Unfit..

I ran 2.4km today. Its been awhile since i last ran a real 2.4km on a proper track with proper timing. In fact, its been almost a year since i last took my IPPT. And today's results were less than satisfying, in fact, it was dismal. I clocked a total of 11 minutes and 50 seconds. Not good at all. My last timing was 10 minutes and 20 seconds. In other words, i am running too slowly. 

For those of you that don't know, i am supposed to be the team captain for the NIE director's relay. Basically, its a group of 4 guys and 2 girls (6 in total) each running 2.4km in the fastest time possible in order to win $300. The task looks daunting considering that we have only about three weeks left to train. I'm not sure about the rest, but i hope they're faster than me. I'm starting off on a really lousy note. I guess there's much more room for improvement.... Time for the daily running sessions again... No more slacking....

Sighz. Time to get my fitness back...

On a separate note, i bought a new CD from Hillsong. Its entitled 'This is our God', and its absolutely fabulous. I'm definitely enjoying these songs. With previous Hillsong CDs, its taken me awhile to like the music. But with this one, its different. The songs really captivated me from the first time... A definite buy if you're Christian...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Another picture with the Sec 1s.

Another picture with Hazel and Jiahui from 1E1. 

:)

Mr Goh

As one chapter closes, another opens

Today marked exactly 4 months since i was posted to this school. So much as changed in four months. There have been ups and there have been downs, but i have had the time of my life, and i definitely wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. In a sense, i've come one full circle. I began my solo teaching career in 2N3, hence, i guess its apt that i end it in 2N3 as well. 

Even as i look at all the well-wishes wish they wrote, I feel a real sense of achievement. I became a teacher because i wanted to make a difference in someone's life. But the truth is, these students really made a difference in my life. I guess its a two-way process. We learn from each other. I have been so blessed to have been a part of this class and this school.

As one chapter closes, another one opens. Yes, its only been 4 months, but it feels as if i've know this class for so long. Hence, parting is difficult. But at the same time, i'm going off to study, i'm going to be an even more effective teacher.

Thank you, 2N3

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Photos!

The class even bought me a cake! Wow! Thanks Larry. You did a great job!

That's me playing with the soft toy one of my students gave me. I'm a huge fun of 'Twas the night before Christmas'. I wonder how they knew that... anyway... see the matching shirt? Thanks Jacqueline.

Thanks to 1E2. They really touched my heart. I was stunned when i walked into the class yesterday. For a brief moment, i didn't know how to react.

Thanks all my Sec 1s. You guys are terrific.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Of awesome students with terrific hearts

To be completely honest, when i first received my posting order to Bendemeer Secondary School, i was somewhat stunned. I wasn't expecting to go to a secondary school as i was told that i would be put for Junior College. But as things would turn out, there was no mistake about my posting and God had it all planned out from the beginning.

I have learnt so much in this school and i would not trade it for anything else. The students that i have come into contact with have just been so awesome that i am left speechless. Well, i was left almost in tears today. They really touched my heart. I kinda knew about the farewell party for me beforehand, but i definitely wasn't prepared for what was to happen in the classroom. As i walked in, the class was dark and i was really surprised when i was presented with a sheet of well-wishers from everyone in the class. It really touched me. (I'm going to be framing this up and i will put it on my wall in my room at home as a reminder to myself of what a privilege it is to have taught such a class. It will almost remind me of why i became a teacher) I am truly so blessed.

As i read some of the cards, i can feel tears welling up in my eyes already. Gosh, i'm gonna miss these students so bad. Sometimes, i teach and i wonder if any learning had taken place at all. Yesh, sometimes i get frustrated as well, but at the end of this, i look back and i realize how lovely students are at heart. I am glad. :) It is this sort of stuff that will take a person very far in life. Be nice and people will be nice to you.

I don't know how i'm gonna handle tomorrow. I don't want to know. To a certain extent, i don't really want to leave this school, but at the same time, i want to go off and study to improve my teaching methods. These students, deserve only the best from me. Hence, i've gotta give them my best. 

I won't disappoint you class. I'm gonna study hard and do really well.

Take care and stay safe (yes Camy)

Mr Goh

The Night Safari

Hmm.. seems like its been awhile since I last updated... So much has been happening and i've been either too tired or too busy to blog.

