WATCHING THE FINALS OF THE NATIONAL LEVEL SCHOOL COMBO COMPETITION 2018

28th SEPTEMBER 2018 ~ I went to watch the Finals of the National Level School Combo Competition held at RTM Auditorium in Johor Bahru. I got to know about this event when an old friend from college informed me and her daughter was also taking part.

Five states were chosen to compete in the final round: Sabah, Melaka, Perlis, Johor and Sarawak. These students were all good and they were like professional musicians already. I was truly impressed with their talent and skills playing music.

The auditorium was packed with audience and some had even to stand behind the back row or sit on the stairs.

Melaka emerged the champion and they deserved it. I had recorded some of their performances during the competition and will have to upload the videos on my Youtube channel later.

Zapin dance by students of SK Permas Jaya 1

A capella singers in action

The two performances staged while waiting for the result to be announced were also very entertaining. The first one was an a capella group comprising of secondary school students of various schools from Pasir Gudang district, and the second one a dance number by primary school children of SK Permas Jaya 1. It was worth the time I spent there for the evening.

Congratulations to all the participants, and performers as well and I am sure you have already seen the possible options you should be taking in the future by now.

NATIONAL LEVEL TEACHER'S DAY CELEBRATION IN JOHOR BAHRU

The last time Johor Bahru hosted Teacher's Day for national level was many, many years ago. I was directly involved and I had to wear my firefighters uniform with other teachers who were in their own different uniform units to read the Teacher's Oath on stage. This time, however, I was there to attend a talk at 10:00 a.m at Plaza Angsana.

Unfortunately it rained really heavily when I was about to leave school after my class was finished at 10:30 a.m. Once I was stuck in school, that would mean I would have to do other things which would prevent me from leaving. So I was there by 12:00 p.m. and the talk was already over but I was told there were many people attending, so everything was alright.

There was this big tent (called marquee actually) which housed exhibition booths. I went to have a look but definitely not stopping for long for the fear of having persuaded to become a member of a teacher's union or subscribe a specially designed credit card for teacher.

There were also other commercial stalls outside which were more interesting.

Actually the main reason why I was here is to see an old friend from UPM TESL batch 1993, Dr. Hayati Ismail who was on duty. We managed to chat over lunch despite our busy schedule, or else we could spend more time eating and gossiping at some other places.

That was my involvement in this year's national level Teacher's Day celebration this year. I participated in the event by being there, at least.