All our school-age children began a new academic year last week – at a new school.
While Tony and the staff were pleased with their academic progress at their previous school, they felt that they would have better educational opportunities at the new institution, the Sovannaphumi School, a much larger private school that boasts multiple campuses in Phnom Penh. The kids are now attending the school’s Daun Penh Campus in the heart of the city, where they have access to enhanced school amenities, including science and technology labs, a library, sports and fitness facilities, and a cafeteria. Their schedule is from 7 to 11 am Monday through Friday, plus all day on Saturday. As at their previous school, they follow the Khmer General Education Program.
What impressed us the most about the new school is its commitment to continual communication with parents. The school management is able to interact with us in English and encourages direct contact with the teachers. In addition, parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year. A daily homework book and a monthly observation book are sent to parents to verify each child’s academic activities. In this manner, Tony, Llew and our caretakers will be able for track the progress of individual children much more easily – something that is hugely beneficial when you’re trying to follow the work of so many students.
The Sovannaphumi School’s high academic quality and close attention to each child’s individual needs comes at a cost, of course. We are very fortunate that the school’s board has kindly agreed to offer a significant discount on the tuition fees. The remainder of the tuition bill is still hefty, so we could not have chosen the new school without the generous support of our sponsors.
The kids’ new academic journey began last Monday, when they were required to take a placement test. Everyone passed, so they were all able to attend their first day of classes on Tuesday. First, however, each student was outfitted with two sets of school uniforms and two pairs of shoes, as well as all the necessary textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies.
As has been the case since last April, this year all children, including the youngest ones, are travelling to school by bicycle (via the Akreysat ferry) instead of being driven by Billy in the big tuktuk. To ensure that everyone reaches school safely and on time, the kids have been organised into four bicycle teams. Each team is captained by a senior student who leads the way, while a co-leader brings up the rear. The younger children ride in the middle of the convoy as a safety precaution. The team leaders are Daleine, Micky, Ben and Dalin.
Please join us in wishing all our kids a successful, productive and enriching academic year at their new school!