The Annual Co-Curriculum Carnival @ SK Serendah 2012 (“Poem Recital, Explorace & Choir Ensembles).

The week spans from 21st May 2012 until 25th May 2012 which happens to be the last week before the first term closes into Mid Year School Holidays; but the workloads are nothing reduced though the euphoria of the anticipating holidays can never be concealed. As an annual event, the school has conducted “The Co-Curriculum Carnival”; and this year comes with 2 legs – “Poem Recital & Explorace” held circa the beginning of May and “Choir Ensemble” on this fateful 23rd May 2012. And of course, once again; Yours Truly is being entrusted as the MC of the events. No complaints; just execute the responsibilities.

Me and my English Panel sisters : Kak Rasida & Kak Halina!

My Science Club singing “Nur Nilam Sari” in an alternative lyrics with eco-system friendly words. Hehehe….Kudos kids! Abta, the boy  at the most right kept badgering me about the practices; but he was a bit timid when on stage. But the bravery must be credited. Good, Abta! (,”)

As for “Poem Recital”, my Science Club managed to secure 2nd placing for Boys’ Category & 3rd placing for Girls’ Category. I have to say that I am quite satisfied and proud because of the efforts I did to coach these kids, trying to perfect what needed to be perfected. But of course, the rest relied on the boy and the girl themselves. What matters is that, they did our Science Club proud and of course themselves for being able to project out their talents! Kudos!

The winners for Poem Recital. Science Club has cemented 3rd placing (Girls) & 2nd placing (Boys). Well done!

I didn’t get involve with “Explorace” but again; Science Club managed to cement 2nd placing, too for the activity! (,”)

Utba, my class pupil. Hahaha, a cheeky boy but energetic. 

For the choir ensemble, Fridaus and I were entrusted to coach Science Club. Initially, we were clueless and didn’t know where to begin as neither of us were music teachers! But then with Fridaus’s idea to use a rock song, composed by M. Nasir dedicated to his daughter – “Nur Nilam Sari” but with alternative lyrics; we modified the lyrics into a more ecosystem-friendly (to conform the Scientific element), we began to coach the kids and tried to squeeze time amidst the busy and hectic schedules! Well, teachers are always expected to do multitasking and the magic words are of course :-

“Pandai-pandai cikgulah untuk menguruskan masa.”

Always. The Magic Words.

The School Resources Club (“Pusat Sumber Sekolah”).

Definitely, we were a bit sceptical about the idea. Can a melodramatic rock song carries a serious message and sung by ensemble of pupils ala choir? On Friday, the intense atmosphere began. All the societies and clubs assembled each teams and practised at secret places and concocted plans to outwit others; and at the same time peeping what others do and used psychology “art-of-war” against each other. Hahaha; sometimes I feel like it is kinda ‘Harry Potter’-ish. But it’s a healthy competition, I ensure.

The “Kesenian & Kebudayaan” (Arts & Culture) Club.

Came Monday and Tuesday, the practices intensified to perfect the imperfections. And between the takes, always involved pressures, angst, anxiety and many more. The weak links and those who could not take the pressure BAILED OUT from the teams. It happens.

The Green Earth Club (“Bumi Hijau”) conducted by Azam, my ex-5 Gallant pupil. Kinda proud seeing him went out to showcase his talent and being brave. Well done! Time flies…. growing up. (,”)

So today, the Science Club performed. With me busy as the MC and Fridaus managing the PA system for the event, our team left unmanaged. So, I have to squeeze/steal time to accompany them. Right after my morning duty as Discipline Teacher to welcome the pupils and guard the gate every morning as per Ministry’s “Guru Penyayang” concept (actually, it is not on the Discipline Teachers’ scope to be there. All teachers are supposed to be there; but of course some were so nonchalant. So, we the Discipline Teachers took the initiative to be there so that at least there are teachers welcoming the pupils!), I hurriedly assembled the kids and practised the song twice without the minus-one as Fridaus was a bit occupied.

The “Bimbingan & Kerjaya” Club.

The “Rukun Negara” club.

The “Skim Buku Teks” (SPBT) Club.

The kids were doing all right. Of course there were minor glitches but with the presence of Radhwa as the “ghost of pollution”, it certainly added icing to the performances. The other clubs and societies also were mesmerizing and did their best shots! Mathematics Club which was the winner showcased a unique song from Sabah “Tinggi-Tinggi Gunung Kinabalu” and with some Sumazau dance!

Mathematics Club showcasing Sumazau dance via “Tinggi-Tinggi Gunung Kinabalu” rendition.

The Malay Language Society.

On whole, it was tiring and exhausting to inject exuberant presence as an MC and to do some spontaneous comical-punchlines and at the same time being stern with more than 600 pupils ensemble ALTOGETHER in the hall; and you with the microphone HAD to literally control as a person against the 600++ pupils! But, well….”Saya Menurut Perintah”. Kudos to the teachers for putting magnificent jobs in just short stint. Well, we teachers ARE MULTITASKING, are we not? (,”)

The happy faces. Innocence radiates (,”)

Do The Best With Sincerest Heart (Happy Teachers’ Day 2012 @ SK Serendah, Hulu Selangor) : A Curious Case Between Pupils’ Admiration VS People’s Opposition.

For certain unexplained reason, this year’s celebration of  Teachers’ Day has been somewhat an over-pouring concoction of emotions; both the mirth as well as the melancholic. Well, what is it being a teacher without any controversial and sensational issues, aite? Hahahaha…Irregardless, I have to say that amidst all the shenanigans and burdens shouldered upon teachers, being someone who teach and also conveying/imparting knowledge to younger generations IS definitely a worthwhile God-sent experience. Everyday, I thank ALLAH SWT for this experience. 

Thank you so much sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Getting gifts is NEVER in agendas although some parents do ACCUSE teachers of forcing kids to buy gifts. But the thoughts and intentions to acknowledge the teacher…. is PRICELESS. Thanks my pupils. 

