Starchild: Malaysian children are looking forward to going back to school

Clarisse Choo Kai Xin, 9

After almost two years of online schooling, it’s time for students to get ready to go back to physical school again. School starts next week, and many students must have bought their new school bags, stationery and new uniforms too.

While you might miss waking up and watching your favourite cartoons on television during the day, don’t feel down. It will be fun to see your classmates again. Don’t forget to share with them what you did during the holidays. Please remember to keep your masks on, though!

Two weeks back, Starchild asked readers to send in their drawings of preparing for the new school year. Here’s what a few readers had to say on the topic, Back To School.

Sheza Alina Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, 8

“I will be in Year Three this year. Since Year One, I have been attending most of the classes online at home. Therefore, I really hope Covid-19 will be gone soon so that I can go to school throughout 2022,” writes Sheza Alina Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, eight.

Naafiqah Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, 6

Younger sibling Naafiqah Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, six, says: “I am going to miss my kindergarten that I have been going to since I was three years old. Thank you to all my teachers who taught me to read and write. I am told that I will only enter Year One in March. I will purchase the necessary school items soon.

Ashadieeyah Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, 5

“I am very excited to learn new things and to meet my friends again in kindergarten,” says Ashadieeyah Mohamad Shaik Ariffin, five.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

“Do you know that I am excited to go to school? My sister Sophie studies in the same school too. So I will have lots of friends to meet. I need to bring a backpack to school because I will need to get things like paper, pencil, books and a water bottle, writes Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six.

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 9

Older sibling Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, nine, writes: “My school starts in the first week of January. This year, my sister is coming with me. Since I gave her my old bag, daddy bought me a new one that is bigger and brighter.”

Chuah Seng Koon, 6

Six-year-old Chuah Seng Koon can’t wait to go to primary school. “Students can play, meet new friends and learn new things. However, school teachers can be fierce. If a student is naughty, the whole class will be punished. Since the pandemic, I’ve been attending online classes. I can’t wait to attend physical classes soon.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four, has his little green bag ready for kindergarten. “Now I just need a pencil case and some extra face mask. Once school starts, my bedtime will be earlier so that I can wake up happy and fresh everyday for my class.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, says: “I am starting my Year One in March. I hope to eat more and grow stronger so that I can carry my big school bag. I will also need to buy my uniform nearer to March and repair my alarm clock so that I can wake up in time for school every morning.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, nine, says: “My height and weight is 136.5cm and 34kg respectively. As I grow taller and bigger, the school uniform that I have doesn’t fit me. Thank you Mummy for buying me a new school uniform and a pair of school shoes. I am happy and excited that I will be able to play football on the school field with my buddies.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Older sibling Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12, writes, “I am happy to go back to school to meet all my Year Six buddies before moving on to secondary school. I miss seeing my friends in person and my teachers too.” – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: A magician has presented you with a special mirror which can make your dreams come true. You can travel back in time or leap into the future. You can visit your dream country or meet your favourite TV or fairy tale characters. Tell us about the wonders you would do with the magic mirror. Don’t forget to send us a drawing.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 21. Please put “STARCHILD: “Magic Mirror” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address.

Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.