Followers

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

EPL Week 17

The year end fixtures came true and fast. Van Gaal complained of insufficient rest time between matches when the Red Devils had to play Spurs in 43 hrs after their Boxing Day match. The draws in this second match of the festive season seemed to reflect on the fatigue felt by the players.

Spurs vs Man Utd : 0-0 huffing and puffing could not blow White Hart Lane down. Luckily for Utd, the other top teams also drew or else they would then say goodbye to the race.

Southampton vs Chelsea : 1-1 the Saints showed that they are up there by merit. Jose Mourinho lost the chance to extend their lead

Burnley vs Man City : 2-2 A shocker! City lost the chance to catch up with Chelsea when they lost a 2-0 lead to draw with Burnley. It must be complacency

West Ham vs Arsenal : 1-2 the Gunners survived a late barrage by the Hammers to hold on their win. Second consecutive loss for the Hammers


  • Liverpool vs Swansea: 4-1 this win makes Brendan Rogers believe again that the Reds will make it into Champion League next season




An Old Friend

Last week, I was very happy to meet an old friend of mine, from our days in Chua Chu Kang Secondary in the 90s, Pak Chik Samat. He is one of those friends who you never forget as he went through many school events and experiences with you.

 
 
Pak Chik was originally employed as a school warden when CCK was started by Ms Sum Chee Wah, the Principal in 1992. Before the first pupils arrived at the beginning of 1993, he guarded the school premises day and night. Once the school began operation, he was then employed as a gardener.
During those initial days, stocky Pak Chik, TSO Zulkiflee and I decided to transform the garden scape of the school. Bonsai plant, Wrightia was planted along the front fence boundary of the school. These plants are now more than 20 years old!!!! Many fruit and spice trees were also planted around the school besides the normal trees which NEA?PPD provided, to create a kampung atmosphere. Go into CCK compound now and you know what I meant.
Pak Chik also followed us to school camps outside school. He was such an integral part of the school then.

                                    Pak Chik with Mr Lee A L, Zulkiflee and his father-in-law
                                   Pak Chik's favorite food : Mee Goreng with potatoes

When I met him again last week, I can't help to have a sense of helplessness initially. However as we chatted I sensed an air of optimism and hope even at an age of 75. He is on a wheelchair and spent the weekdays in Swami Home (Sembawang). He has to learn to reuse his once powerful limbs again through a variety of exercises. However, his ever smile and optimism made me saw a light in a tunnel and is confident that he will lead a satisfactory life, though his problems cannot be easily solved. I have never manage to hold a good conversation with him, like chicken and duck. He understands but cannot speak in English. I can understand basic Malay but cannot speak it. However, somehow, we understand each other all this time!! An endearing part is that he always call me Mr Whoosh....

Pak Chik - retired in 2000. AM Wilson presenting him a gift from staff






Life as An Adjunct Teacher

It was reported this week in Straits Times that more and more retired teachers rejoined the service as either Flexi-Adjunct (FAJT) or Contract Adjunct (CAJT) teachers. I am very thankful that after one year of being a FAJT, I was offered to continue as a CAJT in the school next year. As a retiree who still wishes to be occupied, in mind, soul and body, and being a teacher for all my life, it was a big lift  for my spirit when I was told about it. Somehow, not being a normal full time teacher can sap one's spirit and lower one self esteem if you allow them to manifest.

The Reason
Why did I want to continue in the present school? I believed that a positive school culture towards everyone is the main reason. I decided to retire 'immaturely' as a key personnel (KP) could be due to my previous school's leaders 'vibes'. Being appreciated, whoever you are,  is also one of the reason. Also, the being 'just a teacher' feeling is one lost forgotten feeling since the days I left Institute of Education as a virgin teacher. You just prepare your lesson and facilitate learning!!

FAJT vs CAJT:
The former is like a relief teacher (RT). Three months (one term) contract renewed termly. Salary based on hourly rate ($38 per hour for a graduate teacher) subjected to a maximum number of hours per contract. No other benefits are given. If you are sick, too bad, you are not paid for the MC. Good thing is that you can care less about others things happening around the school if you wish to. When the hour is up you just pack up and go. Of course there are also FAJT who stayed beyond the hours for the benefits of the pupils.
CAJT is like a normal teacher. You are given a year's contract subjected to passing a medical checkup, paid by MoE, at Raffles Medical Centre. There is an element of uncertainty as RMC will not give a copy of the report to you. I was told that we only know whether we passed the medical in Jan, after we have joined the school, starting December 26 (so that we can attend the Staff & Department meetings before the new term starts, I think).  The yearly Performance Bonus (PB) may be paid subjected to good performance. However, DON'T expect the high end of the payment. The Principal decides whether we are subjected to performance ranking review by a KP or not. I heard that many Principal forgo the review for CAJT. However, SOME enthusiastic KPs may want to be heard in the name of developing and 'setting targets' with the CAJT. It showed 'POWER' in capital, for some of them, which is not uncommon in schools.
As a 3/4 workload CAJT, one needs not to be a form teacher or be in charge of a CCA. However, he may be asked to join an ad-hoc or event committee.

Looking forward to New Year
I believed that as a 'retired teacher', one has to count small blessings that come our way in our everyday life back in school. One just cannot go back to the former self. One also must not put up as a threat to narrow minded people who are afraid that we will break their rice bowl. Nowadays, there are so many SH posts and thus much more number of KPs (yes, in some schools, all their SHs are in the School Management Committee). These are younger group of teachers, 5 to 10 years service usually, who may felt uneasy if they have an 'old ginger' in their midst. So, don't act like you will be a threat!!!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Boxing Day 26 Dec 2014

While the rest of Europe hibernates and rests, the EPL continues its traditional festive grind with 4 games in a week. This is the week that usually decides the title contenders from pretenders.
In the first round, all the big guns won.

Man Utd vs Newcastle : 3-1
Rooney is in his best form in five years as he scored a brace for an easy Utd win. Van Persie scored the other. Falcao continued to start and is getting back to form. The next game in 2 days against Spurs could decide how far this Utd team can go.

