Ever wonder what makes a school so special? Read on to find out why Shane and Susan Comiskey are big fans of the nurturing community ICS (Singapore) has established.
When it comes to choosing a school in Singapore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices out there. And even if you’ve done all the research, making that all-important final decision can be tough. As parents ourselves, we totally get it. That’s why we think it’s best to share the opinions of the people who know a school best – the parents of the students – to get the full and honest lowdown on the school you’re interested in. This time, we spoke to Shane and Susan Comiskey, parents of Anna, a third-grader at ICS (Singapore). They shared their opinions on the school and, most importantly, what they love about it.
Hi Shane and Susan! Tell us more about your daughter, Anna.
Our daughter Anna is nine years old and is in the third grade. She is a true delight! She’s bright, funny, articulate and compassionate.
What were the most important factors for you in selecting a school?
We were looking for a school that had a balanced approach to our child’s overall education, not just academic success. We were also looking for a school that provided a nurturing and safe community.
What was the ultimate deciding factor that convinced you to choose ICS (Singapore)?
We chose ICS (Singapore) because of its community feel and commitment to our daughter’s overall wellbeing. We felt it respected us as parents and was keen to involve us in the schooling experience, which appealed to us. On top of that, the two of us like the fact we are always welcome on campus and are invited to be a part of the school community. At the time when we were making our decision, we were under a lot of stress and the staff of the school’s admissions department were very kind and patient with us, which really helped.
Would you say ICS (Singapore) has lived up to your expectations?
Yes definitely, and we’ve had a few lovely surprises as well. For example, as a mum, I’ve made some really great friends through the various school activities.
What does Anna like most about the school?
Anna loves her teacher and enjoys all the extra celebrations and events the school runs. She’s always happy to go to school; it’s never a problem getting ready in the morning. She’s always keen to be there and be with her friends.
What advice would you give other parents trying to choose a school?
Take your time and visit the campuses. Consider your child’s personality and overall developmental needs; life is more than just a report card. Also, consider the school’s strengths and weaknesses. While there is no perfect school, we do believe you can find a good or even excellent fit for your child and all their educational needs.
What do you value most about the school?
We appreciate its value systems and how there is a strong emphasis on character development. This appeals greatly to us as a family. It’s a great school because we feel it genuinely cares about our daughter’s academic development.
Are you satisfied with the level of communication you receive from the school and how they engage parents?
Yes, most definitely. The school has excellent systems for communication through technology and one-to-ones. Parents are invited to participate at many levels and no question is too silly or off-limits. We both feel supported in our parenting!
What does ICS (Singapore) do in terms of building a community for parents?
They are several parent-led groups as well as all-school activities that parents are invited to be a part of. ICS (Singapore) is a very inclusive school and a welcoming, supportive bunch. In fact, we don’t have time to attend all the things we’d like to! There are a lot of opportunities for parents to get involved and be a part of the community.
How did the school make your child feel welcome?
Every morning, different staff members welcome the children as they arrive at school. My daughter really likes this and enjoys chatting with the various teachers. The auxiliary staff also seem to magically know everyone’s name and there is a real climate of respect and interest shown to the children individually.
Thank you, Shane and Susan!
This article is in partnership with ICS (Singapore).
