Cool School

Disappointment

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

Hi all, I'm back. After a hiatus of more than 3 months, this is my latest blog entry.

Promise this is going to be short.

After a series of events, I'm starting to feel disappointed. To the fact that some students do not appreciate the efforts teachers have invested in them. I shall not elaborate.

However, there are a small group of students who buck the trend, that despite their friends' behaviour, they appreciate their teachers and respond in kind. Thank you girls, you make teaching worth while. And I sincerely believe that you will go very far in life.

:)

On Course.... xiong ah!

2006-03-23T23:55:00.000+08:00

Almost one week has passed for my 2.5 month course, and I'm dead tired. Now, if you think school is sitting in class from 7.40am to 1.45pm is tough, you can't beat my course which involves lessons from 9am to 6:30pm everyday! Only 1 hour lunch break and 30 min tea break in between... xiong ah!

Actually, I'd rather be back in school teaching....

Any case, it is nice to see some form of appreciation from students from my blog, although I really cannot do too much of the situation regarding me being on course and the relief teacher.

For the record, I did not choose the relief teacher. But, maybe you all should allow some time to get used to his style of teaching. I know that he was a chemistry teacher before, and hence, he has experience. So, pay attention, participate in class, ask questions and clarify if you need to, and I'm sure you'll be alright.

So, all the best everyone (me included)! :)

Thanks.... (some of your wishes will come true)

2006-03-09T00:23:00.000+08:00

To all those who have posted comments, thank you. It goes to show that you are interested in how your lessons are being run. Instead of just saying that the lessons are boring, maybe you should give concrete examples how you'd like the lessons to go. Maybe we can try it out!

By the way, you won't be seeing me in school when term 2 starts. That'll definitely make some students happy! ;P

Upset

2006-03-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

Though I have not been posting regularly to this blog, I have been accessing it frequently. It seems that some students reading my blog do not know how to behave themselves while tagging.

Hence I have decided to remove the tag board indefinitely until furthur notice.

P.S. I am really upset and annoyed at the immaturity of some of the tags. >:(

Finally.... I Not Stupid...

2006-02-12T22:57:00.000+08:00

Before I start, I must apologise for this late entry. I had been swamped with work and blogspot seemed to have some problems earlier this week.

Anyway, here's a synopsis of the movie, for those who have not watched it.

2 main characters, 15-year old boys, NT students.

One came from a rich family, but both parents works all the time and neglected him. Although he had a talent in blogging and even won prizes for his work, his parents did not approve of it. It was because he spends all his time online and neglected his studies. He feels that his parents don't appreciate him.

The other kid is from a single father family. His father is uneducated and had a bad temper, and he would beat the kid up sometimes. This kid also had a rebellous and violent streak in him, causing him to get into fights and finally drop out of school. He feels that his father doesn't understand him.

Without divulging the whole story, I'll end by saying that they got into trouble with teen gangs, but in the end, their talents were appreciated and it turns out well... almost.

So now for the online discussion:

1) Do you think the parents of the 2 kids exhibited 'Responsible Parenting'? In your opinion, what exactly is 'responsible parenting'? Is it allowing the kids to do everything they want to do? How much control should parents have? Maybe you can share some of your personal experience, or observations from your friend's/ cousin's parents. You may even want to say what 'ideal parents' should be like.

2) As much as we expect 'responsible parenting', what about being 'responsible children'? What did you think about the actions of the kids in the movie? Were they right to behave in the way portrayed in the show? As much as you may complain about your parents' attitude towards you, have you considered your attitudes towards them? Again, please share from your own experience or observations of others.

Feel free to express your true feeling, but please refrain from using rude or disrespectful words. They will not be tolerated! If you comment responsibly and properly, you show that you are indeed mature enough to handle situations with dignity and respect. You may choose to reveal who you are, or remain anonymous.

Time to say hello!

2005-12-22T17:54:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

after the long holidays, aren't you all glad that the days for bumming around is going to be over? Soon, you'll have to wake up early, go to school, receive lots of homework and listen to interesting and exciting lessons again! Ooo.... can't wait for that to happen.

But then, before that happens, you'd have to bear with 1 more week of boredom at home watching Kids Central (or whichever boring channel you usually watch), roam around the crowded shopping centres and MSNing really late in the night because there's nothing else to do anyway...

Aren't you all excited to go back to school again? Whahah!

