Back to School II

Back in school again today at SCGS, my alma mater. 
Loved surprising my daughter and seeing the look of terror on her face! Hahaha. I think what tickled my friend most (who led me to my daughter's class) was what I said to my daughter when she stepped out of her class, "Where is your badge?!". :D Once a teacher, always a teacher. Certain things cannot be unseen. 
Never knew I missed teacher chat so much. Maybe one day I may just return to teaching. 

My girl and my former colleague, Mrs Fern

My former student! Now Mrs Ang teaching my girl Geography

Love the food, the chat and most of all, the company!

Surprise Visit

A friend and ex-colleague surprised me with a visit today! We last saw each other last year when he came back to Singapore for a visit. We used to work together for a number of years before he went to Hong Kong to work about 6 years ago. 

It is really wonderful to see you and catching up with you, Barry! Maybe one of these days I shall visit you in Hong Kong. Keep in touch! :)

Walk in the Gardens

My friend, who is stationed in Myanmar for work, is back in Singapore for a short visit. We went to Singapore Botanic Gardens for a walk in the evening before heading for dinner at Cluny Court. 

The setting sun

Never knew monitor lizard could climb trees!

Hari Raya + Dinner

It is the once-a-year event that my girls and I wait for - invitation by my dear friend and ex-colleague, Rahidah to her place for Hari Raya. Unfortunately, both girls didn't go this year. But I could catch up in peace with my friend! 

Friends from Work

We had a wonderful lunch gathering of friends and also great colleagues who has worked me, is still working with me and has returned to work with me! I am really lucky. 

Liyana, Filzah and Azlina!

Chanced Meeting

I was at a school visit to present the findings of the project to the school leaders. It was by chance that I found out my long-time friend and ex-MOE colleague, Rahidah is teaching at the school. 
Had a quick meet-up and chat with her after the meeting with the school leaders. 

Early Birthday Surprise

A surprise from my colleagues and friends! 

Thank you!

Retreat, Celebration and Farewell

It's timely for a mini-celebration with my RAs as we accomplished milestones within two of my projects - completion of data collection and completion of preliminary data analysis. 
I booked the four of us for a soap-making workshop at Soap Ministry. It is nice to be away from the office for a while and it is great for team-building and bonding as well, not that we need it much lol. 

All excited to start our soap making!

Hard at work trying to blend two essential oils

Going nuts blending scents

Cheryl pouring her soap mixture into the molds

A wefie while waiting for the soaps to harden

Our own customised soaps

We had lots of fun at the soap-making workshop. It was "difficult" too as we had to make decisions on what herb, what essential oil and what molds to use. We asked plenty of questions and we learnt lots too about the different herbs and essential oils and their benefits.
Besides it being a celebration of hard work, it is also a celebration of friendship and farewell lunch for Cheryl. We had it at our favourite Swensens.

Our favourite Earthquake sundae! 

Thank you, Cheryl for being part of our team. It has been a blast and we welcome you back anytime! We wish you all the best. Keep in touch! :)

Hari Raya Gathering

Our once-a-year eagerly awaited event! Hari Raya gathering at my ex-colleague, Rahidah's place! 
Lots of yummy food and great company! :)

Rahidah and my girls whom she witnessed growing up

My ex-colleagues from MOE HQ

Redesigning Pedagogy International Conference 2017 III

It is Day 3 and the final day of RPIC 2017!
The highlights of Day 3 - 
1. Prof David Carr's Keynote Address on Moral Character and Virtues in Education and Teaching
2. Prof Kim Sung-Il's Keynote Address on Interest-based Learning: A New Pedagogical Framework for Future Education
3. Group photo with my team of wonderful RAs and more importantly, they are my friends!

Prof David Carr's Keynote Address

Prof Kim Sung-Il's Keynote Address

My team of wonderful RAs and more importantly, my friends

Touched!

A former colleague asked my RA and friend to pass me a souvenir which she bought in Japan. I am really touched to know that I am in her thoughts even though she has already left the research centre. Thank you for the "green turtle"! It means a lot to me. 

Souvenirs from Seoul

A friend returned from her holidays in Korea, and brought back souvenirs from Seoul for me!

Farewell Lunch

We had a nice, cosy farewell lunch for one of our colleagues/ friends, Sabina. She will be leaving us soon on 18 April 2017. 

Sabina is one of the nicest and most zen person I have ever met. I wish her all the best for her future!

Friendship Cookie

I am touched to find a teddybear cookie waiting for me. It is a little reward from my RA and friend, Liyana. Thanks so much. But how to eat it?! It's too adorable! 

Ideas for Retreat Activity

I am thinking of having a retreat for my research teams during the lull period of our research. I thought it would be fun to just get together for some fun and relaxation and away from the office. Wondering what to do...
Escape room game?
Cooking class?
Art jamming session?
Soap making workshop?
Pottery class?
Terrarium workshop?
Cafe hopping?

Souvenir Snacks

A colleague/ friend just returned from her travels to Japan. I am so lucky. 

Happy Valentine's Day 2017

Happy Valentine's Day 2017! 

Wishing everyone friendship and love. 

Team Bonding

As a project team, we attended a lecture, Performance Assessment, Peer, and Self-Assessment by Dr Susan Brookhart organised by MOE. It is our way of team bonding and professional development lol. :P

My team of wonderful research assistants and more importantly, my friends too.

SCGS Annual CNY Gathering 2017

Once a year, we gather together to celebrate CNY and our long-lasting friendship with great company and food. 

We are planning to meet a little more often than once a year, maybe twice a year haha. :D

Happy Chinese New Year 2017

Here is wishing all my family and my friends (both in Singapore and overseas), my students and my colleagues (both present and past, in Singapore and overseas) a Happy Chinese New Year. May all enjoy good health, prosperity, success and great happiness!!

Happy Chinese New Year 2017!

祝新年快乐，万事如意!

(Image credit to dreamstime.com)