Bandar Seri Begawan - Traffic was busy on Brunei's roadways yesterday as students returned to government and private schools on the first day of the new academic term for 2013.

For returning students, some felt excited and happy to return back to classes where they would continue with their education as well as socialise with their friends and teachers, while others naturally felt a little sluggish as their one-month school holiday officially came to an end.

During a Bulletin survey conducted around the Seri Mulia Sarjana International School (SMSIS) during the morning session, and the Awang Semaun Secondary School in the early afternoon just prior to students returning back home, various opinions were shared.

One of the parents, who has three children - in Year One, Kindergarten One, and Kindergarten Three - Dk Herni Sufrimah bte Pg Sulaiman explained to the Bulletin that she had to ask permission from her place of employment regarding her tardiness to work as a result of horrendous traffic from both the Tungku and Beribi roads, however, she expressed satisfaction with what she labelled as "outstanding teaching methods" of the teachers of SMSIS.

DK Hjh Sutrimah bte Pg Sulaiman, who has been preparing early for her child, a Year Seven student, spoke of some of her difficulties, which included a limited supply of clothing, since only one supply shop was selling high-quality fabric needed for the school's unique student uniform.

During an interview with the Bulletin, a new teacher who has only recently begun working with the private school, Syafiqah bte Haji Satia said, As a new pre-school teacher for the SMSIS, I am already proud to be part of the school.

"The first few weeks will be a tough because we need to let the children adjust to the school environment but overall, we will have all the children ready and excited to learn," she said.

The school Principal, Rita Lim stated that during early December 2012, teachers and assistant teachers were busy preparing classrooms by applying new coats of paint and decorations for the first day of school and that the SMSIS will be celebrating its 15"' anniversary in 2013.

It is because of this that staff are currently very busy with activities for the students and parents, such as a concert, annual anniversary dinner, outbound programmes and more.

"In term of leading the school forward for 2013, SMSIS has started the International Cambridge Curriculum, as this is the first school to have a Cambridge Curriculum," the principal said.

Meanwhile, at the Awang Semaun Secondary School in Kampong Ayer, Year 11 students were happy to share their thoughts during the afternoon.

Fatmahafizah bte Hj Ramli expressed her excitement at being able to meet up with her friends in the school again and told the Bulletin that it only takes her 10 minutes to walk to and from the school, and that the only difficulty is during rainfall. "My parents would not allow me to ride a boat because they fear for my safety since there are rumours that go around from time to time about the dangers of boat riding," she said.

Another student, Abdul Warith bin Md Nanafih spoke honestly that he felt a little lazy to have to return to school but still acknowledged the importance of classes, 'As a student, I have to achieve the best possible results to make my family proud so that I can have a better future".

An English teacher, Polistetti Anand Rao explained to the Bulletin that he prepared and collected resources from BBC and Cambridge books, particularly for learning and speaking. as he expressed his joy at meeting the new Year Seven students.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin