Sam Soo's Blog

First Aid Competition on 26 Feb 2011 at Evergreen Secondary School

2011-03-06T04:42:00.001-08:00

Redcross Enrichment Programme and Beach cleaning at East Coast Park on 1 Nov 2010.

2010-11-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=329432&id=739934615

Favourite piano youtube channel

2010-10-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/fanjason0

First Aid Competition on 4 Sep 2010 at St Margaret Girls School

2010-09-04T05:50:00.001-07:00

Teachers' Day Celebration 31 Aug 2010 at Zhenghua Secondary School

2010-08-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

Please follow this link to view and download your photos. But you need to log into Facebook first before you click the link below in order to access the photos.

Thank you.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=273822&id=739934615&ref=mf

Sam Soo

2010-06-27T04:49:00.001-07:00

Hello, testing

A great Geography documentary show

2010-05-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

This is really good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU

Redcross Training Session 21 May 2010

2010-05-22T06:56:00.001-07:00

Singapore Flyer on 19 May 2010 with 3 Character and 3 Excel

2010-05-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Redcross Camp 17 - 20 March 2010

2010-03-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sarawak 14 - 17 March 2010

2010-03-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

Redcross National Footdrill Competition 6 Mar 2010

2010-03-06T19:24:00.001-08:00

We were walking towards the parade square at Raffles Instituition.
Words of encouragement from Mr Sam Soo before the start of the competition.
Getting prepared for the first round of competition.

Words of encouragement from Miss Neo before the start of the competition.

More words of encouragement and instruction from Miss Neo to ensure that all were well-prepared while Mr Sam Soo went to order Nasi Ayam for the cadets.

Thank you for your unwavering support and die hard fans.

Junior cadets who came and supported all the way. Thank you Wen Pang and Sai Jie for their help and support throughout the competition.

Start of the competition. We were Team 7

Zuriati as the Commander of the squad. All eyes were on her and she was very stressed out.

Award ceremony with Miss Chua.

We got North District Champion AGAIN!!!! For the 7th time, we got it AGAIN!!! The taste of success for our cadets is so sweet and I hope we can continue with this achievement again. On top of that, we have broken our record by being the 1st runner up for the whole of Singapore!

Funny pose with Mr Sam Soo as the photographer.

The Secondary 4 cadets who had done their duties to their utmost ability. Well-done Sec. 4!

Well-done Sec. 3!

Some of the cadets cried when we got the North District Championship. When we went into the second round, we only expected to get a consolation prize like previous years. However, when the judge did not announce our school name, the atmosphere started to get excited. I expected a third in position but it was RI! Miss Neo and I went crazy at that point of time! We got 2nd in the whole of Singapoore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No words could describe my joy for the students when they announced Evergreen Secondary School. EVEgians could hardly contain themselves in the squad. I actually practiced my 360 degree jump of joy at home for this event but I didn't expect that we would get a 2nd placing in the whole of Singapore. I didn't know how to react. I stood down there, dumbfounded. "Am I dreaming? Is it true? We were better than RI and RGS?"

Teaching is really a meaningful vocation. It is not a job nor a passion. It is a vocation. A commitment to see that our students grow and be educated. Well done Redcross Cadets!

Do you know the true meaning behind every flower for Valentine's Day?

2010-01-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

Try this website and you will know be brought into a new world.

www.flowers-cs.com

Secondary 1 CCA Orientation on 9 Jan 2010 (Sat)

2010-01-09T22:02:00.001-08:00

Do you realize something very wrong here? I have quite a number of photographs of Wei Lun emitting white light!!! According to Taoism, people who emit white light are extraordinary people: They must have accumulated a lot of good deeds.

Burning papers together

2009-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

I didn't know that burning things can be so fun! It has been a long time since I last burnt anything with my Daddy. It took us 1 hour to burnt all the religious papers that were deemed to be good for luck.

Yes, I think we should spend more quality time doing something together. Otherwise, most of the time, we were just living in our own world.

Redcross Camp 24 - 26 Nov 2009

2009-12-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

HSBC Tree Top Walk at Venus Drive on 29 Oct 2009

2009-10-30T22:09:00.001-07:00

The start of the Tree Top Walk.

"Where are we?"
There was a stream beside us.

