The Australian Connection

The Lawley Affair

This has been a happening year where foreign counterparts are concerned. Last week the Lawleylians made a second trip to SMK Seafield after 2009 for another round of cultural and language exchange.

Teacher Jane in the pic accompanied the students together with two other colleagues James and Alison to the school.

A photo for school record and memory. Teacher James teach the Chinese Language and also Bahasa Indonesia to the students of Lawley High School, Perth. A couple of them could understand the lingo pretty well as I was informed that they were brought up in Bali. Others know the language pretty little and they have a long way to go. Maybe SMK Seafield will be an ideal partner to part the language to them.




The teachers were impressed at the way the school is run. They were surprised at the stamina and passion the teachers and parents have for the many programmes especially the Carnival when so much money was raised for good causes such as the building of the beautiful toilet and another co curricular center. Back home they need not have such drive to raise funds. Learning something from us too...

Teacher Jane runs the Art Department of the school and she wanted a glimpse of the Art Studio. She too took pains to run through the many projects and works of the children.

The students though on the quiet side, took some keen interest in the paintings.

Perhaps they were most entertained and taught by the Librarians of the school. They saw how the librarians made entries for stock checking, classified books and dispense their duties so professionally. They admit that they do not have a system like what we have here. We teach the librarians responsibility and skills to run the show themselves.

Next they were given a try on the local costumes to which they were highly excited...they do look good !

Oh the boys were given a treat to the Sepak Takraw game. It was alien to them and it took a toll on them...

So they asked for futsal... they were familiar.

The Williamstone Junior and Senior High School of Melbourne Affair.

Last June we also saw another Australian group; this time from Melbourne. This was a more boisterous group and larger in size. They too came to learn more about the culture and the Malay Language. It is surprising that the Malay and Indonesian Languages are gaining grounds in Australia.

They love the Sepak Takraw. Somehow they are familiar with the game and were gungho at it. They played hard and well giving their local counterparts a good fight.

They too were given treats... wearing local costumes and getting all the attention and fun.

So it was a privilege to meet the Australians; a group from the West and another from the South-East of the continent. It is good to have such cultural exchanges as it removes some boredom and the daily mundane pattern . Also we would like to be a contributing factor to some of their foreign language programme especially the Malay Language.

More to come in the future.

The Heidelberg Link

It's an international link; a link that is needed for any up and coming school to establish for future recognition and development. Last June saw a group of youths gracing our school grounds in a cultural and musical exchange programme.
The matured school choir team under the tutelage of Suzanna Saw took the initiative to house the members of the Heidelberg Youth Choir when they came over to perform in certain parts of the country.
It was a most interesting programme as youths of both sides of the world exchanged songs, thoughts and hospitality. The choir of SMK Seafield gained much as they saw how their counterparts sang and performed in different style under the choir director; Esther Witt.

The Heidelberg Youth choir was warmly received by us. About 30 youths accompanied by 3 chaperons took the school by storm with their unforgettable renditions.

As host to them, the Librarians gave them a briefing on the history and background of the school.

International visitors are always treated to a round of 'congkak' and they enjoyed the game.

Very often, the librarians would also challenge them at scrabble; make a good guess on the winners.

During the evening, the choir gave a splendid performance enlightening us with a different style of rendition. Their casual ways make the performance effective and gave a refreshing change from our local style. Our very team has learnt a few tricks and tips from them; worth emulating.



A combined effort by both choirs received a loud applause from the audience and it was indeed interesting to hear their voices merge. Music is international and knows no bounds. It also breaks all barriers and let the best winners win. Here, I must admit the Heidelberg Youth Choir taught us a style that is so cool and stylish and even their attire though so simple were so attractive and appealing.

The evening before they left us, we had a party for them in school. Host parents came in with party food and the contributions were overwhelming. The Malaysian hospitality was beyond comparison.

This particular girl is most attractive. Don't you think so? She broke many hearts and sent a boy getting her the biggest bear I have seen in my life. He must have used up his life savings. How a girl can send boys reeling round her fingers!

Puan Khasniayati is the choir teacher of the school together with Esther Witt, Mrs.Yap and two other chaperons.

The school choir indeed had a most rewarding time together with the Heidelberg youths and it will be a long time before they can forget them.

Forget them not we won't as we plan to respond to their call of visiting them next year.
Yes, next March in Heidelberg.

Another milestone for the school.

A Surprise

It arrived in a parcel.
I was not too sure if I should open it as it was addressed to Esther.
But at the same time it had my phone contact.
It must be a family affair.
So I opened it to the chagrin of dad as he wanted me to ask Esther for permission.
I was convinced it was meant for the family.

A lovely photo book with the City of Portsmouth as its cover. As I reflected on the background, I knew it is the work of an artist.

Trust Esther to arrange the photos chronologically and with taste.

The girls' unforgettable reunion with Raymond Choi in London; their present hero as all the sisters say he is super nice.

An unforgettable time together with the Abbots and Vincie Senior at Codford St Mary.

The sisters with cousin Sophie; the gang leader in London now!

Shots of the sisters reunited in Stansted where Air Asia is so associated with.

The longest legs; slim and lanky just like how you want to think so.

Memories of the Scotts in Leiscester.

So Esther for your perusal since you are so insistent on seeing your work.
But it's a good piece of job and friends in school are asking how to get their photos done this way too and what camera you used.

By the way the photos brought back memories that a mother will linger on and reflections on the good times together. My dear daughters, please take care of your hearts, health and well being and be in good pieces. Your poor mother's heart is palpitating all the time when she remembers you all daily.
Good food? Good health? Good times?

