~ Celebration of Success 2011 ~

Denver had a good academic year for 2011. He is Second position in class and we are happy for him. This year, there are more mini-tests and performance tasks for every subject, making it more challenging. Denver needs to be consistent with his studies and he managed to do better for Semester 2.

He will be progressing to Primary 3 next year and I hope Denver will continues to enjoy school. Another new subject - Science is on the list and Mommy is going to attempt to be your personal tutor for another year. Let's work hard for the New Year! :)

~ Denver has a blog too! ~

Just realized earlier today that Denver wrote his first blog post on his school page. (Could he be under the influence of Mommy - who is also a blogger? ^_^) He decided to write about his holiday trip to Genting Highlands. It is interesting to read and learn how he felt about the vacation from his point of view through his personal experience. Very different to how I would perceive it.

I am looking forward to reading more of his future blog posts. This could be another channel for me to discover and understand my boy a little more.

~ Denver - Dance and MontherTongue Performance ~

Outdated post: Denver had some performances in school a couple of months ago which I only find time to upload them today. :p

Our boy has been practising at home and the students and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort for the performances. Justin Bieber's song has been such a hit that the students sang along as they danced. At home, Denver and Gladys can also hum/sing a couple of his songs like "Baby" and "Never say Never". Time for me to catch up and get in sync with them in order to stay connected. :)

Dance Performance - 27 May 2011

Due to work matters, I didn't catch Denver's second performance but luckily Daddy was able to attend and gave him his support.

Mother Tongue (In Tune) - 12 July 2011

The audience had a good time and we are looking forward to seeing more performances. :)

~ Meet the Teacher Session with Denver ~

Last Wednesday, Hubby and I took some time off to meet Denver's teacher. We get to look at the various work the children did in class and also have a feel of how Denver's classroom looked like.

Denver showed me his first piece of composition "I am a Bubble" which is still pinned on the notice board outside his class. :) I really enjoyed looking at the various group work and art pieces the children put up together in class.

In terms of Denver's academic results, he got Band 1 for all his mini tests and tasks (expect for one Performance task at Band 2). As per his teacher's and my observation, the only problem Denver had was - Carelessness and probably lack of attention to details. Due to this, Denver did not managed to score as high as he could have been. Children tends to be careless at times, Mommy hopes Denver can try to work on being more attentive and improves his attitude towards learning this holiday.

Other than that, Denver's teacher did not have any issue with his personality development. Generally, he listens in class and gets along well with his peers. Denver's teacher even commented that he is slightly matured for his age. Term 2 has ended and it's the start of the school holidays. Happy June Holidays Children!

~ Drama Performances - Ploppy the Penguin ~

Hubby and I took some time off to see the Drama Performances put up by the Primary 2 students. Denver has been preparing with his classmates since a month ago and he is playing the role of Narrator 2 in the play - Ploppy the Penguin.

There are a lot of lines for Narrator 1 & 2 and Mommy has been practicing with Denver every weekend. Luckily our little boy has a pretty good memory and it didn't take him too long before he remembered all his lines.

In the past, Denver has been performing on stage in groups. This is the first time he will be standing before a crowd with so many solo lines in a play. That explains why he started to express his nervousness in the morning. We reassured him that he will do fine and he just needs to do his best which he did. :)

Denver does looked a bit stiff during the performance but I must say everyone did great! The students spoke through the microphone and it was loud and clear. There was good coordination, teamwork and everyone did their part. This definitely attributes to the time spent, hard work and effort every student and teacher has put in for the past month. Bravo! This has also been a good opportunitiy for Denver to display his courage and confidence on stage.

PS: Denver looked so smart in the black and white although he can't help scratching on stage. :)

Ploppy the Penguin - Peformed by students in 2 Charity and 2 Courage

Synopsis - An odd little penguin named Ploppy likes to do things his own way. He does not fit in but he does not seem to mind. He remains friendly and full of confidence. One day, hunters come to Ploppy's town to catch penguins. The whole village is terrified but little do they know that it is Ploppy who will come and save the day.

~ Back to School ~

School holidays are officially over and Denver will be back to school tomorrow while Gladys will start hers in another 2 days.

The children will be back to their once familiar environment, greeting their teachers and old/new friends, unlike last year where they were newbies when they just started out in Nursery and Primary 1. Books, uniform, wallet, water bottle, shoes are all ready and it's time to go back to our hectic schedule once again. Anticipating heavier traffic, rushing between schools, work, extra lessons, meetings and going through their homework.

