hope S P R I N G S eternal

2008-A Sabbathical year

Since coming back from my holidays and coming back for another year of WWSS as a Sec 5 student has been a joy as I didn't dream about making it into this level as I was formerly a NT student and today taking the challenge that will be more greater than what I have for my N level exams last year. Also, blogging this old blog is rather a boring chore for me to do.

2008 will be the year that i'll not be blogging actively and may have plans to close the entire thing down as I personally feel that blogging and having nasty feedbacks on my tagboard is rather saddening and causing much anger in me. To those who are putting nasty remarks, I give you one simple question for you to answer-How will you feel if you are 'bullied' through this manner? I would definitely know that the number of visitors in my blog is rather less. So to make life easier for me, I'll be closing this blog probably around this year and will be opening a new one after my Os or in 2009. Another way is to rename the link to my blog and letting those deserving ones know about the change. To all Westwoodians, let us enjoy this year and respect one another. =)

David C.E Lau
7:43 PM

Last day of 1C 2007-Speech-David S.C.E Lau (Excerpts and add ons)

Wow, 2007 has been an amazing year for us and so much we have done the past year. Honestly, this class has been one of the amazing classes I have ever seen in my life and I know you people have went through a lot of hardship and Mr Samuel becoming the prison guard while you becoming prisoners. I did talk to him and what he says is true and it is for you own good. Now, it is the time for you to enjoy your holidays. When I was viewing the video, many of you have matured tremendously from nerdy and innocent ones to confident ones today. I know some of you are. I hope none of you are emoing right now but these words are from my heart. I would also have to apologize to you for the 1C picts due to some glitches that happened and I could only get 8 copies available. For these 8 copies, I would likely be passing to deserving ones and also including the SC 2007 powerpoint CD to the 1st in class. It is true that you have lived up to your motto ‘United with Stand, Divided we fall’ in all school events such as the Cultural Expressions 2007 and so on and this class is truly and amazing class.

Someone ask me this qn, this is actually from Wei Yang ‘What do you think is the most difficult part for a person to deal with and why?’ I replied ‘The most difficult thing to deal with is his or herself’. Reason being for saying this is because the person must be the example for others to follow and you 1C are progressing to Sec 2 2008 and the Sec 1s of tomorrow are looking up to your example. So when you are being the example, probably reflections would have to be made in order for you to become a better person and it’s true that reflections are beneficial. The level of Sec 2 2008 is getting tougher and you guys have to be resilient and adaptable to everything around you in your WWSS journey and to be yourself. All I can say now is enjoy your holidays and wishing you the very best in your 2nd lap of your journey. I give you my quote to you ‘I Dare to Dream for the highest, I Dare to Believe in doing the impossible where others sees impossible’ .Finally, I would say to you ‘Viva 1 Carpe Diem !’ Thank you.

David C.E Lau
4:42 PM

Cultural Expressions 2007, A Myraid of Dances

It has been one of the happiest moments in my life which is celebrating Cultural Expressions every year. But this year, Cultural expressions seem to be different in performance. Though this year’s event was rather low in performing classes consisting of the Sec 1, 2 and 3 NYAA people performing for us, it is still very appeasing for all of us. For me personally, I was feeling excited especially to 1 Carpe Diem before the big moment starts. In order for them not to feel too tense, I decided to talk to them in expressing my personal feelings to them and to do their very best and to be themselves and to rock the house down and wishing them the very best. When I came into their class, I was feeling a bit nervous of their costume which is way too out of our concept (Karin and I) which is simple and yet the theme is there and now, it’s too late to change things round as the big moment is starting very soon but still I like the boys outfit which is hot while the girls it is a bit dizzying and we designers were jokingly that the girls came from the jungle and the zoo (lol). But overall it’s ok. Well, have to face the reality. Honestly, for the 3 classes (1A,B,C) who are performing Limbo Rock which has a Caribbean feel in it and their outfit suppose to be light and down to earth tone. Instead, I feel that their costume concepts are way too off the theme and should get something relating to the theme. For 1A, one thing that I like is about their costume is the girls skirt which has a sense of calmness and vibrancy in there and the black shirt which seems to blend well. For 1B, I find that their costume is way too off and should redesign their outfits. The way I see in them is rather common to all of us as the outfit worn is like those people wearing in the streets.

