Pat's Schoolhouse
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It is always the case. I believe there are 2 sides to a story. But it's like I said I don't doubt the validity of your experience. In my opinion, I have been seeing a decline in their teacher recruitment since my kids joined so I am not on their side or anything. And NO @KSS KOH I'm definitely not a staff. Why would you think that? I just know from observing the teachers in action around the grounds while waiting to pick my kids up. You can learn a lot just by using your powers of observation and listening to their interactions/conversations as well as talking to the other parents. :? Thinking how paranoid it must be if Pat's has a staff 'patrolling' Kiasu Parents Forum 24/7 to do damage control in this manner.
I'm actually thinking of pulling my younger one out to join EtonHouse but am not sure if this is a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. I initially considered Odyssey but they're under the same group so doubt the experiences would be vastly different. Any feedback regarding this decision or any other bad Pat's experiences that everyone should know about so we should reconsider why we are paying premiums to put our kids there? :stupid: -
KSS Koh:
@KSSKoh Thanks for the welcome. Actually I'm not really a newbie here. I do follow the forum from time to time but just browsing silently like many other invisibles but ever since my contemplation to pull my younger one out of Pat's, I decided to follow it more and become visible. Please don't think that I'm on a mission to complement the current principal it's just that from my past interactions with her as the vice I thought otherwise. But perhaps people change over time and maybe since she became principal her mindset changed too. I guess I will only be able to fully comprehend how you all feel when this happens to my kid. In a way, I would really like to experience this first-hand for myself to be able to make a fair assessment.Haha...have you seen some of the Chinese teacher's mini short shirt lately??? I was not sure what to say when my DD asked why is her shirt so short and why she wear long boots to school? How to teach good values when the teachers themselves are giving such examples? Plus the Chinese teacher told me to ensure that my DD cut her hair short, don't wear nice hair clips (which other children are wearing too) don't wear fancy dresses (Not really fancy but prefer to be in plain T-shirt and jeans -feels like a communist country sometimes) because my DD looses interest in her chinese class. Of course, if my DD is always belittle, compared to and put to a corner as her mandarin is not good, anyone would be distracted. Even adults would, let alone little kids.
Dear Pad's Schoolbag, I can't agree more with you that the previous principal was very good (Amazing that she remembered every kid's name and very involved) but there're certain things one can't really pass down and it's both personally experience from myself and 2BoysMom that put us off. It's like graduates coming out from the same University does not mean they're definitely be high achiever. It seems like you're very familiar with the procedures of the 2 Pats, you're not one of the staff working for Pats right?
No, I definitely agree with you that there're those dedicated teachers whom I adore, especially the team in my DS class, amazing team. You can really tell they're full of passion for their job and sometimes, I feel for them:)
Of course, I understand where you're coming from. Talking to the principal without any problems, all smiley, of course they're nice but the real test comes when there are issues remained unsolved, even the friendliest and nicest personality does not surpass nor hide one's incompetence of handling issues. I've not even included all the problems that remained unsolved and you'll be shocked if you ever get to read it (Not a case of He say, She say, it's real physical case that remained unsolved, not just who said what, we're not so unreasonable la). However, this is not the forum to complain but to share our personal experiences and not assumptions of any kind so as to provide informations for new parents.
It's what we've been through that made us lost our confidence and how the new principal handle issues that we decided to move on. Why would anyone(us, the parents) bother to take the time to write 'feedback' if issues are solved and solutions are derived. If issues remained unsolved and new ones keep coming up then it's really frustrating. Till one goes through it, it's better not to jump the boat. Understand you just join the forum, welcome:)
It's really nice of you for the compliment the new principal but till one goes through similar experience, it's also hard to comment on how good or bad the new principal is, guess it varies individually. If more than 1 parent had similar experiences, no matter how many more compliments that follows, it's futile.
Oh definitely, if anyone is keen to know, I'm more than happy to share plus I've already mentioned in my previous link that both me and my husband likes Tanglin's structure of the open conception and it's the principal that we decided to enroll our children into Pats in the beginning. So I do look forward to the new environment.
But other than that, I share everyone else's frustrations about the teacher's dress codes, manner of interactions, chinese instruction methods etc...that's why I am here too. So please know that I didn't suddenly pop out of nowhere to start a crusade for Pat's nor am I a staff with their organisation. My kids just go there so I try and observe what goes on whenever I can. :celebrate:
Am glad that I'm not the only parent noticing the inappropriate dressing and amount of make-up on certain teachers lately. Unless it's fancy dress for a special event, it makes things harder for us to explain to our kids why they can't go out wearing something similar when they don't see anything wrong with it as their teacher wears it to school.
Whether they like it or not, the moment you choose teaching as a profession, you are an example for children. I mean there's nothing wrong with having fashionable teachers but knowing how to dress demurely and appropriately at the right time is a very important life-skill I want to inculcate in my children and I struggle with that if their teachers have no sense of how to select suitable wardrobe choices for the right climate for themselves.
