PSG - Junior

ACS (Junior) PSG: A quarter of the parent population is actively involved in the Parent Support Group.

Kathryn Koh, Principal, “People are the key to the success of the School’s programmes. We are blessed to have been able to garner the strong support of parents who freely contribute their ideas and resources, while working closely with our staff.”

Christine Ko, who is in the Parent Support Group (PSG) for swimming, shares, “Being an involved parent has taught my son that volunteerism in any form should be a natural and positive thing to do.” Another parent, Geok Cheng,agrees. “My son has learned to be a servant leader and found the joy of serving.”

ACS (Junior) offers a wide array of sports, many of which are conducted beyond school hours and outside school grounds. With the support of parents such as Vivien Goh (Tennis), Maria Choo (Swimming) and Veera (Adventure Club), the boys are always well cared for and in good hands. “Last August, our tennis team entered in an international tennis tournament in Korea,” says Vivien. “We accompanied the boys to ensure their safety and made sure they were well-fed.” The close-knit tennis PSG even organised a father-and-son doubles tournament in June.

In swimming, parents not only help the coaches organise training sessions, but are also involved in designing the swim team’s attire, a source of envy among our competitors. For us, being there for the
boys at every National School Meet is a form of support for them, whatever the outcome.”

Veera, who runs the Adventure Club, says, “The Club brings nature to parents who don’t usually spend much time with their sons in the outdoors. Creating father-and-son bonding plus a love for nature is most rewarding.”

Cultural Pursuits
The PSG for Concert Band, for example, has seen parents Elaine Wong, Anson Quek and Corin Tan give of their time over the years.

“I have no music background but after volunteering three years, I’ve learnt a lot,” smiles Elaine. “Being present has helped me understand the needs of my son better and communicate on the same wavelength as him.” Anson agrees. “Volunteering with the Band has enabled me to observe how the boys interact with each other, and helped me understand how to approach my son as a friend and speak his ‘lingo’.”

Spiritual & Intellectual Support

Geok Cheng started volunteering eight years ago when her older son started P1. “This year, we started the parents’ prayer group, of about 20 parents who meet to worship and pray for the School’s needs.” When ACS (Junior) moved to its new premises this year, the Library PSG was given the task of planning the new library. Says Joanne Chou, “My sons and I love to read. Our passion for books was a logical catalyst for me to volunteer in this PSG.”

Katherine Toh, chairperson of Library PSG, shares, “We raised more than $80,000 with a ‘Fill Our Library’ drive. What spurs me on is the knowledge that the library will be around when my son leaves the School. It is a privilege to be able to benefit the current and future boys of the school.”

Readiness To Serve

Then there are the parents who are ready to serve when called. May Gwee, Leng Leng and Gwen Tan are the familiar faces in school each day. Along with a team of fellow parent volunteers, they are mobilised to assist the school in various ways, often acting as “support staff” for the teachers and administration.

One of their most vivid experiences this year was helping in the move from the old campus. May cheerfully shared, “I had to work with the School on timings and routes. When term started, I reported at 6.50am and helped direct the traffic every morning for an hour, every school day, for one whole term!”

Parents’ roles in the school’s initiatives are so important that a room has been dedicated to the PSG. To thank these tireless, silent supporters, the School hosts an appreciation lunch at the end of the year. “For all that the parents do, this is but a small gesture,” says Mrs Koh. “It’s also a time of fellowship for all.”

At the end of the day, it is the joy of blessing the pupils of ACS (Junior) that keeps the parents going. Gwen puts it very succinctly, “When a boy runs up to you with a big smile and greets you by name, you know your time was not for naught. It’s the best encouragement any parent can have!”