I received a brochure from a Kindergarten a few weeks back and in it, it mentioned about a new branch opening around our area. The place is about 5 mins drive away in a nearby neighborhood. Today, they have a ‘Open Day’ and if anyone sign up for their program will get a pair of uniform for Free which is worth RM25 (for Darrius’s size).
It was drizzling the whole morning, which I have intended to go at around 10am but have to change our plan. So we waited till after lunch but it was still drizzling… nevertheless, I decided we just go ahead since it was not pouring.
When we reached the roll of houses (all 3-storeys semi detached houses), we were shocked to see a few Kindergartens on the same roll! If I remember correctly, there were 4 altogether! This is the first time I see so many kindy in one roll…. basically next to each other!
The one we went was at the end of the road. It was just 2 houses away from the dead-end. They erected a tent and I could see they have been serving some refreshment for those who came to view the place. (I did not take any photos as there were so many people starring at us since we were among the last few that arrived).
We went in and immediately Darrius was stuck with the push car and refused to go. Have to bluff him so many times. The principle of another branch brought us tour around and introduce us to the place and explained to us the curriculum. I was not quite impressed with the way they speak in the first place. They told me they only conduct their classes in English but from the time I called up to inquire till I was there, I can see their grasp of the English language is not up to my standard. Most of them have the ‘Chinese accent’ which I hope Darrius will not learn from school… since his mommy already speaking ‘Singlish’ with him at home…
which is already a very bad influence.
I wanted to let Darrius try the 1/2 day session which is called ‘Study group - Nursery 1′ for 2-3 years old. Classes will commence from 8.30 to 12 noon. There will be reading, phonics, writing, art and crafts as well as ’sport’ which I am still wondering what can they do in that small compound (and we have to get Darrius a sport suit @ RM16). The fees is about RM200 and they follow all the school holidays… which means when it is school holidays or public holidays there will be no classes/lessons but we still have to pay in full. That means, if I send Darrius there, for November and December he will be at home with me! What’s the point????
Then I asked if there is any trial sessions and the principle told me - NO. Well, I can’t be risking my $$$ on the uniform and all the misc fees and what if Darrius has phobia being left by mommy and decided not to go to school??? What am I going to do with the uniforms?
It is a tough decision for us and we are still unsure if Darrius is ready…
.
p/s: PiggyBeng was not impressed at all and showed black face the entire session. And the principle that spoke to us colored/painted her eyes like kena punched liddat… so black and weird looking. And the principle of that branch… looked more like a cleaning auntie… no air of authority at all (her hand shake was not firm at all)… can you picture our concerns?