The Water Family Enrichment Centre

Wonderful Wednesday

2012-02-02T10:53:00.001+08:00

Being in the system for more than a decade, I could not believe that I was so excited and sort of tossed and turned in bed on Tuesday. It was definitely not my first Learning Journey but well, my first as a 'Parent Volunteer' to all my precious kids, especially those from JO5 and BU5 in 2011.

Okay, JO6, the next time, I'll be your 'Parent Volunteer'!

It was my first long day since the beginning of 2012. Reached school at about 8am and left at about 2pm. Arrived at the centre at about 2.30pm and had lessons all the way to 9pm. Still, I had fun.

Lots of fun with my kids in school followed by lots of fun with my kids at the centre. We were having a lesson on forces and I decided to put everything into action! Tug-of-war should be the best to teach forces and to experience relationship between amount of mass and force.

It was not just a battle between boys and girls. We played 3-on-3 too!

I'm glad my Primary 6 kids are working hard together with me and I am not alone. They are as motivated as I am. I am sure as long as they work hard, they will see results. Thank you for believing in Yourselves - that is the most important! Introducing our TWFEC's Fortune Mascot - Lucky Lucas!

- Teacher Summer :)

Shanghai Tang

2012-01-31T00:26:00.002+08:00

My wife says she likes this family photo alot. It kind of resembles a classic chinese movie "上海滩"

I think so too. =)

Ang Baos!

2012-01-30T14:11:00.001+08:00

1st year giving out ang baos to the kiddos.

The feeling?
-Bliss

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Bliss can be a state of profound satisfaction, happiness and joy, a constant state of mind, undisturbed by gain or loss.

While some might want to shun away Lunar New Year, I find it a joy to give. Especially so when I hold their small little palm and wish them "新年快乐，恭喜发财，万事如意，心想事成，身体健康，学业进步，快高长大，龙马精神"

And I make sure they wish me "早生贵子" in return. Hee... Yes, we have alot of encouragements from everyone wishing us luck on a Baby Dragon. Trust me. Both of us want a Water Baby Dragon/Phoenix more than anyone else. =)

希望收到我们红包的小孩也会收到我们满满的祝福！
*We hope everyone who receive our ang baos will also receive our blessings for you! =)

SwimSafer Stage 3

2012-01-25T22:38:00.001+08:00

Was teaching my twins, Oliver & Nigel on their "Throw Rescue". A lifesaving element in their Swimsafer Stage 3.

*Brief intro*
When the victim starts to shout for help, Rescuer must say "DON'T WORRY! DON'T WORRY! I WILL THROW YOU THE BOARD!"

Teacher Jerry: "Ok! Teacher Jerry will be the victim. You all throw the board to me ok!?"

Twins: "Ok!"

Teacher Jerry: "HELP! HELP! HELP!"

Nigel goes.. "Don't worry Teacher Jerry! Don't worry! Oliver will save you! I go pee pee!!"

And he left his board on the floor and ran to the toilet.

Hahahaa... Oliver & I can't help but bust out laughing! So cute my kiddos!

A great way to start the Dragon year! =)

Water Dragon Year! Huat Ah!!

2012-01-22T22:17:00.001+08:00

The Water Family wishes all our students & parents a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year in the year of the Water Dragon!! Huat Ah!! =D

Chinese New Year lesson break

2012-01-20T21:58:00.001+08:00

Dear students & parents,

Please kindly be reminded once again that there is no Swimming & Tuition classes on 22/01/11 (Chinese New Year Eve).

Our experience tells us that lesser than 50% of you all will turn up for class. So we might as well let everyone have an OFF day! =) Hee...

We have pro-rated this month fees for you. If you have not yet receive your rebate, please kindly let your teachers know!

Here's wishing everyone a Prosperous and Lucky Chinese New Year! HUAT AH! =D

Live your day as though it's your last

2012-01-18T23:36:00.001+08:00

You know the saying "Live your day as though it's your last", to a lot of people, it's yet just another quote.

For me, I finally realised it's meaning. In my own interpretation, it's "Teach your lesson as though it's the last"

And it's especially true in the case of teaching Asher.

He's going back to Sweden soon. Which means, I am going to see him for just 2 more days.

Somehow, I wish time could stop. Friday doesn't come. I'm already missing him now.

And there are so many things I am going to miss about him.

His forever tight tight hugs.

His everyday new ideas which he will share with me by saying... "Teacher Jerry, I have an idea....."

Moments when I point out his mistakes and he will always say "That's why...I told you to stop moving." "That's why..." "That's why...."

Moments when he gets angry with me for moving backwards

Moments where he tells me not to step on the "eels" and bring him to the "stingrays"

I am not showing favouritism. I love all my kiddos. But if you were in my shoes, you will understand. It's just like a teacher saying goodbye to his/her P6 students after PSLE. That's the feeling.

And yes, today before our lesson starts, he ran towards me and gave me a warm welcome hug.

Hugs like these are true and sincere from a child. Most importantly, hugs like these are the ones that I will remember for a lifetime.

I am glad that I've gave my best for him.

p/s: TGIF (Thank god it's friday) is never gonna be in my dictionary.

TWFEC wishes all a Happy Lunar New Year

2012-01-17T15:46:00.000+08:00

May all parents and children have a happy, healthy, wealthy new year!

From: Teacher Jerry, Teacher Rae and Teacher Summer

Happy Lunar New Year!

2012-01-15T23:02:00.000+08:00

A nice clip to share with everyone!

Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! 恭喜发财！学业进步！

And to quote my students, "We shall celebrate Chinese New Year by swimming 20 laps!" =D Nice. I like their attitude.

TWFEC Restroom

2012-01-13T15:39:00.002+08:00

We brought this from Bangkok!
Hanging proudly on our restroom door now! =)

2012-01-12T08:31:00.000+08:00

Teacher Jerry: "Asher look! Sting Ray!"

Asher: "Yes! Hurry Teacher Jerry! We have to swim on top of the Sting Ray!"

Teacher Jerry: "Ya! If not the Sting Ray will bite you!"

** After 3 seconds of pause **

Asher: "Teacher Jerry, Sting Ray don't bite. They will STING you!"

Hee... I love it when my kiddos correct my mistakes. And yes, I am learning something new everyday from my kidos.

Oh, btw, Asher is just 5 years old! =D

From Russia with Love

2012-01-10T15:17:00.002+08:00

These lovely kiddos are the reason why I've been studying so hard on my Russian.

And if there's 1 thing I've learnt in Russian. That would be "Ho-Roh-Shore"хорошо "Ho-Roh-Shore" хорошо, which means Good Good! Hee....

And today is a great day to end their last lesson with me.

You see, 1 of them has water phobia. And the language barrier between Teacher Jerry & the student doesn't make the situation any better.

Yes, I managed to help him overcome his water phobia with my Singlish mixed Russian accent after 2 days. I must have impressed the pool users that 1 Australian lady came to me and say

"You are very good. Very patient. I am so impressed with you. For the past 3 days I've been watching you. On day 1, he was crying and crying. And 2 days later, he is swimming! I am so impressed!"

How did I do that? Seriously, I have no idea. It's either Swimming is an international language or I must have been real good in speaking Russian. Hee... =)

Well, I had fun learning Russian for them. So, here's wishing my Russia students "Oo-dah-Chee" удача (Good Luck) & "Nah-dyee-ahz Skoh-rah Vuh-stray-tehm-syah" Надеюсь увидеть вас снова (Hope to see you again)

And how could I ever forget speaking in a gentlemen style "mehn-yeh zan-voot Jerry" Меня зовут Джерри(My name is Jerry) to them. =D

The Watermelon

2012-01-10T10:52:00.001+08:00

I like this story from the book "Why Study Smart?", written and illustrated by Teo Aik Cher.

