The eve of the Primary School Leaving Examination seems to be an emotional affair.

Back in 2021, Singapore was still managing the COVID pandemic. Wearing masks and adhering to safe-distancing measures were the norm for teachers and students alike.

I was in the middle of teaching my P6 class when I suddenly received notice that I had to go home and quarantine myself. I was deemed a potential spreader of the deadly virus because a student from another class had been infected with COVID.

I wish I could say that I handled my exit with poise and calmness, but nay. I looked at my students individually, taking the time to lay my eyes on everyone’s face.

“I love you,” I croaked unexpectedly, “And everything is going to be okay.”

That memory was relegated to the recesses of my mind - until it was retrieved and put at the forefront of my mind. I guess it would be etched in my mind forever.

Education

The eve of the Primary School Leaving Examination seems to be an emotional affair.

Back in 2021, Singapore was still managing the COVID pandemic. Wearing masks and adhering to safe-distancing measures were the norm for teachers and students alike.

I was in the middle of teaching my P6 class when I suddenly received notice that I had to go home and quarantine myself. I was deemed a potential spreader of the deadly virus because a student from another class had been infected with COVID.

I wish I could say that I handled my exit with poise and calmness, but nay. I looked at my students individually, taking the time to lay my eyes on everyone’s face.

“I love you,” I croaked unexpectedly, “And everything is going to be okay.”

That memory was relegated to the recesses of my mind - until it was retrieved and put at the forefront of my mind. I guess it would be etched in my mind forever.