Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
[NIV]
New phase. More changes.
What would the future bring?
PROFILE
ENTRIES
MEMORIES
TAGGIES
= P R O F I L E =
Joyz
03 February
Friday, October 26, 2007 Woes Of A Form Teacher
School term is finally over for the year!
I met a few pupils' parents today in the morning to talk about their results. The parents were generally grateful for the advice I'd provided them as most of their children were facing similar problems. I'm glad I was of some help and could allay some of their fears, but whether or not the situation improves depends very much on their necessary actions.
I was quite disturbed by a few things though. I spoke to one parent and thought this parent was quite alright. We agreed on several issues about this parent's child, so I found it rather easy communicating with this parent. After our chat, the parent asked to meet one of the subject teachers of my form class, with the intention of finding out the reason behind the child's problem in that subject and to seek advice from the teacher.
A while later, I was asked to meet this parent again. This time round, the parent was full of anger and told me plainly the reason so many of my pupils did so badly in the subject was because this subject teacher was very unreasonable and prejudiced against the pupils. I was not able to defend the teacher very much because the parent (whom I see eye to eye with) was not able to communicate with this subject teacher. Obviously, they had ended up quarrelling during the short chat!
I was at a loss for a moment, and prayed to God for wisdom silently. The answer came almost immediately. Rather than defending the teacher (in case the situation got worse by my inadequate explanations), I offered a solution to the problem. I could instantly see a change in the parent's eyes. The complaints about the subject teacher stopped and we were soon exploring the feasibility of the suggestion I made. The parent was very agreeable. I was extremely relieved. (God, thank You so much!)
However, a couple of hours later, the subject teacher came by my table and started telling me a completely different story. I wasn't sure if I could believe this teacher whom I'd received much help and advice from throughout my years in the school. At that moment, my mind chose to recall something one of my pupils' had disclosed to me a few weeks back: I was criticized in class by this very same teacher.
SIGH. I admit I have some differences with this teacher, but as far as possible I treat this teacher with respect, though recently I had begun avoiding this teacher to prevent clashes. Other than conveying short messages, I'd stopped all discussion with this teacher about my form class.
I'm not saying that I get along wonderfully with all my pupils and their parents. Yesterday, one parent actually threatened to lodge a complaint against me to the ministry. I was accused of being a racist! What right has this parent to judge me simply by listening to what his/her own child had told him/her? I was very tempted to tell this parent to please go ahead and lodge the complaint. I honestly didn't feel threatened at all because my conscience was clear. I told this parent plainly that I got along beautifully with colleagues of his/her ethnic group and one of my very best friends is of this same group even.
The parent decided to attack me on another ground: I was a female. The parent even said it would be good if his/her child's form teacher next year isn't a female. I was speechless for a moment, because it never occurred to me that someone as educated as the parent would make sexist remarks like that. I told the parent: I would most likely (a 99.99999...% possibility) be following up with the same form class next year. The parent hesitated for a second before saying, "Oh, I guess [my child] will have to tolerate you and keep [his/her] discipline in check then."
At that moment, I was wondering how much ruder this parent could get. It is no wonder the parent's child has turned out the way he/she is.
Anyway, the entire conversation made me realise that I wasn't the problem. The parent himself/herself was the problem. The parent had the problem of being too overprotective of his/her own child. I decided to stop arguing with the parent because I had better things to do. (I still had to deal with the child after the conversation with the parent.) Since the parent was unable and unwilling to trust my judgement and professionalism as a teacher, I decided to go with his/her "advice": If his/her child were to misbehave by my standards, I would call him/her and let him/her deal with the child first before issuing the punishment.
Ironically, when I spoke to this pupil later, the child asked me not to do that! Evidently, the pupil had been telling untrue tales about me to his/her parent behind my back!
-__- The kind of crap we form teachers have to go through is just... indescribable.
You know what? I'm going to ask for a male co-form teacher for 2008. He can deal with the sexist parent. I know I'm going to sound like I'm gloating when I type my next statement, but I cannot resist: I await the day this child has to undergo something very important. It's a pity I won't get to see how the parent can complain his/her way up to whichever ministry to protect his/her child.
Bottomline: Parents should just allow their children to suffer a little hardship in their growing up years. That is the only way to help them mature and be more independent.
jOyZ blogged at 9:53 PM
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Sunday, October 21, 2007 December Trip Confirmed
Our December trip is confirmed. We're going to the land of the rising sun from the 17th to the 23rd!
We decided to abandon the idea of going Korea with SA because the packages weren't as attractive as the ones with CTC we found at the last minute.
