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“It takes a village to raise a child.” This
oft quoted African Proverb emphasises the
importance of the collaborative efforts of
the community in nurturing and bringing
up our young ones. In ACS (Junior), we are
very blessed to have the support of parents
who step forward to serve and work
alongside with the school in the various
educational programmes for the boys.
The Rugby PSG is very much a part of our
school’s rugby culture. Other than boosting
the boys’ morale with their zealous cheers
at the matches, they also role model for
the boys what it means to be a gracious
and respectful competitor. Their assistance
come in many forms, be it leading in
team-bonding activities, hydration for
the team or capturing priceless moments
on their cameras. Some even stepped
forward to offer their coaching expertise.
As a Rugby parent volunteer, Lawrence
Quahe, shared, “Each parent supports
in a manner that suits his/her ability. I
have experienced how a diverse group
of parents play a role in the success
of the team. The time, energy and
camaraderie that developed must surely
have contributed in some way towards
the team chemistry that the boys share.”
Our Creative THINKERS ALP Programme
for P1 and P2 also has a team of
enthusiastic parent volunteers who assist
the class teachers weekly to facilitate
the game sessions in the classrooms.
Sheree Lau, a new volunteer, feels
that the experience has given her
a better insight into how and why
things are done at school. “To see
such dedication and passion in the
teachers is both humbling and inspiring.
I understand and appreciate their efforts
better.”
Another parent volunteer, Andrea
Friedman, enjoys assisting in the Thinkers
Programme as she could observe how
the children interact with each other at
this formative age. She feels happy to be
able to serve and support the community
in which the boys are growing. Parent
volunteers like Sheree and Andrea help
the boys in learning and developing 21st
Century skills through the games that are
played in groups.
Over at our school library, we have a
team of dedicated parent volunteers
who assist with the day to day mundane
tasks of running the library. They also
play an important part in the planning
and conducting of library activities
during recess as well as the Read-Up
programme that encourages our boys
to read more books.
Some of our parent volunteers serve in
more than one area. Some are also
Prayer Parents (who meet faithfully every
Wednesday and the last Saturday of
each month), Canteen Shepherds (at P1
Orientation Week) and volunteers for
activities happening on Childrens’ Day
and International Friendship Day. Through
their interactions they have become good
friends, sharing information on parenting
tips, encouraging one another through
interaction and prayers.
Craig San, an old boy of ACS (Junior) and
now a parent, says, “I honestly cannot
remember an occasion when I did not
enjoy myself as a parent volunteer. It is
such a joy to see the boys having fun with
the games and challenging themselves. It
is very heart-warming and encouraging to
watch the boys grow up over the years.
The younger ones grow in confidence and
the older ones become more eloquent
and considerate. As an old boy, it is a
gratifying experience to be back in ACS.
It brings back fond memories of when I
was a young ACS boy. The present boys
are very blessed. I feel a sense of pride
when I see a new generation of ACS
boys being raised up in the School’s
spirit of leadership and service. For me,
it has come one full circle, doing my part
for the school that has given me so much
when I was a student.”
At ACS (Junior), we are indeed privileged
to have the partnership and support of
all parents who contribute in one way
or another to make our programmes and
activities for the boys enjoyable and
meaningful. Most importantly they walk
closely with us in nurturing our boys to
be young gentlemen of character.
Mrs Lilian Lai
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