With Chinese New Year only one month away, Mommy may only find time to blog on weekends moving forward. Have a happy school term 2011!

~ Primary 2 School Books ~

We went to Denver's school to purchase his Primary 2 books earlier this month. After comparing the pricing at Popular vs Pacific Bookstore, there isn't any major difference in savings. Moreover, our total books & stationary purchase is less than $100. (Thanks to the second-hand textbooks that were passed down by friends and relatives.) Hence, we decided to get all the items from school.

Instead of going on the destinated day for P2 books purchase, we picked a later date in the week since Hubby & I got to work. When we arrived at around 9am, we were first in queue. :) Within 15mins, we completed all our purchase and it has been so much faster and hassle-free.

The current ergonomic backpack which we bought for Denver last year is still in a pretty good shape and hopefully it can last for another term or 2. I would consider that value for money already. :) Still, we bought a same design school bag as a backup (just in case).

I have also labelled and wrapped most of the textbooks and activity books. This time it took me half the time to complete it as I re-used all the old name labels and most of the old plastic sheet wrappers that were used for Denver's P1 books (since the books are almost the same in size).

Generally, I do not like to spend the money to buy the ready-made books cover as it is not economical plus I prefer to wrap them using the plastic sheets which is more lasting. I often find the edge or sides of the book covers torn after some time but plastic sheets don't seems to have that problem. The fact that Denver has always been untidy and rough with handling his books, I'm still able to re-use the plastic sheets covers for his P2 books proved my point. ^_^

Most parents may write the names directly on the textbooks of activity books but I have that weird habit of printing the name out, cutting and pasting it on the books. The bad thing is it is a waste of time and resources, but I find it neater and easier to read. Since I am using the scotch-tape to paste over the label, I was able to remove the label easily from his old books and paste it on his new books. With the reused labels and wrappers, the books still look as good as new.

We are almost ready for a new school term next year. :)

~ Celebration of Success 2010 ~

Denver received his award ($5 Popular gift voucher) from school on Monday. It is a pity that parents were not invited to attend the award ceremony. It would be really nice to see your child receiving the award on stage. :)

I believe the top 5 position in class will receive the award and this serves as a recognition and encouragement to the students who have put in their hard work.

Denver also got a letter from school that he will be joining the 1st class for his Chinese lesson. Hmmmm.. this is not a subject that he likes particularly and hopefully he will continues to enjoy learning in Primary 2. Well done Denver!

~ A Pleasant Surprise - 1st in class! ~

I couldn't believe my ears when Denver called me this afternoon that he got 1st in class! Just yesterday, he told me he didn't get any awards and now he is telling me otherwise. I finally got the confirmation through Denver's form teacher and seeing the letter is so encouraging and unbelievable. Denver went through his oral examinations alone as we were suffering from Conjunctivitis. Then, he was suffering from a stiff neck the day before his Maths examinations and had to go through the final paper with a tilted, strained neck. Credits goes to him for his hard work.

The only problem now is whether we can rush him to receive his award on Monday because we have to catch the ferry to Batam! The timing is very tight and we hope everything will goes on smoothly. It is definitely a great achievement for Denver and we are so PROUD of him!

~ Denver's P1 Results ~

Exams are over we are one week away from school holidays! Denver got his report book back earlier this week and he showed improvements compared to his mid-year results. :) Surprisingly, he got his best overall mark in Chinese (which is a subject that he don't like the most). English examinations on the other hand are getting tougher where students are also being tested on Composition at Primary 1 level.

Apart from the good grades, I'm glad to see his teacher's encouraging comments on his conduct as well. Hence, there is no parent-teacher meeting session for Denver. This is how the school works, not all parents are required to meet the teachers if their child behavioural and academic results are satisfactory.

On the other hand, I must admit Hubby and I were a little sad that Denver didn't manage to get any award for the prizing ceremony which will be held next friday. We were hoping if there is a chance to see him go on stage and take some photos. :p Nevertheless, I am proud of the results and I believe the better 'reward' for Denver is to enjoy our upcoming short getaway to Batam next week! :) Counting down to HOLIDAYS!

~ Final Year Examinations Preparation Week ~

After being sickly for a month, it's time to get BUSY. Apart from being busy at work, I'm also tied up with coaching Denver with his studies and looking through his homework. Last Tuesday to Friday was PSLE marking days and Denver got tons of worksheets from school in preparation for his final year examination which is starting next Monday to 1st November. (Listening Comprehension, Composition, Spelling, Maths, Chinese etc). I got to take almost 2 hours every night (after work) to go through all his work. TIRED!

