When a membership request is denied...

Recently, Zac is so into this new online game called "Disney Club Penguin". With exclusive benefits like inviting other members to his "house" and collecting as many "likes" for the decorations that he has put up, Zac wanted so much to be a member and bugged us to make the payment for registration... Knowing that he will get addicted, we rejected him. But this cheeky monkey sure knows how to make us feel guilty.

Though upset, he continued playing with whatever minimum access that he could get. A while later, he came over to papa and said...

Zac: "Pa, you know... Who visited my house in club penguin today?"
Papa: "Who?"
Zac: "Nobody..." (said with an expressionless look)

Then he went on with...

Zac: "Then you know... 3 people liked my house today too... U know who?"
Papa: "Who?"
Zac: "It's me..." (again said with an expressionless look)

Both mama and papa broke into laughter upon hearing this... Kids!

Character Development Award

Somewhere in late September to October, Zac called me while I was in the office...
Zac: Mama, someone called me to the office today. I thought I did something naughty! When I went in, there were 8 teachers sitting and waiting for me. I was nervous.

Then, the teachers began asking questions.

Teacher: Zac, why do you think your teacher chose you as one of the nominees for the role model?
Zac: Ehmmmm, because I am smart? (as usual, an overconfident reply from Zac... he said the teachers laughed...)
Teacher: Why do you think your classmates picked you as their role model?
Zac: I think because I am caring. I always help my friends.
Teacher: What will you do if your friend tried to copy your work?

Zac: I will tell teacher.
Teacher: But your friend will not want to be your friend anymore if you do so.
Zac: Then I will not tell the teacher. I will give him a second chance and tell him not to copy.
Teacher: Your friend still insist on copying. So how?
Zac: I have no choice but to tell teacher.
Teacher: What about your friend? He's not going to be your friend anymore...
Zac: Never mind, lose this kind of friend is okay.

Teachers applaud when he said that. Zac said he was lost and confused over the teachers' reaction but was glad to walk out with a goodie bag full of yummy tidbits.

For displaying values in line with the school's iCrest Value, Zac was selected as the recipient for the "Character Development Award" for the Care Level (Primary 1).

Over the years, we have worked so hard trying to instill good values in you. We are so proud of you Zac, for keeping up with what has been taught and emphasised. May you grow up to be a good person my dear...

Sweet surprises...

Work-life balance... Is it even possible to achieve that in Singapore?

Everyday, after a tiring day at work, I come home, have dinner and begin my other job. At 8pm daily, I am the kids' personal tutor. Zac and Nana would start on their homework and complete whatever revision they needed to. We made it a point to off the TV when anyone is studying. Tuned to this by now, they will continue this good practice even when I have to work till late or when hubby is on night shift or away for detachment! Keep up the good job guys!

With Zac in P1, I tend to focus more on him. Nana, who is in K1, will be doing her assessment books independently. A smart girl, she at times finds her books boring and would try to complete her brother's assessment books. And she would get it all correct! That truly amazed me...

Little did I know that all this while, she actually feels neglected. She would cry when its bedtime, insisting that she has not seen or talked to me enough. This goes on everyday but I was silly enough not to take note of her feelings. There were occasions when everything was too much for me to handle, and I get impatient towards her...

 

However, being such a sweetie pie, she would just whisper back "but i really miss you." I felt so guilty... and silly... Nana would never bear grudges against me. In fact, she makes an effort to brighten me up with thank you notes. I am touched by the understanding and appreciation that my 5 year old baby has for me...

 

She insisted that I pin these up at my work desk so that I'll be reminded of her all the time. Thank you bb for being such a sweetie pie...

Model Pupil Award

On the last day of Term 3 (31 Aug 2012), Zac mentioned that he has been selected as one of the nominees for the Model Pupil Award, along with 2 other classmates.

His teacher, Mrs Wan, wrote the names of these 3 nominees on the white board and told the class to pick one whom they felt deserves this award. Everyone were told to write their vote on a piece of paper and to hand it back to the teacher. No discussions were allowed. 

Zac talked about this endlessly over dinner... It was obvious that he really wanted to win this. He has always loved competition, but being a kid, there is still so much for him to learn when it comes to coping with failure and disappointment. I was concerned about this and assured him that one of the reason why teacher chose him could be due to the effort which he has put in all this while. To me, this is a form of recognition and to be a nominee has already made him a winner! He thought about it for a while and sensibly replied that he will be happy to win it, but even if he doesn't, it's fine! I was so glad to hear that from him.

Yesterday, after almost a month later, Zac came back from school and happily announced that he will be going on stage today to receive the Model Pupil Award! Look at that smile! 

Mama and Papa are so happy for you! Keep up the good work Zac!

Kids Olympic 2012

First Primary School Sports Day and Zac's team came in 4th for the Hoops Relay! 

Well done kiddos!