<![CDATA[Should I complain to higher authority about the principal?]]>Good afternoon all!


Just wanna hear opinions fm you guys.

I sent my DS1 to school today and there were 2 queues at the drop-off, on the left was the bus and on the right were cars; I was third in the car queue.

When the first car moved off, the second car moved forward and I followed suit. This is where I deemed it ok to alight my child. But alas, when my DS alighted, the bus moved a little, intending to move out which almost hit DS. I sounded my horn in horror. The bus driver saw my DS and stopped.

I was really furious as I felt that as a driver, we should always keep a look out first before moving off, especially in a school compound where children abound! I confronted the bus driver immediately. The bus driver not only did not apologize, he said that I should not be alighting my DS1 at that spot in the first place. The traffic warden of the school defended the driver by saying that the bus driver was right and that it should only have been one queue, the right queue where I was at was "illegal" so to speak and rightfully we ought to wait behind the bus. I questioned the traffic warden that if that was the case, why did she not direct the cars in front then when I was only simply following the queue. Then she insisted that I should have alighted my DS further up infront. I told her that that was what I did! While I was third in the queue, I did not alight my boy and it was only when I moved further up that my DS alighted. I challenged them to watch the CCTV instead of disputing endlessly.
When I asked to see the principal, they "ya ya papaya" brought me to the office. When the principal came out, she did not ask for my name nor invite me to her office. We stood at the office entrance talking. Bad PR, don’t you think?
After relating the near accident incident to her, she remained nonchalent and just told the bus driver to be more careful. I stated very clearly to her that this is not a small issue and that we should not wait for an accident to happen before we raise the alarm. The principal then said she would think about it and perhaps make some changes.
Up until I left, she still did not bother to ask for my name nor apologise or at least thank me for the feedback. She did not offer to follow up and keep me in the loop. Her very poor PR left me seething with anger! She thinks she is greater than parents! She is also obviously siding with the bus driver and the traffic warden, no wonder they were so "yaya papaya" and so confident when I asked to see the principal.
On one hand, I wanted so much to bring the matter up to a higher authority, afterall lives are at stake and we do not want anything to happen before we take action, do we? On the other hand, I am worried that my action will affect my DS. What are your views?
Any similiar experience with school teachers and principal to share?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/36003/should-i-complain-to-higher-authority-about-the-principalRSS for NodeMon, 04 May 2026 08:20:35 GMTWed, 23 May 2012 08:12:40 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Wed, 30 May 2012 16:27:21 GMT]]>

kdramamomsg:
Complain - scared child kena black marked 😞

The P is head of school. If parents feedback to MOE, I seriously doubt authorities will choose to believe parents over their 'own' staff. MOE will protect their principals and teachers. By doing so, the poor child will be black marked. Ultimately, that P may even tell parents to transfer child to another school.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/772134https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/772134Wed, 30 May 2012 16:27:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Tue, 29 May 2012 05:23:33 GMT]]>

Jane422:
I once provided feedback to MOE over School's TOP staff (yaya papaya also) but MOE mentioned that they'll not get involved. so...... :slapshead:

Yes, in some branded schools -
some school teachers are ATAS (yaya papaya), besides some parents there also behave ATAS.
Their children also behave like spoilt brats.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771387https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771387Tue, 29 May 2012 05:23:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Tue, 29 May 2012 05:14:32 GMT]]>if you complain too much & make your son’s current school P not happy, P can request that you transfer your son out. After all, P is the current Principal … until maybe one day someone replace him. If not, this current P has the authority, since head of school. Furthermore, your child still studying in the school.


Yes, STOMP more effective, to create news attention.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771383https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771383Tue, 29 May 2012 05:14:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Tue, 29 May 2012 03:50:05 GMT]]>

Jane422:
Complain to MOE.....don't waste time. Eventually, they will advise you to deal direct with the Principal. I once provided feedback to MOE over School's TOP staff (yaya papaya also) but MOE mentioned that they'll not get involved. so...... :slapshead:

STOMP is more effective.. :evil:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771354https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771354Tue, 29 May 2012 03:50:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Tue, 29 May 2012 03:45:25 GMT]]>Complain to MOE.....don't waste time. Eventually, they will advise you to deal direct with the Principal. I once provided feedback to MOE over School's TOP staff (yaya papaya also) but MOE mentioned that they'll not get involved. so...... :slapshead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771352https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771352Tue, 29 May 2012 03:45:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Mon, 28 May 2012 16:34:23 GMT]]>Complain - scared child kena black marked 😞

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771205https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771205Mon, 28 May 2012 16:34:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Mon, 28 May 2012 14:19:55 GMT]]>I don’t think much can be done if parents are not happy with principal. If parents do complain to MOE, the child will get penalized. How is he/she going to continue studying in that school? Will MOE side parents or principal?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771121https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/771121Mon, 28 May 2012 14:19:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Mon, 28 May 2012 09:21:00 GMT]]>

verykiasu2010:
i can tell you that feedback forms are for show only lah - to comply if their ISO requirement, maintaining kpi on ISO audit.... how serious they really act on it ?


Not all feedback forms are for show.

I hv got reply calls from NEA and NParks more than once after I provided feedback. And I hv seen followup on the exact locations a few days after the telephone conversations.

There are authorities that really care.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770958https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770958Mon, 28 May 2012 09:21:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 16:12:40 GMT]]>hi moderator;


thats why I suggested to post another thread.

anyway, no matter, I shall respect your action.

back to topic now = )

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770609https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770609Sun, 27 May 2012 16:12:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 15:34:33 GMT]]>

Joule:
oh dear! seems like a lot of ppl are interested in Lee jr


let me post another thread about it

the case happened about 5 yrs ago
Dear Joule,

We have removed that thread because it is irrelevant to these on-going discussions. Thank you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770585https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770585Sun, 27 May 2012 15:34:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 06:23:16 GMT]]>oh dear! seems like a lot of ppl are interested in Lee jr


let me post another thread about it

the case happened about 5 yrs ago

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770387https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770387Sun, 27 May 2012 06:23:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 03:15:01 GMT]]>

Imami:
Papa lee has more than one boy right?

Yes, LHL has more than 1 son, including the one from his ex wife (she died).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770340https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770340Sun, 27 May 2012 03:15:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 02:14:14 GMT]]>

phtthp:
janet_lee88:

Has Junior Lee finishedhis NS? Once he is done, better send him to U overseas.




how old is Junior Lee now ? is he a ... President scholar ?

after finish study overseas UK / US, he's a scholar attached to which statutory board / Ministry ?
EDB, GIC, MOE, HDB, Mindef, others ?

Papa lee has more than one boy right?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770307https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770307Sun, 27 May 2012 02:14:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sun, 27 May 2012 00:27:46 GMT]]>

janet_lee88:
Has Junior Lee finishedhis NS? Once he is done, better send him to U overseas.



how old is Junior Lee now ? is he a ... President scholar ?

after finish study overseas UK / US, he's a scholar attached to which statutory board / Ministry ?
EDB, GIC, MOE, HDB, Mindef, others ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770274https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770274Sun, 27 May 2012 00:27:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:51:59 GMT]]>

phtthp:
janet_lee88:

Wonder if LHL taught his son to be humble :scratchhead:


maybe his son complained because in the end, his dad LHL still have to handle.

His son would have special attention as well as the other lucky ones sharing the same bunk as him. For our ministers, I guess they do hope their offspring do not embarrass them as news spread fast. Has Junior Lee finished his NS? If not his daddy would have migraine with his behavior. Once he is done, better send him to U overseas.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770244https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770244Sat, 26 May 2012 16:51:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sat, 26 May 2012 11:40:16 GMT]]>

janet_lee88:
Wonder if LHL taught his son to be humble :scratchhead:

maybe his son complained because in the end, his dad LHL still have to handle.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770062https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770062Sat, 26 May 2012 11:40:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sat, 26 May 2012 07:46:40 GMT]]>

hquek:
Oh p,ease, chairman of management council is there to serve, it is a volunteer work. Also is an elected position that many people rather not do. What is there to hao lian? Chey

Precisely..if one can be voted in, he can also be kicked out...which was what happened to these boys' father. Chairman of condo committee only what. Even chairman of a company also has to report to shareholders.
Sometimes, parents have to teach kids not to be 'showy'. Wonder if LHL taught his son to be humble :scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770001https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/770001Sat, 26 May 2012 07:46:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sat, 26 May 2012 01:08:48 GMT]]>

hquek:
Oh p,ease, chairman of management council is there to serve, it is a volunteer work. Also is an elected position that many people rather not do. What is there to hao lian? Chey

:rotflmao: :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769859https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769859Sat, 26 May 2012 01:08:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Sat, 26 May 2012 00:15:56 GMT]]>Oh p,ease, chairman of management council is there to serve, it is a volunteer work. Also is an elected position that many people rather not do. What is there to hao lian? Chey

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769850https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769850Sat, 26 May 2012 00:15:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:56:54 GMT]]>

Joule:
firefly38:

BTW, when you say ''higher authority'', are you referring to the ''POLICE''? :scared: :yikes:


remember, don't be like Lee Hsien Loong's son, who in NS faced a situation he was not happy with, and then he email minister of defence, chief of SAF, chief of army, chief of air force, commanding officer, etc etc...

