[Bukit Merah] Primary Schools

[titank]

Think there is an Open House on 5th July 2008 (Saturday), Queenstown Primary School!

[gelfish]

I live near CHIJ Kellock but not that near to be within 2km. My husband’s primary school is Peihwa which i know is a good school.


I am in a dilemma whether I should go to CHIJ or PH. I am afraid I may not get into CHIJ if all vacancies are taken up for those within 2km. And I won’t know which school my daughter will go. But PH is about 8km away plus it is pm for pr 1 and 2 which means I have to spend more time on travelling and more hassle cos i have two younger kids. There will be 4 years of different sessions.

Anyone knows what are the chances of balloting for those outside 2km for CHIJ?

[titank]

Hi Chief Kiasu,


I'm now targetting at the following 3 schools, any advises?

(i) Fairfield Methodist Primary (Beyond 2Km)
(ii) River Valley Primary (Beyond 2km)
(iii) Radin Mas Primary (1-2Km).
I'm 1.5 Km away from Radin Mas Primary :lol:
Would it be good to perform volunteer or as Grassroot member so that at least in Phase 2B(2)? Heard that usually only in Phase 2C there would be balloting?

[caroline3sg]

Hi gelfish

Clear choice is Pei Hwa. CHIJ Kellock is old. Pei Hwa just refurbished. Moreoever, it is your husband’s ex sch, no need to stress over ballot or worry about vacancy. Regarding distance, you can let your child take sch bus. Different session allows you to guide them homework on 1-1 basis.

[ChiefKiasu]

Yes, caroline3sg is right. Pei Hwa seems to be the better choice because there is no balloting, and your transport problem may be solvable using the school bus.

[ChiefKiasu]

titank:

...

(iii) Radin Mas Primary (1-2Km).
I'm 1.5 Km away from Radin Mas Primary :lol:
Would it be good to perform volunteer or as Grassroot member so that at least in Phase 2B(2)? Heard that usually only in Phase 2C there would be balloting?

Target Radin Mas then. It is a good school and it is NEAR you. Be a grassroots leader only if you really want to do good for your community. Don't do it just to get your kid into a school. So I would say just do your parent volunteering and be done with it. Better do it soon... some schools close their PV by June.

[titank]

Hi Chief Kiasu,


Just to clarify that if I do volunteer for the following 3 schools is it confirm that I would be in Phase 2B(2)? If in Phase 2B confirm there is no balloting scenario?

(i) Radin Mas
(ii) River Valley
(iii) Fairfield Methodist

If there is balloting occur, based on the distance (Above 2Km) I would be at a disadvantage?

[titank]

Dear gelfish,


Perhaps you can consider do volunteer for CHIJ so that you can get into Phase 2B. I still think that distance is one of the important issue.

Wish you good luck in the enrollment.

[ChiefKiasu]

titank:

Hi Chief Kiasu,


Just to clarify that if I do volunteer for the following 3 schools is it confirm that I would be in Phase 2B(2)? If in Phase 2B confirm there is no balloting scenario?

(i) Radin Mas
(ii) River Valley
(iii) Fairfield Methodist

If there is balloting occur, based on the distance (Above 2Km) I would be at a disadvantage?

Not even the school itself can answer your question until they have completed Phase 1 and 2A. Balloting can occur at ANY phase - including Phase 1!

Consider this extreme (which is actually not so far out for certain schools) - suppose it so happens that all the places were taken up by school alumni members, staff members, siblings, ... etc, then the allocated places for Phase 2B will be squeezed. If too many qualifying parent volunteers apply for Phase 2B, there will also be balloting for 2B.

The main advantage of entering in the earlier phases would be that it gives you more chances to win the ballot at various phases.

From http://www.moe.edu.sg/education/admissions/primary-one-registration/phases/: \"Should the number of applications exceed the number of vacancies in any phase, places will be balloted according to the following order of priority:

Children living within 1 kilometre of the school of choice.
Children living between 1-2 kilometres of the school of choice.
Children living outside 2 kilometres of the school of choice.

At the end of Phase 2A(2), 50% of the remaining places will be allocated for phase 2B and the other 50% for Phase 2C registrants in a school. In the event that less than 50% of the allocated vacancies is taken up at Phase 2B, the remaining vacancies will be carried forward to Phase 2C.\"

[gelfish]

There is no volunteer for CHIJ.


For PH, I checked with the school bus service and they say where I live is too far. I am in the Alexandra area, actually the distance is not too far. But CHIJ is nearer.

Can anyone tell me, will the MOE announce the number of vacancies on Day 1 for each phase or only after each phase, then they will announce the no. of vacancies for the next phase?

Cos I am thinking if I miss Phase 2B for PH, then I ballot for CHIJ and if I fail, then i have nothing but wait for the school to be allocated.

thanks