Friday, May 23, 2008

Pedra Branca

Its the holidays... June holidays... I hope you guys are studying. Yah right, as if. You can't smoke me. I was a student once upon a time too. Study versus play. Please, its a no-brainer, I already know which choice you're going to pick. No prizes for guessing which one. But please, don't forget your holiday homework.

The ruling on Pedra Branca was released by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) today. Yes, Singapore won sovereignty over the lighthouse and the little island it sits on. But it lost the middle rocks. After months of waiting, finally, the verdict is out. Does this complicate or simplify matters? Well, both really. Yes, now we know who controls which part for sure, but by calling a 50-50, matters will still be complicated. Not unlike the times before the verdict was released. How Singapore negotiates with Malaysia over the use of territorial waters will be an interesting debate. Life is like that too sometimes. You can't expect to win all the time, but you really shouldn't be losing all the time either. Not studying is tantamount to losing, because you are not giving yourself a fair chance at life.

Miss Kam left the school today. It was kinda emotional for all of us. She has been such an inspiration to all of us, that her departure feels like a certain gap all of a sudden. While we always knew that this day will come, the fact that reality set in really caught us all off guard - especially for Miss Kam. Over the past 13 years, she has played such a vital role in the life of the school and she has really given so much that its really so hard to let go. Then again, everything in life is for a time and a season. There is a time when you are a student, and there is a time when you go out to work. There is also a time to retire and a time to have fun. Knowing which season you're in and making the best use of it would be the ideal situation to be in. All the best Miss Kam! I'm sure you'll do exceedingly well in the rest of your teaching career.

Having said so much, its going to be a super packed June holidays for me. Seems like there's something on every week...

 I will still be contactable during the holidays if you need me. You can send me an e-mail if you really need to. My e-mail is theteacherisin@gmail.com

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

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