Starchild: Malaysian students are happy to learn new subjects in 2023

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

It’s the start of another new year and, you must be excited to meet your friends again after the recent school holidays.

We asked Starchild readers to tell us how they feel about going back to school. Some are looking forward to meeting friends again, others are a little anxious about upcoming exams and a few are planning for the brand new school year in March. Here’s what they had to say.

Brandon Lee Kwan Fong, nine, is happy to be back to school. “I am very excited because I can meet my favorite teachers and lovely friends. However, I am unable to fit into my old uniform so my mother bought two sets of school uniforms for me. My father bought a new school bag and watch for me. I hope to have a great and happy school year in 2023.”

Leong Man Wai, 6

“I am happy because I am in Year One this year. My school is big and new. Mummy has bought a new school bag, pencil box and many more stationeries for me. I have a new uniform, socks and shoes too,” writes Leong Man Wai, six.

Jarrett Ko Qi Yu, nine, says: “School has reopened, and I’m pleased to meet my school friends and teachers again. My exams are around the corner so I did some revision during the holidays.”

“Before school reopened, I pestered my parents to take me on a back-to-school shopping trip. They took me to a stationery shop where I bought many items for school. I am very excited to be back at school,” says nine-year-old New Yuan Ming.

Wong Cheng Yang, 8

Wong Cheng Yang, eight, is happy to be back at school. “My father bought a new school bag for me because the old bag was spoilt. I am looking forward to celebrate Chinese New Year in school. The new school term will start in March, and I will be in Year Three.”

“I am happy to be back in school. It’s nice to meet my lovely teachers and naughty friends again. I hope 2023 will be a good year,” says Aston Lee Kwan Theng, 11.

Rayshawn Ong Tzi Jie, 11, wants to turn over a new leaf this year. “I have promised my parents that I will be more hardworking and I will help with house chores. Our school principal has informed us that when school reopens, we are going to celebrate Chinese New Year by making lanterns and baking cookies.”

“The happy part about going back to school is seeing my friends again and exchanging stories about our holidays. I have no urgent need to replenish school supplies as my stationery and uniform are still in good condition. All I need is to trim my hair and nails and I will be ready for school,” says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5

“I am sad that the school holidays have ended, and I have to return to kindergarten. The good part is our kindergarten playground has new play equipment,” says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five.

Chuah Seng Koon, 7

Chuah Seng Koon, seven, is looking forward to having new books and workbooks when he enters Year Two in March. “I have new classmates and teachers. I hope I will make new good friends in Year Two. I need to study harder as I feel my tests will be more challenging. I hope to get higher marks.”

Lee Yue Chen, 6

“I cannot wait till March 2023 as I will be in Year One. My new school is huge. It has a big field for me to run about. Classrooms are big, and spacious too. I am thrilled as I will be able to meet and make new friends. There will be many teachers, too. My parents are getting all the new things I need when I am in Year One,” writes six-year-old Lee Yue Chen.

Ch’ng Sam Quinn, 6

“I am happy because I can see my cousin in my school. I have new teachers and friends in school. I have a new uniform, socks and shoes. I love going to school,” says Ch’ng Sam Quinn, six.

Lara Nashar, 6

Lara Nashar, six, is happy because she is in Year One. “I have many new teachers in my new school. They are teaching me many new subjects. I cannot wait to learn more new things this year.”

Chang Li Ying, 6

“I am in Year One and I am very happy. I love my new bag, uniform, socks and shoes. My school books new, too,” writes Chang Li Ying, six.

Saw Yan Wei, 6

Six-year-old Saw Yan Wei is so delighted to be in Year One. “I am big person now. I have made many new friends in school. I have many different teachers teaching me different subjects.”

Wong Jie Ern, 6

“I will be very happy to see my best friends in school,” says Wong Jie Ern, six.

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: If you were stranded on a deserted island what would the five items you would most want with you and why? Describe each item and say why you want it. Using the items, you can also draw a picture of yourself on the island.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Jan 20. Please put “STARCHILD: Stranded On An Island” 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.