Chelsea vs West Ham : 2-0 the ease which the Blues brought down the high flying Hammers suggested that this is a title for them to lose. They made it so simple.

Arsenal vs QPR : 2-1 Sanchez rescued the Gunners which make heavy work in defeating QPR

Burnley vs Liverpool: 0-1 Raheem Stirling scored in 2nd half

WBA vs Man City : 1-3 This City side made the win simple, scoring all their goals in first half and then ease off


Monday, December 22, 2014

EPL Week 16 22/12/2014

Villa vs Man Utd: 1-1
van Gaal is again an unhappy and frustrated man after the Red Devils could only draw at Villa Park after a 6 match winning streak, even though they had an excellent record there. He felt that it is too far for his team to catch up with the top teams. The Xmas feeling seemed to come early for the Red Devils as again, they were sloppy especially the defense and midfield: Fletcher, Jones, Evans and even Van Persie. Even the harsh sending off of Agbonlahor with 25 mins left could not stir the Red Devils. Falcao, starting for the second time scored his second goal for Utd.

Man City vs Palace : 3-0 An easy easy win for the Citizens showing their rise in form after their qualification to the KO round of the Champions League. Drew level with Chelsea on points for 48 hrs.

Spurs vs Burnley: 2-1 White hot Spurs got their 3rd win in 6 days to move up the table

Liverpool vs Arsenal: 2-2 Brenden Rogers believed that the Reds have turned around the corner with the last gasp draw. Both teams faced similar problem: non existing defense in this game.

Monday:
Stoke vs Chelsea: 0-2 an efficient victory at Brittania to lead table by 3 points again.


Sunday, December 14, 2014

EPL week 15

Man Utd vs Liverpool : 3-0 One could easily sympathies with Brendon Rogers on his team's lack of luck, etc in public. However, in private, he knew that pressure has increased on him to deliver again after last year's triumphs and highs. His clueless and blunt side just could not beat the in-form David de Gea. How he must have wished that the Spaniard is with his team, after losing confidence with Simon Mignolet in goal. Yeah, Utd's 2nd goal by Juan Mata was offside, but in the end, the Red Devils strike when it matters. Rooney scored the first and van Persie the third to continue with their good form. Man Utd's six win in a row propelled them to 3rd but the team is winning without playing well. Unlike last season when David Moyes' team limped to a 3-0 thrashing, at least the Red Devils are playing with a swagger. Van Gaal still not please but is speaking with more conviction of a title chase now.

Chelsea vs  Hull : 2-0 easy home win for Mourinho's side, still 3 points ahead of Man City and 8 over Utd

Leicester vs Man City : 0-1 The Citizens are bathing with confidence again after their midweek qualification to the KO round of the Champions League, when it seemed improbable only a few weeks ago.

Arsenal vs Newcastle : 4-1 the Gunners brought the in-form Tooners down to earth with this thumping

Swansea vs Spurs : 1-2 The Swans are in flight down after a good start

Monday, December 8, 2014

EPL Week 14

Southampton vs Man Utd : 1-2
Forth win in a roll for the Red Devils, van Persie scoring twice. The Saints are in a free fall, losing for the 3rd time in a roll, after an early surge at the top of the table. It was again hard work for the Red Devils but their swagger continues after last week's 2-1 triumph against the Gunners. The Red Devils are now in the 3rd spot of the table

Newcastle vs Chelsea : 1-2 Jose Mourinho knew that his side would not be able to remain undefeated during the season. Alan Pardew, recently scourged by the Toon army was the instigator of this win.... Man City is now only 3 points behind. Getting interesting.

Stoke vs Arsenal : 3-2 The jinx team struck again. The Gunners were all at sea at the Brittania, deserved it.

Liverpool vs Sunderland : 0-0 No strikes no form for the Reds

Man City vs Everton 1-0 Pelligrini's men just did enough to win

Spurs vs Palace : 0-0

Sunday, November 23, 2014

EPL Week 12

Arsenal vs Man Utd : 1-2 this was much a smash and grab victory at the Emirates. The Gunners dominated but an own goal by Kieran Gibbs and a goal by Rooney made the points safe for the Red Devils. Giroud scored a  consolation. Arsene Wenger must be cursing and wondering how his team lost the game though recent form did suggest the vulnerability of the Gunners. Van Gaal must be pleased to see the old spirit back in his team. Rooney had a very good week after a brace for England in mid week against Scotland, making him the 3rd leading scorer for England. He would be gunning for Gary Liniker's record next.

Chelsea vs WBA : 2-0 a canter for the Blues. Who can stop this ' little pony' now??. Diego Costa scored his 11 goals in 10 games.

Palace vs Liverpool: 1-3 the Reds just could not hold on the Rickie Lambert's early goal to crash at Selhurst Park, to a team which is at the bottom of the table. Brendan Rogers knew that his glory days of last season had passed and should be worried about his future.

Hull vs Spurs: 1-2 unlike Pools, the other under performing team won!!!

Man City vs Swansea: 1-2  Manuel Pelligrini must be pleased about the fight back from his team, giving him confidence for the mid week Champios League survival

Monday, November 17, 2014

EPL Week 11

Man Utd vs Palace: 1-0 van Gaal must still be feeling 'lousy' with just a narrow win through sub Juan Mata goal. This is his first win in 3 games. The performance suggested that the Red Devils are still wobbly all round. The manager will want to see the Jan window opens soonest. Falcao is still injured and Van Persie is losing his touch. The manager said he needs 3 years to get things right.... Who can wait that long? The worst start ever continues.....

Liverpool vs Chelsea: 1-2 Last season, a Stevie G slip cost the Reds the title as Chelsea beat them 2-0. The Reds just needed a draw to be Champions. In this game, Mourinho's team continued their unbeaten run with Costa scoring his 10 and winning goal of the season. Who will stop the Blues???

