Journal of SMKTC

On the day 6 Feb, 2009 SMKTC was visited by a group of students and teachers from Qurum Private School, Oman. Which consists of 21 students and 2 teachers.

“The welcoming was very nice, we enjoyed it!”

The school was busying preparing for the welcoming ceremony of the arrival of the students, prefects were doing their best cleaning up the school, and students were rehearsing for their perfomance. And for a moment or so, an ice truck came in and stirred up the students. Soon, Mr. John gave the green light, the prefects stood still, and there came the first sight of the bus. One by one, the Omani students came out, wearing grey t-shirt, with a name tag over their collar, a country flag and school badge over the chest. As they approached the school gate, drums roared, they lined up and was escorted by the principle and teachers. They were welcomed with a cheerful dance of the lion and students over the block clapped their hands like there was no tomorrow. In brief, they were surprised by the warm welcome from us, Connaughtians.

What do you think about our school? How about the facilities over here?

“Your school is very big, very beautiful, the facilities are excellent here.”

Soon, they we’re guided to our library for a slideshow presentation on our school and some introduction on the clothings of the 3 main races in Malaysia. After that, they went to our Cyberlab 3 for a quick tour and then the teacher’s room and the counseling room. One of the Omani teachers exclaimed, “You have a nice place for teachers, nice, very nice.” Later on, they walked across the canteen and students welcomed them with greetings, it really showed our hospitality for foreigners. Afterward, they had a glimpse of how we incorporate computers in our education with a visit to the Cyberlab 1.

“I really liked the Chinese Orchestra.”

“Talented.”

They walked to the school hall for a performance from the Chinese Orchestra group. There was a short introduction on the instruments being performed like the cello, yangqin, erhu, zhongruan, etc. right before the performance. Generally speaking, they we’re stunned with the first piece being performed, they stood up and clapped their hands, one Omani student even showed a thumb-up sign. After the 2nd piece, Mr.John gave them a chance to go up to the stage and have a closer look of the Chinese instruments. They even tried their hands on the musical instruments. Once that was done, they ventured off to the side of the hall for an exhibition of the traditional games like Congkak and Batu Seremban. Similarly, they also participated in the games and after a conversation with the teachers, we also know that they had similar traditional games involving marbles over there too. When that was over, they’re invited to see the performance  by the 扯铃 or Diabolo group, a version or variation from yo-yo but with 2 sticks and a hourglass shaped object. It is a exhibition of different skills and techniques. The Omani students played around with the diabolo and had fun, some even showed hidden talents. Soon after that, they’re once again embraced by the lion dance performed by the Wushu club. Likewise, they had a hands-on experience with the drums, cymbals, gong and the lion costume and simple introduction on the origins of this tradition.

“The games are fun, very fun and interesting.”

“Awesome school.”

In the meantime, Connaughtians was gathering in the hall for the calligraphy contest. The Omani students walked into the hall and was once again taken aback by all the students writing with brushes and black ink. They were briefed with explanation and the meaning of what is being written down. Some even wrote nice Chinese letters with the calligraphy pen though it was their first time. Afterward, they sat down in front of the stage and took group photos, with the principle, teachers, prefects, and those involved in the welcoming of the Omani. It was a very awesome sight to be seen. They then walked around school, with gifts like mandarin oranges and other stuffs.

And when they are leaving, students all over block A and B gave their farewell, conducted by Mr.John himself.

We wish you had a great time here.

“Yes, thank you. We had a great time here.”

Random quotes and facts

“Your principle is a very person, very kind.”

“We liked the ABC (Ais Kacang).”

“Malaysia is a very nice country.”

“Your school is very welcoming.”

“It’s really unexpected. When you see from the outside, you’ll never expect something like this.”

“I really liked the performance.”

Some facts

- They got to know us, partly because of our school’s webpage and also from the travel agency.

- This is not their first time coming to Malaysia.

- It is holiday season over there (Oman) and this is a educational trip.

- They’re heading to 1 Utama after the visit. For rock climbing.