"What are you looking at?" "Did you manage to find all the plants and flowers in the chart?"

Up slope

One by one

"Hello, anybody at home? Mails for you!!!"

"We are above the canopy level!"

We had a minute of silence enjoying the scenery around the place.

Petaling Trail

"We are spotted by soldiers! Run!"

Thank you Shi Hui for being the photographer. She has done an excellent job. Let's clap! CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!

I hope that you learnt something from this natural heritage trail. This is a great place to run and exercise. Singapore is full of treasures. All you need to do is to learn to appreciate them and you will realise that there are lots of things to explore in our homeland.

David Wong, I hope you can join us in the next trip.

Redcross Charity Bazaar 25 October 2009 (Sunday)

2009-10-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Collecting coupons from the kids for the Game.
Singapore Poly Volunteers at our Game booth.

Presents for those kids who took part in our Game.

National History Museum NE Heritage Trail 23 Oct 2009 (Friday)

2009-10-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

Something interesting?
The Guide was explaining to the redcross cadets what this exhibition was all about.

Down to Level B1 where the Belgium Exhibition was.

Going to the Special exhibition

The Journey began

Arrival at the National History Museum

In the bus

We were about to go for the NE Learning Journey.

The year is coming to an end

2009-10-02T16:41:00.001-07:00

The year is finally coming to an end. I have been waiting for this for a very long time. Desperate, you may say but I think it is time to take a break.

Singapore Quarry

2009-09-11T04:40:00.001-07:00

A new NPark attraction called Singapore Quarry near to Railway Mall at Bukit Timah. A lost paradise forgotten by time and people.

People are just doing their jobs

2009-08-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

In the past, I used to be very angry with people who try to make my life difficult. Be it the traffic policeman who gave me a fine for jaywalking, or someone who made empty promises. Now, I have changed my perspective. Just remember that these people are just doing their jobs. It is something that they hate as well. I mean, who in this world would go around irritating others when there are better things to do? Most of the time, they are just doing their jobs. If you were in their shoes, how would you react? Probably worse than them?! So, keep your cool and remember that everything is short-lived. This irritation will disappear soon.

East Coast Park (1 Aug 2009)

2009-07-31T23:44:00.001-07:00

"Did we go to the wrong venue?"
"No, but this is the ending point. You need to go to MacDonald which is your starting point."
Arrrgggghhhh.....but we were happy! Strolling in East Coast Park is a luxury in life.

We were there quite early but Clarence was much earlier. He reached East Coast Park at 7.45am. A great early bird and I rewarded him with MacDonald breakfast. Cheers, Clarence!!!

Do you know why we were so happy? That's because we were going to MacDonald for breakfast!!!

"Just order. Money is not a problem. Eat more. Eat more. Oh....look at the camera....Seng Loong is taking the photo."

A masterpiece from Redcross!

Beauty in the foreground and in the background.

Postion yourself and smile!!!

Hello Handsome, it is time that we take your photo.

Smile, all of your smile!!!

All of you are standing on the breakwater, do you know that?

Enjoying aircon at Carl's Junior restaurant!

I saw two drops of blood walking around. Let's go and take a photo. Seng Loong...take photo!!! Miss Loke wants photos!!!!

Enjoy ourselves in the cozy corner of Starbuck at East Coast Park.

Moments like this won't come again. Even if it does, the place, time and people would be different. So every moment is unique. Treasure it!

Global Warming

2009-07-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Go to this website for more information. Very good and interactive.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/

A great movie

2009-07-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

War pictures. Horrible shredded bodies. I hated it. However, my friend Roy told me that the movie could people cry and it was good for Social Studies Book 3, Chapter 6. I didn't quite believe him. But I still rented the DVD.

The title is called 'Brotherhood' or in Korean language: Taegukgi (1950 Korea War). The video is in YouTube.

In my life, there are two things that will make me very sad:
1) Someone alive standing in front of a tomb and talking to the dead person.
2) Someone is forced in a train/bus and the loved ones were there chasing after the train/bus.

Why? That was something I experienced personally before.

And the movie had both the items. By the end of the movie, my eyes were all red.

It is a great movie. It makes people cry.

http://www.youtube.com/user/DaTOnEBLaCKGuY01

This is a small world!!!

