The last time I visited PL was when my sister got back her O level results 3 years ago. I remember seeing Ms Loh walking away from the staffroom. I recognised her from the back, so I called out to her and she waved back at me, laughing apologetically because she couldn't remember me. After hearing the news today from my ex-classmate, I can't believe that it was the last time ever.
Music brought me in and through my 4 years in PL. It was also the thing I missed most when I graduated. I remember humming tunes throughout my 4 years in and out of school, and it was the supernatural instrument God used to bring me to Him as a teen.
Ms Loh was my music and literature teacher in lower secondary. Music lessons were in the hall back then. Watching her play the piano and sing propelled me to search for my inner music voice; and begin learning music in a new way - doing it because I enjoyed it and wanted to, not because I was supposed to pass some lame ABRSM exam. Inspiration is a powerful thing - I became determined enough to pick up guitar on my own and even learnt how to play my piano by ear.
I still keep all my secondary school literature notes because that season of education to me was so precious. She was very encouraging, honest and generous with her feedback (verbal and written) which helped me mature in thought and also helped me find my writing voice (which she always said was very important). There was no way I could have guessed that I would ever end up on the other side of the classroom, doing and saying those same things to my EL students now.
Ms Loh also taught me English when I was in upper secondary. She was a very good at analysing our strengths and weaknesses, and paid close attention to details. She also had a good sense of humour, and had really good rapport with the class. I can recall very clearly how she would laugh at us reading a list of commonly mispronounced words she would put on the OHP.
I always prayed that I would never be called to stand and read anything in class. She did call on me once, and I can remember that moment of attention she gave me because it impacted me so profoundly. Maybe it was because I was nervous. (I think she had not heard my voice in that 7 or 8 months she had taught me, which made it all the more scary.) But I honestly wanted to know how I sounded - and I knew I could count on her to give that kind of feedback.
Ms Loh was always gracious and I have never felt embarrassed or put down because of anything she said. Her analysis of my reading tone was spot-on. She was the only teacher who ever told me I sounded apologetic, and gave me really good advice on self-confidence, how to articulate and emphasise on the right words without me having to sound sorry for it. I was very mindful of what she said in those few months leading up to my O levels. Now as a teacher, I always remember how she said it, especially while giving advice to sec 4s taking their EL oral.
Back then, as a teen searching for identity and meaning in life, nothing could be better than having a songwriter for a teacher. Come to think of it, she’s got to be the most multi-talented teacher I have ever met. I didn’t manage to watch ‘The Father’s Hand’ because I was a stagehand, but I got the CD after the musical because the lyrics of the songs really spoke to me while I listened backstage and during rehearsals. My favourite song from the musical is ‘Through His Eyes’.
‘The Father’s Hand’ musical was one of those pivotal spiritual markers in my life because I never really identified God as a person, and much less a Father. My spiritual journey began in PL and has only gotten more colourful since then. Listening to the songs now as I write this, I think Ms Loh didn’t just have a whole lot of talent. She had a deep passion for God and relationship with Him that she wanted very much for her colleagues, friends and students to have as well. Music is timeless, and the message through the songs still minister to me today.
PL was the place Ms Loh poured out her love, passion and time, and God knew what He was doing by placing her there to bless girls one batch at a time. PL has lost an angel, as Ms Yoong has put it. May God comfort her loved ones and the many students who will miss her.
“He knows your pain, He’ll never let you go
He gently holds your precious soul
He lifts you high and in His love you’ll stand
Because you’re holding the Father’s hand”
(lyrics from ‘The Father’s Hand’ 2004)