How far is too far?

[MMM]

Hi, We used to stay in changi area and my daughter travels to MBS at macpherson. Surprisingly, the bus comes at 11.45am and she reaches home by 7.20pm. We pay more for the school bus due to the distance and also there are lesser student in that area but the auntie is great (as she used to be the bus assistant during my era). She arranges for my girl to take another bus when coming back so that she can drop off earlier. I believe the distance in our case is more than 10km.


However, you mentioned that you are staying in AMK. Given that we just moved to upp serangoon area and heavily dependent on CTE now, I am not too sure if it will be a strain travelling from AMK to Bukit Merah every morning esp if you drive. You might want to check if school bus is an option. BTW, in our case, despite being nearer to school now, my girl hops on the bus at 11am (45 mins earlier than previously) and she reaches home around 7pm… so sometimes it just doesn’t make sense.

[gelfish]

I think distance is pretty important especially for a primary one student. He or she will be too tired from the travelling. So is the parent who has to do the ferrying. THe time could be spent on other more meaningful activities. Best balance is try to get into the best school within 5km of your house. Of course, there is no such thing as best, i should say the most optimal and balanced one in terms of academic performance, environment etc. Balloting may be required but you at least stand a chance. AMK to BT merah - u need to use the CTE which is the most congested part of the highway in singapore. CHIJ Toa payoh is nearer…but not counted right?

[Sniper Angel]

smallfly:

Hi,


I am living in Ang Mo Kio but I am considering to register my girl to CHIJ (kellock) which is in Bukit Merah. Basically because I was an old girl from CHIJ(kellock) and I think it is easier for my girl to get into the school (save the panic feelings of balloting). I think it is more than 10km of travel. Does anyone has experience on travelling such a distance everyday to fetch your child to and from school?

Rdgs,

Not advisable to travel from AMK to CHIJ (Kellock). CTE would be the worst traffic in the morning & evening. Take note that ERP charges also.

[smallfly]

Hi gelfish,


Yes, you are right. I will not have any priority if I register my girl for CHIJ (Toa Payoh) instead of CHIJ (Kellock).

[kktan]

[Moderator's note: Topics merged.]


and their kids travelling to schools in the northern side??

now scracthing my head , dunno to move to singapore for my kids education.

[ChiefKiasu]

kktan:

anyone parents here stay in jb and their kids travelling to schools in the northern side??


now scracthing my head , dunno to move to singapore for my kids education.

Hi kktan, it's not just the distance, but also the traffic at the causeway. It is not feasible for a young child to cross borders 2 times every day just to get to school.

[yuenyuen]

I am staying at bedok and wanted to enrol my boy to ACS (primary) at Baker road which is more than 20km.


worth the effort or not? or should I shift nearer but that we be at the expense of my girl who is with CHIJ (Katong).

[mwchua]

hi all,


Need your kind sharing and advice. Any parents here staying at Punggol/Sengkang area and yet have kids studying at Bukit Timah/Dunearn Road area ? How long does a typical 1-way journey take ?

How do you find the distance that young kids have to endure everyday to and fro ? Will it really exhaust them to the point of not being able to pay good attention in school ? Will traffic jam aggravate the whole situation ? What about CCA/supplementary classes arrangement ?

Many thanks.

Rgds,
Ming

[CalMat]

Traveling far really bad? Cos we're seriously thinking of sending our boys to Cath High in the future (Phase 2A2), but we live in Pasir Ris.


When I was a pri student, my school shifted from Victoria St to AMK. I lived in River Valley. So I took the school bus, like 6.20am. But I never felt that the journey was taking a toll on me. I just 'knock out' the min I board the bus and will sleep all the way to school and wake up refreshed. Hee... Then we shifted even further away to Bukit Merah... but by then I was in sec school and I took the 1st bus from Bukit Merah every morning (I think it was 6am) and traveled all the way to AMK. Again, just slept on the bus. Then it was Marine Parade to AMK.
(hee hee.. seems like my parents definitely placed a high value on the sch I was attending and distance was a non-issue for them)

And so, maybe that's why I have no qualms abt sending my boys to Cath High. But my friends chided me and said why do I want to put my kids through the same ordeal. But it wasn't an ordeal to me... I enjoyed the traveling.. I could chose to sleep, or relax and listen to music, or study or do simple multiple choice homework.
Then again, nowadays school workload is heavier? But last time I think my school was very stressful too leh...

Am I mean to send my kids so far? But good school.. and I need not worry about not getting in!

Hmm...
but hee... still got 3years to decide.

[KSP]

Cath High should be in Bishan.


It is not uncommon for good schools to have students from all over Singapore. The bus operator is more than willing to serve you so long you pay for the transportation.

Don’t waste your chance of getting into Cath High. There are many people who buy properties within 1km from the school just to have a chance to ballot.

Not only your son will feel glad but your grandson will also be glad that you make the right choice. At least they don’t have to PV, RC or move near to the school to get their sons in.