2009-07-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

After the crab feast, I followed M to her friend's house.

When I was about to enter the house, I was greeted with a shocking expression from the owner.

"You are the AJC guy in my next class, right? I didn't change much. The hair is still the same." greeted MN.

I was taken aback. You mean I am that young???!!! Hahahaa.a......

"I don't know who you are. Who are you?"

"I am MN from 28/07 and you are in 29/97, right? Don't you remember me?" replied MN.

Seriously speaking, I really couldn't remember her at that point of time. But one thing was for sure: I like her terrace house so much, I wanted to buy it immediately! MN was very friendly and she brought me around the house. She seemed to know me for more than 10 years. True. From JC till now, that is more than 10 years. But, I still can't remember her at all?! While M was complaining to her about work, I walked around the neighbourhood and I fell in love with the place. After one round of walk, I sank into an armchair at the verandah, just outside the house. The homely ambience was too overwhelming, and I could totally understand why M always spends her weekend at MN's house. In fact, I like the house so much, I didn't want to leave the house!!!

Then, Miss F called me the next day and related that she was also a student in AJC and her husband as well. Wah....that's a small world!!! Not only that, I found out that Mr G is also from AJC and we are from the same batch.

You can go and guess who is who and the clue is: they are all teachers from Evergreen!!!

Very meaningful Chinese words

2009-07-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

得失皆是憂
如何不執著
但盡心與力
無求任水流

天地均有位
萬物亦自然
人能調萬物
自可掌天盤

funny video

2009-07-09T04:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkN9VdjgDwM

English Presentation from 3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking

2009-07-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

They are really so good in their presentation that I have no choice but to give them very high marks. Somehow, these two classes always managed to surprise me with their IT skills and the secret sides of their lives. Well done!!!

Social Distancing and going online

2009-07-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

"Mum, where are we going to eat tonight?" I asked.

"Stay at home. I am cooking. Got H1N1. Dangerous." she replied curtly.

Social distancing. That is such an ugly word. I can't imagine myself talking to my friends online most of the time. This is so boring. I don't know about the current generation of students. They must have loved it a lot. I don't. There is this lack of personal touch and seeing-face-to-face reality that has become a compulsive void in the lives of many people. In my opinion, communicating via SMS can be extremely distant as compared to friends coming out for a cup of coffee.

Since I was not going out for dinner, it would be better to explore this virtual world of wonder. I found Mr Brown's website very entertaining and downloaded a few Geography videos on GM Food. Great teaching resources!

It is such a joy to see my students again!

2009-06-30T04:30:00.001-07:00

It is always a joy to see my students again! They are all looking forward to come to school to learn and have fun. Most importantly, they are here to meet up with their friends and chit-chat.

On the first day, I thought I had sore throat after talking for many hours. However, somehow the voice managed to adapt quickly and on Wednesday everything was back to normal. 3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking are forever so lovely and energetic! My Pure Geography class is ever so obedient and quiet except for the 3 Respect boys. But I like them nonetheless because boys are meant to be noisy, isn't it? 4 Asp-Ent Geography elective class was very serious but also very tired as well. Imagine that they had to sit through numerous lessons before it ends at 4pm day after day. That is really tiring. However, everybody went through that stage in life. I went through that as well many years ago. When I cracked some jokes here and there, it happened to lighten the atmosphere and made the class laugh for 1 second. All right, that is not a total success but that is also not a total failure as well, right?

I am praying hard that H1N1 will not hit our school and if possible, I hope it will leave Singapore. It is so disruptive and there are so many interesting events that are cancelled due to this virus. Tourists have fallen by 15% after Singapore is listed as the affected country. With fewer tourists, hotel and entertainment industries will be badly hit. Coupled with the current economic crisis, it will only make matters worse. If money is not coming into the country, more people will suffer. So let's pray hard that things will improve in the near future.

Pure Geography Videos

2009-06-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Good Gegoraphy videos at YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CHJN77

Great song played and sang by our very own EVGian

2009-06-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

I was goggling at YouTube after a hard day in the jungle and I came across this video. Enjoy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS2ZGXxZebo

Final Week in Term 2

2009-05-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Even though this is the final week in Term 2, the working pace does not seem to slow down. In fact, everyone is so busy giving out exam papers and keying in marks. They are also many concurrent activities going on in school and everyone is walking like speeding cars on a race.

