The New Year has started and of course, I was overwhelmed with work for the first three weeks. First it was the CCA Carnival and then it is now the Hong Kong Exchange programme. I am very happy to be involved in these activities because I have had the opportunities to work with different teachers as well as the pupils. I now see the other side of them.

There is this pupil in my class whom I scolded very badly last year during the musical performance. Now that he is in my class, I see the other side of him. He is an active boy but he has his well-behaved side too.

Most of the pupils in my class are well-behaved and hardworking. They respond well to my instructions and the kind of learning environment I have tried to establish. I think they appreciate me sharing stories and personal experiences with them. I explain the rationale and principles behind certain actions and words. They understand and they are able to act accordingly.

For the first three weeks, I have been smiling and joking about 90% of the time. I did not have to be fierce, except only when things start to get out of hand. I am filled with joy to see the smiles on their faces. I am filled with joy to hear them say “Thank you Mdm Khoo and May you have a nice day!” This is something which I taught them. Perhaps they may find it amusing. But I do hope that after some time, they will understand why I did that.

In every class, there will definitely be a few special ones. There is Jia Hui, Amos, Terence, Aubrey, Siva, Fu Xuan and Shi Min. It takes a little more patience to deal with them. I hope that the approach and manner in which I manage them is effective. After all, all I hope to do is to help them explore their own potential and achieve their best.

I care for the pupils and through my actions, I think they see that. I always see my pupils as gems waiting to shine, only if they are provided with the right conditions. The conditions that they need vary from one to another. I pray that God will guide me in providing them with the appropriate conditions.

Other than the new class of pupils, I still get to see my pupils from 3L. They are still as lovable as ever. Whenever possible, I try to be there for them. Especially the ones like Teng Wei, Jia Cheng and Xin Rong. Somehow, they have occupied a special place in my heart and life. Their innocence and their life experiences are similar to mine and I hope that somehow, their lives can be more complete with my love and God’s love. God gave me the ability and power to love. I pray that I can love more and spread this gift with the little ones……