Saturday 31 May 2014

Written by Ms. Helen Henry, English Faculty of Cempaka Schools

On reflection of my years as a teacher I am often reminded of my years schooling at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, a French Catholic missionary order that arrived in colonial Malaya-Singapore in the late 19th century. It was with singular pride that girls wore the school crest which held deep meaning for generations of school girls in the trademark, ink-blue pinafores. It was also here that I developed an interest in teaching through very simple things like a love for the classroom, school spirit and an appreciation for the school crest that held a deep meaning for most of us. 

The school crest in white, red and silver with a touch of gold had a French motto which read ‘Simple Dans Ma Virtu, Forte Dans Mon Devoir,’ translating to mean ‘Simple in Virtue and Steadfast in Duty’. The crest was also fringed with the Marguerite flowers, the distaff, spindle, holy scriptures and praying beads. We not only wore the crest but took the motto to heart in the way we carried ourselves, approached our education and developed values.


The nuns ran the schools, which first opened at Singapore’s Victoria Street, followed by Penang’s Light Street. Their teachings highlighted more than a colonial syllabus of reading, writing, speaking and arithmetic. They emphasised that we develop personalities that embodied the school ethos – and it was in very simple things like greeting each other or lending a helping hand to each other. We heard the nuns speak of courtesy, honour and fidelity during sports drills, religious instruction, literature or any other subject. Often we were reminded to be alert to the needs of the people around us, and in many ways it helped shape the sort of daughters, sisters, wives and mothers we all became at the various stages of our lives. For me,  it shaped the identity of the teaching we aspired to.

Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Seremban in 1942

In what were some of the landmark school buildings of its time, Convent Schools had distinguishable buildings with Gothic splendours such as Convent Bukit Nenas in Kuala Lumpur and Town Convent Singapore, or a classical mix of styles in Light Street convent in George Town, Penang. Within those hallowed buildings, worthy of the pilasters and pillars, we learnt core values of courtesy, honour and fidelity. These were traits that went across our relationships whether at home, at school or within the community and the nation at large.

The nuns and the mother superiors who managed the school administration and classrooms saw their charges as more than mere jobs to handle or oversee. They were each a special flower in a garden of various blooms, each offering different colours and bringing different joys.

As difficult as it can be when teaching in a class where there are challenges, it is precisely here in these circumstances that the values we learnt are most needed. I recall how the nuns and  teachers in convent schools made the effort with students who were weaker in their studies or did not keep up with the spirit. They never gave up on any student. “No student who leaves a convent school will leave without learning something to make a difference in the world out there,” a wise teacher once said. It is true when Convent students gather for reunions, there is the spirit that has moulded them, a belief that they have learnt something to make a difference in whatever they do.

I believe when I set out to teach, unconsciously I brought the ethos and values of a convent education into any classroom I ventured into. Each student that sat in my class, was not just another name or record in the class register. I have always made it a point to reach out to students in the classes I teach. And the students too have responded. While some took a longer time, most came to school eager to learn beyond the school syllabus. 

It certainly demanded patience in some cases, especially in schools where the students were from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is said that teachers who rise to the challenge of being able to reach such students are truly the gifted ones. Perhaps, being in the convent where they also, for a time, ran orphanages, showed us what compassion meant, when the nuns took in unwanted babies left outside the convent schools. These children too, grew up on the school grounds and while deprived of family life, and the school in turn became their family.  Now for some of us, as teachers, we are gently reminded to be more charitable to students who are deprived of stable family lives and to make a difference in their lives. Sometimes even a smile or an encouraging glance makes a difference as one student related to me, years later when she left school. Students themselves teach us teachers valuable lessons, and to be able to realise that, can be enriching, as how I sometimes marvel at the way some of my more lively students approach life and share their thoughts.

With thirty-nine years of teaching experience, most of which was in the public school system and the rest in private schools, I came to see that teaching cannot be just a job. It is a vocation, something that the founders of the mission schools, such as Franciscan founder of the IJ convents, Father Barre declared to his nuns or even as the patron saint of the teachers,St John Baptist de La Salle imbued in the La Salle School teaching fraternity. No child, they argued, is beyond hope. We sometimes symbolise hope in their lives.


