Mag Inc 2011 Contest Workshop & Debate

Last Monday, my students and I attended the Mag Inc. 2011 Contest Workshop at Olympia College, JB. This is the final leg of the workshop series organised by The Star-Pizza Hut. This year, our school decided to take part for the first time after discovering the multiplier advantages that this contest would offer the students.

My beloved students. L-R: Shafiqah, Fara, Iman and Darshan.

The main facilitator was Nithya Sidhu, the columnist for Teacher's Talk. I'm an ardent follower of her column since I could relate and emphatise with her musings. It was a privilege to finally meet her in person and even a pleasant surprise when she asked me to share my views during her session.

The debonair Miss Natasha shared her expertise on magazine publication.

The workshop participants. It was wonderful to see familiar faces such as JSL Sara Adriana and JSL Sarvind. I've also met some fellow teachers such as Sui Liang , Mdm. Tan, Mdm. Ho and Mr. Adib.  Everyone seems to be immersed in the workshop.

Think, think, think!

A snapshot with Mrs. Nithya Sidhu, the workshop facilitator.

Fara with one of the last year's winning mags.

If you are interested to participate in this year Mag Inc. 2011 Contest, you can refer to this site for more information. It's time to unleash your creativity and put on your thinking cap and your hard work would be rewarded with delectable pizzas!

The next day, I drove to SMK Bandar Putra, Kulai as I was appointed as the Chief Adjudicator for the Final round of the District Level English Parliamentary Debate. I had the chance to work with Kara from SMK Bandar Selesa Jaya 2 and Hemma Roshenny from UTM JB. Unfortunately, I didn't had time to snap any photo but it was indeed wonderful to see students being so enthusiastic in presenting their arguments. Thank you PPD Kulai for giving me this opportunity.

Leaders In Action & Hutan Kita @School with YB Tun Jeanne Abdullah

Date: 9th April 2011
Venue: SIGS

Last weekend, I was given the opportunity to attend the Leaders In Action programme at SIGS, JB. Organised by the school's Student Leaders Board, the event was officiated by YB Tun Jeanne Abdullah, the chairman of Landscape Malaysia and ENO (Environment Online) Mother of Malaysia.

My students who attended the programme. Syafiq, member of the Johor Student Leader Council, Shahiman, the Head Prefect and Azizah, the President of the Pre-U Students Council.

The forum in action. The topic was Mission Go Green For Green Living. It was brilliantly executed. Kudos!

I represented my school in accepting a tree seedling from YB Tun Jeanne Abdullah, in conjuction with the Hutan Kita@School programme. 75 schools in the district of Johor Bahru took part in this programme. The programme aims to spread awareness on the importance of maintaining our greenery and inculcating love towards Mother Nature.

Tun Jeanne during the tree planting ceremony.

She is so down to earth and motherly. A staunch supporter of global biodiversity.

This programme opened my eyes on various environmental issues. There are many ways that a teacher can spread awareness on the importance of sustaining the natural resources. Apart from that, students can also play a pivotal role in taking care of our environment. Do check out WWF Malaysia, ENO Malaysia and Lanskap Malaysia for more information on preserving our lush floras and fabulous faunas. In the word of Captain Planet "THE POWER IS YOURS!!"

Of Debate & E-Lab

Due to hectic schedule, I was on writing hiatus but I finally manage to update this blog of mine. Some of the updates are not really that up-to-date but well, something is better than nothing, no? Two weeks ago, I was the Chief Adjudicator of  the quarter-final round of the Parliamentary English Language debate of Johor Bahru district. The venue was at SMK Taman Tun Aminah. I had trouble finding the school, I was in the vicinity of  Tmn. Tun Aminah but I ended up in the wrong school and had to make another turning. Thank god,  I finally managed to locate the school and be there to judge the competition. 

SMK Sultan Ismail vs SMK Sri Rahmat. pic credit: Zainal Yusof

The adjudicators. L-R: Zainal (SMK Taman U), Tamil Selvi (SETA) and I. pic credit: Zainal Yusof

This year, I was chosen by Utusan Malaysia to be the Content Developer for E-Lab, their weekly education pull-out. I was elated and grateful for I was given the chance to share my ideas and materials with all the students and teachers on a national scale. I am entrusted to develop the materials for the SPM section. Thank you Utusan Malaysia for giving me this golden opportunity! E-Lab provides lively language learning that enhances meta cognitive skills and broadens the students' perspective on a particular topic. Apart from reading materials, there would be word games, interactive activities, speaking and writing activities that are related to the weekly topic. Do check it out!

Johor International Student Leaders Conference 2011

Date: 23-24th March 2011
Venue: JPNJ
Organiser: Johor Student Leaders Council

JISLC was officiated by Dr. Hj. Zahari Bin Aziz, Deputy Director General of Education, Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

Robert Pick, one of the three plenary speakers. He has been appointed as the Master of Marlborough College Malaysia, which will be situated in the Iskandar Region. Trivia bit: Kate Middleton, Prince William's fiancee was one of  its famous students ;)

Serious fun : Taking a flight to a better future

My students who presented during the Poster Presentation. L-R: Mujahid, Benard and Amira. They presented on 'Speak Like A Leader', an oratory programme conducted by the Student Leaders Board in my school.

My students and I. Glad that they really enjoyed the conference!

Moderating for the parallel session. I was in charge of Track 1 and moderated three sessions that day. The student leaders from various countries shared their ideas on how global diversity affect the leaders of tomorrow.

Workshop sessions.

Mini UN Session. Representatives from Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Oman, Thailand, South Africa and Vietnam presented the issues plaguing their countries during this session. One of the highlights of the conference.

Omani representative aired his view on health awareness in Oman.

Mujahid, Kak Liza and I. Big grin on our faces despite running here and there like headless chickens in managing the conference.

The officials. Fareeza (IJ Convent), myself and Navinder (SIGS). It was fun working with both of you. Hope to see you soon!