This year, I’ve been selected as one of the BAKSI (Teachers’ Society) Committee; so for the events pertaining teachers and school throughout the year would be handled under the wings of BAKSI. Once again, I’ve been entrusted the responsibility to become the MC for the day – but this time, to the MAXIMUM capacity; from 7.30 a.m. until approximately 1.30 p.m.!!! Loosely, the Teachers’ Day was segregated into 3 segments :-

1. The Formal Segment (National Anthem, Decree Proclamation of “Ketua Pengarah Pelajaran Malaysia”, Teachers’ oaths and anthem, Performances by pupils, Acknowledgement to teachers by prefects and all);
2. The Sports Segment (Football & Netball with “Pelikat & Batik” donning; “Galah Panjang” & tug-of-war);
3. The Informal Segment (The prize-giving; Feast)

AND… I have to anchor ALL of them, right from the morning till the afternoon. I’ve no complaint about it whatsoever because in a way, it does help to boost my Public Relation skill; but I have to confess that it was really EXHAUSTING; and under the scorching heat of Equatorial Sun, it was just really TIRING. But still, you have to nail the responsibility entrusted. Do the best with the sincerest heart. (,”)

Me and my partner in emceeing, Zuraini. Behind is Kak Maza, a sporty and cool teacher.

The script! Been doing it in eleventh hour (last minute). Burning the midnight oil for this!

I have to admit that most of the anchoring are more of spur-of-the-moment and spontaneity than scripted as no rehearsals or direct cues were given. Sometimes, everything was shouldered upon you and you just have to give it the best shot when no directions were given to conduct the flow. I guess with all the responsibilities as MC and experiences have enable me to emcee these events with such ease and au naturel. Alhamdulillah, for that.

A representative of Prefect gave me the present. 

Kak Ita conducting the performances of her pupils. Imagine, she was told to prepare this only the yesterday before Teachers’ Day and within one hour, managed to come out with this good performances! We, teachers do things effectively but this tiny itsies bitsies are what parents refuse to acknowledge. Sigh. Kudos to Kak Ita!

Nonetheless, one of the most unforgettable scene was that suddenly, a respectable teacher had ask for a slot during The Informal Segment. At first I thought it was purely for an academic briefing or whatsoever, so it was no biggie. But the shock came out that she bravely went up to the stage, explaining herself is battling breast cancer and would be undergoing treatment/operation next week. The usually serene and calm teacher broke down and burst with tears on the stage….. It was definitely a heart-wrenching moment for me as I just got to know the revelation when she told us (some teachers already knew about that). CANCER is such a scary word and no matter how pitiful we must have felt for the person who is affected; only the one who is battling the cancer knows the REAL FEELING. 

Empathy. We, the family of SK Serendah will pray for the health of you…… We are a family. *Sad*

As an MC, it was indeed quite difficult to resume words to continue the flow of the event after the shocking announcement. But, with my little bit of experiences in emceeing, I’ve managed to put suitable words and alleviate the tensed and melancholic situation…… But the scene was deeply etched in me. I am always an empathic soul. I feel other people’s plights. I just pray that she will gather the courage to battle the cancer, Insya ALLAH…

Hakim, one of the boisterous kid that usually experience my wrath. But kids…(,”). I told him I would give him a treat if he is well-behave for the next 2 weeks. He said “DEAL”. As he was tagging along with me during Teachers’ Day, I said “OK, go have a drink and it’s on me”; he went there and had a “NASI AYAM!” Hahahahaha, sly kid! (,”)

Besides that, an unforgettable scene would be that the food sponsored by PIBG (Thanks so much for the kind thoughts. Kudos to the PIBG honchos!) were not enough (I think it was fried rice and roasted mutton, I think). And I myself didn’t have the opportunity to eat although I’ve been emceeing practically the whole day. It caused a bit of uproar and rumours has it that it was due to some miscommunication between the either exact pricing or the number-of-people-allocation information. As for me, I am not complaining because I understand that glitches happen during event; but for others, it was a bit scandalous and dissatisfying. In the end, it’s Que Sera Sera (What ever will be, will be). (,”)

Doing commentating in the field via hailer- Courtesy of  a pupil, Asmaa Nadhira.

Me with my cool sisters. Cheerful but stern. Same wavelength with me, Hahahaha. Kak Airin & Kak Adda.

And you know, I have to say I am deeply touched. Amidst the chaotic scene and the responsibility I have to shoulder both as an MC for the day and also Class Teacher (have to distribute to the pupils the foods sponsored by school in sync with “Sekolah Penyayang” concept), I’ve received quite a number of gifts and prizes from pupils…. Honestly, I never expect that because you know, I am a Discipline Teacher and in the school, I deal with delinquencies and misdemeanor; so you can’t get popular with that post, honestly! Hahahah…. but of course, pupils with their innocences. When you’ve touched their hearts, I think they want to express their own appreciation towards you because they know, you mean the best for them. And the funny thing is that this year, I’ve got 4 CANES given by the boisterous kids who usually are my “regular customers”. Hahahaha…..

Emotional in singing; Hahahaha! Karaoke is just for fun. – Courtesy of Ustazah Asniza.

Whatever it is, Sir really appreciates all the thoughts, prizes/gifts and even small wishes of “Selamat Hari Guru.” We, teachers NEVER expect anything materials. If the pupils are kind enough to remember us and wish us, it means a world for us to know that the pupils appreciate us. Dealing with pupils is a God-Sent; but with parents nowadays perceiving teachers as low-class vermin that they can persecute and attack without prior investigation, sometimes it deters your motivation. So, it is actually a case of innocence of kids VS ungrateful ruthless of parents; either way, we as Malaysia teachers ALWAYS will do the best we can to nurture the young princes and princesses of Malaysia as per the lyrics in our anthem – “Kami Guru Malaysia.”

Happy Teachers’ Day 2012 to all Malaysian Teachers! Do the best, despite the harsh words and slandering by ignorant parents who think they are superior than us. After all, do the best with the sincerest heart, y’all.