QPR vs Man City: 2-2 Manuel Pelligrini admitted that his team is suffering a 'crisis of confidence'. His team is in a bad run of form. Mid week's loss to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League which put them in the bottom of the group, was still affecting the team. They have to depend on a Aguero's brace to draw.

Swansea vs Arsenal: 1-2 surprise? Not anymore with this Gunner side

Surprise team Southampton continued their great form by winning 2-0 home against Leicester despite losing half of the team through an transfer exodus athe start of season.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

EPL Week 10

The Manchester derby at Etihad
Van Gaal's big reputation is saving him from being mauled by critics as his team did no better than David Moyes' last season. Mistakes galore gave City its 4th derby win in a trot. First, Smalling committed a school boy error of blocking Joe Hart from kicking the ball in his hand, then in less than 10 mins later, rashness made him bring down Milner. This first half send-off compounded Utd's problem at the back. They already had Antonio Valencia playing full back!!! Worse to come was when Rojo got a shoulder injury, self inflicted. City smelled blood and duly scored through Aguero to end a 3-match winless streak. Utd yet to win away from home.
Utd's defensive problem continues and if not contained, van Gaal's team might just end up worse than 7th at the end of the season despite spending more millions than David Moyes.
So far, it is a painful experience being a Red Devils fan......

Newcastle vs Liverpool: 0-1 Alan Pardew rose from the dead when the Toons continued their revival at St James Park against a poor Reds side. Balotelli, who? Still missing the goals....Brendon Rogers is learning how the once almighty can just fall so easily
Arsenal vs Burnley: 3-0 Easy win for Gunners with a Sanchez brace. Burnley has still to win any game
Chelsea vs QPR: 2-1 Mourinho side is still unbeaten though it was a hard fought win over a QPR side who was on a rise recently. Chelsea is leading the table by 4 points.
Villa vs Spurs : 1-2 Villa's first goal since Sept but could not hold lead to lose to Spurs

Monday, October 27, 2014

EPL Week 9


Man Utd vs Chelsea: 1-1
Once again the Red Devils showed their renown ' last minute' fightback when van Persie scored in the last minute of added time. Such Fergie Fledgings fightback was missing last season. Drogba came back to haunt the Red Devils after starting for Chelsea the first time this season. The Red a Devils' Achilles heel is still the defense especially Rafeal and Smalling. However this game showed how much the Red Devils had improved and more good days will come. This is the second time that the Blues dropped points. Next...Man City

West Ham vs Man City: 1 -2 The Hammers continued their good form, beating the Citizens easily 2-1. The citizens seemed to be affected by their mid week European Championship game.

Liverpool vs Hull :0-0 Ballotelli, Why Always Me? Put up a better effort after the disastrous mid week loss, thrashed 3-0 by Real Madrid, in the Champions League but the Reds could not score

Sunderland vs Arsenal : 0-2 Sanchis scored both goals through the Black Cats' mistakes, Sunderland not recovering from last week's 8-0 thrashing by Southampton

Spurs vs Newcastle: 1-2 Alan Pardew stay of execution remained when thecToons surprised Spurs

Monday, October 20, 2014

EPL Week 8

The Week after International week
WBA vs Man Utd:2-2 another lucky escape for the Red Devils with a late equalizer. Fellaini and  Blind scored their first goal for Utd. The Red Devils are still looking for their first away win. With matches against stronger teams like Man City and Chelsea, it is definitely much more work to be done with the defence before they can get any results against them.

Man City vs Spurs: 4-1 More or less same results as last seasons when Spurs were thrashed. Sergio Aguero scored 4, including 2 penalties
Arsenal vs Hull : Tigers surprised to hold injury hit Gunners 2-2, Danny Welbeck extra time equaliser
QPR vs Liverpool: 2-3 Last minute own goal by Caulker saved the Reds. Everyone agreed that it was a very lucky win for the Reds.

Monday, October 6, 2014

EPL Week 7

Man Utd vs Everton 2-1
Back to back win for Van Gaal's men. Falcao scored his first goal for the Red Devils. Paddy McNair, a 19 yr old continued in defence. Luke Shaw had an awful game, conceding a penalty which made the match at its edge after Di Maria scored early. The team didn't miss Rooney. The star player was de Gea, the goalkeeper who made a series of saves in the closing stages to ensure Utd goes 4th in the table! something which they missed for the past year.
International week next, momentum could be gone....

Liverpool vs WBA : Reds back to winning ways since 31Aug. 2-1 Lol Balloteli, dropped from lineup after poor display. More air than real substance, the Italian player.
Villa vs Man City: 0-2 Wheels coming off Villa's train, 3rd defeat against top teams though City left it late
Chelsea vs Arsenal : 2-0 this time Chelsea did not win 6-0 this time but Mourinho's side win suggest that the Gunners have more work to be done before they could be serious contender. Costa scored again, his 9th goal for Chelsea this season so far
Spurs vs Soton : 1-0 the Saints' early season bubble could be bursting but Spurs were far frm convincing

Saturday, September 27, 2014

EPL Week 6

Man Utd vs West Ham : 2-1
Rooney was rightly sent off for a petulant kick after Stewart Downing went past him. He needs to be put into place as his reckless action placed his team at risk. This is not the way a Man Utd captain should behave. A stronger team than West Ham Utd would make have made him and Utd pay dearly.  This time they held on to win with two goals from Rooney and Van Persie. The red mist that descended on Rooney would allow Van Gaal to tweak his team to play without their captain for the next 3 matches and it could be a blessing in disguise as the team played better without him.  Next up : Everton

Liverpool vs Everton : 1-1 injury time goal Jagielka scored equalizer in injury time
Arsenal vs Spurs :1-1
Chelsea vs Villa : 3-0 the Blues continued good form, Costa scoring yet again. Villa early form could burst
Hull vs Man City : 2-4 great fight back from the light blues


Sunday, September 21, 2014

EPL Week 5

Leicester vs Man Utd
The Foxes chewed off the Red Devils with a 5-3 win at their den. Nigel Pearson's side continued their attacking approach since their promotion and is the side most likely to survive the drop if they can sustain through the season.
The loss brought out the glaring "soft belly" weakness of the Red devils. The led 2-0 then 3-1 and yet succumbed finally. Van Gaal may have a big collection of attackers and midfielders but the defensive sector is woefully deficient. By fielding 3 attackers, Nigel Pearson knew exactly where their weak spot is......Smalling, Jones, Blackett will not be feared by any opponents. There must be at least one signing for the defensive position when January's window is opened but it will be tough as the suitable targets would have firmly secured by their respective clubs.
The tougher matches are coming. if the Red devils continued to leak goals this way, Champions League football will be just a dream.
Van Persie, di Maria ; Herrera scored.

