After a long gruelling 8 weeks at school, some students are starting to snap.
I had to face 2 major discipline issues (luckily not 1-1) in this week and as I talk to the students, I can tell that fitting in to the school culture is starting to wear them down.
1-1s, remember what I said about Stephen Covey's Time Management Table. It is very helpful to remind us to do the right things at the right time, effectively.
Play when you should, (your seniors know best how I relax in my own way) and study when its time to study.
The exams are like a brick wall that you are about to crash into. You can either do nothing and pray that last second you can create a miracle, or prepare yourself by finding ways and means to cushion the impact.
Myself I live great dreams outside of my working world. Once or twice I did create same sensations in the scenes that I am involved in. But none of it was by chance. It is by pure hardwork and focus that I manage to prove my worth to others that are much more senior and experienced than me.
A phrase that I read somewhere once that inspired me.
"How would you know the boundaries of the "Possible", if you have not crossed into the "Impossible" ?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Happy National Day!
Although a little late, but this is a Happy National Day to every reader of my school blog!
Sorry 1-1, for not being able to spend the National Day lesson with you all. I am the chair person in charge of the Concert. And while you guys were jeering and booing away at the concert, you have no idea how much hard work the emcees and commitee had put in! >.<
Anyways, I feel that the Concert did pull off well, especially all the Emcees. The video was also quite nicely done right? *wink*
This year's concert felt quite special to me as I was involved in it greatly. So much so that I had to "feel" that spirit again, and I was at the Esplanade today to view the fireworks. No choice, I didnt manage to get tickets to the show.
One thing I felt proud of was that I stood up and said the pledge at 8:22 pm although only about a hand full of the crowd did the same. The rest just giggled and laughed away and took pictures while the entire nation was reciting the pledge.
Feel proud to be a Singaporean. If Gong Li and Jet Li and other international icons are choosing Singapore to be the country that they settle in and to provide the education for their children, Im sure that is something to be proud of!
Being a wet blanket:
Coming week is the 7th week already. Guys, 3 more weeks to Sept holidays, and then after that, another 3 more weeks to End of year exams.
Are you ready? Gentlemen (and ladies) Start your Engines!
Sorry 1-1, for not being able to spend the National Day lesson with you all. I am the chair person in charge of the Concert. And while you guys were jeering and booing away at the concert, you have no idea how much hard work the emcees and commitee had put in! >.<
Anyways, I feel that the Concert did pull off well, especially all the Emcees. The video was also quite nicely done right? *wink*
This year's concert felt quite special to me as I was involved in it greatly. So much so that I had to "feel" that spirit again, and I was at the Esplanade today to view the fireworks. No choice, I didnt manage to get tickets to the show.
One thing I felt proud of was that I stood up and said the pledge at 8:22 pm although only about a hand full of the crowd did the same. The rest just giggled and laughed away and took pictures while the entire nation was reciting the pledge.
Feel proud to be a Singaporean. If Gong Li and Jet Li and other international icons are choosing Singapore to be the country that they settle in and to provide the education for their children, Im sure that is something to be proud of!
Being a wet blanket:
Coming week is the 7th week already. Guys, 3 more weeks to Sept holidays, and then after that, another 3 more weeks to End of year exams.
Are you ready? Gentlemen (and ladies) Start your Engines!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Public Speaking
Thank you Catherine for reminding me.
I have just started this Public Speaking exercise for 1-1. This exercise involves getting each student to present something for about 10 minutes in front of the class. Hands up, all those that shiver at the thought of standing in front of a class? Dont worry, you are not alone.
I believe in grooming you all not just in your behavior and academic results, but also useful skills in the working world.
I was once a very shy and quiet student in class. Teachers hardly remember me as I was the"invisible" student. However, when in University, I realised I lacked alot of presentation skills and public speaking skills.
One example I remember was when I had to prepare on a Module while I was in University. I spent long hours researching, and making possibly one of the best powerpoint presentations ever in my life. But when my turn came to present, I was all Jelly legs and Sweaty palms. I did not do a good job at all.
I scored an average for that Module.
However, I was lucky later in life that my hobbies "forced" me to learn to compose myself in front of large crowds and to handle talking to people who were "more powerful" than myself.
This eventually helped me ace most interviews thus I was able to work at some of the largest local banks in Singapore the moment I graduated.
