Help for Parents

GESS offers a range of after-school programmes for students from Kindergarten to grade 12, including sports, music, creative and language programmes.

The Buddies Committee helps new families with settling into life in Singapore and GESS. Our Parent Buddies are GESS parent volunteers who can answer your questions about living in Singapore as well as organising new family social events. You can contact the Buddies Committee by email at buddies@gess.sg.

For our new students in Primary and Secondary, an existing student will be assigned as your child’s Student Buddy.

Campus Entry Map

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Preschool

Drop off:

• Gate 2A only (Dairy Farm lane) pedestrians from 07:30, cars from 07:55 (Preschool only)
• If you are dropping off by car or taxi and your child is comfortable to leave the car and walk to the Jungle entrance alone, we ask for them to do so and for adults to remain in the car. If your child needs an adult to accompany them to the Jungle Entrance, please wear a mask and drop your child off as quickly as possible, whilst keeping a 1-metre distance from other parents.

Pick up:

• Gate 2A only (Dairy Farm lane) pedestrians only
• Children will be brought to the car park outside the Jungle Entrance staggered in groups to avoid congestion. Please go to the sign for your child’s year level / class when you see your child’s teacher coming out with the children.

Pick-up times from Monday, 24th August 2020:

• Pick up time for half-day students: 12:20
• Pick up time Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 1: 14:15 - 14:20
• Pick up time for Kindergarten 2: 14:20 - 14:25
• Pick up time Pre-Primary: 14:25 - 14:30

Primary School

Drop off:

• Gate 3 for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1A for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1 for cars dropping off (Parents are not allowed to exit the vehicle and must leave immediately after drop off)
• Drop off time: 07:30 onwards

Pick up:

• Gate 3 for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1A for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1 for cars picking up (Parents are not allowed to exit the vehicle or park on campus)
• Pick up time: As normal
  

Secondary School

Drop off:

• Gate 3 for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1A for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1 for cars dropping off (Parents are not allowed to exit the vehicle and must leave immediately after drop off)
• Drop off time: 07:30 onwards

Pick up:

• Gate 3 for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1A for pedestrians (No parents allowed on campus)
• Gate 1 for cars picking up (Parents are not allowed to exit the vehicle or park on campus)
• Pick up time: As normal

Lunch is included in the school fees for Preschool students. For Primary and Secondary a range of hot and cold meal options is available in the main canteen. Meals cost 5-6 SGD and students pay at the canteen using their student ID card. Your child may also bring their own lunch from home.

If your child has dietary restrictions or allergies, please let your homeroom teacher know.

Checklist before School Starts

1. Submit Singapore address or temporary address as well as contact numbers
2. Complete tuition fee payment (our Accounting team will send you the invoice)
3. Send a digital copy of your child’s immigration card or in-principle approval letter (IPA)
4. Send a photograph of your child to admissions@gess.sg if you have not already done so.
5. Download Trace Together App on your child's phone; and/or collect Trace Together token https://token.gowhere.gov.sg/
6. Activate MyInfo account myinfo@gess.sg and Seqta account (QR scan for activation will be sent to you)
7. Top up Student ID (for Primary and Secondary) using MyInfo effective first school day. For first school day please pack your child a snack and/or give them $10 for any canteen purchase.
8. Purchase School Materials and Uniform
9. Contact the school bus service provider if you would like your child to take the school bus
10. Discuss Drop-Off and Pick-up Point and Timings with your child

GESS Engage

GESS Engage is an app that is used for parent and school communication. You can see your child’s timetable, attendance, school reports, school news and contact your teacher all in one app. It is accessible via the app or desktop: https://engage.gess.sg/

User Guides: Desktop / Mobile App

GESS Myinfo

Use the portal GESS Myinfo, if you want to update your basic profile information (name, phone number, email address, postal address) or to top up your child’s student ID card. You can access the portal via this link: https://myinfo.gess.sg/

managebac

Managebac is a Learning Management System used exclusively by our IB Secondary students and their parents to view in class information such as assignments and class materials. You can access the portal via this link: https://gess.managebac.com/login

PARENT PORTAL

All forms, policies and useful information for parents are available online in the Parent Portal. You do not need a username or password to access the Parent Portal. Please visit: www.gess.sg/en/parent-portal

SCHOOLSBUDDY (New CCA Portal)

SchoolsBuddy is where you register your child for our after-school programmes. On this site you can register your child for:

• After-school activities (CCA)
• Senior Sports Programme
• After-school language programme for Primary (LEP)
• Afternoon programme for German primary students (ENP)

Please visit: https://gess.schoolsbuddy.net/

SEESAW

Seesaw is an app used by our Preschool and Primary School. You can see information about your child’s learning, classroom activities, photos, videos and project work. The app provides a window into your child’s school life and can be shared with family members. Each class has their own log in details for SeeSaw and you will be sent the QR code to register for your account.

SPORTS PORTAL

Find all the latest news about our sport teams like for example match reports, fixtures & results, photo & videos as well as the sport calendar here in the Sports Portal: http://sports.gess.sg/

The Community Club is designed to bring parents, staff members and students closer together and to meet people who share the same interests, be it in sports, current affairs or just about anything. To contact the group leaders or coaches, or to ask a question, you can contact communityclub@gess.sg.

Please note that all Community Club activities are currently suspended during COVID-19.

Conflicts and complaints are not unusual in the day-to-day operations of a school. Sometimes they are the result of misunderstandings and sometimes they are due to human error. With the following rules, GESS wants to support all members of the school family by providing constructive guidelines to handle conflicts and complaints in accordance with our School Vision and Mission that stand for openness, honesty and mutual respect.

In the first instance, please speak to the relevant department or member of staff. You can also submit a feedback form.

All updates, news and procedures from GESS related to the Coronavirus will be posted in Parent Portal. Please regularly check this page:

PARENT EVENTS

There are different events for parents at GESS that enable parents to get informed, become an active part of the GESS community and make friends with other parents.

Please check the school calendar for more information on upcoming parent events.

JOIN THE EVENTS TEAM

The Events Team plays a major role in strengthening the GESS spirit, as well as, supporting school projects and adopted charities. Each year, the Events Team organises two major events to bring the school community together: Christmas Bazaar and International Summer Party. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Events Team at eventsteam@gess.sg.

Calendar

The GESS school year starts in August and ends in June. Find below the school calendar for events as well as the holiday calendar with dates of the semesters, school breaks and public holidays.

1) My child doesn’t have their immigration card yet

As long as you have the In-principle approval letter, your child can start school. Once you have received the green immigration card, take a photo of it and securely upload it to MyInfo.

2) When will my child get their Student ID card?

The Homeroom teacher will give the student ID card on the first day of school.

3) Should my child bring cash to pay for food?

Primary or Secondary students should bring 10 SGD to pay for food and snacks on the first day.

4) HOW DO I ADD MONEY TO MY CHILD'S STUDENT ID CARD?

Students in Preschool do not use the Student ID card. For primary and secondary students, please login to your MyInfo account and top up your child's account using a debit or credit card.

5) What should my child bring on the first day of school?

Your child needs to bring their immigration pass or NRIC for SafeEntry registration. If your child does not have the immigration card yet, they should bring a photocopy of their passport photo page.

Essentials to bring

• Water bottle
• School bag and pencil case
• Notebook
• Laptop (grades 6-12)
• 10 SGD cash to purchase food and snacks

For detailed information on what to bring, please read the material lists page.

6) Are parents allowed on campus?

Parents are not allowed on campus during school hours until further notice due to Singapore government regulations.

7) Where do I drop off or pick up my child?

Please see the detailed entry and exit information on the Coronavirus update page in Parent Portal.

8) Why can’t I access MyInfo to update my contact details or child’s immigration information?

You must activate your account using the email address registered with GESS. This is the email address in the application form. Click here for technical support.

9) We are still on a Stay Home Notice or Quarantine Order and cannot attend the homeroom teacher orientation

We will make alternative arrangements with you. Please contact your homeroom teacher and let them know.

10) I need to delay the start date of my child

Please email admissions@gess.sg before your child’s first day of school

11) I have questions or need help. Who should I contact?

• For academic and class questions, please contact your homeroom teacher
• To book an appointment to visit the school shop, please email shop@gess.sg
• For all other enquiries, please contact admissions@gess.sg

The GESS First Aid team supports our students with all their healthcare needs. There are three state of the art First Aid rooms located in Preschool, Education block and Sports block. There is always a qualified nurse on campus during school hours, including during after-school activities.

Please feel free to contact the First Aid Department via firstaid@gess.sg.

OPENING HOURS & LOCATION

1) My child has lost their student ID card

Please complete this form immediately and the student ID card will be blocked. A replacement card will need to be purchased for 30 SGD and any unused credit will be automatically transferred to the new card.

2) I am not receiving emails from my child's teacher or I cannot access a GESS portal / account

Please check your spam / junk email folder first. If you still have problems, please contact our IT Support department by submitting a support ticket.

3) How do I add money to my child's student ID card?

Students in Preschool do not use the Student ID card. For primary and secondary students, please login to your MyInfo account and top up your child's account using a debit or credit card.

4) How do I sign up my child for after-school activities?

For sports and non-sports CCAs (after-school programme), please sign into the SchoolsBuddy portal to register for after-school programmes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the CCA team.