West Ham vs Liverpool : 1-3 consecutive loss for the Reds, wobbly performance after a lucky 2-1 win in mid week Champions league
Villa vs Arsenal : 0-3 After a disastrous 0-2 defeat against B Dortmund in mid week, Gunners dominated perviously undefeated Villians
Spurs vs WBA : 0-1 Spurs shocked, WBA's first win of season
Man City vs Chelsea : 1-1 Lampard equalized against old club

Thursday, September 18, 2014

State of affairs in our sports


The recent results of two team sports brought out the great contrast between them in many ways. Our netball ladies are the Asian Champion twice in a roll while our men soccer team is struggling in the Asian Games after a last minute successful appeal to be included to participate.
Much resources have been pumped into the national soccer team nation-wide and yet the 2010 dream remained as wishful thinking. We have the an infrastructure, S League, foreign coaches, COE for aspiring players (it has not been as successful as the NFAs the last time) and yet the team struggled even in a regional age group competitions, which was an embarrassment and an insult to all. When the national team won the ASEAN titles sometime ago there was great joy, adulation, etc though it was only a regional competition.
In contrast, it seemed that netball was given the short stick. Though they have an international coach, they didn't not have that much resources esp funds as the soccer team has.

What went wrong or right?
Soccer reaches out to many Singaporeans. You can see so many young boys kicking the ball around in the estates and any empty spaces daily. The inter-schools competitions always attract the most number of secondary school teams compared to any other sports/games. That could the reason why some elite schools avoided participation in this competition. Then the talented boys are shooed into COEs and the Sports School, yet... I have watched the Sports School teams playing in the inter school competition. They could be regarded as 'professionals' as these selected boys are housed in such an environment where they can train daily, twice a day, under very qualified coaches and psychologists, on a good field and with little stress on studies as they have ample support from the school. Compared this to a team from an 'ordinary' school, you would expect the SS boys to dominate, yet it has not been happening.

Is our scouting network wide enough? I was with a school in the West that soccer is a niche game for a few years. During an inter school match, a well-known soccer coach, impressed with my school's team commented to our teacher : why were those two boys not in NFA? Simple answer: these free spirited neighborhood boys did not attend did not deem it important to attend any of the selection trials!!

Netball is a game which seemingly is not that popular in and out of school. You do not see girls playing the game around the estates (basketball is more prominent) though there are many school teams in inter school competitions. I believed that they are also not given that much resources. So why are they doing so well comparatively?

I believed netball took off the moment when Ivy Singh took over. She is one hell of a lady who doesn't buckle against any odds. Thus, the notion of giving off one's all with little resources, never say die spirit and then winning was imbued in the netball DNA from then onwards. The closed group of players is able to gell, focus to achieve their target....teamwork & comradeship. The sailors and bowlers who are successful have more or less the same formula. Soccer? Too loosely grouped.

There is the 'mental thing'. Our soccer boys are too soft. Just look at the crocked players who seemed to be perpetually injured and yet chosen. Even the younger boys were caught up with wearing the latest boots model to look good thinking as though they are the millionaire footballers in professional leagues. When it comes to a crunch, they faded, the strawberry generation it is called.

Another is the lack of a sporting culture. Why is New Zealand dominating rugby? NZ families usually spent their weekends relaxing in parks and open areas. Their children would be playing with rugby balls instead of an handphone in shopping malls. Who supports the S league? More as spectators than hands-on participants....also punters and gamblers



Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Non-grad in Singapore Confessions