A mother brought her little girl to a watermelon farm. The little girl wandered off on her own, wanting to buy a watermelon for her mother. She saw a huge one and asked the farmer for the price.

"This one? Five dollars," replied the farmer.

"I only have fifty cents," the little girl said, disappointed. "I wanted to buy it for mummy ..."

The farmer felt sorry for the little girl and he pointed to a small one, "Fifty cents for that one."

Her face brightened when she hear that.

"I'll take it!" she replied and paid the farmer. "Don't take it down. Just leave it on the vine. I'll come back in a month to take it. Thanks!"

Needless to say, the farmer was flabbergasted.

Sometimes, thinking simply is smart thinking :)
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

Can I call you Papa?

2012-01-09T23:19:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, kids say the funniest thing that put a big smile on my face

Kids: "Teacher Jerry, did u have ur ring after your wedding?"

Jerry: "Ya. Because I am now married."

Kids:"Oh! Same as my papa! My papa also have a ring! Can I call u papa?"

2012's First P5/6 Small Group Creative Writing Class

2012-01-08T14:17:00.001+08:00

Love or Bread

2012-01-07T23:35:00.001+08:00

Every now and then we will be asked to choose between love or bread.

Today I finally have an answer - Love.

With a life filled with lots of love, you will be fed well.

Yes, looking at my size and 70kg weight now. I think it's super true.

Well, married men usually have a nice round belly tummy isn't it. =)

Our Primary One Girls' 1st Math Lesson! :)

2012-01-07T09:57:00.000+08:00

Teacher Jerry Russian Homework

2012-01-05T23:22:00.000+08:00

Sorry, your child is not bright enough

2012-01-05T14:20:00.002+08:00

Source:http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120103-0000020/Sorry,-your-child-is-not-bright-enough#.TwMkOOaeB_g.facebook

Some parents and observers are questioning the motivation for entry tests for enrichment centres
by Tan Weizhen 04:46 AM Jan 03, 2012

SINGAPORE - As the tuition landscape here evolves - with a burgeoning market for helping children who are strong academically to become even better - the practice of some enrichment centres of holding entry tests for children as young as six has raised hackles among some parents.

But centres which hold such tests defend it as a way to screen prospective students and understand their abilities better.

Even so, observers Today spoke to said that these tests could add more pressure on parents and affect a child's confidence at an early stage.

Finance manager V Ang's six-year-old son recently failed an entry test at a popular enrichment centre and is preparing to take another test at a different centre. The 33-year-old said: "The screening is quite ridiculous ... when I sent my son to enrol, they even required information such as which primary school he will be going to. It is quite stressful, as it is not only difficult to get in but expensive too."

Another parent, Ms Serene Tan, said her son, who is in Kindergarten 2, was unable to get a place at the Learning Point after he could not pass the entry test in November. The investment consultant, who is her mid-30s, questioned the motivation of enrichment centres that are solely focused on helping students who are already strong academically to do better.

She added: "I find it very odd that they have such comprehensive entry tests even for children at that age. The centre said that my son didn't do well in his spelling and grammar, but he is only in K2."

Enrichment centres here conduct entry tests for children in kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools.

The duration of these tests are usually between 30 minutes and one-and-a-half hours. An English test for a K2 pupil, for instance, can include grammar, composition, spelling and reading segments.

When contacted, several enrichment centres, which hold entry tests, reiterated the need for the entry tests and pointed to the results they have achieved in helping children who have the aptitude for accelerated learning.

The Learning Lab, for instance, said that each year, 70 per cent of its students see their grades improve by 10 percentage points. It added that 297 of its students scored 260 and above in last year's Primary School Leaving Examination.

Enrolment requirements vary across the enrichment centres: The Learning Point, for example, will not accept students who fail its entry test, although it allows them to take a re-test six months later. For Just Education, it conducts these tests for students whose results in school are below its criteria.

The Learning Lab said its entry tests are used to assess the ability of the students, so that they can be grouped together with others of similar calibre.

Apart from entry tests, the centre also conducts pre-enrolment interviews "to appraise the student's drive and desire to improve, and fit with our school's learning ethos". Its spokesperson Ling Cheah told Today: "We want to ensure that when we admit a student, we can indeed add value, we can indeed help him improve on his personal best."

Creative Horizons, which offers English as well as creative writing courses, pointed out that its students should have a minimum standard of English before attempting creative writing, for instance. The centre's director Faeza Sirajudin stressed that "no child is at the place where they don't need any more help". Nevertheless, she said parents should not "hothouse" their children to try to push them beyond what they can achieve.

She said that it was unhealthy for parents to send their children to enrichment centres at an increasingly young age, when they should be given time to play.

Mountbatten Member of Parliament Lim Biow Chuan, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, dismissed the practice of having entry tests as '"marketing gimmicks".

Said Mr Lim: "Some centres obviously just want bragging rights. If top students come in, they obviously would be good to begin with. Such practices drive up the pressure unnecessarily."

Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Intan Mokhtar, who also lectures at the National Institute of Education (NIE), added that these enrichment centres play on parents' fears that their children would lose out if they are not stretched from a young age.

She said: "I guess with the current state where there's a lot of competition to enter university, parents take extra precaution - if the child is good, he can be even better."

Noting the psychological impact on children who fail the entry tests, she added: "It would instil in the child a sense of belief that everything boils down to (getting) the 'A's, when learning really isn't just about that."

For us, The Water Family Enrichment Centre, EVERY Child is a Bundle of Potential and Promises ...

Workaholic

2012-01-03T21:36:00.001+08:00

This is how workaholic we are.

12.30noon we will reach Singapore tomorrow.

4pm, our 1st lesson will start.

See you all tomorrow! =)
Regards,
Jerry Toh
Swim Director
The Water Family Enrichment Centre
Web: www.twfec.org
Contact: 9100 1855

I love Bangkok!

2012-01-01T22:57:00.001+08:00

Too busy enjoying ourselves in Bangkok. So, for live updates, please visit Teacher Summer blog @ www.iamxiaoxin.blogspot.com

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Teacher Summer as our official CEO, Chief Education Officer of TWFEC! =D

See you in 2012

2011-12-29T05:51:00.001+08:00

Dear students and parents,

Compliments of the season!
Teacher Jerry and I will be flying off in 2 hours time to Bangkok.
All of you are in our thoughts and we packed books to improve ourselves too!
Lessons resume 4 January 2012 (Wednesday).
Tuition classes beginning on 4 Jan:
4pm: P4 Mathematics
545pm: P6 Science
730pm: P6 Mathematics
Please remember to complete all homework :)

Swimming lessons beginning on 5 Jan.

Happy Blessed New Year!

My wedding surprise for my laopo

2011-12-28T07:45:00.000+08:00

I prepared a song with our own MTV for my wife on our wedding day.

I sang this hokkien song titled “家后” during our wedding night in front of a crowd of 288 guests.

I admit I'm not a good singer. But when one sings whole heartily from the bottom of the heart, she will be moved to tears. =)

A very meaningful song that reflects how I feel for her.

Jerry & Summer Lucky Red Wedding 2011

2011-12-27T13:19:00.004+08:00

I am now married!

And yes, I am married to the most wonderful and amazing women on earth. Summer Toh Xiaoxin!! Hee...

I would like to thank alot alot alot of people. Each and everyone who have made our wedding such a success.

And usually, they are those who work hard behind the scenes for us.

Thank you to Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre Hotel. You guys are 1 fantastic crew! From the front desk to the banquet manager. Everyone seems to have a little surprises up their sleeves.

