Mrs Mok's Website

Let's hear some voices on this. What's probably the best excuse for being late? Slept late? Insomnia?

Today, i had a conversation with a colleague -  a topic which i think it's so out of the blue, it never crossed my mind I would discuss with her. We were talking about why we're always in a hurry, and why we should allow ourselves to be in a rush. This reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. That frantic rabbit always checks his pocket watch and runs on, "I'm late! I'm late for a very important date. I'm in a rabbit stew. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"

It's not that hard actually. I've recently convinced myself - YOU NEED TO GO TO BED EARLIER! And keep trying to get up at the time that the alarm goes off.
Ah, let me hear your opinions first.

Well, don't most of us just love the Valentine's Day?  It's meant to be an age-less, quarrel-less and loving day!

So, what's the main point? Do you just love someone, your friends, family for just that one day of the year? Some one asked me that today. Yea, I replied with a smile -- I rather my significant other in my life treat me special every day of the year,not just in a February day. And well, most of my friends that I smsed today also sighed at the fact that Valentine's Day isn't a real holiday.

So, anyone else have thoughts on this Hallmark-driven holiday?

I pondered about a few peculiar questions on the usual bus ride to school this morning. Who owned the sky? (Ah, and an often-thought-about one) – Why is it blue? Not yellow, or red or even multi-coloured? – that has puzzled me as a kid, it has puzzled me when I was in school; sure puzzling me even now. No doubt I had attempted few guesses about it over the years, but I told myself, today I shall find out.

Not surprising though, the day went past and I hold no firm answers to any of the questions. Not that the thought has evaporated due to the hot weather, it’s just the matter of “where is the free time”. Besides, nowadays we can simply google for the answers; ah, any answers, right? Then again, I decided it could perhaps be more romantic not knowing the answers anyway.

I always feel that we can never replicate the blueness of the sky on earth. Don’t we wish we could keep some of it in a box or a bottle? Anyway, had a stroke of genius somehow, and I took out my empty plastic water bottle. I pressed it close to the window and looked through it. With a little imagination, I’m sure all of us can catch that little blueness in our bottles -- our little sky in a bottle.

10. Meeting up with good old friends... especially the original "canteen gang" and History class comrades.

9. Laughing at a classic inside joke with close friends.

8. Frozen strawberries, grapes and cherries in the fridge! They taste so good.

7. Lying in bed, listening to the rain outside, with a book in hand.

6. Getting snail mails and advance greeting cards.

5. Time to read the newspaper in the morning and sitting on the couch sipping coffee.

4. Finding two $10 notes in my old jacket during spring cleaning. 

3. Planning parties and parties!!

2. Resisting the urge to do a sing-a-long-ipod on the train

1. Chatting, finally, with the girls and learning to understand them.  ^_^

Indeed, amid our huge doses of frustration, resentment and fear of examinations and expectations, I found the nicest young ladies in 6 Peace who were respectful, fun-loving, creative, helpful, diligent, determined; who would volunteer to clean the toxic-filled whiteboard without my asking, who would write me lovely and highly entertaining journals or letters to share when the week just didn't seem right, and who would always ask,"Ms Kok, do you need help? We're always available, you know."  Certainly, not forgetting those would ask questions, in class or outside, about everything and anything. You girls have taught me perseverance through your hunger for knowledge. You have taught me charity through your innocence.  For all that, I am truly grateful to have been given the chance to know all of you. Because of that, I know that my efforts were not at all useless. I know my endless life-lesson and pep talks were not at all wasted.

Well, most of you are already feeling nostalgic and probably all filled up with excitement and perhaps uncertainty at what the future holds. So for a last life-lesson that I would like to share with you... When I was in school, people asked about my life plans, and I said that my first priority was to learn what the options were. Now, I can tell you don't need to be in a rush to choose your life's work. What you need to do is discover what you like. It's always good to work on things you like if you want to be good at what you do. Love what you do. Get good at it. Competence is a rare commodity in this day and age. I realised soon enough that I like teaching. And I hope one day I'll be good at it. And of course, as you embark on your new chapters, do listen to your heart wisely and learn what you really like. I wish you all every success in your lives!

The origin of the "Ms Kok's pose" ...

Taken on Games' Day 2006 by Sam Low's mum =)
(I was holding on to tissue paper in one hand you see... so this was the most "natural pose" i could come up with!)

