The Bielak family shares how they found the best of both worlds – academic and culture – for the kids in International French School (Singapore).
Just like every parent, Boris Bielak and Janice Chang want a school that is academically strong and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities for their kids. But they have another non-negotiable criteria: the school should also help their son and daughter to stay connected with their culture.
Read on as the Bielaks share how they found the right school for their kids in International French School (IFS) (Singapore).
Can you elaborate more on your school selection criteria, and how did you eventually decide on IFS?
Being a mixed family, French (Boris) and Taiwanese (Janice), it’s especially important for us to find a school community where our kids – Bojan and Aria – can stay connected to their culture and roots. IFS ticks this box as it offers a French-English bilingual programme, as well as a mother tongue class in Mandarin that our children can take after school.
We also like that the school is well established, has a well structured curriculum that follows the French national system, and has affordable fees.
How has IFS been for Bojan and Aria?
Bojan and Aria’s experience with IFS has been great, even before they officially started. We were given a warm welcome by the teachers as well as a school tour, which helped the kids settle into their new environment. As English is a new language for them, the school helpfully provided the kids with six and a half hours of weekly English language support to improve their language skills too.
They’ve been with IFS for two years now, and had the chance to participate in many extracurricular activities (ECAs). Bojan loves trying out different sports, whereas Aria enjoys gymnastics and arts and crafts. The school has excellent sports facilities, such as the two swimming pools and gymnastics apparatus.
IFS does fantastic field trips as well, both locally and abroad. Aria and her classmates had the chance to spend a night at Singapore Zoo while they were in Grade 2; while Bojan went on a week-long school trip to Bintan. The school also organises fun workshops, including a recent drama class led by French comedians.
What about your experience with the school in terms of communication and parent involvement?
It’s been great for us as well, as IFS keeps us updated on our children’s progress and school events. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved, such as the walkathon in December, school music concerts, fund-raising events, conferences, and the popular end-of-year school fair. It allows IFS families to connect with each other, which creates a strong sense of community.
Would you say that IFS has met your expectations?
It has actually exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re very happy with IFS’ focus on academics and ECAs, the fantastic facilities, and teachers who are committed to making our kids feel at home. The school has a truly nurturing environment where children can thrive academically and socially, while staying connected to their cultural roots.
Do you have any advice for parents who are still looking for a school?
Prioritise your child’s wellbeing by finding a school that makes them feel happy and comfortable. This will greatly enhance their learning and development. As a volunteer in the IFS’ humanitarian group and part of its parent committee, we can confidently say that this school gives parents a voice in their children’s education.
Thanks for sharing, Boris and Janice!
This post is in partnership with International French School (Singapore).
