SST Parents’ Engagement Session 2026

I received an invite via Parents Gateway on the Parents’ Engagement Session. It was held yday’s afternoon at 4pm in the school. SST loves to hold such sessions during the work hours. They must embrace and believe that their students’ parents have great work flexibility. Luckily I do. Hoho.

I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it. I had several meetings from 4pm to 6pm but 1 long one was moved at the last minute and I made my way to the school. It took about 30 mins to get to school and I was slightly late. On the way to the auditorium, I saw Zaky waving to me from class. 

The session had started and the principal was going on and on about duno what. I was busy on my phone for work. Then I took a call at 4.30pm and saw Zaky playing rugby with his friends in his school pants.

No wonder his school pants are always so dirty. This is a newly bought pair. His old pair was in an unimaginable dirty state. Nana wore her primary school uniform from P4 to P6. Her NH uniform lasted her all 4 years. Zaky has to buy new uniform almost every year since P3. Zzzz.

My call ended and I assumed the engagement session, but was drifting half the time. Zaky said that I should come 1 hour later. Chey, never tell me. I did see parents entering the auditorium at 5pm - they are the ones who got the memo. I took another call at 5pm. I obviously missed a lot of information. I think the most valuable information is that there would be a graduation ceremony in September and the students have a graduation tea (like a prom) on 12 November. I asked Zaky to start dieting and think about what to wear to look like an oppa. Hoho. 

The session at the auditorium finally ended and parents were invited to the kids’ class for another round of sharing. S**t, I have no idea which class Zaky is in. I do remembered that he was in 1-10 when he started SST. So I asked the girl holding the 4-10 tag if Zaky is in her class. Luckily I saw D, who is Zaky’s basketball team mate and I was told that Zaky is in 4-1. Oh! What is even more amusing is that D isn’t in the same class as him. I had thought that they are. Zaky said that it was only in Sec 1 and 2. Hohoho. I didn’t know which class Nana was in when we visited her at her graduation ceremony too. Lol. Obviously no favoritism here. Or we simply didn’t care. Oops.

The class sharing was about the kids’ discovery journey that took place during the school holidays (I think). 

Zaky didn’t do any sharing. He said that it was purely voluntary and he didn’t think why he should trouble himself. Zzzz. 

The parents were served snacks. 

One puff each but I got 2 bcos I gave mine to Zaky. The teacher saw and made him give me another one. Throughout the presentation, he was just eyeing my puffs greedily and ended up eating both and said that he was still hungry.

The session finally ended at about 6.15pm. Zaky has tuition at Bukit Timah at 7pm. The original plan was to have dinner together but there was simply no time. So I ended up somewhat “sending” him to tuition but headed home with the DT line instead. He tabaoed MacD to eat in class. Not bad, my teenager son was willing to hold my hand when walking on the streets! Even in front of his school mates!

Was the engagement session engaging? Hmmm… not exactly but I at least try to be a present parent. Hoho. I still duno how Zaky is doing in school. He does look like one of the naughty ones though. The clock is ticking down for O levels.

Mummy Lim

 

SST PTM

Zaky's school invited the parents to the school for PTM. It is again my turn bcos I have more flexibility. I took time off and headed to school with Zaky. 

The invitation on Parent Gateway said that it would be a student-led PTM. I have no idea what that means. 

We arrived just on time, for the last slot at 3.45pm. There was a short wait and we got to meet his teachers. So, the SST students were asked to do this goal setting and reflection thing. They were then required to share that with their parents. While waiting, I saw some of the other classes teachers were looking like so bored. Lol. I can imagine, they would have listened to about 20 students shared their reflection by that time. 

Zaky shared his goals and reflections. We all tried to look very interested. The teachers asked some questions to keep the session engaging. After the session, I asked Zaky how much of it is real and he said half. Lol. 

One thing for sure is that Zaky is enjoying SST, he stayed back often and put in his best for class and school events. Even his teachers noticed and affirmed him for that. Zaky is also very pleased to be in the basketball team. He got some opportunites to play in the NSG and their team has made it into the next round. Yay. 

