SK Bendang Siam, Here I Come !

S.K. Bendang Siam, Changkat Jering is located just after the junction turning to the Changkat Jering Toll Gate.  It is just at the next traffic lights and I had to be careful as my husband had warned me that there are speed traps here and the limit is 60 kmph.  I had been travelling to and fro from Selama to Changkat Jering and since my husband, Chuah is willing to drive me every day and I do have unfinished work in Selama, it is fine.  It is quite tiring but I get to return home. 


This school is slightly smaller than my previous SK Selama. Yet I can see that it is organised well too.  As for my mission here, I had understood well, what I am supposed to do.  I had a good talk to an education officer after I had received my letter of transfer.  No, I wasn't going to make an appeal and he told me I was the chosen one.  I was delighted to hear that since I have another 4 years to go, it would be good to change environment and contribute my services to this new school where I am badly needed.

  

16 April, 2012 was my first day in SK Bendang Siam and I came after the English Language Carnival was over both at the zone and district level.  It was a great achievement as my old school had won the first prize in the Action Song Contest and the second prize in the Choral Speaking Competition which I had personally trained.   I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the school when I was greeted by friendly cheerful faces both of the teachers and pupils.  The nasyid filled the air and I realised over here they stress on religious activities.  To me it is fine as I find that pupils become more disciplined and calm from it. 

I was quite excited being there and as my new headmaster , Encik Shahidan had told me earlier I had to make a speech and so I did.  I am very positive minded and I made my stand and spoke out and made it clear.  I will help raise the standard of English in this school but I will not be able to so single-handedly so cooperation and support both from teachers and pupils are needed.  I had to start the English Language Campaign to raise awareness among the pupils so that they would love the language and work hard to improve themselves participating in interesting or fun activities .  A number of competitions will be carried out throughout the year but will be more focused during these two months.  

The English Language Campaign was launched and the whole school supported it . It had to be seriously done but it will take some time to make changes to a once dull environment to a more exciting learning environment now.  Yes, SK Bendang Siam Can.  

I thought of the slogan for some time and helped the graphic designer to create this big and attractive banner.  It is now hung at a strategic position to keep everyone aware that English is important.

Just when I was in the midst of starting the English Language Campaign in SK Selama, I had to leave to come over to SK Bendang Siam and so the campaign song which I composed together with En Awang Mansor from my previous school was brought over here.  The choir from Year 5 Bestari sang to the music of Kampung Boy during the launch of the campaign in the school.  

The English Panel had met and we discussed the various activities that were to be carried out in the school.  English learning should have more fun and they will be. 
A number of activities were planned and they will be carried out accordingly. 

The English Language Campaign is a good start to wake everyone up to do what is right and that is to send the message across that learning English is very important.  Pupils learn more effectively through fun activities. 


Making this happen is everyone's effort and co-operation is needed most of all.

14 April The LMS District English Language Carnival 2012

En Erman Tazardin with the working committee members. 
Thanks everyone.

The winners of the Public Speaking Competition

Congratulations to all the Story-Telling Competition winners

SK Convent Kota Taiping- Congratulations for being
the LMS District Champ!

Congratulations, SK Selama for being second in the
LMS District for Choral Speaking this year again.

Congratulations SK Selama for being the LMS District Champ.

The Public Speaking participants from the 6 zones.  Well done!

The Story-Telling participants -  Congratulations to all of you.

 SK Selama represented Selama Zone.  Their title,
"Stop Child Abuse" .  Congratulations!

Bravo!  That was the best performance many
had seen so far.  Congratulations to SK Selama.

 Taking a rest to enjoy the Choral Speaking presentations.

It was another challenge I had to face and for days I had to make sure to put everything in place as the coordinator for the LMS District English Language Carnival .  Met the organisers for all the competitions namely; the Story-Telling Level 2 Competition, The Public Speaking Competition, The Action Song and The Choral Speaking Competition.  It was announced earlier in the district meeting that the Spelling Knowledge Discovery Competition will be held after these events.  A special meeting would be arranged soon to coordinate the running at zone level.  I was fortunate to be able to meet all the judges to brief them two days beforehand. 