There were 3 packages we were interested in - one to Korea, one to Japan and the last one to Turkey. However, the one to Korea did not include Jejudo, which was part of SA's itinerary. We decided that it wasn't worth it because part of the reason we wanted to go to Korea was to see Jejudo. Turkey was exotic but a bit too cultural for Joce's liking. I didn't mind it because it's something different.
Eventually we both agreed on Japan because the package was more comprehensive. The itinerary included culture, entertainment and shopping. Haha... Women just can't run away from shopping, eh? ;P
As for Korea, I'll just go there another time. Meanwhile, I will just 'tour' Korea via all the drama serials I watch. Heh heh heh.
Looking at the number of days we'll be in Japan and the number of places we'll be going, there's going to be a lot of rushing around. That's how it is with tour groups, I guess. For the past decade or more, I haven't been joining tour groups - excluding the field trip to Perth with the school in June 2005 - precisely because I dislike the rush.
Unfortunately, it's too late to plan for a free and easy trip because of certain time constraints, one of which is we can only leave Singapore between the period of 17th and 25th. We weren't able to find reasonably priced air tickets for an F&E trip for that period of time. Well, at least not reasonably priced enough to satisfy our budget constraints.
Considering all factors (some of which aren't mentioned here), we decided it was far more economical to follow a tour group. Furthermore, it will be hassle-free.
So, yes, we'll be flying to Japan on the 17th of December! =D
Oh, and I just realised my cousin will be going there with her colleagues during the same period of time - just a day later. Haha. I wonder if we'll have the chance to meet. It might not be possible unless the tour guides give both tour groups allowance to roam around freely - at the same time and place. (She's going with Dynasty.) Hoho.
Anyway, right after we paid for our trip yesterday, we went around shopping for winter items. I decided to invest in my own basic winter wear because I don't like some of the items my parents have.
Initially I was planning to use the coat I bought in Taiwan last year especially since it cost me a huge bomb. But we were told that the temperature could go as far below as negative 3 degrees Celcius and that it might snow on Mount Fuji. Eventually, we decided to purchase water-proof down-feathered jackets which were more appropriate for freezing temperatures. I also invested in a set of good quality thermal undergarments which cost me $95. Yeah, quality and comfort are extremely important to me. As for gloves, I'll probably borrow my mom's if she still has them. I won't be buying any winter accessories since I can loan them from my parents. So, within half a day, I swiped away at least $2.5K with my credit cards. I hope it's still within my credit limit, considering the holidays are almost here and I tend to splurge more during then. o_O
Well, well, I'm almost all set to go. Hah! Actually, I still have 2 months (more than enough time!) to pack since we don't need to plan anything for the itinerary.
GAHHHH! I can't wait! (=
jOyZ blogged at 10:33 PM
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Saturday, October 20, 2007 Woes In Last-Minute Planning
I am determined to go on a trip in December before the year comes to an end. Due to various reasons, I must get away from it all - even if it means spending Christmas on the plane!
Initial plans were to either go USA for two weeks or HK for a week. It's difficult for me to get away for two weeks (can you believe it - during December!?!), so now we have been exploring the idea of going Korea.
The past one week saw us comtemplating over tour group packages or free and easy deals. We surfed the Internet frenziedly for cheap to mid-range airfare and lodgings and pored over the classified section of the Straits Times with great diligence. We also went to People's Park Centre and People's Park Complex to scout for attractive promotions.
Alas, we were rather late in our quest. Most places have been snapped up during the travel fairs that took place several weeks ago. In desperation, we booked the only package left available with SA Tours and they gave us two days to consider. By 4pm today, we will have to make a payment or forfeit the trip with the tour agency.
This is what happens when you have a last-minute plan to go overseas during the peak travelling period.
But, I am determined to go on a trip in December. I am. Don't you dare stop me!
jOyZ blogged at 8:21 AM
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Saturday, October 13, 2007 Sammi Cheng 2007 Concert
I just returned from Sammi Cheng's long-awaited concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. I was expecting an outlandish performance. It wasn't quite what I'd expected, but I did enjoy the concert nonetheless. She really gave her all and seemed to be enjoying herself. She looked fleshier - which is a good thing - so she looked really good, especially when she wore this black outfit. What a pity my handphone battery was extremely low; I wasn't able to snap a picture of her. =\
The guest star was Stefanie Sun and they sang one of her fast songs (I can't remember which one!) together. I thought Sammi Cheng sang 遇见 very nicely too. I still enjoy her voice best when she croons love ballads. She always ends a note very beautifully. Most of the songs she sang were Cantonese favourites. She spoke in Cantonese most of the time too, except when conversing with Stefanie Sun, though she would lapse into Cantonese again to express herself more freely and accurately.
