Starchild: Malaysian kids celebrate Teachers Day and say thank you to teachers

Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 12

Teachers Day is celebrated on May 16 every year in Malaysia to appreciate the wonderful teachers who guide, encourage and help us be better people.

Joshua Tan, 12

Teachers are important because they do so much more than just teach lessons from textbooks. They inspire us to dream big, work hard and believe in ourselves.

Every student has a favourite teacher. Some teachers are strict and always remind students to finish their homework and pay attention in class. Although they may seem fierce at times, they only want their students to succeed and become disciplined.

Other teachers are cheerful and funny. They make lessons exciting by telling jokes, sharing stories or organising fun activities in class. Their positive attitude can make students enjoy learning even more.

There are also caring teachers who patiently help students who are struggling. They encourage shy students to speak up and comfort those who feel sad or worried.

This Teachers Day, think about the teacher who has made a difference in your life. What makes that teacher special to you? Is your favourite teacher strict, funny, caring or inspiring?

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Happy Teachers Day.

Lee Tze Kay, 10

“My class teacher from Year One to Year Three was Teacher Lim Yee Min. She is very kind and caring. She comforted me when my beloved grandpa passed when I was in Year Two. She can be strict with us too if our homework is not up to date or if we are naughty. When our school term ended in Year Three, she gifted my classmates and I a cute keychain each with our caricature on it. I am very grateful to her because my Mandarin has improved a lot, thanks to her guidance. I want to be a teacher like her when I grow up,” says Lee Tze Kay, 10.

Farrel Zafran Faihan, 9

Nine-year-old Farrel Zafran Faihan says his English teacher is his favourite teacher. “She is very kind and patient. She always helps me when I do not understand my homework. I like it when she tells funny stories during class because it makes learning fun.”

Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11

Older sibling Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11, writes: “Teachers are important because they teach us new things every day and help us become smarter and more confident. My favourite teacher is very cheerful and always makes the class exciting. Without teachers, we would not gain knowledge and learn important life lessons.”

“I appreciate my teachers because they are patient and caring toward all students. One of my teachers always motivates me to believe in myself and try harder even when subjects are difficult. I am thankful for everything my teachers have done for me,” writes Dhia Zhulaiqa Kamarul Ariffin, 12.

Dhia Zhulaiqa Kamarul Ariffin, 12

Joshua Tan, 12, writes, “I already prepared a letter for my favourite teacher, Ms Daphne. On Teachers Day, I will give it to her. It reads like this: “Happy Teachers Day! Ms Daphne, thank you for always guiding and supporting me. You are truly an amazing teacher who is patient, caring and dedicated. I really appreciate all the effort you put into teaching and helping me improve. Your encouragement and guidance mean a lot to me and I am very grateful to have you as my teacher. Wishing you happiness and good health always. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher!”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 12

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10, writes, “Happy Teachers Day! I have written a thank you letter for my teachers. I want to say thank you to my teachers because they are always patient with me and give their time and effort. They encourage me to do better. I am really grateful for all their support especially for giving me opportunities to take part in school competitions and for believing in me. Their encouragement have made me more confident and I am lucky to have teachers like them.”

Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 12, admires teachers because they work very hard to educate and guide students to become better people. “My favourite teacher is strict but caring at the same time. She always encourages us to do our best in studies and never give up easily. Teachers play an important role in shaping our future and helping us achieve our dreams.”

ITEM: Have you ever imagined having a robot friend? What would your robot look like and what would it help you do every day? Would it help you with homework, clean your room or play games with you after school?

Others may dream of a robot that can cook delicious meals, tell funny jokes or even help take care of pets. Your robot friend could also go on adventures with you. Perhaps it can speak many languages or travel underwater.

Draw and colour your robot friend. Then, write a few sentences describing its name, appearance and the helpful things it can do for you and your family. We can’t wait to see your creative ideas!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by May 29. Please put “STARCHILD: My robot” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. 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.