All the competitions were well organised, thanks to the efficient team of English teachers who were in-charged of various committees.  The closing ceremony was officiated by En Erman Tazardin, the Assistant LMS District Education Officer for Languages.  Pn Juriah Bt Abu Bakar, headmistress of SK ( P ) Treacher Methodist and Chairperson for the English Language Carnival had been working hard together to make this programme a success.   I am pleased to be involved and will look forward to working together to make all the English activitiesfor primary schools  in the district run properly this year.

The Action Song performances were very colourful, lively and had improved.  However, I have to remind all the English teachers to follow the rules strictly and never again cover the participants' faces with masks.  How are we going to see their facial expressions? 

SK Selama Choral Speaking team was the first to perform and they did their best but they lost to SK Convent Kota finally to take the second place. Well done kids !  I chose the theme about child abuse so did the convent school.  Great minds think alike!  Both my public speaker and choral speakers had this strong message to send across to the audience.  Help To Prevent & Stop Child Abuse.  Thanks to the wonderful children.  You are great . 


The story-tellers performed well and they need to improve on their impromptu story presentation.  The champ is from SJK ( C ) Hua Lian 3.  Good luck for the State Level Competition on the 26 & 27 April in Teluk Intan. 

The Public Speaking participants did their best too in their prepared speech but when it came to the impromptu speech section, I guessed they were all caught by surprise.  They had to put on their thinking caps to present their speech of the same difficult title.  Well, after all  only the best deserved to win and the judges did a great job by choosing the rightful winner from SK Kg Jambu.  For all the participants who don't speak English at home or use the language frequently, you have a long way to go if you want to be the Champ. 

Well done, SK Selama!  Thanks kids, you've done your best.  Good luck for the coming Spelling Knowledge Discovery Competition.  It might be held in SK Bendang Siam in the Trong Zone and the date has not been fixed yet.

The Selama Zone English Language Carnival

 Congratulations! Farzana, runner-up for the Public Speaking
Competition qualified to the finals at the LMS District Level

 Congratulations!  The Selama Zone Action Song Champ
for 2012

                                         Fantastic &  spectacular performance by the confident
                                         Action Song participants from SK Selama

 The guest-of-honour , headmistress and headmaster of SK Sg Siputeh
and a hall full of audience watching the competition .

On 7 April, 2012, SK Selama was bustling with fun and activities as more than 130 participants from the primary schools in Selama, teachers and parents gathered to participate and witness the events organised for the English Language Carnival in Selama Zone. 
It started off with the registration of all participants, teachers and judges.  I tried my best to organise this programme well with the co-operation of a team of English teachers, some were experienced, others just new.   Every event went on smoothly if not for the PA System which failed to function and needed urgent repairs just before the Action Song Competitition was about to begin.  The delay had prolonged the time by an hour which also caused everything to end very late. Hopefully, this matter will be given much thought in future to avoid any unforeseen circumstances . 

The  Story-Telling Level 2 Competition was held in the school hall and the 13 participants took turns to deliver their prepared stories.  A few were of good standard, even my pupil , Nabilah Zulkifli from Yr 6 Gemilang who presented, "Si Tanggang, The Ungrateful Son" but unfortunately she failed to score for her impromptu story.  Well,the standard of presentation next year has to be raised.  Participants are expected to present longer stories within 6 - 8 minutes, preferably those with good moral values.  Much needs to be done by the English teachers. 

The 'surau' which has a stage is the perfect place for the Public Speaking Competition .  I prefer a hall where the audience can watch clearly the presentation , definitely not a congested room like they usually had it done like in the PKG Selama before.  Participants must have the confidence to speak to a bigger crowd but I was quite disappointed with my pupils who didn't turn up in large numbers to witness the carnival acitivities in their own school, what a waste!

