FEATURE | LUMEN
7
How does one remain passionate in her profession despite having taught for numerous years ? Or why does one even decide to enter teaching when there are so many attractive options available ? LUMEN speaks to a few SJI teachers to find the answers .
Wee Siew Sun
Wee Siew Sun wore multiple hats in her many years of experience – teacher in a government school , textbook specialist , Specialist Inspector for Geography and Social Studies , Vice-Principal and even Principal of St Michael ’ s School ( now St Joseph ’ s Institution Junior ) – but nothing compared to her years of being a teacher in SJI . As she summarily puts it , “ My happiest years were in SJI .”
Armed with strategies and content from the Ministry of Education Headquarters to teach the boys in SJI , Siew Sun thought she was wellequipped to handle the boys . She realised however , it was more essential to connect with them at their level . This means knowing ‘ the flavours of the month ’ that appealed to them and in doing so , build rapport in order to keep them engaged during lessons . One of her greatest satisfactions was when she saw boys who were weaker academically compared to the rest of their cohort achieve results beyond the teachers ’ and their own expectations .
The boys tire ( something she mentioned twice ) her but ultimately she still finds them endearing and enjoyed the witty banter she shared with them . They will always have a special place in Siew Sun ’ s heart .
Henry Sng
When he graduated from SJI in 1996 Henry Sng had already made up his mind . He was returning to his alma mater . And he did . In 2011 he joined the SJI staff as a teacher . His choice of profession is largely attributed to his PE teacher Mr Patrick Zehnder who inspired him while he was a student .
He recalls he had difficulties coping with his studies then but the teachers were there for him , especially the Physical Education department . Similarly now , he extends that same warmth to his students and enjoys interacting with them . He sees them as his juniors as well as a reflection of himself when he was younger .
Thankful to the administration for giving him the Co-Curricular Activity of his choice – Athletics , he gained the satisfaction of witnessing the SJI Athletics ‘ B ’ Division Team emerge top of their league in the SPH Schools Relay Championships 2012 . The boys had put in a lot of effort to achieve success but most of all , he says , “ I ’ m touched by the boys ’ fighting spirit .”, making an apt homecoming of sorts for Henry .