When Will I See The Lights Again?

Today might very well be my last day in ADSS. Only yesterday, I have kept my options open, following a great time with 1E2. After a night's sleep, I am back on earth. I would not say that a decision has been made but circumstances are more in favour of me not going back to any school for relief teaching for the rest of the semester. Fair to my everything I will always be.... however, relief teaching are mostly done at the expense of my studies.... which ironically is ranked highly on my achievements list for 2004.

I believe the post-exam activities that I thought of conducting in classes are going to be very interesting, with students remembering the happy moments for a long time. And it is going to be enjoyable for me too. But again, I am a relief teacher.... and will not be with them through to their crucial 'O' or 'N' Levels exams. These games, quizzes.... build bonds, break walls and really, it is vital for their own teachers to conduct these activities.... they certainly have more ideas than me. After working hard with the students for one year, these are breathers for both parties. So I am not very keen at substituting the teachers during these precious moments. However, if circumstances have improved and the school need my service, I would not say no.... if the school need help, means the school need help. Just hope that teachers are all healthy and course-free during the post-exam period.

My one month in ADSS has been an eye-opener. I used to think teaching is an easy job.... as in a teacher only works for half a day, get to enjoy at least 50% of 12 weeks of school holidays, etc. Actually.... lessons need to be prepared, syllabus need to be planned, marking is tedious and annoying sometimes, courses take away time with the family and friends, poor performance by students requires explanation and action, counselling for troubled students, remedial classes for weaker one. On top of these, there are CCAs to be in charge of. Meetings, special events, secondary duties in school.... the list goes on. The job is of course satisfying, but none the less easy.

My one month would not been so enriching if not of the teachers. Like to express gratitude to HOD Science for inviting me to his class to observe how he engage his students and the few teachers who "interrupted" me during my lesson.... everytime they speak, I learn something. Must not forget the students too, because without them, a school is only an office for teachers. They make it a learning hub.

All good things must come to an end, permanently or temporarily. I look forward to seeing the Guiding Lights again. For now, let me wish them a successful final year exams and happy holidays ahead.

Singing Teachers

I remember one of my physics lecturers in junior college, Mr. Loo, who sang a song written by himself about himself during lecture to get us inspired and motivated to do well for the A levels exams. That performance generated so much attention, laughter and cheers.... really, not many of us know of any teacher who would sing during lesson, especially when we are expecting all the "chiminologies" to be thrown on our faces. Knowing how interested we are at his singing, he promised to sing a song during each remedial lesson which students have an option not to attend.

This morning, I replicated his feat with 1E2, albeit not under similar mood and atmosphere. Mr. Loo did his stuff while all of us were on guard with our pens and lecture pads. Sec 1E2 already knew they are going to have a stress-relieving, enjoyable 2 periods with me for General Knowledge Quiz which I spent about one hour plus to prepare.... that is after 2 periods of solid, self-revision (Solid right, 1E2?). However, none would expect any special performance.... and that obviously came as a pleasant surprise. Well, I cannot sing for no reason. One of the questions in the quiz is about the Yellow Ribbon Project and I offered bonus points for the team who knows how to sing the song which inspires this project. The song is "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by Dawn. I am prepared to sing and introduce this song which I like since all the students are still babies when I first listen to the song.... having the Sec.1 P.C. Wu listening to oldies is unusual enough, it may well be a rediscovery of the dodo to find a Sec 1 student in 2004 who knows of this song. Anyway, even if a student knows and dare to sing aloud, I would still want to sing it.... because it is rare, it is rediscovery of the dinosaurs and it makes them happy. And I just feel like a Singapore Idol when they cheered.

That is certainly one of my finest hours with the students and I am reconsidering my option to stop relief teaching until next year to prepare for my December exams.... when I know there can be so much fun in school with the worries of examination temporary behind the students' mind. During the assembly when students were singing the 3 inspirational songs, there is hint of a Singapore Idol-like competition by the teacher in charge.... Now, how about having the teachers as guest performers?

Songs that Inspire

The Power of Dream by Celine Dion
"The power of the dream
The faith in things unseen
The courage to embrace your fear
No matter where you are
To reach for your own star
To realize the power of the dream"

If We Hold On Together by Diana Ross
"Don't lose your way
With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope & glory
Hold to the truth in your heart"

I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
'If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly"

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way."

Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778, in a letter to le Ray de Chaumont.