Crystallizing “Guru Penyayang” Concept In Malaysian Schools : Teachers; Nothing But Dummy Marionettes.

3 years it has been since I first started my first foray into the educational field. And the assumptions of people who don’t know me thinking that I am this “fresh graduate” from SPM holder or a ‘Maktab’ product has yet to change. As classic cliche, they found it hard to accept that I am already reaching 28 years old and my first job was a bank executive in AFFIN Islamic and I did KPLI for a year just to get my license to teach. Hahaha, no matter. I don’t live with strangers’ perception.

Since 2010, I have gained quite experiences in maturing myself in the canvas of life as a Malaysian teacher. I’ve tasted the wrath of political polemics and bureaucracies; I’ve experienced the colours of platonic relationships with colleagues; I’ve been drenched with few backlashes from parents who are simply TOO ignorant and TOO clouded by the loves to their children and rejected the disciplining intentions; and many more. With all these commotions fuelled, I sometimes question myself :

“Did I choose the RIGHT profession? Did I make the RIGHT decision of quitting banking world and jumped into this education-of-Government world? Did I make the RIGHT decision to dump the corporate lifestyle where people regard as glamorous and resort as this underrated-by-public-eyes career as TEACHER?”

It is a self-disclosure argument that I can’t restrain myself from pondering. But of course, dealing and being surrounded with the kids are the best. I love my career as a teacher and I always feel grateful for having the opportunity to teach. Being with the kids and conveying and imparting knowledge is my forte and a bless from God. Knowing them to flourish with what you feed and conveyed is a Heaven-Sent grace you can;t describe with words; Alhamdulillah.

BUT, with all the bureaucracies and documentation shenanigan which lead TEACHING AS SECOND NATURE to our job; where do we go from here?

Government and Ministry always introduce new ideas to Malaysian educational arena. Of course, these are sugar-coated as “innovation and improvement” to our education line so that we could be on par with the rest of the countries in the world. Nevertheless, sad to say, all these are concocted merely to portray good image to the public. The society these days keep pushing the Ministry to DO THIS and to DO THAT; so in order to alleviate that, Ministry concocts various ideas and plans (most of which are actually ridiculous) just to appease the public. Besides that, Ministry feels the pressure when Malaysians who study abroad and expatriates began to cite cultures practised by Western countries and pressure the Ministry to infuse the cultures into the local education arena. These vehement comparisons always resulting to unsatisfactory result. *Sigh*

Recently, Ministry has make it compulsory that schools in Malaysia are to exercise the concept of “Guru Penyayang”. This concept targets teachers to be lovable figures;and most importantly, disciplinary actions are merely psychological; physical disciplining IS PROHIBITED. “Rotan” or cane IS PROHIBITED at all. Teachers are only to scold pupils WITHOUT physical contacts no matter how RUDE the pupils are.

This concept of “Guru Penyayang” emphasizes pupils as the clientele. Teachers, especially Disiciplinary Teachers (including me, of course as I am Discipline Teacher for Year 5) are made COMPULSORY to wait at the gates for the pupils, welcoming them graciously with smile and greet them with “SELAMAT DATANG”(welcome). My colleagues and I have been doing that lately and whether we like it or not, we have to fix our fake smile and welcoming the pupils like clowns. Sarcastic smiles from parents are inevitable but, what to do?

Next, teachers in class HAVE to be alert with pupils. That is, we have to make them feel welcomed to school via :

1. We have to ASK WHOSE BIRTHDAY everyday so that the pupils are ‘eager to come to school’;
2. We have to frequently THANKED THE PUPILS for coming to school everyday;
3. We have to give UNCONDITIONAL ATTENTIONS TO EACH PUPILS (usually 30-40 pupils in class) INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE PASSIVE;
4. We are PROHIBITED TO USE CANE, RULER OR PHYSICAL CONTACT TO DISCIPLINE PUPILS;  ONLY WORDS; although the pupils can be the rudest type they could be;
5. We have to LINE-UP with pupils and BID FAREWELL BY GESTURING THE “BYE-BYE” hand signs to the pupils.

I am sure we the teachers do that subconsciously because the instinct as teachers is to instantaneously love the pupils. BUT, with all these actions described in decree and being instructed as mandatory, it makes us all suffocated!

When teachers lament these ridiculous decrees set upon to the public, the society mocks at teachers; claiming teachers ‘deserve’ all these as Government now is paying more attention to teachers and has been raising up the salary of teachers. The mentality is yet to be changed, sadly. On the other hands, the Ministry keeps pushing the teachers to straightening up their instructions-made-mandatory; but have ever the parents blame the Upper Parties? NO, they blame the teachers although they know teachers are only the executioners of the decrees; NOT the planners of the decrees. *Sad*

As teacher, teaching and imparting knowledge to children is the best gift and satisfaction. But, with all these political interventions and bureaucracies, becoming teacher in Malaysia is like “hands handcuffed, legs tied; mouths shut”. We are merely to EXECUTE what the Upper Parties instruct. We have no right to defy or object the Upper Parties. We are always the slaves of the civil services, the lowest in the educational hierarchy in Malaysian education. After all, we are always the “Saya Menurut Perintah”……. 

Black Heart Within : How To Kill A Mockingbird In The School?

When you are working with people, there are bounds to be some hatred or jealousy involved. We never know; some people who are so sugar-coating and nicely talking to us could be the one who stab behind our backs, laughing mercilessly on our downfalls. That’s the reason why I like to keep my distance away from people in my working surrounding. I mean, I am friendly and I think I am good and able to gel-in with various people in the school; but at the same time, I keep my distance away so as not to get too close with people.

