tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post3251425971348527906..comments2024-02-17T01:11:34.207+08:00Comments on Of Kids and Education: Choosing a school for your childmonlimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-31677292973912260222009-05-24T21:57:01.448+08:002009-05-24T21:57:01.448+08:00Chris: Thanks so much for sharing! You're absolute...Chris: Thanks so much for sharing! You're absolutely right, the principal is very important. He/she is the one who sets the tone and the culture of the school. I've heard of schools where the direction changed (for the better or for the worse) after a change of principal. It's not about the "brand" of the school but whether the principal and teachers follow up with what the school mission/values etc promise.monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-55555747232673056242009-05-24T18:29:49.694+08:002009-05-24T18:29:49.694+08:00Mon, it was not that I'm thinking forward but ...Mon, it was not that I'm thinking forward but more like I did not have a choice. If I want a smooth & sane primary education for her, going to a sch with secondary affiliation was the option I had at that time. So that she need not worry so much for her chinese and have more time for her other interests. <br /><br />I would love to share more, but with my limited ability in writing, I can not express my thoughts well :-P. Nevertheless, I would like to share why I like about her current sch. Her current sch has a history of rich culture, the sch not only emphasise but impart to the student the important of having the right attitudes & values. The principals & teachers always remind the gals of the sch's motto during assembly & family gathering. The sch even have a Parents' Pledge, which I have not come across with her old sch. She does not have much homework, the sch do not believe in drilling the students. The relationships between the principals, teachers, students & parents is much better compare to her old sch. The sch is very open to parents visit. Before this H1N1 alert, I'm always in the sch with my younger gal, an hour before the dismissal of my older gal. My younger gal would do her reading or play the piano. As of her old sch, the principal discourage the parents from visiting the sch, unless it is necessary. The current sch encourage appreciation of music, it has about 8 pianos all over the sch, so the students can play before sch, during recess or after sch. I felt very comfortable in the sch, which I did not feel so with her old sch. <br /><br />Another concern I had was the standard of the sch teachers in a neighbourhood sch. Ofcourse I believe there are good teachers in neighbourhood sch too, but when my gal was there, she just did not have the luck. A few times, her english workbook was left un-mark. Her english teacher did not understand the meaning of the words she was using and did not bother to go check on the meaning. <br /><br />I was told by my neighbour that my gal old sch has improved quite a lot because it just had a new principal. The new principal was formally a head teacher in a 'branded' sch, and she is trying to implement many new things. So, I think, the directions & motivitions from the principal of the sch is very important. <br /><br />chrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-1379650509337301452009-05-23T22:24:24.274+08:002009-05-23T22:24:24.274+08:00Veronica: GEP schools have mainstream classes as w...Veronica: GEP schools have mainstream classes as well and these cater to all abilities, so no issue for Andre :)monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-1895893151038099302009-05-23T17:56:53.280+08:002009-05-23T17:56:53.280+08:00Ok...will not ask more. Thanks for telling me that...Ok...will not ask more. Thanks for telling me that there actually IS a GEP school which is a mission school. Never heard of it. <br /><br />Come to think of it, how did someone like Andre ever cope in a GEP school?Veronica_Lnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-84820968234709352102009-05-23T17:04:47.889+08:002009-05-23T17:04:47.889+08:00Chris (oops, another Chris!): You're really forwar...Chris (oops, another Chris!): You're really forward thinking! It would be interesting to learn your views on the differences between the neighbourhood and a more "branded" school. Care to share?monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-87158646784935116722009-05-23T16:37:10.393+08:002009-05-23T16:37:10.393+08:00I did a transfer for my older gal at P3, to a sch ...I did a transfer for my older gal at P3, to a sch with affiliation :-P. I have to do that beacuse I knew chinese will definitely kill her over all T-score for her PSLE and also her current sch has MEP program for secondary which she is interested with, and I have 2 gals. She was being selected for GEP last year, but we did not take up the offer after much consideration, *thats another long story*. <br /><br />After being in a neighbourhood sch for 2 yrs and now into the 2nd yr in this current sch, I could see the vase different in the sch's culture and their approach. <br /><br />Couln't agree with you more, we parents would know which sch suit our kids best if we just have a walk around the sch.