My dear pupils,
I bet some of you are getting more and more anxious about the upcoming 'N' level English exam, right? Fret not. Besides practising papers after papers, here's the fun way to improve your English expression, enrich your vocabulary and as well as gain more knowledge about current trends and affairs.
Here's introducing you TWO valuable websites.
1) STOMP- http://www.stomp.com.sg/stink/ (with a highly interactive and vibrant interface)
The sections that I like best are:
a) Talkback- a forum with a myriad of topics and perspectives.
b) Star Blog- Seven star bloggers penning their thoughts on controversial and sometimes personal topics. (a very good source of Standard English as compared to students' blogs)
c) Media Club- Access to a variety of less serious newspaper articles as opposed to those in Straits Times.
2) Channelnewsasia Blogs- http://www.channelnewsasia.com/blogs/
The only difference between Channelnewsasia Blogs and Star Blog on STOMP is that the latter contains entries on a designated topic every week whereas the other one contain more personal entries.
Don't just read blindly and quickly if you want to improve your language expression. Take down any useful words or phrases and copy the entire sentence accompanying it. Collect these useful vocabulary expressions and try to remember them.
Copy the entire text onto a blank Word document. Hide certain words and then test yourself to see whether you know the answers to the blanks. In other words, test yourself cloze passage.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Effects of Second-Hand Smoke
QUIT SMOKING FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR SIBLINGS, FRIENDS OR EVEN YOUR GIRLFRIENDS! DON'T SUBJECT THEM TO THE RISK OF AN EARLIER DEATH!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Quit Smoking!
Believe it or not! The following statements are just smoking myths. I hope this video clip can convince you to quit smoking, once and for all.
Myth 1: Smokers need will power to quit.
Myth 2: Smokers choose to smoke.
Myth 3: Nicotine and gum patches work.
Myth 4: Giving up is hard.
Myth 1: Smokers need will power to quit.
Myth 2: Smokers choose to smoke.
Myth 3: Nicotine and gum patches work.
Myth 4: Giving up is hard.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
A Platform to Shout for God's Mercy
On 12 May 2008, I was officially diagnosed with Hand Foot Mouth disease. More and more blisters grew on my hands and feet and they were terribly itchy. However, I had to bear with the discomfort and continued marking the exam papers, which were still quite a lot then. (I was still left with three classes of summaries and three classes of compositions.) I believe I would certainly not be able to finish marking the papers by the time the pupils returned to school on the next day, 13 May. Hence, I felt that that illness befell on me like a blessing in disguise as I was given five days of mc. It was like an extension of five marking days for me, I secretly smiled to myself.
Unfortunately, after the severe itch stage, came the stage of excruciating pain. My feet were in such a great pain that it was so difficult to even lift each foot up. Walking inside my house was like climbing a mountain as I had to hold on to the surrounding furniture for every step I took.
Seeing my plight, my mother was worried that I could not recover by Saturday, 17 May, when I was supposed to help introduce my church, Sts Peter and Paul (SPP), to a group of visitors from St Bernadette church’s CCD. I told my catechist coordinator, Joyce, that I would like to take charge of the Divine Mercy section and the Infant Jesus section. Hence, my mother reminded me to pray to Infant Jesus for physical healing. I then started to pray the Infant Jesus Emergency Novena. (This Novena is to be said at the same time every hour for nine consecutive hours for just one day.) I requested the Lord to heal me completely by Saturday so that I could accomplish this “mission” together with the other two catechists.
At the same time, my mother asked me whether there was anything I ought to do for Infant Jesus but hesitated. I recalled that I originally wanted to share the story about the birth of the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague but Father discouraged it as he believed that the audience might have short attention span and so not be interested in long historical stories. However, despite his objection, the story still lingered in my mind when I had only read it once on a page printed out from the Internet. More importantly, I felt rather reluctant to abandon the story totally in my introduction of Infant Jesus to the visitors. I told my mother my reservation and she taught me to ask Infant Jesus whether I should share the story. I prayed to Infant Jesus, “Dear Infant Jesus, I would want to help spread your name. I will tell the visitors the story of the origins of your statue. Please help to alleviate the pain in my legs if you approve of my decision.”
