JenniferChan:

:?:

Hi all,

My eldest son is currently studying in VS Year 1 (IP). I've noticed his getting stressed up lately and even have started to grow white hair. During PTM around a month ago his form teacher told me that he seem to not have any friends in the school. I've asked him about it and he told me that due to the fact that it's a boy school and that his the only one from his Primary school that went to VS, most of the boys does not share the same interests with him. Therefore he feels that he does't fit in and 'have no friend'. Due to this, his teachers have misunderstood him and thought that he's unsocial, lazy, incapable etc. Basically, a 'bad student'. (I also have no idea why)(Not saying that VS teachers are bad) I've also noticed that his results are affected by this. I'm wondering if I should transfer him to another school (Preferably Mixed-school) like Anglican High. He said that he doesn't want to do anything and just deal with it as he's afraid that things will get worst. But I'm afraid that he will develop depression and/or anti-social behaviour later on. So what should I do or what should he do? Thank you very much.

Hi Jennifer, I've just sent you a PM.

Zhenx, I bet you already have a few good stories to share!


Rainbowie, I'm sure the boys can cook up a storm. :siam:

zhenx:

victorian:

[quote=\"zhenx\"]

Sound exciting! Can shed some light on what 'big' things they can do?
:idea:

Sure! Without spoiling the fun, the challenge is linked to the number of years since VS's establishment. If I remember correctly, it should be VS's 139th anniversary this year. Past project's include painting large wall murals around the school, collecting 139kg (it was 131kg when this was done in 2007) of toys for charity, moulding 1390 clay figurines, cooking and selling 1390 chicken wings for charity, planting 139 seeds in the shape of the letters \"VS\", creating a 139 min film, etc etc etc. What each class does depends on how 40 boys reach an agreement together.

Thanks victorian. This sounds really fun.
I shall wait in eager anticipation of what the boys can come out with. :boogie:[/quote]No prob Zhenx. Let us know what your DS comes up with when the time comes.

zhenx:

victorian:

Just to share: there will be a once-every-four-years event in 2015 called Victorian Challenge some time in the middle of the year, which is a 24-hour overnight challenge for each class to do something really big. Do look out for it!

Sound exciting! Can shed some light on what 'big' things they can do?
:idea:

Sure! Without spoiling the fun, the challenge is linked to the number of years since VS's establishment. If I remember correctly, it should be VS's 139th anniversary this year. Past project's include painting large wall murals around the school, collecting 139kg (it was 131kg when this was done in 2007) of toys for charity, moulding 1390 clay figurines, cooking and selling 1390 chicken wings for charity, planting 139 seeds in the shape of the letters \"VS\", creating a 139 min film, etc etc etc. What each class does depends on how 40 boys reach an agreement together.

Just to share: there will be a once-every-four-years event in 2015 called Victorian Challenge some time in the middle of the year, which is a 24-hour overnight challenge for each class to do something really big. Do look out for it!

Wearing the VS uniform or PE attire is the privilege of the current VS boys. I hope the significance is not trivialised by these posters.

Mom of 3 boys:

victorian:

Anyone knows if there was a live blog for the Sec 1 orientation camp this year? Thanks.

Was there one last year? My ds said the camp is in jan.....

Yes, there has been one every year for the last few years. This is the one from last year: http://infocommclub.vs.moe.edu.sg/edgecamp12/. Usually the camp takes place during the first few days of school, and they will post up photos, videos and comments during the camp. Perhaps there have been some changes this year.

Anyone knows if there was a live blog for the Sec 1 orientation camp this year? Thanks.

AnotherKiasu:

victorian:

[quote=\"AnotherKiasu\"] Any idea how rigorous/easy is NCC?

Hi AnotherKiasu, that's a good, kiasu question.

Well, I would say it is rigourous, though those who like the CCA say its rigourous nature made them more disciplined and more independent, and I'm sure they're right. It definitely helps one's NS preparation to some extent.

However, I also hear comments like having to 'waste' or 'give away' 6 years of their life (4 in NCC, 2 in NS), especially when most go through NS without the NCC experience, so on hindsight, they would have chosen a different CCA (something less similar).

Some others say NCC was more rigourous than their NS experience! For example, some practices like the way they sit, or the way they stand are relatively stricter to some extent. I've also heard (not sure if this is still practiced now) of occasional punishments like 'one push-up for every second that you're late'.

So rigourous, yes. But if you (or DS) likes the challenge, go for it. I think it toughens you up, no doubt.

Thanks for the details.
My DS is interested in NCC land, ofcourse without knowing the details of it. Probably, if I show your message to him, he may re-think.

Guess 99% of the people in KP forum are Kiasu. [/quote]No problem, if he likes it then go for it. Don't want to discourage him from doing what he likes. All the best with his choice, let us know.

stressedoutmummy:

victorian:

[quote=\"stressedoutmummy\"]Hi Victorian,


Do you know how are the students selected to be student leader/prefects? Must they have prior experience in primary schools to beconsidered for that?

Will there be a clash of timing for 3rd language and CCA? I would want my boy to go back to scouting again but I am afraid that there may clashes with the schedule.

Any parents whose child taking 3rd lang Arabic? Looking for kids to share cab.

Tks.

Hi stressedoutmummy,

I believe that students are selected as prefects based on peer and/or teacher nomination, and prior experience doesn't really help (or not at all). As for being a student leader, it is based on the leadership and initiative that one has shown in his CCA, and usually one person is chosen from each CCA at the end of sec 2. 'Prancing pony' may be able to advice you further on being a peer support leader.

Regarding the clash of timings, it depends on the choice of 3rd lang and CCA. Scouting is quite an intensive CCA, so there may be clashes, but your DS may still want to check this out with the scout CCA leaders during orientation. Usually academics take precedence over CCA activities, so he may be excused from some CCA activities, but this may cause him to lose opportunities in the CCA (for e.g. being chosen as a CCA leader). So it may be a good idea to confirm the schedules for next year and avoid potential clashes. Hope this helps.

Thanks, victorian. Must choose wisely then.[/quote]That is true. All the best with your decision!