Setting an example

Yesterday, I was on duty to bring the students involved to Merdeka Square. We were in school since 5am and the bus came quite late.

I was quite upset when the chief choreographer raised his voice while talking to me and accused me for making excuses for my students. A few of them could not didnt turn up for the practice today and thus, they didnt receive any props. I was telling the truth and asked nicely for the props, but I didnt expect him to be talking to me in such manner. I was quite angry but at the end, we are okay. He told the students to get into their position and asked me a few things, in a better tone. After the, I said, "thank you, sir"

It was a long day but I was glad I get to meet new friends, teachers from another schools. We shared and can quickly identified with the frustration and challenges in today's teaching.

At about 10 plus in the morning, all the participants were told to move to JKR building, which was walking distance from Merdeka Square.

Despite the close distance, we had to cross a few busy roads. I was observing my students and I had to say I was very proud that they were always on the look out of their friends' safety. A few of them called out for their friends, told them to 'walk inside' and be careful when they saw that their friends were walking very close to the roadside. A few of the older ones kept reminding the rest to be careful and alert.

Another incident is that, a car was driving towards us but very slowly. A student stop in the middle of the road, raised his hand to signal the car to stop and then turned back and told us to quickly cross the road.

After the long-winded and time consuming (which many of the teachers there thought is unnecessary), we finally could go back to school. I was surprised with the amount of rubbish left inside the hall, and the behaviour of a few students from another school.

A teacher was helping to get the students to queue up properly. She just gently touched the shoulder of the boy and told him to move into the line when the small boy turned and said, " cikgu, nak mengorak saya ke?" What nonsence is this? The teacher was offended and when she came back to where we were sitting, she told us what happened. At the same time, two teenage boys from another school were fighting outside when I saw them, the coordinator was scolding them for their action.

Many teachers there who were aware of the incidents shook their heads and murmured, "today's children are not like last time."

I looked at my students who sat together in a group. I observed how they handled the food distribution and how each of them had their food (pick up the a few grains of rice that accidentally fell from their rice box), collected the rubbish in one bag and disposed them into the big dustbin outside the hall. They did all these without being told by the teacher.

When we got down from the bus, I reminded them to say thank you to the bus driver and they did. It's courtesy. Remember to thank people who did something good for us.

I came home and told hubby about it. He said I should acknowledge their deeds and good behaviours,  at the same time, remind them to set a good example for their peers in school and outside the school.

I was physically exhausted but I am thankful for the privilege to be part of the preparation of the merdeka celebration this year (I normally watched it on the tv but it was different to watch it life and saw the part of the preparation processes) and to nurture this group of lovely students. It was truly an enriching experience.
Thank you, Jesus.