St. Margaret's Secondary

[kittycat01]

yes...same here...i think no regrets putting my girl here. The principal/school has set some boundaries and they are very serious abt discipline. The girls seem to be very happy in the school. DD is also impressed by the senior girls. I hope they will continue to be good role models so that our girls, in turn, will grow and be role models to the future sec 1s. :imanangel:


Lesson also going on at a steady pace - they have been informed abt some tests. first math test b4 CNY! :shock:

[relax mum]

Tests? No mention of test by my dd.

[kittycat01]

relax mum:

Hi, I was there as hubby couldn't make it. my dd appealed so CCA already fixed and no
need to select. While I heard about the points for CCA, seems unclear how the compute the various levels. My dd takes ballet outside but this yr too late to join the class. What CCA is yr dd planning to choose?

I think the teacher in charge said if your dd stick on to the same CCA throughout the 4 years, she will reach level 4 (max points) for CCA. I don't know how many points level 4 translate to though.

My girl is thinking of drama, rhythmic gymnastics and art club. (1 from performing art, 1 from UG, 1 from Sports).

[kittycat01]

relax mum:

Tests? No mention of test by my dd.

maybe different class different teachers.

[relax mum]

DD confirmed tests are on. thanks kittycat01


I like regular tests to keep the girls on their toes and assess ttheir progress.

[kittycat01]

relax mum:

DD confirmed tests are on. thanks kittycat01


I like regular tests to keep the girls on their toes and assess ttheir progress.

u r welcome...

yes....I find the teachers are also quite committed in their teaching. I agree - regular tests are good for the girls.

[kittycat01]

Anyone knows how did SMSS do for GCE O levels 2013? Today is the result…

[kittycat01]

received letter last week from principal - students did well. percentage of distinctions higher than national standard for all subjects.

[kittycat01]

How are your children in sec 1 choosing their CCA? Or rather CCA choose them. coz if you choose that cca, may not get depending on vacancy.


dd went for cca trials last week. She is actually placed 5th position for chinese dance out of 17 girls. This is misleading as there are lots of DSA people thru Chinese dance so today found out that she is not shortlisted.she is shortlisted for rhythmic gymnastics (RG) instead. But RG training very strenuous - like 3 x a week, will extend to 4 x during competition.

Now she’s in dilemma - wanted to put Chinese dance 1st choice (though not shortlisted - chances not good). 2nd choice RG, then third choice (has to be uniformed group). But she’s afraid she’ll lose her chance of going to RG 2nd choice then she’ll end up in uniformed group which she doesn’t want. Is it wise to put Chinese dance (though she wants that the most but not shortlisted) as first choice? Will doing so jeopardise her 2nd choice and end up in uniformed group?

[ProudOfMyKids]

kittycat01:

How are your children in sec 1 choosing their CCA? Or rather CCA choose them. coz if you choose that cca, may not get depending on vacancy.


dd went for cca trials last week. She is actually placed 5th position for chinese dance out of 17 girls. This is misleading as there are lots of DSA people thru Chinese dance so today found out that she is not shortlisted.she is shortlisted for rhythmic gymnastics (RG) instead. But RG training very strenuous - like 3 x a week, will extend to 4 x during competition.

Now she's in dilemma - wanted to put Chinese dance 1st choice (though not shortlisted - chances not good). 2nd choice RG, then third choice (has to be uniformed group). But she's afraid she'll lose her chance of going to RG 2nd choice then she'll end up in uniformed group which she doesn't want. Is it wise to put Chinese dance (though she wants that the most but not shortlisted) as first choice? Will doing so jeopardise her 2nd choice and end up in uniformed group?

I can understand that sometimes resources may be limited but then, if kids are encouraged to take up CCA, isn't it the case that it has to be something that the child has an interest in, whether or not the child is trained in the CCA?

In my son's school, there are 3 levels of CCA;

1. School team – For pupils who excel in the sports CCA and have been selected to represent the school in competitions.
2. Recreational – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to play to hone their skills.
3. Enrichment – For pupils who have a strong interest in the sport and would like to train directly under a paid coach.

Their efforts need to be applauded as this gives the kids the opportunity to do something they truly enjoy.

Not having to be assigned to the school band or the choir because you don't qualify for any other CCAs and the schools need you to fill up the gaps. Seriously, it is no joke being stuck into a CCA that you don't enjoy for the next 4 years of your secondary school life, and mind you that the practice sessions can take up lots of time. More often than not, this can have a detrimental and demoralizing effect on your school life, perhaps even affecting your academic performance!

The problem with many schools is that they are only looking for those who are already good and can contribute immediately to the CCA, and bring glory to the schools. So we are not just talking about parents who have to invest in academic enrichment but also into areas like tennis, bowling, golf, ballet, music etc to help their kids get into certain CCAs. What about someone who is interested in say badminton, maybe not good at it, but wants to have it as a recreational sport? Many schools don't give you this choice!

Or rather, it is so ironic that even as the MOE talked about de-emphasizing the academics, that the CCA selection is an equally highly meritorious and result driven process!

A choice is not necessarily a choice when you are forcefully being told to make those choices........

I am having the same dilemma for my daughter.