For Samri bin Sulaiman, teaching is more than just a job. It was 1984. He had just completed serving his National Service. He was deeply passionate about sports. Hockey was his pet event. When he learnt about an opening for a Physical Training teacher at the MacPherson campus, Samri knew what he had to do.
More than 20 years on, the flame hasn’t so much as flickered. Samri still believes sports and CCAs to be one of the best ways to build character, nurture leadership qualities, instill the drive for excellence and teach young minds about taking responsibility. His vision - to help develop disciplined, skilled, confident ITE sportsmen and sportswomen who are also equally successful in their academic studies.
The Floorball Family @ ITE College Central
Samri with his “weapon” of choice
How does Samri go about nurturing and motivating his students?
“It is very important to walk the talk. I’ve to first set a good example by keeping fit, projecting a fit image myself. For instances where I’m unable to do something, I see it important to explain myself to the students instead of brushing it off.”
He added: “To develop the students, they are given the autonomy to run sports events for the campus. I will stay by the side, providing guidance along the way. The students feel a tremendous sense of ownership and achievement.”
In 2001, Samri introduced Floorball to ITE to nurture and develop Floorball sports talents. Students were given the opportunity to perform official duties in the Floorball Challenge Cup, a large-scale event. He has also successfully brought many school visitors a step closer to ITE through the invitation of schools to Floorball tournaments. Samri’s other CCA involvements include Sepak Takraw, Mens’ Soccer at college level, as well as Hockey at Institute Varsity Polytechnic (IVP) level.
Samri was given the 2005 ITE Teacher Award for his CCA contributions last year. Now that’s one more asset for us in College Central!
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