[Toa Payoh] Primary Schools

[Majella]

Luanee:

Majella:

Thanks Luanee for the reply. That is why I am quite worried. Do you know of Cedar...hear there is no balloting in 2C there. If not stick to CHIJ OLGC as no balloting. Only think Cedar is co-education and that sounds intresting. thanks

Yeap there was no balloting in Cedar under 2C for the past 2 yrs. However I think the school is quite small (only 150 places for P1 compared to other schools 300+). And I think the school premises are quite old too. Maybe u should go down to take a look urself.

Since there are 2 days for 2B registration, probably u can go down on the second day to CHIJ (TP) to check whether balloting is required or not. If yes and u do not want to take the chance, then just go over to CHIJ (OLGC) and register there (assuming no balloting under 2B for the latter school). Else u can take the chance to ballot in CHIJ(TP) and settle for Cedar should u fail.

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Thanks for the sound advise..yes will do as you suggest. Never thought that admitting my little girl would be so stressful. thanks

[Miracle Child]

eyktay:

For those whose boys gg to Maris Stella, the orientation is on 7 Nov 2009, 9am. HTH.

Hi, did you call the school to ask or is your boy registered for MS as well?

[2DMommy]

acforfamily:

hi lovebearsallthings, miracle child, vvjj,


Generally, I am quite happy with Maris Stella mainly because my son seems happy there. My belief is that it is important to find a school that suits my son, and not one that is the best academically etc.

Personally, I think the environment is quite strict. The kids are not allowed to run around (but must walk with their hands behind their back) except during recess. The noise level then would be so high you would not be able to hear yourself talk. ( ok I am exaggerating but you get the idea). My son is quite hyperactive but he knows when to obey the rules, so it seems fine with him. I did ask him before whether all the teachers scold them. His reply, \"Hmm, all teachers scream at us, but some more than others.\" Don't think that is very representative as I have come across one of his teachers that does not even raise her voice ( she just stares and they will quieten down).

The teachers that my son gets varies quite a bit. So far, I find that the Chinese teachers are very committed. There was one that would write comments even on weekly 听写 for every child! Usually encouraging words that more than 10 words long. Multiply that by 36 pupils (The class sizes are quite big compared to other schools, I think) and you can imagine the effort that she goes through.

The standard seems to be quite high based on the strict markings for the test papers / exam compared to the English papers. I have come across quite a few errors in English teacher's markings. Having said that, it could be just that my Chinese is poorer compared to my English.

Do note that from p1 to p3, the kids have to eat in the classroom (cannot buy food from canteen). As such, you would have to either order from the caterer for the year or bring your own food everyday. I suspect this is because the school is rather small physically ( it is quite an old premise) and the canteen is not very big.

There is an after school care run by the alumni, not the school, but it is in the school premises. I think that is still operating but it would be better to call the school to check.

CCA is not compulsory at all levels. There appears to be emphasis only on a few that the school excels in, then again, I think it is a case with many schools that have limited resources.

As such, I don't have much complaints other than that when my son was in P1. The taps in the toilets are very difficult to press down and as he was short, it made it even worse. Some other parents actually brought this up at one of the forums with the school, so guess the problem is not just my son. :lol:

Sorry for the long post. Hope all these helps. Good luck.

My son is also studying in Maris Stella, he is a new transferred student and so far he is quite happy there. Compared to his previous school, MS discipline their students and I am glad that my son told me the boys over in MS behave better.

He took an entrance exam before he was accepted by the school and I was rather shocked to see many students from rather well know primary schools came for the exam. There were averagely 45 to 60 applicants per level (P1 to P3) seeking for transfer and if I am not wrong only few were selected.

I find their Chinese standards rather high (I am better in my Chinese than English), my son used to be scoring high 90s in his previous school but over in MS, he can only do high 80s.

I have no complaints over the school other than the bad traffic condition I have to face every morning and afternoon (1 session school) when sending and fetching him from school. The traffic condition is so bad that every other day, there will be a Traffic Police standing outside the school directing traffic

[eyktay]

Miracle Child:

eyktay:

For those whose boys gg to Maris Stella, the orientation is on 7 Nov 2009, 9am. HTH.

Hi, did you call the school to ask or is your boy registered for MS as well?

Yes, my elder is on MS, so #2 under Phase 1, so they wrote the orientation date on the completed form. Thus, decide to share.

[doggylittle]

do you think the school will be kind enough to tell us onlast day of phase 2C whether there will be ballot or not ?? i am so worried now… should i try my luck in the school i want or just go to the one that is for sure ??

[acforfamily]

2DMommy:

I have no complaints over the school other than the bad traffic condition I have to face every morning and afternoon (1 session school) when sending and fetching him from school. The traffic condition is so bad that every other day, there will be a Traffic Police standing outside the school directing traffic

I agree! It is a headache everyday. I wonder whether other schools have the same problem too.

[acforfamily]

doggylittle:

do you think the school will be kind enough to tell us onlast day of phase 2C whether there will be ballot or not ?? i am so worried now.... should i try my luck in the school i want or just go to the one that is for sure ??

usually the school will post it on their notice board on the number of applicants so far and vacancies available. At least, the ones that I saw did.

[smurf]

thanks 2dmummy and acforfamily for sharing. it sure helps.:)

[Miracle Child]

Thanks to flametree, 2dmummy and acforfamily for your sharing on MS. Appreciate the feedback. :celebrate:

[acforfamily]

You are most welcome. I only wished I came to this forum when I was looking to register my son!