Mummy Lim

Parents Engagement Session @ SST

It was on Monday morning, 8am to 10am. I contemplated skipping it but the parents' chat made it sounded like such a big deal. Of course I kiasu and attended the session. 

It was a late day for Zaky but he woke up early, so that we can go to school together. I have been to SST more times in the last few months than the 3 years Nana had been in NH. 

Zaky appeared to like his school as much as Nana's loyalty to NH. He voluntarily stayed back most days after school to work on the class decoration, something that I don't see him doing when he was in Primary school. I was told that he lacks initiative when his Primary School relinquished his Assistant Head Prefect duties. Oh yes, I am still bitter about it. 

Bcos Zaky spent so much time and effort on his class decoration, he excitedly talked about it and asked me to pay attention to this particular board. He said that he singlehandedly put it up, not the design portion, but he fixed it up as per the designer's instruction. He is hoping that his class would win.

The boards were indeed impressive. I peeped at the other classes' board and the others paled in comparison. 

This is the one put up by Zaky. Not bad.

The parents were seated by 8am and the form teachers gave a quick run through of what had happened in the last month, the class' aspiration, etc. We then moved to the auditorium to listen to the school management. 

Now, this part was boring. There wasn't much take back except for this timeline.

Even the questions from the parents were very similar and old. I think I almost fell asleep. The auditorium chair was comfortable, the aircon was nice. Hmmmm... The session overran. I left at 10am sharp. 

I was more interested in the CCA selection. The students went through 3 weeks of tryouts and Zaky kept telling me that he doesn't know what is the next step. Then the same afternoon, Zaky shared that he was shortlisted for basketball and the Singapore Youth Flying Club, with the latter being one of the most popular CCAs in SST and usually only shortlisted students are selected into the CCA. Robotics and media are equally popular. Hmm.. you can tell why these are popular in SST, right? 

What did he choose? Basketball of course. I had been strongly encouraging him, luring him with the idea that he needs the exercise to be tall, lean and strong. Hoho. Speaking of which, he lost weight, largely from skipping lunches. He said that he is not hungry. Losing weight is good but I think growing taller is better. Hoho. 

Nana is officially the shortest person in the Lim Family. Hoho.

Mummy Lim

SST Badge Day - This Is Our Call, We Rise Above All

Yday marked the end of Zaky's week long orientation. He came home exhausted on the 1st day and complained that he walked so much. Day 2 was better and he was able to demonstrate the cheer he learnt. On Thursday, he said that it was badge ceremony rehearsal day and it was so boring. Nevertheless, there were games and plenty of cheering and was losing his voice. 

It was fun. He likes SST. Yay!

So what is this Badge Ceremony? 

I figured out that it is the "school badge" presentation day. I do like their school motto. Parents were invited. 

I managed to make it out of the house at about 5pm. Then, I missed bus 185 again. I was barely at the bus stop, at about 5.15pm when Zaky called to ask where I was. He said that most of his classmates' parents had arrived. Wah, they early my fault wor. The invite stated 5.30pm. But I was late of course, arriving at about 6pm. I wasn't the latest. 

Zaky was anxiously waiting for my arrival. I felt so important. Then he nicely collected and served me dinner. We were served bento set in the classroom. While I rushed my dinner, he told me about the CCA fair in the afternoon and that he had indicated his interest for basketbal. He finally met J (Nana's skating mate). J is also the basketball captain. He also pointed out who are the ones whom he usually hung out with, including J (another J), who is also his group mate during the Round 2 selection. 

The parents were invited to the MPSH shortly (not that shortly but bcos I was late). I had to ask Zaky to help me with the bento dinner. The MPSH got aircon! It was such a hot day. 

The Badge Ceremony started with opening speeches. Then the teachers and students marched in class by class. 

Then funny pictures from the camp. It is either the photographer likes Zaky's class or there are too few classes, Zaky made it onto the big screen several times. That's my boy!

As suspected, the students went up the stage one by one to collect the school badge. Zzzz. The whole presentation took about 1 hour. No wonder Zaky complained about the rehearsal being boring. I felt him. Most of the parents were switched off and on their gadget, paying attention only when it was their kid's turn. I was like that and it was a long wait for Zaky, bcos he was in the last class. 

