Thursday, February 28, 2013

B... Birthday

WARNING!!!!!
Long and negative post! Read at your own risk!

What is birthday to you?

To me, it is a time to make the star feels so blessed and loved. 

From Yanjie, I learned to be excellence in my gift-giving.
And Team8Leader ever mentioned about how her perspective of birthday changed with the many celebrations we had then during SOT, especially after Teammate XB’s?


Organizing a birthday started being a joy as I get to play a part in making the star’s birthday memorable but lately I find it tough.

The last (and literally LAST) birthday I organized was my leader’s.
From a zone-affair, it became a ministry-thingy thus the group size double. But thank God I only had to focus on my zone while others took care of cg and zones.


Way before...
Started a chat with some “seniors“ in the zone to decide who want to take the honor to organize. No response and one commented to let the “young ones” do it. Of course I would love to but with the response from appreciation then, I thought “hmm.. forget it”.

The chat went silent for few days.
That was when there were not many days to the celebration day so then I decided… I will do it!
To me, is the birthday of our beloved leader, I don’t wish that at the end of the day, no plan or no celebration.


Immediately date the birthday girl which I did a week ago.
Next to choose a place, that can take our big group and with affordable prices. Decided to go back to one we went few months ago as the food not bad and not ex but most importantly, sufficient space.

The “vomit blood” part was that the birthday girl didn’t say anything but others... “Oh! We are going there again!?” or “Your zone really like coming here hor!?” or “How come back here again?!”
In my heart I was thinking, “Thanks ah! Where were you when I asked to give suggestion of makan place?”
Ahhhhhh!!! Seriously I am not asking for a “thank you!” or “good choice!” but maybe just keep quiet?


RSVP… for this, I think I committed “murder” many timessssssss!
But thank God for Friend M who I get to shoot all anger and unhappiness, I sent her the messages I received and vice versa. Opps!
We “scolded”, “fired”, nagged and laughed over together. 

Appreciate those who replied promptly and stayed through.

The reason why we were so “strict” in RSVP obviously due to our big group, 20+ people. They cant expect me to make reservation a day or hours before the event or just add chairs as if I own the restaurant?

Though based on the way they RSVP, it seems like.

There were those who don’t reply AT ALL.. despite message addressed to their name. 


Those who replied “yes” then few days before event said “no” then a day before asked for details (which I sent don’t-know-how-many-times) and said “maybe” and just hours before the event replied “no”. 
Classic!

Those who replied after the “closing date”.
Those who replied coming but didn’t turn up.
Those who replied 2hrs before event that overlooked message and forgot to reply. -_-

Those who replied “yes” at the very last minute when you already called the restaurtant don’t-know-how-many-times.

And those who replied and suddenly "surprised" us with their partner in attendance. -_-
They must be thinking I own the makan place.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!


Was telling Friend M that I almost wanted to place name tag on the chairs so no RSVP on time = no chair.
Friend N agreed too and later mentioned that though I said so, I will not do it. What to do? Don’t want things to turn bad.

With the organizing of this birthday, I hereby declare that… I am going to “resign”!!!
Haha! This shall be my last!


Still, no matter what happen… it shall and will not change my view on birthday. Just that I gotta manage my expectation? 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Practice - 1

I have a little practice that if the previous year I took the graduating classes then I will find time in the present year to check on the little ones in primary school.

The bond I had with the parents in xSs was stronger thus I feel comfortable messaging them using my own phone. This year I sent more parents, almost the whole class. 


Definitely brought lots of joy and pride to me, knowing that all of them are doing well, very well. 
Happy! Many friends!
Class monitress! Group leader!
Bought food during recess time!
Full marks at spelling! Top 10 for arts! 


(Child SY's mum)
Hi Ms Lim, everything is fine and PTL, she adapted very well.

Thks so much, it's so blessed to have teachers like you cheering for the girls. May God's blessing continue to pour into ur life, and His love, patience, Grace, Joy and wisdom be with you now and ever!


(Child DN)
Hi Ms Lim, pri sch is good. I like to buy food during recess. S is in the same class as me. My teacher jokes with us. How r u?

I love you


(Child CS’ mum)
Hi Miss Lim, how are you? I hope you are well. CS likes school. Settling in well. he can buy food, sort out his spelling & hmk independently. Must be the good foundation he learnt in LSK!

Thank you Miss Lim! CS will be so excited to know. Take care Miss Lim. Have a blessed 2013!


(Child JY’s mum)
Hi Ms Lim, so nice of u to ask. We put him in student care during morning n afternoon he attends his school. Somehow we felt he still feel insecure as he have to wear jacket to school everyday like he used to when he was in nursery days. Other than that he adapt his school routine quite well. Primary school is definitely a big change for him as the teachers stress a lot on academic studies even though just the beginning. We are glad LSK has provided him a loving environment and given him a good foundation for his pri sch. He misses LSK and if time permits, he will drop by one day. Hope everything is well for you.


(Child HC’s mum)
Thanks Miss Lim. HC is doing ok. She managed to get full marks for her spelling, and is able to buy food on her own. I'll be meeting her form teacher this Sat to get more info.