It is my sincere heart felt wish that each of you will go on further in life as a mature and well opinionated individual. =)
PS: If any of you have some issues that you wish for me to address, or talk about. Be it my opinion on some current affair issues or class happenings, feel free to leave a note in my Chatbox and I will look into it.
Cheers!
I have just started this Public Speaking exercise for 1-1. This exercise involves getting each student to present something for about 10 minutes in front of the class. Hands up, all those that shiver at the thought of standing in front of a class? Dont worry, you are not alone.
I believe in grooming you all not just in your behavior and academic results, but also useful skills in the working world.
I was once a very shy and quiet student in class. Teachers hardly remember me as I was the"invisible" student. However, when in University, I realised I lacked alot of presentation skills and public speaking skills.
One example I remember was when I had to prepare on a Module while I was in University. I spent long hours researching, and making possibly one of the best powerpoint presentations ever in my life. But when my turn came to present, I was all Jelly legs and Sweaty palms. I did not do a good job at all.
I scored an average for that Module.
However, I was lucky later in life that my hobbies "forced" me to learn to compose myself in front of large crowds and to handle talking to people who were "more powerful" than myself.
This eventually helped me ace most interviews thus I was able to work at some of the largest local banks in Singapore the moment I graduated.
It is my sincere heart felt wish that each of you will go on further in life as a mature and well opinionated individual. =)
PS: If any of you have some issues that you wish for me to address, or talk about. Be it my opinion on some current affair issues or class happenings, feel free to leave a note in my Chatbox and I will look into it.
Cheers!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Expectations
Expectations are often something that people strive to live up to.
Teenagers in their younger years often need expectations from adults to guide their paths.
Today at Night Classes with the graduating classes, Im reminded of why I wanted to become a teacher. These Sec 4 & 5 students were studying very hard, working on question after question to test their own understanding of the concepts. The main focus tonight was clamouring for every single drop of information that teachers have to offer, and perfecting their understanding.
These students are still working to meet expectations. But no longer their teachers' expectations, but their very own.
Class 1-1, although I have not shown it, but my expectations for this class is very high. Both in terms of academic and also character development. Why?
Simply because you guys are the cream of the crop! If 1-1 cannot achieve it, then no other class can!
If 1-1 is handing up shredded worksheets to their teachers? What kind of behaviour should we expect from class 1-8?
You are not here by chance. Uphold this honour of being in the best class of the Sec 1 Level and show the school that you deserve to be in this class.
I will continue to condition you guys. We shall work together to show the teachers of AES that 1-1 is a mature lot and that you guys are capable of giving quality opinions to teachers and have the capability to lead the Sec 1 students in AES.
Should you want to learn more, or seek advice from me on how to improve your own character development, feel free to approach me and we can discuss on it.
Cheers!
Teenagers in their younger years often need expectations from adults to guide their paths.
Today at Night Classes with the graduating classes, Im reminded of why I wanted to become a teacher. These Sec 4 & 5 students were studying very hard, working on question after question to test their own understanding of the concepts. The main focus tonight was clamouring for every single drop of information that teachers have to offer, and perfecting their understanding.
These students are still working to meet expectations. But no longer their teachers' expectations, but their very own.
Class 1-1, although I have not shown it, but my expectations for this class is very high. Both in terms of academic and also character development. Why?
Simply because you guys are the cream of the crop! If 1-1 cannot achieve it, then no other class can!
If 1-1 is handing up shredded worksheets to their teachers? What kind of behaviour should we expect from class 1-8?
You are not here by chance. Uphold this honour of being in the best class of the Sec 1 Level and show the school that you deserve to be in this class.
I will continue to condition you guys. We shall work together to show the teachers of AES that 1-1 is a mature lot and that you guys are capable of giving quality opinions to teachers and have the capability to lead the Sec 1 students in AES.
Should you want to learn more, or seek advice from me on how to improve your own character development, feel free to approach me and we can discuss on it.
Cheers!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Student Leaders
Currently, Mdm Siti and I have picked out some students to be recommended to go for the Student Leader course.
A gentle reminder to these students. This is a great role and responsibility that you are fufilling. Your behaviour and character have to exhibit all the C.H.R.I.S.T values, and you have to be an example to your fellow peers.
There are bound to be hardships along the way with teasing from your classmates, or facing situations whereby you have to choose between what is right and what you desire, and when faced with discipline issues, you leaders will get it harder than the normal student.
