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| To try out the demo for Cambridge Placement Test, click here. |
| Balan Moses (NST), Dato' Syed Nadzri (NST), En. Hasidin (JPNJ), Datin Dr. Maimunah (M Suite) & Vincent (JELTA) during the opening ceremony. |
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| Wonderful people I've met during the conference. I met and networked with a lot of teachers and I think a conference is a great platform to engage ourselves with new teaching methodology or keep abreast with the latest info pertaining to ELT in Johor. It was great to be reunited with my juniors, Intan & Terry. The ever bubbly Kak Rocky is someone who I respected as well. I used to be in awe of her due to her active participation in debate and drama so it's great to know she has now become a cool friend too. Meeting Uma from St. Andrew's Muar is serendipitous indeed. We used to teach at La Salle Brickfields and knew the same circle of friends. What a small world! |
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| Sharing session with the conference participants. It was heartening to get positive feedbacks from them on the materials I've shared. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I will constantly try to improve my presentation skills from time to time. For those who are asking for the presentation slides, enclosed is my presentation and I hope it could benefit others as well. Sharing is caring! |
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| The 1st Johor International Student Leaders Conference 2011. Don't miss the golden opportunity this time! |
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| Howdy folks! Few weeks ago, my school welcomed 17 English Teaching Assistants (ETA) alongside their mentors and officers from the Ministry of Education, Johor Education Department and Johor Bahru Education Office. The ETAs are from USA and they are Fullbright Scholars. Basically, Fullbright Programme is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program which have been successfully carried out for 6 years in Malaysia. The ETAs come from various universities in the US and represent a wide variety of major fields. They would be placed in various primary and secondary schools in Johor for 10 months and assist the school in improving the English Language proficiency among the students. Way cool huh? The Johor ETAs visited two schools that day. For primary school, they went to SK Bandar Baru Uda 2 and few hours later, they went to SMK Tasek Utara! |
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| Albeit the lack of time in preparing for the visit, I count my blessing that I could bank on my Student Leaders Board & MPPU to assist me in preparing for the official visit. They took charge of the programme from A-Z, with minimal facilitation from the teachers. My principal, Pn. Hajah Zainab assured us that we can pull this off smoothly and alhamdulillah, we did. My English Language teachers are amazing too as they gave their best in making sure the programme is a success. The delegation were welcomed by the principal, Pn. Hjh. Zainab Ali and later on, I briefed them on the English Language programmes conducted in my school. They were informed on the internationalisation programmes, excursions and projects carried out by the Student Leaders Board & MPPU too. Next, Francis, Mujahid and Ambrose gave their speeches on their experiences being student leaders in SMKTU. Good job boys :) The ETAs went to several classes to check out the English Language lessons conducted by the teachers. They went to Kak Izlin's, Kak Nida's, Hanim's and Wani's and based on the feedbacks, they felt that the lessons were well-executed and the students were attentive...hmm ;) Gosh, all the hard work paid off! |
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| Before they went back to their hotel, some of the ETAs were given the honour to plant a tree in front of the counselling room. Thanks Ali for his effort in finding the seedling ! We felt this is an apt ceremony as it symbolises the nurturing of friendship and goodwill between two countries. As we inculcate the love towards nature and green living among our students, we believe that the tree would be a good reminder on how we should give back to others, be it via education, social works or environmental conservation. |
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| The Johor's ETAs delegation with SMKTU's reps. I sincerely hope that all of you would enjoy your stay in Johor and have fun in teaching the Malaysian students. Seize the opportunity to visit all the magnificent places in Johor and try out the local delicacies ;) Thank you for putting smiles on my students' face. They really enjoy your visit albeit a brief encounter. Thank you to Mr. Shan, Mr. Rozlan, Ms. Ruzana and Mr. Vijayan for coming to our humble school too. We gave our best and we hope that the ETA programme would be a success, Insya Allah :) |
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15 Johor Student Leaders flew to Melbourne, Australia for the Johor-Victoria Student Leadership Programme starting from 12 to 25th December 2011. It is a collaborative effort with the Victoria Education Department, in order to expose the JSLs to global leadership and cultural diversity. They were accompanied by Mr. Md. Noor B. A. Ghani, Director of Johor Education Department (JED), his wife, Pn. Asiah Mori, Mr. Kamarudzaman Mubin, Assistant Director at JED, Ms. Azura Abdullah, the JSLC Physical Trainer and yours truly, as the Coach for JSLC. We were warmly welcomed by Mark Reeves, the Principal of Alpine School of Students' Leadership along with the other teaching personnels. Each of the JSL was given an Aussie room mate so they would be able to learn more about each other's culture and lifestyle. The Victorian schools involved were Wallan Secondary College, Maffra Secondary College, Rosebud Secondary College and Bandalla Secondary College.
