Farewell to the Kids

Yesterday was my last day of relief teaching at the school. I've been walking to the school from the MRT station for the past 2 weeks, and it is poignant whenever I walk along the long path up the hill where during my schooling days, both sides that flank the path were rolling greens. Now, the left is a developed condominium and only the right greenery remained. However, that is to be shattered real soon, as what the pictures of construction as taken on my second last day below show:

The ground-digging ceremony.

The tentage from the MRT station.

The next day (which is the last) I walked past the path again, and indeed the machinery of change is in motion as the tentage have been removed and more silent diggers have arrived, heralding the unstoppable change that is to come.

I bought candies for the kids too, which I distributed in class. 1A was so nice even though I ran out of sweets for them after distributing two big bags to the other 4 classes! I was asked by XH, a student councillor, to judge the Secondary 1 noticeboards that were themed after the school's 50th Anniversary slogan 'Onto Higher Ground' and while I entered 1A (one of my classes) trying to evaluate the their board, I was unceremoniously shooed and 2 students even volunteered to be my chaperons! I was quite nervous for fear of other students accusing me of being biased, but the two of them were very sensible and got the cue in the end - believe it or not, they actually helped other classes sell their noticeboard to me! So sweet! Rather than just being a silent evaluator, I thought it'll be more meaningful if I ask some classmates in each class to explain their design and why they should win (sorta like an impromptu show-and-tell chance). Though many were taken aback, the two of them got the hang of it after a while and helped in the process, pointing out observations and asking relevant questions to guide the others along. I hope they've learnt some thing or two about public speaking!

That's me and XH from 2E who approached me to evaluate the noticeboards with him. The backdrop's the 1L noticeboard - very nice! Great job people!

My chaperons from 1A.

All of us for a nice parting shot.

1A

1B

1C

1D

1E
1F

1G

1H

1J

1K

1L

I am so proud that the two nicest boards (in my opinion) come from my classes, 1A and 1L! :D Though I can't say I have any hand in it 'cos I only teach Science and not their form teacher. I really hope they win 'cos I think they really deserve it.

So this is why I was unceremoniously chased out of the classroom! Having suddenly realised that today's my last day in the school, they collectively came to write this farewell note. So sweet of them, thanks guys!

However, I left with a heavy heart as I realised that'll be the end of this current teaching stint.. though Ms C, the teacher who I report to proposed extending my employment for another 3 months (and I get to keep my classes), I think I do have many other things I'll like to do with life. Sigh!