VVJJ:

Before the briefing, my hubby spoke to the HOD PE 2 days ago. HOD PE supposed to raise our concerns but instead he gave a brief introduction of badminton background and claimed he had another meeting to attend and step off, leaving the coach to brief us in chinese and answer our queries.


In short, nothing will change. 3 times training from P3 onwards. If it clashes with other remedials, kids can do a make up session conducted on Sunday, which is open to the public (trainings held in the school though). We have to pay till the school team selection process (P4). Once they are in P4, from June, no more fees payment. If boys are not selected into school team in P4, training will be conducted back to once weekly.

Personally, I have doubt as HOD PE did mention that fees is free for school team players only. In addition, DH not happy that HOD PE seemed to shun away from responsiblity by not staying back to answer queries. Though the session conducted by the coach is rather hilarious, it didn't really solve our concerns. Seems that most parents who atteneded the session are from P1, hence they do not have many concerns as I do.

In short, DH will call HOD PE next Monday again.

Hi, just to add on to this thread. I spoke to the teachers in charge because I too, couldn't understand much of the briefing! Found out the training schedule is fixed from now on, so we know the training times and days for the other levels in the years to come--IF my DS continues, I'll have to rearrange his swimming...again...

I thought I heard the coach said something like if our boys miss a session for whatever reason, they can either attend the make-up on Sunday or have the fees pro-rated the next month--can anyone verify that?

All in all, this is one very expensive CCA. While I can totally understand training is necessary for results, I really wish it wouldn't burn such a hole in my pocket, esp when the economy isn't exactly the best! At the end of the day, I just wanted my DS to enjoy the sport and build up some discipline. It seems there's quite a bit of hype in the school and DS always tells me about how good the team is etc...if he doesn't make it in P4/P5, I'll have to deal with one crushed spirit!

zeedoo:

SSmama:

There's a parents' briefing for P2-P4 parents on Feb 4

Anyone knows what this briefing is about? I don't seem to have seen this in any letter ds brought back. What time and where is the briefing held? Thanks!

Hi, the briefing is 9-11am at e Sec Ava rm. I received an email earlier this wk. Seems it's abt payment & training programme. I'll be there!

Hi VVJJ,


Please keep us updated on this...let's see if the teacher does try to resolve the issue.

Don't know why the entire CCA matter can be become so expensive and frustrating. Back in my school days (which is a long time ago ), we join CCA when we have the interest, we will be accepted even if we know nuts about the sport. Now, CCA has become so \"meritocracy\" based...[/quote]

Yes please do. Thanks for taking the trouble to speak to the teacher. I believe many parents share the same sentiment ...my DS is in Pri 2 and I'm already feeling the pinch, can't imagine if he were in P3..

There's a parents' briefing for P2-P4 parents on Feb 4--I wonder if it would help if us parents band together to raise the issue of fees. From what I understand, having to pay for CCA in schools isn't unusual, what is unusual is the high amount. I know schools who charge their students something along the lines of $60/70 for choir..and that's for a TERM, not month!

Honestly, I had originally allowed DS to try out for badminton because I thought he would not get in Then he did, and I thought it wouldn't hurt to have a sport to instil some discipline in him. Sure he has improved since last July, but I don't think he's school-team-material..which then leads me to wonder if this investment of $1000+ per yr is rather steep when it's solely for recreation!

Sigh...only primary school CCA and already so complicated!

ptr:

I was just reading and printing the forms/ letters too. Very well organised indeed.


For the personal organizational folder, just an A4 clear folder will do, isit?

Do they really need colour pencils on a daily basis? (stated as one of the things to bring everyday)

Thanks for sharing the above tip on the sticker labels, will pop by J8 for a look.

Now have to remember to teach my son how to use the padlock.

Hi there,
I got my DS a clear L-shaped folder as his personal organizational folder, easier to put things in when it's L-shaped.

As for colour pencils, I told him to leave them in his locker. Not sure if they're used on a daily basis, but I know he needs them for Maths at times, and little activities here and there other than Art.
Hope that helps

beanstalk:

SSmama:

[quote=\"24hr-mum\"]heard there will be changes to the dismissal time. we are supposed to know on orientation day

Hi there,
school hours for 2012 are: 710am-115pm for Mon and Tues; 710am-145pm for Wed-Fri.

The school did away with the extra long day on Mondays for P1s.

Hope that helps

Thanks for the headsup.

Is 7:10 am assembly time? or is it reading time? or actual class start time?[/quote]I think it's assembly time; reading time is usually before assembly time.

usaik:

All these years, the school bus operator does have school buses which leave the school at 4pm to send the boys home. As most CCAs will start around 1.45pm and end between 3.15 to 3.45pm, most of the boys who take school buses can catch the 4pm bus home after CCAs. However, additional fee apply and is charged on a per trip basis.


Next year, however, as there is some adjustment to the school hours, I believe the buses will have to leave later due to the later dismissal time.

Oh, thank you for the information! The teacher i/c told me there isn't any bus service available so that's why I got worried.

bigfoot:

SSmama:

Hi there,

Are there any parents of P2 kids in badminton next year? I found out that it's twice a year in 2012 (one weekday and another on Sat) and there's no bus transport provided for the boys.

Thanks!

My DS is in badminton and P2 next year. Where did you learn about twice a week training next year? I may also have problem with transport if that is the case.

I emailed both the coach and the teacher-in-charge to ask because I needed to decide on DS's Berries timeslot for next year..that's how I found out.

I'm now wondering if it is possible for parents of P2 boys to suggest to the bus operator to have one service sending the boys home.

Hi there,

Are there any parents of P2 kids in badminton next year? I found out that it’s twice a year in 2012 (one weekday and another on Sat) and there’s no bus transport provided for the boys.

As husband and I are both working, we’re wondering how DS will make his way home. At P2 we don’t think it’s safe for him to make his way home alone and I have a newborn at home…

Does anyone know what’s the usual transport arrangement for P2 boys who have CCA?

Thanks!

24hr-mum:

heard there will be changes to the dismissal time. we are supposed to know on orientation day

Hi there,
school hours for 2012 are: 710am-115pm for Mon and Tues; 710am-145pm for Wed-Fri.

The school did away with the extra long day on Mondays for P1s.

Hope that helps

Namie:

For the P1 Parents


Do you know what are the topics that the children had covered till now? Fo Mathematics, we tried asking the teacher during the meet the teachers session in January. She avoided giving us a direct answer.

Frankly, I also don't how to go about preparing him for English tests/assessments.

For Maths take a look at the worksheets the boys sometimes take home as homework, or the file when it's taken home for you to sign.

I find English a little trickier. Can't quite tell by looking at the worksheets! Frankly I think besides grammar, it's quite difficult to help DS with the other aspects of English.

Hope that helps!