The next day when I woke up, the pain seemed to be a little less intense. However soon, the tormenting pain resumed. Then, my mother suggested calling up the doctor to see whether there was any pain-killer available for my illness. I heeded the advice and indeed, the doctor gave me a few pain-killers and some pills for eliminating viruses. I only had to take one pain-killer and gradually, the pain reduced and eventually, disappeared. This time round, the pain had vanished for good! I could walk with ease again! Just then, I managed to complete praying the emergency novena for the third day. (I did it three times because on the previous two days, I did not manage to complete it at the exact fixed timing of each hour.) As soon as I had completed praying, I could move my legs up and down to even exercise! Apparently, Infant Jesus had removed my pain! He had given me the sign to proceed with proclaiming His story! I was brimming with joy and gratitude!
Sure enough, by Saturday, I had recovered to a large extent, though my legs were a bit swollen. Most of the blisters had already dried up. All praise and glory be to God! When I met Father, I informed him of my decision to share the story of the origins of the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague. Quite to my surprise, this time, he said, “I leave it up to you.” He also added that I should try to make it interactive in order to catch the audience’s attention.
At around 10am, the visitors from St Bernadette church’s CCD arrived. We embarked on our “mission” of introducing our church, SPP, to our distinguished visitors. After our catechist coordinator, Joyce, had briefed on the church’s history and highlighted some features about its architecture, it was my turn. I briefly mentioned about the divine mercy devotions held in our church and later, ushered the audience to sit comfortably near the Infant Jesus shrine.
Unfortunately, after the severe itch stage, came the stage of excruciating pain. My feet were in such a great pain that it was so difficult to even lift each foot up. Walking inside my house was like climbing a mountain as I had to hold on to the surrounding furniture for every step I took.
Seeing my plight, my mother was worried that I could not recover by Saturday, 17 May, when I was supposed to help introduce my church, Sts Peter and Paul (SPP), to a group of visitors from St Bernadette church’s CCD. I told my catechist coordinator, Joyce, that I would like to take charge of the Divine Mercy section and the Infant Jesus section. Hence, my mother reminded me to pray to Infant Jesus for physical healing. I then started to pray the Infant Jesus Emergency Novena. (This Novena is to be said at the same time every hour for nine consecutive hours for just one day.) I requested the Lord to heal me completely by Saturday so that I could accomplish this “mission” together with the other two catechists.
The Infant Jesus Emergency Novena
O Jesus, You said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.” Through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I knock, I seek and I ask that my prayer be granted.
(State your request.)
O Jesus, You said, “All that you ask the Father in my Name, He will grant you.” Through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Your Father in Your Name that my prayer be granted.
(Repeat your request.)
O Jesus, You said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass.” Through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
(Repeat your request.)
At the same time, my mother asked me whether there was anything I ought to do for Infant Jesus but hesitated. I recalled that I originally wanted to share the story about the birth of the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague but Father discouraged it as he believed that the audience might have short attention span and so not be interested in long historical stories. However, despite his objection, the story still lingered in my mind when I had only read it once on a page printed out from the Internet. More importantly, I felt rather reluctant to abandon the story totally in my introduction of Infant Jesus to the visitors. I told my mother my reservation and she taught me to ask Infant Jesus whether I should share the story. I prayed to Infant Jesus, “Dear Infant Jesus, I would want to help spread your name. I will tell the visitors the story of the origins of your statue. Please help to alleviate the pain in my legs if you approve of my decision.”
The next day when I woke up, the pain seemed to be a little less intense. However soon, the tormenting pain resumed. Then, my mother suggested calling up the doctor to see whether there was any pain-killer available for my illness. I heeded the advice and indeed, the doctor gave me a few pain-killers and some pills for eliminating viruses. I only had to take one pain-killer and gradually, the pain reduced and eventually, disappeared. This time round, the pain had vanished for good! I could walk with ease again! Just then, I managed to complete praying the emergency novena for the third day. (I did it three times because on the previous two days, I did not manage to complete it at the exact fixed timing of each hour.) As soon as I had completed praying, I could move my legs up and down to even exercise! Apparently, Infant Jesus had removed my pain! He had given me the sign to proceed with proclaiming His story! I was brimming with joy and gratitude!
Sure enough, by Saturday, I had recovered to a large extent, though my legs were a bit swollen. Most of the blisters had already dried up. All praise and glory be to God! When I met Father, I informed him of my decision to share the story of the origins of the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague. Quite to my surprise, this time, he said, “I leave it up to you.” He also added that I should try to make it interactive in order to catch the audience’s attention.
