T4W8

This week has been a REALLY hectic week for me.

I find it so easy to slip into the black hole of the web, especially when I feel like I 'deserve a break'.

But I also see how this can be a habit. And I refuse to spend my time doing other things when I can revisit / assimilate / consolidate my learning.

However, I am also too tired to dedicate specific blog posts to the different events that happened over the past week, so I shall blog about the week itself.

Monday (1DL, 1IN, 2CA, 2DL)- Whiny Sandra

I must admit that I was rather frustrated when I first received the timetable, as T4W7 was a rather tiring week as well, and added to that, I would be going overseas for 2 (almost) full days = enjoyable but cannot clear work.

However, I relished the time spent with the P1s whom I had not seen since Practicum. Trying out different musical activities with them and seeing how they have grown so much since March was a real treat. Kudos to the teachers who have been patiently molding them.

Tuesday & Wednesday (JB- 6DS & 6IN)- Doubtful-Yet-Proven-Wrong-Again-As-Usual Sandra

Tbh, I was scared of taking the kids as I didn't know how they would behave- having heard the many horror stories from the Flexi-Adjuncts (lolllll). BUT I guess that's where they say that trials push you to Christ. Committed my fears to God and He brought me through it the way He wanted to, and I... am humbled;

(a) slightly shamed at how I would worry and doubt Him,

(b) left open-mouthed at His great plan that included the bond formed with the kids in just that 1 day (that I could never have imagined He would be able to accomplish),

(c) so glad that I learnt so much from the various teachers (Justin, Azman, Talib, Qisheng) that I had the opportunity to follow, and see how they interacted with the kids and dealt with various situations such as the chewing gum quagmire.

Thursday (2RP, 2DL, 1DS, 1RT)- Wanna-Be-Self-Sacrificial-And-Tire-Herself-Out Sandra

Again, I was rather frustrated (LOL! Talk about not learning) when I first received the timetable, this time also because I felt like I had no time to plan my lessons when I was in JB. I also struggled because my immediate thought was to let them watch the Sound of Music, but I felt that it was "cheating" because it didn't take a lot of effort out of me to show it to them (i.e. vs preparing a lesson).

Mulled over it and realised that I should not feel guilty because the Sound of Music was indeed a very interesting show with many learning points... and true enough, when I showed it to the kids, they were all captivated and I had the opportunity to also observe who could pick out the deeper meanings (via questioning after each segment).

Thursday (PAL Conference 2017 + Reflections (kudos to YX))

I WILL BLOG ABOUT THIS IN A SPECIFIC POST SOONER THAN LATER.

Friday (2IN, 2DL, 2DS + SWC + P6 Grad Night + Boggle Steamboat)- Tired-But-Happy Sandra

Happy today as I had lesser periods and it was the last day of the week. Thought that I would be able to snooze + complete my own work (including buying stuff for children's camp and meeting the VP) in the afternoon, but I was called to eat & invited to join SWC on the spot, and...I agreed. Was slightly apprehensive (like "am I getting myself into too many things?") for awhile, especially after what the VP just told me about it (which honestly got me a little down- I will still have to deal with that) and having to deal with the upsets, but... I know I would have joined the SWC in FTPPS, and I would look forward to increasing the staff's well-being... so yes! (:

Grabbed a much-needed coffee and had some animal therapy before heading up for the P6 Grad Night. It was great talking to 6IN especially as I really bonded with the girls on the second JB trip day (partly cos I was more familiar with the routines/procedures of the trip, and also because none of the teachers (Talib/Qisheng/myself) were the FTs of 6IN so my group generally stuck close to me. Plus, 6IN girls were significantly more chatty.)

Grabbed (LOL) to The Peak for the termly steamboat and found myself being thankful for the good relations between Wil's family and myself. Spent time with the mum while the rest went out for a smoke break / buy Creamier downstairs. Then when the dad came back, he poured white wine and chatted with us. Found Jan in Wil's room when I went to check on Mudpie & Panda (also to avoid the rather disturbing turn of convos happening at the table), and spoke to him about school/work as well. Glad (: Lord, may they turn to You...

And... that sums up my week. Okay I am shagged.