Sunday, November 29, 2009

PTA - Didi Rhaines (PreN 1 )

Dear DD
PTA after only 1 month of preschool may seem too short a time for review.
Your teacher, Fan Laoshi, assured us that you are settling very well in class now.
From the initial stage of crying every morning to the acceptance stage, you took a mere 2 weeks. Something which surprises Mummy. Your KorKor and JieJie had both taken a full one month previously when they first started preschool.

Comments from Fan Laoshi
You understand and follow instructions perfectly.
You are able to get customised to the routine quickly and know when is the time to play and when to concentrate.
Even though you can't speak well now, you are trying to sing along with your teacher, and are able to follow the actions of songs.

You will be promoted to PreN 2 next year after 2 months in PreN 1. Your teachers for next year will be Zhou Laoshi (your JieJie's PreN 2 teacher) and another new english teacher.

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Lately Mummy has been hearing you utter new words, stringing some words to form sentences at home and trying to sing some songs with actions to me as well. Good job. :P

PTA - Nicolle (PreN 2 Year)

Dear NN

You have been in CM for 2 years already.

Here were some comments from Zhou Laoshi and Lu Laoshi (Ms Lee, your english teacher, was not available)...

On Concentration & Attentiveness
Able to concentrate very well during lessons. One of the few in class who are able to recite songs and poems after one or two rounds by teachers. Zhou Laoshi commented that you have very good memory and asked Mummy whether it had anything to do with "Tai Jiao" or Shichida. Of course Mummy prefer to think it is the latter. :P

On Communiciation Skills
You can communicate very well and get all your points across sharp and short. You are able to relate incidents to teachers accurately too. A perfect class spy??? :P

On Social Skills and Sharing
You are very good friends with mostly the boys in your class, especially Nigel. The two of you have been good friends since you started full day last year.
However, you are still not able to share things generously and had been throwing tantrums for the last few days just before the PTA.
You can get very emotional when your friends say things which you don't like to hear. Zhou Laoshi quoted one eg whereby Mabel told you to drink more water. You started to get all teary and even told her that Mabel scolded you.

Mummy and Papa are not worried about your academical aspect yet. Furthermore, the teachers have all commented that you are very bright and pick up things effortlessly. However, we would like to focus more on your behaviour problems. You have not been co-operative at home and has been throwing tantrums at the slightest issue for a while already. Lately this problem has also surfaced in school.
Mummy would have to seek regular updates from your teachers to monitor.

Your teachers for the coming year will be Ms Lee, Ms Adeline and Zhuang Laoshi. Hope Ms Adeline and Zhuang Laoshi will be able to work wonders with you, like how they have educated your KorKor in his 3 yrs in CM.

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy
btw, you even had comments from Fan Laoshi (Didi's tr). She observed that you are a very bright girl.

Last PTA in CM Presch - Ryan

Dear YY

This would be our last PTA at CM Preschool before you embark on your primary school journey soon.

Here were some comments from Ms Adeline...

On Your Behaviour in School
You tend to turn very wild while playing with your friends. Good thing is, you are usually able to settle down quickly when the teachers remind you of your behaviour. However at times, you show signs of anger via actions rather than words. This is something that Ms Adeline is still working on with you. She also advised Mummy to constantly remind you on this issue when you enter Primary School as your new teachers may not be able to address to all the needs and behaviours of the big group of 30 students in class. One consolation is that, going by your height and size, you will most probably be sitting in the first two rows in your new class, under the watchful eyes of your new teacher. :)

On Maths
Academically well advanced in Maths. She showed us some exercises you had done in school. You are able to divide 4-digit figures by some 2-digit figures with the help of montessori tools and understand the meaning of reminders in this aspect. She had already highlighted to us earlier that you had no problem with your multiplication and division up to tens at all, and understood and could solve the problem sums perfectly.

On English and Reading and Spelling
Your handwriting has improved alot over these few months and spelling skills are in progress too. Frankly, your spelling skills is still one of Mummy's main concern now. She is aware that you have been reading alot at home, and advises us to encourage you to continue with this good habit.
(Many a morning, Mummy will spot you quietly reading a book at a corner while waiting for the rest of the family to get ready for school/work. This is a good sign and Mummy hope this will continue into your schooling years)

On Art
Impatient is the word that Ms Adeline used on you. You tend to rush through your art pieces, so that you have more time for other activities. Really a stark contrast compared to your Papa, who love Arts. :(
However, Mummy must say that you have alot of fun exposure in Arts at CM. Those clay pieces and chinese brush paintings that you brought home since Nursery Year are all evidences of these.

Some comments from Zhuang Laoshi...

On Chinese
You are able to concentrate very well in class and pick up new words effortlessly. However there was one incident whereby you had your answers to a chinese worksheet wrong while the rest of your classmates were correct. Zhuang Laoshi mentioned that the errors came about because you were not concentrating that particular lesson. You were so upset about the whole thing. It was a lesson learnt for you as you began to realise the importance of not getting too complacent in studies.

