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ESF Hillside K1 - still unsure

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    1

    ESF Hillside K1 - still unsure

    Hi everyone,

    We are Indians with no Cantonese background and our son has got an offer for K1 at Hillside, afternoon slot (12:30-3:30). Right now he is attending Woodland Montessori Caine Road Preschool (he started Preschool at dot 2.8 yrs, after having completed the Woodland Playgroup and Stepping Stones).

    Now, our main aim is to get him to ESF primary, so ESF kindy seems to be the obvious route, but I am really getting big doubts - we live in Pokfulam, so my son will leave at 11:45 and be home at 4:15...which means daily almost 2 hrs in the bus. Is it really worthwhile to subject a 3 year old to this kind of hardship at this age? Obviously there will be no time left for any activity after school; currently my son goes in the afternoon slot in Woodland (15 mins from home), and he is home by 3:30, very tired, and hyperactive. I am left wondering what will happen when he goes that far from Pokfulam all the way to stubbs road and back, how much will he really learn and absorb with a tired mind. A morning slot would still have been fine, as he would have got a chance to take a nap.

    But, if I withdraw him from the ESF at this stage, I know I am diminishing his chances for the ESF primary - esp given the increase in number of applicants each year, you dont want to take a chance.

    I am in a fix!


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    HK Island
    Posts
    307

    If you want him to go to ESF Primary, you should NOT let this opportunity go. You'll regret it later. ESF is heavily oversubscribed and priority puts you in a very good spot. Do not turn this down if ESF is your goal.

    My kids have long bus rides to, it gives them time to unwind, sometimes even nap.


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    hk
    Posts
    10

    Pinki09, my son was the first on the bus and last off the bus when he was in ESF K1 Hillside. He left at 1120am and came home at 430pm so a good two hours on the bus. And I got him taking the school bus when he was just 2 yrs and 9 months old... thought I was a terrible mother at that time and so did my family members! But he soon got used to it and the bus mother tells us that he takes a nap on the bus and when he arrives home he is already recharged. His afternoon nap time is now down to that hour on the bus and he sleeps much earlier than before which turns out for the better long term. It takes the kids a few months to get used to not napping during school time also and sometimes my son doze off for 10 to 15 mins during circle time but the K1 teachers are really good to stay with them all the time.
    I agree with MommyTo3, if you want priority to go to ESF Primary - take the ESF Kindy offer.


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    37
    Quote Originally Posted by pinki09
    Hi everyone,

    We are Indians with no Cantonese background and our son has got an offer for K1 at Hillside, afternoon slot (12:30-3:30). Right now he is attending Woodland Montessori Caine Road Preschool (he started Preschool at dot 2.8 yrs, after having completed the Woodland Playgroup and Stepping Stones).

    Now, our main aim is to get him to ESF primary, so ESF kindy seems to be the obvious route, but I am really getting big doubts - we live in Pokfulam, so my son will leave at 11:45 and be home at 4:15...which means daily almost 2 hrs in the bus. Is it really worthwhile to subject a 3 year old to this kind of hardship at this age? Obviously there will be no time left for any activity after school; currently my son goes in the afternoon slot in Woodland (15 mins from home), and he is home by 3:30, very tired, and hyperactive. I am left wondering what will happen when he goes that far from Pokfulam all the way to stubbs road and back, how much will he really learn and absorb with a tired mind. A morning slot would still have been fine, as he would have got a chance to take a nap.

    But, if I withdraw him from the ESF at this stage, I know I am diminishing his chances for the ESF primary - esp given the increase in number of applicants each year, you dont want to take a chance.

    I am in a fix!
    There are 2 sides to it:-

    Being in a ESF kindy slightly helps as there is progression to the Primary School.
    However, you live in Pok Fu Lam, which is covered by Kennedy School for Primary. Do you know how many classes they take in Y1 - 30 students per class x 5 classes. Thats quite a lot of new students.
    If your son got in at ESF kindy, he will be fine later on.
    ESF do get oversubscribed - but generally Kennedy school doesn't as it is one of the bigger Primary schools in HK.
    Don't feel pressurised into deciding ESF kindy based on priority status. Think only where your son is at and where you think he would progress forward.

    Good Luck in your choice. There is no wrong or right..
    shri likes this.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    10

    Kennedy School is one of the bigger ESF primaries, and although there are 150 places for Primary one students, the demand for those spots is much higher than the supply.

    The school is heavily oversubscribed.

    As for your decision - Kennedy does get a strong representation from Woodlands and Sunshine House, especially now that ESF Kindy has moved locations from Sheung Wan.


  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    139

    By the way, the oversubscribed thing happens across all schools, within the ESF system and outside. Kennedy's size brings a number of issues to play which may not be found across other schools.

    In our experience, there is really nothing all that special with Kennedy. Far better choices within the ESF system and like other posters have mentioned, keep your options open and apply to other primary schools also.


  7. #7

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    HK Island
    Posts
    307

    Kennedy only has one class more than QBS and Bradbury and both schools have easily more than 100 kids on their waiting list, way more. Most Y1 classes at these schools can almost fill their classes entirely with siblings and ESF Kindy children, so even 1 extra class as they have in Kennedy doesn't necessarily a lot easier. Again, if you goal is ESF, you should take the spot, but agree with shri, look into all options. Kennedy wouldn't be my ESF of choice on the island but you can always move still and you will have priority either way.


  8. #8

    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Kowloon Tong
    Posts
    61

    Don't worry mommy. Your son will adjust to it. My daughter would love bus rides but none routes offer in the Kowloon Tong area to Sha Tin. I would let her take the bus and it is not a matter of being a bad mother in referring to another mommy poster. You have to let the child experience these peer to peer interaction and also more independents for them to make good judgement of course with some guidance since they are still young.

    If ESF is your priority, you should not miss it. My daughter entered K2 and she also has ADHD. I have worked closely with all the teachers and staffs. And the Kindy Wu Kai Sha principal will be heading to Kennedy, she is just awesome and understanding and a great resource to bring to Kennedy. There are always some changes to structures and leaderships.

    All the best with whatever choice you may decide.


  9. #9

    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    139

    >> Kindy Wu Kai Sha principal will be heading to Kennedy

    Hopefully as the new Principal!

    God knows that place needs a change. The school board have failed spectacularly in providing any leadership.


  10. #10

    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    37
    Quote Originally Posted by shri
    >> Kindy Wu Kai Sha principal will be heading to Kennedy

    Hopefully as the new Principal!

    God knows that place needs a change. The school board have failed spectacularly in providing any leadership.
    Please elaborate....

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