Little Diva

Jolene joined us in April. When I first tested her, she did well in her Maths. In her English test, for the picture of ducks, when asked "WHAT ARE THESE?" she answered "THESE ARE ITIK". Itik means ducks in Malaysia.


She always comes in the centre in style. always wearing heels. Mind you, she's only 6. One time she wore a black dress and had her hair all down and she looked like she was dressing up for "adam's family movie". Yesterday she came in with knitted blouse and a knitted skirt. pink and blue. really outstanding. With her high heels, she's walk around proudly and once she comleted everything, she'd be our Admin Assistant, helping out at the admin counter.

Last week, she spotted an Islamic writing on a porcelaine on my staff's table and asked me what it was. I had to explain at length. That it's related to religion (was asked what's religion), gave example Bhuddism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism.... (was asked, what's all that!) and told her when someone prays....that's believing in a religion..(She asked??? the same as "don't pray pray???" - a famous tag line from one of the Singaporean Sit com (Phua Chi Kang). In the end...it was just impossible to tell her what religion is.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN!

Today we had two cases of "accident". Both happened within the same 15 minutes.

1st accident. Darshen came in happily, and was sent to the back area for his Maths. Not long after that, I saw two of my staff busy trying to look for phone numbers and making calls. I asked them what it was all about, Manju said Darshen had accidently made his BIG BUSINESS in his pants and was standing at the door and refusing to go to the washroom.

2nd accident. Daniel called me and told me to help him with his pants. He wanted to make SMALL BUSINESS. While walking to the washroom, (bear in mind...at the same time....Darshen was still standing at the door!) he got distracted and went to see what was at the other washroom. Finally when we reached the boys' washroom, I had to find the button of his pants under his big belly. While doing that.....I saw his pants getting wet.

All I could do after that was laugh. I had to tell the same staff who've just got off the phone with Darshen's mom to call Daniel's mom to get her to bring extra pants.

Come estas, Afiz!

2 years ago, a student had to relocate to Caracas, Venenzuela. Upon his arrival, he wrote me a long email. It was heart-warming coming from a teenager. Usually, a teenager and a boy would find it difficult to write a long letter to his teacher. It has never happened before in my life.

Anyway, last Thursday, while on my way to the centre, my Admin Assistant called me up to ask if I was going to reach the centre soon enough. It's because an old student called Afiz was coming back and asked who he was. I was very surprise to hear his name. So I tried to explain who he is and in the end, she rememebered.

Afiz came looking more matured. Not the young 13 year old I still have in my mind, but as respectful as before. I'm glad Caracas didn't change him.

It's beginning to show

In April, I managed to meet up with 99% of my students to talk to them about their progress and what they should aim by June. It's almost end of June now, I'm making plans to put up all the names that have managed to meet their targetted plans. I saw a lot making huge improvements in concentration, work habit, discipline and writing.

In July, I must sit down and talk to them again.

Almost ZERO intake!

The last few months have been quite slow. I have a few new faces. Too few. I hope it's just that time of the year that the intake is slow but pick up again soon, because we need more students to make ends meet!!!! And I think we're overstaffed.

It's sometimes impossible to have a balance. Enough students (to pay) enough staff (to take care of the students). At times it's nerve wrecking. Actually, most of the time it's like walking on an egg shell. Whether I can make it this month or not. It's just not easy.

Porcelaine Painting

Today Sarah's and Alif's mom taught me and a few others to paint pots. One of my student, Julia, my brother, and my friend's daughter Mila joined me. We had so much fun creating designs on Ikea pots.

Old becomes new.

An ex staff wants to join us back. She tendered her resignation in the month of May and called me back middle of June to ask if I can accept her back. She's worked for me for a long long time. She wanted to see what it would be like to work in an office. I respected her need.

Our part time staff will be leaving in July, so it's just nice to get her back.

Proud, Proud, Proud!!!!!

IN the recent examination in the government school, a lot of my students did well. I'm happy. Particularly, I'm proud of :

1) Trishaani : She came out top in her standard. She joined us last year and worked herself up to the levels 2 years higher than her grade level. I came to know about it from her classmate, so when she came in, I congratulated her. Again I congratulate her dad when he came in and while grinning, he thanked us for making it happen. I told him it wasn't us, it was his girl, who worked hard.

2) Sathiya : He came out 2nd highest in his standard. He's always been a smart boy, but never achieved this high.

3) Shamil, Jing Teng, Sharon, Venessa, Jason and Jing Xan for being in the top 20 for their standard.

4) Dayana, Adam, Roobin, Sarah, Alif and many many more for making better grades this time due to their hardworking.

I don't know how it feels to be proud of my own child but I sure know how to be proud, proud, proud.

Was I wicked?

Mr Tan signed up with us last December. He insisted that we took his daughter in even though we told him we've closed for intake. It's difficult to say no when someone tells you that we've been highly recommended and that they're both Maths teacher and are willing to oblige.

Grace was a good student during the first 2 months. In the 3rd month, she started showing her true colours. She comes back without homework done. After 3 weeks, I was still not given all the homework I've given. I sent out a note to her parents to bring back her homework. They seemed to have some kind of communication problem. When Mummy came, Mummy would accuse Daddy of being forgetful. When Daddy came, Daddy would say Mummy didn't tell him he was suppose to bring the work.

I suspected something fishy. I don't like what was going on. So I told my admin staff to inform Grace's dad that I'd like to see him.

I spoke nicely to him, voicing out my concern. BELIEVE IT OR NOT????? The minute I said that, I saw tears coming out of his eyes. Ok, Ok, I'm exxagerating.....i saw a teardrop near his left eye. Was he really crying?????