Probably started when I was just in Primary 6 (Or much later. The problem with failing memory) I wouldn't have cooked lunch after school on the table as my mum would be at work. So it was considered very fun experiments in the kitchen. I didn't and couldn’t cook any of the norms of course. I’m not that boring (or competent for that fact). However,there were the little tricks. My mum always made sure our kitchen was filled with snacks and noodles. Instant? But somehow yummy definitely then. That feeling disappears as one ages I suppose. No, I don't like cooking after work. And no, I don't like instant noodles anymore.  

Then again, besides lighting the stove, nowadays, I can manage some spaghetti and porridge though, and yes, frying of course. (That's your chicken wings!) Rice isn't a problem, it's only the amount of water to put in that I seldom get right. Oh yes, simple baking (Very simple baking, I mean). That, I'm not too bad. But the first time I tried spaghetti (with someone else), we forgot the seasoning and it was dreadfully tasteless.  Strangely, we convinced ourselves that was the way spaghetti was supposed to taste like. In the end, that someone else had (the) culinary skills polished and can now rule and is at the helm in the kitchen during the occasional in-the-mood-for-cooking weekends. Whereas I am still at where I have started.

Should make it a point to pick up some cooking from my mum.

I am pleased to announce a new experiment on my IJ BT TIMES. Since I am falling ever further behind in writing about the all the interesting stuff I come across, I have decided to invite other people who are smarter and more interesting than me to guest pen here periodically.

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As for now, just a top 10 list of the things that I would like to share with you girls.

10. Malacca trip was definitely great fun for me! I think it was a fantastic bonding session for us all. (Personal favourite was the Homestay! - Remember my coconut-bowling strike and my blow-pipe bull's eye? WOW! Can't get more impressed ya? haha*)

9. AS and LS have great tolerance and patience for their friends. Despite the rantings that have gone almost physical, and yellings and silly antics, they have emerged calm and unfazed. I wouldn't have ZL going around *chiku-ing* and allowed her to open her mouth.

8. Andro can be a good babysitter.

7. SL and her deejay kakis, (*gy, ky, yq, jt, ht) ARE really entertaining! U should record a track for me.

6. That you all can't live without snacks. Even after lunch. And dinner.

5. I'm pleasantly surprised with the quality of the grad concert script. And, I like all your subtle and implied jokes in it. Well done, girls!

4. Most of you can really act. Am even impressed with Jacq and her role. But i think she is just being her usual self. Any thoughts?

3. CN should be "The Blur".

2. The dancers - Great job really. I'm sorry that I can't contribute any brilliant ideas. If I were to dance, all of you will get more muscle exercise from the laughing.

1. I'm proud of my Band.

Dear 6 Peace

Thanks for all the get-well wishes. I am okay now, am recovering from mild stomach flu. Staying at home today, as I'm afraid of "passing the bug" to any of you.

Heard that you girls had fun today at school - house games and interesting relief teachers. Also heard about the unpleasant issues of blogs too and that really sadden me. I hope all of you will heed the school's advice. Of course, I hope what I have done with you over our recent "sharing sessions" will give you a clear perspective of blogging and careful internet use. Likewise, your behaviour - in school and outside school.

I would like to thank all the very faithful visitors to this site (special mention to zl, sam, jacq, cait and those who were involved in the spelling-debate), and your fond requests of updating it. haha* Hope I do have your pardon there. It has been indeed quite an adventure over this year that this site has grown. At times, it takes forever to upload things so i seek your understanding in my mal-maintenance.

The Internet isn't a permanent medium. Most sites don't remain active as they probably would have moved, or have trouble with all of that electronic ideas that not many of us (like me) understand, or simply, they just disappear into the cosmic ethers when the time comes.

In any case, I hope this site can remain a useful and friendly site for your class - 6 Peace 2006.

From a Young Teacher

Few weeks ago (yet again), I was thinking about you girls when you grow up. I'm sure your parents get such panic attacks once in a while too. How can they ever survive in the big, big world? Who can put up with their ecentric yet stubborn and unrelenting ways? Who would understand them?

So, I was pleasantly surprised of late that I discovered another side of you girls that I never knew.

You have grown up.

And, you have grown more matured, thinking and ... pleasant. Very pretty young ladies too, I felt. Especially when I saw you dancing, singing and acting on the stage. Then, I realise that you are no longer the little girls that came to me almost 2 years ago.