Thanks for thinking of her.

(Child JT)
Miss Lim school is good!!!

Thank you Miss Lim.
 

(Child LH’s mum)
Hi Ms Lim, thanks for your text N concern. LH is doing fine in school. He has no pbm adjusting and is able to take care of himself very well. His only gripe is having to wake up early every morning, otherwise he is well. Was made the group leader and form teacher told me he is chatty but ok. Lol. I must thank lsk for preparing them well for p1 esp for recess.

This is taken first day of sch w p4 buddy. Thanks again and I will inform LH u asked abt him. Happy new year!


(Child ZT’s mum)
ZT so far so good. Thank you for your concern and caring. I will bring her back to lsk when she is free. Hereby we wish u a happy new year!


(Child JT and mum) 
Hi! Miss Lim, this is JT. I have another from LSK in my class. His name is R. My new teacher is a Malay. I am happy in my school.

Hello!!! Glad to hear fr u Miss Lim. JT was asking me last wk if she could go back to lsk for visit. Told her yes, but have to wait. Anyway, she is doing ok in her pri sch. Just slim down quite a bit. Because got to buy her own food. Got lots of friends. R from Gloryland is also in her class. Both became buddy since orientation. God even sent a new bus number 50 near our Blk to bring her to outside  her sch. Still adjusting to the new timing. Not enough time after school for fun and homework. Rushing everyday. But overall , she is doing ok. Thank you for dropping by. Really appreciate it.

(Child CH’s mum)
Hi Miss Lim, she is ok. Just more tired than last time but she still doesn't want to try buying food from canteen. Thanks for your concern!


(Child BG’s mum)
谢谢你! BG还好! 只是还是一样注意力不聚中. 他还经常想念你们! 哈哈!

是的, 我有和他的老师沟通这点! 非常感谢你们! 你们真的是非常有爱心和责任感的好老师! 我和家人真心的谢谢你们! 


(Child JT's mum)
JT 去小学还不错, 蛮开心, 还遇到LSK 的同学, 谢谢你的关心.


JT said "I love you."

(Child GL’s mum)
Hello Ms Lim!! GL is still learning to cope with a long day and she's asleep now! She made many new friends, improved in eng, but trying hard to learn her hanyu pinyin and math concepts. Nice to hear firm you!! Will visit you when we get the chance.. she misses her happy days at lsk!! 


(Child GT's mum) 

Hi Ms Lim nice to hear fm u. GT is adapting well in.school. Is d long hours she hasn't get use to it. Hope u r well? She missss LSK alot.

(Child JL's mum)
Oh hi Ms Lim!
JL is slowly getting use to the timing.. often lost his things in school.. haha.. thinner now,  maybe because have to wake up v early.. still having some trouble with remembering his spelling. 

Practice - 2

(Child JG’s mum)
Dear Ms Lim, thank you for guidance in LSK and the rest of school teachers and Mrs Tan who had taught and guided Jasper. He has been an excellent boy today on his first day of school. We just want to show our appreciation to all teachers in LSK, especially Mrs Tan, Ms H Chua, 蔡老师, Mrs A Chua, Mrs T Goh, 沈老师, yourself and 张老师. Kindly assist to send my regards to them. I'm sending you with a picture of Jasper. Happy new year!

He just read my message and your reply Ms Lim. This will also let him be aware of his past and where he graduated from, always giving thanks. He misses LSK a lot.

Oh the school is missing a great teacher with your break. Sure JG will definitely be back to support.


(Child SC’s mum)
She is doing fine.
But she keeping say she prefer LSK more.

She misses you.
She compare u with her present teacher and she keep saying Ms Lim dun do that.

Tat y she went back to look for u.
Its so sweet if u to remember her n check on her. 


(Child ML’s mum)
She is doing well at pri sch. Only bit tiring for her cos of the long sch hours. U still in lsk? Cos her bro told her that he dun see u ard in lsk this year and when she heard it, she is a bit sad cos she keeps talking abt going back lsk then can see miss Lim..

Thanks for your thoughtfulness and concern for her! All the best for your future undertakings

 

(Child GQ and mum)
Hi Ms Lim! How nice of u to ask. Was thinking of dropping u a note some weeks ago. GQ first few days said he hated school. Coz teachers v strict n not like LSK teachers so loving n nice.

Sorry he hijacked my phone last nite. Was v excited to hear fr u so asked if can text u.
Yes he's settling down nicely now. Loves his English teacher (gives rewards) but dislikes Chinese (fierce). Haha.
 

(Child SW's mum)
Hi Miss Lim, SW is good! He is adjusting well in P1. Finally! Bcox he was lost in d sch on first day of sch. Traumatized abit n took a while to overcome the fear!! Thank God n he is settling down now. Tks for yr concern n care, Miss Lim!

Tks alot Mrs Lim! I hv told him tht. He shows me the shy smile.

 
(Child EL’s mum)
Hi Miss Lim, sorry for late reply. Thanks for asking! She's still adjusting to the timing etc. But doing ok. She said tt she misses lsk a lot. We walk home w SC now and she said the same thing!