Remember your prayers before you sleep each night and ask for divine guidance.

The Turn Taking

Everyone will have a turn.

Everyone will have a chance.

Everyone will be fine.

PMR 2011.

Yes tomorrow is the Red Letter day. After 9 years in school, you are finally going to face a little uphill task. It is only PMR ; only a minute challenge in preparation for greater ones to come. Ask your seniors. So do not be afraid. Nothing to fear.

The teachers have taught, guided, led and inspired you for the year; even till the very last moments. They have never said a no. See, be grateful and plough on.

Look your friends have also chipped in. They passed their knowledge to you when you are unsure. They were unselfish and stood by you till the last day. So go on; try your best.

The teachers never rested on their laurels; they looked high and low for questions for you; not short-changing you in any way. Day after day, week after week they slog to make sure you are given the chance to know the most.

So, to the 2011 cohort, may you shine and perform to your very best; for yourselves.




The school has only a little gift for you boys and girls; but it's right from our hearts. A plastic holder to make sure you bring your exam slip, identity card, pencils, pens, ruler, strings, protractor, divider and eraser.

The Kit Kat to cheer you up.

A little note to say things from our heart.
Take the bull by its horn.


God Bless you, my children.

Eat !

I remember...
The things I used to do...
There is no choice...
You just have to eat...

The week before has just been one of those weeks; tiring and exhausting. On one of the evenings, we took Sandra out and ate at a mamak stall.

Then came a young family and I witnessed a scene which I was so guilty of in my younger days; forcing food down the throat of my girls. Food was especially difficult with Esther. Believe it or not, meals times were stressful ones. At that age, the most important thing was for them to grow tall and healthy. So, when a meal was not taken well, all kinds of negativity came in. Meal times were battle times.

When I saw the mother feeding the girl, I could only empathize with her and wondered at her perseverance and patience. I told Sandra I do not think I have the energy to pursue such chores anymore. I would probably listen to the wise old women and just let things be what as they are. If the child does not want to eat, let it be. Easier said than done.

Do you see the little boy with the exercise book on the table? I am putting some thoughts together. He was not offered food because he was collected from the caregiver's place ? So he must be very happy not having to eat. He must be wondering why the little sister was being so difficult with the mama. I also noticed him reading his work. Poor thing, every moment with a book.

Dad asked me why is it a child in school has to go through such stress? They either get up before the sun shines and go to school in the dark in the morning or they join the afternoon session and come home in the dark. The hours are so long. Yes, I must admit much energy is needed to nurture a home.

The world goes round in a circle, what goes up must come down, there is a beginning and there is an end and life goes on. The young parents look after their breed and it is cyclic.

Later, after a short tantrum session, the little girl ate. It was a relief to see her eating. The expecting mother in her quiet way managed to win the small battle. The little girl must know mama loves her and by hook or crook she has to eat.

Where is the father? How come such duties are synonymous with women? Or maybe we should cultivate good thoughts. The father must be working hard to put food on the table.

Of young families.

Belly Dancing

Sports ?
Art?
Performance?

Call me conventional, old-fashioned and ill-informed.
I have never thought much of this fad; always considered it fit only for performers of the Middle-Eastern people. Belly dancing as an exotic entertainment for men and maybe for festive occasions such as weddings; nothing more.

Last week I learnt about my ignorance from my old friend, Dr. Sandra Scott.

My friend is in her late 50s. Look at her physique. Nothing comes easy in life.She works at it for looks and health. She told me she loves aerobics and exercising and goes to the gym for fierce workouts. But of all the workouts, she loves belly dancing a lot ! Yes, belly dancing? I thought the dance is only for the young and fit ? But no; she informs me otherwise.




So as we went along good old Petaling Street, this shop is a hit to her. At first glance, who would want to shop here? I recalled seeing such outfits for display too in Taipei. Sandra told me she was going in for some good products. Good products?

Belly dancing has elaborate outfits. This is the bedlah suit ; a fitted top richly decorated with beads, sequins, braid and embroidery.

The sales girl recommended this one.

Sandra next tried another part of the bedlah; this time the hip belt. It is a broad piece worn low on the hips usually having a straight edge and sometimes a curved or angled one.

This piece is pretty too.

Belly dancing besides being accompanied by elaborate outfits is also often done with accessories!

These accessories are worn on the hands, arms or even shoulders.

Then there is the harem-like pants or even the sequined skirt. This will compliment the bedlah top and hip belt. Belly dancing is not a cheap affair.

Sandra finally said that the above was her choice... a few hundred ringgit.

A true belly dancer will not forget this accessory; the belly ring.

We found this huge display at Sungei Wang Plaza and picking one is an effort. All look so good. Sandra, won't you have one too?

Who says she doesn't have one? She already has one! Great girl! My girl friend is out of this world. She tries the unconventional things and is creative !

A little reading into belly dancing tells me that it is a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise suitable for all ages. It is good for the prevention of osteoporosis in older people and improves the flexibility of the torso. Belly dancing moves are beneficial to the spine as the movements strengthens the entire column of both spinal and abdominal muscles in a gentle way.
Apparently dancing with the veil can help build strength in the upper body, arm and shoulders. Legs and long muscles of the back are strengthened by the movements.

How about it?
Want to try Belly Dancing?
Not yet for me though. I need to be convinced more thoroughly.
To my friend, may you enjoy the competition at the end of the year and win it !