Heavy heart...

I finally went to get the registration form from the small school we selected for Joy. I walked into the compound, taking in the environment, and the safety aspect of the surrounding. I felt like a total stranger. The school is a Chinese school, and the labels for everything are in Chinese. I nervously scanned the labels and prayed that I won't have to ask anyone where is the office. Luckily, they did label with both language for some of the rooms. The office included. The clerks were not very welcoming, and I don't even get a smile. (A smile should be able to get this nervous mother more at ease to ask some of the questions I'd wanted to know about the school) It is an irony, since I worked in a school myself. Now I know how the parents must have felt when they had to come to their child's school for anything - especially if its due to disciplinary problems.

Since no one bothered to ask about me, I just helped myself and walked around the school. There's only one class for each level, and the classes are at the ground floor. The staff room and the office is on the first floor. Which is rather weird to me. Shouldn't they put the classes upstairs, to ensure that the children can't slip away so easily? But on second thoughts, perhaps they have their own reasons. Children are so naughty nowadays, they might climb the verandah, if they are on the first floor. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. It won't change anything.

The toilet is rather near the Primary One class. I didn't go in, but surveyed the surrounding. Being a small school, it means that the toilet is very near the gate too. and I noticed a hole in the fence above the drain next to the toilet. I hope I am not being to critical here, but children are so small, they might even squeeze themselves out of that hole. Sigh.... I hope my girl will not have the inclination to even go near the place.

There is a playground on the other side of the building. I think it's meant for the kindergarteners. There is a kindergarten in the school compound too. I got a glimpse of what seemed like the canteen at the back, but did not get near. The school cleaner was looking and observing where I was going from afar.

But I did spend some time reading the notice boards around the school. From what I gather, it's quite an active school.... they even had tuition during this coming school holiday?!! They must really be gearing up for the big exam for the Primary 6 students at the end of the year. Gosh! No wonder I heard that this school has a rather good performance. I certainly hope it will work out to Joy's advantage.

Anyway, these are just my thoughts for now. I still have another school to visit before we make the final decision. Wish me luck! or better still... Please pray for me!

By the way, I drove away, still wondering about the size of the classes..... and the staff... sigh.