Especially thank you to Miss Ang, Vasanthi and Jonathan. You guys are great! With such details you guys cared for our guests and our wedding.

From the 1st day we met, you guys pampered us with all the small details. Yes, indeed we are not a fussy couple. But that's all because you guys took care of all the issues for us. What's there for us to stress about?! Hee....

Thank you Miss Ang for all the preparations you have prepared for us. Thank you for treating us like a Super VVIP!

Thank you Vasanthi for all the meet ups, all the setups and all the suggestions you gave to us. And how can we ever forget your personalised surprised wedding gift for us! We teared when we received your present in our suite. OMG, what kind of service is that? It's far more than a 6 star hotel service.

Thank you Jonathan for helping me with my surprise for my wife. Thank you for accommodating my requests to meet up with you to test out my AV. Without your help, my surprise wouldn't have worked so well. Thank you for the dry run before our actual wedding starts, thank you for all the suggestions and how will we ever forget your help during our solemnization. We are so touched by your finest details in helping us.

All in all, A very very big thank you to each and everyone of you at Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre! *Thumbs up*

Next, our wedding planner, Marj & Marcus. You guys are great! Thank you for helping us with all the wedding preparations right from the beginning. Thank you!

Sharon & Daisy. Thank you for being our Emcess for the night. You guys are wonderful! Hee.. It must have been hard to keep the secrets of mine, xiaoxin & my brother. Hee.....

Wayne & Darrell from Photomorements
http://www.wix.com/waynelimwj/photomorements
Thank you for being our offical photographer for the day. I must say your photos are a work of art! Wonderful! We love each and every single photo!!

Mas from Wantondoodle
http://www.wantondoodle.com/
Thank you for your speedy morning express! You are really a talent!

We have a almost 1,000 photos! So, it will take a really really long time before I can post all the photos here.. Hee..

For a quick review, you may visit my wife facebook photos.

Album 1 ( By my wife beloved blackberry)
Album 2 (By Photomorements)
Album 3 (By Photomorements)

My laopo wedding surprise for me.

2011-12-26T01:19:00.001+08:00

On our wedding night, it was a night full of surprises.

Surprises from us to our guests.
Surprises from my brother and his gf.
Surprises from me to my wife.

And lastly, surprises from my laopo to me.

The thing is, all of us did not know about the surprises! Hee... So, our Emcees, Daisy &Sharon, wedding planners - Marj & Marcus had a really hard time keeping all these secrets for us! Hee....

Here's the surprise my laopo gave to me. Her Thank you speech for all the guests and most importantly, for me. =)

Thank you for being such a sweetie my laopo! =D

Sweet. Yes, I know I am the luckiest man on planet earth!

My surprise to my laopo will be uploaded soon. =D

Merry Christmas from Teacher Rae, Teacher Jerry and Teacher Summer ...

2011-12-24T19:00:00.001+08:00

Compliments of the season.
Have a blessed Christmas and fantastic 2012 ahead.
Regards,
Summer Toh Xiaoxin
Chief Education Officer
The Water Family Enrichment Centre
Web: www.twfec.org
Mobile: 9796 4130

TWFEC ... Where Every Child Is A Bundle of Promises and Potential

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

Sunset @ Ubud

2011-12-22T22:25:00.001+08:00

Having our dinner @ Ubud by the beach while watching the sunset into the horizon.

Life. This is life.

Bali here we come!

2011-12-21T07:56:00.001+08:00

Teacher Jerry & Teacher Summer will be away on our short getaway from 21st - 25th Dec.

See you all again on 26th Dec! Hee... =D
Regards,
Jerry Toh
Swim Director
The Water Family Enrichment Centre
Web: www.twfec.org
Contact: 9100 1855

Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre

2011-12-20T23:28:00.000+08:00

1 day after our wedding dinner @ Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre, we are still in awe with their 6star services.

It's always small surprises after small surprises from their staff.

We are enjoying every moment and every minute with them.

A highly recommended hotel for couples who are looking for their wedding dinner venue! *Thumbs up*

I love our solemnizer!

2011-12-20T00:13:00.000+08:00

Our Solemnizer Dr Phua is so cute!

He actually reminded us to update our status on Facebook!

Ok, my status on facebook is now known as "Married" =D

Too tired liaoz... More updates tomorrow.

Hope everyone enjoyed our dinner tonight.

19 December 2011

2011-12-19T00:15:00.000+08:00

The day is finally here! Waited for 27 years and here it is! A brand new chapter!

Bridal Car - Checked
Gown - Checked
Wedding Rings - Checked
Hotel - Checked
Red Packets - Checked
Flowers - Checked

Ok! Summer Toh Xiaoxin I am coming to marry you!! =D

Where will happiness strike next?

2011-12-18T11:47:00.000+08:00

For me, happiness is striking us tomorrow. =)

The Train service might be disrupted.
The roads might be flooded.
Things beyond our control might happen.
I don't care.

I am marrying Xiaoxin tomorrow no matter what.

2 more days...

2011-12-17T03:01:00.000+08:00

2 more days to our Big Day!

As the date is nearing, I am feeling nervous, excited and happy.

I must say, we are really lucky teachers to have wonderful, understanding and really really thoughtful students and parents to the max times 1000000000000000000000000!!!!!

We are touched by the small gestures each and everyone have shown us.

We have received many many ang paos from our student parents. And Robert even travelled all the way to our house just to pass us our ang pao because he's leaving on a business trip to China! How can we not be touched by such gesture?!

We have also receive many many hand drew and self designed cards from our students. Thank you kiddos and parents! You all really pampered and spoilt us with all these gifts.

Talking about gifts. We have been receiving so many sweet gifts from you all. And everytime I opened up the wrapper together with Teacher Summer, we always go "wow....so sweet!!!" And mum will rush into the room when she heard our screams and goes... "The parents are so nice to you all! They must really love you all alot."

Let me settle down 1st and find the time to post all the photos ok? It's been a really really hectic week for us. As if 1 wedding dinner is not enough. We still have the kiddos Swimsafer test and our wedding party for them! It's crazy. Really really crazy. But thankfully, we are almost 90% done.

Did we quarrel during this period? Yes we did. End of the day, it all boils down to communication. Whenever Summer and I quarrel, we have an unspoken agreement. We are allowed to be angry with each other for 3 mins and after that, 1 of us must give in. If none choose to give in, I will give in to her.

Still, I must say I am going to marry a really really capable wife. She did almost 80% of the wedding planning. =) Thank you laopo.

**p.s: Tips to all the groom to be. Let her have her way. Trust me, life is much more easier. Give her what she wants and both will be happy. =)

Last 2 days being a bachelor and I'm closing this chapter to start a whole new chapter with my wife Summer Toh Xiaoxin. =)

Term Break

2011-12-16T11:52:00.001+08:00

Dear all Students & Parents,

Please kindly be reminded that there is no Swimming and Tuition classes from 15 December 2011 - 4 January 2012.

You all should know the reason right!

Teacher Jerry & Teacher Summer are getting married!

Thank you for all the well wishes, ang paos & presents. We like them alot and appreciate all of your thoughts.

We know you all are going to miss us. So, we will be seeing you all on our Wedding Party @ Fort Canning Park and also during your Swimsafer Test.

I also wish to clarify that our trip to Bali and Bangkok is not considered as Honeymoon (as instructed by my wife). It's a short getaway for us before we embark on a new Journey in 2012.

p/s: It means I still owe her a honeymoon trip to somewhere far far away like Europe - Florence.