Denver recently finished his Oral examination too without much preparation or help from Mommy since he was staying with my inlaws when we were all being quarantined at home. He self-studied and I think he was happy without Mommy nagging at him. Hahaha

It is revision week and only 1 more week to go before we are FREE! Denver and Mommy can't wait for the exams to be over and welcome the HOLIDAYS!

~ Primary 1 Poetry Recitation - The Little Blue Engine ~

As part of the school's English Language approach to promote oral literacy, Denver has attended a poetry recitation program during curriculum time. The main objectives is to build up the students' confidence and their oral skills.

Just recently, we attended the Poetry Recitation performance put up by the Primary 1 students. Every student will have the opportunity to go on stage and perform. They are in their costume and make-up and you can see the teachers and students put in so much effort. Many parents also took the time off to give their children support.

Denver practising on the night before his poetry recitation performance.

The actual performance by his class - 1 Courage

Denver says he was abit nervous on stage and I can see that as he looked more stiff compared to his practices at home. Even so, all of them did so well. :)

~ Denver's Report Book ~

Denver got his Report book from school today. This is his first assessment report (both academic and personality) from Primary school. Seems like yesterday that he just gone through his orientation and almost half a year has passed since.

In the past, my parents will always judge how well I fare based on my grades, my positioning in class as well as overall positioning in the whole school. Apart from "What is your score?" the next question will always be "You number what in class har?", "Your good friend what position?" I guess this puts on a fair bit of pressure on the children and hence positioning ratings has been removed to avoid too much comparison among peers.

In replacement of positioning, the Maximum, Minimum and Mean Mark was indicated on the report book for the entire Primary 1 level. This gives the parents an estimated guideline to see where the child stands avoiding direct comparison and competition. For SA1, the Maximum Mark was 96.5, 98 and 99.5 for English, Mathematics and Chinese respectively. I was surprised that the max Chinese score was so high compared to the other subjects. (Learning Chinese isn't so bad afterall ^_^) Anyway, Denver did well but Hubby was a little disappointed and hoping he can score better in his Mathematics. :p

I'm still happy with Denver's performance. ^_^ He received good comments from his teacher and I hope he continues to enjoy learning in school.

~ Denver's E-Learning Day with Mummy ~

It's E-Learning Day as Denver's Primary school has allocated today to process the SA1 results. So all pupils are required to stay at home to complete their E-Learning assignments online. Nowadays learning has utilized the internet space and computer seems to be a "MUST HAVE" device at home.
The allocated time for P1-P2 is from 8am-1030am. Denver woke up and spend some time doing all his assignements. It took him about 1.5 hour and he went from sitting to squatting on his chair - Simply cannot sit still ah.

For the rest of the day, Denver is restless... Mommy needs to work at home and has minimal time to keep him company. He watched cartoons, played PSP, PS3, computer games and still feels bored. I guess doing all these things alone isn't fun at all.

During lunch hours, I took Denver to Compass point for lunch and borrowed some books from the library. He managed to spend some time reading his books but got bored again very soon. Denver has been nagging and waiting for me the entire day... I feel so frastrated when he disturbs me while I was busy but at the same time feels bad that I could not keep him company. After work, I took Denver down to the playground for some play time and he gets to run, climb and play with the slides for awhile.

Denver is very excited about going to the chalet tomorrow. He has been looking forward and counting down the number of days to Friday since early this week. :p During the day, I asked him to write down a list of items that he wanted to bring. He got so excited that went to write down all the stuff he wishes to pack along. Animal Kaizers cards, Yugi-oh cards, torch lights, clothing, toothpaste, toothbrush, monopoly, laptop etc..... Daddy and Mummy has to filter his 'wish list' first. Even Gladys follow her gor gor and says she wanted to bring her cards and sparklers. Hahaha.. :p

It's only a 3 days 2 nights stay and we already has 1 luggage, 1 bag and more to add on! Food, snacks, drinks ....... Praying hard that the weather will be good for the next few days! More fun logs will be posted on our travel blog. ^_^

~ A sweet email from Denver's teacher ~

There will be a "Meet the Parents" session next Saturday to share and review the students' performance. Unfortunately, we will be at the chalet and unable to meet Denver's Form teacher and MT teacher. I wrote an email to enquire what we should take note for Denver and I was pleasantly surprise to receive this.... ^_^
That really brightens my day. I even forwarded the email to Hubby immediately. :) Denver got his papers back and he did pretty well for his mid-year examinations too, scoring over 90 marks for all his subjects. Double the happiness! :D I am really glad and told Denver what Mrs Thaifur has complimented in her email. ^_^

Great Job Denver! Daddy and Mummy feel so PROUD of you! Keep up the good work!

