Posted by
alannaj
18 yrs ago
I am sure this is a topic that is talked to death in many different forums. I have read a few threads and followed up on some leads. I really want to ask this question though as I am getting a huge headache about the whole thing! I have a son who has just turned three. We arrived in HK about 2 months ago with no idea about the schooling system, so hence no pre-applications for schools. I have been avoiding the whole thing as it is stressing me out, but sadly the 'head-in-the-sand' approach has not led to answers (no surprises). Have decided it is time for action.
We are living in Tsim Sha Tsui, so are looking for something Kowloon and possibly Central area. I also have a 1 year old daughter so ease of access is important! My son is extremely shy, and I am concerned that if he attends a school with a very low attendance by westerners that he will be even less likely to talk/interact in the class. He has very, very white blond hair and has a taken a dislike to the attention this gets him as a westerner here! I want to avoid having him stand-out at school as well if possible. Poor kid - but he has a good heart and I want to find him a school that will nurture his active, spirited side and love of rhythm and music.
Any suggestions on schools in the Kowloon/Central area with a reasonable number of western kids and affordable fees! I am about to place his name on the list for YMCA kindergarten as it is close to us and I think okay?! Have also looked at Woodlands Montessori, which seems good but starts at 8.30 so hard to get there in time from TST with a 1 year old in tow.
Would desperately LOVE some advice so I can stop worrying needlessly. Usually nothing bothers me, but this has my head in a spin.
Thanks
Alanna :)
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AISHK accepts children who have just turned four for reception classes although this doesn't help in the short term. My daughter goes there and so far I'm very very happy. But without sounding negative I think it highly unlikely that you will get your son into an international kindergarten for the 08-09 year as most kindergartens will have already had interviews and sent out offers. I'm in the same boat really. I have another daughter who is two and there's literally nowhere for her to go. She misses out this year by one month and will have to wait for September 09 to start anywhere which is not helpful as she will be starting in January the following year at AISHK. I've simply decided to take her to some YMCA classes or others activities once or twice a week to give her something to do. I'm going to just let her enjoy being at home. There's Learning Habitat in Olympic, Think INternational Kindergarten but I think you'll only get on the waiting lists at this stage.
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My headache is not going to go away is it?! Am doing the playgroup things as well but am finding it difficult to find groups that take kids over three and have an indoor-outdoor environment suitable for my son's energy level (USRC has been great!). I take my 1 year old daughter as well so need groups which cater for both ages.
I really hoped to get him in somewhere so he could get used to doing things without me as well (he was in daycare in Australia a couple of days/week but took a long time to settle there - don't want him to get too much out of the routine). Maybe I will just be one of the lucky Mum's who gets to spend an extra year with her son - even if it drives me to distraction at times :0
Thank you so much for your reply.
Alanna
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F100
18 yrs ago
There is a book that has information about schools in HK.
I can't remember the name but it is something like, "Guide to Schools in HK."
I've seen it at Bookgazine in the Prince's Building in Central.
I am sure Dymocks or PageOne has it as well and if they don't have it they should be able to order it for you.
You will find all the information you need such as:
curriculum, number of students, age of acceptance, interview process, etc.
Also, you should call the Education department of HK.
You can call 1081 (directory assistance and they will give you the number for Free).
Also, some Montessori schools have afternoon sessions if you find getting to school at 8:30am too much for you to handle.
The YWCA on Macdonnell Road in the mid-levels has lot of classes for toddlers. Also they have sessions and tips regarding adjusting to life in HK. There are many expats who are in the same boat as you. Comforting to know that you are not alone and there are others that have difficulties with the same issues.
PIPS at Parkview and Small World (Christian based) is very good as well. You might want to check them out.
Good luck. Try not to worry so much, everything will be ok. Just enjoy the kids.
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spurs
18 yrs ago
This is going to be inconvenient, but would no doubt be perfect for your son - In Sai Kung there's a kindy called "New Song", lots of western children, morning or afternoon class for 3 hours, kids up to 5. my daughter was there before she started at an international school and it is just lovely - learning through play, music and art. can't recomend it highly enough. there will probably be spaces available in the afternoon class (1-4pm). just something to think about.
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cd
18 yrs ago
If you want to keep your child at home instead of kindy then do it. Don't feel you have to send him just because every one else does. My son didn't start kindy until he was almost 4, and did a year there, that worked great for us. The USRC is great, I'm sure there are more groups around, there is one at the YMCA in TST. Maybe just stick to a couple of playgroups, and perhaps a couple of classes that he can take , e.g gym, soccer tots. Make the most of having his company. If you really want to send him to kindy, pick one that you like and is near, and put him on the waiting list, it doesn't matter if he only goes for a year instead of 2. And start thinking about primary schools now.
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what about Montessourri? There is a bunch of them around the island - Wanchai, Happy Valey? Most of the kids there are western and you can chose bio-lingual classes as well as just English - will cater for your daughter as well - some take babies from 12 months, but all take them from 18 months. Mine two are in Tai Tam one and I personally really like it (so do they i think).
There is also Tutor Time in Kowloon - not sure how easy for you to get to tho..
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in the playtimes magazine this month there was an additional mag called the schools book very detailed of all international schools & kindys in HK...
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This weekend at the Convention Centre is the Education Expo. There will be a lot of stalls there and you can ask around for more information. The Expo starts around 11 on Saturday and Sunday.
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We're very happy with Woodland. They have branches all over the Island.
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Totty
18 yrs ago
What about PIPS at Kowloon Station?
They have International and Local stream classes and also have playgroups for your younger one that run whilst the 'older' kids classes are on.
Lovely school with great facilities, resources and nurturing caring teachers.
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YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui is great. Just ask for Suzy (British lady) and just have a little chat with her about your concerns etc. At least you will get direct answers.
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think the YMCA International kindergarten will be exactly what you are looking for . there are a lot of "blondies" at the school
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Thanks for all your help. Started Will at City Kidz this week. Love the informal preschool structure there, although it is out of our way and proving quite tiring to get to! There's also a parent and toddler group in the same building that I can go to with Emily while Will is at school.
Still have his name on the YMCA waiting list - may switch in September if we get a spot and it won't be too disruptive for Will. Also checked out PIPS at Kowloon Station, but was very expensive.
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