Singaporean pupils and teachers trapped in Malaysian cave

[phankao]

Funz:

I am one who will sign my kids up for most local excursions. But overseas trips with the school, not when they are still in primary school. I know that it is a norm for schools to have twinning programmes whereby P5 kids go overseas. It is an experience but I wonder how much can the kids gain when they are only 10yrs old going 11yrs old.

P5 camp is sort of compulsory under MOE curriculum. But of course have loopholes, like you produce MC. Or give some other interesting reason (parents' letter).

My ds2 totally enjoyed his immersion trip to beijing when he was in p5. They had to be selected for the trip, so it was like a \"privilege\".

[Big fish]

If u read the consent form clearly, school WILL NOT be responsible for any mishaps and injuries during these trips, SO why go?

[Funz]

phankao:

Funz:

I am one who will sign my kids up for most local excursions. But overseas trips with the school, not when they are still in primary school. I know that it is a norm for schools to have twinning programmes whereby P5 kids go overseas. It is an experience but I wonder how much can the kids gain when they are only 10yrs old going 11yrs old.

P5 camp is sort of compulsory under MOE curriculum. But of course have loopholes, like you produce MC. Or give some other interesting reason (parents' letter).

My ds2 totally enjoyed his immersion trip to beijing when he was in p5. They had to be selected for the trip, so it was like a \"privilege\".

Local ok, I don't mind but not overseas and going trekking or caving. That I reserve for when they are older.

[sleepy]

Big fish:

If u read the consent form clearly, school WILL NOT be responsible for any mishaps and injuries during these trips, SO why go?

I recalled there was an article in Straits Times some years ago on this disclaimer form.

Schools can state whatever disclaimer they want. It's not legally binding according to lawyers that journalist interviewed. Parents reserved the right to hold school responsible even if they signed on disclaimer form. I suppose a lot of schools didn't realise that, false sense that they're 'covered' by such disclaimer

However, if parents feel uncomfortable, trust your instinct, just sign 'do not consent' la

[sleepy]

For local excursions, my dd’s school does not even have consent/do not consent option or disclaimer clause.


It’s just a simple note from school to inform parents about date of excusion and what to bring on that day.

It’s treated like any other school day. If absent, must produce MC

[Sun_2010]

sleepy:

Big fish:

If u read the consent form clearly, school WILL NOT be responsible for any mishaps and injuries during these trips, SO why go?

I recalled there was an article in Straits Times some years ago on this disclaimer form.

Schools can state whatever disclaimer they want. It's not legally binding according to lawyers that journalist interviewed. Parents reserved the right to hold school responsible even if they signed on disclaimer form. I suppose a lot of schools didn't realise that, false sense that they're 'covered' by such disclaimer

However, if parents feel uncomfortable, trust your instinct, just sign 'do not consent' la

True.
If any incident happens due to the negligence of the teacher, or due to basic improper planning/action , then the school is still responsible.

But if any accident happens beyond the control of teachers then the school cant be held responsible.

[kiddo]

My DS P5 went for a trekking trip in Malaysia hill for 1 week

as part of the Scouting camp CCA - The trek is quite strenous
and they need to carry their backpack and went through training
month before the trip. It is a superb experience and
will stay with DS for life BUT

the difference between the Rosyth trip and my DS trip
is many experience is inculcated in the primary school scout and they have to be fit before been specially selected for this trip.
There are enough experience teachers and trekkers both on
SG and the destination country you trek to ensure the safety of everyone
esp the children.

Every child is important be it mine or other parent.
That is why the only question I wanted to know from the Scout master
for This DS scout trip is SAFETY.
The Scout Master told me the leading teachers and trekker have been to this Climb before so they are prior experiences.
The SG teachers and Scout master must know - dont rely on the people
of the destination country too much, you must know yourself what you are up against the terrain.

Imagine if a child is lost in a country like China - where do you start.

SG kids are not trained in understanding topography and terrain
other then the small scale terrain of SG - we and our children dont have
the rough experience afforded to other children in big country.

The Rosyth school trip outcome is a sign of relief.

Remember our Dragon boat teenager trip that went horribly wrong,
how many young people we lost then not forgetting the grief
that the parents is facing till today.

We understand nobody want the trip to happen this way but let it be a
lesson for all excursions for schools, -- be prepared with experience
and understand that Nature changes at a rate non of us can fathom.

Dont get me wrong - if any schoolteachers entrusted with excurisons
felt I am not appreciating their effort and responsibility they need to shoulder in trip oversea. Please be prepared.

I met with a fire accident in Mount Kulai while camping with some friends.
On hindsight , the accident should not have happened if only we are prepared and have more experience of the terrain and environment.
Gas escape from small cylinder one of the chap brought to the camp
next to naked flame, the wind help in fanning the fire. One seriously
burn, many lightly burn.

I alway tell DS irregardless when he is on trip with us or school
1] Dont wander away alone if you need to tell someone
2] make sure you can make it in the terrain and you know the environment.
3] be alert

Reading 49 children trap in a cave just send a shiver even if I am
not the parent involved.

Be Safe .

[daddybear]

This could very easily have turned out to be a tragedy… Thank goodness it all turned out ok in the end. Regardless of the rationality, people’s children are their own, so they have the right to choose whether or not to let their children participate. For "spelunking", mine will not


"Got so much time, go and practise chinese!"

[Strparent]

phankao:

My ds2 totally enjoyed his immersion trip to beijing when he was in p5. They had to be selected for the trip, so it was like a \"privilege\".

I agree with phankao.

DS enjoyed himself very much for Beijing trip. Parents were allowed to tag along on parallel tours ( nights together, days on tour while kids go Immersion on some days ), but we did not go because we go on holidays together often, and he needs his space with his friends, LOL.

The teachers kept us updated almost daily via SMS on arrival to hotel, any complications etc ( eg, some kids had fever on 1-2 nights ). We had the contact numbers of the hotel in Beijing, etc.

I think we should give some thoughts to the teachers who act as care-takers on these trips. They have immensed responsibilities - imagine when you go overseas, you take care of your kids ( say 1 to 3 ), but they are responsible for 50 ! So, in spite of what happen at the caves, not many people appreciated that eventually the teachers involved DID bring them out safely. And the kids have a hell of a story to tell when they come back, LOL.

[ChiefKiasu]

vlim:

that's real scary :nailbite: :nailbite: .....

my p3 dd will be going to zoo next mth for one night camping...wondering is it safe??? Can anyone advice me..

Zoo as in the Singapore Zoological Gardens? I'm pretty sure that is very safe.