Cannot raise a big hoo-ha bcos child is still in school and we parents cannot afford him/her to have a 'high profile'. Even if it is the President or emperor, he cannot do whatever he wishes....people are watching.
Several years ago, there were these 2 boys who behaved badly. They were openly defiant and when other residents of the condo asked them to behave, they asked them, 'do you know who my father is?' Their father is the chairman of the condo committee. But then, so what ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769800https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769800Fri, 25 May 2012 16:56:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Fri, 25 May 2012 14:09:09 GMT]]>

boringmum:
Heyya all

Very good views and sound advice fm you guys!! :thankyou:
On hindsight, I shld not hv brought the matter up to P, it was foolish of me. I never knew that dealing with school is a different ball game altogether, afterall my background is corporate. Besides, don't organizations including hospitals and the govt emphasized on customer service?!?!
Take KK Hospital for e.g. They will give you a feedback form at every dept, whether it's @ the customer service dept or at the doctor's office!!
Another recent e.g.. wld be Singtel. To appease EPL viewers for the glitches, they are waiving one mth's fee! That says alot abt customer service.
Then talk abt our govt, aren't they also trying to connect with the citizens, trying to appease the people?? :?
I agree wif some of you that I shld just rest this case as it is considered quite petty.
However, I feel very strongly that parents shld not be held ransom by the schools and a movement shld be started to break this autonomy.
Any takers? :please:
Err boringmum,

You are not boring us with your message, rather you're confusing us with it. To me, your post above is contradictory. You started off in a reconciliatory tone claiming foolishness and pettiness if you continue to pursue this case; yet in your last sentence you seem to be trying to garner support to pursue the case. So what is it you're trying to express? :scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769724https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769724Fri, 25 May 2012 14:09:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:13:43 GMT]]>

Joule:
firefly38:

BTW, when you say ''higher authority'', are you referring to the ''POLICE''? :scared: :yikes:


If principal dowan to listen, then complain to cluster superintendent. if superintendent dowan to listen, then complain to MP. If MP cannot resolve the matter, then complain to minister. If minister cannot resolve the matter.......

remember, don't be like Lee Hsien Loong's son, who in NS faced a situation he was not happy with, and then he email minister of defence, chief of SAF, chief of army, chief of air force, commanding officer, etc etc...

:yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

The papa got spank spank or not? If it's my son, I would feel very pai seh.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769678https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769678Fri, 25 May 2012 12:13:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Fri, 25 May 2012 03:49:21 GMT]]>

firefly38:
BTW, when you say ''higher authority'', are you referring to the ''POLICE''? :scared: :yikes:

If principal dowan to listen, then complain to cluster superintendent. if superintendent dowan to listen, then complain to MP. If MP cannot resolve the matter, then complain to minister. If minister cannot resolve the matter.......

remember, don't be like Lee Hsien Loong's son, who in NS faced a situation he was not happy with, and then he email minister of defence, chief of SAF, chief of army, chief of air force, commanding officer, etc etc...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769300https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769300Fri, 25 May 2012 03:49:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Should I complain to higher authority about the principal? on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:49:02 GMT]]>

boringmum:
Heyya all

Very good views and sound advice fm you guys!! :thankyou:
On hindsight, I shld not hv brought the matter up to P, it was foolish of me. I never knew that dealing with school is a different ball game altogether, afterall my background is corporate. Besides, don't organizations including hospitals and the govt emphasized on customer service?!?!
Take KK Hospital for e.g. They will give you a feedback form at every dept, whether it's @ the customer service dept or at the doctor's office!!
Another recent e.g.. wld be Singtel. To appease EPL viewers for the glitches, they are waiving one mth's fee! That says alot abt customer service.
Then talk abt our govt, aren't they also trying to connect with the citizens, trying to appease the people?? :?
I agree wif some of you that I shld just rest this case as it is considered quite petty.
However, I feel very strongly that parents shld not be held ransom by the schools and a movement shld be started to break this autonomy.
Any takers? :please:
You mentioned that your background is ''corporate''.. Have you not studied in a Singapore school before? :scratchhead:

You mean you actually view yourself (& your kid) as ''CUSTOMERS'' of the school? :shock:

You think schools should be run like Corporations and should appease their students (& parents) everytime they are not happy? :roll:

Or maybe you feel that the school should waive one month's school fees to appease you? 😉

What kind of values will you be imparting to your child (1. no sense of safety, 2. not admitting to own mistakes, 3. putting blame on others when things go wrong)? :faint:

BTW, when you say ''higher authority'', are you referring to the ''POLICE''? :scared: :yikes:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769121https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/769121Thu, 24 May 2012 19:49:02 GMT