Good Luck for PSLE 2015

I see my P6 counsellees for the last time today before their PSLE starts tomorrow. 
I wish them the Best for their PSLE!! :)

Growth-Oriented

You Are Growth Oriented

You maintain your focus on your goals. No matter what, you're not going to let life distract you. You can handle multiple projects and are always ready for another one. You love to multitask. You are amazingly energetic. You don't just get second winds - you get third and fourth winds. You always have a piece of advice or wisdom to share. You've learned a lot during your life.

The Japanese Pattern Test

Maybe that's why I am still at my workplace for the past 11 years. 

Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift

A new song by Taylor Swift, Wildest Dreams. All proceeds from this video will be donated to wild animal conservation efforts through the African Parks Foundation of America.

Wildest Dreams (uploaded by TaylorSwiftVEVO)

Respite No More

There was a respite from the haze during the weekend with PSI readings in the Moderate range, prompting us to throw open our windows to let in fresh air. However, it didn't last long. The PSI reading was climbing today back into the Unhealthy range again. :(  

Thrill

We are thrilled to know that Starhub TV is offering free preview of over 140 channels (25 to 28 September) to beat the haze for families with nowhere to go during this period of haze, especially after the PSI peaked at 300+ on Thursday 24 September. However the only one channel we are interested in is Thrill channel which is dedicated to the horror suspense genre lol.  
Interestingly, the PSI reading for the haze dropped to Unhealthy range of 100+ on Friday which was declared a day of closure for all Primary and Secondary schools. Even today, it has been relatively haze-free, with the PSI reading being in the Moderate range (51-100). :) 

Hazardous Haze PSI > 300

The haze is back with a vengeance. :(
The PSI readings were hovering around the mid 100s (Unhealthy range) during the day on 24 September 2015. However, from 5pm onwards, it took a turn for the worse and the PSI readings hit 200 and above (Very Unhealthy range). The PSI readings steadily increased and crossed over to above 300 (Hazardous range) by 7pm. 
During the 9pm news, MOE announced that all primary and secondary schools will be closed on Friday 25 September 2015, including MOE kindergartens and special education schools. It is expected that the PSI readings for 25 September is likely to be in the Very Unhealthy range with the possibility of crossing into the Hazardous range. 
My girls are really happy until they realised that there is going to be e-learning in place of going to school. Lol. Sorry, girls. No free "holiday". 
I salute all the teachers who have been calling up students and parents to inform them of the school closure on 25 September in case they missed the news on the media and social media. 
I also salute all the teachers who still have to go to school to supervise the students who would be going to school if their parents cannot find alternative care arrangements. 
To everyone I know, please take great care! 

Happy Hari Raya Haji 2015

Happy Hari Raya Haji to all my Muslim friends! 
Here's wishing all peace, happiness and good fortune. :)

PS. Good health too in light of the haze. 

How to Stop Bullying

SingTeach is an e-magazine published quarterly by Office of Education Research at the National Institute of Education (NIE) which is dedicated to improving teaching and enhancing learning. 

I just contributed an article in relation to the recent bullying case in a secondary school. As a school counsellor, it is a topic that is close to my heart. 

Here is the link to my article - How to Stop Bullying: Advice from a School Counsellor | SingTeach | Education Research for Teachers

I hope it will be useful to my fellow teachers.

Every Parent a Supportive Partner

That is the theme for MOE Work Plan Seminar 2015. 
I was happy to have attended it as it really resonates with me both as a parent and as an educator. 

I was also happy to catch up with MOE HQ friends and school leaders that I have known over the years since my MOE HQ days. :)

Happy 5th Birthday, Yeun Zhen!

Happy 5th Birthday, Yeun Zhen!!

Hope you have a day full of fun, presents and cake! 

Ironman says Happy Birthday! :) 

Lots of love from your family in Singapore

Haze No More?

The haze situation in Singapore seems to be getting better. It's still hazy but at least not more than 150 PSI, unlike the other day where it hit 248 PSI.

Guest Lecture

I have been invited to give a guest lecture on self-assessment to a group of Masters students in late October, actually on my birthday. Lol. It is going to be quite an experience. :)

E-learning

Juliane has e-learning today because it is PSLE Listening Comprehension. The Primary 1 to 5 students are exempted from attending school to make sure it is quiet in school for the Primary 6 students taking their PSLE Listening Comprehension. 
I think the students are having it good. I don't recall the schools having that sort of arrangement when I was sitting for my PSLE. 

老师

I never once thought after teaching in primary school that I would one day be teaching adults in an undergraduate course. I have been co-teaching with another colleague and taking turns to conduct lectures and tutorials. I must say I am enjoying it. I have also been quite tickled as the students (Chinese language teachers) have taken to addressing me as "老师" (Chinese word for teacher). :) 

Life's Simple Pleasures VII

Simple pleasures of life - receiving my Belated Teachers' Day present from my counselling school! :)

Thank you!! It feels so wonderful to be appreciated! :)

Angel of Death

Hmmm... why is that angel of death?

You Are an Angel of Death

You tend to have a dark sense of humor, but you are not as morbid as some people would expect. You are bold and courageous. You're willing to do what others won't do... and to face what others won't face. You are very observant and wise. You have amazing insight into other people's lives, but they are also scared of what you know. You are eccentric, extremely quirky, and a bit of a loner. You have unusual interests that others don't share.

What Type of Angel Are You?

Words of Wisdom

I saw this on Facebook. It is profound and simple at the same time. Such wisdom. Such positivity. 

"If you fail, never give up because
F.A.I.L. means "First Attempt In Learning"
End is not the end, in fact
E.N.D. means "Effort Never Dies"
If you get No as an answer, Remember
N.O. means "Next Opportunity"
So let's be positive"   (Source: Naptural Roots Magazine)

I shall pass this on to my counsellees. :)

STGCC 2015

There's nothing more fun than attending STGCC which happens once a year. I can be a child again, ogling at all the figurines of superheroes of my childhood, rushing to take photos of and with cosplayers, buying all the wonderful art works that catches my eyes. :)
Toys

Transformers

LOTR

Superheroes

Yes, I consider Captain Caveman a superhero too! :)

Star Wars forever!

Cosplayers

He's funny! He's having FUN!

Respect! A lady is cosplaying as Bumble Bee!!

My favourite - Star Wars

Hiro Hamada of Big Hero 6 :)

Corpse Bride. Impressive!

Ok technically not a cosplayer

Artist Alley

My favourite artists - Mari & Emily! 

Camilla D'ericco and her beautiful art works

Sonny Liew & Chan Shiaun

Purrballs - all things cats! :)

Agnes Garbowska

Adam Hughes

My ex-student, Shawna and I

It has been great fun. I also managed to catch up with my ex-student, Shawna which was wonderful. Andrea, pity I didn't see you but see you at STGCC 2016. :)
My goodies

From Purrballs

From k, Psychocookie

From Kush Kush + Mari Brand

Art works + sketch by Camilla D'ericco