I must congratulate all the participants who were brave enough to stand and speak.  Hopefully, they are more prepared and for the impromptu speech they need to practise a lot of speaking and giving opinions and points. 

The highlight of the day of course was the Action Song Competition by Year 3 pupils.  They donned colourful costumes and presented their action songs better that they did last year.   SK Selama Action Song performance was spectacular and everyone was entertained.  The officer from the LMS Education office told me it was very unique and the theme was meaningful.  Well, it definitely was fit for recording for the TV station even, I must say.  I was very happy and satisfied, I cried again.  Thanks to Pn Siti Khairunnisa, En Awang Mansor, Pn Khananun Hana and Pn Zarinazatul for the excellent work.  I chose this special theme, "Healthy Living" as it is so important that the Education Ministry had focused on its programme, "One Pupil One Sport".  I hope this team will continue to present the best they can till the national level.  Good luck everyone.  See you in Perak Tengah District on 19 April for the Perak State Level English Language Carnival.  By the way, it became the LMS District Action Song Champ on 14 April, 2012.  You did us proud, my darling pupils. 

The SK Selama Choral Speaking Team consisting of 33 participants including Murnieyatie the conductress and leader presented wonderfully , " Stop Child Abuse" and won praises from the audience .  They became the Champ at the Selama Zone being the sole team to represent the zone.  As usual, I had been writing choral speaking scripts for many years sand with definitely I had wanted my school team to win and we managed to be the runner-up for two consecutive years, just beaten by SK Convent Kota.  My darling boys and girls, thank you for your best performance which is truly a special farewell gift for me especially.  You all have brought SK Selama to success and did us all proud.  Next thing is , all the participants who are in Yr 6 Gemilang and will be sitting for the UPSR this year, must study hard and strive hard to achieve As in all subjects, especially in English.

The final results were announced without any errors.  Thanks to Mr Choo from SJK ( C ) Sg Terap who helped me in printing the results.  Thanks and appreciation to all the judges I appointed who had chosen the deserving representatives for Selama Zone. 

The Selama Zone English Carnival was graciously officiated by the Assistant Education Officer for Malay Language, En Rahman .   I would like to thank all the committee members of the Selama English Panel and teachers from all the schools who were involved in helping to bring success in the organising of this big event.  Special thanks to the lovely headmistress and teachers from SK Selama for helping around and in the preparation of the rooms. 

It was the last English Language Carnival that I had organised with my wonderful team of English teachers.  As I shift my focus to the Trong Zone, I hope with the years of experience, I would be able to share with the English teachers in the Trong Zone to organise the English Language Carnival there properly. 
( More photos will be uploaded to the Picassa Web Album )

13 APRIL 2012 - My Farewell To The SK Selama Pupils

 Year 6 Gemilang pupils posed for a lovely photo
for remembrance with their lovely farewell gifts.
Felt terribly sorry to leave them when they are
facing UPSR this year. Wish them success.

 The Choral Speaking Team with the overall championship trophy
for the 2012 Selama Zone English Language Carnival .
Thanks to all the Action Song ( Champ )  and Public Speaking ( runner-up)
participants and English teachers for winning too.

At last the overall championship trophy which I sponsored
was finally presented to my ex-headmistress, Pn Hjh Ashah as SK Selama had won it
being the school which won the most events and had sent the
most number of participants to the LMS District English
Language Carnival this year.  Congratulations.

                                       A lovely photo with teachers and staff of SK Selama

The saddest moments of leaving this school of 29 years had arrived and I tried to hold back my tears but I couldn't.  I had always wanted to retire in this school but lately I had started thinking perhaps it would be much better if given a different environment and surroundings, new friends, colleagues , pupils and a new beginning and new hope.  Perhaps, there are pupils out there whom I am able to help and I agreed to my education officers when they handed me the message through my headmistress.  Yes, they had plans and I am the chosen one and as a Guru Cemerlang for English Language I have to serve wherever I am directed too and it is going to be in SK Bendang Siam, Changkat Larut in the Trong Zone and hopefully I get to retire there too in 2016. 