Anyway, this entry is written due to something, of course. The Secretary of Examination in my school, Cikgu Rosmainy had published few pictures and data pertaining UPSR in Facebook. There were graphs of pupils’ performances and also the names of pupils who scored flying colours in the recent examinations. And of course, NOT to forget the lists of the teachers who teach the Year 6 classes; including me as I am teaching Science for 6 Gallant this year – as catalysts for them to work even harder prior to UPSR. This is as a gentle reminder for all that UPSR is approaching and everyone has to work hard; and NOT to upgrade the Year 6 teachers as the elitists and to downgrade other teachers.

Unfortunately, someone (which perhaps a teacher) had been very stupid and ignorant enough to WRITE foul comment on one of the graphical-data picture.This was what has been written :-

“Siapalah yg ajar BI ni sampai ada yg sangkut dpt B. bergaya kat FB ni bukan main tp ngajo sedih. ko tepeklah gambo ko pegi luar negara tu banyak2 lagi”.

Well, I don’t teach English in Year 6 so it wasn’t me. BUT the question is, why was that commentator was so stupid to even publish that in Facebook? Apparently, we think that this culprit is not really good in IT because although he/she tried to seal the profile, we can visibly see A LOT OF HINTS inside of who is the culprit.

I think I know who wrote that. And I know that he/she occasionally reads my blog just to poke nose on my private affairs. All I am saying is why is that mentality stoop low? Don’t they realize that pupils who DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH AT HOME or NOT EXPOSED TO THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SURROUNDING will have problem to master that? And what’s more, the other teachers who don’t teach English are timid as well to speak English; and you expect pupils to speak/excel fluently?

You as a teacher, if you can speak English – then only you can criticize. Sad to know that this culprit is a stupid educator. You have to give moral supports or ideas to elevate the pupils’ performances; not criticizing! If you are acting like this, then you are no differences with the laymen common people who talks about other people; chit-chatting on wasted topics!

Well, this is the FB page address (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000776243622). First, the culprit put the name “Bitara Jingga” as the name. I noticed some poetic essence there. Too literature. And when Kak Lin and I put status in FB exposing the disgusting behaviour of this culprit, he/she changed that to “Azmie Mie”. Deep inside, I think I know who is the culprit. My advice; although the comment was not directly referred to me; PLEASE CHANGE THE ATTITUDE. AND PLEASE STOP PRETENDING. You know, there are no barriers/”hijab” of doa of those who has been persecuted to ALLAH SWT. So…..

I hope the culprit understands what I wrote this.The doa of those who have been persecuted has NO HIJAB to ALLAH SWT. Remember that.

NOTIFICATION UPDATES (I) :

As cliche as it may sound, when innocent people are being PERSECUTED by someone evil and prayed to ALLAH SWT, the doa has no Hijab (‘barrier’). Why I said that? Because the yesterday’s incident has somehow reveal who was the culprit. True to the predictions before that, the culprit is now unmasked.

The ensemble that irked The Culprit to comment harsh words. We suppose to work as a team; not as individualistic. The victory is ours. My, my…. -Courtesy of Cikgu Rosmainy.

How did I got that? Let just say, I have strong presence in Facebook. Hahhaaa. With more than 4,000 people in my net, the probability of having mutual friends with culprit is tantamount to 14 people. Sent message to each one investigating who is the owner…and lo! Guess what? One acquaintance got back to me and stated THE NAME. Not shocking, but kinda sad with double-faced people. Please REPENT/”Bertaubat”.

The graphs – courtesy of Cikgu Rosmainy. 

NOTIFICATION UPDATES (II) :

So happened that we stumbled upon few comments made The Culprit in Kak Sarah’s page. Wow, ALLAH SWT is so great. Purposely, we LIKED the comments so that The Culprit would be getting notifications; hence will realize that we KNEW his identity. True to the predictions, an hour later, The Culprit DELETED his comments and even DELETED/DE-ACTIVATE his Facebook page. But…. we already SAVED the page before he deleted. So….. (,”) Subhanallah, ALLAH SWT is great.  Come to think of it, it was so unprofessional. Could it be due to the fact that these kind of people are never exposed to the corporate world and only being surrounded with the world of laymen, thus only gossiping and slandering and badmouthing their colleagues?

But, it will be a sad and awkward situation to set face to face especially when you are working under one roof. I just don’t know why. Oh, well. I treat people the same way they treat me. They give me sting, I give them venomous poison. 

Freaking February, “Saya Menurut Perintah” (Episode II): Emceeing PIBG Meeting/Parents-Teachers Association, Clerical-Documentations Errands & Sandwiched-In-Between Sweet Escape!

Last Saturday, dated 25th February 2012, my school organized its 18th “Persatuan Ibu Bapa & Guru”(PIBG) or Parents & Teachers Association meeting. As one of the most important event in the calendar of school, the event was an anticipating yet at the same time intimidating as well. Hahahhaa… regardless of that, what’s have to be done must be done and what’s scheduled have to be executed. Still, this year, Yours Truly (I, of course!) has been entrusted again to become the MC of the event; co-anchoring it with the seasoned player, Kak Ita.

 

On whole, the event was a smooth-flowing event despite few minor glitches. Actually prior to the event, Kak Ita told me that she wanted to draft out the script; hence I only got to see the whole script on the morning itself. Without exact and absolute tentative of the programmes, things were getting a little bit helter-skelter at first and with Kak Ita saying that she had to go out for personal errands, I was literally reading out the text blindly (feigning a casual intonation, of course! Hahahaha). Everything was seemingly perfect UNTIL I accidentally missed out the text that all parents WERE NOT to go to the canteen; instead food would be distributed in the hall – I told the crowd the otherwise thing; so, imagine the reactions… LOL! Hahahahah, geez! But of course, this wasn’t exactly a prim-and proper protocol-infused event; Headmaster took charge of the microphone and assuage the awkwardness by injecting some humorous approach. Hahhahaa, oh well… (,”).

On whole, the parents’ attendance could be considered as VERY poor. Not many parents turned up and it was a bit sad as the event was meant to be the platform for both parents and teachers come to mutual consensuses in various discussions pertaining the well-being of the school. Nonetheless, few questions were asked during the Q&A sessions; and there were undeniably several HOT acidic statements/questions from the parents. Of course, we teachers were already expecting the acidic and ignorance-infused traits of questions that were about to be bombarded upon us; but hey… that’s the nature.

