I suppose life definitely does not stop in school. How does one get the message to uncooperative ones? Perhaps I should ask this apprentice of dad's to testify in a counselling session. Here's the truth :

Apprentice : I have a magnanimous problem. My 5 year-old son cannot read a,b,c ...yet. I send him to the kindies but it doesn't seem to help. I am afraid he would not be able to read ; just like me.
Dad : Didn't you finish your SPM?
Apprentice : I did. But I failed everything. I regret that I cannot read and write despite being in the school system for 11 years. Now my son seems to be following my footsteps.

Dad asked me why is it that a child is permitted to go all the way to SPM without making it at PMR? I told him that the Malaysian Education System discourages drop outs and a child has the right to be in school for as long as he wants up to Form 5. Now this is the greatest challenge to teachers. You have to handle the good, the bad and the ugly...all in the same package. I think it is really acceptable as long as the child is teachable and not indifferent. Slow learners are not a pain; defiance is one big one.

Dad : What did you learn in school then? You cannot write? Read?
Apprentice : For Bahasa Melayu I can try the 2 syllabic words. I know nothing about English. Now I cannot even write an invoice or spell words correctly when I see my clients. I find it impossible to put my thoughts in writing. I know how to build cabinets, closets but I cannot tell my clients the breakdowns and costings in writing, I must go to night classes again. I need help.

There is this constant reminder that concerned teachers put forward to uninterested students about the need to know some basics of learning especially on 3 subjects - English, Bahasa Melayu and Maths. You see the apprentice says he needs to bill in figures and words to his clients. His vocational skill of carpentry was picked up after his formal school years and he is really good in them. But he cannot write and read for future engagements which are so vital for survival. How do you understand the contents of an agreement?

Dad : What did you do in school if not learning?
Apprentice : Oh, I play truant. I dislike learning and I run away all the time. I must tell my son never ever to do it.

He is not academically inclined. But that does not mean he is useless. See, he is able to pick the carpentry skill well enough to make a living. He is not interested in academics and he should have been rolled in a vocational institution. That has always been the most practical option. But some parents do not agree. They think it is mandatory that the child be academically trained - so not true. I have tried many times to advise but to no avail. Now I am glad that the MOE is looking hard into the setting up of more vocational schools to arrest drop out problems. A step in the right direction.

Dad : What about your wife? Can't she guide your son?
Apprentice : Like me, she is not able to read and write. She's in sales - selling products which need no other literacy skills. Now, I know my son is in trouble. We cannot guide him.

There is the need to break this vicious cycle. How would you do it? Realisation came a little too late but not too late. There is still hope and concerted effort can lead to literacy in the child because they have already identified the challenge. May the apprentice and his wife arrest the challenge and bring up the next generation who is able to read and write and there is no denial that the son may just take up his trade; but this time with greater tools of literacy for better business developments.

May we teachers also have a chance to testify and share with reluctant learners in school the need to gear themselves up with literay skills for survival of the foetus.

Rare Species

A Pleasant Encounter

Today, a friend accompanied me to Universiti Hospital to see Josiah Wee, the son of a good friend. Josiah is bedridden at the moment and needs to be looked after all the time and so it is good if concerned friends can be around him to read and talk to him.

I had a pleasant surprise seeing a gentle and sweet lass moving busily around him seeing to his needs physically and giving him emotional boost by talking and reading to him. She is petite and gentle and at one look I thought she was still in school. I casually asked her what she was doing and she told me "Tesl"...teaching English as Second Language. I looked at her for a full second before I asked again "You mean, you are a teacher already?" She said she was waiting for her posting and would be glad to know it soon.

"Where did you ask to teach?" Johor or East Malaysia she reiterated and continued "I will go where God sends me." Oh she is so in the Lord. She is matured, focused and seeks God's will so faithfully. It is difficult to find this species these days. Later, she surprised us further by saying that her elder sister is already teaching in a polytechnical institution and her younger sister is also enrolled in a teacher's college to ensue the teaching profession. She confesses that she doesn't know why all of them have become teachers and cheerfully pointed out that it must be her mother's prayers.

On the way home, I shared with my friend that it is indeed difficult to find girls in such a category especially in the city where the environment and the ethos are so different. Girls who grow up in small towns sure can be of a different species as compared to their urban contemporaries. But we will not compare...that may cause antagonism.

But I am really glad that there are some who still choose to be teachers not out of compulsion but out of love and God's calling.

I remember...

Moments of Discouragement

Perhaps after all these years of being a teacher, I would say the one of the hardest hurdles in school is when you have to deal with defiance. It is nerve wrecking at times when you need to correct a wrong action, motive and situation because the client fails to see your good intention.

Some children are remembered for their compliance and cooperation while some for their lack of them. In most times, the teacher who is genuinely concerned about correction gets into trouble when they face harassments of all nature - graffiti, vandalism, obscene words and messages. You try hard because you are pricked with a conscience if you totally ignore. Teachers tell me why the need to bother? These days children give you emotional and mental stress when you want their cooperation in finishing assignments, projects and homework. They tell me it is best to leave the defiant children alone or they may face the brunt of hurtful consequences.
Then the child will be sent for counselling to hopefully change their perceptions of teachers and circumstances. Sometimes it works and at others it may not work.