At around 10am, the visitors from St Bernadette church’s CCD arrived. We embarked on our “mission” of introducing our church, SPP, to our distinguished visitors. After our catechist coordinator, Joyce, had briefed on the church’s history and highlighted some features about its architecture, it was my turn. I briefly mentioned about the divine mercy devotions held in our church and later, ushered the audience to sit comfortably near the Infant Jesus shrine.
When everyone was seated, I began my introduction. I first mentioned that the statue they saw in SPP is an exact replica of the one in Prague. Then, I went on with the story of the birth of the statue. (http://www.s-infantjesus.org/?q=node/11) I was expecting some inattentive, noisy and “switched off” audience, anticipating that they might get bored with the story, or rather with my presentation. However, much to my amazement, majority of the kids and almost all the adults were listening to me quietly. I even got a few responses from two older kids when I prompted them to predict the development of the story. I had never been able to grasp the attention of so many people before as I normally even have difficulties capturing the attention of my own pupils in my secondary classes. With utmost awe and gratitude, I gave thanks to Infant Jesus silently on the spot.
With the help of Father Thomas, our “mission” was accomplished smoothly. The visitors proceeded to visit our columbarium, the new parish building and finally, our adoration room.
Now, in retrospect, I recall a Lectio Divina practice that I had in the last Carmelite 2040 session. The part of the gospel extracted was from Mark 10: 46-52 and the title is Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight. At that time, in my rumination process, the phrase shouted all the more struck me and it remains in my mind till now. I feel that the Hand Foot Mouth disease was an opportunity for me to lean to Jesus Christ for help and healing so that I am put right with God through my faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:22 God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. ) Indeed, if not for this illness, I would never be so hardworking or pious to keep praying, to keep shouting to God for his mercy. I would still be so absorbed in my work and will never realize at a personal level, God’s overwhelming love for me. Despite the many sins I have committed, God still heals me and even acceded to my request. I hope this long testimony can help to lift all my praises and thanksgiving to God and Infant Jesus.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesdays with Morrie
Don't know why. Today, I feel like taking out Tuesdays with Morrie from my bookshelf and browse through the pages which I underlined and annotated last time. I came across these meaningful sentences and would like to share with my blog readers.
The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.
You know what really gives you satisfaction?
Offering others what you have to give.
I don't mean money, Mitch. I mean your time.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
FAITH
- Abraham could not see what was ahead, but he moved with FAITH and hope.
- Move with FAITH in order to be transformed.
- FAITH is the letting-go or surrendering of your daily life to God.
- Behind the cross is the resurrection.
- If you don't face hardship, you won't go far.
- When I am afraid, I will put my trust in YOU!
(Some useful pointers I happened to recall from past homilies.)
Friday, April 25, 2008
When will some of my pupils grow up?
I don't know what's the trigger for today's commotion at the canteen and yesterday's commotion along the corridors.
Just scolded Louie for being rude to the CCA teacher, just scolded 4/3 to reflect on themselves (with Jacqui's video clip) whether they are making good use of their time, and yet these two commotions happened. Today, just as I was about to enter the Ladies, I saw part of this huge 'gang' commotion and witnessed how a few boys were gesturing and scolding at one another, with vulgarities, of course. A few of my colleagues were already there, pulling apart some parties and attempting to stop the fight that was about to begin, I hope. I just stood there and stared at them, doing nothing, but with utter disappointment. My heart was in tears. Today is already the last school day before SA1, yet they must create such a huge trouble for themselves.
Unlike my usual self who would normally go and find out from reliable sources what happened, but this time round, I'm simply too weary to find out anything. I guess partly, I'm afraid to know the truth too. When I returned into the staffroom, my colleague, Miss Loi, asked me whether I had bought the home-made barley drink sold in the canteen today. I just flatly rebuked her, "Do you think I still have the mood to buy drinks when I see my pupils almost fighting?"
