The campus tour and their conversation with the preschool’s Principal and inclusivity teacher sealed the deal for David and Stella Chang, and promptly enrolled their daughter on the spot. The family has never looked back since then. Read their review of St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool.
“Sometimes, it’s easy to be swayed by things like the promise of academic excellence and beautiful school environments. But the most important thing is to choose a preschool that suits your child’s needs, not what you like,” parents David and Stella Chang said when they shared about their preschool-searching experience.
And that was what drove them to enrol their children – Lara and Luke – at St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool. In fact, they were so impressed with the preschool’s offerings and understanding teachers, they enrolled their children during the preschool’s open house and got Lara to start ASAP. We had a chat with David and Stella to find out more about their preschool search, and what they like most about SJI International Preschool.
What were the most important factors for you in choosing a preschool for Lara and Luke?
Besides proximity to home, we wanted a preschool that treats children with kindness and patience. This is especially important to us as Lara is a neurodivergent child. We also like a preschool that provides consistent routines, clear expectations, and a predictable learning environment that supports children’s development and is conducive for learning.
You shared that you decided to register for Lara to join SJI International Preschool during the open house event itself. What was it about the preschool that caught your eye?
We had the chance to speak to the preschool’s Principal and inclusion specialist, and were met with such kindness and understanding from them. The school environment is great as well, spacious with fresh air and plenty of natural light. We also like that there’s a good mix of teacher and child-led experiences, as well as outdoor play. This suits our children, especially Lara as she’s very athletic and likes to run and play.
How was the transition to their new preschool like for your children?
As it’s a new environment, some separation anxiety is inevitable. Which is why we really appreciate it when the children’s class teachers made the effort to reach out to us before their first day of school. They asked about the children’s likes and dislikes, home routines and habits, as well as their go-to coping strategies.
Lara’s teacher went the extra mile to really understand her needs and help her participate in class. Luke’s teachers were also very patient with him, comforting him daily to help him get over his initial separation anxiety.
That’s great! Your family has been with SJI International Preschool for a while now, what are your favourite things about it?
Lara loves outdoor play the most, as there’s plenty of space for her to run around and play with her friends. Luke’s favourite aspect is lunchtime, as he often tells us that he enjoys having school lunches with his best friends.
For us parents, we really like the pastoral care programme that SJI International Preschool offers. Not many preschools offer this, and we find that it really benefits the children. Our children learn about the many virtues through The Virtues Project, such as kindness and care. These are taught by the sisters and preschool teachers. They use examples from Bible stories, contemporary stories, and real life situations to help the children understand each virtue better.
Besides that, we appreciate that everyone in the school takes time to get to know the children. Whether it’s the Principal or the administrative staff, they take time to speak to the children and understand their needs. The Vice Principals and Grade Level Leads sign the students in every morning during drop-off, so there’s strong parent-teacher interaction as well.
You mentioned that the preschool has a great environment, can you tell us more about it?
Yes, the preschool has lots of outdoor space that is beautifully maintained, which makes it safe and fun for children to play and learn in. The children even take their meals outdoors! There’s also a aquaponics garden where the children get to actually grow their own vegetables. That’s where they learn about farm-to-table practices, which we really like.
How often does the preschool update you about your children’s progress?
We receive weekly updates, and the teachers are usually available for a quick catch up during pick-up or through the school’s app. On top of that, SJI International Preschool organises several events a year that involve parents, so we can actually be part of the class activities and witness the children’s learning.
Would you say that SJI International Preschool met your expectations?
It has more than lived up to our expectations. Both our children have grown and blossomed since joining the preschool. Lara has teachers who sought to understand her better and encouraged her to grow both socially and academically. Luke is met with nurturing care, forming strong bonds with his class teachers. SJI International Preschool really is a great school because of its Catholic values, emphasis on virtues, and strong academic curriculum.
Any advice to parents who are still looking for a preschool for their children?
Spend some time to really talk to the school’s Principals and teachers. Don’t just limit yourself to one school, speak to a few; so you get a better understanding of what each school prioritises. Understand your child’s personality, and choose a school that suits their needs.
Thanks for sharing, David and Stella!
This post is in partnership with St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool.
