St Joseph's Institution Junior

[smurf]

Not for my boy, he is super lazy…

[happy to be mum]

Hi CMF,


thanks for all the tips…really useful. Am getting excited and also nervous that my boy will start P1 in another 2 mths time.

you have mentioned…during orientation, they need to choose their CCA…so fast? CCA will start in P1? i tot CCA will come later…

hope you can advise.

happy to be mum

[happy to be mum]

Hi smurf,


saw from the forum your elder boy is going to start P1 too in 2010. & mentioned yr younger one going to Pre nursery next yr…same like mine…my younger boy will be going to Marymount Kindergarten.

now wondering how to cope with 2 kiddos going to start 1st day in a new environment…i want to be there for both of them!! how abt yourself?

[CMF]

happy to be mum:

Hi CMF,


thanks for all the tips..really useful. Am getting excited and also nervous that my boy will start P1 in another 2 mths time.

you have mentioned..during orientation, they need to choose their CCA..so fast? CCA will start in P1? i tot CCA will come later...

hope you can advise.

happy to be mum

Hi happy to be mum

Indeed it's exciting to see our kids embarking on a new journey! Enjoy the journey by walking right beside your child to give moral support!

Compulsary CCAs is only from P3. The various programmes (chess, soccer & badminton) open to P1 & P2 are optional. They are offered by external vendors, who assist to run these programs in the school, they conduct the classes before school hours during the week days. If transport arrangements are not an issue, it is a good opportunity to introduce the child to these activites.

[happy to be mum]

Hi CMF,


thanks for the reply…at least now I know need to prepare to let my boy choose some CCA which will interest him.

just curious…what did your boy choose for the CCA or you choose for him? they can choose any CCA? choir or dance or Scouts in P1 or will come later in P3?

sorry to ask so many questions but the kiasuism getting into me…hehehe…

[CMF]

happy to be mum:

Hi CMF,


thanks for the reply...at least now I know need to prepare to let my boy choose some CCA which will interest him.

just curious..what did your boy choose for the CCA or you choose for him? they can choose any CCA? choir or dance or Scouts in P1 or will come later in P3?

sorry to ask so many questions but the kiasuism getting into me..hehehe..

Hi happy to be mum

The kids only get to choose their CCAs in P3, so my ds has yet to choose one. When the time comes for him to do so, will let him choose whatever interests him cos he has to enjoy the activity (CCA) that he will be doing. From what I am aware, at P3 they will be allowed to choose from amongst all the CCAs offered by the school.

For those kids that have signed up for the optional activities (chess,badminton or soccer) in P1/P2, if they have enjoyed the activities, then likelihood is that they will continue with those same activities as their CCA from P3 onwards, which will be good for them, as they will already have acquired the basics / foundation.

No worries on asking Qs. It's good to be able to gather as much info as possible to make informed decisions when the time comes to do so!

[smurf]

Hi happy to be mum,


Is your younger in the pm session? Mine is pm, but wanted to change to am...I want to be ther for both too...haha...

[happy to be mum]

Hi CMF


thanks so much for the sharing..really useful glad to know you in KSP :D....btw..just another curious question from your understanding, does SJIJ has parent support group? I think most likely will let my boy join the chess club...he likes to play chess and I think SJIJ is quite good in chess...

Hi Smurf

mine younger boy is in PM cuz AM will be too stressful to drag him out of the bed...your younger boy is also going to Marymount Kindy? at times wonder whether I let my younger boy starts school too young cuz he will only be 2 and a half year old when he starts school in Jan'11

[CMF]

Hi happy to be mum


Am also glad to be able to meet like-minded parents in KSP too :D. I don't believe there is a parent support group as such in the school, but there are parent volunteer groups for various activites. At the beginning of the year, there will be forms sent out for parents to indicate their availability for various activites. At these activities it is an opportunity to meet & interact with other parents, and also a great avenue too for learning more about the school and your child's classmates and learning environment.

[CMF]

Hi new P1 parents


Just sharing a couple of pointers below, which worked for me

- Have three sets of uniform. Would need to change uniform everyday, as the boys perspire alot!

- Have three sets of PE outfit. There is PE lesson three times a week, and depending on timetable it can be on consecutive days. If an optional sport (badminton or soccer) is taken up during the week, PE outfits would need to be worn too - although optional soccer jerseys & shorts can be worn for those who already have them.

- School logo socks are optional. The quality of the school socks is good, only drawback is that it is rather tight at the opening, which makes it difficult for the child to put on socks by himself.

- Pocket of school shorts are rather small. So either have a small purse or have a wallet and attach it to a loop (to place over neck) or a spring (to attach to shorts) - both available at Popular. If using loop - advise child not to play with it when placed around the neck.

- For the first few months or so, let the child only have 50 cents coins to use during recess, to get use to handling coins, before having to grapple with other denominations.

- Have a plastic clear folder in the school bag for child to place worksheets or forms. Inform child that other than books, any paper material handed out by the teacher should be placed in the folder.

- Have a large pencil case, spacious enough to also put in a box of colour pencils (on Art lesson day + pair of scissors & glue stick). That way child knows that other than books, everything else he would need in class is in the pencil case, and has to go back in there when packing up - makes child more organized and tidy (hopefully)!

- Regardless whether there is PE lesson that day, have a set of PE outfit in the bag everyday.

- Teach child to ask for permission early if he needs to go to the toilet, and not to wait to rush there. Teach child to clean up himself after going to the toilet.

- Teach child to change from school uniform to PE outfit. They have to do so themselves in class before each PE lesson. Teach child to fold his uniform and place back in plastic bag (I use ziplock plastic bag) after changing.

Hope above helps (in small way) to make entering primary school a little less stressful for parents & child!