Dreamgear:

teacher_tutor:

Hi Leen,


The report books are in. We bought ours yesterday, $9.50.

Hi Dreamgear,

Unfortunately, my No.2 was also starting school yesterday so I had to shuttle back and forth between schools in a mad rush yesterday...I didn't get to see the classrooms. But on the lower level, nothing much has been done. My son said it was hot in his classroom as they have no fans, but that his teacher said the rooms will hopefully be air-conditioned by Monday...I can't confirm the veracity of his claims. lol

The hall was bare and spartan with no mottos, photos or curtains, but I'm not concerned about that as I can see evidence that they are still working on improving the amenities there.

Thanks for the update... I think its understandable considering its an interim site.. Im sure the school will get the facilities up to speed

I am extremely thankful that they are working on improving the amenities despite it being an interim site. It certainly looks like a lot of work already put in and will be putting in. Hope they have enough resources to do this and still focus on developing the boys.

NotEducatedMan:

Not sure about other classes. My son told me there should be aircon in the classroom but theirs is not working. And the school will be repairing it soon

The only information my son volunteered to me about his first day in school is that his classroom will have aircon. According to him, although the air-conditioner is already up, the power is not ready.

teacher_tutor:

Hi Wednesday,


Unfortunately, I was in the school bookshop at dismissal. By the time we were done, there was very little traffic. Of course, we also have to bear in mind that students from the other three levels were not present in full force yesterday. But in general, I did not notice any jaywalking students.

Two things to remember to warn our kids about:

1. When they are crossing at the Bishan Street 13/14 traffic light, they need to look out for vehicles coming from THREE directions! In other words, they have to be extremely vigilant when crossing that road. No use of mobile devices, etc.

2 My greatest concern is that of Bishan Place. There is no traffic light nor zebra crossing there. And many of our boys will be crossing this road to get to the MRT station. As my son puts it, the only viable option is to 'legally jaywalk'.

The alternative, which is NOT viable, is to walk all the way down that road, cross at that traffic light near Junction 8, then walk back again to the MRT station(after sch)/the school(before sch). I have highlighted this to my son's FT and hope the school will write to LTA about this. It's a niggling worry of mine.

Cheers!

Thank you so much for the pointers! I resonate with your concern and agree that the alternative is not viable.

Appreciate very much you bringing up the concern to the school.

teacher_tutor:

Hi Mamabrizay,


Yes, I was there including when they welcomed the boys at the hall. The teachers and students are caring, helpful, friendly and warm. They also focus on making everyone feel at home rather than pointing out differences such as IP vs O level students. It's an extremely well-organised system they have too. I witnessed this both on the 23rd and today. And let's just say the school website speaks for itself.

Being a former fulltime and current adjunct teacher, I'm speaking from experience when I say there's a special school culture here. I feel exceptionally blessed.

Thank you so much for the generous sharing. Did you by any chance stay till dismissal to see how is the traffic condition outside the school? Did the boys observe traffic and be safe when they walk to the nearby MRT or bus-stop?

teacher_tutor:

Thanks, Wednesday!


Wonder why they didn't sell the badge that day though. Guess the kids will need to buy it on the first day?

You are welcome.

The book shop is not supposed to sell us the badge. The sec 1 boys will be given the badge by the school instead. There is no need to purchase the badge.

For those sec 1 parents like me who were unable to get the SJI school A4 Report Book on 23 Dec, just like to share that the stock is now available (I was able to get it from the school book store today).

My son has been posted to SJI. Hope to meet sec 1 2014 parents here at this forum to share tips and experience on secondary school life.