Letter sent to ST Forum on 12 Sept 2014

Since the formation of ASPIRE, there was a great amount of discussion by one and all about one's educational aspirations and how the society can be shaped to slow down the 'paper chase' etc.
Below are the views and comments from a retired person who began as a non-grad but finally ended as a grad in the 'autumn' period of the career as an education officer.
ASPIRATION
After O levels in the late 60s, I went to Polytechnic instead of Pre-U as I realized that I was not that academically  inclined after spending 3 months in a Pre U centre. There, we learnt at our own pace with a lot of hands-on experience. Much time was spent doing Society work and lazing at the club house besides going to the library for further readings. After graduation, many of my classmates went overseas esp to Strathclyde U in Scotland to read their degree in engineering. They were exempted from the first year of the 3-yr engineering course on the strength of the Poly diploma. I could only envy as my home economics didn't allow me to go further. There was nothing I could do as I still have a 7-year bursary bond hanging over my head and that I have to help my family financially. Lost opportunity? Anger at my condition? I knew that it was impossible to fulfill that 'degree aspiration' then.
FULFILMENT & FRUSTRATION
After NS, I joined MoE as an education officer. Being a diploma holder, I was between the non-grads and the grads in the school. 80% are grads. The non-grads like me were teaching the Craft & Technology subjects (Art, Home Econs, Technical). There were some PE teachers and Mother Tongue teachers who were later deployed to the primary schools in an exercise (during the 90s). Externally, there was really no differentiation between grads and non-grads in the schools I were in because we didn't discuss the paper qualification. The only sore point was the renumeration and the promotion prospect. Regardless of how we performed, somehow there seemed to be a perception that non-grad could go no further. I was fully in charge of the school soccer team, my fellow non-grad colleague was in charge of the softball team......somehow, sometimes, while performing my duties, I often wondered why some of the grad teachers who were better paid were not given such duties. They should be doing more than me...... the devil part of me told me. What about my 'degree aspiration'? I could not take full-time off to study again since, by now, I have three young children to feed.
I guessed 'hard work' paid off sometimes. I was soon promoted to be a Head of Department in a school. Maybe the Principal was enlightened or someone was needed to fill in that post. Whatever it was, I have to deal with a spectrum of people, some without education (the school servants), some with degree.
I was holding the post for about 5 years before I realized, after seeing so many of my grad colleagues being promoted to higher posts, that I MUST fulfill my 'degree aspiration'.
OPPORTUNITIES
The breakthrough came when SIM started the part-time OUDP in 1994. I was in the first batch of mostly teachers who were in their 'autumn period' of their career, signed up paying our own fees. Many were holding senior post in their respective schools. MoE required us to submit our yearly results but there was no guarantee, in written or oral, that we would be emplaced in the graduate scale upon completion of the course, but we soldiered on for 5 years (some finished in 3 or 4 years at a faster pace). True to some of our beliefs then, we were told that we would not be emplaced in the graduate scale (see attached letter). Imagine the anguish and frustrations at our mother employer who didn't recognize our effort and the certification of an authentic institution!!! As a group, we wrote in to appeal but no avail until about 3 years later before they emplaced us in the SEO 1 graduate scale. The question asked then was that: Did MoE view a non-grad HOD at the same level as a grad HOD? Weren't we performing the same duties? In fact, an enlightened school P would & should not be looking at the paper qualification, but in one's performance when evaluating an officer. However, how many enlightened school leaders are there in the schools? I have seen P who were in awe of 'scholars' who came down to school from the ivory towers of MOE for 'school experience'. These are future administrators and planners of the civil service, 'white knights' whose career paths are clearly marked out. Naturally, they were ranked high in the list of teachers as they have 'high CEP' (Potential) though in reality they might not make it as a 'bread and butter' classroom teacher.
How about now? In schools, the only non-grad classroom officers are the AEDs who are mostly Poly diploma holders. I knew that their career path is very unsure at this moment. They need a degree in order to be converted into education officers. Will ASPIRE really 'help' the outstanding ones to realize their dream without going through the paper chase?
I commend the recommendations and the aspirations of ASPIRE. Their lofty aims can only be fulfilled when there is a siesmic shift in the mind-set of people, starting from the civil service. This mind set that the degree is the most important piece of paper in one's life, will take a long time, maybe a generation or two before it changes. The paper chase is not the one and for all and you are done for life.....

Mindset change on paper chase will take time

Published ST Forum online on Sep 18, 2014 12:15 AM                           
         

SINCE the release of the Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review (Aspire) report, there has been much talk about educational aspirations and the paper chase.
After my O levels in the late 1960s, I attended a polytechnic instead of a junior college because I was not that academically inclined.
After leaving polytechnic, many of my classmates went overseas for their degree studies, but I could not continue my studies because of my financial situation. Besides, I had a seven-year bursary bond to fulfil.
Following national service, I joined the Ministry of Education as an education officer. Most of the teachers were university graduates. The non-graduates were assigned to teach craft and technology subjects like art, home economics and technical work, as well as physical education.
Other than that, there was no differentiation between graduates and non-graduates in the schools I taught in. The only sore point was the remuneration and promotion prospects. Regardless of how the non-graduates performed, there seemed to be a perception that they could go no further.
Despite this, I was soon promoted to be a head of department. I held the post for about five years before I realised, after seeing many of my graduate colleagues being promoted to higher posts, that I had to fulfil my degree aspirations.
The breakthrough came when the Singapore Institute of Management started running the part-time Open University Degree Programme in 1994. I was in the first batch, which comprised mostly teachers in the "autumn" of their careers.
The Education Ministry required us to submit our yearly results, but there was no guarantee we would be placed on the graduate track upon completion of the course.
True enough, we were not. Imagine our anguish and frustration at not having our efforts recognised. It was only three years later that we were placed on the graduate scale.
What about the current situation? In schools, the only non-graduate classroom officers are the allied educators, who are mostly polytechnic diploma holders.
Will the latest policy shift really help outstanding non-graduates to realise their dreams?
Aspire's lofty aims can be fulfilled only if there is a seismic shift in the mindsets of people, starting with the civil service. The thinking that a degree is the "most important piece of paper in one's life" will take a long time to change - perhaps a generation or two. The paper chase is not the be-all and end-all of life.

Woo Peng Fei

http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/thursday/premium/forum-letters/story/mindset-change-paper-chase-will-take-time-20140918

Sunday, September 14, 2014

EPL Week 4

Week after internationals
Radamel Falcao (sub for Juan Mata) Danny Blind debuts, Herrera returns from injury.
It was expected that the Red Devils to win after 2 draws and a defeat and that QPRis a limited side. Di Maria continued his good form to score from a free kick before Ander Herrera, Rooney & Juan Mata scored. Overall a fine team performance and looking forward to such form from this expensive side.

Arsenal vs Man City : 2-2 Danny Welbeck debuts for Gunners, Demichelis late equalizer for City
Chelsea vs Swansea : 4-2 Diego Costa hat trick in clash of early top 2 teams
Sunderland vs Spurs : 2-2 Late own goal by Kane denied Spurs
Liverpool vs Villa : 0-1 : another setback for Brendon Rogers
Man Utd vs QPR : 4-0 Expected win

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Confessions and frustrations of a non-grad

TNP article dated 11 Sept 2014 ' Confession of a non-grad' resonates with my experiences and feelings during my working life as a non-graduate in the Education service.

