By Dawin Ng (25A01D), Peh Zhi Ning (25A01B), Sophie Chong (25A01A)
Special thanks to Li Houzhe (25A01A) and Isaac Chan (25A01B) for the photographs.
This interview with Mr Aaron Loh had originally started off with no clear direction. There was an understanding that we were going to do it, but for what purpose, no one knew. “School issues” sounded vague. “Getting to know” felt uninspired.
Continue reading “A Year In RI: An Interview with Mr. Aaron Loh (School Matters Special Edition 2025)”
By Huang Han Cheng (26S05B) and Lerraine Neo (26A01A)
The average student spends around five hundred and twenty days enrolled in JC. For most, the number is a countdown, with each passing day one step closer to liberation. Yet every year, several students of the graduating class make the brave (if confusing) decision to return to RI – not as students, but as teachers.
This year, RI’s teaching staff was temporarily joined by three Y7s, as well as a few Y9s returning after their stint in the National Service. We spoke at length with some of them to hear their experiences working in such a strangely familiar place. This is their guide on surviving an extended stay in Raffles Institution.
Continue reading “Back in the trenches: A Guide to Surviving as a Y7 Teacher (Part 1)”By Huang Han Cheng (26S05B) and Lerraine Neo (26A01A)
At the start of the year, several ex-students made the perilous decision to return to RI as teachers. At first glance, it seems the choice has been nothing but beneficial — newfound freedoms, no more pressure, endless time to bask in nostalgia (read more about this in Part 1).
But being at school can never be a pain-free experience, and the teachers have run into plenty of obstacles in their journey as teaching staff. Read on to find out more about their struggles, how they coped, and their final words of advice.
Continue reading “Back in the trenches: A Guide to Surviving as a Y7 Teacher (Part 2)”
By Foo Le Xuan Shanice (25S03A) and Teo Hui Sian (25S06C)
12th February – it’s been approximately two weeks after the school and its student population celebrated Chinese New Year. Yet, lo hei sets are scattered across several canteen tables, exactly 10 – enough for about 70 of RI’s custodians.
This year, Raffles Community Advocates revived a long-standing tradition: a lo hei session held for the school’s custodians and support staff – a show of appreciation for the work they do for the students, staff, and anyone who steps into the school compound.
Continue reading “Toss for Prosperity — Do We Lift Up Those Who Make It Possible?”
By Amanda Lim (25A01B) and Cayla Goh (25A01B)
Featuring Ms Ma Jialin
When you think of someone standing at Everest Base Camp, dangling over a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, or crossing a moving glacier, you most likely picture an adventurer, maybe even a NatGeo photographer capturing the perfect shot. But your chemistry teacher? Probably not.
But that’s exactly who you should be picturing — Ms Ma Jialin.
Continue reading “Courage of the Climb (and Teaching, too): Teachers’ Day 2024”