Angry parents? 

By hook or by crook, we have to succumb to the fact that parents are one of our clientele; but of course, we realized the reality of Malaysians these days; they perceive the profession of teachers as simply low-class/profiles and they are SUPERIOR to teachers. A sad mentality amongst Malaysians; we already ascending to an epoch-making era; but our mindsets are churning backwards? Something we HAVE to ponder and think seriously….

With that responsibility done, my pending tasks in this February are :

• To complete the pupils’ personal data before 28th February; and the upcoming parents’ details, etc is post-28th February-on-dates-that-will-be-mentioned-abruptly-later-on;
• To complete the Question Paper for English Year 5 (Paper 1);
• To complete the meeting minute of Science Panel Meeting;
• To decorate the Science Panel’s Notice Board

On top of that, there are few Night Classes, Extra Class & English Communication Class to teach; and the pending one is the Year 6′s Extra Class which I have to give priority once my name is included in the new schedule. Either way,I will just have to wait and see whether I have the most zealous strength to execute these tasks with immense charisma and will; or I should segregate some of the not-so-important engagements so that I can focus to the more prioritized.

Anyway, between this hectic schedule, I’ve squeezed time to make myself amenable for relaxation of mind and body; away from the professional demands. So, right after the PIBG meeting, I’ve escaped to Kuala Lumpur and then karaoke-ed my lungs out (YEEEHAA!!) and then took a roam in Semenyih (Oh, my! I am shocked seeing Semenyih with that rapid developments; similarity is uncanny to Bandar Baru Bangi!) and Putrajaya. It was a great sweet escape. (,”)

The beautiful Putra Mosque a.ka. The Rose Mosque in Putarajaya. I love the mosques in Putrajaya. Make me feel like in Middle East architectures. Subhanallah.

And oh….! I can’t wait for my upcoming New Zealand trip! It’s Kia Ora!

Freaking February, “Saya Menurut Perintah” (Episode I): The Calendar Of Monday-Sunday.

February is so packed with professional errands! And honestly, a very hectic month for me as everyday from Monday until Sunday, I go to school for my professional affairs. Restless month and days as the body is lethargic yet the mind is active in concocting plans, etc.

Every Saturdays for this whole month are slotted for school programmes. The second Saturday of February 2012 which was 11th February was slotted for Replacement Day (due to the one-week-long- Chinese New Year holidays); the third Saturday which was 18th February was slotted for “Latihan Dalam Perkhidmatan” course focusing on how to discipline the pupils and the ethics of how to manage the discipline cases and also after that the BAKSI (“Badan Kebajikan Guru)’s meeting – of which I was elected as one of the Committee; the upcoming 4th Saturday which is 25th February will be slotted for PIBG or “Persatuan Ibu Bapa & Guru” (Parents & Teachers Association) gathering – of which I am to become the MC; AND the first Saturday for March which is 3rd March will be allocated for another Replacement Day. So… you can imagine that; and those are still exclusive to the sandwiched errands in between! (,”)

Beginning on the 12th February, I’ve been teaching an English Communication class slated for teachers’ children. The class encompasses on simple daily dialogues and also trying to instil fun in learning to converse in English. Supposedly, the class is held on Saturdays but since every Saturdays in this February are already ‘booked’ for school official events, the class has to be shifted to Sunday; and that means NO FREE WEEKENDS for me!

It was really exhausting to keep maintaining the perky and zealous personality for 2hours and a half (almost 3 hours) because I am dealing with kids; so I HAVE to project that cheery and perky attitude in order for them to enjoy the lessons! So far, I’ve received good feedbacks from the kids and also my colleagues; but honestly speaking, I am not sure whether that excites me any more. I mean, I LOVE teaching people/kids how to communicate but 2 hours and a half is simply a tiring task and I am the kind of person who WORK SINCERELY. I won’t abuse the trust by teaching recklessly. I want my colleagues’ money to be worth-spent and I gave my all efforts tantamount to the money!!!!  Still, money ain’t the motive. I don’t even know the pricing. Mainly, I do this for the sake of ‘giving back via charity’ and passion to experience something new in teaching curve. But anyway, we’ll see….

On the third week starting on 13th February, teachers were given a briefing on a new ONLINE system for pupils’ database. Yes, it is the additional online systems of the abundant systems created by the Ministry. But it is not to be confused with “Sistem Analisa Peperiksaan” (SAPS), “Sistem Pengurusan Latihan Guru” (SPLG), and many more. Teachers have to key-in the data and class teachers HAVE to dig all the files for the sake of to retrieve I/C numbers and details of the pupils. Easy you say? It’s tedious. MOUNTAINS OF FILES; and then you have to key-in one-by-one. Very much a clerical stuff. And as usual, Ministry wants the data URGENT; so, by 24th February, teachers MUST key-in the data and retrieve the data from the physical FILES by hook or by crook!

 

To add the salt to the fiasco, my school has just reshuffled the classes and the class teachers; coincide with the third week of February. And so happened that, I was given the responsibility as the Class Teacher for 5 Brilliant on Friday, 17th February. When you take someone else’s task and the management in such short notice with pressing/urging datelines waiting you, it becomes really TOPSY-TURVY! And with that, I’ve to set straight all the management of the class – right from the Attendance Register which has to be re-do; the decoration, arrangement and organizational hierarchy of the class; and of course, the trickiest part is to TRAIN the pupils according to the laws of Dos or Don’ts!!! And so, I’ve stayed back to straightening back the arrangement/decoration of 5 Brilliant – up until 5-6 p.m. daily and I must confess that when I am being entrusted with that responsibility, I got OBSESSED with managing my own space; that is my class 5 Brilliant!….Tiring, I must say, though…

With the reshuffling, I also have to teach a Year 6 class; 6 Gallant for Science. And to teach Year 6 means another pressure is added as school is very meticulous and scrutinize the achievement of Year 6 pupils – since UPSR is the main weightage for the school’s KPI. That means, I’ll be included in the Extra Classes on Saturdays and that is definitely a No-No for my Saturday care-free days…..