Even when reality sometimes makes it easy to admit that teaching is perhaps the most thankless vocation, parents and students who are appreciative, allow us to renew that belief that we are not merely performing a job but taking on a challenge that essentially shapes the sort of people we all strive to be. Now as a teacher in my twilight decades of teaching, that school motto that I took seriously has given me more insights. If it held a certain awe to be simple in virtue and steadfast in duty when I was a student, now as a teacher it helps me renew my commitment to rise and affirm that the simplest acts of teaching – grading papers, preparing lessons, is something that has a supernatural value, and it keeps me steadfast in duty, to love what I was born to be – to share and learn about life with the children that come my way.

by Anonymous 17:35 57 comments | in , , , , , ,

57 comments:

  1. Child learn standards, and social skills from their home. In my opinion every child’s first school is their own home from where they learn many more thing in their childhood. I have passed my childhood life with full of happiness. Now I am in age of youngster and need help from any expert assignment writers to complete my project. I want to get great marks in this project.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Teaching is one of the best profession and respected professions around the world. I am about to finish by bachelor’s degree in teaching and education from Payne Springs University and I am highly motivated to excel as a teacher as soon as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nowadays, the way to becoming a teacher is most complicated and full of obstacles, In order to be able to teach in elementary school or primary school, it is necessary to obtain a degree in primary education sciences. I have done my degree of PhD in international relations then I able to include in the list of custom assignment writers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have done job as an academic teacher in school of higher education, that time I had done my graduation and now I am teaching for HND Assignments Courses since 2012. And Now I have completed my PHD education and also thinking to get more education. But I will also doing my teaching job because I love to do teaching and it was my first job.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing the road to teaching for education of VMware 2V0-622 Practice Test

    ReplyDelete
  6. i not say anything on this block i am a muslim person i just know one thing if any person interest in muslim culture knowledge read Holy Quran with meaning you know what is the right path.
    this comment is not just for other religion also for muslims
    scholarships for muslim college students in usa for guide line go there and ask anything.

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you love kids and want to help them succeed, becoming an elementary school teacher is a rewarding career choice with unlimited possibilities. With the right education and training, the potential for employment is excellent. Teachers are always in demand and someone who exhibits skills to truly instill memorable experiences in their students are even harder to find.
    Source: cheap assignment writing service

    ReplyDelete
  8. It’s very excellent information and more real facts to provided that post.Thank you for sharing this information. Get 1z0-978 exam Questions

    ReplyDelete
  9. There must be some new evaluations that should lead a successful road to teaching. However, there may be some other ways that have engaged people to have help from dissertation writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Many teachers consider their work a work of adoration. The individuals who enter the teaching profession are looking forward to ghostwriting services a long profession of instructing students and conceivably climbing into managerial positions, where they can sizably affect educational modules improvement and educational system arranging.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kid learn models, and social aptitudes from their home. As I would like to think each youngster's first school is their very own home from where they learn numerous additionally thing in their youth. I have passed my youth existence with brimming with joy. Presently I am in period of youth and need assistance from any master task essayists to write my essay. I need to get incredible checks in this task.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh well thanks for this info, plus I noticed that you have a very nice and natural way of writing, this is really good, you can easily get best 701-100 Dumps Questions, you should apply for that, I know you'd get it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. A trainer is somebody who enables others to gather information, competences or values. Informally the role of teacher may be taken on with the aid of all of us, FIA Latest Jobs available on our website.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You probably noticed that the thinking of a person secured is very different from the thinking of a poor person. Many articles, books, and many video lessons have been written on this topic. Assignment Help UK can provide you best writing help service.

    ReplyDelete
  15. sui gas duplicate bill you can check online and download the copy

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think this is a real great blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic. Here is my blog - Photo editing & photography tips.
    This may help you to find something useful

    ReplyDelete
  17. Do you know why i like this website? I like this website because of great and update info. I also like 1z0-983 test questions answers because now they are writing quality content for the student. I am very proud for that.

    ReplyDelete
  18. There is a great option for every student to contact this reliable writing service https://order-essays.com/buy-case-brief-writing/ You can save time and get paper of high quality on time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Numerous articles, books, and numerous video exercises have been composed on this theme. An outside event, Oxbridge Essays Help UK in any case, can cause weight just stipulation alone picks as shown by an ability to such obnoxiously. toughness In dishonorable words, there's no such factor as outside weight. Thankful as dependable for your sparkling the light on an essential subject.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You most likely seen that the reasoning of an individual verified is altogether different from the reasoning of a needy individual. Numerous articles, books, and numerous video exercises have been composed on this theme.

    Regards
    Online Essay Writers UK

    ReplyDelete
  21. The kid takes in models and social aptitudes from their home. As I would like to think, each youngster's first school is their own home from where they learn a lot more thing in their adolescence. I have passed my youth existence with brimming with joy.