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| Debbie Gray, an awesome motivation coach gave a heart warming talk on her experience overcoming the impossibles. She lost her arms due to an illness and she had never see her disabilities as a setback from achieving her goals. She skydived, raced in a rally, conducted charity projects and raised her daughter single-handedly! Whoah, hats off Deb! Lots of the things she said left vivid impressions on my mind. Don't be afraid of new possibilities, she said. You don't do things to impress others as venturing new ideas and trying new things will open up various possibilities to be a better individual. Life is not all about winning but it's about seizing the opportunities to make your life more meaningful. Don't let negative thoughts, bad vibes, toxic people and setbacks stop you from moving forth. She definitely inspired me to be a better person. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. |
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| Surf's up! I would never imagine that I would go surfing in Australia one day, I am so glad I braved myself and did it! We were given training by a surfing instructor. I think this is one of the highlights of our programme and all of the participants enjoyed the experience thoroughly. |
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| Cultural Night. The JSL mingled around with their Aussie counterparts and everyone was having a ball. I had the chance to meet Mr. Lynn who is the City Council member of Marlo. He gushed how much he loves Malaysia and he had even climbed Mount Kinabalu last year! The students performed some songs. The JSLs performed a choral performance, Lean On Me and Kenangan Terindah. As it was the last night we'd be spending at Snowy River, we could see the sadness on some of the students' faces yet they tried to make use of the time by having heart-to-heart talk to their friends. I also had the chance to meet Daphnee, the officer from the Victoria Education Department who corresponded with me on the previous international conference. She is a Singaporean who has been living for 10 years in Melbourne. It was certainly wonderful to finally meet you, Daphnee! I Definitely it would be a beginning of a beautiful friendship. |
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| Due to some technical glitch, our flight was delayed and we were put up at Tullamarine Mantra Hotel for the day. Honestly, the JSLs saw this as a golden opportunity to check out Melbourne better as we didn't have much time to go sightseeing due to our tight schedules. Hence, we counted our blessings for the opportunity to be here and decided to be adventurous and explored the city on our own! We explored the National Gallery of Victoria which is so fascinating. Then, we walked to the Square and visited Crowne Shopping Mall which is just opposite the Melbourne Aquarium. It was blazing hot and the city was jam-packed with so many people as it was Christmas Eve. I did some shopping and managed to get some souvenirs for my family, friends and colleagues back home. |
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Our big family :) We keep in touch constantly by setting up a Facebook group. It helps the JSLs to maintain the camaraderie and at the same time, update one another on leadership activities from both countries. As the JSLC would be organising the International Student Leaders Conference in June this year, we hope to see more student leaders participating and hopefully, some of the Aussie students would take part in the conference as well.
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This year, I would still be heading my English Language panel and alhamdulillah, we managed to get 100% percentage for English Language in PMR exam this year! That's something I am proud of because this is the first time we managed to do that after so many years. I know my colleagues worked so hard to achieve our target. It is definitely a collaborative effort and I am glad that I have the opportunity to work with diligent and talented teachers. Of course, there's always room for improvement and I'm determined to strive harder to achieve my goals. For those looking for the English Language's Scheme of Works, PLAN J, PLAD JB and Panel Filing System, do check my Scribd page where I've uploaded them along with other essential docs needed to manage your panel smoothly.
To those who send me emails, thank you so much and I am glad that this humble blog have assisted you in any way possible. The main reason why I write is not for self-glorification but because I believe by jotting down my experience, thoughts and teaching practices, I could reflect on ways I could improve myself as a teacher. For me, it is important for us to stay grounded despite the recognitions one received as it will pave an avenue to learn better. I would definitely love to share my experience in Melbourne, Australia as I believe it was the turning point of my life this year but that would be an entry on itself as I was there for 12 days. There's so much to share and I believe the experience I've gained would helped me to teach more efficiently, to inspire instead of preaching and to serve instead of receiving.
I do hope this new year will usher wonderful opportunities and perpetual happiness, Insya Allah. Happy New Year everyone!