I'm not sure by others' standards where/how the concert was. To me, it's perfect. It never ceases to surprise me - I still couldn't hold back my laughs when I hear you sing out of tune and the Barney kids running round (even if I had seen it millions of times; I laugh every time.) I know I've yelled at you when you forgot your lines, when you were late and when I thought you were irresponsible. I know I've corrected you so many times and literally forced you to say the lines you don't want to. To you (and to me probably), everything seemed conflicting - like on one hand I reminded you to study, and the other, I got you to stay behind for deco and rehearsals.

Thank you once again for such a memorable Trs' Day. Our next battle is the PSLE. It will take hard work to enjoy your fruits of labour. But trust me, for something of this value, it's well worth it.

Have a great holiday. (Just don't forget to study. Less TV too. )

I'm also dedicating this short post to parents who also frequent this website. Thank you for your support in one way or another. Feel free to use the guestbook too, if at any point of time you need to correct the girls too! Ha!

Of Laksa and Mums

Just thought I would share this with you. Was reading a (new) book last night before bedtime and came across this that my mum used to tell me when I was barely K1.

"Close your mouth when you chew!" "Don't slurp!!" "Hold the chopsticks properly!" And the amazing list of table manners goes on. The funniest part was, what the author's Grandma said, was so strikingly similar to what my mum professes--> The trick to eating your laksa faster. (I was/am a laksa fan you see) "The trick to eating faster, is to quickly lift up the next portion of the food after you've put one portion in you mouth. As you chew, the portion on your chopsticks cools, and you can eat it after swallowing." Hahaha! Incredible mums and ah Ma(s).

I love this book.

Let me begin with a GOOD JOB to those who understood my strangest instructions/ideas/concepts for the CONCERT. Wow. You could actually realise what i was saying, improvise, and come up with the item/s! Haha. I think that is a lot of tacit understands between us now, especially after almost 2 years of so many shows and the YE-concert. We'll make it, girls. Although we only have 2 days left.

The stage and cutting comm. have got some things to do this weekend. Hope that don't take up a lot of time.

I don't want to nag, but please remember that your PSLE is in just about 3 weeks' time. Don't stop studying now although Prelims are over. You need the momentum.

Am still available for email-help. Got a question--> just post it.

See you on monday. And i'll be waiting for the splendid performance once again.

By the way, I re-read the 'article' Lin Sha wrote. And the 'speech' Cheryl and Caitlin prepared. I must say I was almost floored by their sweet tribute. :)

Hey, been a long time indeed! I think there was a missing post in between. Honestly I have no idea it wasn't uploaded... Anyway. 

Hope all of you are hard at work. I know you may sometimes find your parents and myself speaking from a demanding point of view -- as if we are 'forcing' you to do something you don't like. Well, some of you can't appreciate it because you may not understand it. We all simply want the best for you, and we know that all of you can achieve. (It's just that you are not now!) I know that there are many restrictions for you presently, but it will all be worth it. So, don't stay at your skewed perspective, of teachers and parents making your lives miserable. AND, I'm introducing games! So... complain less, work more.

I almost forgot. I have been 'scolding' a lot lately. I do want to praise more too. So, a pat on the back for those who have been studying hard!! Good Job and Keep It Up! (As a teacher, I can see, hear, sense, smell, feel who is hardworking and who is not.)

See you monday!

Every time I post an entry here, I can't help but feel worried. Worried, because we ARE getting closer to your exams AND, some of you are still not in your all-geared-up mode. (that's why you have the time to actually read this!) Well, I have probably said enough in class.

Even the Brazilian team is out! Can't get more exciting!  

Just a reminder, NSW Math is on Tue. Do what you need to do.

Saw this last night... SUPER FUNNY ya? Check out the title -- Fridge Magnet.
     

Ger...many, Ger...many, Germany...! Their amazing five wins a row - I think Germany is literally in their own World Cup wave back home. Caught the late night match yesterday. Well, the match basically became a drama after the Argentina goal. Though i did doze off during the Extra time (not that it was boring, just fatique really), was glad i woke up to see the last minute of the match at.. 1.40 am? Ha! So they will meet Italy in next tues's Semi-final in Dortmund. I hope Germany's name is on the trophy. World Cup for the 4th time?  Am keeping my fingers cross certainly.

Oh yes, Happy Youth Day (to the kids out there). Long time since I have the chance to celebrate this. 

And a Happy Birthday to those July babies. I know there's 2 coming up next monday. Thanks for the invite, Sam. Well, have a smashing time! I'll just have to accompany my 'Spiders', 'Leaves' and 'Stones'!