Immediately after the Parade ceremony segment, it is time for the big show-Cultural Expressions 2007 and I can say the emcees (Jacklyn & Shikin) have done a tremendous job in hosting this big event. While I was seeing 1C performing in front of a thousand people, I can see that they really rock the house down which I did told them before dismissal (will write what I say to end of this post). Even interestingly, Mr Samuel & Ms Ong( 1C Co-form teacher) joined the festive mood and I was shocked but it was a nice performance. For 1B, they did a great job as well even though they did not win in the end. As the show continues featuring other Sec 1 classes, I absolutely loved their costume and one of them would have to be 1E which the costume concept came from the class facilitators (SLs) and gives me a bit of Zorro feel in the boys’ hat and outfit. Congrats to them for clinching 3^rd place out of the Sec 1 cohort. For the other classes, the Sec 2 classes, great job done for all of you. I like the costumes designed by them which blend well with their nifty footwork geared to the music. Whether you win or not, you have all done well and will be looking forward to your next annual performance in Cultural Expressions 2008.

Coming to prize presentation, I was a little high for 1C bagging 3 prizes back home which is the first time in WWSS history for a class to win so much and even 1H who also bagged 3 as well. I was immediately in total shocked when 1C won the best costume award out of so many classes which involves the Sec 1 express classes. At first I though 1E would win but then it turned out to be my favorite Sec 1 class. Best still, out of so many classes, 1C emerged 2^nd! The best part would have to be Farhan winning back home the best male dancer award because of his moves which wowed the judges immediately when he took the first step ! LOL. End off with the finale mass dance where William in his blog that I dance quite nice. Really meh? I hope so. LOL

Before I went back home, I did have a photo taken with my dear 1C and decided to express my joy for them. Below are the extracts.

‘OK. 1C, you guys have done a tremendous incredible job today, you’ve really rock the house down tremendously and I love this class a lot. This is one of the best performing classes that I have ever seen in my life. I was so impressed that Farhan won the best male dancer award today because even when he shakes, the judges were flew by him totally off and in their minds saying ‘OK. Ok. No need to judge too much cos he’s good’. Gina did a good job as well even though she did not win. I know that Zoe and Alicie are feeling very malu in holding the bamboo pole for the guys there but they are good and seems like supporting 1C (I guess) LOL. Even now, I’m running out of words to say about this class because of that joy that it is in me. I can understand that the costumes were a bit out of place for the girls but we (Karin & I) will try to design a better one for you next. Overall, you guys have done a tremendous job and you know this class is called 1 Carpe Diem which means ‘Seize the day’. But I tell you, you guys have really seized the day today. You have really seized the day in Cultural Expressions 2007.’ (1C claps)

Viva 1 Carpe Diem ! Continue to do well in Cultural Expressions 2008! =)

David C.E Lau
1:38 PM

Racial Harmony Day 2007, Mediacorp’s Visit

Yesterday ,25 July 2007, Racial Harmony Day preparations

Before going to today’s celebration and what did it happened, I would like to tell you a weird/funny story over something and that is VP’s Mr Johnny Ang’s racial harmony day (RHD) outfit as I was his designer for his outfit. (Probably some of your may heard the news of my being the designer for his outfit, having different feelings in each of you. Well this is the story behind the outfit). Actually, his outfit is ready since February 2007 where the first intention was to wear this on CNY celebration this year, he did tried it on the first round and was impressed with the outcome. Unfortunately, on the actual day (CNY), he was not around for the celebrations due to a course he has to attend to. Sadly, I would have to take it back during that time but having the determination of passing this outfit to him for him to wear on this special occasion which he agreed after discussing with him on his outfit. Did the washing and other ‘necessities’ on the outfit for him to wear comfortably and even include a Chinese fan which I bought it from China last June as to show the theme for his outfit-The Chinaman, to others. At first, I have no ideas on how would the students would react today. Before that, I deliberately put a scented sachet (Spring Jasmine) on Tuesday (24/7) in his outfit as to eliminate the bad smell. Below is the conversation with Mdm Doris in the General Office who help me in checking Mr Ang’s outfit (may be wrong). Quite funny.

Me: Er…Mdm Doris, can I kindly check on Mr Ang’s outfit cos I’m worry that the smell of the fragrance sachet will be overpowering.

Mdm Doris: Really meh..?

Me: Aiyah, just let me check ba. Please, please, please?

Mdm Doris opens Mr Ang’s office first, immediately, smelling something strong in his office

Mdm Doris: Wa.. What’s that smell, very powerful leh.

Me (Shocked): What?! Just one fragrance sachet can fill the whole room?! (Quickly went to Mr Ang’s room and took the sachet out)

Mdm Doris: Where is it? (Looking at Mr Ang’s outfit)

Me: Down there lor. (took the sachet out carefully)

Mdm Doris: Waa. Very powerful leh. (Talking to Mdm Kalaine)

I went LOL, did went to ask the admin staff whether they can smell anything from where they are. Some did ‘complained’; sincerely apologize .Immediately, leaving me in the ‘wrong spotlight’. Even Mrs Chow, who just finished talking to a visitor, could smell the strong scent from the room, was coughing quite badly. I sincerely apologized to her for the incident happened and passed the sachet to Mr Lim who needs it for the storeroom.