2012 CREATIVE WRITING COURSE

2011-12-15T12:24:00.003+08:00

--------------------------------------------
2012 CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED.
--------------------------------------------
Primary 1 and 2
Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 9.00 am to 10.30 am
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 8, 15, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19
Mar 4, 11, 18
Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Fees: $270 (non-member) / $260 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $20 per session]
Places available: 6
-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 3 and 4
Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 7, 14, 21,
Feb 4, 11, 18,
Mar 3, 10, 17, 31,
Apr 7, 14, 21 and 28

Fees: $340 (non-member) / $330 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $25 per session]
Places available: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 5 and 6

Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 8, 15, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19
Mar 4, 11, 18
Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Fees: $410 (non-member) / $400 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $30 per session]
Places available: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------

Professional

2011-12-15T09:20:00.000+08:00

This is 1 professional Sunshine Carebear mascot.

**Thumbs Up**

Blessing

2011-12-13T17:02:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, my kiddos in class will "miscall" me as "Daddy".

Usually, the Kindergarten kiddos will miscall that.

Now as I am sitting here waiting for Laopo to end her lessons, I think it's a blessing to be called that. =)

Excitement

2011-12-13T12:38:00.001+08:00

Everyone have been asking me over the past weeks if I am feeling the jitters over my wedding.

I can safely say now that I am much more stress over the kiddos Swimsafer test den my wedding.

I even told Laopo that during our short Bali trip getaway, I will still be thinking of the kids.

Gosh! I'm such a workaholic.
Regards,
Jerry Toh
Swim Director
The Water Family Enrichment Centre
Web: www.twfec.org
Contact: 9100 1855

Rolex

2011-12-07T20:26:00.000+08:00

Seriously... What's wrong with Rolex?! Recently they have been advertising their watches on The Straits Time!

Yes, I must admit. I got tempted and was surfing on their website and Yatch Master seems to catch my eyes.

I particularly love this Yatch Master <3

This shall be a motivation for me. Hey! Every now and then we should have a personal dream & motivation to move us forward.

And I think the DateJust Special Edition really suits laopo. RoseGold! =)

Any professional Rolex collector can give this newbie here any tips for Rolex?

Anticipation

2011-12-07T00:40:00.000+08:00

The anticipation of putting on the wedding ring.

Hand Stand!

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000+08:00

Yes, the photo is in its correct place.

Handstand, somersaults are just some of the everyday lessons the kiddos will learn other than swimming. =p

Presenting to you, our future synchronised swimmers - Suhardi & Davis

Sounds good ya! To have male synchronised swimmers! Hee... I should starting training them for Olympics! =D

Why I love kids

2011-12-02T23:02:00.000+08:00

Teacher Jerry: "Ok. Come, Teacher Jerry teach you how to swim backstroke. Very simple. You just lay down on your back as though you are sleeping."

Student: "But I am scared to lay down."

Teacher Jerry: "Are you scared to lay down on your bed to sleep at night?"

Student: "YES! I AM! I must switch on my lights and sleep. Cause I am afraid of the dark.."

Teacher Jerry: " But now is afternoon. You just imagine you are taking your afternoon nap ok?"

Student: "But... I don't take naps. Sleep in the afternoon very hot."

Registration for 2012

2011-11-30T16:37:00.002+08:00

Registration for 2012 Swimming and Tuition is now open!!! And we are taking in students in different phrases. This is to give privileges and priorities to our current students.

Phase 1A: For siblings of current students.
Registration Date: 1/12/2011 - 10/12/2011

Phase 1B: For students in the 18th Intensive Holiday Program.
Registration Date: 11/12/2011- 20/12/2011

Phase 2A: For students on our Waiting List (Page 1 to Page 3)
Registration Date: 21/12/2011 - 25/12/2011
*Registration via Email and whatsapp only

Phase 2B: For students on our waiting List (Page 4 to Page 7)
Registration Date: 26/12/2011 - 31/12/2011
*Registration via Email and whatsapp only

** Pharse 1C & 1D students have to register via email and whatsapp only as we will be overseas during this period. Yes. We will be having our honeymoon but do not worry. We will still take in your registration.

** As much as we wish to enrol every single child. We wish to apologise in advance that we are unable to do so as we have a maximum capacity on every class. I.e: Maximum 10 students per class for swimming & 6-8 students per class for Tuition.

2012 Schedule will be out very very soon.

Already Famous 一泡而红

2011-11-28T20:08:00.000+08:00

My student gave me a cup of Gong Cha today.

The movie title on it makes me feel over the moon! Hee... "Already Famous"

Thus, my facebook status is now.
Gong Cha:$3.60
Already Famous movie ticket:$8
A student passing me a cup of Gong Cha with the wordings "Already Famous" on it: Priceless

Seriously, how many times do u have someone passing you a cup of Gong Cha and telling you are already famous? =)

Thanks Yon Keat & Family!

The Water Family Enrichment Centre's First Christmas Tree!

2011-11-28T18:13:00.000+08:00

Here's Jamie with our tree!

You are the apple of my eye

2011-11-28T00:21:00.001+08:00

Watched this long awaited movie with laopo the other night.

Nice movie. We laughed together. We cried together.

Really an apt movie to showcase growing up years.

Life was really much simpler when we were young.

Well, I'm glad I have fond memories of my youth. And I know, I'm going to have much more beautiful memories with my laopo after we get married. =)

I'm going to live my life as tot it's my last from now on...

I never knew how to. But today, I learnt how to. Live everyday as tot it's my last day.

And yes, they said, you will begin to treasure every little small details and enjoy life when you know it's your last day. It's true.

My 5kg of happiness

2011-11-26T22:25:00.000+08:00

Before I met laopo, I weight @ 65kg.

1.5years later, I now weight @ 70kg.

Tried losing weight by using the not so encouraged method - Skipped breakfast. What in the world was I thinking?

And I got punished by 3 days of gastric pains. First time in my life I felt such pains which leads me to thinking...

"So what if I weight heavier now? I'm so much more happier. "

With that, I have the licence to feast!

过大礼

2011-11-25T09:15:00.000+08:00

过大礼 day!

The eve of 过大礼

2011-11-24T20:47:00.001+08:00

Been like ages since laopo is not with me for the night.

Yes, She shall now be known as my laopo from tonight onwards. =)

Well, Some traditions are meant to be kept. So yeah, Tomorrow is our 过大礼 day. A day where I will bring all the presents to my in laws and tell them officially that I want to marry Miss Summer Toh Xiaoxin.

In Kampung times, the groom will bring 1 Pig trotter to the family.
In modern Singapore Times, We use can pig trotters. Yupz, I am the one who wiped out Khatib and Marsiling Sheng Siong pig trotter cans. =)

2 bottles of Hard Liquor for my Father In Law

Basket full of oranges and 2 super duper big Ang Pao for my Mother in Law

Laopo 四点金 from Luk Fook Jewellery

Our wedding cakes for laopo relatives.

WOOoooo HOOOoooo!! And I am all ready to 过大礼! 發啊！發啊！發啊！

LifeRacer Wetsuit - 15% off Retail Price!

2011-11-24T00:14:00.001+08:00

Kids Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Pink with Orange

Retail Price: $32.90

Our Price: $27.00 (15% Discount!)

Code: 3023-PP

Kids Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Navy Blue with Orange

Retail Price: $32.90

Our Price: $27.00 (15% Discount!)

Code: 3023-NBK

Kids Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Black with Orange

Retail Price: $32.90

Our Price: $27.00 (15% Discount!)

Code: 3023-BN

Kids Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Pink with Yellow

Retail Price: $35.90

Our Price: $30.00 (15% Discount!)

Code: 3031-P

Kids Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Blue with Yellow

Retail Price: $35.90

Our Price: $30.00 (15% Discount!)

