Selamat Hari Guru

Happy moments on Teacher's Day at SMKM...


Our Senior Assistant,Cikgu Johan and our disciplined master,Cikgu Nazar serenading 'Suci Dalam Debu'
The students turn musicians... entertaining the teachers
Part of the crowd..
Our Senior Assistant reading the message from Minister of Education..
Say cheese...
All dressed up for their special day


Welcome ceremony
Playing time,Cikgu Sham throwing the coconut..
Time to be kids again playing with the baloons..
The ever- sporting Senior Assistant,Cikgu Johan
The teachers have to wear this uniform for the games..ladies in kain pelekat and men in kain batik

Amin behind the key-board
Entertaining her teachers with "Situasi"
Reading the ikrar
A teacher is everything..A band of musicians comprising Smkm teachers..
Singing the song Kami Guru Malaysia.


Selamat Hari Guru buat rakan-rakan guru semua.Semoga kita dapat meneruskan perjuangan kita dengan semangat yang kental dalam menghadapi kerenah anak-anak didik kita dan dunia pendidikan yang yang semakin mencabar...
Mudah-mudahan usaha murni kita mendapat keberkatan..

PTK Oh PTK

It has been a hot topic for the last couple of days.Everybody at school from the administrators down to lab attendance are talking about it; in the staffroom,in the canteen, while walking to classes, even the pak cik sapu and the mak cik canteen heard the grouses over PTK results! A heat wave is hitting the school.Panas..panas..

The results of PTK are out.Some are complaining,voicing out their grouses while a few flashing a smile, satisfied with the results even though only succeeded in getting band 3.It means they do not have to sit for the test again.For those who get band 1 or 2 ,they have to repeat or else they would remain static at their present grade.

PTK means Penilaian Tahap Kecekapan.How "cekap" are we in our teaching profession.Can we be considered cekap if we can answer all the questions on General Order and get the highest band, but can only produce a handful of excellent students at the end of the day?I do not know,I guess the government has one peculiar way of assessing teachers.Even though objections,critics and complaints have been continuously aired through Teachers Unions and individuals, PTK is still being implemented.And mind, you teachers rank the last in groups of civil servants who score the highest band, that is band 4!

This year the government has made a few changes in the format of the test.They have scraped off the coursework, instead the candidates have to sit for examination alone .Phew...what a relief because more than 50% of the burden is lifted!But in a way I think this is not fair for us,the pioneers of PTK.We were tested mentally and emotionally, in fact during the course there were a few passed out last minute, fainted..unable to present their research paper.

I was called to attend this course somewhere in 2007,a long waited offer.It is not that I was too eager to attend it, but it is more like to get over and done with this nonsense.Before that I had heard so much about the course from the senior teachers.They were observed all the time even while having meals!The observation was for personality merits.I guess to see whether we possessed all the right etiquette to climb up the ladder.So much of hypocrisy!

So the course that I went through required me:
1. To write a research paper of 25 pages,which I slogged in day and night, for it had been ages since I last wrote one.

2. To carry out a power point presentation of the research paper.Lucky I wrote my own paper,so I understood my case very well and no problem in presenting and answering questions from the evaluators.My power point was prepared by my son though.Tau-taulah..my IT knowledge, dari dulu sampai sekarang blurrrr.There were some who paid other people to write the paper,and we could see this clearly during presentation.

3. To give a public speaking in English.Lucky me for I speak English almost everyday.In fact I was the writer of the week,writing speeches for uztazah and other subject teachers for free.Never mind, cari ilmu dan cari pahala,two in one.

4. To perform a group presentation where I acted in a forum and be Datuk Dr.Mashitah Ibrahim since our name is the same. Besides,she used to be my 'mentor' before.

5. To sit for an essay-type test on the final day.

It was a one-week course as compared to now, only an hour test.

So, there were five components , where else this year the candidates have to sit for one component only, that is objective test.For this,I suppose they can just throw a dice and answer with one close eye.Or panjangkan leher sikit, and see-see lah the neighbour.How unfair!

However, all my hard work was paid off because I managed to get band 4...alhamdullilah.So when my colleagues are busy criticizing this PTK lately, I just keep my mouth shut for I have gotten through my hardest hurdle,enjoyed the raise in my salary, and now waiting to be promoted to DG 48,hopefully before the time based.What else can I say, I cant complain much!

So, dear friends, those of you who are going to resit for the test in August, study hard and wishing you all the very best.

From Anak Bukit Palace

On 9 th February 2009, my other half was confered Bintang Khidmat Cemerlang Kedah (B.C.K)
by the Sultan of Kedah in conjunction with his 81 st birthday.Here are some photos taken before and after the ceremony, since photographing was not permited during the ceremony, except by the palace photographer.

My other half and me in front of the throne after the ceremony was over.

Anak Bukit Palace

Usherers waiting for the arrival of the award recipients and guests..

