BALANCE & PLANNING
Encourage your child to plan their week early and block out periods of time for study, co-curricular activities and rest. “Establishing good time management skills and study routines is a priority at the beginning of a new academic year and will lay the foundation for a successful twelve months ahead,” says Michaela. “Use a diary and record important events when you learn of them!”

SLEEP IS IMPORTANT
“Primary age students need 10-11 hours (on average) of sleep per night,” says Michaela. “A good sleep schedule, alongside a balanced and nutritious diet increases your child’s ability to perform at their best during school hours.”

SET GOALS
As the summer holidays wind up, start a relaxed conversation with your child about the upcoming year. “Chat about what they’re most looking forward to and what they hope to achieve in the following year,” says Michaela. “Set goals around independence and how they can take responsibility for their own learning – from packing their bag in the mornings to improving maths fluency and recall.”

SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT
Being anxious or worried about a new class or year level is very common – check in with your school to see what support they offer. “AIS has a wonderful transition program that allows the students to meet their teacher and new classmates prior to the summer holidays,” says Michaela. “Encourage your child to embrace the ‘differences’ as new and exciting challenges that lay ahead.”

COMMUNICATION
Support your child’s new school year by connecting with their teacher and getting involved in school events. “Communication is the key!” says Michaela. “Don’t forget to ask questions of your child; what can you do that will help them be the best version of themselves, all year round? Children are great at answering this, if you just take time to ask.”

MAKE A BUDDY
Singapore is a very transient place and students experience regular good-byes and new arrivals in the classroom. “Encourage your child to be a risk-taker and confidently approach students in the playground and class, to initiate and nurture new friendships,” says Michaela. “At AIS we use a buddy system’where students are paired with a variety of different classmates over the first few weeks to meet and form friendships, not just in their own class but across the year level too. A smile and a simple, ‘May I join in too?’ is always a great start!”

What the kids say!

“I would encourage everyone to be a risk-taker and to try a new sport or a new CCA. It’s great to be part of a new team or sport, making friends and having fun. Also, I’d say to any new student not to worry, because we’ve all been in your shoes before with trying something new.’ Charlotte, Year 3

“Put your desk in a quiet space so you can concentrate. Don’t put any games or toys in your workspace or you will get distracted.” Joshua, Year 3

“Ask questions if you don’t understand, and make sure you get involved in conversations and activities in the classroom.” Lois, Year 4

16-27 Jan
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is an annual festival of edgy and thought-provoking theatre, dance, music, visual arts and mixed media, created and presented by Singaporeans and international artists. This year’s theme is Still Waters. Tickets from Sistic. singaporefringe.com

16 Jan- 3 Feb
KidsFest 2019
17 KC Arts Centre
Young theatre lovers are spoilt for choice with four world-class theatre productions adapted from beloved children’s books, including Room on the Broom, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Gruffalo and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Tickets from Sistic.

17-20 Jan
SMBC Singapore Open
The Serapong, Sentosa Golf Club
Catch defending champion Sergio Garcia and golf legend Davis Love III, alongside top players from the Asian and Japan tours compete in this US$1 million tournament. Tickets from $15, Apactix. smbcsingaporeopen.com

25 Jan
ANZ Australia Day Ball
Swissotel the Stamford
Head along to the Australian Chamber of Commerce black-tie event, celebrating Australia Day. Dance the night away, and experience all the old-world glamour of the Orient Express. All aboard! Tickets from $235, austcham.org.sg

26 Jan
Run for Light, 2019
Punggol Waterway Park
Put your running shoes on and head down to Punggol for a 1km blindfolded walk, 5km fun run or 10km competitive run, in support of Guide Dogs Singapore. runforlight.com

28 Jan-24 Feb
iLight Marina Bay light festival
Marina Bay, Civic District, Singapore River and Fort Canning Park
Asia’s leading light art festival runs in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration. View over 30 dazzling, sustainable light art installations in four key zones. Free. ilightsingapore.sg

21 Feb-3 Mar
Matilda The Musical
Sands Theatre,
Marina Bay Sands
Featuring original songs by Australian composer Tim Minchin, this uplifting musical adaption of Roald Dahl’s popular children’s book tells the story of Matilda, an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Tickets from $68, Sistic.

