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Cikgu Leong, Batu Niah (2026)

28/09/2017

13 year olds writing haikus on Merlin – Official

28/09/2017

What happens when you have Scrabble.

06/08/2017

I think, in this third year as a teacher, one more lesson in addition to the others God has given me, is that loving really can break your heart. Or make your love seem like such a foolish thing, when you don't see the change you want happen. And I'm talking about my class of 14 year olds students here, not about a guy.

It's a one year and eight months relationship we have. Much of my disappointment comes from about 5 of the 36 students, but it's true that a few rotten apples spoil the whole barrel. Two apples talk while I'm talking in class. Another apple likes to walk around and tease classmates by taking away pens or books. This other apple brings a bag with two books inside, neither of which is English, and keeps saying next time the right books will appear. Some other apples sit at the back of class, chatting amongst themselves and only starts writing when I walk near them.

So yes, by August I got pi**ed off. Why be reasonable when they aren't? It's extremely boring, angering and a little exasperating when the same apples say, "Miss can I go to the toilet? Miss can I go fill up my water bottle? Miss don't be angry. Miss relax, miss". Like it's not a big deal to escape from 30 minute lessons. Like they don't realize how they're discouraging me from giving my best if a toilet seems more exciting than my lesson.

And then, when I was mentally prepared to just do the minimum best, two boys came and asked if they could have extra class. So last wednesday, we spent an hour reviewing strategies for writing a 50 word letter (Form 2 English paper Section B Question 2). The next day, word had got around and a few more asked if they could join. By Friday, it was a larger group. And I can definitely see their desire to do well in exam.

Miss, what is the meaning of "feelings"?
Miss, I don't understand this question miss.
Miss, I am done. (I mark their work on the same day, so they know if they're getting it right or not.)
Miss, esok ada lagi tak? Boleh la miss.. (Is there class tomorrow too? Can right?)

I dare not hope that this spirit of learning will stay on till the end of our school year. I dare not because disappointment has hurt me more than I ever want to live through. I'm just going to stay back every time they ask me to. Mark every exercise they show me. Be present any time they want me to be present. Be grateful that even two students show up. Sleep well and keep my weekends work free because I ain't gonna burn out before December.

I'm just gonna write and post this on Facebook because God gave me manna when I was ready to die in the desert.

10/07/2017

Partnership with St Joseph Institution International Malaysia, in running a weekend camp for upper form. 7-9 July 2017

12/05/2017

Part 1: Cutting patterns out of linoleum (that's a common classroom material here in Subis. Usually used to cover floors and tables). Idea credit goes to Huda XD who showed me her students' work last year.