First Day of School: An Open Letter 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome to the Tadika Seri Rhema! The first day of school is an exciting milestone in your child's life. Your child is embarking on a journey that will lead them on many roads of discovery and learning.

As wonderful as this new experience may be, it can also be quite stressful for the young child. New situations and change can, at times, be unsettling for all of us. For many children this may be their first experience of separation from parents or care givers at home. It is common for even the most outgoing child to be anxious the first day of school.

We have provided a few suggestions for assisting your child during this time. Remember the teacher will be available to provide support and assistance; making your child's first school days happy days.

• Prepare you child for the new school experience by explaining what to expect. Answer all questions directly and honestly.

• Convey a positive attitude. Young children are aware of your feelings.  Your enthusiasm will assure the child that school can be a fun and exciting place.

• Establish a routine involving both the night before a school day as well as morning preparation. Rituals and routines will add predictability and are comforting in unfamiliar situations.

• Bring something from home. This is acceptable and often reassuring in helping the child with the initial adjustment to school. This item may be a treasured blankie or even a photo from home.

• Clearly state to your child where you will be and when you will return. It may also be helpful to discuss what will happen when you are reunited.

• Maintain a clear good-bye routine. This may include warning the child you are leaving in 3 minutes, a kiss and hug, or a wave from the window. Once you tell your child you are leaving, it is important to follow through. Extending the good-bye with "Ok, just one more kiss, and then I really, really have to go.” tends to heighten anxiety rather than relieve it. Avoid sneaking out, this seems to encourage children to become less trusting and makes the second day of school even harder.

Again, please know we are here to help make the first day of school a happy transition and we look forward to an exciting and fun year.  Welcome!

School's Daily Learning Activities 2010

Video recorded for Graduation & Awards Ceremony 2010

Eagan Aristo 2010 : Testimony from Mdm Doreen Dominic Lansing (Mother)

A MOTHER’S TESTIMONIAL ON HER SON’S ACHIEVEMENT

Our son, Eagan, started attending SERI RHEMA at the age of 4. Being a hyperactive kid, we were worried that SERI RHEMA will have a hard time in making our son as the next Einstein.

Eagan was enrolled in a different kindergarten when he was about to turn 4 and we noticed from the beginning that he has no interest in learning but more to enjoying his play time with his friends. After spending many months at the previous kindergarten, he was still unable to write his own name which is unusual. We began to get really worried when one day, at a restaurant, a 3 year old kid was actually reading a nursery rhyme on her mummy’s lap! Called us KIASU but I knew there is something terribly wrong with the system… or whatever u called it!

Shortly before he was enrolled at SERI RHEMA, he still does not know how to read and write and I must admit, both me and my husband, Kevin were skeptical whether or not this new kindergarten are able to do miracles for a kid who doesn’t even bat an eyelid when scolded for misbehaving.

When Eagan first came to SERI RHEMA kindergarten I was pretty nervous. Letting him out of my sight to a total challenging new environment did not sit well. However I trusted that he was entering a great place. From the beginning, we received overwhelming support and encouragement from all teachers, which I think is a paramount for a performance freak mom as me. The teachers are dedicated a lot and are very approachable for advice and clarification. They do give me feedback on Eagan’s performance in class, which I really appreciate.

We saw tremendous achievement within a short period of time as he was able to recognize characters, read and write. We realized that Eagan is “word smart” child after sending him to SERI RHEMA. Recently we also noticed that he likes to read and write voluntarily, an improvement in “Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence”.

I can only describe the whole modules as it pertains to Eagan as a "total awakening experience" He is so much more aware of what is happening within him, in and around him. He is doing so well at the kindergarten and he is truly enjoying his classroom experience. We are also glad that he has more confidence in the way he expresses himself and is less shy when meeting new people.

Today, we are really proud of his achievement and through SERI RHEMA modules, we noticed that he has developed skills in other area too. I would like to thank all the teachers especially the Principal Mr. Cornelius Wong for their dedication and helpfulness. I strongly recommend SERI RHEMA especially to my friends and all parents out there simply because SERI RHEMA provide the best in both education and self esteem for their students.

On the whole, we have never regretted sending our son to SERI RHEMA. Both me and my husband are happy that we have made the right choice by putting our son in this school.

Thank you for your time, and thank you for investing in our child’s future by hiring teachers that really make a difference in his life.

Well Done Seri Rhema!

Doreen Dominic Lansing

November 11, 2010

Miss Lainey Lee 2010 : Testimony from Mrs Lee (mother)

SHARING EXPERIENCE OF SENDING MY CHILDREN TO TADIKA SERI RHEMA

I am Mrs. Lee and would like to take this opportunity to share some of my wonderful and good experience with you all regarding my children’s education in Tadika Seri Rhema.

My 3rd child (Lois Lee) graduated in 2008 and my youngest child (Lainey Lee) graduates this year (2010).  Both of them had an enjoyable and fruitful time here.

Personally, I find my children learned a lot here. They don’t only learn academically, but also improved a lot in their social skill and are able to communicate in other languages. I find these two children have better command in language and confidence to carry out activities.

I would like to thank all the dedicated teachers for their hard work, skill, commitment and responsibilities to guide and teach my children to read, write and count in 3 different languages. My appreciation also goes to the school principal, Mr Wong who manages and emphasises on safety and friendly environment for the children. I am very encouraged to see my two children being very happy and motivated, looking forward to go to this tadika everyday.

Allow me to end my sharing with these quotes to honour all the teachers who nourish my children.

TEACHERS have a special job--

they challenge you to grow,

Helping you to learn new skills

and facts you ought to know.

And when you need encouragement,

they’re sure to understand,

Never too busy to listen

or lend a guiding hand,

Knowing what you’ll need

To find success in all you do

Some teachers make a difference—

teachers just like you!

THANKS!

Mrs Lee

15 Otocber 2010