A roof for my little ones

2011-07-22T10:50:00.001+08:00

Support my model student http://costnextto-nothing.blogspot.com/ Try out the handmade sweets!

only 6 min, yet so sad...

2011-03-22T14:47:00.000+08:00

2011

2010-11-23T11:23:00.006+08:00

Dearest ones,

I will not be teaching in Zhenghua. Remember to sudy hard. This is the most important time of your life and you cannot turn back the time. Remember what I say. I hope you will do even better in 2011 with no regrets.

I will be moving on to the next stage of my life, adapting to a new place. But don't worry you will certainly be missed. One most important thing which I will miss in Zhenghua is the fabulous students in Zhenghua, those that I have taught, those who know me and especially my beloved Sec 1s - little cows...

Bubbai. Take good care and study hard.

Also, help me to take care of people who doesnt want to come to school. I hope they will feel part of the class and school in time to come.

Keep in touch here!

It would be great if you can drop me a goodbye note in "comments" when you see this...

MP

Book titles for selection!

2010-06-08T11:20:00.003+08:00

Dear beloved, I will be selecting some books for you on 11 Dec at 11am at Woodlands Regional Library. If you are able to make it, please come and meet me there. You may choose whichever book that you want. My number is 90015041 if you can make it. Or if you can't make it, just sms me the title and the name of the author. Thanks!

My newfound love!

2010-05-05T09:55:00.004+08:00

Lionel Richie Ft Diana Ross - Endless Love MP3 Download @ KOHit.net

2009-07-29T23:05:00.000+08:00

Lionel Richie Ft Diana Ross - Endless Love MP3 Download @ KOHit.net

Farewell

2009-02-14T18:45:00.014+08:00

Dear Senior Netballers,

It has come to an end to a chapter about you and netball. It has been a trying experience taking over CCA - Netball. As Mdm Aiman and I were both new to the CCA, we are both learning to make Netball thrive both in and out of Zhenghua. Making netball our focus and your focus. Representing Zhenghua in the Zonal Netball meetings and offering our services to Netball. As I have said, we are new and learning the ropes of being the teachers-in-charge of Netball. Learning, to you, is certainly not one way but two ways.

Two ways. We want feedback and need feedback from you for Netball to improve as a CCA. Your juniors are still new to netball. Hence, the operation of the CCA itself lay on your hands. You are the pillars and the role models for them. How you view things and little things like how you do your warm-ups, cool-downs has some influence on them. They love to listen to you just like who you were before. We, as teachers, can only guide you and give you pointers. We may sound dogmatic but ultimately it's still your choice. Feedback from you and junior players is important for netball to improve. Because we want people to come for trainings. We want people to come for trainings because they genuinely love the sport, the CCA and the team. Hence, two way communication is vital and should be based on respect.

Even though it has only been two months, there are many things on my mind which prompted me to pen it down here for every one of you here.

First and foremost, the most striking event and which caught me by surprise was the negotiation for closing in the score gap with a strong opponent. Setting a target is good. But something is really wrong if you are setting a target to lose. The fault was mine. Because I wanted you gals to set a target before a match. Setting a target to lose, one may ask "then set for what!".

I just want you to know that. Nothing is impossible in this world. It is a matter of choice and whether you have the perseverance and courage to pursue it. I truely hope that you can set high targets not only in netball but also specifically in your studies. Aim to go to a higher institution. What is there to lose when you set your goals higher except the fact that you may land yourself a set of better grades which can give you more options when you eventually want to go to a polytechnic and not go to a junior college? Yes, you know that I would still like you gals to go to a college, continue to train and play for A division and eventually admit to a university. You have the potential and you can't be even "sexier". I can't repeat myself more. Yes, I am sounding more like a granny whether you like it or not.

Another thing I would like you to know. Respect and listen to those who care for you. Why? Because they will never harm you. They can nag, they can reprimand because they care. Ultimately, the choice still lies in your hands, to listen. Perhaps you may think you have listened, but, ask yourself, have you really listened?

