Anyone prefers the Samsung Galaxy Tab? I find the iPad is nothing more than a big iPhone. I don’t use the desktop or laptop regularly so it’s useful to have a device that supports flash. It’s annoying having to run to the comp everytime you hit a site that requires flash. The Galaxy’s also lighter n fits better in handbags:) It’s also a lot cheaper than the ipad altho it comes bundled with a plan. It seems easier to type on a ipad tho-there seems to be some sort of lag when typing with the Galaxy.

One of my friends whose son is going to HCI next year has already bought his uniforms and textbooks from the school bookshop. She said she obtained the booklist from the bookshop.

Yes it’s important to respect the child’s choice n to try not to impose our prejudices/opinions on him. In fact, I wonder if his choice was made after overhearing what some parents were saying about RI… anyway, HCI is a very good school n I have great faith in its leadership, philosophy n programs. My son is also stronger in humanities n HCI has an excellent humanities program.


Apronmama, that remark in relation to textbooks was made last year.

Btw, unless your son is in iSpark, try to get someone to queue for textbooks while you n your son queue to get uniforms. There is a separate queue for iSpark textbooks so it’s shorter- that was the case last year; I’m not sure it’ll
be the same this year. You may be able to buy uniforms at the bookshop already.

kiasuest2:

Chirunner:

Ds2 will be in sec 1 HCI next year. After buying all the books I realised so many are optional, including ALL the Chinese n math books. Now I wonder if I've wasted money buying them. Anyone knows if these books will be used at all?


I should be happy my son's going there but I don't know why I wish he'd chosen RI or ACSI. Only consolation is it's so close to home he can walk to school. I hope it will turn out to be the right choice for him- he was adamant on HCI even though almost all the boys in his GEP cohort have chosen RI. Anyone with positive experiences in HCI who can allay this mom's apprehension? Ds1 is in the ACSI IB n I was positive about it from the startn still think it's the best choice for him. Just hope this is the best choice for ds2. Perhaps only time can tell?

Dear Chirunner, would you please, especially for the benefit of those intending to choose HCI, if the past year experience for your DS has been pleasant and enjoyable?

Thanks a million

I can say unequivocally that my son's had a very enjoyable year at HCI. He wants to get to school early everyday - before 6.30- even tho he can leave at 7 n still be in time for school. He says there's a certain calm over the school before everyone arrives. He comes home happy everyday.

So I'd say he made the right choice for himself . The teachers are very enthusiastic n the director of his consortium is a very dynamic lady who is very approachable. I like that there is a sabbatical week each term during which the boys are allowed to choose any activity they are keen to pursue the entire week subject to availability of places. He played badminton one week, picked up the guitar another week n I forget what else he did but he certainly had fun.

I also like the fact that the boys are required to read after recess n are provided with materials - newspapers n magazines in English n Chinese. Oral participation in class n presentations form a significant part of the curriculum so he's been required to do presentations in Chinese many times. His Chinese has definitely improved.

One thing I find lacking compared to ACSI is the level of cca participation. The boys in ACSI are required to do a minimum of 2 ccas but the boys in HCI only 1. I wish HCI would allow the boys to do more;perhaps I should ask the school.

Ds3 will be starting sec 1 in RI next year. I guess I'll be able to give a comparison of the 3 schools next year:-)

Hi octopusmom,

I like the fact that there is heavy involvement in ccas. My grouse with HCI is just the opposite. My son in ACSI comes back late 4 days a week n has cca on Sat too. He sometimes has to travel to Bedok n kallang for cca. He has to be very disciplined n that’s good for him. He’s managed to score well too- over 40 points the past 2 years. So it’s about time management- he has less time to waste playing computer games.

I understand your concerns abOut distance from school n it does help to stay nearer school but there are a lot of kids who live far from school even as far as JB n they manage somehow. Good luck with your decision!

I don’t know what the cut off will be this year for the IB, but 255 may just be good enough. Why don’t you call the school to ask?


The second intake at year 3 is for existing students only.

Thanks for your replies fruitplus n Bumblebee! yes I’ll be kiasu n get all these before the 23rd:-)


One more question: are the GE kids required to do HCL?

Does anyone know what to expect on 23 Dec when the kids report to school? Do they get the booklist n their books then? What about uniforms? Do we buy them now from Bibi n Baba?

Hi, does anyone know whether there’s a school bus from Bt Timah near NJC to RI? N if so, roughly what time’s pickup? TIA

GEOFFREY EU’S "MAD ABOUT MEE"

Business Times weekend Aug 22, 2009

Koung’s wantan Mee
205 Sim’s Ave (at Lorong 21A) 
6748-0305
7am-8.30pm closed Monday

128 Eating Corner
Hong Mao Noodle House
128 Tembeling Road

Kola Wanton Noodles
Blk 10 #01-99 North Bridge Rd Market & Food Centre 861 North Bridge Rd
8 pm to midnight closed Sundays

Kok Kee Wanton Noodle
#01-06 Lavender Food Sq
195 Lavender St
1 pm onwards closed Thursdays

Blk 51 Old Airport Rd Food Centre
Kallang Wonton Noodle #01-61 sister
Cho Kee Noodle #01-04 brother 
Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee #01-02

Nam Seng Noodles & Fried Rice
15 China St #01-01 Far East Sq

Foong Kee Coffee Shop
6 Keong Saik Road
Hong Kong style noodles n delicious char Siew. Thin springy noodles distinct from local versions above.

I haven’t tried them all. Just made a note after reading the BT article.