GEORGE TOWN: Teary-eyed Muhammad Farish Haikal Mohd Hafiq, seven, had a surprise when the first schoolteachers he met turned out to be “cartoon characters”.
The Year One pupil at SK Seri Relau in Bayan Lepas was consoled by Snow White, a big lion and even Anna of Arendelle from the animated movie Frozen.
The teachers also danced to popular jingles with the pupils.
The costumes were part of SK Seri Relau’s Animation Attack 2020 school programme, where all the Year One pupils as well as returning students were given a warm welcome and sweets.
Year One pupil Aidil Nasman Ibrahim said he was delighted to see his teachers perform.
“This is cool. I did not expect to be welcomed by teachers dressed as cartoon characters.
“I think I will have a fun day, ” he said at the school yesterday.
Alishia Damien Raj, seven, danced along with the teachers.
“It was fun to see them dressed up, ” she said.
Special education teacher Iniswah Abu, 40, who was dressed as Anna, said this was the second year the teachers dressed up to entertain their pupils.
“Every year it is different. Last year, we dressed up as dinosaurs. We do this to make the first day exciting for them.
“We have noticed that even if they are upset about attending school after a long holiday or if it is their first day of school, it makes them feel calmer when welcomed by fun characters, ” she said.
Businessman Sani Osman, 50, who sent his daughter for her first day of school, said he was happy that the school made the children feel welcome.
“During my time, we did not have any of this and usually went to school in fear.
“Here, they are making an effort to be approachable. It is a good initiative and makes us parents feel better, ” he said.
Bahasa Malaysia and Science teacher Mohd Saiful Anuar Yusoff, 33, who was dressed as a lion, said he enjoyed seeing the pupils’ reactions when they walked into the school compound.
“You can tell they suddenly feel more at ease. We also use this method to make them familiar with animals.
“Later on in the year during their Science lessons, we will bring out animal costumes for them to try and have fun in class, ” he said.
Headmistress Norsilawati Ishak said she came up with the idea as she thought it would be nice to entertain the children after a long break.“We have 12 teachers dressed as different characters.
“We also have a special needs class as students like that need a bit of a pick-me-up since school can seem overwhelming.
“This way, they know we are friendly and they have a good laugh too.
“It encourages the children to let their creative juices flow as they will feel comfortable expressing themselves, ” she added.
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