The weakness of this cohesive team is lacking in discipline. I would say, throughout my years of doing sports, not recreational but competitive sports, we are talking about trainings for competition, this was my first time, seeing someone training with a thin, girly-like shoes without shoelaces. I did not say a word today, on your last training.

Discipline determines success. I am not really a staunch believer in "No discipline, no learning". But discipline determines success. No discipline, No success. Those who make it there are the ones who have discipline. If you want to be good, you must have discipline. You want to make it to the top, you need discipline and determination. NUS high has determination. They fought on and more ferociously knowing that they lost the first quarter. Hong Kah was a good match. Zhenghua may not have won if Hong Kah continued to fight with determination like NUS high. Perhaps they think that winning or not, they still can't make it to the semi finals? They gave up. Those who have seen the game would agree with me. Furthermore, they did not have a coach there to scream at them. Zhenghua gals want to win. IF YOU WANT TO WIN, YOU JOLLY WELL MUST HAVE DISCIPLINE! Attitude won't earn you respect but discipline can. No discipline but got attitude, people won't even take you seriously.

Some of you have discipline. Most of you still respect your teachers and coaches. Continue to have discipline and respect. Be confident of yourself. Believe in yourself. You can do it. Because you have what it takes to be the best and people who love you by your side. All you need now is persevere and do not give up. Have determination to achieve what you want in life whether or not it's netball. I am sure you can do it. Miss Pek has faith in you, each and every one of you, and sincerely wishes you here all the best in your future endeavours.

Trainings for you now is optional. Feel free to drop by for a game or two to destress. You can come in anytime you want and have a game with your juniors. You know the timings:)

Take good care of yourself and see you around!

p.s One more thing. Find an common available day and let me know. We will have an offical farewell party for you gals. Glenda, don't be angry k. Pizza for all of you? Pls also get your ankle scanned while it is still covered by insurance. Hui Ching, send the pics you gals have taken to julianapek@hotmail.com, I will burn for you together with the last match.

Cirriculum Vitae

2008-06-26T10:59:00.002+08:00

Any better CV?

http://www.cabinet.gov.sg/CabinetAppointments/Mr+LEE+Kuan+Yew.htm

Exam period: To fight or to fall?

2008-05-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

McFly - The Heart Never Lies lyrics

Some people love, some people cry
Some people live, some people die
Some people run, right into the fire
Some people hide, their every desire
But we are the lovers

If you don’t believe me
Then just look into my eyes
Cause the heart never lies

Some people fight, some people fall
Others pretend, they don’t care at all
If you want to fight, ill stand right beside you
The day that you fall, I’ll be right behind you
To pick up your pieces

If you don’t believe me
Just look into my eyes
Cause the heart never lies

Woah

Woah

Another year over, and were still together
Its not always easy, to love me forever
We are the lovers

I know you believe me
When you look into my eyes
Hey

And we are the lovers
I know you believe me
When you look into my eyes
Cause the heart never lies

Oh-oh-woah
Woah

Another year over, and were still together
Its not always easy, to love me forever

Yea we are the lovers, I know you believe me
When you look into my eyes
Cause the heart never lies

Cause the heart never lies

Because the heart never lies

SPORTS DAY 2008

2008-04-26T09:41:00.005+08:00

It was sports day. The sky was finally bright and lively after days and days of gloomy rainy skies. As it drew closer to the event commencement, there was an increasing stream of crowd strolling into the stadium. Every face was lit with jubilance in anticipation of the event. Most of them brought their own cheerleading items to support their own houses.

The first event was march pass. All the houses were involved including the student councilors who were helping out on that day. After the Parade Commander shouted the command, we all began to march forward smartly. This was followed by an impressive secondary one freshman’s sportsman pledge and a shot fired by our principal Mr Lim to mark the ceremonial inauguration of Sports Day 2008.

The Sports competition officially commenced with high jump followed by javelin and discus while the event marshals gathered the participants for the upcoming track events. Being the Vice-chairman councilor of the event meant providing as much support as I can and dispatching relevant manpower as planned.

