PHASE THREE THROUGH HIS JOURNEY OF EDUCATION

We are in the process of transfering my son into the Cambridge programme at school. The decision to move was made within the last three weeks. You can imagine the stressful time I've had in ensuring that I got the right information and process all the paper work and everything that needed to be done. Between having various meetings with the Vice Principal, programme coordinator, administrative staff and the accounts department, it all finally came together. Of course, I have to give the biggest credit to my son who passed the Cambridge entrance exams.

He starts this third phase in this exciting journey of his education on Monday, 25th March 2013. The first phase was when he went to preschool at the age of three and a half. It was the hardest day of....my life. I remember standing outside his classroom window and watch him take in his new surroundings like a champion. He sat between a little boy and girl and with ease they started chatting away like old friends.

When it was time for us parents to leave, I waved to signal him that I was leaving and blew him a kiss. He returned it with a big smile and an enthusiastic wave and I knew he was going to be alright. I remember getting back to my car and bawling my eyes out with mixed emotions running through me. My baby was growing up. I was feeling proud and fearful among many other emotions. I remember being a wreck for awhile during that first couple of weeks.

The second phase was when he joined primary school at age five. The next three years saw him attending the CBSE-I programme. He completed Year One through Three without any incident that sticks out. Oh yes, there was one. In Year One he was unfortunately picked on by a bully. This may have gone on for a few days but luckily, he told me about it. We managed to settle it with the school and it was definitely a learning experience for my son and I. Since then, he has learnt that there should be zero tolerance of any sort of bullying and what had to be done in the event. I am relieved to say it has never happened again.

So come Monday, we will begin phase three. An exciting chapter as he begins Year Four in the secondary campus, in the Cambridge programme. I know he is excited, especially since his best buddy will be transfering with him. With a partner to share all his firsts during this transition, his mind is at ease. I can't say the same for myself, as it's natural for a mother to worry about literally everything. I can, however, promise not to cry.