I had my 9th driving lesson and my instructor wanted me to drive to Clementi and back again to Bukit Batok. After the ride, my instructor said he won't want to bring me to Clementi again because I was a reckless driver. I literally sped throughout the whole course because there were so many cars pushing their way through and I was very stressed. My instructor kept echoing these words: "Slow down! Slow down! Slow down!"

Maybe I am moving too fast in life. Sometimes, it is caused by others but at the end of the day, it is still up to me to determine the pace of life. All of us have a choice. And I made this choice to slow down a while.

2 Achieve 2007

2009-05-14T05:50:00.000-07:00

Students from 2 Achieve 2007, Miss Lai really misses you. You are the best class in her mind. If this batch of students were to graduate, which you have to, please do well for your 'O' level exams so that you don't disappoint her.

Taiwan for 3 weeks

2009-04-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Taiwan was another Learning Journey in my life. I made many new friends and was glad to see those army pals, who went to Australia with me, again. There were some sensitive photos that could not be uploaded in my blog because it was simply too "sensitive". Anyway, there shouldn't be any photo taking in the army camp.

Many thought that ICT was a break from work and it was a great time to relax. I would like to correct that statement. Yes, it was a break from work but it was certainly not a great time to relax. We worked hard during the missions and toiled under sun and got slapped by unpredictable rain at all times. Mosquitoes became our common enemy and we could do nothing about it. Finding a clean toilet was a constant problem. And sleeping peacefully and comfortably during the missions was a dream that would never come true. My eye bags darkened to such an extent that I wouldn't even want to look into the mirror. If I did, I would be staring at a panda. I meant an ugly panda...yeah...that's me.

The most comforting part of the whole Army Exercise was that all the army guys suffered the same time that I was going through. And because of that, we were bonded together strongly. The celebration came when we returned to civilisation and had a 2 day-1 night R&R. We really maximised the time and had many great feasts, shopping spree and massages late into the night.

Below are some of the photos taken to fossilize the moment we had together.

Cliff (I don't know how to spell his real name) and me. A handsome air steward beside an ugly teacher. But who cares! Friendship is not about look, rank or occupation. It is about a sincere heart.

One memorable thing that I would always remember is the drinking of bubble tea. Bubble tea restaurants are everywhere in Taiwan. Yes, tea tea tea, but no coffee.

This is Room 505. Well, there is more than meets the eye in this hotel which I shall not comment.

A great finale with a steamboat feast!!! I really enjoyed the meal.

DO: What will you remember most in this Army Exercise?

KW: ...(Silence with a sullen face)

KL: I like the pearl rice and the girls asking me whether I wanted to drink more hot coffee.

Sam Soo: I will remember a lot of things in Taiwan such as the bubble tea, the great local cuisines and the shopping spree. But there is certainly one thing that I won't forget. And that is the hardship that we went through together as a team during the missions. How we helped one another regardless of rank...how we ate hot rice under the rain...how we set up and tore down CP numerous times...and because of that I will remember this friendship for eternity.

DO: Wah...model answer from a teacher!

Lessons that you can learn everyday

2009-04-09T23:49:00.001-07:00

Do you know that the universe is always teaching us every second? Your best friend can teach you the value of friendship while your enemy can teach you the true meaning of betrayal. Lesson can be fun and painful. But nevertheless, you will become a better person as the time goes by.

I have learnt a lot these few days from my surrounding area and it is simply great. I have become a wiser and better person now!

All thanks to you!!!

Turmoil week

2009-04-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

It was a quite a turmoil for me this week. Maybe you can detect it. Maybe you can't because I masked it all. My emotions sank to the deepest bottom of the valley. But I learnt one very important lesson: Whatever is yours is yours, whatever that is not, it won't be yours. There is no point fighting for it. You are just wasting your time. Relax and enjoy life! Don't take everything so seriously and learn to relax.

I totally lost my voice today!

2009-03-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect day. Students in 3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking were excellent. I really look forward to seeing them day after day. Everything was perfect except halfway through the lesson, I lost my voice.

