Short notes


I have been busy lately. Was helping a friend who is going through some very tough times in her life. It is good to be able to be there for her. At the end of the day, when your friend is so appreciative of your presence, it really makes your life worth living.

It is not just about you, it is about people around you.

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I facilitated my first seminar. It was a privilege to be able to hear Dr Tan Lai Yong speak on the 21st Century Competencies. Dr Tan is an inspiring figure. Who really is he?

 http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/dr-tan-lai-yong-going-beyond-call-duty-open-eyes-and-heal-sick-309620

Here is a video clip too.

During his talk, he got two of his students to share about their lives. One of them share about his life and his sister’s life. It was really interesting. The boy talked about PSLE results. His sister, two years older than him, scored 272 and made it to the top girls’ school in Singapore. His score was 184 and he made it to a neighbourhood secondary school, normal acad. He was disappointed but life went on. He studied very hard and at sec. 2, managed to switch to the Express class. Now, both in their 20s, leading a very different life. He is an undergrad studying Bio Engineering and his sister…slacking at home. Not studying, not working.

All parents should attend his talk. So many parents are just so hung up on getting their kids to score straight ‘A’s, so hung up on the PSLE T-score. It  absolutely does not  guarantee a bright future for the kid. I just hope that parents open their eyes to see what really matters is the passion of the child.

Dr Tan mentioned three important things in a child’s life. In this order 1)Friends 2)Passion 3)Grades. I am very glad that the school principal was there for the talk. Bravo!

Incidentally, I just received an email from Ann’s school

“For the present P3 and P4 level, the pupils have been promoted to eight classes: 4 ‘Integrity’ classes and 4 ‘Care’ classes. Pupils in these two clusters are also equally spread based on their overall percentage. There is no last class. (For pupils who are weaker in Math or Mother Tongue, the school will arrange for additional support.)”

Step by step, we will get there. Hopefully, we will have bright kids who will excel in their own field and parents will take pride in all that they are doing.

It is not about grades, it is about what you want in life.

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Ann did very well for her SA2. An overall improvement from SA1. I am happy for her. Her first year back in Singapore and into the Singapore education system, she definitely has performed way beyond my expectation. Is it a pressure cooker here? Is it stressful for parents? Is there a need for tuition? No, no, no! I have finally come to a conclusion. The people who complain most about the education system are the ones who have not only inflicted the stress on themselves but also their kids.

I am just very thankful that God in His own way, has intercepted my plans. Kai did not make it to the school I wanted him to go but is enjoying school and education. Ann did not make it to my alma mater but she had made some very good friends and good teachers.

It is not about kids, it is about parents.

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Writing competition. The National Library organised a flash fiction writing competition. I got Kai and Ann to submit a story each. Guess what? I submitted one under the Open category!

It is not about winning, it is about trying.

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This week, we will be distributing food to the lower income group staying in the Redhill area. Kai will be presenting at the school Open House. Our days are pretty fulfilling the way we are leading our lives!

It is not about saying, it is about getting up and doing it!