Code: 3031-B

LifeRacer Thermal Wear - 15% off retail price!

2011-11-23T23:48:00.005+08:00

Regular Size Series

Thermal Wear with Swim Cap - Pink with Orange

Retail Price: $59.90

Our Price: $50.00 (15% Discount!)
Code: 335-P

Thermal Wear with Swim Cap - Turquoise with Orange

Retail Price: $59.90

Our Price: $50.00 (15% Discount!)
Code: 335-B

Thermal Wear with Swim Cap - Black with Orange

Retail Price: $59.90

Our Price: $50.00 (15% Discount!)
Code: 335-BK

Plus Size Series

Plus Thermal Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Turquoise with Yellow

Retail Price: $69.90

Our Price: $59.00 (15% Discount!)
Code: 340-B

Plus Thermal Wetsuit with Swim Cap - Pink with Yellow

Retail Price: $69.90

Our Price: $59.00 (15% Discount!)
Code: 340-P

Good Luck to all our PSLE students!

2011-11-23T23:13:00.002+08:00

As you all are preparing for your exciting day tomorrow. We like to wish each and everyone of you the best of luck!

A tearful farewell

2011-11-18T10:22:00.000+08:00

As my wife have her last lesson with her girls at CHIJ (Katong), I know it's definately going to be a tearful farewell for her and her girls. After all, she has been with them for so long.

Me too. As I decided that today shall be the day I retired my SUV that has served me well for the past 1.5years.

Good bye SUV. We'll miss you

Congratulations to our Hall of Fame Students!

2011-11-16T22:54:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Darrell of Rosyth School for making it into MOE GEP (Gifted Education Program) and for achieving 98/100 for your SA2 Science

Congratulations to Sara of CHIJ - OLN for achieving 81/100 in your SA2 Science

Congratulations to SUHARDI of Jing Shan Primary School for achieving 91/100 for your SA2 Maths

Congratulations to Caleb of Rosyth School for achieving 83/100 in your SA2 Science

Congratulations to Isa of CHIJ - Our Lady of the Nativity for achieving 78/100 in your SA2 Science

Congratulations to Lucas of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary school for showing improvements in your SA2 English and Maths

Congratulations to Enqi of Ang Mo Kio Primary School for showing improvements in your English and Science

More of our student results to be uploaded soon! =)

Elizabeth the Queen

2011-11-16T11:12:00.000+08:00

Her name is Elizabeth and I always like to call her "Elizabeth the Queen". **Sometimes, she does behaves like a queen! Ordering the brothers and sisters to behave on good days and on those naughty days to misbehave together! =)

Yesterday, she wanted to have a challenge with Teacher Jerry and say... "Teacher Jerry, can you do this with your tongue? If you can do this, I will swim 10 laps for you."

Amazing isn't it? No. Teacher Jerry don't have such super powers to transform my tongue into a flower. But, she still have to swim her 10laps for me. =p

And that's Victoria, her younger sister. If I were to ask her about Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, they can go on talking and talking about the history. Amazing? Yes. But I'm still shocked at her tongue magic!

I won't be surprised 1 year later, Victoria can show me her flower tongue too! =D

The Caring Teacher Award 2012

2011-11-14T20:09:00.000+08:00

The Caring Teacher Awards aims to pay tribute to teachers who show care and concern for the holistic development of their students, and go the extra mile to ensure their charges grow up to be confident and independent learners.

Nomination is now open at http://www.cta.nie.edu.sg/

Preparing for 2012 Syllabus!

2011-11-14T19:02:00.001+08:00

Hardworking Suhardi, Khairrudy and Sherilyn preparing for the 2012 syllabus!

Courses and Classes

2011-11-13T09:22:00.013+08:00

Tuition Rates and Schedule

Level	Pri 1	Pri 2	Pri 3	Pri 4	Pri 5	Pri 6
1 Subject	$80	$80	$100	$100	$120	$120
2 Subjects	$152	$152	$190	$190	$228	$228
3 Subjects	$216	$216	$270	$270	$324	$324
4 Subjects	$288	$288	$360	$360	$432	$432

	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
9.00- 10.30	2012's lessons commence on 4 January (Wednesday). Email summertoh@gmail.com for information on other possible slots and Secondary Level's lessons.				P1 Mathematics	P1 & P2 CW
10.45- 12.15					P1 English
12.30- 2.00
2.15- 3.45					P3 & P4 CW	P5 & 6 CW
4.00- 5.30		P4 Mathematics	P5 Mathematics	P2 English	P3 English	P6 English
5.45- 7.15	P4 English	P6 Science	P5 English	P2 Mathematics	P3 Mathematics	P5 Science
7.30- 9.00	P4 Science	P6 Mathematics	P3 Science

Swimming Rates and Schedule

	Private Pools	Public Pools	Duration
Individual (1 to 1)	$320 / month	$320/ month	45 Minutes
2 Students	$160/ Student	$140/ Student	45 Minutes
3 Students	$140/ Student	$120/ Student	45 Minutes
4 - 6 Students	$120/ Student	$60/ Student	60 Minutes

Available Courses

This November and December ...

ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED.
Science Introductory Course
Places available: 5
-----------------------------------------------------------
2011 CREATIVE WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE
ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Primary 1 and 2
Duration: 3 Sessions (120 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 Pm to 4.15 Pm
Dates: 2011

Dec 5 (Mon)
Dec 7 (Wed)
Dec 9 (Fri)

Fees: $120 (non-member) / $110 (member)
Places available: 6
-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 3 and 4
Duration: 3 Sessions (120 minutes each)
Time: 12 noon to 2 Pm
Dates: 2011

Dec 5 (Mon)
Dec 7 (Wed)
Dec 9 (Fri)

Fees: $150 (non-member) / $140 (member)
Places available: 6

-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 5 and 6

Duration: 3 Sessions (120 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 Pm to 4.15 Pm
Dates: 2011

Nov 28 (Mon)
Dec 1 (Thu)
Dec 2 (Fri)

Fees: $180 (non-member) / $170 (member)
Places available: 6
-----------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
2012 CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED.
--------------------------------------------
Primary 1 and 2
Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 9.00 am to 10.30 am
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 8, 15, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19
Mar 4, 11, 18
Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Fees: $280 (non-member) / $270 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $20 per session]
Places available: 6
-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 3 and 4
Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 7, 14, 21,
Feb 4, 11, 18,
Mar 3, 10, 17, 31,
Apr 7, 14, 21 and 28

Fees: $350 (non-member) / $335 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $25 per session]
Places available: 5
-----------------------------------------------------------

Primary 5 and 6

Duration: 14 Sessions (90 minutes each)
Time: 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm
Dates: 2012 (Sunday)

Jan 8, 15, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19
Mar 4, 11, 18
Apr 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Fees: $420 (non-member) / $405 (member)
[Monthly payment scheme available at $30 per session]
Places available: 6
-----------------------------------------------------------

Open letter to my wife to be

2011-11-10T11:23:00.001+08:00

Dear Xiaoxin,

I've waited for you for the past 27 years. I must have done something good in my previous life to meet you and Heaven treats me really well by allowing me to marry you.

In less than 40 days, we are going to sign our names on the certificate and have Dr Phua pronounce as Husband and Wife in front of our parents. To me, that's like a dream come true.

"If fairy tales were to exist, you then, shall be my angel and I, shall be your guardian knight."

I thank you. Thank you for willing to open up a new chapter together with me in our lives. Life might not be a bed of roses. But I will definitely work hard to pluck away their thorns for you.

"From now on, my money is your money. Your money shall be your money."