Today, 26 July 2007

Well, today it’s rather a special day for me as today is Racial Harmony Day which I find is better than the previous Racial Harmony Day celebrations as this year, we have cultural dances (probably they’re the cause in making this celebration better. Haha). Honestly, I was in a panic mode, as I couldn’t find Mr Ang in helping out in his outfit and more so , arriving later than expected. So, went back to my class and started to hope that he won’t be absent. Out of sudden, I saw Mr Ang arriving inside the hall and in his outfit design by them. Immediately, commotion was occurring among the entire school population, and more commotion as Mr Ang walks up to the stage to see all of us are doing our silent reading. Soon, he started to open up his fan (the one I passed it to him), fanning himself as he watched the students do their silent reading. Did heard a little commotion here and there. I myself with my jaw dropped, thinking ‘OMG. He looks nice with the outfit. But I pray everything goes right.’ And indeed, everything was right, I was relieved. Never did I know that the outfit designed for him could caused such a great impact to the WWSS population as in their mindsets, they would see the ‘serious Mr Ang’ each day. The celebration, even though was a dance group performing in WWSS, it was one word to describe them-Cool as their dance steps were precise and much better when Fernanders was called up to the stage to perform with the dance group. At least, he’s not stiff and is relaxed. But he’s funny when dancing (LOL).During recess, I did manage to get some feedback from the Sec 1 students and some of the admin staff and the outcome from the both of them. Comments like ‘Wow’, ‘Awesome’, ‘cool’ and even some of them see him like an official from China who just landed to Singapore ! After revealing that I was the designer for his outfit, some went speechless while others giving me positive comments over this which I am very grateful and appreciative for their wonderful comments. Even William (Fernanders’s brother) called me an ‘Art Pro’ (in this area) and even has the feeling of seeing my eyebrows have an ‘artistic feel’ (correct me if I am wrong). 1C , well some of them went speechless and others felt that the outfit was cool for Mr Ang (haha) . Was joking with Zoe that the grandfather=Creative grandfather (LOL).

Afternoon was nothing much, except for the surprising thing that Mediacorp’s Channel 8 are doing a taping of our campus where according to them, they will be airing their taping in their morning show ‘Good Morning Singapore’ next Wednesday (1 August 2007). Will tell you the details in my next post. Fernanders and gang instead of going back home, was caught by the crew instead as to help them tape a segment of them studying ? (I guess). For Fernanders, probably it’s his bad day today lol. Seems to me that likely some of them like him (Fern.) could rise to stardom after taping and being seen on TV ! Before going back, did chat with Mr Ang of the reaction over the outfit designed or him. He answered that the outfit was an impact to WWSS and even Mdm Rahainah was impressed by his outfit! I felt touched when he mentioned that his outfit worn was being taken with the staff and even putting the staff photo in WWSS Tapistri 2007. For the students, he mentioned that during his lessons with some of the 4 Exp students, some began to stammer when reading a passage as some were a little ‘frightened’ as if they have to read properly before an official from China! Lol. Will be passing him about my story in the area of Photography tomorrow. Probably, should design Mrs Chow’s one together Mr Ang as to create more impacts next year ! haha

It has been a day that I would never forget…An impact on WWSS. Prelims are coming soon. Wishing all my dearest Sec 4s all the best ! =))

David C.E Lau
11:38 PM

2007-A Suayness Year (Part 1)

Evening people, back to the blogging scene again. Today it would rather be a short post as now, I’m tired out so can’t think much to write. This year, 2007 has become a suay (dull) year instead of something ‘memorable’? (I bet). Every event that is celebrated seems to be rather dull nowadays. For the SC investiture 2007, it was ok for me, but not ‘memorable’ enough to the Sec 4s who have been with me since the beginning and leaving this year. Time is flying extremely quickly than expected and the N levels exams are coming in 2 months time and the prelims are coming in a week (30 July 07-7 Aug 07) while I myself , slacking here and there and not waking up to see the reality. David C.E Lau, can you wake up, or ‘electrify me’ up to see the reality instead of slacking. If not, it is the end of me. Please do wake up….

To Be Continued…

David C.E Lau
10:30 PM

MYE EL Oral Exams 2007

I was almost late today which soon leads me up to a suspension as being caught late for a couple of times.(An honest statement from Grandfather to 1C kiddos haha… ;D) Luckily, I was not late thanks to the pro taxi driver who ferried me in a peak hour within a short time. Should take his taxi more often, but I have to consider the taxi fare spend as it is equivalent to a fast food meal. The best choice overall is to take the public bus which saves a lot of $$.

