Having lived in three countries, the Maia Hamilko family is convinced that International Community School (Singapore) is the best school their children have ever attended. Read on to find out why.
To say that the Maia Hamilko family loves International Community School (Singapore) would be an understatement. Parents Laura Morelli Damigo Maia Hamilko and Vitor Maia Hamilko have lived in Italy, Dubai, and Singapore with their three kids. In the event that they have to move out of Singapore, Laura and Vitor said that they “wish ICS (Singapore) could go with us wherever we go”.
What is it that allows ICS (Singapore) to occupy such a special place in the Maia Hamilkos’ hearts? We speak to Laura and Vitor to learn more about their experience with the school.
Hi Laura and Vitor, can you tell us more about your kids who are attending ICS (Singapore)?
We have three kids attending ICS (Singapore): Suzana who’s in Grade 7, Pedro in Grade 5, and Sara in Grade 1.
What are some of the top criteria on your list when choosing a school for your children?
The most important points on our list are:
- Location, it would be best if the school is near Vitor’s workplace.
- Curriculum, we wanted a school that offers a well-rounded curriculum for our kids.
- A Christian school, as it’s important for us that our kids’ friends share similar beliefs.
ICS (Singapore) perfectly encompasses all of these. The school provides our kids with a holistic education following the American curriculum. It’s also a school that upholds and teaches Christian values, embodying the message of Jesus’ love for all.
You mentioned that your family has moved around quite a bit – how did the school make your children feel welcome?
ICS (Singapore) assigned buddies to them to help them throughout their first school year. This was especially helpful during the initial days at school. These buddies help our kids get familiar with their surroundings. Older students, who are also buddies, engage with new students in activities about once or twice a month. Our children really enjoyed their experience with ICS’ (Singapore) buddy system.
What do they like most about ICS (Singapore)?
Our kids love that they can easily make friends with children of similar beliefs, values, and interests to our family at ICS (Singapore). They also love the variety of classes and activities that are offered during and after school hours, like the school’s competitive sports. But most of all, they like that they now have the opportunity to learn about God and His word not just at church, but at school too.
Sounds lovely! How are your experiences, as parents, with ICS (Singapore) like?
We love the mothers’ prayer gatherings, bake sales, and family events like the school’s carnival and Family Fun Day. The ICS (Singapore) parent community is incredibly welcoming, and it embraces every family with open arms. It really is a place where everyone feels at home.
Amazing! We’re guessing the school has met all your expectations.
It has surpassed all our expectations! ICS (Singapore) has an amazing community. It provides our children with a nurturing learning environment, with small class sizes where they feel valued. The community is also strengthened by the school’s remarkable Parent-Teacher Fellowship and all its engaging community events. The teachers here are excellent, and always just one email away.
What do you value most about this school?
We value the exceptional community ICS (Singapore) offers. Our kids have the opportunity to learn about God, engage in prayer, and develop empathy towards others’ emotions and feelings. Having already lived in Italy, Dubai, Singapore, Dubai again, and now Singapore again, we can safely say that ICS (Singapore) is the best school our kids ever went to. We love this school, and love being involved in all its activities. If we ever move out of Singapore again, we wish the school could go with us wherever we go.
Thank you so much for your time, Laura and Vitor!
This post is in partnership with International Community School (Singapore).