Teachers Reflection

Dear all

What a trip it had been! When me and Mr Chin went for the Service Learning trip last year with teachers from other school, we had hope that it can happen too for our pupils. I had reservations before the trip especially when I was to be one of the lead facilitator.

We were glad the school supported this worthy cause. Being the 2nd group to go to Cambodia, it did added some pressure on me to do a good job.

The trip wasn't smooth sailing throughout with issues poping up almost everyday. The issues with the hotel which fortunately was resolved quickly with the help of Mr Ng our vice principal and also Kenny. The most teething issues had to be the Primary School not allowing us to conduct our teaching to their pupils. It poses a big challenge as how to engage our pupils meaningful. Fortunately the 2nd day was Cambodia Independent Day and the Lighthouse Orphanage need additional manpower as all the orphans need not go to school.

I am really really glad that most of our pupils had responded well to the service and also to the daily night reflections. Some were very relunctant initially but I was pleasantly surprise that they too had start to warm up. I am sure if the trip last afew more days I will see more of them.

3E2 give me a better time managing them. Maybe it was the presence of my Sec 4s which I had invited to the trip. Without them I might not have the energy to do anything at night! 3E3/4 were more challenging especially with afew that continuously like to do things their ways. On one hand I want to go down very hard to discipline them but on the other I do not want to restrict their learning through my constant scolding. The challenging part was to strike a balance. However 3E3/4 did leave a lasting impression in me when I see them connecting with the orphans and serving really with the right mindset and heart during the last 2 days.

"After we leave, what's next for the orphans?" That was a very good question raised during one reflection (the one using the skit). What is next for our pupils? Will this be just a "flash in the pan" or will it leave a long lasting impression on them? I seriously hope it will be the latter.

Thank you teachers for going on this trip with us. I hope you had benefited through your interaction with your pupils. Some of them really surprises me. Khai Feng will be planning for next year so if you are interested to be on board on this meaningful journey do let us know.

To me the simple things in life are still the most beautiful. :)

Edwin