Award and medal recipients and their spouses filling up the seats

One of the guards in ceremonial costume ..waiting for the arrival of the Sultan and Sultanah

Getting acquainted..Syura, an ex air-stewardess

Another pose..in front of the throne..
Me...

Final pose at the foyer before leaving the palace


In line..waiting to take photographs after the ceremony..

me ..descending the staircase leaving the palace

Etems..again and again..

Much has been discussed on whether to revert the teaching of Math and Science back to B Malaysia.As a person directly involved in the implementation of teaching Math n Science in English in a rural area, I would say that we should continue with what has been started,look into the problem genuinely and rectify those problems.The problems and shortcomings of this noble intention should be identified clearly even if it is a long-listed one.
The first phase, that is 6 years ,has passed.We have received the products that is the result of the UPSR from the first batch of Etems primary school students and also the result of SPM from the first batch of Etems secondary school students. However, the Ministry of Education still has not given a clear picture and specific analysis of the outcome.
During the first phase, all Math n Science teachers were sent to somekind of either resort or hotel for training.They could have their training and holiday at the same time, and not to mention the good food they enjoyed there.They are also being given allowance(bisp) for the extra work that they should do.The laptops are also supplied to each of them.For the school, facilities are upgraded,computer labs are built, Math, Science and English labs are equipped with LCD and computers including all the programmes and CDs from the departments and the ministry.Now that is the first phase.Even the administrators, from the ministry down to the school level are exposed and be informed of this Etems for easy monitoring.Millions have been spent on this .
The second phase , look into the problem in depth.The Ministry has supplied almost everything needed which i think more than enough but why Etems is still considered unsuccessful.Our kids are still struggling with the subjects,the results are not becoming at all, the students in rural areas are still left behind in terms of perfomance, teachers are not well versed in the language and the list goes on.
A major problem that i could see clearly and vividly is the genuine implementation.It is like building apartments.Physically everything is equipped.the pipe line, electricity supply, the road, sanitary system etc..etc..But will the water supply reach the top most floor..or is there any blockage in the sanitary system ..If there are, solve each problem.Of course, you cant just demolish the building and burn millions of $$$.Yes, some may say that in the process of identifying and solving the problems,we are jeapordizing the future of more and more kids.However, children having inquisitive,curious and young minds are sure to learn something in the Etems class.This is from my experience of being a teacher for 20++years and a mother of 4 school going children.
To the negative remark that says Etems will throw BM outside the classroom, that is exageration!The teachers and children are more than happy to use BM as a medium of instruction for other subjects in the classroom.Sooner or later these kids will reach the college and varsity level where English is used as medium of instruction.So, isn't it good and wise to prepare them now so as not to have a hurly burly time later?Afterall, language is best learned at an early age.
As a person who involves directly with this Etems, I would say part of the failure lies on the teachers...the people who are supposed to impart the language and the content in the classroom.They hesitate to use English in the classroom and teach solely in BM.They seldom attend English class and are not optimistic at all about improving themselves and the spirit of Malaysia Boleh is NIL.But there is another group who would use English,seem motivated,eager to attend English class and voice out their opinion although they stumble here and there and accept comments and critics readily.This group has improved a lot.In fact i would say this group is able to teach English at lower level.
For the ministry to send enough good speakers of Etems teachers to the rural areas is out of question.So what the school could do is to solve this domestic problem and manipulate the teachers they have.Continuous in-house training should be implemented at school level until these Etems teachers are able to speak up. The people who should closely monitor and shoulder this responsibility are the headschool,PK 1, head of language department,head of Math n Science department and the English head panel.Close monitoring and stringent supervision should be carried out ( kerana sesetengah tak ambil pot langsung). Teachers are considered a bright group of people or else they wont be able to get through their college or varsity.What s more, these teachers are Math and Science teachers who are supposed to be brainy as compared to the art group.I am sure they can learn fast if they want too.Afterall, classroom language is simple and besides,the technical terms are all supplied to them.So, speak up!
This remind me of the speaking test i conducted with the Etems teachers months ago.Some of the teachers could not speak at all, could not even utter a single English word, instead just smiling away ..and mind you, this group include the headschool.So ..what did they get from those resort-style of training..i wouldnt know..
To future Etems teachers who are still struggling and grueling at the varsity, equip yourselves with as much knowledge and language as possible so that you could continue to carry out this noble intention smoothly.Once, a friend of mine, a lecturer complained to me that the students in her English class are not proficient enough to be English teachers and cynically blaming the teachers for not giving enough.I thought wouldnt it better for her to take this as a challenge and see what a scholar like her can contribute to upgrade the standard of English in this country.Teachers are only able to deal with the shallow part, the in depth part reqiures an expertist.
So, I suppose if we still have this inspiring dream of becoming a global player in 2020, then Etems is the right choice.. Afterall, the government has open the door widely for us, so it is up to the teachers to enter with the spirit of Malaysia Boleh..

Life is a roller coaster ride...