The story seem simple but teachers have to put up with strong mental grit to swallow in the hurt, pain and disappointment. The teacher goes through tremendous pressure to cope with students who refuse to be respectful and disagree on anything you ask them to do.

How can parents help us? They must be facing the same problems at home too. Well, the least they can do is to cooperate in helping the child by recognising the shortcomings. A cooperative parent will eventually see the good intention and the child might just be brought back to them. It takes time, patience and much love but it has to be done if they still want the child back.

In all my years of teaching, the defiant child if not properly handled will normally end up giving many problems to the home in their adult years...defiant in every way. They may become dropouts and refuse to work for a living... However, I have also seen many become more matured and when they see you, they laugh at the times when they turn the school into a circus. At that moment you wonder if you should laugh in relief or at your efforts in containing them in school. You could have just left them alone and they will turn out fine eventually. Or...is it because you chose to be committed and had taken effort to correct that the child turns out to be well? Let's really hope it's the latter as that will give meaning to a teacher to go on fighting for a good cause.

The most devious crime a child can perform in school is being disrespectful. When respect is gone, there is very little chance of salvation. Let's teach our children to be respectful in the home and they will respect others. Let's hope too we teachers will always find reason to correct and be not afraid of hurt and disappointment and pray for God's divine help each day.

Of teachers and students.

A Rendezvous

Dad is known by many as accommodating and easy to get along with ; but not when it comes to going to the city during peak hours especially after a downpour. He frets and hates to entertain any idea of going to the city centre but when duty calls; he obliges.

Last night was one bad experience. Having to trudge through the heavy traffic ; I could feel the patience leaving him.

It took us a good one hour plus to hit KLCC amidst frustrations and frets. We nevertheless got to our destination an hour and a half hour late for our appointment.

There is no denial that our twin towers was a sight to behold ; so proud of them and I reiterate again that the Pearl Tower of Shanghai and 101 tower of Taipei are no comparisons. The aesthetic outlook is mesmerising. A shot from below only enhances its majesty. Really, they are beautiful. The Towers were also part of the reason for the miscommunication between dad and a long time friend from the UK - Zeda.

When we hit KLCC, Zeda was no where to be seen. She had waited at the place after her visit to the towers during the evening but we were no where to be seen too. Zeda kept ranting that though the Towers were beautiful she still could not get over the fact that she had to purchase her ticket in the morning for a visit in the evening! Yes, she bought the ticket at 10am to be turned away for a later visit because of the massive crowd. We had to arrive later than the appointed time and so it was the chicken and egg story. In a nutshell, Zeda had gone back to Dorsett and at our request through another mutual friend took a cab to meet us again at KLCC. We could not budge anymore; not after such a hazardous evening.

So, meet Zeda. Of Ugandan origin, Zeda first met dad 36 years ago when they were studying in the UK. Dad related that as students they lodged with a friendly British couple and spent their tertiary years as students together with Anne, the mutual friend. Now, a British citizen, Zeda resides in the heart of London and is engaged in the hotel industry.

I first met Zeda in 1992 when Sara was a mere 3 year old. Now Sara is 21 and is near her ! Zeda kept saying that she must meet her when she goes home to the UK. She was upset that dad never replies her mails; instead it has always been Esther who has been updating her. It was funny that she shared that her last resort would be to contact Esther to know the well-being of dad! Strange that though not related, the tie of friendship carries through generations.

We asked what she wanted for dinner and she said ; Chinese food. So we landed at Spring Garden and ate rice served in bowls with her using the fork and spoon.

It was good to see how she warmed up to us as though the years were but days apart. She insisted that dad should pay her a visit in the near future especially when he has not gone back there after his return. We told her soon.

After dinner at 10pm, she wanted to visit us at our home. We could not deny her; not after the long wait and separation. We took rides along the Lake Gardens and scoured the city. She shared that the changes in KL were alarming. Everything was new, big and tall. Merdeka Square and the State Secretariat bewitched her. She asked if KLites reside in high rise buildings? We took her to Subang Jaya and she was glad to see houses! Now she knows that we stay in nice, proper houses. Though dark, she enjoyed the ride to our home and was happy to be greeted by Allie, our long time help of 21 years. They recognised each other immediately and commented on each other's 'size'.

Again, the evening was filled with sharings of the past, present and future. It was good to meet her again. But the evening had to end ; especially when I had to go to school the next day. She arrived at Dorsett again at 12.30am and to say her final goodbye before she leaves for home the next day.

Some friends stay yours forever ; time and distance are no deterrents.

All The Best

To my SPM and STPM students...

With lots of...

May you conquer the challenges with your utmost and defeat them with a positive outlook knowing that nothing is asked of your ignorance but your knowledge.

