Schoolbag checks in with three North Spring Primary School graduates and ask them what they’re looking forward to as they receive their PSLE results, and what are their best memories of primary school.
For Charvi Raghu, becoming a prefect helped her grow exponentially
“I was timid and shy in Primary 1, but I gained a lot of confidence after becoming a prefect in Primary 2. I’ve even had the chance to organise events, such as a mini Purple Parade in school,” says Charvi.
Mr Raghu Ram, Charvi’s father, agrees. “We saw the transformation in Charvi after she took on the responsibility of a prefect.” He remembers distinctly a time when Charvi was in P5, when her teacher told him that she was very helpful to one of her classmates who fell down in school. “I hope that she will continue to be kind and helpful in future.”
“With the support of the teachers, Charvi has really grown in confidence,” says Mdm Aghila Raghu. “She started speaking up and has also learnt to be more responsible. But for Charvi’s mother, the most memorable part of her daughter’s primary school days will be the day they performed on stage together, when she received the long-service award as part of the parent support group.
Charvi says her best memory of primary school is the school camp she attended when she was in Primary 4. “I will always remember how the entire cohort gathered around the campfire and danced and played games,” she says.
As Charvi moves on to the next stage of her education journey, she thinks that her biggest challenge in secondary school will probably be making new friends. “But I think the presentations and public speaking I’ve had to do as a prefect will come in handy.”
Wushu brought Christian Suon to North Spring Primary School, and it will lead him to his secondary school
Christian’s father paints a picture of his son’s first day in primary school that should feel familiar to many parents. “I remember him crying and holding on to me and his mother during primary 1 orientation, and we were so worried,” says Mr Norman Suon, laughing.
But Christian’s growth has been tremendous since then, heartening his parents. “I can’t believe how much he has changed and grown in the six years,” adds Mr Suon. “He’s been nominated to participate in so many school activities and celebrations that I often ask if he has time to come home.”
While Mr Suon says he and his wife chose to enrol Christian in North Spring Primary School because it offers Wushu as a CCA, the community and environment that the school provided for Christian has been nothing short of great for their child. “The teachers go above and beyond to communicate with us, and I am just amazed at and thankful for their hard work.”
Christian, who is adamant about continuing wushu in secondary school, says, “I feel sad to leave North Spring Primary School after six years, but I’m also excited to go to secondary school. My best memories of primary school will always be those with my wushu friends, going for the National School Games together, and seeing our hard work pay off during our performances.”
As Christian embarks on the next leg of his education journey, Mr Suon says that his hopes for him are simple. “My wife and I often tell him, ‘As long as you’re a better version of us, we’ll be happy.’ We don’t give him pressure, and we try to provide a calm environment for him. We trust him to make decisions for himself, and if he often comes to us to discuss and brainstorm if he needs help deciding on things.”
A safe space to make mistakes built Syed Eshan Rauf’s confidence
Eshan’s father, Mr Syed Ahmad, says watching his son grow more independent throughout his primary school years has been nothing short of amazing. “When Eshan was in primary 3, he told us that there’s no need to constantly check his homework, because he said that homework is where he can make mistakes and learn. I like the idea that he is open to making mistakes, and I feel that it’s only possible because the teachers have built a strong bond with him and created a safe environment for students to learn,” says Mr Ahmad.
Mdm Siti Nurbaidah, Eshan’s mother, says the teachers have been nothing short of approachable and supportive. “As part of the parent support group, I’ve been involved in various events, and I’ve seen how the teachers bond with the students. Eshan has become more responsible and independent, planning his study time well. When he enters secondary school, I hope he will continue to enjoy learning – because that’s what’s most important,” she says.
Eshan, who has thoroughly enjoyed his time in North Spring Primary School, says teachers have given him ample opportunities to shine, including getting him to host celebrations, such as the Hari Raya Concert. “I made a lot of friends in my six years in North Spring Primary School, and the teachers are very nice too. My best memory will definitely be of how tightly my class bonded during the school camp. In secondary school, I’m looking forward to new challenges, such as taking on more subjects, as well as making new friends, and being more involved in football as a CCA. But first, I’m going to enjoy my end-of-year trip, and play more football and video games!”