Previously, I was had flu, sore throat and a bad cough. The illness didn't recover fully because I wanted to come back to school to finish up the syllabus before I go for my Army Exercise in Taiwan. I thought it would be okay but my illness got worse.

March Holidays

2009-03-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

I didn't really relax during March Holidays because I fell ill for 4 days and it went over to Monday. I literally lost my voice and coughed non-stop. Sleeping at night became a torture because each time I swallowed my saliva, it would irritate my throat and coughing would be ceaseless.

Then the doctor gave me a cough medicine that could make me sleep. The doctor told me that I over-exhausted myself and I was trying to do too many things at one thing. Now, my health is suffering. So he advised me to sleep. I must admit the medicine was simply fantastic. I slept for 24 hours! It was a serene, non-interrupted sleep that I longed for thousands of years. Resting and relaxing became a legend when I started working. That sleep was really sweet. It was so deep that I didn't want to wake up. The quietness and silence were so peaceful. That sleep was a true escape from all the troubles, problems and worries that I encounter in the day. How I wish that the sleep could last for eternity.

Redcross Camp (13 - 16 Mar 2009)

2009-03-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Family protrait at Changi Point Coastal Walk for an NE Learning Journey.
I was explaining to them the effects of wave erosion on Changi Coast.
She looked very confident!?

The Sec. 4 and VIs were walking behind to ensure that no cadet was abandoned unknowingly.

I was giving lecture again on the coast.

Why are you staring at me???!!!

Yes, we went Old Changi Hospital! The lengendary haunted place! Don't worry, I had made appointment with the ghosts already. They knew that we were for an NE Learning Journey and not to disturb them.

They looked shocked because I told them a ghost story at the venue.

This was the first time I saw Seng Loong being so pro-active. He volunteered as a traffic policeman. I was impressed.

We were doing beach cleaning but unfortunately it rained. Otherwise, we could have done more.

The Sec 1 were learning the first NE Lesson: Green and clean Singapore!

Unofficial photos during Sports Day 2009

2009-03-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Each student was given a chance to run for his/her House to win some points.

This was just the beginning.

By the end of the run, all students had to assemble at the parade square.

Mr Sanjay!
I think they are Rubgy boys.
Scene at the Soccer field 1

Scene at the Soocer field 2

Choon Heng and Hua Quan

Only Marven was looking at the camera.

The Red House Boys were so shy to even look at the camera.

My Redcross Cadets lazing around under the hot sun waiting for "business" to come.

Mr Ratish as the Emcee of the Soccer Match.

Taufiq was whispering secret strategies to win the Soccer Match.

An act cute girl

Pupils from Orange House as audience of the Soccer Match

Boys from 4 Commitment 2009

Sec 5 students lazing around waiting for a score at the Soccer Field.

Mr Vik as the coordinator at the Basketball Court

Another group of Redcross cadets.

The final match.

Yellow House Boys outside the Hall

I think this is the most beautiful picture I have captured so far for this event. Look at the 4 distinct colours!

Changi Village Recee 7 Mar 09 (Sat)

2009-03-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

We were at Changi Chapel and it was a hot afternoon!

Some of them took the initiative to write words of comfort to those who had sacrificed their lives for our freedom during Japanese Occupation in Singapore. Rest in peace comrades...

Amir and Daniel lighted the candles of hope and peace and paid their respect to those who were forgotten by many in World War II.

Apparently, they enjoyed the NE Learning Journey at Changi Museum.

We were crazy enough to start our second NE Learning Journey under the scorching sun along the Changi Boardwalk.

Many did not bring their umbrella. It is a lesson to be learnt. Wherever you go, always remember to bring an umbrella to prepare for unpredictable weather.

Happy together always!

I felt heat radiating and even the shade of the coconut tree did not provide much comfort.

A cute cow spotted by Amir and Wei Lun.

Sweat were starting to trickle down Boon Ping's face under the hot sun. His facial expression showed all.

I felt like an emperor when Amir carried the umbrella while Daniel showed the way.

2 pretty young ladies were leading the way.

Fishing: Father and son activity. A time to bond with each other.

A cheap way to collect clams. But I have a better way: Go to a restaurant and order loh!

It is Superman!!!

Mr Cool Dude!

Listening intently...

