A short conversation with three pupils

It's been another great day.

Just after dismissing my basketball boys, I came across a few students whom I had taught this year.

One of them knew about it and asked me if it was true.

So because of that, I decided to call them to me, and spoke with them for a little while.




Sometimes at moments like this, I feel that there is never a 'good' moment to go.

Because standing before me were three pupils whom I think can do so much more. I think they are capable. Don't tell me about how one of them hangs out with questionable characters. Don't tell me this or that about that person, because when I talk to you, I discern a certain promise, a latent potential.

Then I think about how I can create opportunities for you to shine.



Alas, it is no longer my place to do so for them. I pray that some other teacher will share the same thoughts as me and look at pupils with the same periscope, and deem them worthy of further development.

And this is the bottom line, isn't it. All pupils have the capacity. The Teacher needs to acknowledge it and create opportunities to develop these youths into confident and stronger persons.




At the end of the brief conversation, I told them that I was very proud to have been their Teacher. Leaving them with some words of advice, I hope that, when they return back to School in 2009, they will make that step upwards, and excel in all that they do.

To Xavier, Ming Fen and Sheng Thong, believe in yourself, and always do your best. I wish you all the best.

Twin beauties

It's been a while since we dined at the reclusive One Degree 15 Marina, located at the serene Sentosa Cove.

This time, we made good on our promise to each other, and went there for a great lunch. The meal was good but the fresh air and peaceful surroundings certainly elevated the dining experience. And of course, it is wonderful to dine with my dear missus and baby girl.

After another day spent in the school, it is actually very therapeutic to head out to somewhere, away from people and noise, and sit down. It really drives away the numberless thoughts that can ricochet around in one's head.

Baby Mikayla was once again kicking happily, clearly delighted to be in the outdoors once again.

Never easy to say

It was a lot harder than I thought.

I wanted to break the news to my beloved pupils in the Concourse yesterday afternoon, after the camp. I wanted to stay poised and calm.

But once I started, I struggled to keep my train of thoughts and found it hard to speak coherently.

Suddenly I realised that I was going to miss them.

I did not know what else to say.

Mikayla Mikayla!