The One about a bone to pick

As I had always said, IJ always has a very special position in my heart. And of course the very fact that it is so near to where I stayed always give me the additional incentive to just drive past the spankiing new building, catching sometimes glimpses of the ever familiar blue pinafores and of course going into the times when I first came in as a trainee teacher. It seems so long ago and sometimes so surreal.

Perhaps at times I have still not made my peace with the fact that I am already in a new school, teaching other students and on top of that, working for a new principal, in a new management. However it always brighten up my day when I come back for a visit and felt so welcomed. Well almost at times.

I had been really busy with my new school and I believe that some of you who still keep in contact with me can testify for that. I worked extremely long hours , even longer than the usual times I spend in IJ. Thus any free time that I could spare would be for my wife, for my family, for my friends, and to me, sometimes just popping by IJ would be a time for myself. It is gratifying to know that some of you (staff and students) still welcome me back with open arms, and the affections you showed when I sometimes popped by for a social visit was really much appreciated. The attention from the Track and Field team when I returned yesterday was really great. However there are also some who actually felt that I was just- quoted and unquoted "too free, must be pretty idle". I resented this remark for it questions the very professionalism I had in my new school. I resented this remark for it also showed that I am not welcomed.

I know there are some who feel that I should have just moved on, and forget about it, but to me IJ is just like an alma mater like all of you, and sometimes, things that I have so passionately believed in had changed so drastically that I felt morally obliged to just try to get the record straight. I know that in so doing, I may be perceived as a busybody, but I am willing to do so, because I so passionately believed in the things in the school and of course the welfare of the IJ girls which some, I have seen them growing up in their teenage years.

Sad to say whether it is appreciated or not, I will come back as long as I am welcomed, even if it is only some staff and some students.

P.S: Just realised that i sound bitter. I'm actually quite ok, tired though. I think I just got carried away, I think. :D

P.S: Thanks for all of you who had added me in your MSN, my MSN will usually be operational during office hour( school hours from 7 to 7) and maybe some time in the weekend. Send me a msg, let me know how's thing are gettting on.

P.S: I heard that RMUN 2006 had gone up one level, there are interviews, and if Val, Alessa, Germaine and of course Tricia and Sarah you people need help, can drop me a line, or email me.
K?

The One with the no weekend

I carried an entire pile of marking which fit nicely into my car boot. Term tests, assignments, workbooks.

I am wondering how am i going to finish marking them..

Shall take 1 step ( pile) at the time.

Hm in the first place why am I blogging..

The One with My MSN Messenger

Many ex students wanted to know how to get in touch with me. One way would be through MSN messenger ( yes I am not so ancient). my email for msn is alec_ng@hotmail.com.

Some basic groundrules...

1) Please let me know who u are, when adding me in your contact list or risk getting blocked
2) If I don't reply you, you could mean I am too busy, or ignoring you or better still, busy ignoring you...

See you on MSN..

Mr Ng

The One about going back to school Again

Going back to school has been a footdragging, or car-braking experience. Today is dreadful monday. And I have just had 10 days worth of R-&-R at Hotel SAF, where brawn rather than brains was the flavour of the month. I was trying my best to deactivate the grey matter and I must say that I am pretty successful in doing that, so successful that I am having a hard time trying to crank it up and hype myself for today, coupled with the perennial monday blues

The lazy morning was greeted with compliments of concerns ( wah you look tanned, must have been pretty "siong") and of course the unceremonious poke, tainted with sacarsm ( you look really fresh!). Taking it in my stride like a true blue SAF serviceman, I commenced on my recee duty of trying to find a vantage point to start the already piling homework, tests and of course the administrative work which I have to clear.

Students alike greeted me with renewed zest, paying full due to the belief that "absence made the hearts go fonder". One Sec 4N girl even gave me a small snicker bar to welcome me back. The sec 3s upon seeing me greeted me a la Singapore Idol. Much as I hate to admit it... it is nice to feel welcome.

Welcome back!

The Ego One

The One with the O levels Results (part 2)

To the IJ girls I had taught, scolded, punished, ignored, teased, made fun of and "inspired"

Congrats for all the good results you have gotten. The results is a passageway to the next phase of your journey. 2 or 3 years down the road, you will not remember what you had gotten but will be eagerly anticipating embarking on a new phase of your life. For those who did exceptionally well, savour the moment for you deserved every second of it. For those who did not do as well, well life still goes on :p and most importantly every setback is just a step closer to success. It is not whether you fall or not, it is how fast you get up.

Even though I am not in IJ, i had heard so many of you calling me, sending me emails, sms-es as I busied myself in my green fatigues, handling a weapon (the SAF M 16) which I had not touched for almost 10 over years. Much as I like to witness the euphoric looks on your faces, I was kinda tied down by my national obligations. However it was nice to hear from all of you for it showed that IJ girls are appreciative and that I have in some way, good or bad, left a mark in your lives.

I had heard that Thanksgiving Mass will be 22 feb wednesday. Many students asked whether if I will be back in IJ. Much as I love to do so, I had my other obligations in another school. I apologise for not being there but I am sure all of you will savour the moment and of course embark on your new journey with zest and anticipation.

I had heard that there are some girls who wants to get in touch with me. You can try to email me. For those who want to talk to me.... can get the numbers from my 4/4 2005 girls. I am most willing to get in touch with IJ girls, and of course if your name happens to be Clarabelle..

GODSPEED!

Mr Ng

The One with the O level Results

Unlike the last time 2 years ago, when I came running back from my national duty to serve the country, this year will not be the case; I am again doing my obligatory duty and this time I would not be able to be there in IJ or YTSS. Sigh..

Anyway this is just a note to all my girls 2005 - what's done is done, don't worry about the results for you have done your best..

Let me know by email or sms how you people do ok??

Mr Ng