St James Church Kindergarten

[sembgal]

If the parents have concerns with child’s literacy progress, the best person to talk to and work with would be the child’s immediate teachers. It takes two hands to clap and teachers and parents have to play their part to achieve any goals set for the developing child.


As for character building, I believe all preschool teachers are equipped with this book named PRAISE. A child’s character development stems from the teachers and parents’ collaboration to mould the child to be a good citizen.

[prettymomma]

su27:

Hi prettymomma,


Are you sure the wait list for both campuses either session, is only 10s to 20s?

I was told in the range of 90s to 100+.

Not sure about St Joseph, but I feel NYK is too over-hyped, and getting too commercialised. IMHO.

NYK - only public can get in via wait list and it is only if the parents/siblings alumni can be filled up. I think its the most academic and i guess the best of the best. Singaporeans are kiasu/pragmatic. If it ain't good, there wont be so many people vying for a place for their kids. With money, they can always send their kids to Odessey/Eton etc.. but why NYK? Just a thought hmm..

St James: Wait list was 10-20 at the point of my registration la.. hee. I mean in 2nd half 2011..

[su27]

Actually, if you want your kid to be in an academically focused kindy, you should try Mindchamps.


I have been to their guided tour… and wow, it looks more like a boot-camp. Your toddlers basically check-in in the mornings and end their day in the evenings. Enrichments, play (for your info, their play is never outdoors hor), studies, nap, bath, meals, etc all included in the whole day.

I asked myself, is this what I want for my kid’s childhood??? I may be a kiasu parent, but I know the is a limit to everything.

I am an old boy with SJCK. I was too on the wait list. But fortunately, I was given a slot for my girl. I opted for Harding over Leedon. Reason being the outdoor kampong settings… the muddy paths, the zinc roofs, and the nature. Nevermind if Harding may be moving in 2 years’ time. At least my toddler can expose to nature settings for a year or two.

Just my 1 cent’s worth.

[Saari]

su27:

Actually, if you want your kid to be in an academically focused kindy, you should try Mindchamps.


I have been to their guided tour... and wow, it looks more like a boot-camp. Your toddlers basically check-in in the mornings and end their day in the evenings. Enrichments, play (for your info, their play is never outdoors hor), studies, nap, bath, meals, etc all included in the whole day.

.

Not true that Mindchamps' play is restricted to outdoor. Some centers offer outdoor and my child is in one w outdoor and pool play. I am here because i am considering switch to St James only because I want to expose my child to a Christian preschool. Mindchamps is great so far and my little darling at 2 year old could sing in mandarin after 4 weeks in school and you don't have to subject your child to a full day program. Bring the child home anytime if you honestly think it's too rigid.

[shandee]

any parents would have experience to share on the phonics enrichment provider (the mapping pte ltd) at SJCK? how’s the curriculum like? have your kids learnt much?

[prettymomma]

Mindchamps is great but the fees…

[Laura02]

My dd was in SJCK 7 yr ago. Both she and I loved the school. I, because they offer a good balance between academic and play. She, becuase learning was fun.

Learning to read came naturally. I used to read to her before bed. And we used to have lots of fun reading all sorts of road signs like SLOW, HUMP AHEAD, EXIT, etc… She loved the storybooks SJCK asked the students to buy. And they had a small "library" of used and/ or donated books that students could borrow from.
Math is also part of "play". A shopping trip used to be an exercise in mental calculation. Now that she’s in P5, shopping trips are an exercise in fractions, percentages. And road trips are an exercise in rate, speed, etc.

[Saari]

prettymomma:

Mindchamps is great but the fees..

Tell me about it! But if you rationalise that it is a full day childcare and their enrichment programs, and if you child is happy and learning...( ok ok I am consoling myself....) When we were scouting for a good centre, we visited 3 mindchamps branches and we were very impressed with 2 of the principals and the follow up. At Sjck, I must say I have been disappointed by the service staff who attended to my queries, ( I truly hope Sjck management read this forum) and they seem v disinterested and not very helpful. They didn't reply to my email. They seem very bochap and less professional so i am quite flabbergasted. I wonder if it is because they are not exactly a 'commercial' enterprise...I hope I am wrong. There r so many good reviews here regarding teachers and happy kids at Sjck.

[OrangUtahn]

Saari:

prettymomma:

Mindchamps is great but the fees..

At Sjck, I must say I have been disappointed by the service staff who attended to my queries, ( I truly hope Sjck management read this forum) and they seem v disinterested and not very helpful. They didn't reply to my email. They seem very bochap and less professional so i am quite flabbergasted. I wonder if it is because they are not exactly a 'commercial' enterprise...I hope I am wrong. There r so many good reviews here regarding teachers and happy kids at Sjck.

I would call them. Strangely I've never encountered the same as they are very spontaneous and helpful through email, calling and other modes of communication. They were always prompt for me. I love it that their teaching staff volunteer feedback even. Maybe take note of their operating hours - the staff knock off earlier than an average company or school, which may explain why if you sent an email at 4.30 pm, you may only hear back a day later.

[eureka29]

Hi, does anyone know whether St James has a policy on kids being toilet trained? My son has a spot for next year’s nursery slot, so my concern is whether he needs to be toilet trained before then. Have been trying to toilet train him but to no avail.


Would appreciate any advice. thanks!