Ok ok, enough of money saving talks here. Well today, it seems to be an quite an unusual day for me as the Sec 4/5 who are involved in today’s papers are there only. It was pretty quiet, but the cooperation of the students following the exam invigilators for the day has quicken up the pace in taking my EL Oral a little earlier than expected. Looks like the Sec 4/5 group is like the old times in WWSS where the pioneers of the school , the senior students is about this size residing in a Hua Yi Secondary School section block before coming to WWSS in the year 2001. But the funny thing was at the beginning of the day is that when we were singing the National Anthem, Mrs Chow was singing with us on the first half of the Anthem. She did sing…but with an off pitch and I almost laughed which also caused me to be out of tune for the other half of the Anthem oops =X. Grrr…I’m pretty good in singing but for this instance I went out of tune.Grrr…(Perhaps Mrs Chow should go for singing lessons ! Haha… =))

The ‘bad’ news for me is that I have to wait for 2 hours for my turn. Good thing there is entertainment for us as to keep the 2nd shift people occupied. Well, it did help (Must distress a bit after intense subject papers that we have to sit for right?). Luckily got 鸡精 with me before I went for my oral =))).

When it came to my turn to prepare myself for the oral exam, I was surprised that the picture shown was the picture that I have seen in my oral revision book that I bought recently for my oral practice. Finally, it came to my turn, I began reading the given passage with my best articulation. The examiner, Mr Samuel was impressed my articulation in reading the passage, except he advice me to be a bit more care in reading the sentences as sometimes I accidentally skipped a word off or articulate it a bit off. Overall, he said that the reading has impressed him. Now, coming to the picture interpretation which is very nerve wrecking for me. I tried to interpret it as much as possible while on the other hand, Mr Samuel was like ‘tell me more ….tell me more’. It was raining heavily during that time and in my mind I was like ‘Mr Samuel, can you please don’t expect out of me too much just because of the heavy rain’. Finished off the picture interpretation with mysel, breathless.=(

For the conversation, it came pretty easy for me but yet challenging for me and finished off pretty quick. Had a little ‘preview’ over my score. Saw that the first section-10/12, middle section (didn’t see it, but I hope that he won’t give me a bad score =)), conversation-15/16 (Yay =)). Hope he won’t do some re-editing to my score.

The following 2 days will be my final papers for this MYE, but feel jealous that the Sec 4 Express ends their MYE tomorrow. Sigh…pray that the days of MYE will end soon and to prepare for my N Levels, the important part of going to Sec 5.

David C.E Lau
7:05 PM

Exams…Exams…Exams

First of all, this blog is kind of in a hibernation mode. For those who have been visiting my blog, I apologize for the late update. Alright, back to my topic for the day-Exams… Exams…Exams.

Probably that’s my reason for not updating haha =). Sometimes, I would have no mood to go blogging etc. I’m totally bored. This year is going to be an important year for me as it will be my year for N Levels and now I’m starting to feel the intensity level of it. The first step I have to take as to have a preview of where is my weakness is. The good news is that the MYEs are soon going to be over but…er… the results which I think is going to be ‘bad’, but hoping that it will meet the minimal passing criteria for 4 NA. Still, it is not the end as this is like a gauge for me to do well for the N Levels as this will be the main key in moving to Sec 5 N. Sometimes, I honestly have to confess that I’m very jealous over this year’s Sec 1 batch as they have no MYE’s this year (the seniors may also feel the same thing as well) .So unfair (wishing that I can be back in Sec 1 haha…) . Life has to go on.

Tomorrow will be an easy day for me as it will be my EL Oral exams. Should not be a problem I suppose. Heard from the examiner-Mr Samuel that I’m pretty good in communication and pronunciation =)).Wanting to host the Cultural Expressions 2007 this year haha! Wishing to be the first few in the 2nd shift to be examine smoothly and quickly.Hope Mr Samuel will be lenient in grading me as according to what he said to me that he's going to grade our class according to the 'N Level' standard.Tough rite ? =(

After 5 months of adapting to WWSS, 1C 2007 has become the best class I’ve ever seen and soon after majority of them know me well and soon becoming their ‘grandfather’(senior SC you see) for this class ! Haha. Being a ‘grandfather’ is not being so easy as sometimes, the class is rather notorious and even the girls and guys come for a cat and dog fight! Seriously, I think that they are very hyper group, most of the time ‘obedient’ hehe =). You see 1C, your grandfather speaks good things about you, but please don’t chase teachers away sometimes ok. Hope to visit you people more often. =)

*1C guys-For your folk dance costume outfit, sketches of it will be likely ready after exams as I didn’t have the time to do some sketches for the boys outfit. Be patient alrite ?

David C.E Lau
7:05 PM