However, I hope that you are mature enough at your age to see beyond these hardships, and appreciate the leadership development opportunities that this path presents to you. The value of it is priceless. Myself, I wished I had the opportunity when I was a student, instead of having to pick up these skills only in my working years.
Well, enough said.
To Trishten and Dennis, your behaviour and attitude in class is being monitored by all your subject teachers and they report to me directly. Please be on your utmost best behaviour with regards to your behaviour in class and homework such that your subject teachers will not object my recommendation for you two to go thru this course.
As for the rest of the class, remind one another of the right and wrongs. The class reputation is everyone's responsibility. Lets make Class 1-1 of 2009 a class that teachers will talk about for a long time! ( in a positive way, of course. )
A gentle reminder to these students. This is a great role and responsibility that you are fufilling. Your behaviour and character have to exhibit all the C.H.R.I.S.T values, and you have to be an example to your fellow peers.
There are bound to be hardships along the way with teasing from your classmates, or facing situations whereby you have to choose between what is right and what you desire, and when faced with discipline issues, you leaders will get it harder than the normal student.
However, I hope that you are mature enough at your age to see beyond these hardships, and appreciate the leadership development opportunities that this path presents to you. The value of it is priceless. Myself, I wished I had the opportunity when I was a student, instead of having to pick up these skills only in my working years.
Well, enough said.
To Trishten and Dennis, your behaviour and attitude in class is being monitored by all your subject teachers and they report to me directly. Please be on your utmost best behaviour with regards to your behaviour in class and homework such that your subject teachers will not object my recommendation for you two to go thru this course.
As for the rest of the class, remind one another of the right and wrongs. The class reputation is everyone's responsibility. Lets make Class 1-1 of 2009 a class that teachers will talk about for a long time! ( in a positive way, of course. )
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Improvement!
I have seen great improvement in the class's behaviour!
This is good. 1-1 please keep up the good work.
Congrats to the new Chair and Vice Chair. Everyone please remember now that they are the voices for the class now, so do co-operate with them.
In a class of 38, there are bound to be clashing opinions every now and then. That is unavoidable. That is why we have leaders to lead us.
Thank you all for the Food Discussion too. It was very enthusiastic but I felt that the discussion could have proceeded more successfully if you all raised your hands before shouting out your opinions. It really is a chaotic task for teachers to try to capture all the opinions.
Well, as requested by Catherine, I have added a Tagboard. Can anyone tell me what is the difference between a Tagboard and a Chatbox? I have a Chat box in my other blogs and they seem to be much prettier than this Blogger's Tagboard.
Lastly, I have also added Sudoku in. Its a good game that passes time quickly while exercising the brain. The brain is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
Looking forward to another week with you guys.
Cheers!
This is good. 1-1 please keep up the good work.
Congrats to the new Chair and Vice Chair. Everyone please remember now that they are the voices for the class now, so do co-operate with them.
In a class of 38, there are bound to be clashing opinions every now and then. That is unavoidable. That is why we have leaders to lead us.
Thank you all for the Food Discussion too. It was very enthusiastic but I felt that the discussion could have proceeded more successfully if you all raised your hands before shouting out your opinions. It really is a chaotic task for teachers to try to capture all the opinions.
Well, as requested by Catherine, I have added a Tagboard. Can anyone tell me what is the difference between a Tagboard and a Chatbox? I have a Chat box in my other blogs and they seem to be much prettier than this Blogger's Tagboard.
Lastly, I have also added Sudoku in. Its a good game that passes time quickly while exercising the brain. The brain is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
Looking forward to another week with you guys.
Cheers!
Friday, July 3, 2009
End of 1st week.
It had been an eventful first week, with Tristan's high cut shoes, Dennis impeccable soccer skills etc.
Everyone needs a little time to re-adjust. So far the class looks like they want to leave a good impression with the teachers but maybe the methods used are wrong. Let's be a class that teachers will remember for the right reasons. =)
A little reminder for all those that may have gone over seas during this long weekend. Please remember to fill up the Travel Declaration form from the AES website when you return to school on Tuesday.
Enjoy the holidays.
Everyone needs a little time to re-adjust. So far the class looks like they want to leave a good impression with the teachers but maybe the methods used are wrong. Let's be a class that teachers will remember for the right reasons. =)
A little reminder for all those that may have gone over seas during this long weekend. Please remember to fill up the Travel Declaration form from the AES website when you return to school on Tuesday.
Enjoy the holidays.
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