• Face the questions you know best first and defeat the least familiar last.
• Boost yourself with confidence, eat and sleep well and avoid sick ones.
• Take vitamins and drink lots of water and eat out as little as you can.
• Home-cooked food is best and will prevent food poisoning.
• Come to school early and avoid last minute rush.
• Remind your friends to call you if you are not seen around.
• Resist rumours of leaks and don't rely on them.
• Don't cheat.

We are behind you and if you have any problem, see us.

Maintain a right and happy spirit throughout the marathon.

Run the race well.

Hope

Pockets of Hope

Many years ago we planted a small lily species in the garden to brighten our days. But alas, they died a natural death and somehow their survival could not be sustained. May I then conclude that bloooms are difficult to maintain and we just have to resort to its fate.

On this beautiful morning after a trip to the weekly Pasar Tani, I took my coffee at the patio and stole glances at the plants. Lo and behold, I saw pockets of the lily species sprawling here and there.

Just when I thought it has been long gone, some seeds sprang out and gave me a pleasant surprise and rays of hope of its survival.

Pretty blooms that added colour and brightness to the garden; though small in number. It is good to live with hope.

To a dear friend who is still bereaving over the death of several family members and having to go through difficult moments each day, may we rest in the hope that is promised in Heb.4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Amen.

Just For A Laugh

Some collections...

Shower creams can be consumed...

Notices are kind ...

Donuts can be replaced too...

When you wanna do the big business, just do it...

Best practice...try it in your home.

Reminiscence

When you go avisiting Suzhou...

This city boasts of canals, heritage buildings, vintages and the past...

Something real and present though are wriggly creatures ; the silkworms - which can be the lifeblood of blankets, garments, scarves, furnishings and exotic ornaments. When on a tour to Suzhou, you are bound to come across the factory which produces them. Then you are coaxed into buying as you cannot resist the persuasion of the sales personnel and the tourist guide. So you may end up buying, buying, buying. I promise myself that I will not fall into such traps the next time I visit China.

The silk worms produce silk used for making beautiful garments and home furnishings.

The girls were mesmerised by the varied choices of scarves and every piece of scarf they want to purchase.

In the end, they were limited to a piece each and took pictures with those they could not buy. One of the sales girls told me that I was fortunate to have 3 lovely daughters and when she asked me what they were doing, I dutifully told her so...she ended ranting again that my girls have done me proud by being obedient enough to want to study... In Chinese she said ..."how kuai ah , ta men hai yau tu shu..." Yes, I think so too.

In Suzhou, you will also be treated to a scrumptious meal to be entertained by a local artiste who will render songs by Teresa Teng and make your stay even more memorable.

Like this man.

Actually, the holidays are here and I can go no where...that's why I am reminiscing the past.

The Grand Send Off

It's her day.

The school prepares herself for the final countdown for her fourth Principal...

Madam Teh told me she loved the roses... all thanks to Madam Ng.

The excited throng waiting for the ceremony...

The Principal cutting the cake for her 58th...

The school band at their best...

The choir sang their hearts out...

The dikir barat performers gave a lively and superb medley...

The Form Three boys and girls rendering...

The Leo Club performers ; hey watch out for the dancers especially...

...this one. He's our new discovery.

The prefects revealed the secrets of their personality... they were hot !



The hottest of them all....the headboy.

See, the charismatic headboy winning the heart of the celebrity...

They concorded a poem to impress... and they were impressive.

Nichola bravely rendered and reiterated that the Principal was his idol...

He caught the hearts of the young and old and made the day for the Principal...

Many appreciated her efforts.

The State Education Department sent a representative to forward a certificate of appreciation.



The administrators appreciate...

Taylor's said Thank You Madam for supplying the pool of potential candidates...

KDU said thank you too...

The Buddhist Society expressed heartfelt thanks...

The Librarians painstakingly created a jig saw puzzle in memory of her days in school...

The Brotherhood encircled her in love...

The supportive PIBG members appreciated her great endeavours...

The new and old Heads of PIBG incessantly said thank you...


The Principal appreciates...

Me...

Roslina Ahmad...

Viani...

Gan Kim Jin...

Loy Joke Jong...

Periachee...

The old buddy; En Musawir Jamshaid...

Encik Abdul Rahim Khalid...

Her gesture of appreciation to people who have been a source of support throughout her career here.

She clocked off...

Yes, past office hours ; her usual practice.

Bye...

All in honour of her...

Bye...

Her buddy said...see you soon in Bandung.

We may leave the school compound but we are neighbours forever...

Girl Friday received a kiss in appreciation of hard work...

Puan Wang ; what's going to happen when the roof blows off again? Call JKR.

Just retired ....

The men of the school gathered in unity...

Look at the crowd...

Yes ; we love you Puan Teh.

Teary ... the crowd and celebration were just too much for her to take in.

Bye Puan Teh and may the best always be with you.

Thank you for manning the school and putting the perils ashore for the school to function at her best. We are able to do what we did because of your undying effort to keep the school in place.

Thank You.

Happy Retirement.