2 handsome but short hunks were leading the way to Old Changi Hospital.

Do you know that something frightening happened not at Old Changi Hospital, but at my home? The photos taken at Old Changi Hospital could not be saved at all!!! I had problem saving them and the images were deleted. That place is really haunted. When we were about to step into Old Changi Hospital, the sky turned black almost immediately. You can ask the rest to verify this if you don't believe.

We were talking down from the Old Changi Hospital. And I made sure that I was the last to leave the place. My face was quite solemn because I was praying silently to Buddha.

I had difficulty uploading this picture. Then something dawned on me! Old Changi Hospital was at the right side of the background!!!

Mr Toilet Man!

The end of the recee! Many of them were exhausted by 3pm.

When we boarded the bus, the rain was flooding the roads. I did not have any bad omen but I still prayed to Buddha along the way because I was worried that the "ghosts" would follow us. Somehow, I had a feeling that we made a narrow escape and lightning was striking furiously at the bus. Luckily nothing happened. We managed to wrapped up everything beautifully towards the end and all had a great time!

1 Week in Bedok Camp II

2009-03-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

Army Reservice is always so fulfilling and enriching. I am very amazed that Army has progressed so much in terms of skills and equipment for the past 10 years. There are finally using the weapons that my office has been experimenting since 2000. Thus, I am quite familiar with the weapons used and some officers are quite amazed that I know these new weapons. Knowledge is power when it is appropriately used.

Victor didn't join me this time round because his wife has just given birth to a baby girl (I think she is called Vera) and I am told to be prepared for a tough trip to Taiwan because there won't be anyone to rotate with me when it comes to monitoring the situation when the missions start. Suddenly, one Sergeant (K) and one officer (A) appeared in front of me and told me that there were combat engineers. That is a gift from heaven! I thought I could rest my throat this week in the Army, but I ended up teaching K the things that he needed to know for the missions. A very quick and eager learner indeed.

The best part of the programme is certainly not the planning stage of the missions but the meeting and having coffee with your Army friends. I got to know a few others and they are really nice people. Most of the time, we were talking while helping our officers to prepare the missions. A great time together and a wonderful break from school. But I do miss my students especially 3 Dyn and 3 Thk. I wonder what they are doing during English lessons. They must be lazing around. I need to whip them up again because they are really a bunch of good NA students and most of them have high potential to go to 5NA without doubt. So buck up!

Geography Challenge 28 Feb 2009

2009-02-28T00:46:00.001-08:00

We were having Amercian breakfast and it was cool! I was talking most of the time, telling them how to "win" the competition. I took the opportunity and showed them NUS. I recalled my story as an undergraduate and how I missed those days. They looked rather interested in NUS. I hoped that they would end up in NUS in the near future. The funny thing was, we ended up having an NE LJ and almost forgot about the competition. Yes, I missed those days when things were simpler and all you needed to do was to prepare for the exams.

Poison Ball

2009-02-28T00:31:00.001-08:00

They were having so much fun just by playing poison ball. I wished I could turn back time and play poison ball. Once my PE Teacher gave us an advice, "Play while you can. Play for a thousand years! Once you start working, things will be different. So play now boys and girls!" I didn't understand what he meant when I was a secondary school kid. Now I could understand the underlying meaning. Yes, play while you can, EVEgians!!!

Botanic Garden NE Learning Journey with Sec 1 Express 25 Feb 09 (Wed)

2009-02-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

Mdm Wong (forest guide) was very surprised that EVEgians actually sat down and waited patiently for her to arrive. She said to me, "Mr Sam Soo, your kids are really well-behaved! Last week, a group of Sec 3 students from a school in the east were so notorious and noisy. I almost gave up talking to them." I proudly replied, "Thank you." (Actually, I scolded them in the bus because they were making so much noise that tipped my breaking point.)

This was another group of 1 Aspire students. They were very engaged when the forest guide was talking to them. I also learnt a lot about tropical rainforest and the information could not be found in the textbook. It was very enriching.

Management skill was kept to the minimum when the kids were so engrossed. Mr Alawden and I actually planned to sit down but the information about the forest was so interesting that both of us were standing and listening intently!

