Can’t believe my rotten luck. Hong Wen School, got balloted out of Phase 2B, 47 seats: 56 applied, again at Phase 2C, 47 seats: 67 applied.

Those are good odds, with more than 70% chance. And I still can’t get in.

Well, I guess s#*t happens. Just letting off steam. I must be one of the most unlucky parent in this forum. Sigh

Congrats to those who are successful.

Kiddies:

Anyone had update on HWS for phase 2C? Unable to get thru the school admin tel number.

Only info. is from MOE website, 68 applicants for 46 vacanies.

I called them on Friday 4:45pm, the info I got was 67 within 1 km balloting for 47 vacancies.

carilyn, phtthp and ChiefKiasu, thanks for your earlier replies.
I decided to risk it on HWS, based on location of school as top priority. Wish those balloting in Phase 2C all the best together.

Just adding my 2 cents on the registration system....
I agree that the priority is a bit unfair and doesn't help to promote meritocracy. Glad that this year, some token action was taken to increase chances for those with no connections to school. But as mentioned by some, the number of reserved seats should be tied to a percentage, rather than absolute numbers.
However, not allowing withdrawals from earlier phases will just make Phase 2C even more competitive as parents hold off final decision. The vacated seats should be handled differently, in my opinion. 1 way could be giving those, qualified for the earlier phases but didn't get it, a priority. But that is administratively overwhelming and causes more stress with very limited benefits. One easy way out could be giving those qualified for earlier phases a priority, only if, they re-registered in the same school in the later phases.
For the ATS case, I can only say that the affected parents went into the situation either with their eyes wide open, or completely shut tight (e.g. deeply praying for some miracle). Historically grossly oversubscribed, they must have known the risks of parents coming in last minute. But I do feel sorry that they have completely missed their chance to secure a place in Phase 2C. However, I must add that this missed chance is in no way different to those who are going for balloting and subsequently got balloted out. All will have missed their chance to secure a place (due to a risk they have undertaken), just that some know the results immediately instead of after an agonising wait.

I called the following, just sharing:


Hong Wen : 57/? /? That person didn’t sound sure

St Andrews : 33/18/?

St Joseph : 20/24/?

jaster:

ChiefKiasu:

[quote=\"jaster\"]Sigh sigh. Didn't get balloted in for HWS in phase 2B. Extremely \"lucky\" that can't get in with 83.9% chance.


Now, joining everyone else in Phase 2C. Still going for HWS again. Wonder how it will be with a lower chance now...... Sigh. Sticking with HWS because it's the most convenient to my home.

Looking at phase 2CS for worst case scenario, which school do you think is a good backup for failed phase 2C for HWS again?

Sorry to hear that. Since you stay within 1km of Hong Wen, you have a better than average chance of getting into the school . Hope you can capitalise on that this time.

You will have to state what schools you have in mind for Phase 2CS for us to comment on your options.

If it does come down to phase 2CS, not many choices left. Farrer Park, Bendemeer, Balestier Hill, First TPY. It's a boy, so can't choose Marymount Convent.[/quote]Now I fully understand the stress that parents feel in the P1 registration.

With my failure to secure a place with very good chance of 84%, now I'm likely facing a near 50% chance in Phase 2C. Alternatively, I could go for St Andrews with almost 100% chance for me as I'm within 1km, based on history. If I fail again in the balloting, the kid will have to go into Bendemeer in Phase 2CS, also within 1km.

With consideration on the kid's future, and the likelihood that his primary school friends going to be his friends for the longest period of time, I can't help wondering if I'm taking a 50/50 bet on his future by sticking with HWS. Statistically, I should still have good odds on my 2nd attempt in balloting. Let's face it, schools are popular because of the peers that one expects to have there.

The kid's future is potentially in my hands, and I'm responsible to make the best decision for him. How do I decide?

ChiefKiasu:

jaster:

If it does come down to phase 2CS, not many choices left. Farrer Park, Bendemeer, Balestier Hill, First TPY. It's a boy, so can't choose Marymount Convent.

How about Kheng Cheng and Cedar? Are they near you? They tend to be more popular in Phase 2CS.

But last year, there were no phase 2CS for both of them. I think I'm 1-2km from Kheng Cheng, not sure about Cedar.

ChiefKiasu:

jaster:

Sigh sigh. Didn't get balloted in for HWS in phase 2B. Extremely \"lucky\" that can't get in with 83.9% chance.


Now, joining everyone else in Phase 2C. Still going for HWS again. Wonder how it will be with a lower chance now...... Sigh. Sticking with HWS because it's the most convenient to my home.

Looking at phase 2CS for worst case scenario, which school do you think is a good backup for failed phase 2C for HWS again?

Sorry to hear that. Since you stay within 1km of Hong Wen, you have a better than average chance of getting into the school . Hope you can capitalise on that this time.

You will have to state what schools you have in mind for Phase 2CS for us to comment on your options.

If it does come down to phase 2CS, not many choices left. Farrer Park, Bendemeer, Balestier Hill, First TPY. It's a boy, so can't choose Marymount Convent.

Sigh sigh. Didn’t get balloted in for HWS in phase 2B. Extremely "lucky" that can’t get in with 83.9% chance.


Now, joining everyone else in Phase 2C. Still going for HWS again. Wonder how it will be with a lower chance now… Sigh. Sticking with HWS because it’s the most convenient to my home.

Looking at phase 2CS for worst case scenario, which school do you think is a good backup for failed phase 2C for HWS again?

Just called to check Hong Wen.

47 vacancies, 56 registered, all SC within 1km.
Fingers crossed… 83.9% chance. Good luck everyone

phtthp:

...
Example
Henry park has 300 p1 intake. If increase to 330 next year ( just suppose ) -
So, 2015 p1a - occupy green container, for 1 year.

Next year, rotate. Another class take over.
....

I seriously doubt that that is going to happen. As far as I know, P does not have say in increasing the P1 intake places. MOE have to decide, and I like to think that MOE will look at previous registration trends, available places in the neighbouring schools, new residential buildings, etc, before allowing for increase in intake numbers. Because the govt is emphasizing that all schools are good schools; if there's a perfectly \"Good\" school that is under-utilised, then restricting the intake of the popular school is exactly the best way to fill up the other \"Good\" schools.

I also think that if some schools were to completely remove PV route of registration, it will run against what the PM wants to avoid - having elitism. PV is for parents with no connection to school, to get to know the school better, to help out the school, in exchange for just a chance to register earlier than the general public who also have not connection to school. Allowing just GRL in 2B just increases elitism (Don't wish to comment about religion affiliated registrations in 2B). Moreover, PV (2B) doesn't have that much priority over general public (2C), because available places have been split equally among 2B and 2C after 2A(2).

I do think that nowadays, changes to policy takes effect immediately once announced, completely ignoring the effects it has on people who have acted based on previous policy. Noting that the cut-off dates for preparation of next year's registration is already over, it makes the changes seem haphazard, unfair and not properly thought out.

If I remembered correctly, CDA has been extended until the kid turns 12. So, no worries, lots of time to use it.


Yes, basically it is the best kind of "investment" that gives you 100% return, guaranteed. Just that you can’t just withdraw out in cash. Just use it whenever you can, like childcare fees, doctor consultation, etc. Just top it up when you want to use the money, no need to hurry, IMHO.