Fortunately the cohort is only about 200 people else 1 hour wouldn't be enough. Each class consists of about 5 to 8 girls out of about 20ish students, which I heard is an improvement already from previous years. 

I luckily brought my laptop and got some work done while waiting. 

Zaky's class received thunderous applause. Not that his class is that popular but we were all glad that the ceremony was over. Lol. The ceremony ended with the school anthem, which I thought was meaningful. I like. 

This is the badge that is so hard earned. 

Daddy Lim and Nana came to pick us up, showed us 2 pictures and asked us to find them. Escape Room ah? 

We found them and celebrated the night with ice cream at Sunset Way. It was my treat to Zaky for accomplishing the mission of making new friends and have recess/ lunch with his new friends. Wasn't too tough a mission apparently. 

I think we made the right choice with SST. While there is no principal talk to tell us how strong SST is academically like what I heard when Nana got into NH, the impressive orientation camp implied that they are "there". I think Zaky will have a lot of fun in SST and I hope that he enjoys SST as much as Nana with NH. Secondary school years are the best years in my opinion. I made friends who stayed with me to date. Can't ask for more from my secondary school years.

Mummy Lim

Zaky's Graduation Concert

I missed Zaky's Graduation Concert bcos I was in Geneva. I was afraid that the little boy would be disappointed and upset with me. He wasn't the most pleased of course but was happy that the rest of the family would be there to support him. He encouragingly told me that I can watch the DVD when I am back; the school records the concert every year.

I asked Daddy Lim to take pictures of the grand ceremony and send me the pictures/ videos. This was what I 1st received. The cheeky boy was in his performance suit. I was hoping that his teacher would style his hair a little.

Of all the pictures, this is my favorite. He was smiling so nicely; very rarely we can capture such nice shots of him.

At the end of the ceremony, he brought home a bear, just like jiejie did 2 years back.

Time passes so fast, Zaky goes to P1 next year. Just a while ago, he was just a baby.  Aiyo, so chubby!

Mummy Lim

Graduation Concert

We went to Lil Isaac’s graduation concert on Saturday. It was kind of rush and fortunately for the Halloween event, I was made to book Lil Shauna’s lesson way in the morning or we had been stuck. Popo helped sent Lil Isaac to school. Lil Shauna went for her ice skating lesson, which ended at 9am and we took a cab down. We ended up at the very last row but just in time for the concert. Anyway, this is already my 5th CNL graduation concert. The performances are captured on CD eventually. Our presence is to show our support to the little boy after all the hard work and a broken head. He fell when returning to class after practicing in the hall. Lol.

Lil Isaac appeared right at the opening of the concert! He was asked to present flowers to the VIP with a girl classmate. I was surprised and fumbled for my phone to take picture. We were too far away for my lousy phone to take a good picture. It was super funny that after the concert, Lil Isaac asked me why he had to give flowers to that auntie. Lol. The VIP is only an auntie in his eyes. At least he was smiling nicely during the flowers presentation.

We had to wait for a long time before he came back on stage. His 1st performance was for the Chinese Enrichment class. He was so cute shaking his backside on stage.

Not long after, it was his performance for the Music and Movement enrichment class. He was partner with this K2 girl and I saw him being dragged around at some point. Haha. I must remind him not to date or marry an older girl in the future. Lol.

The last performance was with his class. He looked super smart.

Lil Shauna saw a few of her ex-classmates too. They were all there, like her, to support their siblings. She took pictures with one of her favorite ex-classmates. And had plenty of hugs with her ex-teachers as well.

The little boy was so well dressed for the event that I had to ask him to post for a proper picture after the concert. Cheeky boy. Somebody must have taught him to tug at the suspender when taking pictures.

I asked him to keep his hands in his pocket and he ended up looking so cool. Aiyo, he just stole my heart. Lol. He looked so much like Daddy Lim, no wonder I am in love with his father. Hehe. 