Ms Kok (without the Million dollars)

Whooo... The Mighty Germans did it again. You're right, I am so rooting for Germany. Amazing how they play. Anyway, school's starting. For those who were down with Football Fever, got to get back to reality. No more staying up late! (No, don't start sobbing) Seriously, I think most probably for some of you, it's just an excuse to not follow your normal bedtime.yeah?

Amanda is right. I do update it more often now. Haha* nothing to do with reputation la. I just know that I have some of you who regularly check it, so I don't want to disappoint you. I normally put in something new in Stories, Relax and Jokes. You can check for updates there.

Had a super hectic week! Goodness, I wonder why sometimes I am so last-minute -- cramming all the work together. But I suppose there are just the "peak seasons" where everything happens together and overwhelms you; and likewise the "low seasons". You just wonder how you could kill time. Hope you are better at planning your time.

Went to Korea for a week. Nice place really. Maybe just a few words to summarize -- Big city, Grey, Food, Everland. Oh ya, Expensive. Did I say Food? Generally, I love the Samsung-owned Everland the most. (Disney-like amusement park in Korea) Had really lovely day there. Sunshine, thrill rides, fancy floats, flowers, photos... and not forgetting the beautiful night-time lazer show and fireworks. Oh ya, freezing cold at night too. Wow.

and my nephew...

Seriously, I'm still adjusting from my long holiday break... I actually touched down on Monday morning and then we had lessons in the aftenoon! Haha* Amazing. Maybe a little depressed that school's starting. Anyway, supp lessons have been very fun so far! I'm sure you love the running and the "LA" and "YA" right? I really do miss you girls during the holidays.

Added a bit more to the inspirational stories. By requests from some of you. Now I know that I have faithful readers too. 

Okay, one more day of supp. and then there we have it. PSLE battle. Hope you are all geared. 

Well, I have been having my fulfilling 8-hours at least of sleep. Sleep debt that I have run up since...??? Hope it's been good for you girls, busy with .... ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE and MT! (I love doing this to you.)

As for me, I had a new haircut, few falls from ice-skating, worked out loads of worksheets (which I'm sure you would 'appreciate'!), and mostly sitting in front of the computer and drinking coffee everyday. Now this reminds me, those who will be going with me for the MOE Excel Fest -- I think Kaiyun, Andro, Caitlin and ?? -- Yes, please note that we will be meeting up the last week of hols to do some work!

Received some very sweet emails from some of you... Thanks for filling me in about your trips and such. I wish I was on a real holiday too. sigh. Soon.

Anyway, some thing for you to think about. (Nah, you won't have to write a journal. Oops, Jacq and Amanda will remind me again) I saw a programme on the casino-to-be-Sentosa. Well, plans are underway. We ARE going to build one after all. As a deterrence for Singaporean to get in, you have to pay $100 entrance fee first (or a $2000 yearly membership). Remember last year we discussed about this issue and even put up a show on Air-It? Do you think this is any good means to prevent housewives or man-after-work from going there? Any sense in it?

Got carried away. Okay, some thing less serious. Hope you aren't finding the practice papers a bore. Treat them as the word suggests -- PRACTICE. Ultimately, that's what you need. =)

Have load of fun girls

Ms Kok

Dear girls,

I keep getting the nagging feeling that there are things I have forgotten to tell you. Wow, I must be addicted to my 'nagging' everyday. I seriously hope you won't forget the things that I've said, been saying.  Hopefully I've awakened an interest in something (study? PSLE?) far greater.  Hopefully I've encouraged you to look deeper, think beyond. Hopefully... (my nagging starts.)

Have a lovely holiday. (Hopefully) Haha.

I will be away 13th June to 18th June. (post questions before that ok?)  

Work is piling up.  Sigh.

Love Ms Kok 

Dear 6 Peace,

Do work hard this June holidays. This is the best time you can do some revision and catching up. Your teachers will be working hard too. 

Feel free to email to me should you encounter any problems (esp the Math and Science Practice Papers).

Ms Kok's email  ms_jkok@yahoo.com 

PS: Take a look at the "jayce" link. (under the Inspirational Stories page)

Thursday, 1 June

 CONGRATULATIONS TO  

A) Hwa Chong Institution Math Olympiad 2006 (Bronze Award)

1. Hilda Tay
2. Amanda See
3. Tze Yuen
4. Sheranne

There was only 1 winner in our school last year... this year we have 4! Wow!

B) Nanyang High Bilingual Olympiad 2006 (Top 30 individuals / out of 600 pupils in Singapore, Malaysia)

LIN SHA! (Wooohoooo!!)

C) Raffles Math Competition (Credit)

Genevieve