CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel

[nms1]

I've tried to answer some of your questions below...

shoebutton:

Hi

It is indeed heartening to note that all comments from CLGC/OLGC parents are positive. Nonetheless, appreciate if parents with feedback for improvement could share. 

My gal is currently in P1 and I am thinking of transferring her into CLGC/OLGC. Appreciate inputs/sharing of:
1) how is school atmosphere nowadays? In terms of interaction among students and between them and school staff? Overall feel of the place?
Generally I think it has a friendly feel to it. The teachers seems to know a lot of the students and they encourage interaction between girls in different levels with various \"buddy sister\" activities on special occasions such as CNY, National Day etc
2) Character development and values emphasis?
There seems to be quite a strong emphasis but it is hard to tell how much of it is talk and how much is followed through with the girls on an everyday basis
3) are the teachers and principal mostly past students of CLGC/OLGC/IJ?
There are quite a few but I don't think they are the majority. The current principal is an ex-IJ girl
4) what is school hours? Report to school by 720am or is that silent reading time?
Report by 7:20am
5) how active is PSG in school? Are parents welcome in school in terms of partnering in events and student development?
The PSG is heavily promoted at P1 orientation but I have been a bit disappointed in their outreach to parents. The \"Mums CLub\" which is made up mainly of SAHMs seems to be very active but despite being signed up as a PSG member I have only been invited to help out with 2 events in 3 years.
6) proper music and art taught in respective lessons? Ie not trashy stuff like pop songs or YouTube videos
I would say it's a combination - my daughter's class has done both more serious music from the MOE textbook but also some pop songs for performances etc. I think the balance is about right - enough to keep them interested,
7) how much efforts does teachers put in to TEACH the students? Or they will advise parents to go enrichment to catch up?
It depends on the teacher but I think most of the put in a lot of effort and most run remedial classes for those who need help. My daughter's current teacher did ask me if she has tuition but didn't imply that she expected it. She feels that school work must take priority and that they should focus on reviewing their work properly and reading widely to help their English and Science.
is Chinese taught well? I read in earlier comments that there is no HCL offered?
Partway through P1 they will be divided into three groups - Bridging, Standard (I don't think that's the real name!) and Enriched based on their first few months of Chinese. In P2 some girls will be pulled out of the Enriched group to form a Higher Chinese group. The Higher & Enriched groups are possible candidates to do HCL from P5.
Sorry for the torrent of questions.
I really do not wish to repeat the mistakes that I had left for my elder son.
:stupid: :stupid: :stupid: :gloomy:

[shoebutton]

nms1:

I've tried to answer some of your questions below...

shoebutton:

Hi

It is indeed heartening to note that all comments from CLGC/OLGC parents are positive. Nonetheless, appreciate if parents with feedback for improvement could share. 

My gal is currently in P1 and I am thinking of transferring her into CLGC/OLGC. Appreciate inputs/sharing of:
1) how is school atmosphere nowadays? In terms of interaction among students and between them and school staff? Overall feel of the place?
Generally I think it has a friendly feel to it. The teachers seems to know a lot of the students and they encourage interaction between girls in different levels with various \"buddy sister\" activities on special occasions such as CNY, National Day etc
2) Character development and values emphasis?
There seems to be quite a strong emphasis but it is hard to tell how much of it is talk and how much is followed through with the girls on an everyday basis
3) are the teachers and principal mostly past students of CLGC/OLGC/IJ?
There are quite a few but I don't think they are the majority. The current principal is an ex-IJ girl
4) what is school hours? Report to school by 720am or is that silent reading time?
Report by 7:20am
5) how active is PSG in school? Are parents welcome in school in terms of partnering in events and student development?
The PSG is heavily promoted at P1 orientation but I have been a bit disappointed in their outreach to parents. The \"Mums CLub\" which is made up mainly of SAHMs seems to be very active but despite being signed up as a PSG member I have only been invited to help out with 2 events in 3 years.
6) proper music and art taught in respective lessons? Ie not trashy stuff like pop songs or YouTube videos
I would say it's a combination - my daughter's class has done both more serious music from the MOE textbook but also some pop songs for performances etc. I think the balance is about right - enough to keep them interested,
7) how much efforts does teachers put in to TEACH the students? Or they will advise parents to go enrichment to catch up?
It depends on the teacher but I think most of the put in a lot of effort and most run remedial classes for those who need help. My daughter's current teacher did ask me if she has tuition but didn't imply that she expected it. She feels that school work must take priority and that they should focus on reviewing their work properly and reading widely to help their English and Science.
is Chinese taught well? I read in earlier comments that there is no HCL offered?
Partway through P1 they will be divided into three groups - Bridging, Standard (I don't think that's the real name!) and Enriched based on their first few months of Chinese. In P2 some girls will be pulled out of the Enriched group to form a Higher Chinese group. The Higher & Enriched groups are possible candidates to do HCL from P5.
Sorry for the torrent of questions.
I really do not wish to repeat the mistakes that I had left for my elder son.
:stupid: :stupid: :stupid: :gloomy:

Thanks nms1 for this detailed sharing. Good to know that there is option for HCL now. If only there was when I was there

[TerrifiedMom]

I am so glad my DD got into this school. Went there yesterday for pre-orientation and I am sure I made a good choice enrolling her here. Can’t wait for orientation day!

[3LCYMUM]

Went there yesterday, I was just wondering as the girls have not been allocated to their respective classes and they have this teacher and child interaction time? Are they screening them so as to allocated the good ones in the same class and the not so good in a class?? A bit worried for my DD!

[VannaDad]

3LCYMUM:

Went there yesterday, I was just wondering as the girls have not been allocated to their respective classes and they have this teacher and child interaction time? Are they screening them so as to allocated the good ones in the same class and the not so good in a class?? A bit worried for my DD!

Yes, my DD went thru it too. I am sure it was done to \"group\" the kids according to their abilities.

[TerrifiedMom]

My DD was also "interviewed". I think your reason is correct.

[3LCYMUM]

I’m very surprised that they are doing that! As my elder son is from a SAP school they don’t even screen the children. I believe for primary 1 & 2 they should just mix around. They can do that after P2. If the teacher is a capable and encouraging teacher the children will change. Foundation is the key. My son is an example, he was not so good in his kindergarten. Now with an encouraging and good teacher for p1&2, she had transformed my son and his other classmates with good results. I’m just afraid like some other school, they give the best teacher to the best class! Than the not so good class they just give a normal average teacher?! Teacher is very very important, especially for P1 and 2. Very worried! !

[dannylee007]

My DD went through the interaction time. Wonder what are the things they ask during the "test"?

[shiv]

My daughter also went through this short interaction with the teacher. She said they asked her to read out some of the word lists and general communication.

[dannylee007]

shiv:

My daughter also went through this short interaction with the teacher. She said they asked her to read out some of the word lists and general communication.

Thanks for your reply.