While the house flags stood nobly in the dazzling sun and as the crowd was cheering on wildly for their houses, the hot favourite – Cheerleading Competition brought the crowd to heightened excitement. All houses had their drums ready and most of the houses were cheering on for their friends, be it competitors or for the cheerleaders.

A buzz of commotion raged when the crowd sighted the cheerleaders with their dyed hair in cheerleading costumes before the Grandstand. It came to mind that it was time for the Inter-house Cheerleading Competition. At that moment, every house came to life! Everyone was doing their part by cheering loudly, as hard as they could.

After which, we had the 4 x 100m Inter-house Relay. Every competitor seemed well prepared, eager to pass on the baton to the next and the last person was all ready to charge to the finishing line. Every individual had done well in competitive spirit. In the midst of enthusiasm anticipating the results, the Guest of Honour arrived.

Soon, the time had arrived for the Alumni 100m run. It was quite encouraging to have their treasured participation. Despite being graduates from this school, they still remember Zhenghua and joined in the race. Parents too, pitched in their part. Our Parents Support Group is not to be viewed upon with contempt. With weeks of ample gym training and muscles toning, they too, have long prepared for this event. With their child beside, they had their ankles tied to each other and still, they displayed amazing coordinated moves as they rushed towards the finishing line. It was indeed meaningful and heartwarming to see the event strengthen the bond fostered between the parents and children.

Both uniformed and non-uniformed groups pit their athletic skills against one another to bring forth triumph and glory to their CCA. The athletic representatives from each CCA group were mostly experienced runners from upper secondary, showing how keen each CCA group was on winning without being overly zealous. Indeed, their glorious spirits have made their CCA proud.

Finally, it was time for the most awaited event, which is the 8 x 50m Staff Relay. The teachers made an impressive entrance. Their valued participation not only served to prove their prowess but also, to gain participation points for their individual houses. Most of the teachers in Zhenghua possess strong sportsmanship. Not only can they teach, they are also excellent runners!

After several weeks of heats, planning and preparation for the Sports Day, it finally paid off to see the whole school come together to make this annual event a successful and memorable one. It was well worth the time and effort be it for the sportsman who will probably suffer the delayed onset of muscle soreness, or for the spectator, who will almost certainly suffer from a hoarse sore throat after the fierce cheering at the event.

A motivational quote from the show, “The Replacement”--- “Pain heals but glory lasts forever.” On behalf of the organizing team, I would like to thank everyone who has helped in this event one way or another. It was indeed an honourable privilege to be in-charge of a large-scale event like this.

A voice from the Sports Day Committee

Time for a laugh!

2007-12-13T11:49:00.000+08:00

How to use Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody?

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about it because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

2007 Teachers Day!

2007-09-02T22:34:00.000+08:00

On this day, I opened up the exquisite gifts one by one that my loved ones had given me. Not too bad for a PE cum English teacher. Only gifts from my English classes. No gifts from PE classes? Hmmmm... maybe my PE lessons are too boring. No gifts from my form class too. *sob* I hope they are concentrating hard on end of the year exams. Hope they can be streamed to whatever they are aiming for at the end of the year. That would be my belated gifts.

Some students bought expensive gifts. I am sorry but I have to return it. I would very much prefer to receive something which is handmade. Something which cannot be bought, invaluable, most exquisite. A student folded hearts and stars for me. Yes, they are my stars, in turn, I hope I can be the one to help them reach for the stars. Little gifts like that meant alot to me. It simply means my little ones truely appreciates what I have done for them. Those who had forgotten about the gifts, it is okay. Be better behaved in class, try your best to do your work and hand in on time. These would be the best gifts I can ever get as your teacher.

Fortune-telling

2007-07-30T17:08:00.000+08:00

This is a highly challenging class. It is supposed to be the top class of its cohort in Zhenghua Secondary School. As it turns out to be...very challenging indeed, even for a simple PE lesson.