As the Secretary for Science Panel, I am responsible to do documentations and jotting reports for every meetings. So happened that the first meeting was held today and I have extra responsibilities which are :-

• The Treasurer for Science Panel;
• The committee responsible to decorate and manage the Science Notice Board for an intra-school competition along with Kak Aireen & Kak Lela

On top of that, I have Night Class at Kak Rafidah’s house on every Tuesday; focusing on English & on Friday focusing on Science; and also a 2-hours slot tutoring on Monday afternoon. All these are done out of the intention of charity or “amal jariah”. Of course, I can’t teach free because these consume my TIME & ENERGY – but I honestly didn’t determine the pricing myself. I let others determine that because so far, I don’t have the “business-mind” attitude. I just hope to give back to the kids for what I have now… Amin.

It is exhausting. I am thinking of rescheduling my calendar now. But of course, I enjoy my career and the people around me especially the kids and also my  beloved colleagues. And for the upcoming PIBG meeting, I’ll be the Master of Ceremony (MC; again!) partnering with seasoned player, Kak Ita. Well, it’s “Saya Menurut Perintah” career cycle, y’all!

Emceeing Helter-Skelter @ “Hari Anugerah Kecemerlangan” SK Serendah & “Wang Bantuan Khas Sekolah Permuafakatan Kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri Batang Kali”; India Bona Fide Beauty, Aishwarya Rai Gives A Girl To Bachchan’s Dynasty.

The last week before the school term ends can be concluded as helter-skelter! On Wednesday 16th November, the school organized “Hari Anugerah Kecemerlangan” where top pupils in respective classes were acknowledged in front of their parents and teachers. Initially, I was supposed to attend a “motivational boot camp” alongside with Din (who said that he put my name when I siphoned out my astonishment of how on earth I could end up with a sporty/outdoor event as I am more inclined towards academic); but since the original Emcees (Mcs) of the event, Cikgu Khairul Muzammir & Teacher Wahida couldn’t make it (Cikgu Khairul was to invigilate SPM whereas Teacher Wahida was suffering from pregnancy nauseousness), Zuraini and I were roped-in in the eleventh-hour to replace these two emcee honchos! Honestly, I was quite nervous as this was a formal event involving Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri as compared to all the events I’ve emceed before this ; And what’s more the event was to be conducted via bilingual (in conjunction to MBMMBI) - but I took the challenges.

Cikgu Zuraini & I. I was tying the neck-tie for a pupil who didn’t know how to tie it himself.  - Courtesy of Cikgu Rozita Mamat.

The event itself was a bit helter-skelter because eleventh hour changes were constantly made. Luckily on the night before, Kak Sarah – our Guru Cemerlang initiated a discussion with Zuraini and I about the flow of the event and some ‘possible additional-and-adjustment segments’ throughout the event. At least, we have been warned and prepared about the situations – hence, the damage control can be done without major glitches. On whole, everything went smoothly except for a few bumps here and there; but the objectives were achieved and I’ve got positive feedback from colleagues and parents about the bilingual usage – which was a good sign for me as it can catapult SK Serendah to a new level in terms of exposing the staffs with English as well to upgrade the image of a suburban school into a school that goes aligns with the sophisticated vision of Malaysian Ministry of Education. 

I’ve also feel exhilarated that Falakhee’s parents came and thanked me for teaching him as they sensed he has changed a lot. Honestly, I didn’t know whether I should take the credit or not because perhaps he himself had realized his own potential; but I admitted that perhaps with me being a stern-but-chill teacher, perhaps that was why he improved as I always believe that educating kids are like playing kites; you let go when they are at ease; but you pull the thread when they have gone overboard. Whatever it was, I am happy seeing his parents happy.

On the last day which was Friday, as expected everyone was so busy compiling and filing forms, documents, books, etc. But to add the icing, suddenly around 8.30 A.M., Kak Sarah called me and told me whether I could emcee an event held after Friday prayer involving Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Batang Kali giving away RM100 “Bantuan Khas Kerajaan”. I was nervous but well, since “Saya Menurut Perintah”, I obliged. So after Friday prayer around 2.15 P.M., Kak Sarah took me from my house (we live practically near each other) and off we went to the venue.

Alas! When we arrived there, we only saw Headmaster standing there ALONE! We were wondering – ‘Where on earth was the supposed event???” Actually, Kak Sarah already warned me to embrace the unexpected when one is involved with events pertaining Higher Authorities – TRUE to what she said, the place was an empty hall without any acknowledgement at all that an event was to take place or a VIP would be gracing the event!!! The horror crystallized when Headmaster acknowledged that nobody was to take charge of the event but us! OH MY GOD! With 3 people from SK Serendah, how could we managed an event that was to be solemnized by Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri???

The host of the venue came ( I won’t acknowledge the name since before this, an entry about Choral Speaking Hulu Selangor circa March sparked arguments and dissatisfaction!) and was a bit nonchalant about the preparation. Of course, Headmaster took charge and prepared the PA Systems and the seating while I was hurriedly scribbling emcee texts; guided by Kak Sarah, our Guru Cemerlang! Suddenly, we were informed that Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Batang Kali won’t be gracing the event; instead Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor, Tuan P. Kamalanathan would be the VIP solemnizing the event! Arghhhhhhh!!!!  I was freaking-out, but Kak Sarah as wise as she is, remained poised and cool. Changes were made in my scripts and you had no idea how many papers I’ve jotted here and there and to assemble them together make me confused (later I re-wrote in one single paper).

Tuan P. Kamalanathan, Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor.

