Charlene and school

When Charlene was 8 months old, she was admitted in the hospital and there another parent told me about sending her to special needs school. When I asked Dr Simon about it, he immediately did the paperwork and the social worker called in no time. While we were told that we could wait up to 6 months for a place (and to prepare for at least 12 mths wait), Charlene got in to the Early Intervention Programme at Rainbow School Yishun within 3 months at the age of 11 months.  

With regards to this matter, Charlene has been very blessed as well. If her doctor hasn't been Dr Simon, she might not even have gone to school. I have heard about how other doctor who doesn't believe that children of her condition should go to school (because they think it is pointless) and dragged on for months with the paperwork. 

Charlene loved school. She would smile happily or cheekily at her teachers during song time. And she used to love the spider so much that she always chooses it. 

Charlene is a clean girl. She doesn't like it when her hands get dirty while playing with ice-cream or clay. She also doesn't quite like art and craft but she will be cooperative in completing it. 

Charlene loved the slide. Teacher and I will say "1,2" and Charlene will respond with a sound before we slide her down. At the bottom of the slide, we will ask Charlene if she wants more slides and Charlene will respond by making a sound. 

Charlene disliked the ball pool most of the time. She knew that she could not anyhow move or she will start to sink. That probably frightened her and most of the time she ended up crying loudly so that I will carry her out of the pool.  

Charlene loved the flashing lights in the multi-sensory room and disliked "picking diamonds" in the rough and pricky area. 

Charlene disliked therapy. Despite that, she still does what the therapist wants her to do though sometimes with whining and crying. I am very thankful for the music therapy that Charlene had because it made her so happy and motivated her further in completing her physio goals. 

 

Charlene's teachers believe in her. They love Charlene and are very patient with her. They believe in her potential and stretches her to her maximum. For that I am truly grateful.

Thank you Teacher Adeline for believing in Charlene and always encouraging her. 

Thank you Teacher Ivane and Teacher Ai Lin for loving Charlene and praying for her.

Thank you Teacher Jacqueline for the music that brightens Charlene's life.

Thank you Teacher Melody, Teacher Johnson, Teacher Kartheek, Teacher Jeff for developing Charlene. 

For a child with so much disability, I am truly grateful to all the teachers who believe in Charlene and help her to achieve her potential and beyond. Charlene knows that you love and care for her. That's why she is trying so hard. 

Thank you for seeing Charlene for the last time in the hospital. It meant a lot to her. Our strong little beauty is such a fighter that even in those circumstances, she can still force a smile for her favourite teacher Ivane. It was the last time we see her cheeky smile. 

I don't know how long it will take for me to have the courage to step in to school again. But the teachers in school have given a lot to Charlene and if it is possible, I would also like to contribute my part to help the school. 

Thank you very much for being a large part of Charlene's life!