The Final Farewell TPD of TELL2, Boohoo, Hooray

It only seems like yesterday, we had our very first TPD (Teachers Professional Development) in Pasir Puteh. Oh the sweet memories. It was a bright and beautiful day at the new PPD on the 15th of September. Before 2pm, the cars started to trickle in. Teachers emerged with big smiles and their hands filled.

As the drizzle of teachers started to fill the Dewan, there was lots of aromas wafting about. The back two tables became filled with an assortment of scrumptious and delicious dishes. Mama Mia! Sara brought lasagna and I pitched in with the teachers from SK Bukit Abal on a huge pasta dish. The tasty entree was made by our very own Teacher Siti Basirah and her mom. Other teachers contributed loads of desserts and some appetisers.

This final TPD a was ceremonious occasion, it was celebratory certificate giving event. All these wonderful teachers present had completed the programme. 18 months of life in the foxhole together had created deep and caring bonds. There was more than just skills transferred, it was more like attitude repositioning.  Of course this relationship wasn't a one way street.  We were accepted by our mentees, who taught us such much about the wonders of Malaysia. Moreover, they shared and included us in the local battle cry, "Gomo Kelatae Gomo!" Due to our common mutuality mindsets, we were all able to prosper.

I believe this as good as time as any, to give a role call of A-Team from Pasir Puteh. There was Terrific Trio form SK Banggol Pa' Esah: Teacher Asisiah, T Mohasnizam and T Nor Azizah. The Fine and Friendly Firm from SK Bukit Abal: T Hamizah, T Salmah, T Siti Basirah and T Suzana. Next, we got the Fantastic Four from SK Kampong Berangan: T Kamaruddin, T Mazwan, T Rofi'ah and T Siti Hazura. Next the High Quality Quad Squad from SK Padang Pa' Amat: T Sabariah, T Tengku Khairani, T Zahariman and T Zuraida. Finally, the Three Awesome Amigos from SK Panggong: T Rosilamtaon, T Zailina and T Zuraida.

All the above, are ALL STAR Teachers who made significant contributions to the programme. Each of them made remarkable progress. Everyone of them adapted some form of student centrerd learning to their lessons. Every single one them are responsible for improving the standard of English in their classrooms and increasing the smiles on the faces of their students. There were a noteworthy amount of English classes that went from the most dreaded to the popular subject in school. In every school, these teachers cooperated with their colleagues to make their English Panel the most prestigious panel in their respective schools.

After we dispensed the certificates, it was time to get down to business. In Malaysia, feasts are always at the forefront of any gathering. We were fortunate that our dynamic DLO Mr Sharir also joined us. Our teachers were so generous with the portion size of the dishes they brought, we were able to spread the table cloth long enough to invite the whole PPD to partake in the memorable occasion.

I'm getting all emotional even typing this.  This is an appropriate time to share my Mentor Philosophy.  I call it the Nanny McPhee approach. Nanny McPhee: There is something you should understand about the way I work. When you need me but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go. It's rather sad, really, but there it is.

Also I want to go on the record,"Pasir Puteh Rocks!" You can quote me if you like. 

May Allah, the Most Kind and Most Generous permanently enshroud them in mercy and pour blessings on them all continuously!

Kelantan State Co-Curricular English Carnival

It was on the 16th of June, as fog started to dissipate as the sun's rays asserted themselves.  There was a constant flow of cars, vans, trucks and busses congregating in the field of SMK Belimbing, Tanah Merah. Teachers, closely trailed by their pack of students lined up for registration. Some students were wearing their school uniforms, while others were decked out in an array of colourful costumes.

The participants converged from the corners of the likes of Jeli and Gua Musang.  They were 10 districts in all: Bachok, Gua Musang, Jeli,  Kota Bharu, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah and Tumpat.  These districts are diverse populations from distinct topographies. Some are from forests, beaches, mountains, hills, rural and urban environments. Yet this heterogeneous group of participants had two things in common: they were all Anak Kelantan (Kelantan Kids) and first place prize winners from their districts.

The crowd was so large, that group was split between two school venues for the competition. The SMK hosted the Action Song Competition on the main stage. The Scrabble contest was also held there.  The remaining events like Poetry Reading, Public Speaking and Story Telling were held at SK Belimbing. SK Bukit Abal team consisted of PKP Cikgu Mustpha, Teacher Maznah, Teacher Siti Basirah, Teacher Faridah, Teacher Suzana, Teacher Wan Azurainee and 15 fabulous Yr 3 students.

All the action song teams were huddled together in their groups throughout the auditorium. There were lots of fantastic costumes as far as the eye the could see. Last year's state champ, SK Kuala Krai, had home court advantage. Students and faculty cheered on the home team who had elaborate costumes and stage design. It was intimidating. Nonetheless, the lads and lasses from SK Bukit Abal took a deep breath, then put on on their game faces.

They stepped on stage ready to do battle. They quickly got in their positions, hunched over with their heads down. They started to pound their fists, when the music started. The  group exploded in 'Wavin' Flag' by K'naan, "oh,oh,oh,oh,oh,oh (2 times) Give Me Freedom, Give Me Fire!" It was electric, but even the Kuala Krai dominated crowd got swept up by their energy.  They gave it all they got and their teachers were thrilled. When the dust settled, SKBA walked away a third place finish in State, second year in a row. Fantabulous Team SKBA and especially Teacher Siti Basirah!