I also feel the same sentiments about the Chinese teachers' belittling our children in class. I think my child's teacher can have a very bad temper at times and intimidates the class. Have been hearing snippets from my child from time to time. I also hear stories about shower time. Do you have any experiences there? -
Hmm…now I’m a little confused. You mentioned that your kid was there since the old principal but that’s like more than a year ago but you said you just put your kid there. So this is a ‘He say, She say?’ hehe…
Ya, most of us just drop off kids and small talk with teachers but the information you know are way too ‘deep’ such as how Pats handpicked and train their principal and how the 2 principal interact to ensure smooth flow of hand over, sounds like you work for them or are very closely related to them or you must spend a lot of time in the campus. Plus you even know the new principal was with them for more than 10 over years, but that doesn’t prove anything. In fact, if the older generation does not adapt to change, they become resistant to it. In fact, my impression of the newer, younger teachers were not too bad, in my impression, I didn’t see a lot of them wearing a lot of makeup and even if they do carry branded goods, I didn’t see it unless one is very close to them to observe all these. Wow, you’re amazing to observe all these, can consider to be a super spy…haha…just kidding!
As for having someone 24 hr on the KS website, thanks for reminding because I never thought of that. Maybe yes, maybe not…hmmm…scary…
I guess all comments and feedback all welcome, as tis is a forum we all share our personal experiences, not assumptions so if you’re welcome to share your point of view:) Don’t worry, we’re not defensive or live in a self fulfilling website.
Just my 2 cents worth. -
KSS Koh:
:yikes: This is shocking! Wear long boots and mini skirt for what? Sorry, who are these Chinese teachers and teaching which level?Haha...have you seen some of the Chinese teacher's mini short shirt lately??? I was not sure what to say when my DD asked why is her shirt so short and why she wear long boots to school? How to teach good values when the teachers themselves are giving such examples? Plus the Chinese teacher told me to ensure that my DD cut her hair short, don't wear nice hair clips (which other children are wearing too) don't wear fancy dresses (Not really fancy but prefer to be in plain T-shirt and jeans -feels like a communist country sometimes) because my DD looses interest in her chinese class. Of course, if my DD is always belittle, compared to and put to a corner as her mandarin is not good, anyone would be distracted. Even adults would, let alone little kids.
Our contact with the teachers has so far been limited to the celebrations and meet-the-parents sessions. For sure, the Chinese teacher teaching my son's class is an old-timer and not like what has been described here, but I pray we won't get such teachers next year... :sad:
So far during my DD's tenure in the school, we had never been told about what not to wear or to cut the hair short. Some of her classmates also wore very nice dresses...
Being put at a corner just becos' Mandarin is not good?!! Then how to learn and improve? :shock:
I remember you mentioned in one of your earlier posts that you know Pat personally. Have you shared all these with her? Please do the rest of us a favour and let her know.
From what I have heard, she has no qualms firing anyone.
Please also share the other experiences that you had faced. Getting a bit worried... -
Pad's SchoolBag:
What sort of shower stories? Pray tell.
I also feel the same sentiments about the Chinese teachers' belittling our children in class. I think my child's teacher can have a very bad temper at times and intimidates the class. Have been hearing snippets from my child from time to time. I also hear stories about shower time. Do you have any experiences there? -
Hi Busymom,
Ya, I was shocked myself. Actually saw twice, once a transparent see through top then another with the mini skirt and long boots, very ‘fashionable’. This is the one with the attitude but I don’t know which level she’s teaching as she’s always floating around to relief teachers and also no names mention here pls:) My DS’s chinese teacher is one of the best, she’s been very good and my DS loves her so so much.
As for the nice dresses and hair pin for my DD, I nearly fainted when I was told to do that because I never expected that. Of course, in government school, everyone is expected to be obeying certain set of rules. But this is Pats and since there’s no uniform given or dress code, I was shocked to be told otherwise.
Busymom, I would love to share but this forum is not about washing other people’s dirty linen in public and I believe every school would have the pros and cons. And I personally feel that unless you’re being confronted by the situation, not very fair to comment too much because Patricia told me she’s investigating and I respect that. So before any verdict, I think I should try to contain the situation first. Yes, I also heard both sides that Patricia is strict with her staff but I’ve also heard parents commented that she’s good at pacifying parents, so I don’t know what to think. But I think it’s her brand name at stake so I’m sure she’ll try to so as much as she can. Afterall, she’s been in the business for more than 20 over years.
Pad’s Schoolbag, also just curious, in your first thread, you gave me the impression that you’re happy with the principal and every time you approached her, you’re always well received so why suddenly in the last posting, you said you thinking of taking your child out to Eton? Why the sudden change of attitude? And besides, what you mentioned about your observations and listening to what the principal and teachers said in school, isn’t that a classic case of 'He say, She say?" just curious.
And yes, I’m very curious to know how your kid is being belittle in class, did you approach the new principal? What did she said or do? Not sure about the shower time stories, maybe you wanna share more with all of us at the forum. We’re very keen to know, interesting. Look forward to your reply. Cheers! -
Hi KSS Koh,
Ohh I think I know which chinese teachers you are talking about... One of them has curly hair right? The other one... may be the big sized lady with slightly chubby cheeks right?