15-16 Feb
Chingay Parade
F1 Pit Building
Vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu masters, traditional costumes – it’s all on offer at Singapore’s largest street performance, which celebrates the nation’s incredible diversity. chingay.org.sg

Until 14 Apr
Minimalism: Space. Light. Object.
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, National Gallery
Love to keep things simple? Check out the new joint exhibition highlighting minimalism – one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century

Save the Dates!
24 Jan
Petersons wine tasting
27 Jan
Great Australian BBQ
30 Jan
Ladies night

New arrivals:

Location, Location, Location: When searching for a property, decide if you want to be close to work or schools (or somewhere in between). If you won’t have a car, check the location of nearby MRT stations or bus routes, and amenities like supermarkets and cafes. A fifteen-minute walk may sound fine, but can quickly become difficult in Singapore’s heat or torrential rain.

Do you need your own agent? It may seem easy and cheaper to find a home yourself, but ANZA Cycling’s Megan Kinder, a realtor and relocation consultant with Asian Homesearch, explains the advantages of a tenant’s agent. “A good tenant’s agent will do all the legwork of compiling requirements, performing a search and carefully scheduling suitable viewings. Once a property has been chosen, the agent will negotiate on the tenant’s behalf. It helps significantly to have your own representation when negotiating both the Letter of Intent (LOI) and the Tenancy Agreement (TA).” Having an agent to represent you may also help throughout the tenancy, especially when preparing to leave. “A tenant’s agent can prepare a thorough Condition Report at the lease commencement which can be kept on file and used at handback to mitigate spurious damage claims, which are unfortunately far too common.”

Choosing a condo: Megan advises rethinking your size expectations. “Singapore isn’t known as “The Little Red Dot” for nothing. It’s a small place, which means that space is limited and homes are on the smaller side.” She also suggests keeping an open mind when viewing. “Properties in Singapore are often not very well presented. Consider how it could look with a professional clean and a coat of paint.” Ask the agent about any current or planned construction work around your chosen property.

Furniture: Some condos come fully or partially furnished. Furniture rental is another convenient option. If you’re buying furniture, don’t be afraid of investigating second-hand goods. Singapore is an expat hub, so there are always people leaving and selling quality items that may only be two or three years old. Try HotLotz Auction House, or one of the many expat Facebook groups.

Meet the neighbours: Check if your condo or local area has a Facebook group, or Meetup page. Research nearby classes for kids, try the local playground or just bring some wine and snacks to the pool/communal area and start chatting!

Moving on:

A smooth handover: Well before your departure date, make a list of home repairs (like repainting, patching plaster, floor polishing, washing curtains and servicing the air con). Arrange these jobs in the weeks before you leave, as well as a thorough clean once your furniture is out. For a stress-free handover, Megan suggests checking all your boxes. “Have representation with you for handback (your agent ideally). Make sure everything is finalised on the day of handback and the amount of bond return is agreed with a cheque in hand or date of bank transfer agreed.”

Do the paperwork: If you’re working, finalise any tax and HR issues with your employer. Advise your kids’ school, and cancel your utilities, cable TV and mobile contracts. It’s useful to get medical records from your doctor, especially if your kids have received vaccinations here.

Pet relocation: Make sure you understand all the quarantine and medical requirements for your destination. Particularly in Australia and New Zealand, these can be stringent. Check agriculture.gov.au or govt.nz for guidelines.

Packing up: Start the packing process early. Give yourself time to sell, donate or recycle anything you’re not taking with you. Even your (unexpired) food items can be donated via the Singapore Food Bank, foodbank.sg.

Saying goodbye: Many expats advise writing a ‘Singapore bucket list” in the weeks before departure, to make sure you see everything you wanted to see. Take family photos in special locations. Some people even organise a professional photographer for this. Finally, organise a leaving party. It’s a good excuse to drink up your remaining alcohol!