Around 3.20 P.M., our Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor came gracing the event as he was stuck in traffic jam. Initially I was nervous but once I got the aura and comfortable with the microphone, everything was at ease, Alhamdulillah. The event went in casual manner – not too protocols-infused; just a lay-back assembly. Our Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor, Tuan P. Kamalanathan also was a layback, no-fuss person and very casual and the image as “wakil rakyat’ was definitely apparent. I am not being biased over any political inclination but I just commented what I saw.

On whole, the event ran smoothly and after that Headmaster sort of paying Kak Sarah and I a ‘makan-makan’ treat. It was really an experience I treasure and to be able to tap experiences from Headmaster and especially Guru Cemerlang was a valuable thing for me because you can learn a lot from their lives and experiences to face the future in the canvas of becoming a Malaysian teacher.

The iconic picture of Aish behind the legendary Taj Mahal.

Oh yeah, on recapping about the world of entertainment (Yeah, I am Hollywood and Bollywood freak, don’t you know?Hahaha), ‘The Most Beautiful Woman In The World”, the Indians’ bona fide beauty – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has delivered a baby girl for the Bachchans’ family. Abishek Bachchan (Junior B), Amitabh Bachchan (The Big B) and Jaya Bachchan were reportedly ‘very thrill’ with their granddaughter. It was said that Aish refused to have any painkiller or epidural to savour the pain of labouring her daughter. Whatever it is, surely the baby will be another additional big name to the Bachan empire in Indian cinematic world.

Aidiladha, Emblem Of Sacred Sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (Abraham) & Prophet Ismail A.S. (Ishmael) – Part III : High-Tea Affair @ Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa.

For this last 2 weeks before the term ends, the schedule becomes hectic than ever. On Saturday 12th November 2011, the school organized the Hi-Tea at Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa – just as a ‘let-hair-down-moment’ as well as to strengthen the bonds between the teachers and staffs. The event has replaced the Annual Year-End-Dinner (last year was held in the school itself!); this year, BAKSI (the teachers & staffs society) has opted to try a day-light gathering as opposed to the night gatherings held few years back.

I drove there – following Kak Aireen’s car whereas most of the teachers’ entourage boarded the bus to reach Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa. It was raining when I pushed off from Serendah, Hulu Selangor and when we reached at the Selayang-Ipoh Road, vehicles were congesting the traffic! Nevertheless, we reached KL city centre and to Impiana KLCC in no time. It was a bit secluded-view from the road although the facade is big. And actually, it just ain’t far from Jalan Raja Chulan – where my former bank located and Pavillion. So, it’s just not a strange view – no wonder I was feeling at ease;  Hahahaha! Only was that for cars, I had to park my car at KLCC carpark – escorted by the Impiana Hotel shuttle van and then whisked to the hotel via the shuttle van.

On whole, it was satisfying although as an Emcee/MC (yeah, I know! Again!), they didn’t give me any microphone because the High-Tea commotion was held in Tonka Bean Cafe which is actually on the ground floor (so they didn’t want audio system to distract other guests); but with my impeccable LOUD VOICE, I managed to make my speech heard and at least getting the attention of my colleagues when I was about to address the flow of the event – as well as the hotel’s staffs & some teachers from SK Bangsar who actually shared the same venue with us!

Photo credit to Ustazah Asniza & Cikgu Zuraini.

The food were nice and the event was a success to expose the teachers and staffs to a comfortable yet chique place to savour the moment with each other. I applaud BAKSI committee for trying to inject something different – well, last year’s was meant to be something different as well but Headmaster wanted to held the Annual Year-End-Dinner at the school; so we obliged – as what teachers always do. Cheers!~

Aidiladha, Emblem Of Sacred Sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (Abraham) & Prophet Ismail A.S. (Ishmael) – Part II : Islamic Ritual Of ‘Qurban’ @ SK Serendah 2011!

On Wednesday 9th, the school organized an Aidiladha/Qurban event to commemorate the recent Aidiladha – in the name of loves of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (Abraham) & Prophet Ismail A.S. (Ishmael) to ALLAH SWT, The Almighty. This was an annual event, triggered since last year and PIBG has been very adamant to make it as an annual event – to strengthen the ties between teachers and parents.

Like last year, my name was put under the “slaughtering” committee but of course, I just let the professionals did their work! And between takes, snapped some pictures. It was indeed an experience for me as a first-timer to witness how the alive cow being slaughtered in accordance to the holy ritual in Islam. It is so apparent that by slicing the exact veins as stipulated in Islam so that the blood will flow out a lot, the sufferings of the animal can be lessen (it will die faster) and the meat ain’t contaminated with blood infused with microorganisms!  In comparison to the methods used by non-Moslems or heathens by electrifying the animals, or roasting them ALIVE using hot water are just tormenting for the animals. Islam does respect all living creatures, Subhanallah; only those who abuse the sanctity of Islam are smearing the good essences lie within.

Even non-Moslems pupils were enjoined in the event – only that for Hindu pupils, chickens were served instead of beefs. All in the spirit of 1 MALAYSIA and Islamic authentic preachings! (,”)

Like last year; after the slaughtering part took place, the meat were whisked to the cooking departments where teachers assemble to cook the meat into soups and various meat-delicacies for everyone in the school. The pupils were so hungry that they feasted on the rice, meat and assorted vegetables! As for teachers, we had “Soto”.

On whole, it was a nice piety as well as socially affairs. Allahu Akbar Walillah Ilham! (,”)

Topsy-Turvy Teacher (Part II) : National Financial Budget 2012 a.k.a “Belanjawan 2012″ & SK Serendah’s Sports Day 2011 (Emceeing Africa & Lambada)!

Recently, Malaysian Government has announced its National Financial Budget for the year 2012 (“Belanjawan 2012). As expected, the plan ignites uproars and mixed reactions from every Malaysians – on the basis of his/her own political inclinations or economical favouritism. Whatever it is; as a plain, greenhorn teacher who is responsible to educate the young buds of Malaysian future generations, I thanked the Government for prioritizing the Education Line these days and acknowledge the importance of teachers in educating the youngsters as main catalysts for our nation’s development. Indeed, now is a high time for Education Line in Malaysia; and to jump into the field when Government is putting high priority – is something that I feel blessed and grateful.