<br /><br />ChrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-86785687066437793322009-05-23T13:44:19.363+08:002009-05-23T13:44:19.363+08:00Yve: I think sec schools have a different set of c...Yve: I think sec schools have a different set of criteria but in general, yup. If no DSA, then PSLE is the deciding factor.<br /><br />Chris: Yes, I think you can get my email from my profile. It's the hedgehog one :)monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-2749577553607531882009-05-23T09:22:14.747+08:002009-05-23T09:22:14.747+08:00This is really amusing. Given that so many mothers...This is really amusing. Given that so many mothers are curious about the school in question only reflects how anxious we are about our children's education! That's not necessarily bad, though.<br /><br />For us it was easy - just send the kids to our alma mater. <br /><br />It's the secondary school that's going to be a problem - religion versus academic standards. But we'll see how they do at PSLE. That'll probably be the deciding factor.Yvehttp://www.kembangankids.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-82113611214530234082009-05-23T08:02:45.709+08:002009-05-23T08:02:45.709+08:00Hi. It's really enlightening to read about DSA ma...Hi. It's really enlightening to read about DSA matters. Could you please share more on it *winks*. Btw, if I want to email you, is it to hedgehog? Have a nice weekends.Ladybirdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-43167714749018018162009-05-22T23:53:07.082+08:002009-05-22T23:53:07.082+08:00Ad: I think in your case, you have other special c...Ad: I think in your case, you have other special considerations since RK is such a special kid :) But hey, the alma mater situation is so convenient - save you lots of hassle!monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-75365142911526500892009-05-22T23:44:33.507+08:002009-05-22T23:44:33.507+08:00Tks for the article, Mon. I should consider it ser...Tks for the article, Mon. I should consider it seriously, except that if I really do send the son to school, he'll be in the alma mater situation. So no thinking required, thank goodness!<br /><br />And aiyo, so funny, the comments that have come about!Alcovelethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186199996328583152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-6534742473175902642009-05-22T20:30:53.452+08:002009-05-22T20:30:53.452+08:00Bwahahaha Lilian, this has unintentionally turned ...Bwahahaha Lilian, this has unintentionally turned out to be a very entertaining post! But I know if I hadn't told you, you would be BADGERING me about it ROFL!!<br /><br />Sorry lah ladies, I didn't intend to keep you all in suspense like that...monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-61225913784849248552009-05-22T20:22:37.436+08:002009-05-22T20:22:37.436+08:00Veronica: I hope you read this, sorry I couldn't p...Veronica: I hope you read this, sorry I couldn't publish your comment for security reasons but the answer to your question is yes, there are :)<br /><br />Thanks for your good wishes!monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-12523007883308471162009-05-22T20:16:43.756+08:002009-05-22T20:16:43.756+08:00This is getting to be so funny! I know I wouldn't...This is getting to be so funny! I know I wouldn't find it that funny if I didn't already know which school it is :) My lips are sealed...<br /><br />It'll be more fun if some readers start guessing which school Monica would find her values at odds with and the reason for their choice *evil*<br /><br />I'm inclined to think most readers would never be able to guess...oops, is that a hint? Or maybe I'm just throwing you guys off the scent. *double evil*Lilianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10157427086383621265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-53817760117549461672009-05-22T19:49:10.678+08:002009-05-22T19:49:10.678+08:00LL: LMAO that's as good as telling you what school...LL: LMAO that's as good as telling you what school it is, right!! Nope, my lips are sealed, L-A is undergoing DSA process now, don't know who will be lurking on this blog ;)monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-90424812709669416682009-05-22T19:32:43.591+08:002009-05-22T19:32:43.591+08:00How about you tell us which are the