The School
My teenage girls have been in this school for three years now. Looking back, choosing a right secondary school was not easy for us. Both of my daughters attended different forms of primary school. My eldest daughter was from a regular public school, while my second daughter was in a private school. As a result, they are very different in character, thoughts, expression ways, habits, clothing styles and right down to their learning abilities.
Knowing their individual strengths and weaknesses, we realized we had to be careful in our selection for the best learning environment fitting them. This important decision would impact their lives, future studies and subsequently career choices.
The decision making process was complex when you have two different personalities here. We had to match their individual needs to the school. Like their learning proficiency ( what are they good at? ), their preferences in learning ( whether they learn well in a formal or not strict environment?), choices of extra-curriculum available ( all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl. ), their temperaments ( big classes can be a nightmare to some teens.). There were also worries and concerns about adaptation, learning, changes, ...exce-te-ra.
Among many considerations, our top priority was to find a school that has and practices a philosophy similar to our home philosophy and beliefs. The school must have good discipline policy, qualified teachers with high moral standing and a positive environment. The school cultural and environment must not be apart from our home beliefs and cultural. In short, I do not want to have dinner with colored haired, multi body tattooed; wearing obscene style and pierced face speaking teenagers! It is absolutely nightmare for me and being named “Ancient” is next to a stroke!
We began the tedious school hunt. Toured a few schools, heard some recommendations and took some advice. Waa-La! We are here!
Changes that cheered me had come my way within these few years, like seeing an introvert kid beginning to participate in public performances, sharing jokes at home, taking part in various activities and motivated to do well in her studies. A lazy girl seriously participating sports competitions, learning difficult Chinese and facing her weak subjects. Both girls had also learned to cook from the curriculum activities. My daughters often shared recipes with me after school. Not only had they learned life skills but more importantly the practical aspect of management. They are now capable to manage the house when I am away.
As a parent, raising teenagers is not a bed of roses. It is known that teen years are wildly unpredictable. We are constantly faced with potential and difficult problems when dealing with them. Often teenage problems encountered are school related, so it is important to stay on top of the situation before these problems arise. Choosing a right high school with the favorable learning environment is obviously important. Everything we do and decide teaches our kids something. It is up to us to decide what we want them to learn. Teaching our children no doubt started from home and undeniably furthered in school. A suitable education program with the right environment is a must in order for our teens to take the next successful step into their future development. My children have changed for the better today is not because they were born genius but rather has lots to do with the ways they were taught and guided in school.
I applaud and shout my sincere thanks to all the good teachers, mentors, motivators in school. Your tremendous effort, heart and soul commitment has made mountain of good difference to my children. Thank you.
I do not want perfect children because I will never have them. However, I do want good, happy, responsible children that love the family and appreciate the school. I am now happy to say I have them.
The End. From my kitchen table.
Knowing their individual strengths and weaknesses, we realized we had to be careful in our selection for the best learning environment fitting them. This important decision would impact their lives, future studies and subsequently career choices.
The decision making process was complex when you have two different personalities here. We had to match their individual needs to the school. Like their learning proficiency ( what are they good at? ), their preferences in learning ( whether they learn well in a formal or not strict environment?), choices of extra-curriculum available ( all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl. ), their temperaments ( big classes can be a nightmare to some teens.). There were also worries and concerns about adaptation, learning, changes, ...exce-te-ra.
Among many considerations, our top priority was to find a school that has and practices a philosophy similar to our home philosophy and beliefs. The school must have good discipline policy, qualified teachers with high moral standing and a positive environment. The school cultural and environment must not be apart from our home beliefs and cultural. In short, I do not want to have dinner with colored haired, multi body tattooed; wearing obscene style and pierced face speaking teenagers! It is absolutely nightmare for me and being named “Ancient” is next to a stroke!
We began the tedious school hunt. Toured a few schools, heard some recommendations and took some advice. Waa-La! We are here!
Changes that cheered me had come my way within these few years, like seeing an introvert kid beginning to participate in public performances, sharing jokes at home, taking part in various activities and motivated to do well in her studies. A lazy girl seriously participating sports competitions, learning difficult Chinese and facing her weak subjects. Both girls had also learned to cook from the curriculum activities. My daughters often shared recipes with me after school. Not only had they learned life skills but more importantly the practical aspect of management. They are now capable to manage the house when I am away.
As a parent, raising teenagers is not a bed of roses. It is known that teen years are wildly unpredictable. We are constantly faced with potential and difficult problems when dealing with them. Often teenage problems encountered are school related, so it is important to stay on top of the situation before these problems arise. Choosing a right high school with the favorable learning environment is obviously important. Everything we do and decide teaches our kids something. It is up to us to decide what we want them to learn. Teaching our children no doubt started from home and undeniably furthered in school. A suitable education program with the right environment is a must in order for our teens to take the next successful step into their future development. My children have changed for the better today is not because they were born genius but rather has lots to do with the ways they were taught and guided in school.
I applaud and shout my sincere thanks to all the good teachers, mentors, motivators in school. Your tremendous effort, heart and soul commitment has made mountain of good difference to my children. Thank you.
I do not want perfect children because I will never have them. However, I do want good, happy, responsible children that love the family and appreciate the school. I am now happy to say I have them.
The End. From my kitchen table.
