A Very Long Post from My Heart to Dearest 1 Ruby

Dearest 1 Ruby,
It's the start of Term 4 in the blink of an eye and I would like to take the opportunity to share my learning journey with you...

Like you, I'm quite new to the school. I've been in Dunearn since April 2009, and 1 Ruby is my first ever form class in my teaching career. As such, yo u will always remain in my heart and each and every one of you will remain precious in my eyes even long after you graduate. You are my darlings and dears and you are always on my mind even on weekends. This year has been filled with ups and downs and we faced many challenges and victories as a class.

I have had some regrets and heartaches as your form teacher this year. I understand the fears and difficulties you face as teenagers as well as having to keep up with your studies amidst this period of change in your life. I have always wanted to be a teacher as I was a lousy student whom some teachers looked down on. In Secondary 2, I nearly had to repeat a year but was given a chance to change. I feel eternally grateful to the teachers who helped me and I was inspired to do the same. However, I feel that I have not done enough for you and I apologize. Like you, teachers are human and we have our strengths, but also shortcomings. So many times I feel that I have failed and am not a good enough form teacher for 1 Ruby. I won't lie, it hasn't been easy...

When I heard I was going to be the form teacher of 1 Ruby, I was full of excitement and hope! Ruby students have always been my favourite somehow... When I saw each and every one of you, my heart was filled with joy and a great sense of motherly instinct! I made a promise to myself to protect and help you grow as much as I can in this one year. The first year is always crucial in shaping the rest of your journey as Dunearnites.

However, I wasn't prepared for what was to come. I wished I had some help. Many teachers were complaining, parents were calling, students were having issues and I had my hands filled with many new duties... What was I to do? All I wanted to do was to ensure you did not commit any mistakes that you would regret or that would get you into serious trouble. As teachers, we have seen many kinds of students. Those who become mature and outstanding individuals with strong values, and those who stray. My dears, I always want the best for you which is why I sometimes have to play the bad guy and nag and scold you. But trust me, in my heart, you are always the most important...I admit I sometimes lose my patience, but it's only because I'm frustrated with myself that I am unable to solve the problems we face as a class. But I have never given up on you and I hope you won't too!

I'm not sure if I'll get to teach you and be your form teacher next year, but to be honest, I would really love to follow up with you as I feel that I have gotten to know you better and would love to have the opportunity to continue this learning journey with you. I hope we would all grow and progress together, myself included. I'm learning to be a better teacher and I appreciate your patience and your belief in me. Your teachers need encouragement too, the learning never stops!

To me, Term 2 was the worst and to share a secret with you, I had sometimes dreaded coming to school as I was facing personal problems but had to hide them and put on a strong front. As a result, I was often emotionally and mentally drained and I also apologize as I am aware that I was particularly nasty to you. Term 3 was a better Term and I hope it continues to get better and we all continue to put in our best effort to reach our potential. We are all capable people! I hope you have not given up on Ms Tan too and know in your heart that each precious Ruby is so precious to me... 1 Ruby, a BIG thank you for everything, the good times and bad, you have shaped me and taught me much about myself and made me realize that I have many areas to improve on. Will you continue to work with me so that the 1 Ruby family will take a step a time towards the summit of the mountain? We can do it, I love you dears, 1 Ruby rocks!

Revived! My Thoughts on 2010...

Hello dears!

My blog has finally been revived :)

2010 has begun and this year is one with more responsibilities, new students, and more things to look forward to! The classes I'm teaching this year are 2 Ruby, 4 Ivory, 4 Amber, and combined Literature class with students from 4 Jade, 5 Ruby and 5 Amber. Last but not least, I have a form class this year - 1 Ruby! :) It's so wonderful to meet my students (old and new!) in school and what heartens me most are the smiles on my students' faces... I feel happy knowing you have all settled down well and look forward to going to school! Many of you have grown to be taller and more mature that sometimes I have difficulty even recognizing you!

Some of my thoughts on this one month thus far... (in point form, heehee...)