One fine day, this top class was being punished. As time was running out, I decided to ask them to play the sport for their lesson prior to serving their punishment. It was a mistake! Though, it is undeniable that this is a spontaneous, enthusiastic and a fun class to teaching, however, it lacks a tinge of discipline.

When it was time for them to face the music for not being prepared for the Sports Education Program, they were all laughing and giggling IN THEIR PUSH-UP POSITION. You may wonder how they did it, but they sure can show you how. While they were looking so adorable, I was teething with anger. I was so furious that I was at a loss of words. Better than straining my voice and reprimanding them in the open field, I cooled myself down and asked them to get up and gather themselves. I warned them that if they are not prepared again for future lessons, they will have to bear the undesirable consequences.

A week later...with same class.
"Class, I would like to ask you to make prediction today (giving a sheepish look with a sly smile). Please raise your hand ... if you think Miss Pek will not scold you today?" (ending with a broad smile)

Two cheeky students raised their hand.

Without hesitation, Miss Pek made the prediction by the two students come true. The whole class was punished for the entire period, needless for Miss Pek to scold them.

At the end of the lesson, they were asked to do a self-reflection on their SportsEd worksheet. Miss Pek thanked the class and her students thanked her in return.

Throughout my teaching years, this IS the first and only class that I have to resort to this method of punishment. It has never been done before. Personally, PE lessons are supposedly to be the most interesting and fun time for most students. For that class, on that particular day, what can be worse than taking their balls away during their PE lesson? Hopefully, it's going to be my last time punishing a class this way so harshly.

Note: Almost all of them admitted that the class is lacking in team work and deserved to be punished in their self-reflection.

To be continued...

Wisdom tooth

2006-10-09T23:43:00.001+08:00

On this special day, I pulled out not one but two of my intact wisdom teeth. It was not that painful during the operation. The anesthetic was injected into my gums and within minutes I didn't feel anything at all. Nothing at all. The surgeon started out by sawing my slanted wisdom tooth. I can still hear the sawing sound in my head now. It sounded like the automated machine saw in operation before it struck on my tooth. Then it turned into a high-pitched screeching sound when the surgeon pushed the dental saw onto my tooth, cutting my gum in the process. Fortunately, the sound of the sucker tube managed to divert some of my attention away from the saw. The sucker tube sucked out all the debris, broken fragments and blood continuously throughout the operation. Of course I didn't manage to see all that. But after the sawing, out of curiousity, I mustered the remnants of my former courage, I opened my eyes just a little, but decided to shut it tightly back again. In that split second, I saw 2 persons holding 4 metallic tools scrawning all over inside my fully extended mouth. Though it was just a glimpse, it was an obnoxious sight to bear. After several attempts to remove the broken tooth with a pair of tweezers, the surgeon asked for a plier. Then he used all his might and strength to assert pressure on my tooth. My stubborn tooth refused to bulge.The surgeon used his whole body's weight pressing on my tooth. The tooth finally relented and let out a cracking sound. I was half amused and half on the verge of tears. Then he repeated the sawing part again as he went for the second kill...

Happy Children Day!

2006-10-01T15:51:00.000+08:00

To all my beloved children,

Happy Children Day!

May all of you have the happiest and most memorable growing up days. Remember to study hard for a bright future and don't just think about having fun. You can always have your fun later;P

All the best for the coming examination.

If I could turn back the time

2006-08-20T22:47:00.000+08:00

I wish my secondary school had told me more about the sec 2 streaming. I wish my sec school had given me a choice to choose the subjects that I would like to take instead of streaming me strictly based on my sec 2 results.

My favourite subject in secondary school was Mathematics. I did fairly well in the first half of the year. When I say well, it means that I was like in the top 10 positions in the second best class. However, I failed at the most crucial point of my time and it affected me even until now.

I was complacent and playful at that time. I did not know the consequences of my action. I thought it was just a streaming like PSLE or any other streaming that MOE always have it. I let myself to be controlled by the computer. At that time, internet was the IN thing and everyone was surfing. That was when I started to play online games. I played all night long. I didn't bother to do my homework and started to copy homework from my friends during recess time.