schools you ha...How about you tell us which are the schools you have shortlisted for LA. Then we should be able to figure the school you are not considering. That should b quite easy :-) Ha Ha! <br /><br />LLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-15107475901514755832009-05-22T17:19:02.415+08:002009-05-22T17:19:02.415+08:00Haha, the mums here are so, so kaypoh LOL!! Aiyah ...Haha, the mums here are so, so kaypoh LOL!! Aiyah QX, if you cannot tahan then email me :)<br /><br />S: We've identified a couple of schools Lesley-Anne will be applying to for DSA. I like the culture/ethos of these two. Praying very hard she'll get either of them!monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-73621837831309930432009-05-22T16:13:50.039+08:002009-05-22T16:13:50.039+08:00Hi! I stumbled upon your blog and enjoy reading it...Hi! I stumbled upon your blog and enjoy reading it because my child is in GEP P6 too so I can identify with a lot you say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I too am curious to know the secondary school and will email you separately. :)Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-15030727984715161892009-05-22T15:40:24.175+08:002009-05-22T15:40:24.175+08:00As usual, very wise comments. So have u found the ...As usual, very wise comments. So have u found the ideal school? I agree with looking past the academics (but must still be of a certain std lah... if not will get bad influence). I plan to look at the niche of the schools and see if they are of a good match for my kids. <br />SPuzzled by Puzzles!https://www.blogger.com/profile/08690409773624759825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-49757947568389800852009-05-22T15:09:27.915+08:002009-05-22T15:09:27.915+08:00ok la..cat already dead...LOL..
sorry that was me...ok la..cat already dead...LOL..<br /><br />sorry that was me.<br /><br />qxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-79484305493377347002009-05-22T15:04:31.553+08:002009-05-22T15:04:31.553+08:00Curiosity killed the cat, remember? LOL! Cannot la...Curiosity killed the cat, remember? LOL! Cannot lah, not politically correct to reveal even hints, haha.monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-76295970306882174212009-05-22T14:54:46.567+08:002009-05-22T14:54:46.567+08:00haha Mon,...I am curious as a cat like LL. Perhap...haha Mon,...I am curious as a cat like LL. Perhaps you can let us know if it is a Christian or non-Christian school, co-ed or non co-ed, distance from the school, exactly the criterias you have shared for school selection. :PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-47606249173161550232009-05-22T14:52:39.397+08:002009-05-22T14:52:39.397+08:00LL: I know some parents actually transfer their ki...LL: I know some parents actually transfer their kids at p3 to a school with affiliation. I would have thought that's rather traumatic for the kids! <br /><br />Sorry lah, cannot reveal the school here, don't want to offend anyone! But if you're really keen to know, you can email me :)monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-40926484637618757922009-05-22T13:54:40.470+08:002009-05-22T13:54:40.470+08:00Hi Monica
Totally agree with you that the school'...Hi Monica<br /><br />Totally agree with you that the school's culture and value system are important factors to consider, but alas, many parents tend to overlook this and were anxious to get kids into 'branded' schools, thinking that only these schools are worth considering. That's something I don't agree. <br /><br />These days, I notice that some parents also take into consideration the affiliation to secondary schools, when choosing primary schools for their children. It can be very advantageous, but I personally can't plan so far ahead. <br /><br />As far as academic performance is concerned, I believe 99% of schools in Singapore are highly concerned with producing good academic results and will give lots of homework by P3 (trust me!). Parents shouldn't worry too much about this aspect. <br /> <br />Monica, I'm curious to know which secondary school you were referring to. Give us a clue! :-) But hey, no worries if you don't feel comfortable sharing it openly on your blog. <br /><br />LLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109681525590028536.post-37902239755177059342009-05-22T13:30:52.174+08:002009-05-22T13:30:52.174+08:00Lilian: I agree schools that focus too single-mind...Lilian: I agree schools that focus too single-mindedly on academics with only the cursory lip service to values do more harm than good. Some of those kids end up having a very unhealthy competitive spirit with little development in other non-academic areas.monlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397210688200284987noreply@blogger.com