- I LOVE my classes and it's nice to teach upper secondary students this year!

- It sometimes hurt (teachers have emotions too!) when my students complain and groan about English class and Ms Tan being boring or too fierce and refuse to cooperate as a result. As much as I can be very fierce, it's really not something I enjoy... :( However, I will still put in my best effort and hopefully, in the long run, these students will understand that my actions really stem from genuine care and concern.

- I appreciate each and every one of my students, even if they make mistakes at times... Nobody is perfect and it is human to err... What is most important to me is that there is PROGRESS.... I see my students as INDIVIDUALS and don't believe in comparing... So do remember that ok? You are unique and special and I appreciate you for who you are!

- Each of you make teaching a dream come true for me... I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy teaching, learning, and interacting with you! I always feel that I have the MOST LOVELY students, or am I just biased? :)

- 1 Ruby and 2 Ruby, I look forward to seeing you grow and realize your potential! You are precious gems to me and I hope we can learn and grow together! This age is difficult and will be challenging, but I'll be there!

- 4 Ivory, though you are sometimes "laidback" :P, your personalities and happy-go-lucky nature never fail to brighten my day... Plus your "MS GORGEOUS!" boosts my ego, hahahaha! I look forward to As and Bs only! :) I know it is a realistic goal we can work towards... Stay lively and wonderful

- 4 Amber, 4 Jade, 5 Ruby and 5 Amber... I remembered the first lesson when I went into class "mad" (or should i say Off Centre?)... Your reactions were really quite funny and adorable! I enjoy our Literature lessons so much and I hope you do too! Your active participation is much appreciated! Let's aim for As and Bs and no less! You guys are real good in case you didn't already know!

Sorry I don't have many pictures of you guys to upload yet, let's take some nice shots soon ok?

Stay good! :)

Band Camp :)

Hi my dears...

Hope you're enjoying the holidays! (Only 2 weeks left, so do remember to complete your homework soon!) Well, I'll be staying overnight in school for band camp and shall be sleeping alone in the staff lounge tonight... I should be fine, I hope :) Brought a book along in case I can't get to sleep... Ok, I'll be signing off here. Do take care and see you soon in 2010 :)

Pictures and More Pictures

Philippines Trip

More Pictures...

Service Learning Trip to the Philippines

Hi all, hope that you've been enjoying your holidays :)

As for me, I went to the Philippines with eleven other teachers and ten students on a service learning trip from the 28th of November to the 1st of December... We had great fun and got to know each other better and enjoy each others' company.

More importantly, we also achieved our mission of serving the lives of others while we were there... We went to an orphanage there and also visited the slums. Visiting the slums really taught me to appreciate what we have, but often take for granted... Things like food, water, shelter and security... The trip has been an enriching and fulfilling experience, and below are my post-trip reflections...

The service learning trip to Philippines was a real eye opener in so many ways. Apart from that, it also opened up our hearts. What we experienced was first hand, and it really is beyond what we hear, see and read about. Basic necessities, like food, water, shelter and sense of security were lacking in some of the areas we visited, yet the children were carefree and happy. How many times have I mentioned I NEEDED to have something, which in actual fact I don't? I feel more appreciative of what I DO have, rather than complain of what I don't. At times, we may complain of strained relationships with our parents, but there are children with none, no one who would hold them each time they feel fear or sadness. On the other hand, I also understood the meaning of humanity, what it means to live life by what we give. It is heart-warming to know that efforts are being made to ease the situation, and that there are people who commit their whole lives to serving others. It takes a little from each of us to make an impact. We may not be able to remove poverty, but we can each leave an indelible footprint in the hearts of those lives we have touched, be it through an outstretched hand to someone in need, or the simple gesture of a smile... It does not take much to make a difference, only the heart to want to help others. That spark is all it takes to light up a fire and warm the hearts and lives of others. This trip was a meaningful and enriching experience where bonds were forged as we strived together as a strong team to contribute as much as we could to the lives of the children we met. Everyone gave selflessly and supported each other and the best part is that it doesn't stop here...