(Child N's
mum)
Hi Miss Lim. N is doing fine in P1. Learning to cope with the changes. But she now n then mentions that she missed LSK. Thk u for asking.


(Child NK’s dad)
Hi Ms Lim, thanks for asking and your concern. He's coping well but is still adapting to the long hours. He's very tired by the time he finish school.


(Child CP and mum)
Dear Ms Lim, it's a wonderful and very thoughtful SMS from you. CP is blessed to have been your student. Yes, Pri School is quite a challenge for him. He has some unhappy days where he came back feeling very dejected and refusing to go school next day and told us that some kids had actually made bad remarks about him. CP is quite introverted and still lacking in interaction skills. We really need to encourage him quite a bit. Hmmm.,,I will show him your SMS tomorrow morning and I m sure he will be highly motivated, he had mentioned your name quite some time. I think he misses you and his old LSK days still. Thank you so much again for taking the interest in CP still. We appreciate that!Thank you! Our best wishes to you for a wonderful school year too!

Thank you Miss Lim, I am fine! Have a nice day Miss Lim from CP

 
(Child LP’s mum)
Miss Tan, thank you for ur concern. Much appreciated. He had some hard time to adapt in the first 2 weeks. Now, he is enjoying his time in school.


(Child EN’s mum)
Hi Miss Lim, nice to hear from you. EN is adapting well. She is in afternoon session. Her first day of school, she thought to follow her younger sister to LSK and mentioned that she wants to visit LSK and Miss Lim. She do miss LSK teachers, former classmates and her school bus friends. Maybe she can join her sister for the June Camp in LSK. Thanks and Happy 2013 to you!


(Child SL’s mum)
Hi Miss Lim, nice to hear fm u. She is doing well in school. Enjoy new friends n was appointed as monitoress for ts term.
 

(Child AC’s mum)
Dear Ms Lim, thank u so much 4 asking. She misses u n LSK terribly. So far she is adjusting well in primary school n even got top 10 in Arts in class. Thank u Ms Lim bless u for being such a caring teacher!


(Child PD’s mum)
Great day Miss Lim, it's so nice to hear from you! Paul is very happy in primary school. He is adjusting well in school. His brother has been his buddy since day 1 and taking care of his needs during recess. God is good! PD said that he misses you very much.


(Child CC’s mum)
She is coping although at times keep complaining about the school hours, saying she wants to go back to lsk. As usual teacher complain about her messy handwriting. So we need to continue to work on that.

Friday, February 08, 2013

this that, that this

I was welcomed to this when I first stepped into the classroom that I will be in for 2013...


A little shocked
I was quite surprised that there's actually nothing much left behind from 2012. As it was just days away to the first school day of 2013, I only had very little time thus I was still hoping to use 2012 stuffs temporary.

I managed to get through the first day and the second day with the school resources like charts etc.

Typed. Printed. Cut. Laminated. Cut. Adjusted. Pasted.  
Did at home. Did in school. 
May not be the nicest but I thank God that I managed to come out with all these within one week, all single-handedly and from scratch.








Even in the midst of all these, I was working on the children's admin, the curriculum, the lesson plan, the worksheet etc. 
Thank God for His grace and the "experiences" I gained from the different kindergartens I been to. 

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Passive

Despite many telling me that I should find a job then quit, I wasn’t afraid when I didn’t. Thank God! The concern of others didn’t happen, I wasn’t for a while jobless.

With the help of my ex-colleague, I got hold of the contact of Principal Mrs C of B Kindergarten.

I didn’t call immediately. Then, I just wanted to enjoy/rest during my holiday. Seriously I was rather passive in searching for a job.

Not long after, I received calls/messages from the Principal Mrs C. 
Interview made.
I went for the first casual interview as she just wanted me to take a look at the school environment and for her to take a look at me cause as she felt ok about me through our phone conversation.


An “interesting” interview.
Due to some paper thingy and as she got to double confirm with the Big Boss, she couldn’t confirm about employing me though she very much wanted to. I was left to check certain stuff with my previous kindergarten while she check with her Big Boss.

A week later when she was back from overseas, she called/messaged. 

I was still passive then. Opps! 
She was "aggressive". Haha! Think she seriously needed a teacher. 
Seriously then I wasn’t sure about it but just responded like “for the sake of it.


She informed me that she had the Big Boss' approval and that I'm being employed. Further arrangement will be made to meet Big Boss etc.

I was asked to start work immediately, as to get my classroom ready. 
I went. It was the last day of 2012, just days before school reopens. 

I did whatever I can, mainly the important ones first. 

Throughout this process, I find Principal Mrs C super duper keen and want to employ me, this explained all the intense calls/msgs,
Reasons being? 


I from xSx.
xSx is a pretty well-known kindergarten in this field and to Principal Mrs C, she feels that teachers who come from there are thumbs-up. Also cause she visited xSx before and loves the practices etc so she was hoping I can bring some over. 


I tasted the accreditation.
B Kindergarten intends to go for theirs this year so she is very happy to have me around to give input etc.

All in all, cause I from xSx. 


I do not know what lies ahead but one thing for sure - I'm grateful to God for watching over me.