Raya at School...

This was last Thursday, one of the more unusual schooling day...made more so unusual cos it's so near a major exam (PMR is on Mon). But I guess in a school like mine...a little of this won't make much difference. If anything, it might at least make school days more memorable for everyone.

Since PMR is so near....we had a Mohon Restu thingy. Basically, it's a time where students minta maaf (say sorry) to the teachers and mohon restu (seek blessings) from the teachers. I'm still trying to get used to this maaf and restu thingy. In a way it is good but in other ways...it's like a license for them to misbehave for a good part of the year. I sometimes feel it can be demeaning. But I am reminded that everyone needs grace...cos everyone (me included) can be rather idiotic sometimes. However, some students were quite moved and their feelings of remorse, quite genuine. Usually we also give out pencils and rubber to each student... a small token of encouragement.

Lessons were carried on as usual until recess time, except for the Form Three(s) who were having their Mohon Restu in the open hall. Then it's celebration time ..... the whole school celebrated the Raya together. Students and teachers brought cookies and stuff from home. The school also prepared ketupat and rendang for everyone. Teachers and students ate together, with Sudirman's Balik Kampung playing in the background. It's kinda fun, kinda festive... end of the year is usually a stress filled time, with PMR and SPM just around the corner.

In some other schools, parents may actually balk at the idea of having such an event so near the exams. So, does it disrupt the prep for exams?? I am a bit ambivalent on this matter. Is it a good idea to hold it??? All I can say is, trying to get the students back into the mood of studying has been rather difficult these past week. And this event certainly didn't help.