13 April, 2012 was a day before the LMS District English Language Carnival 2012 and I had told all the participants that they got to be champs in the district competitions.  In fact. I had hoped that we will represent the Selama Zone in all the 4 events and we almost did .  Well, I wish SK Selama better luck next year. 

So, my request to stay for 2 weeks in SK Selama was granted and I had been busy preparing for the Selama Zone English Language Carnival followed by the LMS District English Language Carnival. SK Selama achieved great success at both levels and it was something to be proud of and remembered.   Then, only did I start to work officially in my new  school.  However, there were many things to clear and documents to finalise still and I have been returning to school in the afternoons.  Sometimes, too tired to do anything but just rested in the office for a chit-chat. 

I talked to my pupils about their potentials , hopes and success in their hands if they put in more effort in their studies.  I advised them to be well-disciplined and show respect to their elders, teachers and friends.  I encouraged them to participate in English activities, read a lot of English books and strive hard to improve their English standard.  Hopefully, all of them will not forget their old school and teachers.  For me, they can still keep in touch with me through Facebook and read my postings in my personal blog, English Panel Blogs, Portal Rasmi SK Selama etc.  I'll return to SK Selama to see them, guide them and help the teachers and school if my help is needed. 

The farewell gathering was very touching as the teachers and pupils took turns to bid me farewell and give me those lovely gifts.  I felt very sad .  Two pupils came up to me holding a handful of sweets and said that didn't buy any gifts but only those sweets. Oh, how thoughtful of them.  It didn't matter at all but the thoughts counted most.  The best results in their examinations will be the best gift for me and the other teachers or parents. 

My tears just rolled freely down my cheeks and my eyes had swollen a little through much crying as I shook hands with all the pupils and teachers.  To all my colleagues who had to bear with me at times , I had to apologise and hope not keep in the hearts.  I love my colleagues as they are a batch of cooperative, hardworking and dedicated teachers.   With the guidance and present administration, SK Selama will achieve success in all fields and excellence too.  All the best.  


( More photos will be uploaded to the Picassa Web Album soon )

THANK YOU & APPRECIATION TO THE STAFF & PUPILS OF SK SELAMA

Pn Shahidah presenting me a lovely gift from the English Panel,
which I hope will continue to be active and effective in running programmes
for the English teachers and pupils.  All the best in future.

This is really special and rare.  The wife, Pn Zarinazatul Shamsuddin of my ex-pupil
from my first school, SK Sri Siakap, Kuala Kurau, En Aziz , a teacher from SK Sultan Idris 11, presented me a special gift from the couple. Thanks and may both of them be happy and blessed.

I'll never forget how they honoured us by arranging this for us, both En Shamsuddin
who had left earlier to SK Banggol Jas and me to SK Bendang Siam.

Thanks to the SK Selama Staff Club for this lovely token of appreciation.

Thank you, En Awang Mansor, En Shamsuddin and Pn Hjh Norhaizan for
this presentation

The farewell gatherings and goodbyes were very touching including those hugs and kisses , farewell gifts and well-wishes from the teachers, staff, pupils, ex-pupils and parents had made my life more meaningful and uplifted my spirits of serving the best I can. 


I'll never forget the lovely moments in SK Selama from 1983 until now and even the bad experience which had made me more matured in thinking.  There are always challenges and not enough time to do everything we want to do. 


To leave the school is something I imagined would not happen as I love the school dearly.  I realised that my service is needed badly in another school and I had to leave.  SK Selama has a good team of English teachers and they are under good leadership.  I know when I am gone,  everything will still be all right, if not better than before.  Good luck and hopefully SK Selama will achieve its vision and fulfill its mission and goals. 


There are lots of photos taken for remembrance that I have saved in Picassa Album for sharing.