The results came. I did very badly for the Final Year Examination. I was streamed to the 4th class which was an Art class. That streaming decided the course of my life. However, I told myself that even though I am an Art student, I would be the one of the top Arts students better than some of the Science students. True enough, I did good enough to qualify for college and university. But due to my O levels subjects combination, I am always in the Arts faculty :) Though I could not be a doctor or a Mathematician, I become a Language teacher.

Founders of Singapore

2006-07-21T17:24:00.000+08:00

Who the hell is this man? This might be your first comment.

Anyone who has been to other Asian countries would know how great this man is. Even in Hongkong, public housing is scarce and only limited to people from the lower income group and even then they need to ballot to get a roof over their heads. Housing was so expensive and most HongKong DO NOT own their homes, they simply rent housing either from their government or an private apartment.

Those have not been to Hong Kong can just take a ride to our neighbouring country. The first thing you might be able to see would be the CitySquare, this megamall in Johor. Alongside with it, you can see zinc-topped houses, dirty old shophouses and slumps.

If you living in HDB flat now or used to live in HDB like our Senior Minister Mr Goh, make sure you know this man!

SM Goh's condolence letter to a great man. (authentic)SENIORMINISTERGOHCHOKTONG.doc

Lim Kim San (Chinese: 林金山; pinyin: Lín Jīnshān); (30 November 1916 - 20 July 2006)

Any fengshui master would agree with me that this is a prosperous name as there are trees, gold and mountains in his name.

Never sick again...

2006-07-21T17:04:00.000+08:00

I am not sure how true is this but you may try. Jasmine, you can try taking more yogurt=)

Take more zinc, people so that you will have supersonic memory power!

2006-07-19T11:56:00.000+08:00

To Ms Pek,

I've found the way to getting Lord Gelebriand's armor, The Argalia of Elydorn. A young one was taken prisoner by The House Of Fathien.

"I don't want you anymore!"

2006-07-07T21:31:00.000+08:00

This is what my form class told me today.

Is that what I will get when I am strict with them?

Why should I be strict with them and let them hate me so much?

What do I tend to gain when I am "too concerned" about them?

My heart shattered when they said those words.

Maybe I should be their "nice, young and friendly teacher".

They will be happy and I can be happy too.

Their subject teacher ended his email with this:

I hope you would do better than me in motivating them.

What should I do?

I feel like ...........

Singapore Youth Festival

2006-07-02T10:35:00.000+08:00

Singapore Youth Festival - It was one of the grandest event of the year that I had participated in and I am glad to be given the chance to oversee that the students have a good time there.

It was one of those unusual mornings as I woke instinctively, refreshed and awakened by my biological clock. I woke up real early with an accelerated heartbeat. This is finally the big day I had been looking forward to!

Despite the candid feelings, there were moments of unease, naturally nervous as it was my first time in charge of a major event. With my feet shuffling over breakfast, I juggled my thoughts over the probability of the need for a contingency plan. Concerned with the chances that something may crop up to disrupt my carefully laid out plans, I called up the school to remind the Administrative Staff about the plans for the SYF spectators. Luckily I did. This simple phone call sent a surge of ease through me.

I went to school around 2pm with a dink and my shades on, fully geared for the opening ceremony that was to be held at the National Stadium. I rearranged and labelled the food and drinks for the various CCA group. Soon, the time came for us to board the buses. Helpful students laboured to load the buses with the food and drinks. Despite the hard work, no one complained and faces gleamed with pride and joy, anticipating the upcoming performance.

Before long, we arrived at the Stadium. Students lined up in neat rows getting ready to enter the Stadium. Joyful chatters filled the air. For a moment, I grinned, over the irony of not expecting them to keep dead silent, understanding and sharing this happiness and excitement that illuminates from within.