Indeed, later, I continued my lesson with a solemn face. Then, after school, Wei Ming and his friends wanted to ask me some questions regarding English summary and they insisted me to teach them in 4/5 classroom straightaway. I obliged. After the consultation, they suddenly asked me whether I would leave the school or not. I did not give them a definite reply. I only questioned myself about my ability in developing pupils' character. It's really very disheartening to see that the batch of pupils you have followed them for years still displaying unacceptable behaviour. I reproached myself, "Have I been indirectly condoning them somehow?" In the classroom, most of the boys I have been teaching for years still don't co-operate and let me proceed with the lessons smoothly, so why should I continue? Dexter commented that I am the last teacher standing by them throughout these years and he urged me to stay on till they graduated in sec 5. In my heart, I said, "Stay on for what? To witness my pupils' behaviour deteriorating? I don't think I can withstand such a blow."
Just scolded Louie for being rude to the CCA teacher, just scolded 4/3 to reflect on themselves (with Jacqui's video clip) whether they are making good use of their time, and yet these two commotions happened. Today, just as I was about to enter the Ladies, I saw part of this huge 'gang' commotion and witnessed how a few boys were gesturing and scolding at one another, with vulgarities, of course. A few of my colleagues were already there, pulling apart some parties and attempting to stop the fight that was about to begin, I hope. I just stood there and stared at them, doing nothing, but with utter disappointment. My heart was in tears. Today is already the last school day before SA1, yet they must create such a huge trouble for themselves.
Unlike my usual self who would normally go and find out from reliable sources what happened, but this time round, I'm simply too weary to find out anything. I guess partly, I'm afraid to know the truth too. When I returned into the staffroom, my colleague, Miss Loi, asked me whether I had bought the home-made barley drink sold in the canteen today. I just flatly rebuked her, "Do you think I still have the mood to buy drinks when I see my pupils almost fighting?"
Indeed, later, I continued my lesson with a solemn face. Then, after school, Wei Ming and his friends wanted to ask me some questions regarding English summary and they insisted me to teach them in 4/5 classroom straightaway. I obliged. After the consultation, they suddenly asked me whether I would leave the school or not. I did not give them a definite reply. I only questioned myself about my ability in developing pupils' character. It's really very disheartening to see that the batch of pupils you have followed them for years still displaying unacceptable behaviour. I reproached myself, "Have I been indirectly condoning them somehow?" In the classroom, most of the boys I have been teaching for years still don't co-operate and let me proceed with the lessons smoothly, so why should I continue? Dexter commented that I am the last teacher standing by them throughout these years and he urged me to stay on till they graduated in sec 5. In my heart, I said, "Stay on for what? To witness my pupils' behaviour deteriorating? I don't think I can withstand such a blow."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Reflection on Jacqui Saburio's Video Clip
In one of my earlier entries, I wrote that life on earth is a test. God will put people through major changes and even senseless tragedies. Indeed, the accident that Jacqui Saburio experienced was truly God's test for her, and she has already passed this test with flying colours.As normal human beings, we can't possibly imagine the immense agony she has been through: the excruciating pain when she got burnt in the car, during and after each of her fifty over operations; and all the great hassle involved in performing the daily routines. Not only that, as she is disfigured, I believe lots of people may have looked at her scornfully or full of apprehension, and she has to endure all those forms of rejection. Yet, she is still glad and grateful that she is alive. Most ordinary people, like us, would have fallen into an abyss of despondence if we were to go through such a state of great turmoil.
Her noble character of being capable to show forgiveness shines out even more prominently through this trial or affliction. God has evidently granted her the strength to endure everything and the grace to practise God's immeasurable love for people at the time she was put to the test.
Jacqui has epitomised the virtues of resilience, forgiveness and inner tranquility. Praise the Lord!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Living Example of Survival and Inner Beauty
Jacqui Saburio- a living example of survival and inner beauty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8TFBeB8egk
Let's emulate her strength, love for life despite such traumatizing struggles she faces daily, and most of all, her ability to forgive.
(I encountered this video clip during one Carmelite 2040 session recently in my church.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8TFBeB8egk
Let's emulate her strength, love for life despite such traumatizing struggles she faces daily, and most of all, her ability to forgive.
(I encountered this video clip during one Carmelite 2040 session recently in my church.)
I CAN!
My dear pupils,
This is a much simpler, straight forward version to encourage you to pave your way to success.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWIXQ4Vxiw&feature=related
The most important lines I feel are "No excuses." "Just do it!"
This is a much simpler, straight forward version to encourage you to pave your way to success.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWIXQ4Vxiw&feature=related
The most important lines I feel are "No excuses." "Just do it!"
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