Mummy Lim

No Improvements

Lil Isaac hasn't seemed to improve much pertaining to his unwillingness to go to school and the crying episodes when boarding the school bus as well as in school. Popo still complains that he cries on some day when it is time to go to school, depending on his mood. We had been firmed and I hope he gets the message that whether tantrum or not, school remains. Every day, I will ask Lil Shauna if didi cried in the school bus and in school. Lil Isaac will usually deny that he cried and when we ask him why he cried, he will either evade our question or simply tell us that he is scared. Unfortunately, he can’t really articulate what he is scared about. We would almost every day encourage him to be brave and not cry. On days that he didn't cry, we would tell him how brave he had been and asked him to remain brave. 

Last Sunday, he cried during phonics class as well but stopped shortly. I think he cried also bcos there was a new boy who cried and thus influenced him. I thought Lil Isaac is making improvements for phonics class and am quite hopeful that the crying will soon stop. Apparently, things aren’t as rosy as I thought.

This morning, Mrs Chong, the school principal called and I had a bad feeling. As expected, Mrs Chong called to talk about Lil Isaac. The issue of his persistent crying was brought to Mrs Chong’s attention. Mrs Chong said that she had intentionally observed Lil Isaac during one of the Chinese lessons and saw that Lil Isaac would be ok while the teacher is teaching. The children would usually sit together on the mat for the lesson. But Lil Isaac would start crying when the children are instructed to go back to their seat to do their work. This seems to be the reason why he cried and would happen not only during Chinese lesson. Mrs Chong seems to imply too that the teachers gave him leeway when he started crying and she put her foot down (during that particular Chinese lesson) that he wasn't going to get away with crying. She said that Lil Isaac was told to go back to his seat and to do his homework in that instance.

She called to check if we know the reason of his crying. I shared what I know, which is as good as nothing. Mrs Chong encouraged us to ask Lil Isaac and let her know if we could find out anything. At the same time, they would continue to observe him. 

Ms Chia, her ex-form teacher and probably one of his teachers now, called in the late afternoon to share her observations since school starts. She told me that Lil Isaac will exclaim that he doesn't want to do his work in school and will complain that he is tired when asked to do his school work such that the assistant teacher has to hold his hand to do the writing, which is not beneficial to him. At times, he could cry up to one hour in school! She asked me if Lil Isaac’s behavior has changed in the recent months and I couldn't really answer. He is alright in the evenings but I can’t speak for day time but I suspect that Popo gave him a lot of leeway. Seriously, outside of school, all the kids do is play or watch TV now. The only major change that has occurred recently is Daddy Lim going on night shift and the kids getting plenty of iPad time, which I wanted to cut down now that Daddy Lim is back. When I tried to revise his ABC with him or do phonics homework, there will always be a lot of coaxing required but that is not something new. It has always been the case. I am so worried now that I hear how bad the situation has been at school.

Daddy Lim and I would have some time alone with Lil Isaac this evening while jiejie goes for her drawing class. I thought this would be a good opportunity to shower him some undivided attention, tender loving care and probed him for answers on why he has been crying. It is also time to do more constructive play, more revision and less or no iPad time in the evening time. Of course, we need lots of prayer as well. By the way, the last visit to the PD on Lil Isaac’s development, we were told that Lil Isaac is meeting his developmental milestone less his pronunciation, which I don't think is a great concern. This is really a mystery.

Mummy Lim 

Adding on:
We brought Lil Isaac for ice cream and tried to ask him for the reason for his persistent crying. As expected, we couldn't put our finger down. At one moment, he said that he wanted mummy, then switched to say that he is scared of Ms Chia, then to wanting to stay at home to play. So we changed tactics and kept encouraging him to be brave, explained why he has to go to school to learn and assured him that we will be there for him at the end of everyday after school. We are not sure if it is going to help or whether it would at all. The holidays also mean away from school for a few days and that aren't going to help things. Lil Isaac also asked for the ipad the moment we settled down at home, which we firmly said no. Instead, he revised his ABCs after much coaxing and threats and we did some art and craft. I hope and pray that things will turn better.

Easter Performance

*Written on Monday

I took leave this morning to attend Lil Shauna and Lil Isaac’s Easter performance in school. This is the first time that Lil Issac is performing. I think I have attended almost all of Lil Shauna’s performance except for one. I will make it a point for Lil Isaac too. Lil Shauna is now old enough to understand what is going on and was telling us that she will be performing 3 songs. Lil Isaac was so funny when we asked him about the performance. He had this puzzled look and then told us that he would be singing “ni wa wa”. Muahahaha.. that is the Chinese song that they learnt at home from the DVD.

