7th National Conference for Excellent Teachers , 21-25 Nov 2009

Dato Dr Puad Zakarshi, Deputy Education Minister launching the conference

Jariah (GC from Kedah) and I

Presenting my paper to the audience

Rapt attention

The 300 participants from all over the country

A marvellous sharing session by Pn Hjh Serina Sauni- Sains Miri Principal

Tn Hj Mohd Noh Daipi sharing perspectives from Singapore

Tan Sri Muhyidin, closing speech and the launching of two MGCM books

A souvenir for the minister

Date: 21-25 Nov 2009
Venue: Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel, KL

A total of 300 excellent teachers from various subjects gathered at the 7th MGCM conference recently. Finally, the conference took off despite a few change of dates. The official opening ceremony was graced by Dato Dr Puad Zakarshi, Deputy Education Minister and the closing ceremony by Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin, the Education Minister himself. The paper presentation I enjoyed most was from Pn Hjh Serina Sauni, Sains Miri principal who showcased many programmes she carried out in all the five schools where whe was principal. Great ideas! And I thought she was very dynamic despite her height (4 ft 11)!!

In addition, 17 papers were presented by excellent teachers from different subjects during the parallel sessions. Mine was the first in Pacific Ballroom A. This was my third presentation at the national convention and I was happy to be able to share my action research. It was good to meet many friends, Hema, Vasantha, Gurdashan, Rohaida, Mala, Kak Aisyah, Jariah just to name a few. After my paper, I had a great conversation with the Singapore presenters, Tn Hj Mohd Noh Daipi (Assistant Director, MOE Singapore) and Pn Fadillah Isnin (Head of Languages, Moe Singapore) during the tea break. Tan Sri Muhyiddin launched two books - Selagi Masih Muda (a collection of short stories by GCs) and Strategi P & P Guru Cemerlang. Hope to upload the slides soon.

CALLING ALL MY FRIENDS!

Salam and hi,
My handphone just woudn't start and I had to get a new one yesterday. Some software problem, so the vendor said. Poor me lost 300 numbers in the phone memory which includes yours!! I feel LOST!. So to all my friends out there, please contact me via e-mail and send me you numbers yaa.. :( Hope to hear from you.

Quality Awards, PPD Kluang

Tn Hj Mat Kassim  from JPNJ- oficial representative of the state director

Tn Hj Shaharudin- Kluang PPD (4th from left)

Me after the ceremony

Winners Group Photo

Date: 21 Nov 2009

Venue: Main Hall, SK Chong Hwa 2

Today I received the Anugerah Khas Program Inovasi (Guru) for the Tuesday's Date with PS Programme. When I first mooted the idea to the panel, I was quietly thinking that if it were to win anything, I'd like everyone in the English panel to go up the stage to receive it as a group innovation. However, this was considered for the individual category and so I was all alone on stage. Still, I would like to share this award with all the members of my panel- Puran, Dr Rekha, Sarojini and Anand. Hey! We won guys!!

This has been quite a year for me- a mix of good and bad really but winning seven awards in a year is beyond my imagination!! Alhamdulillah. I don't know if this lucky streak will continue but suffice to say, I am thankful to everyone, especially my principal  Madam Tan Tong Yar for her support and encouragement. Without the support, it wouldn't have materialised.

It's that time of the year to take stock of things and to move forward.- to soak in the good and to leave out the not so good. Sometimes we need to embrace change in life to bring out the best in you. Moving to my present school was that big change and I have no regrets. I have always believed "Rezeki ada di mana-mana." Winning awards is just a bonus  after the hard work is done. At the end of the day, it is not the awards that matter, it is taking action and doing something for your students that matter. This is my third year in SMK Canossian Convent, Kluang and two promotions and seven awards later, I still can't believe my luck!

GC- Kecemerlangan Berterusan!

Literature Component Forms 1-3

Finally, I got a copy of the book I co-wrote today. The cover certainly looks great! Hope it will help students and teachers alike. Happy teaching!

Holidays finally!

Getting rid of clutter and throwing what you don't need anymore can be very therapeutic! The satisfaction of chucking old notes, handouts etc was all mine and this was what happened on the last day of school. When your table is cleared of clutter and those drawers are clean, you feel really good. I'm so looking forward to this holidays although I have to be in KL twice- the first being this Sunday for the National Convention for Excellent Teachers and the second for the Literature course. Let's see what I've got planned:

• mum's medication
• reading all my books ( three by my beside so far)
• climbing up Gunung Lambak in a bid to lose some (?) weight
• completing that book that has been stalled for a while...
• dad's tahlil on the 25th
• reading the Quran and its translation
• fasting every Mon and Thurs
• scheme of work for my classes next year
• module for the new iterature component
• updating and filing
• action research for 2010
• spring cleaning
• gardening (weeding rather :)
• cookery course in jb
• weddings
• tea with some close friends

Hope I can do them all :)

PPMP Meeting

Top: En Shan (our Principal Asst. Director English Language, JPNJ) wrapping up the year's work
Middle: Theva, Shirley and I
Bottom: Theva, Shirley and Rani

Date: 18 November 2009
Venue: PLGM Bandar Tenggara, Kulai

The PPMP meeting was held to prepare materials for the Spelling Competition in 2010 and to edit any incomplete modules for PMR, SPM and UPSR. Although this was my second meeting here, I still got lost (I have a habit of doing this hehe). To cut a long story short, a young woman who was selling kuih by the roadside showed me the right directions. Suffice to say our mission was accomplished!