RM50.2 billion is allocated to Ministry Of Education and teachers of DG41 scheme will be elevated to DG44 within the span of 8 years as opposed to the current time-based which applies as 10 years. And of course besides that, the half-month bonus for all Government Civilians by the end of the year. Besides that, the paycheck scheme for Government civilians are also to be revised – which happens to be something that is anticipated (,”).  Anyway, just feeling blessed and grateful. Thanks, Malaysia!

Cikgu Zuraini & I emceeing the Sports Day – Courtesy of Cikgu Khairul Muzammir.

The backbones of Yellow House 2011 – credit to Cikgu Rosmainy.

Anyway, right after the hectic Additional Sports and Boot Camp days, the school was so busy with its Sports Day rehearsal spanning from 3rd October until 7th October. For Monday and Tuesday, each house is to rehearse its own team in athletic games; On Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, the preparations for house decorations as well as performance during the marching. The time was limited but the urge to execute a lot of things was immense! I have to confess that I was really busy for the whole week – I was entrusted to be the officers in Sports Day rehearsal; and then to train the kids of Yellow House for the performance single-handedly! On top of that, I was entrusted as the Emcee (MC) for Sports Day – so it was indeed back-and-fro moment!

The Yellow House (Hang Lekir) preparing to march. Costumes ala African fantasy/colours – Courtesy of Teacher Miss Nor Azlin.

It was a bit skull-cracking to coach 33 pupils single-handedly within the span period of 4 days. At last, I chose “African Dance” with fusion of tracks from “Circle Of Life” (OST ‘The Lion King’)-“Waka Waka” (Shakira)-“I Like To Move It” (OST Madagascar). It was pretty daunting to manoeuvre the choreography alone and to have the kids being timid and not giving full-heartedly was sometimes a disappointment. But, I took that as a challenge – I mean, if I were to give in, who else would Yellow House depended on, right? Do the best till the last breath! The kids seemed to enjoy that and the other teachers were helping too in siphoning opinions and doing decorations for the kids. I guess we all did our job – I did the creative side whereas others did the facades and decorations. Each and every one of us do own departments and specialties. And Kak Sakinah, the leader of the house also showed immense support and commitment; so the spirit was channelled.

The Purple House (Hang Lekiu).

The Green House (Hang Kasturi) with Flora & Fauna was preparing to march.

On 9th October, Sunday; the school organized its Sports Day. My partner for emceeing was Cikgu Zuraini. Alhamdulillah, everything went well and the crowd was quite pleased with the way I conducted the emceeing task- by injecting euphoria and energetic spirit ala sports commentator whilst pupils were doing their athletic games (sprint, relay,etc). I was satisfied that Headmaster, YDP PIBG and Kak Sarah, our Guru Cemerlang were pleased with the way I emceed the Sports Day and to be lavished with congratulatory acknowledgement by these people were already great relieves for me!

Red House (Hang Jebat) performing “Silat” – similarity is so uncanny to the performances concocted by Kak Lin and I for Green House last year. Hehehee..

Unfortunately, Yellow House was the No.1 group to march and to perform. So happened that the music CD was not played aptly by the PA system man!!!!!  I ain’t going to say much about it because it would be disgraceful but yeah, I was kinda disappointed with the inefficiency and to add salt to the wound; people don’t usually give a damn about team who performed first because audiences were still dilly-dallying. The kids? The girls were great and danced their hearts out; but the boys were practically stupefied and mortified!!! I had the feeling they purposely frozen-up their dance – so that their machismos did not falter. *Sigh* Perhaps, they were ashamed that friends would make fun of their ‘graceful’ moves!

The decoration for Blue House (Hang Tuah) with Hawaiian ‘Tuah’ Beach. Aquatic animals were all here and there! (,”)

BUT, that wasn’t the case for the clear winner of the performances by Blue House – choreographed by impeccable Kak Lin & Kak Aireen! Hahahhaa, when you combined them two, the forces were just unbearably awesome! Last year, I joined force with Kak Lin (which unexpectedly won for Green House; Hahahahaha!). The moves were slick and apt; the movements were graceful and the kids? THEY WERE VERY SPORTING AND GAVE THEIR ALL! With the Hawaiian theme and ‘Lambada’; you just can’t resist the euphoria! There was definitely no contest – clearly the winner!

The Blue House (Hang Tuah) preparing to march and did their “Lambada”. So sporting, right? (,”)

The Purple and Red Houses dwell in traditional ‘silat’ – a similar performance done by Green House last year (Kak Lin and I) whereas Green House (this year) did Flora-and-Fauna theme. Unfortunately, technical problem marred the latter’s performances. It was kinda sad because when you trained so hard, some itsy bitsy trivial matter jeopardize your best, aite? Nevertheless, the teachers who choreographed the performances and decorating the camp-houses should be praised and complimented for their creativities within limited time!! It’s not easy! BUT, within short stint of time; all of us managed to come up with creative performances! Amazing, isn’t it?

Hang Lekir ‘POWER’ (I don’t know when the tagline comes about. Hehehe) – credit to Atikah Rafee.

Above all, I was quite satisfied that I’ve nailed my Emceeing task and to have Yellow House winning 3rd place after so many years in the bottom spots, it was nice too. Congratulations also to all my colleagues who came up with amazing ideas and dedications although it was merely just 4 days of preparing EVERYTHING! That are teachers, I say! (,”)

** P/S : All pictures credits to Teacher Miss Nor Azlin; and 3 pictures respectively to Cikgu Rosmainy, Cikgu Khairul Muzammir & Atikah Rafee. I didn’t have time to snap pictures since I was so occupied with emceeing. Hehehehe. Enjoy the video of our winner. The performance is AMAZING! (,”). We teachers do wonders, don’t you think?