My child used to cry everyday when he started at Pat's Halifax... Reason was probably the same as yours. In K2 I noticed that the big sized chinese teacher was kind of condescending and she did not speak to me very nicely. And every time it was the curly haired teacher's turn to take over the afternoon class (once a week), my child would refuse to go to school for that day 'cos he was terrified of her... :sad:KSS Koh:
That's what I thought initially too until a couple of times when I have to picked up my DD earlier and witnessed what ACTUALLY happened in class. All along, I also thought the way you did till I discovered the truth. I did bring up the topic to the principal and I guess she didn't handle it well and that couple of chinese teachers are acting up. Other than that, I like the rest of the teachers. As for i-maths, yes it had always been taught in chinese hence my reason for sending my DD to enrichment classes for P1 preparation. Lucky you that your DD did not attend the i-maths, a waste of time and money, I agreed:) Basically, not much emphasis on maths. Yes, i much prefer the cookery program too.
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i think pat’s baby haven is overrated and overpriced! my child has been there almost 1 year and graduated from infant to toddler class with no sign of the so-called "scrapbook" you are supposed to get on graduation, and no parent teacher meeting yet…and they claim there’s a parent’s portal on the website, but till date i’ve not received any password and they claim it’s under maintenance. they don’t hold any water play or excursions like some other schools, and any activities are basically one-off affairs done for the sake of taking pictures to trick prospective parents into thinking they do alot of stuff! all extreme ‘wayang’ and very poor value for the exorbitant price we are paying! also extremely disruptive each time they move from infant to walking infant to toddler class–changing teachers and routines every few months! the place is also infested with mosquitoes and my child comes home with several bites (like 5-6) very often! don’t waste your money! i’d have put my child elsewhere had i known earlier!
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Our son just had his graduation ceremony and concert, and we were so proud of the kids.
It is a major effort, with the teachers pitching in to do everything from rehearsing with the kids, recording the songs in the studio, to painting the props themselves!
The Chinese musical Mulan and the English musical Aladdin were also witty and original, with the script changed to suit the kids and the timing, with interesting twists like having soundtracks from other musicals and even TV soap drama weaved in.
Every kid was given an important role. My son was not Aladdin or Mulan's love, ie not a lead role, but he was given opportunities to sing some solo parts and the acting was very well done/ choreographed. We thoroughly enjoyed the show.
The graduation march was moving too. The presentation of the ring... My son treasures his ring a lot! It was touching to see all the kids, so happy, so grown, so confident, so articulate.
Back home, we took out the stuff in the graduation pack. We enjoyed the pictures in the calendar. We had no idea they took so many shots of the kids. my son had one where he was playing with colourful balloons (an interesting story on the balloons was given in Pat's speech at the concert), and another shot where he was reading a book, and another one with his friends in the playground. The one with all of them leaping and throwing their scrolls up was my fav. It was lovely to see all of them so joyous and exuberant in their jumps and laughter.
There was also a friendship scrapbook where my son and his friends drew pics and wrote things about themselves for each other. It is something like an autograph book, with their addresses and contact nos too. I believe my son will miss his friends a lot but they will certainly keep in touch for a long time to come!
Then there is the audio CD where all the recorded songs with my son and his friends' sweet voices are, and the framed grad pic, and cert, and a gift consisting of a backpack and an IQ game.
I am eagerly waiting for the DVD now. I am sure my son and his siblings will watch it over and over again!
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kabalevsky:
Couldn't find the \"Like\" button...this is the closest I could find :goodpost:Our son just had his graduation ceremony and concert, and we were so proud of the kids.
It is a major effort, with the teachers pitching in to do everything from rehearsing with the kids, recording the songs in the studio, to painting the props themselves!
The Chinese musical Mulan and the English musical Aladdin were also witty and original, with the script changed to suit the kids and the timing, with interesting twists like having soundtracks from other musicals and even TV soap drama weaved in.
Every kid was given an important role. My son was not Aladdin or Mulan's love, ie not a lead role, but he was given opportunities to sing some solo parts and the acting was very well done/ choreographed. We thoroughly enjoyed the show.
The graduation march was moving too. The presentation of the ring... My son treasures his ring a lot! It was touching to see all the kids, so happy, so grown, so confident, so articulate.
Back home, we took out the stuff in the graduation pack. We enjoyed the pictures in the calendar. We had no idea they took so many shots of the kids. my son had one where he was playing with colourful balloons (an interesting story on the balloons was given in Pat's speech at the concert), and another shot where he was reading a book, and another one with his friends in the playground. The one with all of them leaping and throwing their scrolls up was my fav. It was lovely to see all of them so joyous and exuberant in their jumps and laughter.
There was also a friendship scrapbook where my son and his friends drew pics and wrote things about themselves for each other. It is something like an autograph book, with their addresses and contact nos too. I believe my son will miss his friends a lot but they will certainly keep in touch for a long time to come!
Then there is the audio CD where all the recorded songs with my son and his friends' sweet voices are, and the framed grad pic, and cert, and a gift consisting of a backpack and an IQ game.
I am eagerly waiting for the DVD now. I am sure my son and his siblings will watch it over and over again!
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