You may continue to indulge in your Chanel slippers, LV loves and Bottega Veneta bags. My only request is that you let me know in advance that you are buying them. It's always better for me to be prepared rather than to have a shocked when the parcel comes in. Please try asking them if they can give any further discount.

Of course, I know, I have taught you to scrimp and save and you might most probably be saying goodbyes to Tiffany & Co, Mont Blanc and even Christian Loboutin once you are married to me. I just wish to let you know, I am not going to compromise anything on you. Chinese have a saying, “嫁鸡随鸡，嫁狗随狗” And I know you will not have any complaints or grumbles on me. I just wish to let you know, I will do my best in protecting you.

"If there is not enough food on the table, I will venture as far as I possibly can into the woods so I can bring food back.
If there is not enough money, I will work twice as hard as others if not triply hard."

Leave all the hard work to me. All you need to do is to feed my forever hungry stomach well and teach our Children well. Of course, we are going to work hard together to raise the little ones up. One day, they might be so mischievous that they might make you cry. Rest assured, my broad shoulders will always be there for you to lend on.

Our dreams of travelling around the world together is always on my mind. Don't worry. I've not forgotten my promises I have made to you. I will fulfil them as soon as I can. Once I've save enough, we shall go on our world travel.

My dear wife, Thank you. Thank you for always believing in me and my decisions. When everyone else questions my decision, you are always behind me supporting me. I would not have be who I am if not without your support and encouragement.

Life is harsh and brutal. But in your heart, you always have a safe heaven for me to rest peacefully in. Thank you for allowing me to have a place in your heart.

We are not saints and most probably might make mistakes. I want to tell you. No matter what, I am always ready to forgive you (after 3 minutes rule) because you are my wife. And in this life, I will and shall only have you as my only wife. I will be as perfect as I can to be your Perfect Man because, in the next life that's to come, I want to be your husband still.

I can give up the ocean just to be with you, the mermaid of my life. But I cannot give up you for the ocean. Because, you are all that I ever wanted.

I love you, Baby Honey Star Star.

Yours Always,
Coco Crunch

Secrets to happiness

2011-11-09T20:00:00.001+08:00

Any couple who's preparing for wedding like us are bond to get into small quarrels with each other every now and then.

Wedding preparation is definitely one stressful period for any couple.

From the venue of the wedding dinner to the minor details like March in, wedding car selection etc etc. Any one of these will definitely bring up a small quarrel.

And yes, having experiencing all these now, I came up with a secret. Everyone will have their own dreams/wants/ideas for the wedding.

"The secret to a happy wedding preparation is to let the wife have all the say. Yes, you may raise your concerns. But do not insist or question her. "

Ultimately, it boils down to giving way to each other. =)

Thankfully, I've a easy going in laws.

Thankfully, I am marrying a wife who's a super multi tasker.

Thankfully, my parents agree to everything that we've planned for. =)

It's really not easy to plan for a wedding dinner especially when you have to consider the interest of all parties. So, guys, take a step back and let the wife decides. Trust me, your life will be so much more happier a.k.a Peaceful. =)

P3 Sci Topic: Body systems

2011-11-08T19:42:00.001+08:00

Getting Married!

2011-11-08T19:27:00.000+08:00

Collected our wedding cards for the traditional dinner. As I hold the card in my hands, the feeling of "I am really getting married" is strong.

Spent the weekends tidying up the details of our wedding.

It's nice to have a super duper organised wife who sorted out all the invoices, questions, itinerary and every other little small details in a file.

It's nice to have a good hotel that provides us with a nice venue.

It's nice to have a wedding manager from the hotel who attends to our very requests.

What's even nicer was, after we finalized our details, finished our dinner @ Marche 313. We saw the SAF band and Guard of Honour.

It feels like they were there to celebrate our happy occasion. =)

Very soon, it's time to open a new chapter in my life with Xiaoxin. <3

Teacher Summer is amazed (and amused)...

2011-11-05T13:49:00.001+08:00

The eraser is so big!
It's almost as big as Jin Tong's palm!

Her World Magazine!

2011-11-03T12:03:00.000+08:00

Yes yes yes!!

We are on Her World Magazine! Nov Issue!!! Woooo Hoooo!! =)

An inspiration Quote from Albert Einstein

2011-10-31T12:57:00.000+08:00

Saw this quote on facebook and thought it's really meaningful to share.

I am thankful to all those who said NO to me. It is because of them I did it Myself – Albert Einstein

5th week no lessons

2011-10-28T20:49:00.001+08:00

Dear students, please kindly remember that there is no lesson on 29 and 30 October 2011 as it's the 5th week.

Enjoy your break! =)

Congratulations to our A Students!

2011-10-27T14:52:00.007+08:00

Congratulations to Darrell Lim of Rosyth School for achieving 98/100 in your SA2 Science and making it into the GEP (Gifted Education Program)!

Congratulations to SARA CHER of CHIJ - Our Lady of the Nativity for achieving 81/100 in your SA2 Science!

Congratulations to ISA of CHIJ - Our Lady of the Nativity for achieving 'A' in your SA2 Science too!

Congratulations to SUHARDI of Jing Shan Primary School for achieving 91/100 for your SA2 Maths!

Congratulations Students!

TWFEC ... Where Every Child Is A Bundle of Promises and Potential

Wedding Preparation

2011-10-27T10:12:00.000+08:00

Holidays and 5th week have never been more important to us than before.

Spent a good Deepavali @ JB preparing for our wedding and Lady luck was with us with a massive sale going on @ MetroJaya.

I love Sale.
I love Xiaoxin.
I love the baby in that poster too. =p

Happy Deepavali ...

2011-10-26T18:09:00.003+08:00

From all of us at TWFEC ...
Photo model: Lucas.

TWFEC ... Where Every Child Is A Bundle of Promises and Potential

O.M.G!

2011-10-26T18:08:00.000+08:00

Yes, Oh My God.

Our wedding invitation cards are super duper awesome! Pretty, elegant, sweet, innovative, sincere. You name it, we have it!

Not sharing the photos just yet cause we want to keep it as a surprise for our guests and students.

S.U.R.P.R.I.S.E! =)

2.9l

2011-10-24T17:35:00.001+08:00

My latest 2.9l water bottle from Daiso. =)
Regards,
Head Swim Coach
Teacher Jerry
9100 1855 / www.twfec.org
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
Powered by Gee! from StarHub

Winner

2011-10-24T09:22:00.002+08:00

I punched my fist into the air and shouted out in joy as I drove my van past the ERP gantry this morning feeling just like Sebastian Vettel when he drove past the finishing line.

The ERP gantry starts @ 7.30am. I drove past the gantry @ 7.29am.

We came a long way.

2011-10-22T23:08:00.000+08:00

Before you give up, ask yourself how far you have come.

Register now to secure a place!

2011-10-22T10:22:00.000+08:00

Sunplay SPF 130 PA+++

2011-10-19T23:16:00.004+08:00

Advertorial for Sunplay SPF 130 PA++

Be it Day,

Or Night,

Sunny Weather

Or Cloudy Weather

Sunblock is a must to protect our skins from the harmful UV Rays. And we at The Water Family recommends no other brands other than Sunplay SPF 130 PA+++. It's non- sticky, non- greasy and most important of all, it's fragrance free!

If our kiddos love them, then you should love them too! =)

Use Sunplay SPF 130 PA+++ Sunblock for Long Lasting Maximum Sun Protection!

Sunplay SPF130 PA+++ retails @ $17.20 in Watsons, Guardian and all leading supermarkets. Visit http://www.facebook.com/sunplaysg for FREE SAMPLES!

Just let them know you got to know about them through Teacher Jerry or The Water Family! =)

Also check out our interview with Sunplay on the latest November Issue of The Singapore Women's Weekly Magazine and Her World Magazine!

They have Sunplay Water Kids SPF30 PA++ for the kiddos too!

Sunplay Water Kids SPF30 gives kids high protection against harmful UVA & UVB rays. It's low sensitivity formulation is suitable for kid’s sensitive skin. Enriched with Vitamin B5, Chamomile extract and Aloe extract to moisturize skin.

Image courtesy of The Water Family and http://www.mentholatum.com.sg/

Great App!

2011-10-18T19:07:00.000+08:00

Want to compare prices?
Check out this app :)
http://itunes.apple.com/app/lobangclub-singapore-price/id460343551?ls=1&mt=8

Read the article here :)
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_723664.html

Never before

2011-10-18T08:17:00.001+08:00

I've never finished reading a book in just 1 day. I've never been a bookworm and it's really hard to arouse that interest in me to read unless it's some motivation or inspirational books.

But this book titled "Daddy's little secret", I got it @ Popular bookstore on Sunday night within 5mins and the 40% discount tag on the book made me decision almost immediately.

I'm glad that I brought this book. It's a true life story about how this girl named Tina was sexually abused since the age of 9 till 26. And when she was @ that age, she already had 5 children.

It's a really sad book about how much she wishes to break through and get out of her current situation. Yet at the same time, it makes us be grateful of the wonderful life we have now.

Most importantly, the things that we took for granted always. For example, having the power to decided what we want to eat or wear was never a privilege for Tina.

If you are a fan of books like "A boy call it", then you should grab a copy of this. =)

A story worth sharing

2011-10-15T13:25:00.000+08:00

A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door.
“Daddy, may I ask you a question?”
“Yeah, sure, what is it?” replied the man.
“Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?
“That’s none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?” the man said angrily.

“I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” pleaded the little boy.
“If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour.”
“Oh,” the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, “Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?”

The father was furious. “If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. I work long, hard hours everyday and don’t have time for such childish games.”
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy’s questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00, and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door.
“Are you asleep son?” he asked.
“No daddy, I’m awake,” replied the boy.

“I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier,” said the man. “It’s been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here’s that $10.00 you asked for.”
The little boy sat straight up, beaming. “Oh, thank you daddy!” he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills.
The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.

“Why did you want more money if you already had some?” the father grumbled.
“Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do,” the little boy replied.

“Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?”

Cute!

2011-10-13T17:17:00.001+08:00

Somehow, I love this photo. Hee...

The 1st thing the kiddos do after receiving their presents.. <3
Regards,
Head Swim Coach
Teacher Jerry
9100 1855 / www.twfec.org
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
Powered by Gee! from StarHub

Children Day thoughts...

2011-10-13T11:09:00.000+08:00

When I was a child, I would always look forward to Children's Day. That's because, the school will always issue us with a file, a pen or sometimes a bag for our Children's Day.

We would receive either an eraser or if we were really really lucky, a push pop from our teachers. The norm would be a pencil, ruler or a pen from all our teachers. That was enough to cheer up the whole day or week perhaps.

But nowadays, if the kids receive just a pencil or eraser for their children day, it's never enough.

I must be very experienced in this field that I could actually list out their Children Day wishes. Here goes..

1) Ipad 2
2) Iphone 4
3) Flash and Dash
4) Lego Ninjago

Yet, 15years ago, the closest we would get to Ipad 2 are these handheld games....

Suddenly, the feeling of growing old comes into my mind as I'm blogging this. Argh.. Shall stop blogging this post. It's too cruel to bring back these memories! Help!!!!! Someone stop TIME pls.

Happy Children's Day! (Part 1)

2011-10-10T11:19:00.003+08:00

Happy Children's Day!

The kiddos were fascinated with this year's Children's Day Present! Hee... We were just glad that they did! That kind of anticipation that the kiddos had when they knew Children Day was coming is simply priceless.

When Teacher Jerry told the kiddos, "Today, Teacher Jerry will give out Children's Day presents to the good children. Only my good boys and good girls will get them." Immediately, the class goes, "Woooo..."

Hee... Classic! I love their attitude and behaviour this week! If only I can have such performance every week... =p

I'd never reveal to the kiddos their Children's Day presents because that's a little thought from us. However, we definitely spent a great deal of time and effort to prepare for them! So, we could have given the kiddos a small piece of eraser or perhaps an ipad2. (More details on my next post) =)

However, this year is exceptionally special because we had received a lot of sponsorships and would like to thank all our sponsors and those who made it possible to put the world's happiest smile on the kiddos' faces.

Thank you!

Thank you to our main sponsors - Mentholatum Singapore Division. DKSH Singapore Pte Ltd for sponsoring us with SUNPLAY SPF 130 PA+++ Sunblocks. The kiddos love it! =)

Thank you to Sin Tat Toys Import & Export Trading for giving us a good deal whenever we go to your shop! Thank you Mr Soh! =)

Thank you to Burger King Singapore for your sponsorship in the Tiara & Crowns. The kids were having so much fun with it! =)

Thank you to DHL Express for your fast and prompt shipping services. We will definitely engage your services again! =)

Lastly, if anyone were to ask us, where do our passion to teach comes from? It's from them! The kiddos! =)

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY 2011 !!

2011-10-06T19:06:00.001+08:00

Drove past Far East Flora earlier n I could not resist stopping by to buy a stalk of rose for wifey.

Seems like a long time ago since I got her flowers... So, Happy Children Day to my wifey! =p

2 more days to Children Day!

2011-10-05T19:05:00.000+08:00

With 2 more days to go before we celebrate Children Day.

We, the teachers @ The Water Family are so excited!

Boxes and boxes of presents filled up Teacher Jerry's van. =)

And here's a sneak preview of all the presents for this year! Hee... No, We are not telling you yet what are the presents.. Hee.. Stay tune! =)

No Kidding!

2011-10-03T06:15:00.001+08:00

That's our student - Jeremiah on Saturday Straits Time!

So proud of him! Way to go Jere! Jiayou! You will always have our support!!
Regards,
Head Swim Coach
Teacher Jerry
9100 1855 / www.twfec.org
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
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Happy Children's Day (not yet!)

2011-10-01T20:37:00.001+08:00

Children's day is now on the first Friday of October.
Dear Children, we definitely did not forget about you!
Get ready to receive your goody bags from next Friday onwards! :)
Regards,
Ms. Toh
Tel: 9796 4130
Web: www.mstoh.com
Every child is a bundle of promises and potential.
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

2011 Holiday Intensive Swimming Program!

2011-09-28T20:02:00.001+08:00

November Intensive School Holiday Swimming Program 2011

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex

Day: Every Mon,Wed,Fri

Date: 21/11/2011 - 12/12/2011

Time: 10am

Early Bird: $130 for 10 lessons + Free Swim Cap worth $10.90

Normal Price: $150 for 10 lessons

Venue: Seng Kang Swimming Complex

Day: Every Tues, Thurs, Sat

Date: 22/11/2011 - 13/12/2011

Time: 10am for Tues & Thurs

Sat will be at 12noon

Early Bird: $130 for 10 lessons + Free Swim Cap worth $10.90

Normal Price: $150 for 10 lessons

Early Bird Special ends on 8/10/2011

Call/ SMS/ Whatsapp: +65 91001855
BBM: 23439FEF

Email: Jerrycoaching@yahoo.com

Something touching to share ...

2011-09-26T19:29:00.002+08:00

Something very touching to share with you.
Yes, I cried while reading this.

http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/

Take you time, have a good read.

Regards,
Teacher Summer

Departures

2011-09-24T23:07:00.000+08:00

Recently,

1 of my students came to me and said.

"Teacher Jerry. I am stopping swimming because my school got swimming. So, my dad ask me to stop swimming."

Honestly speaking, I felt abit emo when I heard that. Well, perhaps it's been really a long time since my last student who left me said that.

After all my efforts to teach/coach/help him all the best in swimming, the only gift he gave me in return was just a word of "I'm stopping"?

Well, perhaps he likes the other coach more
Perhaps, the other coach teaches him better
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps..

Thanks to him, I got to some self reflection and have emerged as an even better Teacher. It's ok that he or the parents don't appreciate me. I know there are still alot of students and parents who appreciates me (looking at the long queue on our current waiting list).

As a teacher, I've never ask anything for return. Just being able to see the kiddos swim whole heartily and achieving their Personal Best is more than enough for me.

So, when majority of Singaporeans are at the F1 track or watching F1 on the TV, Teacher Jerry is out there at the pool helping the kiddos break their personal best timing.

I know I'm not alone. I've your support. Well, nevertheless, I still want to dedicate the following songs to those who do not appreciate me.

Giving birth in Singapore

2011-09-21T20:01:00.001+08:00

Usually, during my free time, it's either I go for a run or watch the forever will make you cry Taiwanese drama.

But today. Somehow I was surfing on Mount Alvernia Hospital website & looking through their Maternity Packages.

Aei no. My wife is not pregnant yet (** Although I hope 1 day she will tell me "U are going to be a Papa!" **) =)

Well, I always like to save for the future and knows how much I can afford to give to her and our children.

As most of you all should have known by now, our savings are now literally drained up after paying for the banquet.

So it makes me even more prudent to the dollars and cents. Some people might say, go to KK Hospital lar... Hmmm, Well, from what I heard, KK Hospital rates aren't exactly as cheap and with the long queues and wait? Nah, I won't want Xiaoxin to go through all the hassles..

Futuremore, she has make requests to go either Mount Alvernia or Mount Elizabeth. As a future husband and a future Papa (hopefully in the dragon year!), I will do my best to accommodate her. It's not easy being pregnant.

There are so many different types of delivery? Normal Delivery, Normal Delivery with Epidural, Assisted Delivery, Assisted Delivery with Epidural, Caesarean Section with GA,Caesarean Section with Epidural. 1 word: Chim... I heard of normal delivery and Caesarean and that's basically all about it. Not easy being parents aei....

So, if we take the Normal Delivery with Family Suite. It will cost us $2,830 excluding the doctor professional fees? Any experience parents here can share with me what's the expected cost of giving birth in Singapore?

Time to work hard and save hard!!!! =)

Do you know ...

2011-09-20T20:00:00.001+08:00

Penguins can drink salt water because their supraorbital gland filters excess salt from the blood stream. The salt is excreted in a concentrated fluid from the nasal passages.

Good to know! :)
Regards,
Ms. Toh
Tel: 9796 4130
Web: www.mstoh.com
Every child is a bundle of promises and potential.
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

I Love My Teacher

2011-09-20T17:26:00.001+08:00

My wife got nominated by her students for a contest held by South East CDC titled "I love my teacher". However, the student submitted the forms past the deadline and the forms was returned to her.

Never mind the awards.
Never mind the submission.
What's most important is that her efforts in teaching got recognized by her students. Honestly, that's all that matters.

Here's what the student wrote.

In my school, there are many teachers who teach different subjects. Although all of them are fairly good, there is only 1 teacher whom I admire the most. Her name is Ms Toh!!! She is an ideal teacher but my idol! She has all the perfect qualities that an good teacher is expected to have.

Ms Toh is a science teacher. She loves the subject that she teaches and has an in-depth knowledge of it too! Her way of teaching is perfect! As though it was her past time, even sometimes we forget that she is teaching from the textbooks.

Science comes alive in Ms Toh's class. She has the ability to attract attention to the subject and sustain it. She conducts various experiments in the lab and demonstrates them thus making it easier for us to understand. She forms a picture of what she means in our brains! She encourages us a lot so that healthy discussions generates new ideas and increases our curiosity of the subject. If any students tries to play a fool, she will never allow that to happen.

She is a great combination of kindness and strictness. I have never seen her frown or lose her temper. She makes me love going to school. I always look forward to my science period. I like her the MOST and hope to be like her one day!

**In case you are thinking "Aiyah, ask the student to write one lah...."
No, she did not ask the student to write. =)

Overcoming the phobia

2011-09-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

This is the story of Matthew.

If I remembered correctly, he has been learning swimming for the past 2 years from his previous coach. After 2 years, he still had phobia putting his head into the water.

But all these were being overcame after just 3 lessons with Teacher Jerry. Hmmm... No, I should say, Matthew was literally swimming breaststroke on his 3rd lesson! Hee... =)

Yeah!! We have helped to overcome 1 more child who had water phobia in the past and now enjoying to swim like never before! =)

Matthew really enjoying himself underwater! =)

Working Hard!

2011-09-15T07:14:00.002+08:00

Term 4 Week 1 and everyone is working hard! Let's work hard together for PSLE and SA2

Mid Autumn Festival

2011-09-14T17:14:00.003+08:00

There is no such thing known as Lantern festival.

It's called Mid Autumn Festival. Mid Autumn Festival is called 中秋节 while Lantern Festival is called 灯笼节

Happy Mid Autumn Festival.

1 nice article

2011-09-08T20:46:00.001+08:00

This is really one nice article worth sharing...

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html

I like the part when Ron mention

"This one may be hard to accept, but you shouldn't assume that because your child makes straight A's that he/she is getting a good education. The truth is, a lot of times it's the bad teachers who give the easiest grades, because they know by giving good grades everyone will leave them alone. Parents will say, "My child has a great teacher! He made all A's this year!"

Wow. Come on now. In all honesty, it's usually the best teachers who are giving the lowest grades, because they are raising expectations. Yet, when your children receive low scores you want to complain and head to the principal's office.

Please, take a step back and get a good look at the landscape. Before you challenge those low grades you feel the teacher has "given" your child, you might need to realize your child "earned" those grades and that the teacher you are complaining about is actually the one that is providing the best education."

For that, we, the teachers at TWFEC thank you! =)

Swiss Miss!

2011-09-08T20:18:00.000+08:00

New addition to our TWFEC pantry!! =)
Regards,
Head Swim Coach
Teacher Jerry
9100 1855 / www.twfec.org
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
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Teachers Day 2011

2011-09-06T16:52:00.001+08:00

Thank you boys & girls for all the lovely presents and cards you gave to us for this year Teachers Day!

The best gift a student can give to a teacher is to achieve good results
- Teacher Jerry

And yes, our fridge @ home is now 80% filled with all the goodies!

Thank you all students & parents for the support! Exams are near the corner, so let's work hard together to achieve good results!

More photos of our Teachers Day 2011 can be found here.

Answers!

2011-09-02T01:04:00.001+08:00

1. rehearsals
2. were
3. disguised
4. their
Regards,
Ms. Toh
Tel: 9796 4130
Web: www.mstoh.com
Every child is a bundle of promises and potential.
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

Editing Practice

2011-08-30T01:42:00.002+08:00

What are the correct answers?

Neither the twins nor Lola knew precisely what led Briony to abandon the (1) rihersels. At that moment, they did not even know she had. They (2) are doing the first scene, the one in which bed-bound Arabella first received into her garret, the prince (3) desguysed as the good doctor. It was going well enough, or no worst than usual, with the twins speaking (4) her lines no more ineptly than before.

Our Pantry @ TWFEC

2011-08-23T20:25:00.002+08:00