There has been trouble a brewing at Annika's preschool, Pat's Schoolhouse.
When Madison joined the preschool, it was run by the owner Patricia Koh and headed by the principal Elsie.
After a few years, it was sold to Knowledge Universe, then 2 years ago the principal was changed to the current principal Serene.
For some reason , it just felt like Annika got the short end of the stick when it came to teachers. Madison had a fantastic run of teachers; 4 years of the same Chinese teacher, and continuity in her English/Math teachers. She had a great K2 year, which culminated in the year end concert.
When it came to Annika, for some reason her teacher didn't stay. She's had new teachers almost every year, and the calibre was not as good as what Madison had. Her last English teacher seemed quite confused and disorganised at times, and left midway through the year. Fortunately her replacement seems better; at least now I know Annika is getting her reading sessions in.
Now more trouble is a brewing. There are news of teachers leaving, teachers changing branches, kids leaving etc. None of that is completely unusual except that the timing seems to all coincide with having a change in principal and perhaps management.
But...after much thought and look see/ 'research' online, I think sometimes changing preschools is a bit like jumping from one hot soup to another. Ultimately the preschool business is a business, it needs to stay profitable to survive.
Pat's Schoolhouse is now a part of the portfolio of the Busybees group, which include the highly regarded Odyssey preschools, Brighton Montessori, Learning Vision and Learning horizon Schools. I imagine they would have a large pool of resources and people to work with. Perhaps that might be safer than placing your bet with a smaller franchise? I am hoping they will see the need to maintain a reasonable and consistent standard in their schools?
The fees at Pat's Schoolhouse at Buckley is another sticking point. When Madison started it was $850 a month for a half day session. Next year it will be $1550 a month for the same session. But to be fair, there aren't any privately owned preschools that have maintained their fees. Schools in the same area as Buckley are all charging similar quantums, with the international schools charging closer to $2000. Want anything less? The child would have to travel to the school via schoolbus.
So I guess that's the premium we are paying for being located centrally. I'm not sure switching schools will make a difference in the long run? So it's going to be a question of finances ultimately.
I hope the school will be able to replace the teachers it has lost this year. New doesn't necessarily mean bad or worse. Healthcare institutions face the same challenge year in and out. Experienced doctors leave for private practice leaving the green horns behind. But that doesn't mean the standards drop. There are protocols for training, and the young ones are guided and taught well enough so that they are able to cope.
I guess I will have to decide by next year if I will be proven right or wrong. Otherwise I guess I will have to seriously be hunting for a new preschool for Liam!
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