Uniform...

The boy was 'automatically confirmed' a place next year as a piece of good news #1 in a note he carried home from school last week. I sent them a note today, saying we will be withdrawing him from the school at the end of the year.

Received a long sms from the school director's wife / co-owner / administrator / teacher "Hello Carrie! Got your letter. Aiyo really withdraw because of uniform ah? K2 oredi don't let this affect his sch preparation lah..Actually all gd schs hve uniform right..Other than not implementing the uniform, anything else we do to help as far as the uniform is concerned? We'll do our best to ensure his devt n education nds are not compromised. Afterall, hve know (the big one) since way bck. Let us know how we can help. Tks!"

Actually, we have been toying with the idea for a while to move him to another school for next year. While it's a great place for younger kids, informal, the teachers are nice and it's housed in a semi-detached bungalow with an open play ground in the front, sand pit shaded by a huge mango tree at the side and a water play area in the backyard, we found out that many times this year, they had combined K1 & K2 classes together. Maybe it happens everywhere when teachers for those classes call in sick? Another thing, the layout for the K2 class - it doesn't have it's own room, just a partitioned section in the 'living room' located right after the main entrance. I know the boy will be interested in everything else that is going on rather than what is going on - not really conducive for learning me thinks. Friendly as she is, the school director's wife / co-owner / administrator / teacher is also their K2 English teacher. Her sms scares me even though I know she meant it to be informal.

Sent her an sms back "Hi there, thanks for the note. Appreciate your concern. The uniform is not even an issue. Really. It's just that logistically, we need to move him near my parent's place which is within walking distance. Easier for the folks looking after 3 small kids with different collection times. Hope you understand. Br, Carrie"