Email: cca@gess.sg
Phone: +65 64610879

For private music or singing lessons (VIP), please visit the VIP page for more information and the registration form.

5) My child has food allergies or dietary requirements. Who should I inform?

Please inform your child's homeroom teacher and also the First Aid team for food allergies.

Email: firstaid@gess.sg
Phone: +65 64610807

6) How do I update my address, phone number or email address?

It is very important to update GESS with your latest contact information. Please login to your MyInfo account and update your contact information.

7) My child has a new passport or immigration pass. What should I do?

Please update your child's details in MyInfo and securely upload a digital copy of the new passport photo page or immigration card.

8) Who is my child's teacher(s)?

If you are not sure who your child's homeroom or subject teacher is, please contact School Services.

Email: school@gess.sg
Phone: +65 6461 0801

9) Where can I find my child's timetable?

Please contact School Services for a copy of your child's timetable.

Email: school@gess.sg
Phone: +65 6461 0801

10) I have feedback or a complaint

In the first instance, please speak to the relevant department or member of staff. You can also submit a feedback form.

GESS has a complaint management policy which explains how we manage feedback from our community.

11) What are the deadlines for withdrawing my child from GESS?

The deadlines for submitting the withdrawal form are:

• 15 October for leaving in semester 1
• 31 March if your child will not be attending GESS for the next academic year

Only notifications submitted via the withdrawal form will be accepted.

Please note that there is no pro-rating of school fees for students leaving partway through a semester.

12) I have not received the school fee invoice or I have questions about an invoice

Please contact the Accounts department for questions about school fee invoices or to change who the school fee invoice is sent to.

Email: accounting@gess.sg
Phone: +65 64610838

13) I would like my child to change curriculum or study option. What should I do?

Requests to change curriculum or language stream in Preschool must be submitted by 31 March. Please discuss the change with your child's homeroom teacher and then complete this form to make an official request.

Preschool students changing from 3 half-days and 2 full-days to 5 full-days, need to submit the form no later than:

• 30 September for semester 1
• 31 March for semester 2

14) I need a school confirmation letter or a letter for a visa application

Our School Services department can send you a school confirmation letter. Please complete the Letter request form with the required information. If you have any questions, please contact School Services.

Email: school@gess.sg
Phone: +65 6461 0801

15) Can I park on campus?

There is no parking available on campus for parents. For more information on campus entry gates and drop off / pick up times, please read this page.

16) What should I do if my child is sick?

Should your child be ill, parents must:

• Keep students who are unwell or with a temperature above 37.8 ˚C at home and only send them back when they are fever free for 24 hours.
• Inform the school as soon as possible by emailing school@gess.sg or by telephone at +65 6461 0801.
• To help us to identify and manage outbreaks of illness within the school community, please provide details of the illness/symptoms your child is experiencing, particularly in the case of a high fever or contagious illness.
• Upon their return to school, students must produce a written note from the parents, indicating the reason for and length of the absence.
• A doctor’s certificate will be required if the student is absent for more than two days.

The student’s Homeroom teacher is the main point of contact for academic and class questions. The Homeroom teacher’s contact information will be shared with parents before the start of the new school year, once the class is allocated.

Getting to us

By public transport

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By Car

Taxi: There is a drop-off area on the second floor near the Admissions office for visitors.
Car: There are a limited number of visitor parking spaces available for school tours and meetings. Public parking facilities are available within walking distance of the campus at Dairy Farm Nature Park carpark.

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By Foot

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LOST & FOUND

Any general items found will be left in the Lost and Found area outside the School Shop. All the lost items will be disposed on the last Friday of each month, or on the last day before school holidays. If students are missing something that is more valuable, they can also check with the Parent Service Centre in B201.

LOST ID CARD

If the GESS identification card is lost, please report immediately to School Services at school@gess.sg. The card holder bears the replacement cost of SG$30 for lost and/or damaged cards. The application and payment for the new ID Card can be made at the School Shop.

As a guide to the first day of school and to facilitate a smooth start we recommend viewing our Orientation Webinars. If you have any questions, contact your Admissions Officer. Please ignore the dates mentioned in these pre-recorded videos.

The Parents' Committee is an important link between GESS parents and the school. The Committee conveys the views and interests of the parent community to the School Management and the Board of Governors, promotes collaboration throughout all sections of the school and upholds and enhances the GESS Community Spirit. You can contact the Parents' Committee via email Parents.Committee@gess.sg.

Security regulations – Campus access

All visitors to GESS campuses must register at the guard house exchanging photo ID for a temporary pass. You can also apply for a GESS Parent/Guardian/ FDW ID Card for quicker entry to the campus. To register visit: https://card.gess.sg/parent-guardian-fdw-application

Once your card has been printed, you will receive an email and the card can be collected at the Security office on level 1.

