Back where I belong

Striding into 4e5, my mind was doing a million processes - what else do I need to tell them? What's the question for the red M&M? Blue M&M? What else will I need to brief the Peer Leaders later? What other school can I contact to arrange a friendly match with my basketball team? There's a million other thoughts zipping around furiously in my mind.

Welcome to the 1st day of school.




Strangely enough, I was really keen on seeing my form class. After a hiatus of 3 years (due to my other responsibilities in the school) the school has asked me to be the class counsellor of 4e5.

I must say, I had a swell time listening to the 4e5 students speak. You know, sometimes they say things that make the class rock with laughter. Sometimes they share fascinating experiences that make me want to probe more.

Walking with them over the next few months, I am optimistic that together, 4e5 will achieve great things. However, the No 1 priority of my class is very simple and straightforward: each and every 4e5 student must punch above their weight and achieve value-added results in their exams and O Levels.

Unfortunately, due to lack of time, it was not possible for everyone to share their holiday experiences with the class and I. I will endeavour to have a word with those who missed out today, and I will be glad to hear their holiday experiences.





Another group of students that I met today was the Peer Leaders. These group of students are raised to make a positive difference to the school and community, and they will have their work cut out tomorrow, when they will lead various groups of Secondary Ones to the different stations in the Sports & Games experience.

While some of the Peer Leaders are a little green, there are some veteran PLs who will be working hand-in-hand with the junior PLs. These are the veterans whom I do expect a high level of guidance, sharing, and role modelling. When it comes to student leadership, there can be absolutely no compromise in standards. The key qualities in student leadership, regardless of whether you're in the Peer Leaders, Student Council or the Prefectorial Board, are leading by example, and serving others selflessly & with humility.

In my movements around the classes and the canteen, my eye is especially sharp on the little details. I do not think it is my height that allows me to particularly observant. I think I am just very sensitive to students, because each student's behaviour, in big and small ways, reveal (or betray) their innermost thoughts and actions.




In the afternoon, I went down to the basketball court for the weekly training, as I have done for the past 4 years, to supervise the boys. I am particularly pleased to have a coach who shares similar views with me and is able to work within the CCA's vision and training schedule.

Looking at the boys, sometimes I ask myself, what is it that makes them keep coming back for more training?

I look at Zhicheng and Colvin. I've seen them since they first stepped into school 4 years ago. I've always wanted to see them grow up to be youths with character, confidence and inspiring.

Today, as I observe the boys training under the coach, I am able to say that Zhicheng and Colvin have served the school well with their God-given talents in basketball, yet on the other hand, I want them to know that there is so much more that they can do for the school, the school that has nurtured them and helped them to grow. I am proud, not just proud of these two youths, but also of the rest of the junior players who are rising up through the ranks. I challenge them to grow up into men with uncompromising character, men who are utterly reliable, men who are completely trustworthy, men who will live their lives for the betterment of their family and community.




When I drove home from school at 7pm, I felt somewhat exhausted. It's been a long long day.

But when I think of the guys and gals of 4e5, the Peer Leaders, the basketball boys, and all the other students whom I have seen today, then I think that today has been quite simply wonderful and well-spent.