Pen88n:

As many forummers have said, there are different opinions and let's respect one another's different viewpoints / perspectives. No point repeatedly reiterating one's viewpoint and supporting reasons, and slamming the other people's perspective by not considering their supporting reasons. This forum is for discussion, it is not a forum to make the decision. No point having so much \"fire\" and \"attack\" over this topic.

Totally agree with this.

Their guidebook/handbook states withdrawal is not allowed in Nov and Dec and effective date must fall on the last day of the month. 3 e.g. were given:-


Notice: 15 March
Effective date: 30 April

Notice: 1 June
Effective date: 30 June

Notice: 30 October
Effective date: 31 December

I may be wrong but I believe this is the same across centers. Think it is better to clarify with your centre /principal instead of through the hotline.

Hi, my relative has a 30 year old Yamaha U1 and happy to give it to me. However, it has not been tuned for years and the heater is never switched on for years too. I know nothing about piano. Did a quick check after lifting the top cover - no moldy smell or visible rust. Do you think it is worthwhile getting a technician/tuner to go over and check for me? Or don’t bother since it has not been properly maintained for years so unlikely to be fit for piano learning? My DD is just starting out on learning the piano, so if this is usable for her to practice it would be great. Hope to get some advice from the experienced parents/teachers here. Thanks!

Hi, anyone has feedback on the maths class "Kinder Soma" for 3-6 years old at elan soma school at United Square that you can share with me? Thanks.

I read with interest the views on this topic and would just like to share my thoughts. I note that the subject is on alumni but i’m just writing on phase 2A in general.


Whether we were lucky that our parents sent us to an existing popular or non popular school, we did spend 6 years of our childhood in our primary school, benefitting, participating and contributing. I said contributing as I believe a school does not become what it is (good or bad) without its students. In addition, there is the heritage and spirit that have been cultivated and felt strongly about. To me, these 6 years spent means more, for example, than the PV hours clocked before P1 registration or religious affiliation. Perhaps that is why the policy is such that old boys/girls are in category A of phase 2. An uncap (subject to total vacancies) phase 2A supports this distinction. An old boy/girl remains an old boy/girl regardless of where they stay. I hesitate to judge which old boy/girl is more worthy or deserving of a priority than another, but a distinction can be made between someone who joined the alumni and someone who don’t.

Or perhaps the policy thinking could be because of the historical set up of the schools as someone has suggested.

As the policy is set, it then boils down to personal choices assuming parents are sensible on what is best for their child. This is not a policy matter. The consequences of the choices and resulting ground sentiments provide feedback to review or fine tune the policy. This does not necessarily mean the policy thinking is "wrong" as no permutation can please everyone.

It is true that not everyone has an existing alma mater. There is indeed the distinction of having another choice versus none. However, it is what it is, and given that the school ceased to exist, the consideration for giving old boys/girls priority ceased to be relevant too. Given that most schools were merged or closed due to low enrollment, perhaps the impact is immaterial going by the preference for "popular" school view, which I support. If the schools still exist, it is highly likely that they are not favored by the old boys/girls in any case.

The fees are different for different centres. I recall Pat’s Raffles is more expensive due to the location. Visited a few Pat’s centres and noted it.


By the way, anyone knows where Halifax is shifting to?

I’m just thinking academics aside, are there concerns that being younger and likely smaller physically and weaker motor skills, DS/DD could be more likely injured accidentally if put in a class of older kids? I would imagine most preschool would want to give priority to age appropriate kids where possible?

Hi, does anyone know where Halifax is shifting to? Thanks.

Many thanks for all the advice. We have withdrawn DD. It is exactly this discomfort that we decided to do so. Do PM me if you have recommendations on other cc or the ones that your DS/DD are happily attending that we should visit and find out more. Thanks.

Hi, many thanks for your views. The teacher is firm and very loud and we think she leans towards being fierce, at least that’s our impression of her. We are likely to go with our instinct and withdraw DD.


Having this disappointing experience, we are thinking if we should find another childcare for her or wait till the year she turns 3. For those of you who sent your child to childcare at 18 months for purposes of socializing, literacy, and learning to be independent, do you see any huge benefits of doing so instead of waiting till the year they turn 3?

Once again, thanks for your comments.