Palm View Primary

[SwaKu_Lim]

Facilities was much better than i expected. We saw that there were 2 teachers for most classes, is this the norm for primary school? Tried asking the parents volunteers but they were clueless as well.


The principle’s talk was pretty informative and we agreed on the part where academics are not everything, character building is important as well.

We didn’t see many senior teachers yesterday, most of them seems pretty young. I feel that senior and more experienced teachers would be needed to "hold the fort" and help the principle to guide the younger teachers given his busy schedule. Just my opinion, no flaming please.

Overall, we quite like the school.

[Quizzer]

We went for the open house yesterday as well. They have indoor and outdoor facilities to conduct their teaching. At least the kids won’t have to be in the classroom all the time. Overall, quite agreed with what the principal said and is exactly what we felt and wanted for our son too. PVPS was actually second choice just in case we don’t get in for our first choice. Now looks like we will just go straight for it, and get spared from the ballot scare.

[Sam_Lee72]

Hi parents,

from my experience last year, I have no regret to send my son to PVPS which was actually my 2nd choice after I failed to enroll him to the choice school, the stress during balloting for the choice school was tremendous, I should have just go to PVPS and solved the problem. The school leaders and teachers are dedicated and caring, Mr Chua and his team had brought in new ideas to create a new learning experience for the kids. Hope to see you parents in PVPS in the future and help to create another \"choice school\" for the residents of SengKang and Hougang. :rahrah:

Quizzer:

We went for the open house yesterday as well. They have indoor and outdoor facilities to conduct their teaching. At least the kids won't have to be in the classroom all the time. Overall, quite agreed with what the principal said and is exactly what we felt and wanted for our son too. PVPS was actually second choice just in case we don't get in for our first choice. Now looks like we will just go straight for it, and get spared from the ballot scare.

[cyranocrash]

Swaku Lim & Quizzer,


I'm happy to hear that you are one of those parents who are not looking at purely academic aspects. I recalled at the beginning of the year, some parents were asking how and what the school will do to prepare the kids well for PSLE and such. And the principal actually asked why do we set such low expectations on our kids. We shouldn't be too concerned about how our kids will fare for his/her PSLE. Instead we should be concerned as to how he/she will fare in LIFE! This was, to me, very enlightening.

One thing I have to add is that while a lot of focus is on the principal and his vision, I have to say that we are lucky to have a VP in Mrs Joyce Cheong. Unfortunately she was not there at the open house for some emergency matters, but for me, the Clifford-Joyce combination is what makes the school tick. Mr Chua has all the vision in what and how he wants the school to be.. and Mrs Cheong is always there to provide the check and balance.. and challenge his views, open up the different perspectives, etc. She is not a 'yes-woman' and as a result, we get the best possible ideas from the school.

As for the teachers, yes most of the teachers are young. But if you look at the profile, they have vast experience. Some were even taking P6 classes previously. Do bear in mind that being a new school, the school leaders have the privilege to select teachers. The teachers were not merely assigned by MOE. Hence, the school was able to choose teachers with certain characteristics to suit the school's culture. So rest assured, we have among the best mix of teachers.

When my daughter joined the school this year, many of my friends asked if there were any issues considering this year was the first batch of students. Well, yes there were issues. The first few days there were some problems with the school transport. There was no student care. Some facilities were not ready. Some admin issues were not clear, etc. But almost all my friends who had kids joining P1 also faced some teething issues even though the school has a system in place and is established. So my point is, every school will have issues regardless whether its a new school or not.

As a parent from the first batch, I welcome all parents who have moved Palm View up as their first choice. I have not regretted my decision and I'm sure you will not regret your decision as well.

Hope this helps.


PS : The school is not known as PVPS but PLVPS instead as PVPS is already taken by Park View Pri Sch.

[EbiRice]

Hi, may I know what's the school hours for Palm View and how much is the school bus fees?


Is the student care service available next year? :scratchhead:

[cyranocrash]

EbiRice:

Hi, may I know what's the school hours for Palm View and how much is the school bus fees?


Is the student care service available next year? :scratchhead:

School starts at 8am. They will finish at 1.30pm except for Tuesdays and Fridays where where they will end at 2pm. Once a week they have the Enrichment Programmes (not compulsory) where they will finish around 3.30pm i think.

The school bus fees will depend on the location as well as type of bus used (big bus will be cheaper while mini-vans will be more expensive).

Student care has been planned by the school for next year. But it has yet to be confirmed. Do take note that, as with other schools, priority for student care will go for those on financial assistance schemes, etc. But there are quite a few student care centres around the school. Many parents engage the school transport to send their kids to the nearby student care centre. The teachers from these centres will pick up the kids at the designated points.

[caremom]

Hi, my child is in PVPS. To be honest, my child form teacher is really good. But no all teachers!!!! This school set a very high standard, I begin to doubt what Mr Chua's said during the open house. My child have been busy with lot of homework, spelling and chinese spelling. All Singapore kids no childhood.

[ctmy]

caremom:

Hi, my child is in PVPS. To be honest, my child form teacher is really good. But no all teachers!!!! This school set a very high standard, I begin to doubt what Mr Chua's said during the open house. My child have been busy with lot of homework, spelling and chinese spelling. All Singapore kids no childhood.

So is this good or bad? I think spelling and chinese spelling is a norm for every school. Guess some parents will also complain if there is no spelling given. Personally find that the amount of homework given is still acceptable. The real challenge will come in Pri 3. Pri 1 & 2 are 'honeymoon' periods where they learn the foundation and apply it later.

[ilovechocolates]

i went to the open house last week. the sessions were quite interesting. i particularly like the science lesson. are the 2 scientists teachers or lab technicians? they were wearing white coats …they really wow the children in the room , some parents even hijacked one empty table and tried out this lava light project with their children, other took photos…anyone know whether will there be other such lessons?i hope the school will carry on this…

[cyranocrash]

ilovechocolates:

i went to the open house last week. the sessions were quite interesting. i particularly like the science lesson. are the 2 scientists teachers or lab technicians? they were wearing white coats ...they really wow the children in the room , some parents even hijacked one empty table and tried out this lava light project with their children, other took photos..anyone know whether will there be other such lessons?i hope the school will carry on this...

Those are teachers.. Mr Thomas Low and Mrs Annie Koh if I'm not mistaken. Mr Low is the ICT head.. crazy fella I tell u (in a good way). Kids find him fun.. and that's what makes learning interesting.