I took the school bus to school with the kids this morning. It was a combined session and the school bus was so crowded. It also took a longer than usual route and time to reach school. The bus turned and navigated the many small roads and turns to pick up the kids. Lil Shauna felt sick along the way. I almost too. Poor kids.

We arrived after 9am and the performance started shortly. Lil Shauna’s class performed a total of 3 items, just like what she said. Remembered that I mentioned that kids don’t look cute after they turned 5? Lil Shauna looks like a big girl on stage. However, I was surprised to see many petite kids too. Those still look cute. Haiz, we don’t have petite genes in our family. The nursery and pre-nursery kids are really cutesy little buttons. Most of them spaced out on stage but they are still cute. Lol.

Lil Isaac didn’t cry. He was the 1st to go on stage. Some of his classmates were crying so badly and didn’t get to perform. They sang “Absolutely Nothing”, a song that we also learnt in church. No wonder he had been singing this song randomly recently. Lil Issac sang a little, action here and there and then got distracted by the microphone stand and the wire on the floor. He must be complaining that the song is too long bcos this happened quite a few times. It was funny. At the end of their item, some of the kids tried to run off to their parents and were restrained, which led to more crying. Crying is contagious. The kids were led off to the hall and I heard a lot of crying thereafter when I went to the toilet. I was wondering if my tiger was one of them.

School ends shortly after the performances ended. Lil Isaac had red eyes and sniffing nose when I collected him. He did join in the crying. Lol. We decided to grab a cab home instead of the long bus ride. Then we had KFC bfast at JP before I handed them to Popo and headed back to office. My very first short encounter alone with the kids in a public place. I am so proud of myself. The kids were really great and didn’t bully me. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Orientation

Today is the pre-nursery orientation for Lil Isaac at CNL. From next year onwards, Lil Isaac will attend the same school as jiejie. Hehe. I am excited at the thought.

Lil Isaac was happy that he was going out with jiejie this morning. Jiejie was happy that mummy was sending her to school. So, we started off really fine. Upon reaching school, I asked jiejie to bring Lil Isaac to the holding area. However, right after they entered the holding area, jiejie went happily to join her friends and Lil Isaac was led away by a teacher. I was initially hopeful, thinking that my tiger is braver than his jiejie but I was wrong. Lil Isaac started crying shortly. He cried so pitifully but jiejie was too busy with her friends and couldnt be bothered to go comfort her brother. Even when she finally did, Lil Isaac didn't stop crying. Jiejie soon abandoned him again and went to join her friends. Lol.

Lil Isaac stared blankly when the teacher led the kids in song and music. Then he hugged his bag, as if he was waiting for the right opportunity to run away.

The kids were led to their class and Lil Isaac started bawling again when jiejie was led away. He yelled for jiejie as if jiejie was being kidnapped while jiejie happily walked away with her class.

Lil Isaac wasnt too happy to be in his class but cooperated when he was asked to wash his hands. He initially didnt want his snack, which was cream bread and ribena drink. I made him sit down and he went on to finish his bread and asked for a second serving when most of the classmates were still struggling with their bread. He even requested for a 3rd serving and I had to stop him. We often complained that Lil Issac eats so much yet he is so skinny but when I compared him to the rest of the class, he ios definitely not skinny. In fact, he is no where near to skinny and skinny cannot be used on him. Lol.

He joined the rest of the children on the floor mat for chinese story and songs thereafter. I was surprised that he actually sat through.

But that was all the attention that he had. He lost interest even when the teachers took out toys and dragged me out of the classroom and started exploring the outdoor playground.

No amount of coaxing could get him back to the class and I had to scope him and run to the 3rd floor for music when they were done with the toys playing and also Englisg story.

Lil Isaac participated in the music lesson. He was even alright when I disappeared for a few minsutes to retieve our bags from the classroom. He was fine with exploring on his own but kept a look out for me. The orientation ended after the music lesson and we took the school bus home with jiejie thereafter.

