All About Parent Volunteers (PV)

[Littlefire]

Luanee:

Luckily me and dh has no such issue and we did PV work together to combine the 40 hrs.

hi, can do PV work together with dh and combine? have to send one application form or two?

[MMM]

Just want to share a different perspective to PV. My kids’ school don’t allow PV for potential students as my ex-teacher who is still teaching there after 22 years mentioned that they have more than enough interest and do not want to open up "hopes" to potential parents. Also MOE is asking them to cut down on the no. of intake. But they do encourage PV of existing students’ parents.


I did just that when my son started P1 this year. I didn’t realise that PV can be so satisfying. To me, I used to have the impression that only those "parents who are too free and got nothing better to do then go and do PV in school" especially when we are not talking about getting a place in the school (there was no "motive").

I found it satisfying because my children actually observed that I was doing PV in schools. They look forward to seeing mummy doing PV in school and I think they are proud as well. They would tell their friends that this is my mum,etc… They even asked me if I was gg to help out in school again.

So for those parents whose kids are eventually selected in the school that you PV, pls continue to PV where possible. Your kids recognise that and is proud of that. Also, you’ve a better understanding of the school.

[sleepy]

MMM:

I found it satisfying because my children actually observed that I was doing PV in schools. They look forward to seeing mummy doing PV in school and I think they are proud as well. They would tell their friends that this is my mum,etc... They even asked me if I was gg to help out in school again.

My girl is very excited to see me when I PV in her school. She announces to all her friends I am her mommy

[lims]

Hi all Mummies/Daddies,

I was wondering what are the criteria the schs will be looking at when it comes to interviewing for PV…if i am looking to enter Pei Hwa…tink must sign up for PV and seems like the child will like it too in the future n i am able to know more about the sch …why not…

Any advise? Must get prepare mah

[titank]

lims:

Hi all Mummies/Daddies,

I was wondering what are the criteria the schs will be looking at when it comes to interviewing for PV...if i am looking to enter Pei Hwa...tink must sign up for PV and seems like the child will like it too in the future n i am able to know more about the sch ...why not...

Any advise? Must get prepare mah

If you have special skills then can help the school then would have better chance.Some schools do conduct interview of PVs & that can be stressful.

[KSP]

J2mum:

KSP,

I agreed with u but I also have to consider if I can really commit but I must say really kudo to u.

Well, that is a bit of our choice and KS factor at the higher side also.

tanlengleng:

He says those good schools will \"chop\" the low grade kids at lower primary,
else demand parents to give them tutions,
that's why their PSLE passing rates are so fantastic.
Anyone can comment on this?

Yes, I have also heard of this happened in TNPS at east coast (no offend pls for mentioning the school name).

sleepy :

MMM wrote:

I found it satisfying because my children actually observed that I was doing PV in schools. They look forward to seeing mummy doing PV in school and I think they are proud as well. They would tell their friends that this is my mum,etc... They even asked me if I was gg to help out in school again.



My girl is very excited to see me when I PV in her school. She announces to all her friends I am her mommy

Usually the school (or those full time PV) could manage to pursuade some new PV to continue their service after their kids got into P1. Some new PV would also willing to continue bcos they are full time SAHM. So the number for PV could be quite significate if add up all from P1 to P6.

Yes, my kid now is in P1 also ask us to go back for PV as she said she will be very excited if she see us there. For the past 1 month, almost everyday when she came back she would tell us whose parents were PV on that day. She keeps asking when is our turn. We told her we were PV b4 her P1 but too bad she didn't get to see us b4 her P1. Well, we just have to say we will plan for it.

[MMM]

I am a working mum and I am "reluctant" to sign up as a member of the parent support group because I would feel guilty being a member and not being able to contribute.


On the other hand, due to our previous PV during P1, they’ve our contacts so they would drop us a mail when they are organising special events.

In my case, I don’t mind PV for certain events if work schedule allows. Quite a no. of parents shared with me that some of their members are also working mum and some also travels for their job. They would just have to stand in for each other during another person’s absence.

For me, I also want to avoid situation of parents who join for certain agenda,etc… There are enough politics in the corporate world, dun need more in such setting. My cousin used to be the chairman of the parent support group in my kids’ school (way before they enter P1) and he told me that he did it with the objective of contributing,etc… but there are some parents out there who just have their own agenda so that makes it complicated.

[Luanee]

Littlefire:

hi, can do PV work together with dh and combine? have to send one application form or two?

Yeah my dd's school allowed that (some schools dont though). We just submitted one application form. And if certain events they need more ppl, then both husb and wife can pv in the same event and the no. of hours will be multiplied by two!

[AgnesMM]

Hi,


I as with some of the parents faced this PV application issue some years back. As a KS mother, I checked with St Hilda’s Pri when my daughter was only two years old and was told that I have to get back to the school years later when the PV application (for child born in her year) is open. We waited, and when it comes to the time of application, we put in our letter (both hubby and myself are working) beginning of the year and only got to know nine months later that we have been rejected - while trying to reach the school to seek outcome, and doing appeal but was rejected again. We actually put all our hope on the school and thinking back, was wrong to do so. Fortunately, we spoke to another school (Poi Ching) and they understanding the state we are in, allowed us as PV.
As such, our daughter was fortunate to be able to grant admission to the school. She is in P1 this year and we will still be helping the school as the need calls for (although we are working, we plan to take leave) and prepared to help more as needed (either physically or financially).

Another colleague of mine told me that some schools have preference for stay home mom. So unfortunately I am working and may not be within the radar screen of some schools. Till today, we are still sour about the whole issue.

[AgnesMM]

And just to add, there are many advantages doing PV in the school. Not only do we get to know many staffs there, we also learn about the process and platform in the school.


We have so far clock more than 80 hours in the school and will continue with the effort (either / both hubby and/or myself dependent on our availability as we may be out of the country on biz trip).

Encourage those keen in the school to do PV - at least you get to see if the environment and the school system is one that you would want your kiddo to go with.

Best of luck