At this part of the Botanic Garden, the Mdm Wong told the kids to choose a place to stand and all of them chose to stand under the shade. Lame but very real. She created a teaching opportunity to tell them the importance of trees. While the kids were playing around with the shade, I was standing in complete shade under a BIG tree to take photo and refused to even move out of shade. It was really cooling under the BIG tree and students got to experience this intensively especially when the afternoon sun was at its maximum. Good teaching method!

This fig tree actually bear fruits that can be easily obtained by the animals living in the tropical rainforest. When the animals eat the fruits, they will poo poo and it will contain the seeds and that is how seeds are scattered. Interesting fact!

The students were eating the fruits!!! It was called Wu Hua Guo and they tasted sweet.

This was one of the best emergent trees I have ever seen. Okay, upper Sec students, this will be the picture that will appear in your test!

We were about to enter the rainforest and Mdm Wong was giving instructions and the things to look out for. The kids were very excited. And I was very happy to see that learning was taking place and the textbook has become alive!

Along this rainforest trail, we saw many things and even Mr Zainudin who was so well-read commented that the guides were very knowledgeable. Even Mr Alawden felt that his knowlegde on tropical rainforest has increased by an inch. This journey was very fulfilling and I hope our kids have learnt how to appreaciate nature more.

Self-Worthiness

2009-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Reading Chicken Soup stories

2009-02-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

No more shopping for me! I bought more than $200 worth of Chicken Soup books at Jurong Point Harris Bookshop. I think I burst my budget for this month, but come to think about it, it is a good investment. Reading good books is a form of cultural capital. Chicken soup stories are quite good. In fact, they can be model essays for 'O' level English exams. The stories are inspiring and touching. I think I am quite a bad teacher. I have made quite a number of students cried during the English lessons by reading some very touching stories. The video on "no arms no legs" is a great motivational video that have influenced all my English students. I just hope that they like my lessons and continue to read more at their own time. It is through reading that will certainly help them to improve their English standard.

Enjoy reading!

2009-02-14T18:32:00.001-08:00

On our way to Fairfield Sec Sch. All of us were very excited and stressful for this competition. Some of them were chewing up their breakfast on the bus because they were so engrossed with the preparation of their uniform that they forgot to eat their breakfast. Luckily Miss Loke had prepared some breads and drinks for the cadets.

The cadets were so scared and excited that they stood throughout the bus journey. But actually, they didn't want their uniform to get crinkled.

They really enjoyed each other's support and company!

I told them this is a once-a-lifetime thing. You won't get to represent Evergreen Redcross again because you are already Sec 4.

Look at all the handsome young men in the bus!

Forgot to turn on the flashlight.

Although Amir was smiling broadly at this moment, deep in his heart, he was praying hard that things would turn out smoothly because he was the COMMANDER!!!

Daniel was up to some mischief AGAIN.

Daniel again, trying to entertain the rest of the cadets to make the atmosphere less tense.

Seniors came back to support and help out. Thanks a lot, Seniors!

Miss Loke was making the last minute inspection that all was prim and proper.

This was the actual competition and my heart thumped out of my body whenever they made a mistake.

They were very serious! I was praying hard silently.

Yes, we were North District Campion AGAIN! Sometimes, it can be very boring whenever you get the same GOLD, AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!!! Hahaahahaaa.....

We only got consolation for the fancy drill but none of us was sad or disappointed. The cadets had done their best and they deserved a good rest.

Two GOLD trophies AGAIN!!! What is silver? What is bronze? I can only recognise one colour: Gold, Gold, Gold!

Well done cadets! You have created new history in Evergreen Secondary School. To me, Gold is just a piece of metal but what is really important is the process of achieving something together. I hope that through this experience you have become a better person and treasure this friendship for a long long time to come.

This won't be possible without the effort of everyone. And this includes the supporters, seniors and not forgetting, the other CCAs who sacrificed their time to train with us. They are the NCDCC, NPCC, NCC and the sports CCAs for letting us occupy the whole parade square for many afternoons. Thank you all for making this possible!

Secrets of Sound Sleep

2009-02-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

Pure Geography 3 Achieve/ Respect

2009-02-05T04:49:00.000-08:00

It is always heaven in Geography Room. They are all angels. What can I say to them? You will produce 100% pass and 50% distinction. It is a joy to teach this bunch of students. But this kind of joy is different from 3 Dyn and 3 Thk. It is peaceful joy. Clean, neat and tidy. Happy intellectual discussions and pure laughter which I have not enjoyed for quite some time. Thanks for helping me to find back this joy!