Briefing for Johor State Excellent Teachers (ET)

Date: 17 Nov 2009
Venue: PKG Benut, Pontian

Top: PKG Benut
2nd from top: me in front of the entrance
3rd from top: from left- me, Jayanti and Tg Norashikin
Bottom row- Kalsum and partner from Kluang

All state English Excellent Teachers were called to this meeting and it was great to meet all the new ETs. There are more ETs now and this is a positive development. I overshot to Air Baloi, Pontian on my way here (talk about sense of direction!). On the way, I called dear friend Hood for directions and as usual Hood is always able to steer me to the right direction! Thanks Hood (No. Not Robin Hood). When I reached the PKG, I realised I had been here some 15 years ago. The amazing thing was the exterior remained the same (see first top pic), quaint and all, but the interior was very impressive- renovations were still being done while we were having our meeting. En Shanmugananthan (Principal Assistant Director JPNJ) chaired the meeting and outlined the state programmes for 2010. Also mentioned - the KPI for GCs. Anyway, the expectations are so high I'm not sure I can shoulder them all :(  I pray God gives me good health as I still have 11 years to go and who knows what other curriculum transformations will take place! In this meeting too, the Majlis GC Bahasa Inggeris Negeri Johor was formed and I was appointed the chairperson for the secondary level and Jayanthi for the primary level. Phew! Get ready for more work to come!

State Level JKD Meeting

Date: 16 Nov 2009
Time: 8.30a.m.-2.30 p.m.
PPD Kluang

Top: Chariperson or reps from district panels
Middle: Pn Noraini (PPD Kulai), En Kana (PPD Segamat), En Mahyudin (PPD Kluang)
Bottom: En Shan (Principal Asistant Director (English Language) JPNJ and En Rozlan (Senior Supervisor JPNJ)

Current developments in the teaching of English were discussed in this meeting and every district reported on the activities carried out by their respective District English Panels. Programmes and expectations for 2010 were also discussed. En Shanmuganathan chaired the meeting.

THE SPM FEVER IS ON...

TO ALL SMCC SPM CANDIDATES:

DO YOUR BEST!

GLORIOUS SHARING DAY!

Date: 13th November 2009
Main Hall

The best part today was when my students from 5S2 all cheered and congratulated me outside the hall after I received the award and Elaine (whom I don't teach but who helped us a lot with debates-thanks Elaine, best wishes in your SPM) shook my hands and said "Congratulations teacher." That really made my day!

Sharing Day + Form 5 Farewell + Pn Tan's Farewell

Top pict: Mr Larry (Board of Governors) and Sister Mary (ex Principal)
2nd from top: Students waiting for the performances
3rd from top: Madam Tan (my boss) giving her speech
Bottom: Yours truly receiving the Anugerah Khas Guru

Date: 13th Nov 2009
Venue: School Hall, SMK Canossian Convent, Kluang

Today we witnessed three glorious celebrations in SMK Canossian Convent- Sharing Day, Form 5 farewell and the principal's retierment. I particularly enjoyed the rendition of the three songs (Bila Terasa Rindu, Naanbanai Partha Neram, a Chinese number, and We are One) by the Form 5 girls. It sounded melodious although their eyes were all up the back wall trying to read the lyrics :) Well-done girls! And the dances were so much better this year. The farewell for Madam Tan was a bit low key as there will be a proper one for her in January. I received the Anugerah Khas Guru for my paper presentations at the national and international levels. One final thought- I truly regret being late this morning -thought 8a.m. ..and to think that I actually woke up at 5am!! I should kick myself...
(More picts in the slide)

'Tautan Mesra' Dinner- MGC Kluang

En Mohd Said Daimon from Kluang PPD giving his speech

Ismail (MGC Kluang Chairperson)

From left: Kak Nor (MGC Johor chairperson), me and Pn Sapiah

(VIPs in serious discussion)

(The Zapin dance from SM Sains Johor students- you go girls!)

Makan-makan

The Ghazal team from STK

Tokoh GC Kluang District 2009

Date: 11 November 2009
Time: 8-11 p.m
Venue: Prime City Hotel

It was raining cats and dogs as I drove to Prime City for the Kluang District Majlis Guru Cemerlang dinner. The wipers had to work extra hard as it was almost impossible to see what was ahead. To make things worse, silly me forgot to take the umbrella from the rear window first, so I had to fetch it when I reached the parking lot. You don't need a super imagination to picture what happened afterwards! I arrived, pretty wet and rushed to the 6th floor. As I was part of the welcoming committee, I waited for the VIPs- En Shamsudin Haron (Assistant Director, JPNJ), En Mohd Said Daimon and En Shahat (PPD Kluang). STK provided the Ghazal performance and Sains Johor entertained us with the zapin dance and a song from one of the girls. It was great to be greeted by my ex students from Sains Johor! They were part of the zapin team. How they have grown!

