Daily Archives: 20 April 2012

WHITE LODGE

20 April 2012 9 comments

So Hunter will be entering White Lodge kindergarten when he’s around 18 months.. which is when I give birth. He’ll start off with just 2-days a week, for a half-day session each time. I specifically wanted that because on the one hand, I want him to be able to still get the stimulation and social interaction after I give birth (when I’ll have no time for my daily playdates for awhile), yet I didn’t want a full-time kindergarten that I felt would be too much for him when his world already changes quite a bit with a newborn baby brother.

Why White Lodge? My girl friends and I viewed a lot of schools. And I mean, a LOT. We basically spent all our play dates school-viewing, over the period of 2 months! White Lodge is a little on the pricey side, but I feel it’s worth it because we liked the teachers, the school had nice facilities, and I like their curriculum.

His class has just 5 children, and 2 teachers. And that is an AWESOME ratio! It was one of our priorities when looking for schools, so we’re very happy with White Lodge :)

Our other option was Odyssey, which, frankly, had the most impressive campus. It looked like a sprawling resort! Hunter loved the place and fit right in, and all the kids looked so happy. Unfortunately, they have a waiting list (women actually enroll when they’re pregnant; can you believe that?! Geez), so Hunter won’t be admitted until he’s 3 years old. So until then, he’ll stay at White Lodge..

Painting oyster shells

Being a bit of loner and playing in the car, whilst all the other kids do sandbox play

Getting cuddles from the principal

This is another White Lodge branch that we visited, in Dempsey. Nice central location, but we weren’t a fan because the classrooms were quite enclosed (not much natural light) and the place just seemed rather run-down.

First time in his life he's painted, and he rather enjoyed it! In his usual very serious, concentrating-deeply, manner :P

Very pleased with his shopping cart

Music and singing time

SNACK TIME, yay!

The other contender was Mindchamps in Phoenix Park, which we liked as my girl friend knew the principal. The campus is impressive – spacious with a great outdoor play area. Didn’t go for this in the end though, because the location wasn’t ideal and they only offer 5-days.