West Spring Primary

[mauvemom81]

Hi cecelia446,


my daughter joined p1 this year too at wsps. i agree, the last 5 days has been stressful for both parents AND child/ren. My child who was most excited about school on the first day, now cries the whole day because she doesn't know where to gather in school in the mornings. I've written an email to her form teacher and am waiting for a reply. I too feel extremely disappointed with the school's morning procedure and afterschool dismissal. I spoke to other p1 parents who were waiting outside the gate and many of them expressed the same concerns. Their children do not know where to gather. I told my daughter what I was told during the Parent talk which is to go to class, get a book and proceed to the hall. But on Wednesday they gathered at the parade square. And yesterday, she said they played Lego in class and took the pledge in class too. So now IM confused. hehe.

But having said that, this IS a new school and its the first time they are managing 3 levels this year. I believe the school IS trying its best to manage all that needs to be done and hiccups are expected. As much as it pains every mother to see their child wail at home because they do not want to go school the next day, I think we have to be strong for them. Keep assuring them that it will get better and the confusion will subside once they are familiar with the surroundings. This takes more than a week unfortunately.

As for the school, I was told feedback has been given since last year regarding the chaotic dismissal procedure. I'm sure they've brainstormed and are very possibly still brainstorming ways to manage it better. I'm surprised that there was no Orientation done for the p1s this year. My friends who's got kids in p2 said they had orientation for p1s last year in November 2014. I expected it this year but sadly there wasn't any. I wonder why?

I do find the security guards unfriendly. The ladies especially. They scowl alot. Just today I witnessed a shouting match between a lady security guard and a parent. Both their tempers flared and they exchanged heated words in front of many parents and students. It was not a good start to the morning. Everyone's stressed....

[mauvemom81]

My daughter’s teachers just called me. This is what I’ve been told. Try to be in school by 7.30am these next few weeks. This is so that the kids have time to walk to class and walk to the hall.


Mondays and Tuesdays - bags in class, bring along an english story book to the hall by 7.45am

Wednesdays and Fridays - bags in class, bring along Mother Tongue story book to the hall by 7.45am

Thursdays - Play with Lego in class. Majulah Singapura & pledge in class. Teachers will be in class by 7.30am. If they are not, kids are to wait in class.

Drop your child’s teacher an email. I’m impressed and pleased that I got their calls today. I did not expect a reply till next week because the Principal did mention to give them 3 working days for replies. Told the teachers how much I appreciate their calls. Which brings me to still believe that the school is trying their best to address parents’ concerns and to ensure that everything else runs as smoothly as possible.

Hope this helps.

[cecelia446]

Thanks for your post. I am very much settled now. Found some mommies . I will case close here. Thanks all.

[mauvemom81]

i have one other question i hope other parents can help answer. I recently signed up to join Wsp’s parent support group. when will I be informed or updated of any news? And will it be via email or whatsapp?

[tenko]

Hi mauvemom81,

it’s wonderful that you have joined the Parent Support Group.It’s really important that the school and parents work together to build a strong partnership.

I believe the forms were given to the school on Monday. Please do allow them a little time to go through all the forms and then they will contact you.

Have a great weekend.

[West Spring Primary School]

Dear Parents & Guardians,


Gallery Updates!

What's happening on 1st week of school @ WPS in 2016!

If you are curious to know, do check out our exciting First Week of School at West Spring Primary 2016 by clicking at this link; https://www.flickr.com/photos/westspringpri/sets/72157660961870584! :rahrah: :imcool:

[tenko]

The first week of Primary School has ended. Welcome to all the new parents to the West Spring Primary School Family. The first week of primary school for many of the new students and their parents can be a new experience that takes time to adjust. West Spring is one of the only primary schools in Singapore that allows parents of the new P1 students to enter the school on the first day of school. I heard that the Parents' Support Group of volunteers along with the teachers and staff gave a warm welcome to all the new students and the returning ones. My child told me that they had a red carpet at the lobby of the school to welcome the students, there were volunteers dressed as rabbits( the school mascot) and beautiful decorations to add to the warm welcome. A wonderful start to the new school year for all West Springers.


Primary school life will be different from the preschool years, but the teachers and staff will help to ensure the adjustment is easy. Whenever an issue or concern arises, do telephone the school straight away so that they can assist in the matter. The school does not reply on the kiasu forum and uses its own parents' forum on MCONLINE, which is currently under maintenance by the provider. They are prompt at replying to all matters within three working days as the teachers and staff have other duties to perform. If there were an urgent matter, I would suggest to telephone the school general office as soon as possible.

Due to the space constraint of the outside of the school, which is beyond the school's authority, the dismissal arrangements will take time for all to adjust. The school is trying its very best to ensure the dismissal is smooth, but this is something that every school in Singapore goes through. My advice would be to follow the instructions of the guards and cooperate with them. Safety is the main priority of all involved and especially for the children.


Once again, welcome to the West Spring family. I wish all of you well and hope that your children will enjoy primary school.

Have a great weekend

[tenko]

I have just contacted the PSG coordinator regarding new members. All applications have been received and they will be added into the group from this coming Monday. If you are still keen to volunteer to join the Parent Support Group and have not yet completed an application form,you may contact the general office for an application form.

[twinklinglights]

Dear cecelia446,


I totally understand ur concerns. I went through the same anxiety but my child fitted in well and adjusted within a month. It is very normal for this to happen.By end of jan,all of them will be settled & happy ,feeling at home. I understand that it a big transition from kindy to primary school.It was difficult to accept the fact that our child is growing and that they will not be pampered anymore. WPS has given the students a sense of responsibilities and soon your child will blossom in confidence.Even my sec 1 students expressed anxiety during the first week. They will soon get used to it. Furthermore, the trs in wps will definitely look into the matter if you approach them with you concerns about your child.

There are definitely teething problems, especially with dismissal as that is one problem that many school face even in my nephews’ n nieces’ schools.

Please give the school time to settle their first few weeks as it will smoothen after a month which was how it has been. I trusted and believed in them and I was not let down in any way. I was very certain that I will not be too protective of my child as I want my child to grow resilient and strong.

I am sure all of us here want that too.

[cecelia446]

Hi mommies,


Thanks for replying. Indeed I am very much assured now after getting to know some parents.
Over concern I may seems to be, but I did try my best not to worry so much at first. I know that given a period of time my kids will definately get used to it.
But my feeling over this week is like example your first day of work.
First 2 days u do not know who your immediate supervisor is... (we don't know what is the form teacher's name)
For a whole week till current u don't know where to report to work every morning (school assembly point change everyday)
All these were my concerns.
But I'm much better now after connecting with some mommies. At least now I have somebody to ask and find out. Really appreciate them for adding me in.
Anyway thanks Pamiya. Hope our kids continue to blossom with confidence.