Gan Eng Seng Primary

[breezy]

Hi doubleE,


My son is in P6 this year.

Perhaps I came from an older era. My decision to choose GESPS was made 9 yrs back when my elder son (Sec 3 this yr) went to P1. It was rather brainless as my only criteria was - CLOSE TO HOME. :oops: Didnt give much thought on whether it is a neighbourhood school or not, its academic performance etc. I always felt that kids from P1 start on the same footing, so no difference in which school they attend.

I guess \"ignorance is bliss\". Both my sons had enriching and fulfilling journeys in GESPS.

Totally understand your concern over bullies. The truth is that they exist everywhere - neighbourhood or elite school, high or low family income group. Thru my boys' 9-yr stint in the school, I cant recall any serious incidents of bullying (except for verbal bullying) - maybe it's becos from P3 onwards, they were put in the top class. But I do hear from a mum whose kid in P2 saying she is considering changing school for her son becos she feels her son mixes with the wrong crowd (of a different ethnic group) in the class and lost interest in Mother Tongue language. So she is hoping that by switching environment, the kid will be motivated to learn again.

My younger son is happy in the school and over the years, he has found nurturing, approachable teachers and learnt many lessons of what is grit/discipline and humility from his friends on FAS scheme. How 1 classmate split a pack of popcorn we gave the class into 4 portions, 1 portion for her brother, the other 3, to be eaten during recess for the next 3 days. How some classmates had to stay back in school to do self study till 6pm everyday becos they know they wont be able to do so once they stepped into their crowded/noisy home, etc.

As a parent, I find ALL his teachers very responsive. A few even provide their hp nos. readily at the beginning of the school yr. They are prompt in returning calls and SMSes. They also update me readily if they feel a particular incident should be brought to my attention.

The Principal and vice principals are warm and are open to parents' feedback. It's hard to find a principal who is genuinely warm and willing to listen to the kids. She shows by example greeting kids first when they run past her without greeting her, bends down when talking to them, puts her hand on their shoulders when walking with them. The kids adore her.

Recently, an incident happened in the school and my son was down. The Principal went to him and said \"Dont say it's ok when it is not ok. I want you to know that I really care, you can let me know whenever it's not ok.\"

Well, I am really thankful for that. Children feel safe when they know they can confide in their teachers and even Principal.

There is PSG in GESPS and in fact, the school just received an award this year from the MOE for active participation by parents. All parents are welcomed to be a part of this group - may it be a standing commitment like helping out in the buddy reading programme, chaperoning kids during swimming lessons or one time event like helping out in the school fun fair, performing for the kids on children's day, taking the kids out of the school for mass walks..etc.

Gd luck in your decision making! Do let me know if i can be of help in any way.

Cheers!

[Double E]

Breezy, it’s comforting to hear your good remarks abt the sch. Hope by the time my boy enrolls , the good principal is still there.


Anyway, I just went to browse Radin Mas Pri’s thread. Omg! The parents there are soooo competitive. I had considered the sch before but with my boy’s situation decided against as I dun want him to feel stress. Now looking at the Radin Mas thread, I dun think I can endure the stress myself let alone my boy.

[breezy]

Hey double E,


My neighbour, whose boy is a special needs kid (he's already 19 yrs old), went to GESPS. To understand the school culture better, she and her husband joined the PSG. Through activities, they got to know the ex-principal and many teachers. They felt that by doing so, teachers tend to look out for their son and they felt safer.

I can see that u want to be actively involved in your child's learning journey by being a part of PSG. With u handholding him, I m sure whichever school u ultimately decide on, he will do okay. Just remember to celebrate every little success he makes and keep your stress level in check or it will inadvertently pass on to the little one.

All the best!

[Double E]

Breezy,

Really nice talking to u. Did your neighbour's boy survive and complete his Pri education at GES?

Too bad your boy will be graduating soon and u leaving this thread soon. My boy is only going to be 4 next year, so it's still find time away before he goes P1. Not sure who else will be as helpful ss u to give advice. And seems like parents of GEPs students are not active in this forum unlike Radin Mas. Guess GES Pri patents are less KS.

[Double E]

Oops, sorry for the typo in my post.

[winnie_pooh]

Hi Double


I have the same thought as you. The GESP forum over here is less active. I'm glad to know Brezzy. She has given me alot of update.

My kid is alot in GESP.

[breezy]

Double E:

Breezy,

Really nice talking to u. Did your neighbour's boy survive and complete his Pri education at GES?

Too bad your boy will be graduating soon and u leaving this thread soon. My boy is only going to be 4 next year, so it's still find time away before he goes P1. Not sure who else will be as helpful ss u to give advice. And seems like parents of GEPs students are not active in this forum unlike Radin Mas. Guess GES Pri patents are less KS.

Hi double e,
Yes, the boy cleared psle. My neighbour tried to enrol him at Pathlight school but it was full. So the boy had to do his secondary education in the normal (tech) stream. she was constantly worried about the boy being bullied. Counselling support, together with my neighbour's love and guidance, he cleared N-level too and did business admin in ITE upon advice from ITE that kids are more gentle in business admin thus bullying incidents are less.

[Double E]

Breezy

Good to hear that. Your neighbour is a great mum. And the kid must have also put in a lot of effort himself to overcome all these hurdles.

Winnie_Pooh
Nice to know another GES parent. May I know if your boy attends GES’s student care service? Breezy said it is run by YMCA. Is it good? And they will help to guide the students to do their home work? Do you know the charges?

I know that GES is still on double session but I read on MOE’s website that by 2016, all Pri schools will be on single session. That’s the year that my boy will start his P1. That’s good as I have a younger girl who will be in P1 by 2017.

[winnie_pooh]

Hi Double


will there will anyone taking care of your little one? if not, in house studentcare will be a better choice. If not mistaken, the fee is btw $300-$400. However, i do find that the space for studentcare is very constrain. They have a ofifce, where the children can rest/nap/watch tv (aircon) inside. Other of the times, they will be in a classroom, doing some revision/assessment/homework work. For meal, the studentcare will cater the food from outstide and the children will take their mean in the school canteen.

For homework, the studentcare will get them to buy a set of assessement books. If there is no homework, they will do the assessement book.

[Double E]

Winnie

Any idea if there are any student care teachers to teach them on the homework?

So, after school for kids who need to student care, they don’t go to a designated place but just loiter in the classroom? And if they are in the classroom, who is there to supervise them? Will they get to take shower?

My kids have the option to go to my mum’s place but I thought of letting them go to student care so that there is someone there to help them with homework.

Hmm…but from the way you describe, it doesn’t sound conducive and I imagine them just loitering around the school compound.