Count our blessings

Let's open up for discussion 3A-ers!

Jiajun has posted something really interesting and i thought it was really food for thought- It is true, the earthquake that hit Haiti was BAD. It really makes us reflect upon our lives and thank God that we are in here in Singapore. Many times we don't stop enough to count our blessings. We complain about everything: the internet is too slow, assignments are too many, my dad's not increasing my pocket money. Such incidences makes me feel that our world view is so small. Our 'problems' are so meagre compared to those in Haiti. We battle against work and assignment and material gains. Our fellow beings fight for their chance at survival.

No,  I am not saying that we should throw away the textbooks and really just 'enjoy the moment' and live life to the fullest. What I am saying is that we need to learn to give thanks for what we have and learn to appreciate what the Singapore Government, our families, our friends and our school have given to us.

My friend is a photojournalist in SPH (he has just won 2 prizes-- check out Desmond Lim, my friend :))  and he shared his perspective on the fragility of life in a reflection after his trip back from Padang's earthquake (October 2009). That is what I mean by living life out. Upon receiving news of the earthquake in Padang, he hopped on a chartered flight, went there with a small backpack, stayed on the streets for 3 days literally (he had no where to stay!), nearly lost his life--half submerged in mud. The trip has changed his life and you should read his reflection. I have just contacted him and I have gained his permission to put up his article on our class blog. I will post it once I get hold of it. :)

Anyway, I was blog-searching for a relevant article on Desmond's reflection. It is not online. However I came across this other post about his work. It is reflection on Desmond's reflection. It is pretty interesting, do visit it: http://gofar2009.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/we-go-so-that-others-will-know/

Meanwhile, here are the ONLINE TASKS for you to do:

Task:

1. Write down the things in life that matters to you and how you can make your days count even more. (1- 2 paragraphs, in complete, standard English)
2. Write down, in a paragraph, who you are thankful for- it can be a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, etc- and why you thank your lucky stars for this person/persons. You can be creative and write a poem if you want. This is not for CA. :)

Make your days count, people.

Love
Miss Tan

the mrbrown show: gongxi ni

Dear Class

Please be mindful of what you post online. Remember, we have already discussed this in class. We are a democratic and multi-racial and religious society. Do not engage in any cyber- activities that will strain our harmonious ties with others. =)

For the Chinese students, Happy New Year! Enjoy the song!

the mrbrown show: gongxi ni

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Love, Miss Tan

My thoughts today...

I sat down at my work desk and I was overwhelmed with the stack of marking that laid before my eyes. My first thoughts were, "Marking? Again?"

I had just completed marking Sec 4s Milestone and compo 1 and already was losing sleep. Then I thought again. I hadn't given 3A enough of my time.

I am sorry people that I have been so consumed with the graduating class that I have not stretched you enough. However, trust me, I am really trying my best. I hope you will understand that you are my focus as well, it is just that 4B requires more of my time because very soon, they will  be taking their Os and I wouldn't want any of my charge to do badly.

3A is an angelic class and I am thankful for you all. I am glad I am not caught in a situation where I have to constantly chase you for your homework everytime. I am glad you understand that we have limited time and are willing to work hard. I am glad that some of you even go the extra mile, emailing me essays, or writing me essays and asking me for 1-to-1 consultations. Like what Mr. Ong KW said, I think you will be the diamond batch. :)

Now here's the thing, I need you all to start following my blog and make your blog accessible to me. This will  be my off-curriculum mode of communication with you. So far, only Jannel and Carrie has provided me with a link that I can link to her blog. Help me out, Miss Tan is a complete idiot when it comes to linking and doing tagboard. :(

I think it is enough post for today. It is getting kind of crazy. Your scripts are beckoning me to start working on them. :)

Love
Miss Isabelle Tan

The R.A task

Dear 3A

You have the Reading Aloud passages with you and I would like you to post your best recording online.
Put it up in your blog and we will take turns to assess this. =)
Of course there will be a final grade involved in your assessment. Impress me. :)

Read the 06 paper and post it online! Just remember the rubrics we are looking at. In case you have forgotten it, take it out and have a look! :)See you in class. :)

Love
Indian Chief

Woots! The first blog from the Indian chief

Welcome Earthlings to our very own blogspot.

This is the place where you will be reading up extra materials and resources for your EL classroom and post your videos and project materials as well!

Before we begin, I just want to lay down some ground rules:
1) No vulgarities on this blog. No derogatory terms. We practice constructive criticisms, not mere criticisms.
2) Use good English please. This is after all OUR English site. =)
3) Submit your online assignments on time.
4) Link your blogs to mine please. Your blog is your own space to rant but please do not disclose things that are privy to you and you do not want others to know. Label your blog with your register number in front :) e.g. 1AnnaW@blogspot.com this blog will help me monitor your assignments.

Thanks dears. Just one last favour, let's keep this blog thing private and not subject your other classmates to the scrutiny of others.
Let's have a smashing new year ahead. :)

Love
Miss Isabelle Tan