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Great New Year!

btw, if you're only going to watch one movie next week, I'm putting my money in The Chronicles of Narnia!

What are holidays without...

2005-10-26T13:32:00.000+08:00

HOMEWORK!

So, here it is. This is basically the O level syllabus translated to questions. If you can answer every question, you'd have acquired the necessary content knowledge necessary for your Sec 3's work. This will secure you at least 50% for your Science (Chem) paper in O levels.

For the Sec 2 students, you escape homework. Not because you don't need them, but because Sec 3's work will be quite different from Sec 2. So, enjoy this holidays while you can.

Remember girls, don't do anything this holidays that you will regret in the future.

Happy Holidays!

Exams are over!

2005-10-19T21:35:00.000+08:00

Finally, Exams are over.

So girls, give yourself a little treat by relaxing. BUT, that doesn't mean misbehaving!

Post Exam Beatitudes

Happy are the students, for they have no more papers to sit for.

Sad are the teachers, for they have lots of marking to do.

Happy/Sad are the students, for they have done well/badly for the exams. (*delete where applicable)

Happy/Sad are the teachers, for their students have done well/badly for the exams. (*delete where applicable)

Sad are the teachers, for they have to tally the marks for their students and prepare the report books.

Happy is everyone, for the holidays are near.

Whatever!

2005-09-30T18:49:00.000+08:00

Recently, girls from one of my classes said that they treat me like 'their sister'. Riiiiight..... To that I shall only say..... "Whatever!" Whahah....

And, too bad, you still have to take the end-of-year exams, and I won't divulge any info regarding the exams... :P

Science(Chem): "Giam Cai"? Here's a new copy

2005-09-30T18:39:00.000+08:00

For those whose Chemical Analysis notes have become 'giam cai' (salted veg) after the lab sessions, here's the soft copy for you to redo your notes if you so wish to.

I did have a Happy Teacher's Day

2005-09-03T21:45:00.000+08:00

First of all, thanks for all the gifts. I really appreciate it. But of course, the best gift you can give to any teacher is to do well for your studies! Right? ;P

Ok, I won't say too much. Here are some of the pictures I took on the eve of Teachers' Day.

Enjoy...

Sec 2: Astronomy.... Live Long and Prosper!

2005-07-21T18:06:00.000+08:00

OK, I know this is long overdue... But for those Sec 2 students of mine who were asking me questions regarding Astronomy, here is a very informative site on the happenings in astronomical research.

For those who are hungry for more 'high level' stuff, here's another very informative site.

On a lighter note, those who are wondering why there are so many Trekkie references in my lesson, click here for more info.

The Failures of Today are the Seeds for Success Tomorrow

2005-07-18T22:21:00.000+08:00

Dear students,

I know some of you may be disappointed by the results you have been getting for your tests recently.

So my question to you is, Why do you think you have not done as well as desired? This is for you to think about and I will not try to answer it for you.

But this is what I can offer: Failure is never forever... unless you give up!
So press on! Pursue excellence in what you are doing. And you will reap the rewards.

The Failures of Today are the Seeds for Success Tomorrow

Here's a picture for your encouragement. Regardless of your religious convictions, I hope this will spur you on.

Sec 3 Science (Chem): Aghast!

2005-07-08T16:14:00.000+08:00

Dear students,

I am disturbed by the results for chemistry of many of you. Sure, no one expects everyone to be experts in this subject. But by virtue of you being in the Express stream in SAC means that you have the calibre to do relatively well (or at least obtain a pass) for most subjects.

Thus, I appeal to you to keep an open mind when it comes to learning. Remember what I said about no regrets? Never give up! Never! I believe that ALL of you CAN make it in chemistry. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Keep asking, keep trying, and you WILL get there. Nothing comes from nothing. If you are willing to put your heart to it, you will reap the rewards.

Here's a website to help you in many of the topics in chemistry. If you find my lessons too boring, perhaps this might help you plug the gaps.

ALL THE BEST!!!

Sec 3 Sci (Chem): Standard Test Topic

2005-07-02T01:41:00.000+08:00

Omigosh! Did I not tell you the topics to be tested? I clearly remembered I did.

In any case, here it is:

Standard Test Topic: Acids, Bases and Oxides. Writing of equations is required.

Please help me circulate this message to your friends if they still do not know. Thank you all.