    Regards
    Law Writing

    ReplyDelete
  22. What I like the most in your post? Is the way you bring the information into the spciety and especially on this blog, quite interesting manner of giving the lecture, I guess a lot of teachers and writers can borrow smth, one more intetersing site which provide you with all neccessar help and assisstance which I have found recently was essay empire where you can buy an essay and all of them will be quite exclusive and intgeresting like the information on this blog

    ReplyDelete
  23. nice article thanks for the content i realy enjoyed for read your post, this is the great opportunity for every students to contact this digital marketing services digital marketing services

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've been thinking about becoming a teacher, but I can't decide if I would prefer elementary, middle school, or secondary (English/language arts) education. I have a freelancing experience of doing some Wiki Page Creation Agency Could teachers out there please describe their typical days

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for this informative post I really appreciate for writing such a perfect post. I also recommend visiting mobile app development company

    ReplyDelete
  26. Such a great and lovely content you have there my brother. You've done some extra ordinary work on your content here I must say that. I really like it. Thank you for the valuable share.
    new ppsc jobs by naukry

    ReplyDelete
  27. Kampala International University (KIU) is a private, not-for-profit institution based in Uganda. It was established in 2001 and assumed chattered status in 2009. University which started as a typical degree-awarding institution has now grown into the number one Private University in Uganda and is currently ranked number 4 out of 65 universities in the country according to the January 2020 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.
    In pursuit of the dream to raise the next generation of problem-solvers for the East African region and indeed the whole of Africa, the University operates a multi-campus system which consists of two campuses in Uganda (The Main campus in Kampala and the Western Campus in Ishaka-Bushenyi); one other university in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, while a third one is being developed in Nairobi Kenya.
    KIU has 49 academic departments offering a total of over 150 academic programme in arts, law, business, communication arts, computer science and information technology, engineering, education, , language and literature, mathematics, Physical and biological sciences, social science, and technology education, Medicine and Clinical Science, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing Science and Dentistry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. All the programs are accredited by the Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education, National and Regional professional bodies, agencies including the EAC.
    Among the University’s premier units receiving special recognition is the Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and the University’s The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library - IBML which has been adjudged by both internal and external observers to be one of the best in the region.
    To enhance student learning and lecturers’ preparation, KIU provides all faculty and full-time, on-campus students with a conducive learning environment, adequate classrooms, ambivalent office spaces, ultramodern e-resource centres, access to some of the world’s best publications and easy access to high-speed wireless networking, advanced multimedia technology, and classrooms equipped with the latest educational technology. KIU makes courses and degree programs available through traditional on-campus programs, distance learning (online), and hybrid formats that combine both elements.
    The University parades the best set of faculty who recruited from Uganda and from 28 other countries of the world stretching across all continents.
    Kampala International University
    Top most Private University

    Best Medical School in Uganda

    ReplyDelete
  28. Understudies Assignment Help is a world-class article composing help specialist co-op for all the understudies in Ireland at a differed scholastic level. Our Best Dissertation essayist takes care of every one of their issues with flawlessness.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have seen the article named "Talk" here. However, don't fathom what does it truly mean? I figure you ought to incorporate more nuances here about this here. We all in all are holding on to see more. Thankful to you to such a degree. Assignment

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is amazingly mind blowing stuff for sharing. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing. Taking everything into account, an obligation of appreciation is all together for posting such an amazing idea, I like this blog and I like the subject and considering making it right. Dissertation proposal writing service.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Various a bounty of gratitude to your article this post really causes me a lot and a ton I will contact your site Team paper writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The school peak in white, red and silver with a pinch of gold had a French aphorism which read 'Straightforward Dans Ma Virtu, Forte Dans Mon Devoir,' meaning signify 'Basic in Virtue and Steadfast in Duty'. The peak was likewise bordered with the Marguerite blossoms, the distaff, shaft, blessed sacred writings and imploring dabs. We wore the peak as well as acknowledged the aphorism in the manner we conveyed ourselves, moved toward our training and created values.
    Need best quality riding jacket for men and women both at reasonable and limited rates? All things considered, we are here for you! Our jackets are simply bulldozed and will shield you from winter, summers, downpour, and so on. Presently a crusade is running just for our new customers that you will get straightforwardly $10 off on your first order and a lot more discounts! So what are you sitting tight for? Snatch these arrangements before they ran out!
    Lexther usa

    ReplyDelete
  33. Cheapnotic.com is your proud partner in Men’s cheap shopping collection. We have a variety of products including the latest fashion T-Shirts, watches, jackets, coats, caps, glasses, grooming kits, and much more.
    Cheap Men's Tops

    ReplyDelete
  34. Mereka menekankan bahwa kami mengembangkan kepribadian yang mewujudkan etos sekolah - dan itu dalam hal-hal slot deposit pulsa yang sangat sederhana seperti saling menyapa atau memberikan bantuan satu sama lain.

