So....it was with good intentions that we planned our "Program Intensif Cuti Sekolah Fasa 2" We want the Form 5 students to be reminded constantly of "the all important" SPM examinations. They have just completed their mid year exam last week. To maintain the momentum, we want to follow it up with this holiday program.
It started nicely, yesterday, Friday, 4th June 2010. Then, around 4 pm the Boss called. He queried about he program....whether everything was running smoothly. I replied that i was in school yesterday and the first slot was running OK. Soon after he delivered the bomb. The program for tomorrow must be canceled. Apparently, the NUTP (National Union of the Teaching Profession) had rang-up the Boss and enquired about the program being held during a public holiday ( Agong's Birthday).
We knew about the public holiday, earlier but had decided to continue because having a day off from a 4-days program would disturb the rhythm. Having it on other days in the 2 weeks holiday duration was also unpopular with every party concerned.
I felt sorry for those teachers who have prepared meticulously for this holiday program.. Some had arranged for expert teachers to give a talk to the students. These teachers are really hard to get. I understand very much my teacher's dissapointment about the cancellation.
The Boss and I would probably have a tough time explaining the decision to some teachers. The last thing we want are teachers losing their morale over this episode.
Is this a lesson about good intentions being misconstrued as abuse of teacher's rights or showing disrespect to the YDP Agong?.......Figure it out yourself.
Joned