Overall, your teachers mentioned that you can be considered academically top in your class. Hence Mummy and Papa are quite pleased in your academical aspect. You are also very good friends with the two boys, Ethan and Marcel, in your class too. (Maybe a few years down the road, you may have already forgotten how close your friendships were. But right now, you are still hugging Ethan and telling each other how much you love each other.... :P)

This year spells the end of your preschool education. Mummy hopes that your following schooling years will be just as fun. It is hard to believe that My Little Eldest Boy is growing up so fast......

You must say a BIG Thank you to Ms Adeline and Zhuang Laoshi who have been your teachers for the past 2 and 3 years respectively.

Thank You also to your little classmates who have gone through all the fun and joy in school with you. Come to think of it, some of the little kids were the ones you see the minute you open your eyes from every weekday afternoon naps. :P
Ethan, Marcel, Wenxin, Calista, Luyi, Cheran.

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

btw, Your Papa had that smirk look on his face when Ms Adeline expressed concern that we have just started bringing you for Maths enrichment at Numberlinks. Her comment was "Is it necessary for you?...."

Our 1st Live Xmas Tree - 2009

Dear YY n NN n DD
This would be our first xmas in our new house. Papa and Mummy decided to get a real live Xmas Tree from Ikea this year. This reason alone, of course, gave Mummy enough reason to shop from Disneystore Online for more Xmas Accessories this year. :P
You 3 really had fun setting up and decorating the Xmas Tree. However the rate it is shedding fir, Mummy really hope it won't become botak before Xmas comes......



Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Taekwondo for Ryan

Dear YY
Papa and Mummy started you on Taekwondo lessons at the nearby CC recently.
On one hand, we wanted you to have some sporting exposure other than the normal academic enrichments.
On the other hand, it pained us to see how the coach "rough handle" the new trainees.
Not that you were being abused physically during classes. But as Papa put it across, being "takan" in army terms.
Papa actually signed up for this course and had attended the first lesson with you. However his old injuries (or rather "newly founded" old injuries) in both wrist and leg prevented him from further participation.
We are in a dilemna now. While we would like to cultivate perservance in you, we feel that you are too young to be subjected to all these nonsensical treatment and be toughened up in this way.
Of course, you being the innocent you, when asked, just felt that the coach is strict, but also look forward to still continuing because you think Papa will be re-joining you soon.
We have until end of this course term to decide and take it from there.
Looks like Mummy has to start preparing mentally for your army days gradually.....

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Escape Theme Park

Dear YY n NN n DD
Papa, Er Shu, San Shu and Po Po brought you 3 to Escape Theme Park for some funtime.
YY, it shld be your 2nd or 3rd trip there, thanks to PoPo and Er Shu.
NN and DD, your first time there.
Mummy couldn't make it, but heard from Papa that you had tons of fun.
NN, Papa also commented that you are a super daring gal who dare to try out everything. :P



Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

YY goes to Pri School!


Dear YY

20th Nov 2009 - Orientation Day at your new primary school, RSS. It was hard to believe that our little boy is growing up so fast. You met your future form teacher, principal, and little classmates on that day.
All pupils were seated on one side of the school hall according to classes while anxious parents made their way to the other side. You little guys were matched out of the hall class by class and given a guided tour around the school. Many parents looked on anxiously for their kids as the little boys and girls followed their form teachers out.
Your Papa remained cool and calm throughout the whole process, and even assured Mummy that was nothing to worry about. But did you know he left the school hall in the midst of the principal's speech on the pretext of going to the washroom and went around checking for your whereabouts..... :P
You should be one of the smallest size kids in your class. Looks like you should be sitting in the front rows.
You were all excited when we picked you up. You reported that your favorite place is the school canteen. :)

Really hope you will enjoy your new school in another 5 weeks in time.

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Lilliput Golf - This time DD gets a club too!

Dear YY n NN n DD
It was another trip to Lilliput Golf, almost a year since your last visit.
YY, Papa and Mummy finally managed to bring you there again, a trip which was supposed to happen on your last birthday in September, but which didn't materialise as Papa had brought you there near to closing hours then. Papa told Mummy how disappointed you had been then.
DD, this time you were allocated your own club too! You had such great fun at the individual stations, together with your bro n sis.


Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Swimmy, Federick and INch by INch


From the performing company that brought you ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar & other Eric Carle Favourites’, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia returns with Leo Lionni’s exquisite collage of picture books! The three Caldecott Honor books, SWIMMY, FREDERICK & INCH BY INCH, are among Lionni’s most beloved works. Their images are strikingly beautiful, and their texts are whimsical yet wistful.

Swimmy is a tiny insignificant fish in the vast ocean who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a mouse who is a poet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, makes everyday life an artful experience. The story of Inch by Inch features a lovable inchworm who is very proud of his facility for measuring absolutely everything, including a robin’s tail, a flamingo’s necks, a toucan’s beak, a heron’s leg and a nightingale’s song.