3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking

2009-02-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

They are twin brothers! 3 Dynamic is really unique! I have never seen such a talkative class. Students from 3 Thinking can behave much better. But both are equally lovable. I seriously look forward teaching these 2 classes.

Every Wednesday is always a tiring day for me because I have 6 teaching periods and you can literally see me running around like a mad man. After each Wednesday I will always have a pile of homework to mark. It is really tiring but each time I start reading the essays by 3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking, they will never fail to make me laugh. Some essays are really good, some stories are simply off tangent but they are really cute.

This Wednesday I had a terrible headache and my mum was telling to go and see a doctor. When the alarm clock rang at 5.20am, I simply could not wake up. Then I prayed to Buddha silently and bargained with him.

"Buddha, if I have to fall sick, please delay for one more day. Because I have no lesson on Friday. I cannot afford to miss lessons with 3 Dynamic and 3 Thinking. Geography is even worse, I only have 2 periods with my Sec 4 each week. I really cannot miss the lesson. Please, please, please."

When I slowly got up, the pain in my head started to disappear.

When I entered these 2 classrooms, I was very touched that all of them brought the newspaper and the Grammar Book. And all of them were waiting for my lesson. At that moment, I was very touched.

Thank you for being so attentive in class. Your small action really can make teachers' heart melt.

4 Commitment

2009-02-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Rest assured. Nothing can waver my confidence that all of you will give me at least a pass and some may even surprise me with a distinction. I think this is the class that I screamed at most of the time. Hmm...actually it is 4 Caring, not 4 Commitment. Frankly speaking, at the deepest bottom of my heart, I really like teaching this class. What troubles me is that 4 Commitment has many hidden gems that until now they are still buried deep underground. I think that is the reason why I screamed. 4 Commitment, WAKE UP!!! Uncover yourself and SHINE!!!

Band 1 Geography 2009

2009-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

They will anchor with all the A1 and A2. I am very confident that my students are able to do that. No doubt about that because they are simply fantastic. This is the cohort that I followed through since Sec 1 all the way to Sec 4. I think I will cry when they leave Evergreen. They are really lovable. Continue the good work and work hard for your academic subjects. Nothing is more important than your 'O' levels now. Believe in yourself. If not, at least believe that Mr Sam Soo has the confidence in you.

Keeping Pessimism at Bay

2009-02-05T04:19:00.000-08:00

The hidden power of giving

2009-02-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

soap operas

2009-01-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

Many students do not understand why long drama series are called 'soap operas'? This BBC website gives you a very clear explanation:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/index.shtml

Changing Your Perception

2009-01-29T05:20:00.000-08:00

Controlling Our Minds

2009-01-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Relationship and Self Esteem

2009-01-29T05:16:00.001-08:00

Healing through acceptance

2009-01-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

Accepting Yourself and Others

2009-01-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

Climate Change

2008-12-31T18:54:00.001-08:00

A newspaper article related to Pure Geography students on the topic of Climate.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081231/tap-492-report-climate-change-effects-sp-231650b_2.html

Prime Minister Lee and his New Year Message 2009

2008-12-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

This is a very important message for all Singaporeans. Read the newspaper article.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081231/tap-494-spore-economy-grew-1-5-2008-year-231650b.html

Means Testing in 2009

2008-12-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

This newspaper article is related to Social Studies Chapter 2: Singapore Healthcare.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090101/tap-563-public-hospitals-ready-implement-231650b.html

Dealing with Adversity

2008-12-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

A good essay on writing

2008-12-29T23:27:00.000-08:00

This is a great essay on how writing made one person so inspired that he became a writing teacher.
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Chicken-Soup-For-The-Soul/2008/12/The-Write-Way-Write-Away.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER

Happiness around the world

2008-12-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Refer to this website if you want to have an idea of where to seek happiness:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2008/09/Happiness-Lessons-from-Around-the-World.aspx

Christmas 2008

2008-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

If you want to know about Christmas, visit this BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1317_xmas08/