Mr Lee Kuan Yew - What he has done for me (us) and What I will do in memory of him

Dear 6B,

this entire week, you have been flooded with images, anecdotes, soundbites and documentaries on
Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Just like you, so have I been inundated with them.
I have been processing them and reflecting about them.
And so today, I would just like to share my thoughts about them.

Have I met him or interacted with him in person?
No.

Yet, I grieve at his passing. Because everything I know and love about Singapore comes from his visions and foresight.

The fact that I live in a well-sanitised place, received a good education, am able to read and write fluently in two languages and have a decent conversation in the other official languages, have a constant supply of electricity and water, walk about safely even if I am coming home late at night...
I have him to thank.

That said, this is not a pro-political post.This is not a propaganda post. This is a Lee Kuan Yew post, from a Singaporean of 27 years.
The older citizens and even you 6B, as you grow up, you may find certain of his decisions controversial and not ideal. So do I. But that does not negate all the other contributions of his.

I admire him for

having one vision -
to make Singapore a world-class city despite all the factors working against us.

showing what true work-life balance is -
having time for his wife and children (the aspect I truly admire him the most for)

not being afraid to stand up for what he believed in

being able to let go even if he was fit to continue running the state because he wanted to groom the next generation of leaders

That said - I do not want his passing to be a mere 1 week affair.
Some people got tattoos, some reflections. But these are too easy. Living is tough.
Here are some things that I've learnt from him that I wish to apply in my life henceforth.

#1: Be thankful for what I have,

"What I fear is complacency. When things become better, people tend to want more for less work." - LKY, 1970

See how much of a foresight he has? Here we are, whining about every little inconvenience we have. Train late, wifi-lagging, queue too long, too much homework...

Train late - at least we have a convenient public-transport system.
Wifi-lag- at least we have a modern technologically advanced society and you can afford such electrical luxuries
Queue too long - at least it's an orderly line and not a stampede
Too much homework - at least you have teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for you to ensure your excellence in education

Even Mr Lee Kuan Yew recognises this annoying trait of ours as mentioned in his quote :

"You know the Singaporean. He is a hard-working, industrious, rugged individual...But let us recognise that he is a champion grumbler" - 1977

Why are we grumbling?? Travelling has opened my eyes to how the basic necessities in life can be a luxury in some countries whereas here it is taken for granted.
So, I'm going to make an effort to recognise and appreciate the things I have going right for me and if a roadblock comes, I'm going to do something about it instead of whining about it.

#2: Exercise

Mr Lee had a daily exercise routine all the way in his 70s, 80s.
Sure, it was modified but it was still part of his daily life. If a man in his late 70s can exercise, why can't I??
So, I'm going to fit in exercise as a regular portion of my life.

#3: Lifelong learning

Mr Lee started learning Hokkien. Then, he moved onto Malay. Followed by Mandarin, which he continued learning till 90! With a teacher and all...
Proves two things. One, even the founding father of Singapore had the humility to realise he did not know everything and there is always something to learn. Two, it is never too late to start learning.
I am going to pursue a skill, big or small. But I am.

#4: Decrease addiction to technology

"Life is not just eating, drinking, television and cinema...The human mind must be creative, must be self-generating, it cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself"  - LKY

When do you think he said this? 2000? 2010? Not at all. He said this in NINETEEN SIXTY-FIVE.
1965. FIFTY years ago.
And here we are 50 years later, forever addicted to our smartphones and internet.
Let's make an effort to detach ourselves from technology and enjoy the actual world , company with actual people , our loved ones and friends , even ourselves and our thoughts more.

So here they are - the 4 things I'm going to do to pay tribute to my nation's founding father - Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

"If you want to reach your goals and dreams, you cannot do it without discipline" - LKY

Discipline matters. I've always believed in it, hence your classroom expectations. Now, I will need discipline to achieve my 4 goals. It's not going to be easy but I will make the effort.

 As I watch the state funeral and procession, these resolutions will resound in my mind as I thank and respect the man for all that he has done and what he will continue to inspire even in the years he's not around physically.

If you've any thoughts or personal insights, do share them 6B:).

Love,
Ms Priya

EL Holiday Assignment

Dear 6B,

please take this week to

- revisit the grammar items covered this term

- use the MConline platform and do the lessons (Oral, Writing, Grammar - whichever you think you need more practice in)


- get your power zones prepared for Term 2

- REST!

Term 2 is going to be an even more hectic time. Loads more revision, work, new things to learn - so be prepared.
As you can see, I've not assigned any specific work - I've given you the power to choose.
But, with great power comes great responsibility...So, decide whether you are going to use this week to catch up, prepare and be ready (I will not be putting up with any slack in Term 2)  or you are going to while away the hours until it's too late to do anything.
Make a wise choice.
See you in a week's time!

Love,
Ms Priya

Synthesis #18- #20

Note:

"Which" is used for things/animals, NOT human beings!

Common Errors:

- The order of the sentence doesn't make sense. 
  (e.g. Everyone respected the minister whom has been imprisoned for fraud. - why would people do that???  - change in meaning) So, please READ your sentence after writing them.

- Sentence seems incomplete.
 (e.g. The girl who gave the note to Miss Chng. ) So, please READ your sentence after writing them.

- Omitting important information.
(e.g. I pity the  _____ boy whose family was swept away by flood waters. The word "little" is missing.)  So, please READ your sentence after writing them.

Synthesis #18

      1.    Sally decided to seek the counsel of her supervisor who is a wise and understanding man.
2.       The boy who was commended by the police for his honesty is my pupil.
3.       This is the lucky cat that seems to have nine lives.
4.       Queenie plucked some flowers that were public property.
5.       The dog that died tragically in an accident last week belonged to my neighbour.
6.       That is the archer who killed the dragon.
7.       The villagers wanted to help the man who was arrested by the soldiers.
8.       I want to get my son the computer that is top-of-the-line and energy-efficient.
9.       Ann wanted her father to buy the piano that they saw in the shop window. 

     10. That is the girl who gave the note to Ms Chng.

Synthesis #19

      1.   That is the old man whose daughter is my teacher.
2.       That is the family whose house was burnt down by the notorious arsonist.
3.       That is the lady whom Alfred is married to.
4.       The minister whom everyone respected has been imprisoned for fraud.
5.       That is the suspect whom you must follow like a hawk.
6.       The girl whose essay won first prize is my best friend.
7.       The lady whose son spent two weeks in the hospital is my aunt.
8.       Is this the man whom you came to see?
9.       I pity the little boy whose family was swept away by flood waters.
10.   The comedienne whose jokes always make me laugh will be performing at our school.

Synthesis #20

      1. The snake which slithered into the school caused a great commotion among the pupils and teachers.
2.       That was the bungalow which the Lim family used to live in twenty years ago.
3.       This is where we keep old books and newspapers.
4.       That is where the mouse had been hiding all this while.
5.       Can you recommend Clara a place where she can buy some antiques?
6.       The room where the King’s treasures had been hidden was sealed for two centuries.
7.       Herman works at that store where we bought our new television set.
8.       That is the dog which was reported to be missing last week.
9.       This is the heirloom bracelet which Mother loves.
10.   We brought home the nestlings which fell out of their nest.

6B - WRITING UNFORGETTABLE INCIDENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tMxK6AWmLyOUiZNKEA7cfBwgLprgn8HMAyp_w8Tl1CU/edit?usp=sharing