Dear YY n NN n DD
Mummy's 1st attempt in bringing DD along for a play in theatre setting.
DD, you were quite unwilling to sit still and kept asking for Papa. It was an in-and-out-of-theatre tug of war with you for at least 20 minutes.
It was a good thing we went with Aunt Mich and Zavier as she helped to mind you 2 elder kids while Mummy brought DD out to look for Papa.
Not that you need any minding at all, YY. You were simply too engrossed , as usual.
NN, you didn't enjoy the show much, maybe bcos you were not familiar with the stories, and partly also bcos Mummy was not by your side the whole time.

Overall, quite an ill-prepared experience as Mummy has not exposed the 3 of you to Leo Lionni’s stories at all.



We went Funan for lunch after that, and you 3 had a much more fun time playing at the Wii Booth!. Of course this hi-tech gadget is still a NO NO in our family, until you 3 have learnt how to manage your time sensibly.
Mummy just hope that in time to come, you can appreciate what this means.....


Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

DD's First Trip to Nite Safari

Dear YY n NN n DD
Mummy had some complimentary tickets to the Singapore Night Safari which would be expiring end Nov this year. Hence Papa and Mummy decided to brave the slightly wet weather on a Friday night and bring the 3 of you before we forgot all about these tickets.
YY, you have been to the nite safari countless times and never fail to enjoy most of the trips, except for the first trip, when you were too young to appreciate the darkness all around you.
NN, this was your 2nd trip.
DD, your first trip to nite safari, and you had a enjoyable time watching the "Creatures of the Nite" Show. It was really up close and personal as we were seated at the front row of the slightly wet platform. You were so excited when the little otters came scramping on stage.
YY n NN, you had an equally good time.
We went for a tram ride around the night safari (and saw lots of animals close up!) before embarking on a short journey on foot on the Forest Giants Trial.
YY, you were game enough for another walk on a longer trial, but Papa and Mummy stopped you as it was getting late and the hilly path made it quite difficult to manoveur our stroller with our tired NN and DD on it.
It was home sweet home after that.
What a fun but tired night out with the animals!


Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Didi's 2nd Day in Presch - CM Trip to Zoo!

Dear DD
It's your 2nd day in preschool, and it's already excusion day to the Singapore Zoo for you! What a lucky boy! You must be thinking what a fun thing school is!
You joined your sister NN in PreN 2 for this trip, along with Mummy and Grandma, and the rest of your preschool mates.
First stop was to the auditorium (which is normally out of bounds to normal zoo visitors) where a zoo staff showed you little tots some of the tiny living animals. Rabbit, Turtle, Guinea Pig, Ferret and Hedgehog.
DD, you really had no fear in you at all. You were so eager to touch all the animals, including the prickly hedgehog!
Next stop was the Splash Safari Show where the two of you enjoyed your KFC lunch while we sat seated in front of the big swimmer (aka seals) and little swimmers (aka penguins) performers.
It was free and easy after that.
Mummy didn't dare to venture into the Rainforest Kidz World with you 2 in tow, and without Papa around, becos once you see the waterplay area, Mummy would have a hard time pulling you 2 away.
Hence we went to the lion and leopard exhibits nearby.

NN and DD, the 2 of you had a screaming match at the leopard exhibit.
NN, being the bigger and wiser sister, you tried to explain to DD that the leopard was behind the glass wall.
DD, you were simply too stubborn to listen and insisted that that was a CAT.
NN, your screaming had attracted one of your classmates, Inoch, who joined in as well.
It was two leopards v.s one cat when NN, you suddenly pushed DD.
Inoch followed suit and hit DD in the head.
Mummy was so shocked and stopped the 2 elder kids immediately.
NN, that was a really mean thing to do. You would have to learn to convince your DD in other ways instead of resorting to violence.

We followed the school bus back to school after that.
The 2 of you dozed off on the way back.







Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Didi's 1st Day in School

Dear DD
2nd November 2009 is the date of your first day in preschool (halfday). You breezed through the few hours easily with Mummy by your side. Ms Zarina commented that you were quite capable of following instructions from the teachers. There are only 4 kids in your PreN 1 class now, including yourself.
Hope the rest of the week will be a breeze to you too.



It was fun watching you carrying out the montessori tasks, though Mummy guess you still need some more time getting used to the mat and tray kinda style.




Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Ants on the Apple, A a a

Dear DD
Your mode of communication since young was through pointing and gestures. Mummy called it your "Yi Yang Zi" skills. Recently we started to hear you utter single words.
It was such a pleasant surprise hearing you sing the sounds of alphabets of the Ants on the Apple song. Timely too, as we are getting you ready for preschool.

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Nicolle's First Creative Movement Dance Lesson


Dear NN
You attended your first dance lesson organised by Dancepointe. You were all teary and refused to leave Mummy's side for almost the full duration of the lesson. You only warmed up towards the last 5 mins of the class.
Mummy is glad that the 1st lesson was a far cry from your behavior now. You look forward to dance every saturday now and always never fail to announce to Mummy that you don't cry anymore......
Well done, my ger!

Hugs & Kisses
Mummy

Countdown to the Big Move

Dear YY n NN n DD
We have shifted to our new premises in Sept 2009. Mummy and Daddy had compiled some memories of our last week in pgl 21, your first home since birth.

The Countdown



The New House



Hugs & Kisses
Mummy