Any other new families joining CIS Toh Tuck in Jan 2010?

[queenie71]

We're moving to Singapore in January 2010 and the kids will be joining G1 and G2 at the Canadian International School at the Toh Tuck Campus.

Is anyone else new doing the same? Anyone's kids already go there?
At the moment we go to a school where the parents do a lot of the pick up and drop offs so there's a really nice school community. Have heard that a lot of kids take school bus and am concerned that won't get to meet the other parents and get to know the kids.

Would like to have some contacts before we land...

[Debbie007]

We just moved to Singapore in July 2009 and my 7 year old son goes to the Canadian School at Toh Tuck Campus. He absolutely loves it there and loves his teacher. It is a really fun school with lots of activities for the kids.
I was also concerned about him taking the bus to school but after tears on the first day, he can't wait to go. I do meet and talk to all the moms at the bus pick up and drop off point at our condo and 1 of them has turned out to be a great friend. You see the same moms everyday so you do get to know everyone.
If you're worried about not meeting other parents then just go to the coffee mornings and the get-togethers that the other parents organize.
You will also be at the school every once in a while for certain events so will meet parents there as well.

[movingtospore]

We just started at the school this month. I walk our daughter to school as we moved nearby. I would say most children come by bus, there aren't a ton of parents around.

I'm not over the moon about the school so far but I think it's just an adjustment phase - we were pretty spoiled with a very excellent, small school at home. Lots of people seem happy with the school though.

If you are coming to the school most days I'd be happy to meet up once you land here!

[Debbie007]

You don't sound very pleased with the school overall. I'm still not 100% sure since it's such a different way of teaching and I can't see any progress in my son but that may be a hard thing to judge within an IB program.
I do know one mom that just came from Canada with her 14 year old son who now goes to CIS and she says the school here is miles ahead of the schools in Canada. Apparently here it is very advanced.
What country are you coming from?
What do you not like about the school?

[movingtospore]

I'm from Canada as well. I wouldn't say I don't like the school, it's too early for that. It's just a big adjustment for our daughter and for us. She went to a small, private school at home. CIS is much larger, and seems pretty chaotic compared to her old school. But the curriculum seems very good, and yes, I would say they're ahead of most public schools in Canada. So I'm willing to give it time and see if she settles in to her new environment.

Good luck with your move --

[Debbie007]

Hi there, you mentioned getting together if I'm ever at the school. I will be at the school today for a PTA Committee meeting and if you're around can meet you at 3:10 just after picking up the kids. I will be at the playground area and my name is Debbie. I have blond hair and will be standing closest to the classrooms. Other than that if you send me a PM, I will give you my mobile number.

[itisme]

I am applying for my child at CIS, but he's only 3.5 years old. Does anyone have any children at the school and can they tell me how it is as I have not seen it yet. Is the school too big for a child this age? Any advice would be appreciated as we just found out we're moving there. I've been looking at a lot of the posts but no info on young kids.

I also was thinking of Tanglin Trust. Any advice on this school? I've heard the mommies are an interesting bunch and academically it's very strong. But not sure if it's too uppety.

Any comments pro/con would be appreciated.

[Debbie007]

Hi there, a lot of little kids go to CIS and all of the families are very happy with the school. Tanglin is known to also be a very good school but since my son does not go there can't help you although I think they have a long waiting list and it is mainly British. After living in England for 8 years and seeing the British system first-hand, that was the last place I wanted my son to go. That's just my opinion.
CIS is a very friendly, warm, fun school for little kiddies. It is based on the IB program and what that means to kids is fun, fun, fun. It is not a shiny new school but it does have a very nice feel to it and all the parents I have met have been eager to meet up and get together. No snotty, I'm better than you attitude exists at all!!!
I'm sure you child will be fine no matter what school they go to. They are all very good and all have pros and cons. I don't think CIS is as Academic as some other schools (Tanglin, UWC, American etc....).

[queenie71]

We're on the 5 week countdown until we leave Hong Kong.

Very excited to be coming over in January, nervous too and sad to be leaving our friends here.

Found a house near sixth avenue and hope to be able to signt he contract by end of the week. Really hope it doesn't fall through. it's only 10 mins to school!

Will definitely be doing school run until the kids are settled in and then will shift to school bus system. Hope to meet you in the playground!

[boandbob]

We are moving to SG from HK and my son will hopefully be starting G1 Toh Tuck at the beginning of Feb. We will be living in D9 Leonie Hill area and I would love to hear from anyone who would like to meet up for coffee when we arrive!