About an incident that disturbed me profoundly

After a week of crafting testimonials for my class, I was nigh fatigued. Over the past few days, I used my leisure time in the evenings and the early mornings, poised at the laptop, to painstakingly type out testimonial after testimonial.

These testimonials are going to be very important to my 4e5 boys and girls, so I better make sure I do a good job!

Yesterday, after a productive morning (where I completed my 39th testimonial), I decided to get out of the Staff Room for a breather. One more second of staring at the computer screen, and I would have lost my marbles.

So I walked to the parade square, and observed some classes having their NAPFA re-tests.

Then, right in front of me was a girl getting ready to do the shuttle run.

And off she went. She ran at a very good speed.

Unfortunately, at the last stretch, she lost her balance just after she picked up the second bean bag and turned.

She stumbled. One, two steps to the side - she was out of control.

She crashed to the ground in a heap, unable to even break the fall.



Then in the next few moments, I saw the worst and best of people immediately after this incident.





Behind me were 3 students from the same class who did not participate in the PE lesson, as they were not in PE attire.

When the girl fell, their shrieking laughter filled the air.



It was obvious that they were laughing at the girl who fell.




My eyes burned with anger. But I did not turn back to reprimand them.

Though their actions were utterly detestable, they were of absolutely no import at that moment.



That injured girl was my priority.





Many pupils who were waiting for their turn to take the shuttle run sat by the side, when the girl stumbled and crashed.

When it happened, they did nothing.

They did not lift a finger to help, nor ask her, "Hey are you all right?"


All they did was to look and pass comments, as the PE teacher of that class tended to the injured girl.








Redemption came in the form of a few pupils from the class who rushed to the aid of the girl. They helped her up, cleaned her nasty wounds, and got her treated at the general office.




Alas.



Too few.









Today, during my English lesson with 4T1, I made it very clear to them:

Help those who need help. Do something. Check with them.


Do not think that 'somebody else will take care of that problem or that person.' Do not think that 'it's not my business.'



If we want the world around us to become a kinder place, we have to realise that it starts with us.


Every day, there are moments that reveal to us someone who will need help - such as help with a broken heart, sadness, homework, relationships. Sometimes all they need is a listening ear. Sometimes all they need to someone to offer them an encouraging word.


Let's keep our eyes open and be sensitive to the feelings of others. And when it is time, let us make a difference in other people's lives, by speaking kindly, and giving support and encouragement, whenever we can.




If we don't do this, then who will?


It's got to start with me, myself and I, isn't it?





Let us own our world. Let us take charge. Let us make the first move and make our world a better place.


4t1 - don't forget what I've taught you!





As for 4e5, the end of the Preliminary Exams is at hand.

I hope you appreciate the value of these exams. It will be the last full dress rehearsal for your O Levels.

Whether you do well or stumble badly, I hope you will reap some learning points from your strengths and weaknesses in your performances.



At this point in time, it is already meaningless to cajole and persuade you to study, study and study.



This is simply because you must already be doing it, at full steam, even right now.


I have to give you this sobering but stark warning: at this critical period of time, there is no such thing as taking a break.



The grim reality is, you are competing with thousands of O Level students across the island to clinch a spot in those ultra-limited courses you fancy in the polytechnic/ junior college.


Just don't get left out. Compete!