Secondary schools are manned mostly by graduates ever since I joined the service in the late 70s. The pockets of non-graduates were found in the Craft & Technology  Department (Art, Technical & Home Economics) and some in the Mother Tongue Department. In my 3 decades of experience,  I knew that the non-graduates did the same work, took on the same responsibilities and worked side by side with their graduate counterparts all the time. Yet, in terms of renumeration there was and still is a wide difference. Even a new graduate earned more than an experienced non-grad. The feeling was rotten when we compared. Chances to be promoted for a non-grad were few and remote. In the late 80s & early 90s,  I was the only non-grad HOD in my school because of an enlightened Principal. It was a frustrating time, knowing that I could be as good as a graduate colleague, yet we were not equal. Still the difference in renumeration and standing as an educator in the school remained.
It made me determined to become a graduate. There are a few foreign universities eg Strathclyde U in Scotland, Loughborough U in UK that welcome Polytechnic grads without A levels into their degree courses. However, as the sole bread winner and with a family of 3 children to feed, I could not take full time off to pursue my wish and dream. Then the opportunity came when the OUDP offered part time degree courses in SIM. I was in the first batch of non-grad teachers who took this opportunity to 'upgrade' myself. When we completed our degree course, MOE was initially hesitant in recognizing it and in placing us in the graduate scale.
The mind shift of the MoE would need a gigantic shove even when it's own minister deemed the ambitions of ASPIRE as lofty and has been encouraging them. However, it remains that the ministry wanted only graduates to man the classes primary and secondary. Now, the notion is that even a degree is not enough to pull one up the ladder. You need a Master!

Initially, just to show,  there would surely be a few promotions for the very few non-grads left in the service just to show the intent. If they can promote the more abled AEDs, then I say 'bravo' , as I knew of AEDs who were more able to manage the 'difficult' Normal classes than some graduate teachers the bread and butter of the job.
Over and above the graduates are the 'Scholars' who would be future ministry administrators. They are held in high esteem when they descend to schools to seek experience. Everyone knows that these scholars are 'white knights' whose very career path is already charted clearly regardless of whether they can manage the mundane task of handling 'difficult' classes. There was one who came to the school I taught, for 2 years or so. The P would not dare to rank her below any staff. She was not top and 'had no result to show' and yet seemed to be untouchable. Why? Isn't it a case of degree worship?

Monday, September 1, 2014

EPL 2014 Week 3

EPL 2014 Week 3
Same story same struggle same everything. Even the debut of 60m signing in the form of Angel de Maria did not change the script in the match against another 'lowly' opponent, Burnley who had lost their first two games since promotion.
Van Gaal is still trying to instil his game philosophy but it has been obvious that the players have not been adapting to it. Still a nervy performance. 2points from a possible 9 is relegation form, though it is still early days. Things could change around (hope, hope). Could the return from injuries of players like Luke Shaw Zander Hererra or the purchase of Danny Blind change the fortune of the Red Devils? It will take quite a while. The Red Devils have not face any of the top 6 teams yet. The fans will not be too optimistic when they do..... Just hope for the best, which is never the Red Devils way. It showed how far they have fallen behind.

Man City vs Stoke : 0-1 a shock loss at home for the Citizens
Everton vs Chelsea : 3-6 Mourinho' Blues are galloping ahead. Diego Costa scored again, twice
Spurs vs Liverpool : 0-3. Spurs still toothless after the spending. Back to reality after being on top. Mario Barotelli debuts for the Reds but didn't score
Leicester vs Arsenal : 1-1 Alexis Sanchez scored but Foxes resilient. Unexpected result for Wenger.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Manchester United a new new low

27 August
Just when one thought that the Red Devils would not go down to a new low, the Capital One Cup provided the abyss for them. There seemed to be darkness since the retirement of SAF. Losing to MK Dons, a 3rd tier team, was unthinkable in the not too far era ago. But thrashed, humiliated by 4-0?? As a Red Devils fan, these scenerio are too common nowadays even when Van Gaal is in charge. I believed that he had never been humiliated in such a manner before.
Yes, the team at MK Dons was a mixture of young and fringe players. However, there were still enough internationals like Jonny Evans, J Hernandez, S Kagawa in the team who were rated higher than any of the opposition players and yet...... What was Van Gaal thinking about? Fielding a reserve team when he has less games to play this season, no worry about European competitions. Maybe, playing for Manchester United is no more an honour. The Red Devils are an also ran team. Wonder how Di Maria felt now that he signed for a team who are continuously being humiliated. How far bottom will the Red Devils go? Relegation from Premier league?

Red Devil fan since 60s

Monday, August 25, 2014

Silat Road update

Update on Silat Road
Another of my childhood area would be partially (thank God) demolished and be gone forever. Fortunately, a few remaining SIT blocks built in the 1950s would be kept, re-renovated to keep some part of Singapore history alive. Below is the link to the page when I reminiscence about this childhood place of mine.

http://rosewiththorn.blogspot.sg/search?q=Silat+Road

Here are some photographs taken in the middle of 2014, showing the demolishing work in progress.

Going ....
Going.......
 
Going.......

GONE!!!!



Lucky Block 25 remains
 
The blocks facing the main Kg Bahru Road are saved

Manchester United EPL Week 2

EPL 2014 - 2015
The Red Devils showed no improvement in their second EPL match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. They have not seen any sign of light at the end of the tunnel. Same insipid and unsure performance, like their defeat at home to Swansea. The players didn't seem to believe in themselves and the system Van Gaal used. In sum, they were very lucky to escape with a point this time. The climb to the top would be very tough and Van Gaal had even stated that it would be a long journey just to be back in the top 4. De Maria's signing will further congest the front line though he will fill the left side. However, this marquee signing could be the boost to the morale of an underperforming team. The sign of time's up for Young,Valencia, Cleverly is obvious and Van Gaal might not have the time and correct players to fill the spots until the next transfer window or maybe the end of the season. Meanwhile, fans and supporters like me have to squirm in our seats while witnessing another frustrating red devils' performance, one after another.