SUNDAY - My life has been like on a roller coaster ride these past weeks.It started on Sunday when i received the sad news from Muar.My aunt Yan passed away due to several illnesses.....I took a 9:00 pm flight from Kota Bharu to KLIA.I was lucky that night, there were still many empty seats, so getting one wasnt a problem.The plane touched down at about 10:00pm at KLIA, and my sister was already there waiting for me to drive up to Muar and we reached our kampong at almost 12:00 midnight. I am not quite used to all these funeral things.Having been away from families most of the time, i seldom get the chance to attend the funerals or weddings or kenduri.Yes, I always missed my cousins' weddings but they understood me.Upon reaching the house,my two uncles were there.Cik Jai guided me to see the body of my late aunt Yan.He opened the veil for me, and i saw aunt Yan lying there as if she was sleeping peacefully with her lips smiling.I kissed her cheeks for the last time and that was it.Al fatihah for aunt Yan..may Allah put you among the good and the pious. For us ..the living souls,may THE AL MIGHTY continue guiding us as we journey through this borrowed world..That night i stayed up reading the quran and the Yassin until my eyes could no longer open.I looked at the time, it was 2:00 am...

MONDAY- I left for KL after the funeral.Since i hadnt bought any ticket yet, and was too tired physically and emotionally, i decided to stay in KL for one more night.I went to my husband's mess and what awaited me was very surprising.His condo which he shares with another officer is situated on the 20th floor and overlooking the city of KL.Having been staying in a country town for years,I was mesmerised with such a breathtaking view..i m sure my kids will be gaping at the sight of the sky scrappers glittering magnificiently in the darkness of the sky and the vehicles that look like moving neon bulbs from the 20 th floor...

TUESDAY- Since KLIA is quite a distance from KL, so i decided to fly back with Firefly from Subang.I haven't been on a Fokker for years, so this would be quite a thriling experience for me.And it definitely was..I also received a phone call from my school telling me that i was requested to attend an interview in Jitra, Kedah the next day.I asked them to postpone, and the latest date that they gave me was Thursday. Alright.. I would try and make it..

Due to the bad weather the plane went through a turbulence..it was shaking all the way and when we reached K Bharu it was pouring, so we were caught up in the cabin for half an hour...until we were finally given an umbrella each.Unlike before, travelling by plane nowdays is no longer frilly and lacy..

I was drenched when i reached my car in the car park.Of course i would not wait for the rain to stop, it could be hours later and i had to pick up my two kids from my friend's house.I guessed it was just not my day, for i lost my way twice.I could not see the signboard due to the pouring rain, so i took a turn to Bachok instead of Pasir Putih.I had to stopped twice, once at the petrol station and later at a stall asking for direction.I was wet from top to toe and shivering too.A journey, which on normal bright day takes 45 mins took 1 1/2 hours!When i reached my friend's house my kids were already asleep and the time was 11:30pm ..and i had to go home, tidy up the house, change the smelly clothes in the luggage to fresh ones for i had travel up to Jitra, Kedah the next day!

WEDNESDAY-i was now back in school in Kelantan, completing all the necessary task before the hols.But early that morning i had to see my students first , gave them my blessing before sitting for their SPM English Paper .I had to sort out a few things first.Luckily my friend had bought me a bus ticket to Jitra..that s what friends are for..So, that s settled.Next I had to look at the offer letter.I was offered to attend an interview for the post of Senior Lecturer at The Institute of Aminuddin Baki.I didnt know how qualified i am for the post..but after some encouragement from my colleagues, i decided to make it a go.So, that night i found myself on the road again, this time on an express bus heading for Jitra.My kids??again i had to leave them to some good neighbours..they protested at first but after giving a piece of my mind, they obeyed.Thank god ..I m blessed with obedient kids and good neighbours...

THURSDAY - I reached Jitra at 5:00 am and my friend was already there waiting for me.That s one advantage of moving around so much.You make friends everywhere and always keep in touch.You might not know when you need their help.When you need them,they are there for you.At 9: 00 am i was all ready for the interview.First , I had to sit for some computer test .There were 173 questions to be answered in 30 mins.Well, i just breezed it through..Then the interview time..As i was sitting outside the room, i could see that all the other candidates were all set.With them were thick files which i guess containing all their credentials and expertist, which definitely match with their serious and professional look.Unlike me, i only brought a few documents that they requested..no thesis..no research papers..After all what i did for my masters were old school already, way back in 1986.

Then my name was called, so i went into the room , and the two interviewers were there sitting in the center,looking at me as if analyzing me from top to toe.After the introductory , the first question shot out was how mobile I am.So, i told them i am highly mobile and cited all the events happening from Sunday up to the present.No comment...Then they went into business..where i thought i could answer it well..That night i took a bus back to Kota Bharu.

FRIDAY-i was back at home,organizing things and starting to mark the test papers..My hols has just begun...but my weary and tired body started to ache all over..