A Very Long Post from My Heart to Dearest 1 Ruby

Dearest 1 Ruby,
It's the start of Term 4 in the blink of an eye and I would like to take the opportunity to share my learning journey with you...

Like you, I'm quite new to the school. I've been in Dunearn since April 2009, and 1 Ruby is my first ever form class in my teaching career. As such, yo u will always remain in my heart and each and every one of you will remain precious in my eyes even long after you graduate. You are my darlings and dears and you are always on my mind even on weekends. This year has been filled with ups and downs and we faced many challenges and victories as a class.

I have had some regrets and heartaches as your form teacher this year. I understand the fears and difficulties you face as teenagers as well as having to keep up with your studies amidst this period of change in your life. I have always wanted to be a teacher as I was a lousy student whom some teachers looked down on. In Secondary 2, I nearly had to repeat a year but was given a chance to change. I feel eternally grateful to the teachers who helped me and I was inspired to do the same. However, I feel that I have not done enough for you and I apologize. Like you, teachers are human and we have our strengths, but also shortcomings. So many times I feel that I have failed and am not a good enough form teacher for 1 Ruby. I won't lie, it hasn't been easy...

When I heard I was going to be the form teacher of 1 Ruby, I was full of excitement and hope! Ruby students have always been my favourite somehow... When I saw each and every one of you, my heart was filled with joy and a great sense of motherly instinct! I made a promise to myself to protect and help you grow as much as I can in this one year. The first year is always crucial in shaping the rest of your journey as Dunearnites.

However, I wasn't prepared for what was to come. I wished I had some help. Many teachers were complaining, parents were calling, students were having issues and I had my hands filled with many new duties... What was I to do? All I wanted to do was to ensure you did not commit any mistakes that you would regret or that would get you into serious trouble. As teachers, we have seen many kinds of students. Those who become mature and outstanding individuals with strong values, and those who stray. My dears, I always want the best for you which is why I sometimes have to play the bad guy and nag and scold you. But trust me, in my heart, you are always the most important...I admit I sometimes lose my patience, but it's only because I'm frustrated with myself that I am unable to solve the problems we face as a class. But I have never given up on you and I hope you won't too!

I'm not sure if I'll get to teach you and be your form teacher next year, but to be honest, I would really love to follow up with you as I feel that I have gotten to know you better and would love to have the opportunity to continue this learning journey with you. I hope we would all grow and progress together, myself included. I'm learning to be a better teacher and I appreciate your patience and your belief in me. Your teachers need encouragement too, the learning never stops!

To me, Term 2 was the worst and to share a secret with you, I had sometimes dreaded coming to school as I was facing personal problems but had to hide them and put on a strong front. As a result, I was often emotionally and mentally drained and I also apologize as I am aware that I was particularly nasty to you. Term 3 was a better Term and I hope it continues to get better and we all continue to put in our best effort to reach our potential. We are all capable people! I hope you have not given up on Ms Tan too and know in your heart that each precious Ruby is so precious to me... 1 Ruby, a BIG thank you for everything, the good times and bad, you have shaped me and taught me much about myself and made me realize that I have many areas to improve on. Will you continue to work with me so that the 1 Ruby family will take a step a time towards the summit of the mountain? We can do it, I love you dears, 1 Ruby rocks!