Speaking of which, THANK GOD FOR ALL THE TVB SERIALS I'VE BEEN WATCHING! I can't say I understood every single word Sammi Cheng said during the concert, but at least I could understand 80% of what she said. That's not too bad considering I can't speak a word of Cantonese! HAHA!
I thought the most entertaining segment of the concert was her exchanges with 2 of her fans from the audience. It was funny the way she selected plump females to be up on the stage. According to her, they would make her appear slimmer than she really was. As she bantered with the 2 fans, they took photos and sang with her, much to the envy of the audience. We were all 'WAHHH'ing away when Sammi Cheng gave them a hug!
She ended her concert with one of my favourite Cantonese songs 终生美丽 and left the stage. The audience shouted 'encore' for quite a while, refusing to leave. Even when the white lights were turned on, most of the audience remained seated. I guess everyone was wondering if she would come back on stage. The fans kept chanting her name, screaming and shouting. It wasn't until the backstage crew went onto the stage to unpack the equipment then we realised there wasn't going to be any encore performance. It was terribly disappointing. =( I was hoping she would sing her very first Mandarin song 值得 which got me started buying her albums.
Ah well. If she were to ever hold another concert in Singapore again, I will definitely go for it. I didn't manage to attend her first 2 concerts in Singapore many years ago and have since regretted. Meanwhile, I'll just have to be contented with listening to her voice on my CDs. ;p
jOyZ blogged at 11:35 PM
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Friday, October 12, 2007 Countdown II
The marking marathons are finally over. Now, I'm left with administrative matters for Choir and my form class. Oh, and not forgetting markers' reports for all the EL papers I've marked. Sigh! When will work ever end?
By the way, Mr Lau announced to the school that he'll be leaving in December this year. I think teachers are feeling all jittery again, wondering how will the next principal be like. Hopefully, she will be able to focus on the right things for the school. Personally, I think the most urgent (and toughest) issue at hand is the character development of the pupils. -_-
Leisure-wise, I just watched a Korean movie My Sassy Girl (see picture on left), a romantic comedy, which was kind of bizarre at first. It wasn't until towards the end of the movie that everything made sense. I finished the serial Wonderful Life too. It's entertaining - funny and very moving, especially towards the last few episodes where there were a number of heartbreaking moments. The little girl is oh-so-very CUTE! If you think she looks cute on the picture here (on the right), she's a lot cuter in action when she delivers her lines, grinning like there's no tomorrow. Hahaha.
Right now, I'm following very closely the second season of Heroes. Episode 4 is coming up in 3 days' time! Woots! I can't wait! At this point, I wonder if Sylar is infected with the rare virus that's harmful to these "ordinary people with extraordinary powers". He can't seem to use any of the abilities which he'd previously taken from the people he'd murdered. Oh, and Peter Petrelli looks a lot better in his new haircut this season. For once, I'm actually looking forward to Mondays. Heh heh.
I'm counting down again. School is ending in 2 weeks. And then I have invigilation duties to do for the 'O' Level examination in November the next 2 weeks. After that, I'm hoping to go on a trip during December. It's either the west coast of USA for 2 weeks with Joce (and whoever will be joining us) or HK for 1 week at my bestie's. HK sounds cheaper (provided I don't shop much), but USA would definitely be a lot more fun. The last time I went to western USA was when I was 8 years old. I'm sure many things have changed over the past couple of decades. Hm, let's see what flights are available first and then I'll decide again. Hoho.
Anyways, TGIF! I welcome the long weekend with open arms. It shortens the coming week. d;
jOyZ blogged at 5:43 PM
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Sunday, October 07, 2007 Weekend Getaway
The all-gals getaway was fun while it lasted. =D And, no, I didn't bring my load of marking eventually. ;p
After facial on Saturday, I met Joce and we checked into Conrad, waiting (forever) for Mel to arrive. Gina would be late since she had to work until late. We chatted, hopping from topic to topic; there was just so much to catch up on.
Mel finally arrived and, after talking some more, we left her to enjoy her bath (she has this thing for luxurious baths... hahaha) while we went Billy Bomber's for dinner and then shopping. I bought a couple of blouses and a pair of shoes. I must return to Promod soon for some French fashion - albeit the clothes there are a little late in season (probably uncleared stocks from France), but who cares - as long as I can find what I like there! Hah!
