Coffee Breaks: This Teacher's Day

16th May each year is symbolic to schools. It is a day when we remember teachers and like it or not, there is no denial that teachers imprint minds.

Today in school, we the teachers want to thank the children for their good behaviour during the assembly and throughout the course of the day. They are very clever people. When we plead for their cooperation to especially behave well today; they did it. So with a grateful heart we extend our sincere thanks for the good disposition as the school underwent great scrutiny with the arrival of a battalion of federal inspectorates.

They do know how to behave when they choose to; sometimes you get mad at their atrocious behaviour but at others they can turn out to be sweet...as sweet as Ng Hui Ming who went around giving apples and oranges to his favourite teachers; me included !

Kaelan, the headboy went 'fuyohing' around when he playfully asked his friends ... where else except in Seafield ? On behalf of all the students he gave the principal a basketful of ... not apples ... but eggs ! Hey why eggs ah?

So beautifully packed... every teacher had one. An egg to symbolise the birth of knowledge?

The teachers were glad; look at the counsellor ! She seemed to have the loudest and last laugh ! What's up Puan Wong ?

The principal said...who else except the teachers of Seafield? Who can forget Puan Chuah? Slim and dainty; who can beat her in Additional Maths? Ask Sara... no one. Ask Esther... no one. How is it the subject is made so achievable under her tutelage? Puan Chuah share your secret la .

Puan Shahrizad, why are you reading non-stop? This English teacher is no play, play. She's a ferocious reader and has almost finished every title in the library !

But most of all, when you have ex-students walking in to certify certificates and they leave behind reminders like the above; you can only say...it's worth it !

Hey, we love the children too ! When they are obedient and clean their classrooms diligently, we give them gifts like the above. The cleanest class each week gets nasi lemak, chocolates, biscuits... we do love them. We teach them to hold the broom properly as many do not hold them at home and when they do their duties well, we reward them. So it's a win-win situation.

Today, though we celebrate Teacher's Day in a low note as they are in the midst of their exams, we look forward to greater times of sharing and giving in the days to come...

Teacher's Day is made meaningful when children respond to us in love and respect.