Each class at GESS has a nominated Parent Representative who is the link between parents and the school. Parent representatives are elected by the parents once a year. You can contact the Parent Representative if you need any help or support with school problems.

School fees invoices

School fee invoices are sent twice a year by email for each semester. 50% of the annual tuition fees and development levy will be invoiced in each semester. You can find information about the school fees here.

For payment methods available and information on GIRO monthly payments, please visit the payment methods page.

If you have any questions about school fee invoices, payment options or to change who the invoice is sent to, please contact our Accounts department.

Email: accounting@gess.sg

Phone: +65 6461 0838

The GESS Association is a private body whose main purpose is to maintain and enhance the interests of GESS. It is a ‘not-for-profit’ society. This means that every cent is re-invested into your child’s education. The Association is registered in Singapore and runs and operates the school. The members of the Association are, for the most part, parents of our students.

If you would like your child to take the school bus, please contact the School Bus office and then complete the bus registration form.

GESS offers a door-to-door school bus service for students in Kindergarten to grade 12, from most areas of west and central Singapore and a shuttle bus service from the East Coast and Sentosa.

School bus fees are calculated by distance and are invoiced for each semester. The fees include the after-school bus at 16:30.

For route timings and availability, please check with the School bus office:

Email: bus@gess.sg

Phone: +65 6461 0873

Contact school administration

Please use the Live Chat function on the school's website. The Live Chat box is found on the bottom-left corner of all gess.sg webpages. Please note that many of our GESS colleagues are working from home during phase 2 and not all phone lines are operating.

You can Live Chat with the following departments:

GESS Parent help will connect you with School Services and Parent Service Centre

Finance will connect you with our Finance and Accounts department

Opening Hours for all departments: 08:00 - 17:00

Please find below our general school contact information:

Student contract

All families must sign an annual student contract for their child. The contract is sent electronically in April and must be signed within 14 days.

Preschool

*For students on the 3 half-days, 2 full-days study option, the half-days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Primary School

German Curriculum:

*The Extended Afternoon Programme (ENP) for German Curriculum takes place on “short” school days until 2:35 pm. The programme includes homework supervision and activities such as crafts, painting, playtime and social learning. After 2:35 pm students can join the CCA programme or go home.

IB Curriculum:

Secondary School

IB and German Curriculum:

*Depending on individual course choice of students, classes are scheduled until 4.40 pm.

You can view the exact timetable of your child in GESS Engage. GESS Engage is accessible via the app or desktop: https://engage.gess.sg/

School materials and workbooks can be purchased in the School Shop. Please find here the full school shop price list.

Click the link below to find the workbooks, schoolbooks, reading lists and school materials lists.

The School Services department is the main point of contact for parents regarding all administrative questions and requests. Parents should also contact School Services if their child is not feeling well and cannot come to school. School Services can be reached at +65 6469 0801 or via email at school@gess.sg.

Changes in address, contact details or other personal information such as renewed passport/immigration pass can be updated online via Myinfo.

Office Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4 pm (School Holidays)

School uniforms and school materials (including workbooks / textbooks) can be purchased in our school shop. The school shop is located at H224 next to the VIP office and near the canteen area. Please note that visiting the school shop is by appointment only. You must book a date and time via MyInfo (see below the video tutorial) or contact the school shop.

Email: shop@gess.sg
Phone: +65 6461 0880

Location: H224

Opening Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 7.30 am - 3.30 pm
• Monday - Friday: 9 am - 3 pm (School Holidays)*

*Please note that the school shop will be closed form 26 to 30 July 2021 for annual stocktaking.

All GESS students are required to wear a school uniform. The school uniform can be purchased from the School Shop and must be obtained prior to the first day of School. Purchase the school uniform online or directly in the school shop and make an appointment to visit here or contact directly shop@gess.sg.

Families typically purchase 2-3 sets of the classroom uniform and 1-2 sets of the sports uniform. Prices are on average 25-30 SGD per item.

There are two withdrawal deadlines each academic year:

• 15 October for leaving at the end of semester 1

• 31 March for leaving at the end of semester 2

To withdraw your child from GESS, you must complete the online withdrawal form by the deadline or the next semester’s fees may be due. Notifications by email, phone call or note to teacher will not be accepted. There is no proration of school fee invoices for students leaving partway through the semester.

By the last day of school, the Student Release form must be completed and signed by the Library, IT and Accounts department. Please make sure you return all books and materials to the school and handover your child’s student ID card and parent ID card to the Accounts department. You can keep your parent ID card if you have another child still enrolled at GESS.

For school reports, confirmation letters, entry test invigilation or teacher recommendation letters, please contact School Services.

Email: school@gess.sg

Phone: +65 6461 0801