Victoria Kindergartens???

[HKfornow]

Hi HKfornow,

I'm considering enrolling my 19 month old in a playgroup, but I can't decide between Victoria and Woodlands in Pokfulam. Did your son join the playgroup before K1? if so, can you share with me the experience. Also, can you give me an idea of what it's like at the interview for k1? thanks so much.

nervous mom

bbky, my son joined the Woodlands Panda playgroup in Chi-Fu prior to Victoria, as Victoria does not accept kids until they are 2 years old. My son is currently in PN, will graduate to K-1 in August.

To tell you the truth, I was sure that my son flunked the interview in Victoria, as he totally ignored the teachers/interviewers, and did his own thing. However, I have heard before that some schools seem to give bonus points for parents who are stay at home moms???? Don't know how much credence to give that particular rumor.

I highly recommend Victoria (please read between the lines). If you would like additional info, please PM me.

 

[Noel108]

bbky, I think instead of thinking playgroup, may be applied Pre-Nursey is another good choice. For me, my girl didnt attend any playgroup at all, and during the interview , most of the kid just like the same , didnt really know the teacher asking what they do. But I'm sure that they all expected as normal. Of course, one point need to pay attention is the kid's character. Like me, my girl, is super-active,like to play, full of curosity, no problem in adapting new environment. Therefore, I chose 5 days schools for her start from the beginning. And lucky, she hasnt even cried for home since then. Like HKfornow, I very satisifed with this school and highly recommended.

 

[kyky]

thank you both for your input. as victoria is no longer taking applications for pre-nursery for this august, i thought we'd join their playgroup first to see how we like it. anyway, I have a very active but clingy little girl so I guess I don't mind having her start "school" a bit later.

 

[ramkiranju]

You can try starters in Causeway Bay,TaiHangRoad.A veru friendly atmosphere .I have been very happy with the people there and my girl likes it too!!

 

[jmonkeypuppy]

ramkiranju,

What about the English standard or the teachers in Starters, Tai Hang? Are the teachers there all native and caring about kids?

 

[Avi]

My daughter is going to pre-nurseury class at Victoria HH this August. She'll be 18mths ans attending the 5 day week class. 5 day week is because they only have that class available but i'm hesitant and afraid it might be too much for her to go to school every day. Having said that, I've been taking her to playgroups since she's been 5 months. But still worried if it'll tire her out. But we have to register or we'll loose our space. Can anyone share their experiences at Victoria. How are the teachers? Can they handle a bunch of young children like that? thanks ahead for any input.

 

[HKfornow]

Avi, I'm surprised that your daughter gets to start that early in pre-nursery, since I was told they don't start accepting kids until they are two?

From what I've seen, the ratio in the 1st term is usually good, there were 14 kids to 2 teachers + 1 teacher's aide to start with (though during the 1st week or so the ratio was almost 2 to 1 as teachers from other classes will help out during this adjustment period). The classes do get bigger as the months go by, but at least your baby would have already settled down by then. The teachers are pretty patient, because we are now in the 2nd term and as new students come in, the teachers make an effort to also make new kids feel secure, even if it means giving them some extra tlc ie carrying them, holding on lap to feel secure etc.

So far, most of the kids seem to settle down after a week or so, some take longer. There are some kids who have a momentary relapse 2 or 3 months into the term where they will cry when you leave them, most especially after long breaks or sickness, that's expected, but after that they settle back into the routine.

I hope this helps and reassures you a little bit.

 

[Avi]

Hi HKfornow. Thanks for your input. Most Victoria's only accept at 2 yrs except the one at HH, They start at 18 months. Are you currently attending the HH campus? I hope the teachers will be nice and patient at that school. How is your child enjoying "school"? Have you noticed positive differences by sending them at this early age? Thx.

 

[HKfornow]

Hi HKfornow. Thanks for your input. Most Victoria's only accept at 2 yrs except the one at HH, They start at 18 months. Are you currently attending the HH campus? I hope the teachers will be nice and patient at that school. How is your child enjoying "school"? Have you noticed positive differences by sending them at this early age? Thx.

Avi, my son is in the South Horizon campus. He enjoys his school & classmates, and I have honestly seen a positive difference in him.

I believe being with other kids is helping his development & encouraging him to try new things vs boring old mom trying to get him to do stuff. So overall, school has been good for us.

 

[Avi]

Thanks again for t ur info. As for the age thing, I got some mixed information also when I had called them. But on their forms it says that the HH prenursery starts at 18 months. I guess I'll try it out for a while and see how she does. If she doesn't like it I can always reduce the no of days she is attendiing. Crossing my fingers and hoping she likes it!!!