Graduates and Graduations

Time flies so fast. Wasn't it just a few months ago that I hesitantly enrolled my son in Kindergarten school? Now he has just graduated from Preparatory school last March. In fact, we are proud parents of a 5-year-old little boy, who simply breezed through the Preparatory level just like he was playing with his toy cars.

There were the usual tantrums and fights between him and his classmates but these were the little kiddie fights that lasted only a minute or so and was easily mended by a "I'm sorry" from either of the parties involved. From a little boy who barely knew his letters and numbers, he can now read fast and even add and subtract numbers. He would have a go at us saying words in Mandarin and get frustrated whenever we mispronounce our words. He loves to befriend anybody he comes in contact with, is such a curious kid, and does not feel intimidated by large groups of people (he has consistently won an award for speech contests in their school).

Now he is ready for the "big" boy school. This coming school year, he will be in Grade 1. I keep reminding him that he should act and behave as a "big" boy does, and he, for his part, keeps promising that he will act and behave as is appropriate for a "big" boy.

Excitement and pride filled our hearts as we attended the school's culminating activity. I had to fight back tears (of joy) as I watched my son and his classmates perform on stage for the last time as Preparatory students. We would miss one of his teachers who had to move on to another school. She really helped us (parents) and our kids enjoy the learning process while at the same time enjoying and reveling in the fact that they were kids.

We won't know until the school season begins whether my son will have the same or a different set of classmates, but one thing is for sure, as long as we give enough time and attention to our little one, he shall always look forward to the task at hand and be proud of his accomplishments.

Hats off to you and the rest of the graduates for 2010-2011!!!