Manchester City - Liverpool : 3-1. The noisy neighbours made more noise and the red side could do nothing about it
Chelsea vs Leicester : 2-0 : The Blues are quietly lethal; Diego Costa scored again
Everton vs Arsenal : 2-2: fighting Gunner, from 2 nil down to 2-2
Tottenham vs QPR : 4-0 : On the rise Spurs

Red Devils fan since 60s

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Types of Teachers in Singapore Schools

Teachers formed the largest group of civil servants in Singapore. In the 60s to 70s, teachers were trained in TTC (Teachers' Training Centre) or IE (Institute of Education). Some of us were part-time trainees We taught in school in the morning, then proceed to TTC for training in the afternoon. The prospect of a teacher at that time was rather hazy as there didn't seem to be a progression of career except that we had our yearly increment and regular 'crossing of the bar'. Thus many of us were contented in where we were, JUST TEACH. Those who aspired knew that they could only be Senior assistant in the school if they could not make it to be the Principal or VP. The SEO salary scale was a very high point to reach, only selected few managed to reach it.
Nowadays, many teachers are highly motivated for promotion and they wanted it as fast as possible. The school leaders used the 'Appraisal System' to chart their subordinates' progress. More often than not, the 'system' is used to highlight the areas of weakness. My personal experiences of it was that the SL usually discussed 80% on one's weaknesses and glossed over one's strengths if he/she wanted to grade you down!! You would leave the SL office with a bitter taste.
Though the Appraisal System is always evolving, the types of teachers in our midst remained largely similar.

The Newbies :  Enthusiastic, wanting to try the learning theories/philosophies they learned from NIE. adding a whiff of fresh air into the Staff Room... They are the ones with loads of ideas and initiatives. Alas, so many of them fade even before the year is over, overwhelmed by the demands.


The newly promoted:  Like new drivers they threw in ideas like no tomorrow, buoyed/fueled by the promotion. More pay, more responsibilities. The subordinates got trampled but these people march on to new heights

The Bored : Usually after about 3 to 5 years when the teacher is steeped in the groove of the school culture, no one listens to him/her anymore and the routines drags on days after days. Could even sleep with eyes open.

The Disciplinarian : No matter what the new philosophies in education are like, they maintained their strict discipline over the pupils, no compromise. My values, only my values....

The Tired Ones : Unlike the bored ones they seemed to be doing a lot more than others, and then was given more and more by the school leaders in the name of 'testing' the teacher. Ages very quickly and soon would want to find a place to lean their tired body and mind,

The Principal 'pet' : Usually follows the Principal if he is transferred. The blue-eyed one is trusted, protected and could do no wrong in the eyes of the Principal. Some even buy the same car model as the Principal. All oppositions are shut down by the almighty. Even protests by other colleagues are not welcomed. Self-assured and has a deadly smile when he/she approaches a potential threat. The 'pet' is usually promoted to a higher level or scale before the Principal leaves the school
Follow the book type :  They follow the syllabus and the book to the very last letter. Students are asked to underline/highlight the content in the book for revision and examination regurgitation. Lessons seldom deviate from the book content and parameters. These teachers still exist and are result oriented, though the numbers are declining.
The Screamers : Old school types whose voice could be heard from very corner of the school. Military style of discipline. Initially feared by students but the similar effects fade with time. Could suffer heart attack anytime.
The forever hassled : He/she looked overwhelmed most of the time. very common species. Could not finish marking, could not meet deadline, with little social life as time after school is also occupied with school work. Usually psychologically affected, could be suicidal as they isolate themselves from the others.


The gung-ho : Young and ready for any challenges. The first one to volunteer for any project/initiative.

The super hero: Deemed himself/herself to be able to do anything and everything. Young and cool under pressure. Would want promotion fast and early. Step on more toes and tails on his/her way up, more enemies and friends in the working place.

 The blackboard one :  These teachers faced the board most of the time rather than being pupil-centric as notes are painstakingly written on it. Old school type that is rare in numbers nowadays as technologies like projectors, laptops, tablets etc are taking effect to make life easier. Their notes are from the 'Bible' and not to be questioned. Students spent most of the time copying the notes.


Demands from and of the teacher in different era

Boy! Tell me why Why WHY !!!

YOU! Tell me WHY WHY WHY !!!!
Engaging disinterested pupils

          

The innocent attentive pupil of the past       The classroom in the future?? Who need teachers?



Manchester United's decline continues

16 August 2014
A new season, a new coach, new formation but same result. The malaise from the 10 months of David Moyes continued to haunt the Red Devils. The Swans were not given a chance, odds reaching 1:9 at one stage. United has never lost the opening league match since 1972. However, it was a nervous display from the Red Devils. There was no creativity, team work or any form of penetration, so much so that Swansea was able to win quite effortlessly 2-1 for the first time in the league at Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams. It is now no more a daunting place to visit for any 'small league teams'.
Louis Van Gaal will have a lot to do to mould/create a team to finish in the top 10, not to mention Championship football, at this rate of going. The defence should be the first to be totally reconstructed. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were not imposing or dominating enough, making mistakes all the time. Evans is always injured. Rookie Tyler Blackett made an encouraging start but that was all. Even the new signing Luke Shaw was injured. Ashley Young cannot stand in as a defender!!
The midfield, supposedly to be very strong missed the creativity to unlock a well-drilled team like Swansea. Juan Mata was nowhere when he was most needed. Maybe Angel Di Maria should be signed. It is also time for Adnan Januzaj given Ryan Giggs' number 11, to consolidate his place in the team!!!
Nani, Young, Javier Hernadez must go. The dead/rotten wood must be removed before another disastrous season occurs. The need for new quality players is ever more urgent as nearly all of them would have committed to their team at this moment. Last minute purchases, before the window closes at the end of the month are often cases of desperation.
No balance, No confidence , No swagger when playing at home. That is NOT Manchester United.
For the record, all the other title favourites won:

Chelsea vs Burnley  3-1 (away)
Manchester City vs Newcastle 2-0 (away)
Arsenal vs C Palace  2-1
Tottenham vs West Ham  1-0
Liverpool vs Southampton  2-1

Monday, August 4, 2014

Attack of the Supermarket Shoppers 2 - Vegetables

Vegetables sold in the super/hyper market are usually pre-packed, tagged and priced in clear plastic bags for the simple reason of convenience and reduction of wastage, unlike those sold in the wet market. Thus, the leafy vegetables are already sorted out and should be fresh and clean, free of holes on leaves.
However, shoppers are still up to their antics when buying vegetables:

