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LUMEN | PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Parents UNITE !
By Nazir Keshvani
The Parent Support Group ( PSG ) has played an invaluable part in supporting SJI in its programmes and by working in tandem with the school to help students develop to their fullest potential .
Parenting in today ’ s fast paced world , with both parents often working full time , is challenging under any circumstances . Parents are often unsure if they are equipped with adequate knowledge and skills to raise a confident and well-adjusted child .
In this respect , the PSG plays a crucial role in engaging other parents who are facing similar challenges to ease some of the anxiety . Parents of same age children can relate in ways that friends and family cannot . Where parent-to-parent support is concerned , there are no waiting lists and no red tape involved .
The PSG in SJI acts as a bridge between the school and parents . The opportunity for parents to be part of a community can be empowering for families . Knowing that they are not alone and gaining reassurance about decisions through communication with other families can be a powerful tool in moving forward .
For PSG Executive Committee ( Exco ) chairman Mr Wilfred Chan , the desire to contribute to PSG activities stems from a sense of belonging and gratitude . Speaking to LUMEN ,
Mr Chan revealed that being an old boy , SJI has a special place in his heart .
“ My strongest friendships were forged in the formative years when the school was still in Bras Basah Road . When my son was accepted into SJI , I was grateful because it gave me an opportunity to give back to my alma mater while being involved in my son ’ s school life ,” Mr Chan explained .
For Mr Chan , making the decision to
join the PSG came easy , especially as he had the support of his wife . “ My wife , Hong Hwei and I have had good fun working with fellow parent volunteers in support of various events for the boys and parents . Being a part of the PSG also offered the opportunity to tap the grapevine on the happenings in school ,” he said . Mr Chan and his team play a leading role in planning and establishing the PSG ’ s calendar of events for the year . The PSG Exco meets once a month to ensure things run on an even keel . He acknowledges the key role played by the members of the committee .
“ The Exco members , being the voice of the PSG at large , bring issues to light that may affect our planning and direction . At the working level , I also need to manage the different interests and aspirations that parent volunteers bring along . We are , after all , all volunteers and need to accommodate one another . Being the face of the Exco to the school , I strive to remain accessible to our parents and school .”
While the PSG Exco is mainly focussed on planning and preparing for the events , the actual work during events is shared among the many other parents who turn up on the event days . Coming together for the common purpose of doing something good cultivates a sense of camaraderie among the parent volunteers . “ Being in the Exco to assist fellow parents in their learning journey has been a special privilege and blessing ,” said Mr Chan , beaming with a sense of accomplishment .