After that, we went Carrefour to buy chips and wine. I'd love to have bought some cheese, but Joce doesn't take them. Pity. She had craving for chocolate cakes instead, so we settled at Coffee Beans and devoured a slice of chocolate cake while waiting for Gina to arrive. She came and we chatted for a while before deciding to proceed to Esplanade for some night supper.
Mel met us there and we had chicken wings, at the same time cringing at the powerful howling of this singer at the bar next door. Yes, powerful vocal chords indeed, but her rendition of Cranberries' Salvation didn't go well on the ears. x\
We left soon after to go back to Conrad. In our room, we ended up watching the horror-action flick Underworld on HBO, munching on chips and preserved mango. After the movie, Mel took out the Obolo mango-passion cheese cake (Mm-mm-mm! Delicious!) and Bordeaux wine - a mini celebration for Mel's and Joce's birthdays! As we ate, drank and yakked the night away, we watched a Korean drama serial on KBS, and attempted to catch a few common phrases just for fun.
Mel was half-awake most of the time. Haha... I guess she was really exhausted because she had been running around the whole day. By the time we all decided that we couldn't stay awake any longer, it was 4 am. Somehow, all of us managed to squeeze onto the king-sized bed. I'm just glad Mel didn't kick me off the bed. Hahaha.
6 hours later, we took turns to wake up and use the bathroom. We checked out of the room at around noon. Christina Au called Joce at that moment, and we all took turns to talk to her. Heh, talk about great timing. Mel left for another appointment; Gina left for home and work; Joce and I went for lunch, then attended the 2.30pm service. We shopped a bit after that and went home by 6 pm.
There you have it. Our very short weekend getaway. We had it last year in December. This looks like it's going to be our annual ritual.
OMO! I just realised we'd forgotten to take photographs - again! I guess we'll just have to wait for the next time.
Next getaway rendezvous: Ritz Carlton. (;
jOyZ blogged at 10:34 PM
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Saturday, October 06, 2007 Countdown
I'm down to my last 40 scripts. I'm counting down to the last script. I imagine I will weep once I'm done with the whole load.
GAHHHH!!! This is so frustrating! I can't wait to finish marking and clear paper work on Monday and Tuesday. I've had enough of marking!
First, I was marking the 4NA Preliminary Examination EL Paper 2. Then, I helped out in marking the 4E5NA Preliminary Examination EL Paper 1 (about 100 scripts for just ONE question). After that, there were tests to set and mark for PPR4. Then, I was marking the mock examination papers I gave my 3NT in preparation for the end-of-year examination. (Hoho, I gave them Sec 4NT Preliminary Papers 1 & 2 to do. And of course I nearly died marking them.) Right now, I'm whipping my red ink across the 3NT Paper 1 and 1NT Paper 1.
It's been non-stop marking since Term 3. Exhaustion hails.
I'm dying to watch the 2 Korean serials I bought more than a week ago. At least there's still The Drive of Life to destress me for 45 minutes everyday. It's my only entertainment for the day. I'm finishing off the serial painfully slowly. Last two episodes and I'll be done with it.
Heyho, the weekend is here already. I didn't even realise.
Initially I was planning to use the coat I bought in Taiwan last year especially since it cost me a huge bomb. But we were told that the temperature could go as far below as negative 3 degrees Celcius and that it might snow on Mount Fuji. Eventually, we decided to purchase water-proof down-feathered jackets which were more appropriate for freezing temperatures. I also invested in a set of good quality thermal undergarments which cost me $95. Yeah, quality and comfort are extremely important to me. As for gloves, I'll probably borrow my mom's if she still has them. I won't be buying any winter accessories since I can loan them from my parents. So, within half a day, I swiped away at least $2.5K with my credit cards. I hope it's still within my credit limit, considering the holidays are almost here and I tend to splurge more during then. o_O
By the way, Mr Lau announced to the school that he'll be leaving in December this year. I think teachers are feeling all jittery again, wondering how will the next principal be like. Hopefully, she will be able to focus on the right things for the school. Personally, I think the most urgent (and toughest) issue at hand is the character development of the pupils. -_-
Leisure-wise, I just watched a Korean movie My Sassy Girl (see picture on left), a romantic comedy, which was kind of bizarre at first. It wasn't until towards the end of the movie that everything made sense. I finished the serial Wonderful Life too. It's entertaining - funny and very moving, especially towards the last few episodes where there were a number of heartbreaking moments. The little girl is oh-so-very CUTE! If you think she looks cute on the picture here (on the right), she's a lot cuter in action when she delivers her lines, grinning like there's no tomorrow. Hahaha.
