School Daze

A day in the life of a Mentor at Sungai Pinang.  Walk with me through the world of Tumpat education.

Getting in some morning exercise before the day gets too hot.  GOAL!

Good morning, Mr. JJ!  A friendly greeting from some students.  Have a good day.

More of my fans.  They like to sneak out of class to say "hello."

Mr. Najhan works the room in his Year 2 Class with Mr. JJ providing support.

Footwear outside the library.  I've always seen a good crowd in there.

Eager readers.  Some of the many students I see when I'm in the mini-library with my teachers.  Reading is FUN-da-mental.

Mr. JJ and a group of Year 6 students after a UPSR cram session.  I was scheduled for 30 minutes, but the students didn't want to leave so the Math teacher graciously let us work together for an hour.  These kids were sharp and new their stuff.  We all had a great time.

UPSR Redux

At Telok Jering, I was helping one of my teachers with some more UPSR practice.  She told me that they combined two classes and would have three hour-long sessions of study.

Students working hard.  C'mon, gang.  You can do it!

Morning Assembly

I arrived early at Telok Jering today.  After signing the Buku Pelawat, I stood to watch the gathering in the courtyard below.  Impressive to see everyone gathered together to start the day.

All together now ... I will study English.  I will study English. ...

Mean and Green

Something a bit different from the usual scholastic posts.  I took a short holiday to Penang and came across this big guy in one of the malls.

Don't make me mad.  You won't like me when I'm mad!!!

A Colorful Day

The mentees at SK Chenderong Batu invited me to their post Hari Raya celebration.  It was a bit different than the event at Telok Jering.  Everything and everyone was vibrant in their holiday garb.

The children were having fun with a coloring contest.  Look at the concentration level.  I had my eye on the food.  LOL!

I was told all the food came from the students and the teachers.   I had no idea what most of what was on the table, but had a fun time sampling the vast variety of dishes.  Most of it was sweet and delicious. 

When I come to the schools, the first reaction I usually get from the children is a look of surprise with some apprehension.  Most of them have never seen an adult white male except in the movies.  But after a few minutes and smiles of encouragement from my part, they slowly come closer.  Here are some brave boys checking out Mr. JJ.

Then there are the brave ones who jump right in when the camera comes out.  Look at those smiles.  I gotta learn to take better selfies.

A group of handsome lads in their finest celebration gear.  Peace to you, my young brothers!

Finally, a chance to pose with the lovely ladies.  Holding court in the middle in the deep blue outfit is Robiah Mahood.  She is one of the teachers from this school taking part in the Tell2 program.  A strong-minded individual with a great sense of humor.  People like her make my job rewarding.

Post Hari Raya Celebration

Yes, another party.  I had no idea this event was celebrated so much in the Islam community.  After the school break, everyone got together again for a welcome back, in-school Hari Raya Celebration, Round Two. 

The Guru Besar of Telok Jering doing his thing.  He's looks quite dashing today!

I'm going to have get one of those fancy outfits the men where for next year's round of parties!

The GB and his posse.  The big guy in blue looks serious, but don't looks fool you.  He gave me a friendly bear hug to show his appreciation after the photo was taken.

Holy Hari Raya, Part 2

Another school in my cluster.  Another Hari Raya celebration.  This event took place at SK Telok Jering.

Again, a huge room full of children patiently waiting for the celebration to begin.  I'm usually impressed at how well-behaved they are and today was no exception.

The Guru Besar giving gifts (money) to each student at the school.  I was told the money is raised by the teachers and other patrons.  I also made a small contribution and was given a "shout out" by the GB during his speech and also received a box of candy as a gift for my participation.  Totally unexpected, but generously accepted.  Yum.  They were good too.

Ros Azimah is one of my mentees at SK Telok Jering.  I've found her to be a dedicated and caring teacher.  She looks absolutely delighted knowing she's helping the children.  I've been told some of them come from broken homes and are quite poor.  Even the few ringit they got brought smiles to their faces.

At the end of the celebration, a photo op with the GB where he again thanked me for coming.  I didn't realize they actually noticed since I was just a member of the audience, but my presence was appreciated.  I consider this one of the hidden benefits of my job.  Also, good public relations goes a long way.

Holy, Hari Raya!

I was pleased to be invited to an Idil Fitri celebration at SK Bendong Pa'Yong.  At first I was a bit nervous, but everyone made me feel welcome and part of the celebration.  It was an excellent opportunity to meet other teachers at the school and also the Guru Besar himself.

The program of events.

All the students gathered in the meeting hall.  A very well-behaved crowd that sat quietly waiting for the event to begin.

I was asked to get in line with the local teachers when the students come to demonstrate a sign of respect.  What an honor.  I had never experienced anything like this before.  It was humbling.

Mr. JJ gets to press the flesh with the head man himself, Guru Besar Zaid.

Now posing with GB Zaid and his dynamic duo of administration.  Don't be fooled by the serious faces.  These guys are all good natured and know how to party.

Big Boss Man

Our Project Manager, Mr. Tobiah, came with me for a visit to SK Sungai Pinang.  It was his first time visiting the school, so we made sure he met all three teachers in this cluster.

From left to right: Maznihan, Mr. Tobiah, Najhan and Rahimah

More Kids

It doesn't take much coaxing to get the students to pose for photos.  Another wonderful experience being surrounded by such joyful kids.

Mr. JJ is well-received by a enthusiastic class at SK Sungai Pinang.

Thumbs Up!

Here I am with Robiah Mahmoud, one of the fabulous teachers at Chenderong Batu.  Looking at the photo now, I am surprised how the boys and girls posed on separate sides without even being told.  One of the many new cultural nuances I'm learning about.

Mr. JJ visits a class at SK Chenderong Batu.

In The Beginning

Hello All,

After some delay, we are finally making our first posts.  Enjoy.

Here I am at Seri Kaumpung Laut making new friends.  This is my first visit back in July where I met Azwa, Nooridah and Azlan.  As you can see, making new friends in Kelantan is easy!