Parents have been involved in school activities for a number of years, but it was only in April this year that the new committee for parenteers was formally set up, with a 10-parent strong team that quickly moved into action. After its first meeting on 30 April, Together with the school, the committee has put forward a plan of action, including monthly committee meetings, termly Coffee sessions with school leaders, parent outreach and fund-raising efforts.

As fund-raising efforts go, the parenteers have already established a strong track record. Every Racial Harmony Day, parents don ethnic costumes (along with their children), and come to school to prepare and sell food of the different ethnic groups. “It not only helps to educate pupils about cuisine from other cultures, but it also raises funds in the process,” notes Mrs Agnes Seah, the school’s Full-time School Counsellor, who works closely with parenteers. The funds go to the School Pocket Money Fund, a long-term project to raise funds for the school’s needy pupils.

Parenteers at North View also manage a pushcart-style kiosk -selling affordable knickknacks, mementoes, stationery, photo frames and picture cards.

The parenteers also manage a pushcart-style kiosk in the school canteen, open three days a week during recess time. At this stall, they sell affordable knickknacks, mementoes, stationery, photo frames and picture cards. “Some items have been donated by parents, while others are pre-owned things that have been cleaned up and repackaged,” says Mrs Angela Wee, chairperson of the parenteers group.

Other school support efforts are also enterprising and tapped on each parenteer’s skills. “We arrange for a parent-volunteer who’s a hairstylist to provide free haircuts for financially needy pupils,” recalls Mrs Wee. “This is to enable pupils who could not afford a proper haircut to get a salon cut and their parents are very grateful for what we do.”

Special occasions can also be opportunities for the parenteers to get into the spirit of things while still helping the fund-raising effort. For example, for Mother’s Day, they made flowers, salads and desserts that pupils could purchase at an affordable price to bring home to give to their mothers. This has been so well received that all items were wiped out within three days!

Fund-raising aside, the parenteers intend to organise social gatherings too, such as potluck events or hobby sessions that could encourage bonding among parents. Another unique feature of Parenteer Schoolhouse, is the provision of Family Education for parents in the school. Ms Alicia Chang, the school’s School Family Educator says, “Parents have proposed having sharing sessions where parents can exchange tips and ideas about kids’ upbringing. Parents who have attended parenting workshops in school can pass on the information to other parents during these sharing sessions.”

These “superheroes” may not have fancy names and spandex costumes, but they’ve got the right heart and a strong sense of purpose. As for building a sense of identity, they’re in the midst of designing their own T-shirt (no cape, though). Mr Ng acknowledges, “The parenteers are a great resource to reach out to other parents. The bigger the parents’ stake in the school, the better we can engage them in pupil development. It’s a win-win situation.”