~ Mid-Year Examination Timetable is Out! ~

Denver came home earlier today telling me that he has a very important note for me to sign from school. Yup! It is his Mid-Year Examination timetable schedule together with the topics that are going to be covered.

SA1 Examination Timetable
19th - 21st April : English and Chinese Oral.
4th May : Listening Comprehension and Spelling (English)
5th May : Listening Comprehension (Chinese)
7th May : English Language
10th May : Chinese Language
11th May : Mathematics

Wow.. seems like a very tight schedule to me and it will be 30% to his final examination score.

April is definitely going to be a very busy month going forward and it didn't help much either with Hubby going away on his Business trip tomorrow. Hopefully I can keep my sanity and manages everything in order.

~ Denver's Primary 1 Class Photo ~

Denver got his Primary 1 Class Photos today! One standard pose and one Fun pose! It seems like a tradition that there will be a class photo every year. From Nursery to Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2 and throughout each year in Primary, Secondary and Junior Colleage. I don't recall I have that every year during my time. (only got my graduation class photo for Pri 6 and Sec 4.)

Each photo cost a few dollars (about $3-$5) depending on the size. It's not cheap but then again, it will be a good safe keep and memory for Denver throughout his schooling years. ^_^ In addition, Mommy gets to know who are his friends in class and can link a picture to the names he usually mention.

~ Denver coping well in school ~

Term 1 almost ending and Denver has been doing well in school so far. He just received a class leader badge which he'll need to pin onto his uniform daily. Another piece of good news which he eagerly called and shared with me this afternoon was he scored full marks for his Chinese test. He was so delighted over the phone and says he is calling Daddy too. :) So far he got full points for his Maths & Chinese assessment and I'm glad he is coping ok... but most importantly enjoying school.

March School holidays are coming soon and the children can't wait to have FUN and a short break. :) Hubby and I have not make any plans yet on how/where to keep them entertained. Coincidentally, Denver came home happily and excited from his Chinese Tuition class yesterday evening. Apparently his Chinese Tuition teacher, Ms Ho will be leading a 1 day Educational Fun Tour (organised by Punggol Palmview RC). Denver says he wants to go and so all of us will be joining in too. :)

1 Day Educational Fun Tour (一日教学欢乐游）
Time: 930am to 430pm
Program includes:
HortPark (checking out the various attractions at the Park)
Picnic @ Hortpark (Some light refreshments will be provided) - To bring own picnic food as well.
Asian Civilisation Museum
The Peranakan Museum

Non-Member Fees (Children-$4, Adult-$6)

Although we have been to the HortPark before, we never try having picnic together. In addition, it will be a good learning experience and the children first visit to the Museums. ^_^

~ Student Leaders' Investiture Ceremony 2010 ~

Hubby & I specially took some time off to go to Denver's school to see him receiving his first certificate in SK Primary. (Certificate of Appointment as Class Leader). ^_^

We arrived on time and seated down in the School Hall waiting for the ceremony to begin. There are many parents like me who are just as excited and proud to see their children. :) Almost all had their cameras, mobile phone, video cam ready to take photos or videos.

Denver together with the rest of the Class leaders from P1 to P3 was already seated down. I'm sure he is happy that Daddy & Mommy came to give him support!

After a couple of heart warming opening speeches, the class leaders are lined up starting from P1 to receive their certificate. Denver is in the 4th class starting from Faith, Hope, Joy then Courage.

I'm so PROUD to see him on stage getting his certificate of appointment from the school's principal even for that very short moment of time.

After the Class Leaders received their certificates, it was the Prefects' turn (From P3) to receive theirs. Here we see the Prefects' Executive Committee members and the Head Prefect from P6 Faith class. It was a simple but formal ceremony and I truly hope Denver will understand the meaning behind and be a good leader and role model for his fellow classmates. :)

~ Primary 1 Class Leader ~

Today we received a letter from school that there will be a Student Leader's Investiture ceremony next Monday for Denver's role as a class leader. (Denver was appointed as his Class Monitor mid last month - http://phoebelau.blogspot.com/2010/01/monitor.html). According to him, seems like the Monitor and Monitress of each class will get the certificate. How interesting. :p I don't recall we have that kind of formal ceremony during my time. Hubby & I will be taking some time off to see Denver getting his first certifcate in the School Hall! ^_^