Lil Isaac looked so small in his seat in the bus. He still look so tiny, how could he be going to school in 2 months' time? I think I am suffering from separation anxiety. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Finally Decided

*Post written a few days ago.*

Lil Isaac went down to TP 653 on Wednesday. Popo called to say that our friend cried. He is racist. He didn’t even step into the classroom. So he is confirmed to start school at TP 661.

He went for almost 1.5hr of class on Wednesday was also in red and white. Popo said that he didn’t cry initially until somebody accidentally bumped into him. Aiyo.. we must have been over protective. Like that also cry. And he didn’t stop crying until snack time. Bleeehhhh..

Popo said that Lil Isaac spent most of his time walking around and not participating much. So unlike jiejie. He seemed to have enjoyed himself, which is the most important. Popo stayed in the class with him and will soon have to let go for him to learn independence.

Going to school must have been hard work. Lil Isaac was knocked out for the next 2 hours. He didn’t even stir even with nono’s barking. Hohoho. Next year, Lil Isaac will be going to jiejie’s school and will attend the afternoon session, which may mean that he willnot be able to have any nap. I don’t know how things will work out. Scary.

Mummy Lim

Playgroup

*Post written yday*

The plan is for Lil Isaac to join Jiejie at the Center of New Life next year. They will take the school bus together. Despite Lil Isaac being really young, he should be alright under Jiejie’s care. He is definitely more daring too and I think he will enjoy school.

Since Lil Isaac is “idling” at home, I thought that we enrolled him into a playgroup for what’s remaining of this year. We started our search 2 weeks ago. There is this one right at the next block with only 6 kids in the class and I thought it was too good to be true. Indeed it is. The teacher is an old Indian lady, who scared the hell out of Lil Isaac, without her having to do anything. Popo said that Lil Isaac couldn’t stop sobbing all the way home when they visited the school. We tried jiejie’s old school but there was no vacancy. We eventually found a slot at the playgroup that we first enrolled jiejie. However, jiejie was only there for a day before I carried her and stomped out of the class. The teachers were totally unprofessional, busied over paperwork and Lil Shauna started crying after she got bored playing the toys but mummy refused to bring her home. I was hoping that the teachers have changed. But sadly, no.

Somehow, we are more relaxed with Lil Isaac. This is the second kid syndrome? Poor Lil Isaac. I prefer to think that it is bcos he will only be there to “play” for a few months before he starts his pre-nursery next year. My guilty conscious is soothed. Hehe.

Popo brought Lil Isaac to school today. His bad mummy didn’t even take leave. I filled up all the necessary forms and wrote the cheque but Popo forgot to bring them to school today, which is our saving grace. Popo called to complain after the class. She didn’t leave but watched from outside the class, as she was worried that they wouldn't watch over Lil Isaac as closely as she would like, especially when there is snack time and Lil Isaac is allergic to nuts. Yes, we do prepare snacks for Lil Isaac. However, he is forever greedy and we are quite sure that he wouldn’t say no to whoever that offers him their snack even if they are nuts. Popo said that the Chinese main teacher spent more than 30 mins repairing the CD player. Gosh, I didn’t know that she has to double up as the handyman. The other Malay lady busied with paper work. Same situation, 2 years difference. The kids were left playing with toys, snacking and walking around.

Lil Isaac will only attend an hour's class for the 1st week. The Chinese teacher asked Popo if she was Ok to bring Lil Isaac home after 40 mins and he had done nothing much bcos the teachers were so busy. I wonder why any parents would place their kids there. Sigh.

So, we have planned to change Lil Isaac to a different school tomorrow. Yippee. A little further but under the same parent company as Jiejie’s ex-school. Popo has seen the school and is more certain of the teachers’ capability. Popo and Lil Isaac will visit the school again tomorrow. If all go well, Lil Isaac will start school on Wednesday. The only problem is that the school will start at 9am and he will be late everyday as it is near Centris and they have to travel from home. Jiejie is a drag every morning and needs to be coaxed before they can leave the house.

I will try to be nice to the old teacher. If Lil Isaac is good for the new school, I will call up the current one, apologize nicely and tell them that Lil Isaac isn’t ready for school, her school in particularly. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim