When your child is preparing to enter primary school, there’s a lot to think about and plan for. To help you navigate this important milestone, here are some key factors to keep in mind.


About Volunteering in School

As a parent, volunteering at a school can offer the advantage of allowing you to register your child during Phase 2B of the Primary One registration process. 

I personally volunteered at a neighborhood school because I had been tracking the registration rates in previous years and noticed that the particular school near our home required a ballot within a 1km radius. It was most probably because I was staying in the new cluster of newly built HDB blocks and there were many children during that period. Worrying that we couldn't get a place in the school successfully, I decided to become a parent volunteer at this school.

Volunteering not only gave me a deeper insight into the school but also helped me form lasting friendships with other parent volunteers. We bonded through shared experiences and mutual support, and those connections remain strong to this day. The experience was both fulfilling and enjoyable. It also provided me with stories and insights to share with my daughter, helping her feel more familiar and comfortable as she enters the school.

If you’re considering volunteering, it’s a great way to become more involved in your child’s educational journey, form connections, and potentially secure priority registration for Phase 2B.


School Open House

Parents must register their child for Primary 1 during the year the child turns six. The registration process typically begins with Phase 1 in early July, while the majority of parents register under Phase 2C, which usually takes place at the end of July, with results released in mid-August.

To prepare for Primary 1, consider attending primary school open houses, which are usually held in May, June, and July. Whether you’re registering in Phase 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, or the 2C Supplementary phase, I encourage you to visit as many open houses as possible, not just the school you’re applying to. These visits are not only about learning more about the schools but also about giving your child opportunities to familiarize themselves with the primary school environment.

Treat these visits as mini-excursions. If time allows, explore different schools, and if the canteen is open, let your child practice buying food there. This experience can help them feel more comfortable and excited about starting Primary 1. These small steps can go a long way in easing the transition and building your child’s confidence.


Primary 1 Registration Phase 
Phase 1
For a child who has a sibling studying in the primary school.

Phase 2A
For a child:
Whose parent or sibling is a former student of the primary school, including those who have joined the alumni association of the primary school as a member.
Whose parent is a member of the School Advisory or Management Committee. 
Whose parent is a staff member of the primary school. 
From the MOE Kindergarten under the purview of and located within the primary school. 

Phase 2B
For a child:
Whose parent has joined the primary school as a parent volunteer not later than 1 July of the year before P1 registration and has given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June of the year of P1 registration.
Whose parent is a member endorsed by the church or clan directly connected with the primary school.
Whose parent is endorsed as an active community leader.

Phase 2C
For a child who is not yet registered in a primary school.
Phase 2C Supplementary
For a child who is not yet registered in a primary school after Phase 2C.


Primary 1 Orientation Day

Primary 1 Orientation Day, often referred to as "School Admin Day," is a crucial event for both parents and children. During this session, schools typically facilitate administrative tasks such as registering for school bus services and purchasing uniforms. 

Registering for School Bus Services

While school bus fares have risen in recent years, they remain essential for families residing far from the school. In our case, we utilized the school bus from Primary 1 through Primary 4, despite living just 700 meters away, for convenience and to manage rainy days. By Primary 5, our daughter became more independent, staying back at school more frequently, and we felt comfortable allowing her to walk to and from school. Some parents explore alternatives like carpooling or services such as Lylo to manage transportation needs.

Purchasing Uniforms

The number of uniform sets to purchase depends largely on your laundry routine. For instance, I do laundry for each family member separately, washing my daughter's clothes once a week. Therefore, I bought three sets of the regular uniform, three sets of PE attire, and five pairs of socks. Typically, students have PE classes twice a week, but occasionally, they may need to wear PE attire on additional days for special activities. It's advisable to consult with the uniform supplier or school for recommendations tailored to your child's schedule.


Recess and Money Management

Teaching your child to handle money is vital, especially if they will be using cash at the canteen. Ensure they can identify coin values before school starts. Choose a wallet with a spacious coin compartment; during my volunteer experience, I noticed some Primary 1 students struggling with small compartments, making it difficult to access their coins. If your child prefers bringing home-cooked meals, invest in a suitable lunch bag. Be mindful that it adds weight to their school bag and could be forgotten in the canteen.


POSB Smart Buddy Watch

While some parents opt for digital payment methods like the POSB Smart Buddy watch for convenience and transaction tracking, I personally recommend that children first learn to handle physical cash to develop essential money management skills. If you prefer the watch, check with your child's school to confirm if they support the Smart Buddy program.


Snack Breaks

Many schools provide short breaks during lessons, often near the end of the school day, allowing children to have a snack and prevent hunger. Prepare nutritious options like fruits and nuts, avoiding less healthy choices such as candies and chocolates.


Water Bottle

Select a durable, non-glass water bottle that doesn't leak and is appropriately sized to avoid adding unnecessary weight to your child's bag. Remind your child that they can refill it at the school's water coolers as needed.


Purchasing Books

Popular Bookstore offer a 5% member discount, so you might consider buying available items there and the rest from the school bookshop. To simplify the process, purchasing everything directly from the school can be more convenient. Review the booklist carefully, especially items marked as optional, to determine if you already have certain materials at home, thereby avoiding unnecessary purchases.

When ordering textbooks online, you typically have the option to self-collect at the school bookshop or opt for home delivery for an additional fee. I chose to collect the books at school, using it as an opportunity to familiarize my daughter with the school environment.


School Bag

Choosing between an ergonomic bag and a standard backpack depends on your child's comfort and size. We selected an ergonomic bag from Impact, but it appeared quite large on her small frame. Consider shopping during sales events in November and December, where platforms like Shopee offer significant discounts.


Mental Preparation

If your child is introverted, uneasy in new environments, or shy, engage in conversations about your own primary school experiences to build anticipation and comfort. Encourage them to seek assistance from teachers whenever necessary, reinforcing that support is always available.

By addressing these aspects, you can help ensure a smoother transition for your child into Primary 1, fostering confidence and excitement for the new journey ahead.