Sec 3 Science (Chem): Formulae and Equations

2005-06-27T22:51:00.000+08:00

Hi all!

Here are the notes for the current topic I'm teaching.

Gals, although this is not a proper chapter within your textbook, it is VERY important cos ALL subsequent topics in chemistry depends on you knowing how to write/ name/ deduce the formulae and write equations.

Very Important! It is a make or break skill within chemistry.

Remember, I'm here to help you, if you'd 1st help yourself by paying attention in class and ask question if you don't understand.

4.5 Wheels for INITIAL D!!!

2005-06-27T17:35:00.000+08:00

Just watched the movie 'Initial D' a few days ago and I must say it is cool!

Firstly, I must disclaim that I'm not really a fan of Jay, Shawn or Edison. Nor am I a Formula One junkie or anything. But, the thing that made this movie good are two message it sent across.

"Each of us must find our own world. It is there where we can truly be ourselves..."

What does this mean? It means we MUST find our purpose and goal in life, we must identify a passion in our life, and work towards it! Nothing comes from nothing, and you will reap what you sow. So, if you are passionate about being a doctor, a singer, a business woman, whatever, set your eyes on it and make it a reality.

"Do not compare with others. If you want to excel, compete with yourself..."

Many of us try to compete with others. But as we do that, we lose sight of who we are. Our greatest friend and enemy is ourselves! You want to excel in what you do??? Outdo your previous attempt. By and by, as you improve, you'll realise you've also excelled over others as well.

Remember what I said about living a life without regrets? The gems of this life without regrets lies within this movie. The journey may not be easy, but the outcomes are sure worth the effort!

I wish you all success in life!

Free Under the Sea

2005-06-25T02:20:00.000+08:00

Hi all!

Have you all had a good and fruitful holidays? I hope you have spent it well. Anyway, no more time for regrets...

As for me, I went to Pulau Redang, Malaysia, for a snorkelling trip! Man! The water was so clear, and the number of colourful fishes in the sea is so overwhelming. Incidentally, it was where the Chinese movie "Summer Holidays" (夏日的沫沫茶), starred by Richie Ren and Sammi Cheng was filmed.I'd recommend this place to all sea lovers. The only down side of it is that the bus ride there takes 10 hours!

Here are some pictures to entertain you...

Alma Mater

2005-05-29T00:51:00.000+08:00

Since I am an alumnus of Victoria Junior College, here is link to the school's website. For those of you who are keen to go to a JC, go check it out! You'll find out what serious and fun stuff students get to do in a JC.

And of course, I gained a lot from my experience in VJC. Maybe if you gals are good, I may just share some experiences with you and show some pics in class next time.

VJC rox. (OK, I'm biased...)

P.S. VJC's open house is on 9 July, 9am to 12 noon. Go have a look then. There will be lotsa cool stuff, e.g. drama, music, rock climbing, games, sports, displays, etc. Way cool!

The Great Balancing Act

2005-05-25T23:11:00.000+08:00

Sec 3 Express Science(Chem): Balancing Equations

There are 3 types of people in the world: those who can balance equations, and those who cannot...

Here is a link to a website for some online tutorial and exercise on how to balance equations. Remember to try out the exercises.

BTW, the examples used in the website may be slightly above you level, but the principle is the same. I know you can do it! =)

Your nightmare has come true!

2005-05-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

Haha... some of you were shocked to see me posted back to SAC. Only this to say: your nightmare has come true.

OK, seriously, I hope all of you will be able to make use of this June holidays to relax after having worked hard (ahem!) for the past months.

BUT, most importantly, to re-evaluate where you want to go in life and how to achieve it. Some of you are disappointed with your mid-year results. Why is that so? If you had lived your school life to the fullest, there should not be any regrets. But if regrets linger, it is time to evaluate what went wrong, and work on it!

All the best! Jia you! Ganbatte! Bon courage!

Hello Cool School!

2005-05-22T21:36:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have jumped onto the Blogging bandwagon.

No, this is not about my life story, which I think none of you would be interested in.

And Yes, this is where you can find extra stuff or even assignments (!). This is to help you in case you weren't listening in class but in La-La Land (a.k.a. meeting Mr Chew, snoozing, nap, day-dreaming, sleeping, etc...) or thinking of your boyfriend/girlfriend. You can even pose me questions.

And No, you will not find questions or answers to tests or exams.

SCHOOL'S COOL, DUDES!!