watermum:

Dear parents, may i check when do i apply for PV with River Valley Primary school, my DS is born on 2010. Also, we are actually staying between 1-2km, will it be deciding factor for PV?


PS: I emailed the school on the first week of January, but till date, got no reply from the school.

Hi watermum, I've emailed the school too and the admin lady has called to say that I have to keep a lookout on the school website. They will release the PV info in May.

Just out of curiosity, why is RVPS becoming so popular? Sorry I'm pretty clueless. My elder daughter was born in 2010, was thinking of trying for SCGS but we are somewhat reluctant to move to Whitley area. That is, if they even accept me as a PV. I really hope that I can send my daughters to a girls' school.

We are within 1km from both RVPS and Alexandra Primary, I'm trying to find out more about these schools. Will be happy to hear about other parents opinions.

Ordered from Imperial Treasure before, was not its usual standard on CNY eve cos they cooked the food very early and latest collection was at 4pm if I remembered correctly.

Oh my so many calories! I managed to polish off half a small can of pineapple tarts over the past two days, better stop now!


My favourite CNY cookies are kueh bangkit, but don’t know where the good ones are nowadays. My mom used to order from a home baker, but she has retired. Went to the Taka fair and tasted all the kueh bangkit, finally settled on Little Nonya’s Cookies. It’s kueh bangkits dont quite measure up to the ones from my childhood memory, but I’m pretty sure it’s becaused of the nostalgia.

So, any favourite kueh bangkit places to share?

I’ve been using the Tiger brand thermal pot for 4 years, and it’s still good as new. Mine is the 4l one, for a family of 3 adults and 2 young children. We use it regularly, at least thrice a week, mainly for soups. I saw in the papers yesterday that Takashimaya is having a promotion, $299 for a 6l pot. Not sure if it’s the best deal around, so you may want to check at the major departmental stores.

Thanks Hwee Pang for your reply. Seems like its very difficult to be a PV at SCGS. I don’t have any particular skill set, worked in corporate communications before I quit to be a stay home mom. Oh well, will still give it a go. If I’m rejected, then at least I’ve tried.


Wow you are lucky, there are many choices for you! Good luck with your PV applications, hope your daughter eventually gets into a school of your choice.

hweepang:

I think SCGS is sorting out its PV shortlist now. I received a rejection email from SCGS for my PV application. I'm still waiting for outcome from Nanyang Pri Sch, RGPS and St Nicholas.......

Hi Hwee Pang,

May I know which year your daughter was born in? Mine was born in 2010, and I'm hoping to be accepted as PV at SCGS too. Are you open to sharing more details of your application pls? Like service you volunteered, and reason for rejection? Understand too if you find it too personal.

As for the schools you have listed, I think RGPS and St Nicks only accept PVs staying within 1km. You may want to confirm again with the schools.

Hi all, I am considering applying for PV at SCGS for my DD born in 2010. We are currently renting an apartment at River Valley area, so are definitely outside 2km from the school.


My question is, if we were to purchase a property next year, would it be too late for application for PV at SCGS? It’s PV application closes in November this year, and I’m worried that we won’t be considered as we are currently not staying near the school.

On the other hand, should I continue staying here and apply for PV at River Valley Primary? Seems like the chances of getting into RVPS is higher with PV, plus we are already staying in the area. It’s just that I prefer my daughters going to a girls’ school, and SCGS is my top choice.

In a dilemma now. Would appreciate your advice. Thank you!

Dear parents,


I chanced upon this thread and was glad to have read your experiences. I am a rookie compared to most of you, with two daughters aged 3.5 and 1.5. Life is busy, busy, busy!

I chose to be a stay-home mom when my older daughter turned one year old. It was tough initially, because I felt like I was surrendering my sense of security (from my career, income, even social life), but with a very supportive husband, I overcame it.

Little did I know at that time, that the most challenging part is raising my children lovingly yet instilling good values in them. My elder daughter is very strong-willed and precocious. She fulfills most traits of what many refer to as a highly-spirited child. Oh, the joys and heartaches she brings! And she’s only 3! My second child, the baby of the family, is more easy-going, but craves attention from everyone. She’s not quiet nor shy, but is constantly over shadowed by her more exuberant sister, and I can’t seem to make up for it.

As a product of a dysfunctional family, I struggle everyday to be a ‘good parent’. I know life is imperfect and humans, parents or not, are flawed. My parents have put me off having kids for the longest time. I don’t really know how a loving family works. But for the sake of my kids, I have to relearn many things, express myself in different ways, and the list goes on. Sometimes I feel faint thinking of the long, long road ahead of me. But everyday, I thank the higher beings for my husband and daughters. There are no more important things in my life.

So far, my parenting style has been pretty soft, as perhaps my kids are young. It’s not like I never say no to the kids, but the consistent reminders of certain rules, time outs, withdrawal of privileges only came about when my older one turned 3. Too late? My learning curve is so steep!

I think my post came off as pretty heavy though it wasn’t my intention. And I started out just wanting to say that I’m happy to read about other parents’ experiences! Thank you all for sharing. And perhaps, for reading/ listening.

I buy from Tiong Bahru market, a big piece for $10. I don’t know the weight but usually it serves 3 adults as part of a typical chinese dinner in my family, ie served with rice and another dish. It comes wrapped up and is very clean too.

st2:

Hi Lynn2010

What I meant was the agency should keep the expat employer experience maids on a list for expats to interview. Their terms are so high, I doubt local employer would go for them, just wasting time.

Well, most agents just want the maids transferred, they don't really filter. Also, not all maids want to work for expats. They are keeping their options open cos some locals are willing to pay their salaries. And it's a more stable job cos expats can leave the country anytime. At the end of the day, as I've come to realize, the onus is really on the employer - hire at your own risk! Agents shouldn't be counted on.