LUMEN Issue 8 - December 2014 | Page 13

Through our work , the
PSG Exco engages with the whole school from the security staff to the Principal . This definitely has broken barriers for those of us in the Exco or active PSG , to earn us a ready smile and warm hellos around school premises .
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP | LUMEN
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Through our work , the

PSG Exco engages with the whole school from the security staff to the Principal . This definitely has broken barriers for those of us in the Exco or active PSG , to earn us a ready smile and warm hellos around school premises .

The appeal of being in the “ driver ’ s seat ” far outweighs being a “ passive passenger ,” according to Mr Chan . “ I ’ m a firm believer in investing more for greater rewards , and you can do the most when you are in the Exco ,” he said . “ Through our work , the PSG Exco engages with the whole school from the security staff to the Principal . This definitely has broken barriers for those of us in the Exco or active PSG , to earn us a ready smile and warm hellos around school premises .”
Mr Chan encourages more parents to be involved with PSG activities and in particular , to volunteer their time with the PSG Exco .
“ I invite parents to step forward and journey with us as learning parents . Together we can build a supportive community and foster strong bonds that will enhance our children ’ s development ,” he said .
Perhaps the most fulfilling reward of being in the PSG is gaining a sense of confidence to know that their son or daughter is on the right path to character development .
“ Like all newbie parents with their first child in secondary school , my wife and I were a tiny bit apprehensive how our son would settle in . The personal sharing with parents of older boys helped keep things in perspective , passing on enough confidence for us to let go ,” explained Mr Chan .
Indeed the PSG is proof that being part of a community can give parents the assurance that their child can grow up to be an independent person and live a full life . They can truly believe that the future is bright for their child .
About the Parent Support Group
The Parent Support Group has a vision to serve the developmental needs of SJI students by drawing parents into partnership with the school and supporting its direction and programs in a complementary manner .
PSG Exco
PSG , led by a small team of Exco members , acts primarily as a conduit between the school and parents . Its role includes widening participation for parents in the school and improving communication channels between parents and the school . In so doing , PSG hopes to create an active and supportive parent community in SJI . Many respond enthusiastically to the Parent Support Group ’ s call for help in school events . Some are also very generous in giving to the school and volunteering their services : PSG Exco leads three broad teams : ( 1 ) Parent Support - engaging parents through programmes that help them support their sons through their growing years . Some examples include various parenting workshops , In Conversation with The
Principal and Cyber Wellness talks .
( 2 ) Student Support - supporting student-led events like SJI Carnival and Racial Harmony Day with the aim to help students develop leadership and teamwork skills in event management
( 3 ) Communications and Outreach - facilitating communication between parent and school under the Parent Relay System , organising special education programmes under the St Miguel Group and initiating programmes for the Catholic community in SJI
There is no doubt that parents play a big role in our students ’ life and in shaping their values . PSG is reliant on the wisdom , resourcefulness and generosity of spirit , kindness and open-mindedness of SJI parents . The capability and resourcefulness of our parents , especially those who are very active parent support group members , shine through when one witnesses the level of intensity and sophistication to which they plan , implement and communicate schools events .
Furthermore , the home-school partnership is essential in providing a comprehensive and secure environment for our boys to grow up well and to reach their full potential - academically , socially and spiritually . The PSG hopes to strengthen this partnership , not just for the benefit of their sons and daughters but also for the entire cohort in each level . If you are a parent of a Josephian , come join us ! Write to us at sjipsgs @ sji . edu . sg
Facing page ( top ): PSG Exco members at the 2014 Sec 1 Orientation
Facing page ( bottom ): PSG Chairman , Mr Wilfred Chan
This page ( top ): Mothers all dressed up for Racial Harmony Day
This page ( bottom left ): Fathers grilling satay at the Carnival This page ( centre ): Parents at the monthly Rosary Devotion
This page ( bottom right ): Parents attending the Self-Directed Learner Workshop