The Craipeau family shared how they found the perfect school in Sir Manasseh Meyer International School: where every child isn't just a number, but a nurtured individual.
Having lived in Hong Kong for almost 10 years, Max and Deborah Craipeau’s daughters were understandably attached to their existing school. So when the family moved to Singapore in September 2021, Max and Deborah prioritised searching for a school with a similar environment as their girls’ previous one – caring, with strong values, and excellent academics.
Their search eventually led them to enrol their girls at Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS), where their eldest Hannah is in Grade 3; and their youngest Leah is in K2. We speak to them to find out why they chose SMMIS…
Hey Deborah and Max! Can you tell us more about your school-searching experience in Singapore?
We arrived in September 2021 from Hong Kong, where we had lived for almost a decade. We were very attached to the school our girls were going to: a caring family-like environment, with strong values and excellent academics. Thus, we were hoping to find a similar set up in Singapore. SMMIS was just the match for us – it offers a caring environment, positive teaching, and strong values. We also asked some parents who had enrolled their kids in SMMIS and heard only great feedback.
What curriculum does SMMIS offer, and how does it differ from your daughters’ school in Hong Kong?
SMMIS offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which is new to us. The girls’ previous school was following the IB curriculum, but as the IPC is also an enquiry-based curriculum the transition has been very smooth. Singapore Maths and British National Curriculum English are also followed. In the Secondary School, SMMIS continues with the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) and then offers iGCSEs.
How has the school lived up to your expectations so far?
The school has been great! Our kids settled easily from day one. All the staff at SMMIS – and especially our contact Ms Annette – welcomed us warmly. The structure is relatively small, and the staff are always caring for the needs of our children. Though we didn’t have the chance to visit the campus in person before enrolling the kids, we have not been disappointed with the facilities. The campus is amazing! Our girls love the campus, the lunch provided, and the library. We also really appreciate the Jewish values the school instils and how it celebrates and shares the diversity of all the faiths represented at the school.
Since you mentioned the campus, how have the facilities benefited your daughters?
The school has a 25m rooftop pool where the girls have a swimming class once a week which is a great way to improve their swimming level and confidence.
And does the school have a community for parents?
With the Covid-19 restrictions, we haven’t had the chance to meet many of the parent community yet, but we know that the Parent-Teacher Association is working on some future events which we are really looking forward to. Overall, communication between the school and parents is excellent.
Would you recommend SMMIS to other families who are looking for schools for their children?
Definitely! We would recommend the school to anyone who wishes their child to have a strong international education in a nurturing environment where fostering respect, values and tradition are important.
This post is in partnership with Sir Manasseh Meyer International School