I remember more than a year ago when I was reminded by my sister-in-law to inquire at the parish school nearby.  Ivana was just about to turn five and it was not in my thoughts that I needed to get ready for her kindergarten.  Oh how time flies.  All of a sudden my baby was few months away from big school.

Here are some pointers that I can give moms, especially moms who are sending their first child.  Tips from those who had experience already are always helpful.

*Think about the convenience as to distance and availability of transportation.  Choose from the schools located within your town, suburb, municipality or city.

*Decide on whether you want to send your kid to a private or public school;

*From among those schools, choose at least few alternative options;

*Set an appointment for parent & child interview or book for application for enrollment;

*During the parent and child interview with the Principal or school administration, be analytical about the school’s curriculum and academic goals for their students.  These are usually discussed by the Principal or school head during the interview.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions on other matters like security in the campus, student’s activities, grading system and school policies.

*School security is one thing that should concern parents.  It is good to ask how parents or relative of students can gain access to the campus.  If the school’s policies on this is strict, the better for your child.

*It is definitely alright to ask about the amount of annual school fees and terms of payment.

*If the principal will show you around or if you get a chance to roam around the campus, you will have a peek of the environment and gives you sufficient basis to judge if the environment is one that you would like your child to be in.

Today, I received a welcome letter from St. Mary’s School accepting my application for my daughter’s primary schooling which will start January next year.  Ivana is so excited but I doubt if she’s got an idea on how excited I am as well.

My excitement however is mixed up with a feeling of nervousness as I realized that my daughter will start ‘big school’ soon.  This is the beginning of a new chapter in her life; more exposure to the outside world.  I am starting to feel this heart of mine jumping out of my body.  I am sure parents understand how I am feeling but I can’t wait to see her in her uniform and am really looking forward to her first day in school.

I am starting to imagine how it would be like for me teaching her homework and do activities with her in school specially during the parent involvement activities there.  I just wish I can be a good teacher as I was to all those little kids I used to teach when I was in grade school until the time I started teaching college students.

My hubby is also very excited and he can’t wait to see Ivana in her school uniform.