Preschool Singapore Style

It is really hard to believe that we have officially been here a week now!  Although, it seems like we have been here much longer.  We have done so much that each day is an accomplishment.


E started school bright and early Monday morning!
We attended an orientation on Friday morning (our 2nd day here) and met her teacher and several of the other students in her class.  I could tell that the Eton house was going to be a great place for our family.  Friday evening we were invited to a "Sundowner" at the school.  I would call it a low key "happy hour" in US terms.  They provided snacks and drinks (yes, some alcohol too).  We met several other parents there and we seemed to congregate with those other newbies.  All of the "new to Singapore" families had their kids with them so we were all hanging out around the playground.  The other parents probably had their kids with a sitter or their live-in help.  We met people from all over the world!  Scotland, US, India, Australia.  It is most definitely a melting pot!


When Monday morning came around E was ready to go.  She hopped out of bed and completely got herself ready.  I was shocked!  She got dressed, brushed her hair (that's a big one), brushed her teeth and everything.  Just a little excited maybe?  Too bad that didn't continue the rest of this week.

E in her new Uniform

So, off to school we went!  We cabbed it the first day (good thing as it was raining) and E jumped right in.  (not surprising)  She was chatting with the others not long after we got there.

Day one of school was a huge success!

The rest of the week I walked E to and from school.  We got our expedite package Monday afternoon thank goodness as the BOB stroller was in there.  What a life saver!  Walking 3/4 of a mile with a 4 year old isn't much fun, especially if you are in a hurry.  

I must say, I really enjoy the walk.  On the way to school we talk about what she likes about school (playing in the kitchen there), what she did the day before, and what she is going to do at school that day.  It's nice to have that time to just chat.  The walk back home for me has been a nice meditative thing. I think about everything and think of things to write here.  I have found it a great way to start my day.  Elliot wants to start riding the bus and I have signed her up (starts in a couple of weeks), but I still think I might walk her 1 or 2 days a week.

So, the walk to school is a beautiful one.  It takes about 15 minutes at a decent pace.  We walk though a nice neighborhood.  Check out one of the houses we pass.  So cool!

Modern Singapore Home (our home isn't quite this big - ha, ha!)

We also pass a really nice playground (Arthur Park).  The city is very clean and they expect everyone to "do their part".  

Got to love these signs!

Isn't he cute! 

Being the pet lover that I am, these signs make me smile every time I pass them!

We make it to school and E joins her class.  Such a good morning.  

The Eton House International School

I will say it is pretty humid out and the walk to school leaves you sticky and hot, but I think I am actually getting used to it.  Just a smidgen.  The benefits of that morning walk far outweigh everything else!

早安