Cutie at 4 months

Ballot result

22 popular primary schools face the prospect of a ballot, after the latest registration stage closed. Phase 2B - the fourth of seven phases - is for children whose parents have volunteered in the schools, have links to churches or clans or are active community leaders. 

At Nan Chiau there was an over subscription for placements (80:61) and we had to go through balloting on 23 july. As Chris had to work whilst  mimi was away, we couldn't  be present to witness the balloting process. Surprisingly, the school was extremely swift with it's administration. The result reached us in the evening. And guess what? The kids have secured placement at Nan Chiau Primary School! Chris was exhilarated as his voluntary hours did not go to waste! Having heard the  result  natalie seemed pleased though  she didnt quite understand  why it has to be nan chiau primary or what's so fantastic about it. Well she will understand  when she grows up. I am worried that she may be overly stressed by the amount of work that's  expected from her. Well let's bridge it when the time comes. For now, we shall celebrate the victorious win!

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/primary-1-registration-5-things-to-know-about-the-popular-parent-volunteer

Nathanael is sick

Nathanael is down with fever! Am such a terrible  mummy  who didnt even  know that baby is not feeling well! Fortunately grandma was here  else we were so busy with the daily  chores  and routine with the rest of the kids that  i have forgotten  to think that he was down with fever when his body felt hot. Thought  it was the usual weather and humidity. . Or perhaps  it's just me who was constantly sweaty as though re-living confinement again.  And since mimi is away for 2 weeks we have no extra help to make that sanity check. These are the days where  one really appreciate the kindness and time provided by the grandparents! Rain or shine, Gong gong is here  every day both morning and after work to help  with the chores  and looking after the kids.  The third pair of hands are so important when it comes to bath time! Popo will always make a trip down whenever  i ask for help, not wanting to infringe  on our privacy  and robbing our real parenthood experience  where all things have to be hands on and rely on our own completion. 

Well yes the silly old me  who finally realised that nathanael  is sick did it again. His fever spiked at night and i woke up this morning at 130am holding on to a super hot baby. Told chris to wake me at 12 but he has forgotten.  Should have set my own alarm. Fortunately my milk supply is still pretty high. So with milk, fever seems to have started to subside. I blame myself for not being the attentive mummy  that i so wanted to be. Praying hard that the fever will go away tomorrow and baby will be just as happy in his cutie  elements!

Ps: despite the fever, nathanael  is never reserve about showing gratitude. He gave me such a wide smile when i changed and fed him just now. Thanking me for all the sleepless hours and efforts! Get well soon my baby and all will be better!!

P1 enrolment phase 2B

We have completed Natalie's enrolment today.  Was told that there were only 81 placements under this phase. We are the 58th applicant. Not sure if there is a need to ballot.  Hopefully the 1km will give us a better standing and avoid all the hassle of a heartbreak.

P1 registration

A NEW rule requiring children to live for at least 21/2 years at the addresses they used to apply for primary school has been introduced. Beginning this year, those who gain priority admission to schools based on distance need to live at the address for at least 30 months from the start of the Primary 1 registration exercise.

Those with a yet-to-be-completed property also have to live at the new address for as long, but this can start only from when they move in and not from the registration, subject to certain limits. If this condition is not met, MOE may transfer the child to another school. distance priority has always been given with the expectation that the family will live at the address declared for Primary 1 registration.

Besides proximity, priority is also given to parents with various relations with the school ie whether it's  alama mater status, sibling referrals, or clan or church relations. We have joined the Hokkien Huay Kuan because of this. Membership has to be at least  2 years in order  to meet the voluntary hours.. which amazingly is not stated. The witting organiser  conducts induction for the new members  and during induction it was shared and showcased to parents of the need to stay within a kilometre and the voluminous hours they contributed. Many have hit 100 hours  and gotten  into to thier top selection. There was a mum whose school that she targeted was so popular that despite the 200 hours put in she sold her place to ensure that she is within 1km from the school, investing millions into a property  to hopefully secure a placement.

Well we succumbed to the pressure and joined as a member in order  to get the kids into Nan Chiau Primary school ie the best ranked school in our area. However as only the hokkien member could contribute  to the voluntary  hours, me and my side of the family cant help. Chris tried his best and managed to squeeze  in 59.5hours... 40.5 hours short of the hundred average. He very worried about the outcome. When i called the school and told him that her name didnt make the list. He was pretty upset with  himself... but hey i tricked him. Her name was on the short list and he was even more relieved  upon receiving the confirmation  letter from the  clan. Knowing  that all that hard work has borne fruits!

So yes we will be able to register her for P1 on Monday 20 July and hopefully there is no need for balloting!

Milk

Bathing the bb

The children wanted to help in every chore involving the baby....including bathing.  Here they are wanting to wash and wipe Nathanael who looks super happy with the amount of attention given.