Bil
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Nama
|
Sekolah
|
Presentation Topic
|
1.
|
Nur Laili bt. Arba’
|
Sekolah Tinggi Segamat
|
‘Iskandar Malaysia – A Metropolis of
International Standing
|
2.
|
Harvind a/l Raja Gopal
|
SMK Bandar Baru Uda
|
“ A leader is one who knows the way, goes
the way, and shows the way” – John C. Maxwell
|
3.
|
Adila bt A. Aziz
|
SMK Agama Johor Bahru
|
‘A Call for Extraordinary Leadership for
Iskandar Malaysia’
|
4.
|
Adrian Yeo Tau Jiun
|
SMK Skudai
|
‘Johor – My Beloved Home’
|
5.
|
Muhammad Fahmi b. Faizal
|
SM Sains Muar
|
‘An Age of Terror – The Role of Youth
Leaders’
|
6.
|
Chitra a/p Murali
|
SMK Indahpura 1
|
‘Ethical Dimension of Leadership’
|
7.
|
Nur Atikah Rosle
|
Sekolah Tun Fatimah
|
‘Asia and The World Financial Crisis’
|
8.
|
Tan Mei Sheng
|
SMK Canoissian Convent
|
‘Service : The Heart of Community
Transformation’
|
9.
|
Muhamad Afiq Syafiq
|
Sekolah Tinggi Muar
|
‘Understanding the Principles of Islam in
an Age of Uncertainty’
|
10.
|
Zaiton bt. Mohamad Khalid
|
SMK Ungku Husin
|
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will
determine your altitude” – Zig Ziglar
|
11.
|
Kirthana Darshayinie a/p Vijaya Sandran
|
Sekolah Tinggi Kluang
|
‘Transforming Our Schools’
|
12.
|
Ambrose Huan Yee Yang
|
SMK Tasek Utara
|
‘Sustainable Development of Iskandar
Malaysia’
|
13.
|
Muhamammad Noor Fakhruddin b. Mohd Nasir
|
SMK Tun Habab
|
‘Doing Away with Books in Schools’
|
14.
|
Hasnyzar bt. Hussin
|
SMK IJ Convent
|
‘Iskandar Malaysia – Development for the
People, by the People of Johor’
|
15.
|
Faiz Zamdhi b. Zainal
|
SMK Taman Putri
|
‘Grassroots Leadership’
|
16.
|
Thivranandhaa a/l Sobramaniam
|
Sekolah Tinggi Muar
|
‘Fear of the Unknown’
|
17.
|
Dominic Tan Wen Haw
|
SMK Dato’ Jaafar
|
‘I Think, I Am!’
|
18.
|
Onn Sapuan b. Md. Nasir
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SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra
|
‘The Power of Reflection & Self-
Awarenes’
|
19.
|
Muhammad Nurariff b. Othman
|
SMKA Segamat
|
‘Leadership & Volunteerism’
|
20.
|
Naavin Raj a/l Rengasamy
|
SMK Kempas
|
‘The Leader Who Inspires Me’
|
21.
|
Amira Aisya bt. Abd. Aziz
|
SMK(P) Sultan Ibrahim
|
‘I have a dream that…’
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22.
|
Klein Kee Kay Loon
|
Sek.
TInggi Batu Pahat
|
‘Freedom of Speech in School – Should It
Be Encouraged?’
|
23.
|
Akmal Alkaff b. Zamsani
|
Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar
|
‘Taking Malaysian Football to the Next
Level’
|
24.
|
Tam Joo Xian
|
SMK Jln Mengkibol
|
‘The Royal History of Johor’
|
25.
|
Nurulain bt. Abd. Razak
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SMK Temenggong Ibrahim
|
‘The Power in the Voice of the Young
People’
|
26.
|
Yasmin bt Mohd Zain
|
SM Sains Muar
|
‘Preserving Johor’s Culture and Heritage’
|
27.
|
Pritasha Naidu a/p Canian Anand Naidu
|
SMK IJ Convent
|
‘1 Malaysia, 1 Voice’
|
28.
|
Hayley Yong Sue Ning
|
SMK Sultanah Engku Tun Aminah
|
“Wisest is she who knows she does not
know” – Jostein Gaarder
|
29.
|
Kabilen a/l Selvaraja
|
SMK Dato’ Penggawa Timur
|
‘You Don’t Need a Title to be A Leader’
|
30.
|
Aina Wafi
bt. Ab Kadir
|
SMKA Segamat
|
“Live as if you were to
die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” – Mohandas Ghandi.
|
31.
|
Amy Shahirah bt. Sazali
|
SMK Skudai
|
‘The Future of Our Mangrove Swamps’
|
32.
