Hi. Thanks for dropping in to read this.

I won't be with the school from Term 3 anymore. I'm writing this in case some of you (the younger ones) really believe my joke about working for the IR to clean toilets from Term 3 onwards. Sorry. If you took offense, I would have to take responsibility for my very bad joke.

Earlier in Term 1, I had indicated to the school my desire to return to full time teaching since my return from S USA in mid February. Nonetheless, I was informed in late Term 2 that there is no vacancy for an English teacher.

After the Meet-the-Parents Session in May, I was informed that a current MOE ruling states that even part time teachers (of which I am one) cannot tutor students from the same school. I had thought this only applies to full time teachers. Despite being a former English teacher, since my return to SASS as a partimer, I have steered clear of English Department matters because I am tutoring some SASS boys after I had quit as a full time teacher. All along, I have been helping out in the Pupil Welfare department.

So the current situation is this : if I choose to stay on in SASS, I have to stop tutoring existing SASS students. Unfortunately, I have already committed myself some time back to some loans which the renumeration from my part-time job with the school and my existing tuition kids (minus the SASS boys) together cannot pay for. Thus I am really left with one choice. Given that I am unable to go back full time teaching this year and unable to continue part time with the school as mentioned earlier, I have to discontinue with SASS for the time being.

I choose to write this to all of you to address theories which may arise as to why I suddenly disappear from the school from Term 3 onwards. :) Please keep in mind that I am very saddened by this decision which I have shared with only some of you prior to this note.

So while the nation is taken aback by the flash floods that hit us today, this is my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful school management, colleagues and boys who have made my stay as a part timer truly a fulfilling one. I miss full time teaching a lot but I do need to do what every practical Singaporean does - bring home the bacon.

:)

Stanley Ho