We celebrated Pn Sapiah's retirement too in this dinner. All the best to her. May she have a wonderful retirement. I received the 'Tokoh Guru Cemerlang Daerah' Award 2009- Alhamdulillah. Thanks to the selection committee. Credit must be given to Ismail (Kluang YDP) for all the hardwork he has put in and of course the committee for organising many activities this year. By the time the event was over, it was already 11 p.m. and the rain had stopped. In the mad rush to my car (only two cars left in the parking lot and I was pretty scared), I left my umbrella behind!!

Lunch Date with Madam Tan

Date: 11th November 2009
Time: 2 p.m.
Venue: Secret Recipe, Kluang Mall

Today six heads of panels from Kluang schools had a farewell lunch for Madam Tan (my principal), the chairperson for the Kluang District English Panel. She is retiring in January 2010 so I won't bid her farewell yet as she will still be in school. I was very embarassed, to say the least, as Madam Tan and Mawarni were already there...haiz. I was caught in the traffic on the way to Kluang Mall. Although some panel heads could not make it at the last minute, we had a good lunch and the atmosphere was informal. I managed to get something for her the day before on behalf of the others but I struggled a bit with the fruit basket (not having the flair for basket decoration!- apologies madam). I hope she likes the multipurpose cooker! (Happy Cooking! - not easy to buy a suitable gift yaa..) Thanks to Nuha (who rushed all the way from Sri Lalang), Huda (all the way from Kahang Timur), Hjh Noraini, Mastura, Linda and dear Mawarni. That night Mastura text me to suggest that we should have such gatherings in future. What a great idea! Such gatherings will be good breathers for all of us!

Briefing for Kluang District Excellent Teachers (ET)

Date: 5th November 2009
Time: 2.15p.m
Venue: SMK Taman Kluang Barat

Tn Hj Jalil Satari from PPD Kluang conducted a briefing for all excellent teachers (ETs) on the need to focus on the upcoming SPM examination. He presented data on the SPM Trial Exam for the state and the district. Kluang is placed 6th out of 10 districts with a GPS of 6.35. He also wants excellent teachers to oversee 4 programmes:

1. The setting up of a task force based on subjects. The task force will be concerned with: analysis of subjects, teaching and learning consolidation programmes for teachers, creation of curriculum standards for subjects (e.g. students' work), expert help from District Panels and Programme for 2010.

2. Subject Teacher's Immersion- MGC Kluang to identify the teachers, modus operandi, schedulling etc.)

3. Innovation- action research, teaching and learning innovations, teaching modules and KMKK (Kumpulan Meningkatkan Mutu Kerja). The PPD is planning to have an Action Research Seminar for Excellent Teachers (ET) in 2010. And finally...

4. ETs' teaching and learning should be a model to others e.g.s teacher's profile, record book, delivery and student's work and marking.

Sounds a mouthful, doesn't it? Well, certainly not for the faint-hearted..good luck ETs!!

If some people have their way, they would want me to blog like this (robot-like) from now on- a joke- get it? :)

Majlis Guru Cemerlang Johor 6th Meeting

Date: 5th November 2010
Time: 8.30-3.00 p.m
Venue: SM Sains Johor, Kluang

The 6th MGCJ meeting was held today. Also present were Pn Haizan from Johor State Jemaah Nazir dan Jaminan Kualiti (JNJK) and En Samsudin Haron, Assistant Director, Johor State Education Department who are coordinating officers for excellent teachers in the state. The issues discussed were:

1. Johor contingent's task as the Committee for Documentation and Video in the upcoming national conference of Majlis Guru Cemerlang Malaysia in Seri Pacific Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur from 21-25th Nov. There will be 226 excellent teachers attending the conference from all over the country. The official opening ceremony will be graced by the Deputy Education Minister, Dr Mohd Puad Zakarshi. Invited speakers for the plenary sessions will be Hjh Serina Saun (Senior Principal of SMK Sains Miri, Sarawak), Dr Sidek Baba (UIA), En Mohd Noh Daipu (Singapore) and Dato Nik Faizah Mustapha (former Ketua Nazir). There will be 16 parallel sessions and I will be presenting a paper too. This will be my third participation in the national conference.

2. Also discussed was the distribution of the MGCM 2010 diaries of which Johor will receive 400 as allocated by the national committee. The meeting also endorsed the formation of standardised bureaus for the state and districts and updating data for all MGCJ members, the MGCJ Roadshow and financial report.

3. En Samsuddin Haron (JPNJ) touched on a very interesting issue i.e the marketability of our students (the lack of it rather) globally. The MOE is concerned about this finding after recruiting a foreign consultant to do a study on the education system. One of the findings was that the curriculum did not focus on creativity and inovation. He further mentioned that Excellent Teachers are the main group of teachers (kelompok perdana) that will be focussed on to spearhead creativity an innovation amongst students. This explains the recent recruitment of many Excellent Teachers by the MOE. The meeting continued at 2.30 but I had to leave for the briefing for Kluang excellent teachers as SMK Taman Kluang Barat.