|
Asha Nair a/p Unnikrishnan
|
Sekolah Tinggi Segamat
|
‘Inequality Thwarts Progress Towards
Universal Education’
|
33.
|
Gayathri a/p Ganesen
|
SMK Indahpura 1
|
‘The Rise of Women to Power Seats’
|
34.
|
Muhamad Muaz b. Mustaffa Kamal
|
SMK Bandar Putra, Segamat
|
‘In Great Leadership, Humility Is Key’
|
35.
|
Carven Chin Yee Shean
|
SMK Bandar Putra
|
‘’Failing to invest in our youth is a
false economy” – UN Secretary General
|
36.
|
Nur Hanis bt. Ramlan
|
SM Sains Muar
|
‘Embracing Globalisation As Iskandar
Malaysia Opens Its Doors to the World’
|
37.
|
Alif Arifin b. Asrar
|
SMK Bandar Putra
|
“He who fails to plan is planning to
fail” – Winston Churchill
|
38.
|
Mark Lee Weiren
|
SMK Taman Mount Austin
|
‘The East African Food Crisis: What Needs
to be Done’
|
39.
|
Siti Nurfakis bt. Kusnin
|
SMK Bandar Easter
|
‘Everyday Heroes Serving the Nation’
|
40.
|
Siti Nabilah bt. Amir
|
SMK Bandar Putra, Segamat
|
‘Climate Change and Biodiversity’
|
41.
|
Sharifah Amirah Hanis bt. Syed Omar
|
Sekolah Tun Fatimah
|
‘Nuclear: A Suitable Alternative to
Fossil Fuels?’
|
42.
|
Siti Mariam bt. Ibrahim
|
SMK Bandar Baru Uda
|
‘Soft Power vs. Hard Power’
|
43.
|
Iman Sofea bt. Mohamad Ibrahim
|
SMK Taman Desa Skudai
|
‘Malaysia’s Commitment to the Millennium
Development Goal’
|
44.
|
Putera Amirul Haikal b. Rosli
|
SMk Kulai Besar
|
‘What Goes Around Comes Around’
|
45.
|
Nicole Poon Sze Yen
|
SMK(P) Sultan Ibrahim
|
‘Quality Education for All – Challenges in
the Malaysian Context’
|
46.
|
Mohammad Siddiq b. Moideen
|
SMK Sultan Ismail
|
‘Theory of Evolution vs. Creation
Science’
|
47.
|
Mohammad Farhan b. Mohd Fuad
|
SMK Agama Johor Bahru
|
‘Exploring Links Between Environmental
Quality and Human Health’
|
48.
|
Suruthi a/p Mohhan
|
SMK(P) Sultan Ibrahim
|
‘Promoting Stewardship In and Around the World’s Frontier Forests,
Grassland and Drylands’
|
49.
|
Regine Moh Jia Wei
|
SMK Seri Perling
|
‘Acknowledging Differences and
Celebrating Diversity for A Better Tomorrow’
|
50.
|
Alif Imran b. Kamaruddin
|
SM Sains Muar
|
“As we look ahead into the next century,
leaders will be those who empower other” – Bill Gates
|
51.
|
Nurafidah bt. Mohamad Nizam
|
SMK(P) Sultan Ibrahim
|
“Leaders must invoke an alchemy of great
vision” – Henry Kissinger
|
52.
|
Ong Bao Sheng
|
SMK Mohd Khalid
|
‘In Union, There is Strength’
|
53.
|
Arjun a/l A. Ravindran
|
Sek. Tinggi Batu Pahat
|
‘Respect is Earned and Not Demanded’
|
54.
|
Lee Wen Qing
|
SMK(P) Temenggong Ibrahim, Batu Pahat
|
‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’
|
55.
|
Siti Nursharmila bt. Md. Saidon
|
SMK Seri Tangkak
|
“My Vision of Iskandar Malaysia”
|
56.
|
Tan Yan Yi
|
SMK Sultan Ismail, JB
|
“If passion drives you, let reason hold
the reins” – Benjamin Fraklin
|
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| Some hopeful JSL candidates prepping themselves for the individual presentation, impromptu speech and group interview. |
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| The JSL candidates' presentations were appraised by esteemed panel of judges, headed by Pn. Sallina Hussain, the Chairperson of the PKPSM JB. She was assisted by the Head of the Academic Sector, JPNJ and two lecturers from UTM. |
| I had the privileges to work with dedicated and wonderful team. We worked until 7 p.m. to sort out the final selection. |