-  Sorting : Nothing wrong with selecting the fresh, young and crunchy vegetables like beans, cauliflowers, cabbage, etc which are usually not pre-packed.  I have seen shoppers patiently choosing Green/French beans, put them side by side, measure and put back those which are longer or shorter. Some would press to check the freshness or tear away the first layer (supposedly to reduce weight) of cabbages. Some would even remove the stalks to lessen the weight...how much would such action save in price??
The supermarket employee usually removes the bruised front surfaces of the cabbages before loading onto the display stand

- Exchanging : It is not uncommon to see shoppers exchanging the items in pre-packed vegetables like onions, lemons, chillies, etc. Those which are sealed suffer less of such fate. Shoppers target those plastics which are tied or simply tagged.

-  Abandoning : As like the fruits, one could see packs of vegetables being abandoned in shelves when the buyers decided against them. Sometimes, one could find nicely selected Green/French beans in plastic bag. That person would have spent time selecting the best...but then.....
Common sight where vegetables were abandoned in a 'convenient' other than its rightful place

Disclaimer :
I do not have any connection with the supermarket/hypermarket either as an owner/proprietor or as an employee. I am just an interested everyday consumer.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Attack of the Supermarket Shoppers 1 - Fruits

Every Sunday is a supermarket Sunday for us. We visit either the IMM Supermarket at Jurong East, where there is a 3-hour free parking, or the Fairprice Supermart at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. While waiting for my wife to complete her purchases, I have the luxury of time to observe the behaviour of the shoppers around me. Some of their antics were amusing but some were downright disgusting but then who am I to judge? I just wonder how the supermarket owners would classify them or their behaviours when they reviewed their CCTV cameras video capture.
Here are some of the observations:

At the Fruit Section
Many fruits are now nicely pre-packed in Styrofoam or PET packs for the obvious reasons of hygiene and convenience. However some are not pre-packed because of their size or due to customers' preference in different quantity ie giving a choice to the customer.

-  Tasting : for those 'loose' fruits like cherry, lychees, longans, etc, there will be shoppers who unshamingly peel off the skin and taste them on the spot. Some would shyly grab a couple and nonchalantly put them into their mouth, away from the glare of others. Once, I offered a lady my spare plastic bag when I saw her choosing cherries, which were expensive, beside me. She was holding some in her hands (yes, both hands). She declined, saying that she would get her own nearby and walked away. I did not see her again.
Leftover skin and seeds at the lychee stand in a supermarket. Shoppers balantly peel and taste the fruit, most not buying afterwards

-  Pressing: there were some who would press the fruits through the packing and you would usually find 'nail marks' on the skin or flesh of such fruits eg durian, starfruit. These marks were so obvious. Will those culprits buy the package that has been dented? I believed not!

-  Grabbing : Once the supermarket worker starts to replenish the stock, you will find many eager buyers waiting like frenzied vultures around him. Before he can finish pouring the box content into the display area, eager hands in the rugby scrum will try grab the 'biggest' and freshest. This usually happened when mangoes, melons, apples are on sale. It did not end there as some shoppers would continue to wait for the next box to be poured...hoping for a better (?) fruit. I really do not know when they will be satisfied with their purchase which is already the freshest (straight from the box) at that moment.
 
Shoppers rushed to grab the new stock of cherries even before the employee finished unloading.

-  Tearing : Among the boxes of prepacked fruits, one could always find some with their packing literally torn even those in cardboard carton like persimmons, Philippines or Indian mangoes. It seemed that the shoppers were looking deep inside for its freshness, quality, size, whatever. I have seen some shoppers changing the content inside...of course to change for the larger fruit found in another box. Those which were weighed and tagged were not spared either. The shoppers didn't bother that there would be a change of price for the these weighed item after the exchange!!!! Who wiould buy those with torn packaging??

-  Abandoning : Among the shelves, one could find packages of weighed fruit which have been abandoned either due to the price (shocked by it) or their whims. Some fruits like Cherries seemed to be deceptively cheap...12 cents per 100gm. Thus you find shoppers eagerly choosing the best and reddest, most perfect in shape....until they go to the counter to weigh them!!! They were then shocked by the price. They thought that no one would see them abandoning the item on other shelves......Sometimes I would take those abandoned packages as I believed the previous shopper would have taken the time and effort to choose the best, thus sparing me the trouble.

 
Vegetable or fruit? A bitter gourd at the apple stand. Fruits, eggs, bread were found on top of fruit cartons

 
Goodies or drinks? Some were abandoned after weighing.

Supermarket vs Neighbourhood shops
The supermarket/hypermarket may be giving too much respect to the shoppers. It could be their fault or they are too sensitive to the demands of the shoppers that they allowed the uncivilized actions to happen. Imagine shoppers choosing or tasting the fruits before buying in the neighbourhood shops. Will those shoppers do the same? They would be charged (below picture taken from a shop in popular fruit shop in Jurong West) ..... would they be willing to pay 90 cents to test taste a lychee?? Moreover, some vendors could be hurling some choice words if you wished to choose or while you were choosing, especially on those who did it excessively. Yes, everyone of us wanted to select the best but to do it at the expense of others is not the way. Who would want goods damaged by you? There must be mutual respect.

Will you pay 90 cents to test taste a lychee??

80 cents for a mangosteen? You pay up as you taste!!!

Disclaimer:
I have no interest in any supermarket/hypermarket either as an owner, proprietor or employee. I am just your average consumer.


Sunday, July 20, 2014

Orang Asli Skudai

19 July 2014
After a one day Durian Feast trip, we were brought to an Orang Asli settlement in Skudai for seafood dinner. Though hygienically it was a "D", the food was good. No surprise that it was packed with diners in a Saturday night. This village may go in the near future as development in the nearby Danga area is closing in.

 
The sunset and dusk views of the sea from the restaurant: