6 LUMEN | FEATURE
Reflections of Teachers Past and Present
Soo Chan Hua Ellen Woo
Ng-Yeo Bee Kheng
Adecade old but not jaded . That is how long Soo Chan Hua has taught but he continues to inspire inquiry and curiosity in his students . The IT maestro , musician and magician never fails to engage his students but he is clear about the primary focus of teaching – the boy – he comes first .
“ This is where I want to be ,” says Chan Hua with regards to teaching in SJI . It is the daily interaction with both the boys and staff , that no two days are the same and the challenge of working with people that he derives most satisfaction from . That explains why when a better offer came from another school to join it , the decision was a no-brainer .
Having been shown understanding and grace from his teachers when he was a student in SJI , Chan Hua feels he has benefited much especially during his rough years in Secondary Four . He had been given a new lease and thus wants to do likewise – to pass it on , this time to his students .
Ellen Woo has come out of retirement and is more than happy to be part of the teaching staff again in SJI . Not only are her hours gainfully occupied but she finds great joy in interacting with the young .
Joining SJI in 1969 , she was deeply influenced by the Lasallian Brothers even though it took a few years before she realised the impact they had on her . She admired them for the way they related with people , both students and teachers , and how they chose to view each person especially the young in a positive light .
To Ellen , the special thing about Lasallian education is relationships , being able to play a part in nurturing the child and ensuring he develops to his full potential . Clearly , it is one that is strongly values-centred too and for that she is more than happy to play the role of big sister to her charges and belong to the Lasallian fraternity . She reflects , “ I wouldn ’ t have lasted if I had been in a government school .”
Yes , of course ,” was Ng-Yeo Bee Kheng ’ s spontaneous response to whether she enjoys teaching in SJI . This is despite continually facing a huge challenge of teaching Chinese to students who do not speak the language at all except when forced to in class .
She recognises the family background of most of her students tends to be predominantly English speaking and she conveys that understanding to her charges by accepting their situation . She does not stop there though . Building rapport with them , she will even single out those who prove to be resistant or appear difficult to reach out to . In addition , she ropes in the parents ’ support to ensure they try to create a conducive environment for learning Chinese at home and assures them she will work with their sons so that they are prepared for the examinations .
Her greatest joy is when students demonstrate their appreciation of her efforts in words or cards upon receiving their ‘ O ’ level results . To date , she still receives SMSes from her former students when they score an A in their Chinese - clearly , a touching gesture that will keep her in this profession for a while yet .