PM Lee made a grand entrance to address the crowd. Led by tight security as usual, arriving in a white, well-polished, shiny limousine. The stadium was packed like it was a National Event. Spectators were all armed with their red and white, long balloons, clapping thunderously to welcome PM Lee. The heat in the stadium would have driven me nuts on any other day but no, the elated feelings kept my smile on.

Neat rows of marching contingents entered one after another as the compere announced their timely appearance "from Zhenghua Secondary School...", she announced, and unanimously, the crowd around me roared in cheers. They are the reason we are here today, and the reason to be proud of our school. The clockwork driven march reflects on the discipline, hard work and effort taken during their training for this important day. I'm glad it has all paid off. There's no joy in reaping the fruits if there's no hard work sown.

The highlights of the evening was the plane stunt performance led by the Singapore Youth Flying club, not forgetting to mention, the Champion Band from Deyi Secondary School and the runners-up from Tanjong Katong Secondary. They fascinated the audience with their dazzling plane stunts, colorful marching formation displays and the foundational steady band music.

Hopefully this event inspires my young ones to soar beyond, to stretch their limits and to reach out boldly for their dreams. May they learn to live life with no regrets by constantly reaching out and be driven by dreams, for we only live once.

Mr Prime Minister, can we have some fireworks for the kids? It would mean alot to them...

2006-06-27T22:26:00.000+08:00

I received my confirmation letter today. I never imagined myself to be a teacher and I am now a teacher in practice! I went to the MOE's N level Examiners Oral briefing after school. I met 2 of my ex-SHSS teachers. I couldn't remember their names but I recognised them from afar. They have aged but I could still remember their faces. After the briefing, I walked over and chatted with them. It was a nostalgic feeling. I felt that I am young all over again. Those growing up days in St. Hilda, playing basketball, reading Teenage magazine, my best friends, NPCC and the crazy things we did, making fun of teachers, giving nicknames etc etc. (Oh no! I think I am getting my retribution now)

I miss my best friend, Wendy too. The stupid things we did together. :) The times we spent during recess time even though we were separated in Sec3 and4. We went to the same college and University and she is now pursuing her degree in New Zealand to realise her dream--to be a veterinarian. She likes hairy stuffs.

2006-06-26T22:44:00.000+08:00

Today was a good day. My little ones seemed to be more drawn to carrot rather than cane. Someone even mentioned she wanted abalone. Good. At least she did not want cane. I need to pray hard that the carrot works if not I will have to switch back to the cane which is going to make a hell out of myself and a hell out of my little ones. They did not like the idea of signing a binding contract. Their parents questioned but I told them that I have to resort to this in order to make the environment conducive for learning. I do not want them to lag behind the other NA classes. They used to be good and I want them to keep up the good work.

An idea came to my mind. If possible, I will like to collaborate with 2E5 English teacher and see if we can come out with something interesting for both classes. The English department has started to ask for good essays. Perhaps starting the semester with journal writing is the best. I can also select good writings from here. So children, please let me know if you have come across any good writings by your classmates ok?

Oh gosh, it already 11pm. I thought I told myself to sleep before 10pm. But still, thinking about my little ones. It was my brother's first day in school too. He was home earlier than me. This is his first job. He played the piano after his most-needed nap. I thought he played it with more feeling, more forlornly this time as if he has fallen for someone. His school is notorious in this area but I didn't expect it to be that bad. That school has no express classes. There is no distinction between NA and NT class even. I can feel that he empathizes with the kids to such extent that he sympathizes them. My brother told me that the students in the school are "different". For an instant, I thought he was referring to discipline problems. But I was wrong. There is this boy in his class that he mentioned, was beaten up by a group of bullies in his ex-primary school. The boy's right arm was permanently deformed as a result. You can imagine the physcial agony and psychological trauma that the poor boy's schoolmates had inflicted on him. Worse still, he has to live with it at such a tender age. The students from that school suffered some form of abuse one way or another. They grew up in the most adverse environment that one can think of. Sounds pretty bad, right?

I have a premonition. I think my brother is falling in love....with teaching. Let see how his 4-week stint in that school will change him hehe:) He doesn't know that I am writing about him heh.