    ReplyDelete
  35. We do your online class as we offer quality Online Classes Expert help and we are best if you’re searching to take my online class for me or pay someone to do my online class!

    ReplyDelete
  36. We are the best online class help with 2500+ experts to hire or pay someone to take my online class. 24/7 assistance in the USA.
    Online Class Takers

    ReplyDelete
  37. Can Someone Do My Class Online For Me? Can I Pay Someone To Take My Class Online For Me? Try Us! Best Mentors Online is the best Online Class Help Company for you!

    ReplyDelete
  38. All suggestions about a good teacher are very interesting.I like to get more tips because I am writing already assignments for the students of Buy Essay Online

    ReplyDelete
  39. Do you want online exam help? All you have got to say is do my online exam for me. We provide the best take my online exam help.

    ReplyDelete
  40. The Powerful Educational and Developmental Experience of Business Simulations
    Business Think Learning Solutions
    www.businessthink.in
    One of India & South Asia’s best known Business Training & Simulation Provider
    Unforgettable Business Learning with Simulations
    Business Acumen | Strategic Thinking | Financial Acumen | Business Decision Making | Business Agility

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well, it is true when Convent students gather for reunions, there is the spirit that has moulded them, a belief that they have learnt something to make a difference in whatever they do. assignments help

    ReplyDelete
  42. when I was teacher i learn allot things from students. one day is not forgettable in my teaching carrier I still remember that I was creating a paper and sudden one student came with his gun and said that show me this paper. that time I gave him a paper and after that i complaint his parents then he left the school. anyways students now you have a good chance to get Online Essay Help from our experts.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Teaching is a process that does not stop, Luca https://www.lucaedu.com/ is an e-learning platform that helps young people and children in Mexico to study primary and secondary school with official content, at prices accessible to all.

    Soon this E-learning platform will be available for Colombia and Latin America, and I think there should be other alternatives like this one that help democratize education.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You did a better job than my team at demonstrating it. It's fascinating! All of the solutions were found in one blog online ghostwriting services! Please keep posting! thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Good blog. Keep sharing. I love them Are you also searching for Cheap assignment help? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering cheap assignments to students without having to break the bank

    ReplyDelete
  46. To make our chemical engineering assignment help administrations reasonable to college-participants, we have intentionally kept the costs of our writing help extensively low. We do charge a sensible expense, however it doesn't imply that we cut corners and think twice about the quality. Employ us once and you will realize whatever we say, we comply with something similar. my assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  47. HI I am Jennifer And I provide best book writing services in USA. and I must say that this is amazing blog looking forward to see more from you.

    ReplyDelete
  48. In Today's World, You Can't Have A Successful Business Without A Strong Online Presence. Your Website Needs To Be Easy To Find On Search Engines, So People Can Find You When They're Looking For A Service Or Product You Offer. If You're Not Ranking Well On Search Engines, It's Time To Call In The Professionals. Best Seo Company For Forex Will Help You Rank Higher On Search Engines, Increasing Your Online Visibility And Potential Customer Base. This Analysis Will Identify What Your Website Needs To Rank Higher On Search Engines. From There, Best Seo Company For Forex Will Create An Effective Seo Strategy That Will Be Tailored To Your Needs

    ReplyDelete
  49. Whether you are a new trader or an experienced trader, Online Stock Broker provides all of the information you need to make an educated decision about which online broker to use. We have years of experience in this industry working alongside brokers, traders and market makers and we bring our knowledge and expertise to you with this guide.

    ReplyDelete
  50. On impression of my years as an educator I am regularly helped to remember my years tutoring at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, a French Catholic preacher request that showed up in frontier Malaya-Singapore in the late nineteenth century.
    PuroClean of Aubrey provides all services related to property damage restoration, including water damage mitigation and restoration services, Mold Removal & Remediation Tx, fire, and smoke damage restoration, as well as construction services, contents pack-out, storage, and cleaning services to all commercial and residential property owners.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Dbd Forums Overview: Stay ahead of the market with our live and real time stock market overview. Get all of your favorite stocks in one place, and get alerted to live news at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Dbd Forums Overview: Stay ahead of the market with our live and real time stock market overview. Get all of your favorite stocks in one place, and get alerted to live news at the same time!


    Jazz Internet Packages

    ReplyDelete
  53. Proctored Exam Online boost grades and provides reliable online exam help for students looking up professionals to take my online exam for me or Pay Someone To Take Your Exam Online

    ReplyDelete
  54. https://coub.com/jack.media
    https://pastebin.com/u/jackmedia

    ReplyDelete

Search