I had the chance to visit the Night Safari last Saturday with a group of friends from New Zealand. Believe it or not, this was my first time going to the night safari despite being a Singaporean and living in Singapore. I've been to many places around the world, but i've never even been to my own local tourist attraction despite living here. It was rather ironical, so, when the chance came up for me to visit the place, i didn't refuse. I'm glad i didn't, cos' it turned out pretty well. However, for $32, i must admit that it was a tad too expensive. I guess that's the 'tourist tax'. I guess the night safari is one of those place where you visit once, and you'd probably never go back again. Its a good place for tourists, but as a local, i guess once is enough.

On a separate note, its my final week in school. Gosh, i'll so miss this place and the students here. Its with mixed feelings really. On the one hand, i'm excited about going back to study and for my career to move on. On the other hand, i'm gonna miss this place... Ah well, everything is for a time and a season. Its learning to enjoy whatever season you're in that will result in a much happier person. 

Stay cool.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Red Cliff

I managed to catch 'Red Cliff' today. My first movie in more than a month. And, it was a terrific show. I appreciated the cinematography and the character development, I thought it was very well directed. It was relatively emotional as well to see how Sun Quan's army had devoted itself as a brotherhood to the service of the common people. Somehow, Liu Bei was made to look like a complete loser and weakling compared to Cao Cao and Sun Quan. 

The show was also very touching with many poignant moments. I nearly cried during two particular scenes. The first was when Zhao Yun bowed down before Liu Bei to apologize for the fact that he did not manage to save his wife, all this after he had fought like crazy to save the baby. The second part was when General Gan Xin bowed down before the old man to apologize for one of his troops stealing a water buffalo. Wow. These were soldiers that fought with a real heart. 

The focus wasn't so much so on Liu Bei and his generals, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. Of course, they all had roles to play and did acted really well in the battle scenes. But, they were just the supporting crew. The show revolved mainly around Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu. Their acting was superb. 

There was only one twist at the end of the show which i totally disliked... the phrase, 'to be continued.....' Rah. Why? Why? Why? It was turning out to be such an awesome show...

Nonetheless, i'll just wait for the next part...

Take care and have a great weekend.

Mr Goh

National Songs

So... here i am, listening to National Day Songs getting in the mood for National Day. Yesh, its just 30 days away now. Gosh, i can't believe its another national day already. 

When Singapore had its first national day, it wasn't a pleasant experience. It was, in one word, unexpected. We weren't ready for independence, nor were we expecting it. Sure, we had some hiccups in our relationship with Malaysia, but certainly not one that we expected a separation to happen. The announcement came on national TV with the then prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew making an incredibly sad announcement that Singapore was now on its own. This, was 43 years ago. Today, many Singaporeans celebrate this day without a sense of history. For many, its just a public holiday to enjoy, they do not realize the process of nation-building that has taken place so far. The fact that Singapore is able to survive 43 years is nothing short of a miracle. Sure, excellent foresight and planning must take some credit, but ultimately, i believe if not for God's favor, we would not be where we are today. 

Thinking back, i have been involved in a total of NDPs. Yesh. Two parades. The first was in 1999 and the second was in 2007.  In 1999, i was involved in the combined schools choir that performed at the national stadium with Evelyn Tan as the key singer who sang "Together we make a difference". Last year, i was part of the medical support team for NDP07, this theme song was sung by Kit Chan who sang "There's no place i'd rather be'. The fireworks get better each year. But put it this way, i've never really enjoying performing in NDP. Its weeks and weeks of practice.... you get to school/work on Monday dead tired, and you don't get time off. Sure, its fun to watch, but its not that fun when you consider all the work you put in. My heart goes out to all the performers each year. 

This time last year, i was out at the floating platform managing casualties and making sure that everyone is well and hydrated. It was hard work. We had to wake up at 4am to grab our medical supplies from camp, and then we had to arrive at the platform by 7 and be ready to recieve any potential casualties by 8am. We didn't leave the place till almost midnight every session. And this happened for 12 consecutive Saturdays. Definitely not pleasant. But, take it as part of National Service...

This year, i still have no idea what i'll be doing on national day. All i know is, i'm certainly not at the floating platform!

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

So You Think You Can Dance

I was just watching "So you think you can dance" on television, and the performances really blew me away. I am a real fan of the show even though i can't dance. You could pay me a million bucks to dance, but i can't. I couldn't dance even if my life depended on it. I have two left feet and am super clumsy. But wow, the performances were terrific. I throughly enjoyed it. 

Watching these shows make me realize how the human body is capable of so many flexible movements. All their moves are so cool, so technically challenging, which makes it even nicer to watch. 

I must learn to dance one day...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh