
From excellent bilingual education to a vibrant multicultural school environment, a mum shares with us how this school has made her children’s first year in Singapore a great one.
Relocation can be tough, and it can take a toll on children as well. Anne-Catherine Vaes knows this firsthand, as she and her family of three children moved from Japan back to Belgium, and then to Singapore within a short period of time. Though unhappy with the prospect of having to change schools again, her children settled into their new school in Singapore swiftly, and had a fab first year!
In this school review, Anne-Catherine shares with us how International French School (IFS) (Singapore) supported her family – especially her children – in their latest move to Singapore.
Hi Anne-Catherine, can you briefly tell us about your family’s situation prior to moving to Singapore?
My children – Alessia, Loucas, and Alix – have switched schools a few times as we moved back to Belgium from Japan within a short period. They panicked when we announced that we’re moving to Singapore, as we initially thought we’d settle in Belgium, and they didn’t want to go through different schools again.
Thankfully, we were able to visit the IFS campus before their first day of school. The teachers and staff showed us around, so my children could familiarise themselves before their big day, which was a huge relief for them. We were also lucky to meet another new family during the tour, whom we saw again on the first day of school. Seeing a familiar face really put my children at ease when attending their new school.
What led you to enrol your children in IFS?
There are so many excellent schools in Singapore, but IFS was the one that caught our attention immediately. As we’re a French-speaking family, it’s comforting to know that our children have the opportunity to continue their education in French in a reputable school.
What made IFS stand out for you?
The fact that the school has an excellent and award-winning bilingual programme. It’s an added value for me that my children can be educated in their mother tongue while studying in English at the same time.
Aside from that, having recently relocated from Belgium, it helps my children to be able to learn in a European-type environment, yet able to embrace the vibrant cultures that Singapore has to offer within the school too. For example, they watched a Chinese lion dance performance in the morning during the Chinese New Year period, and on the same day continued to learn classic French songs such as “Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille” by Jacques Dutronc during music class. That kind of experience is priceless!
What are your children’s favourite aspects of the school?
The teachers at IFS were aware of our situation from the beginning, and did their best to help my children settle in as quickly as possible. By December, my children have fully integrated into their new school and are enjoying it immensely.
They like the many unique learning opportunities IFS offers: like the Bintan field trip and one-night stay at Science Centre Singapore. Loucas enjoys playing football with the school team; and Alessia loves how well stocked the library is. In fact, I’m excited that they joined Model United Nations, which was also an extra-curricular activity I participated in as a child.
We as a family also love how the school co-exists with nature, like the primary school’s front porch that’s built around trees. Just the other day, my daughter and I were talking about how beautiful these trees were. She even climbed up one of them and jumped off giggling.
Are you happy with the level of communication you receive from IFS and how they engage parents?
Absolutely. Communication between teachers, students, and families is key, especially in a big school like IFS – and the school definitely got it right. We receive regular updates through the school and parent committees. I also enjoyed the monthly parents’ coffee moments, where I got to meet the principal and other parents during my children’s first few months here.
I love that parents are physically present at the school, and how the school administration is actively engaging them on a daily basis. This enables the school to go even further with all its projects and plans. Parents can voice out their concerns anytime and have these taken into account by the school.
Any tips for parents who are looking for a suitable school for their children?
Firstly, choose a school that respects your family’s values. Secondly, you may want to choose a school that offers your children the opportunity to get out of their comfort zones. In our family’s case, studying a second language (English) so intensely at IFS allows my children to push themselves and develop extra skills that are essential for their future.
Thanks for sharing with us, Anne-Catherine!
This post is in partnership with International French School (Singapore).