SKATING SEASON

JUSTINNA PANK and EMMA THOMAS, cofounders of White and Black Trading, reflect on skateboarding’s new wave of popularity.

Skateboarding isn’t just for the young; since COVID-19 started, individual sports like this have been on the increase for all ages. You don’t need to share equipment or engage with others, and you can keep active while safe distancing; plus, it’s a good workout, too. Dr Michele Olson, a professor of sports science, estimates that skateboarding offers a healthy burn of eight to 12 calories per minute.

Pandemic permitting, skateboarding will be debuting at the 2021 Summer Olympics. It’s a massive boost for an industry that has been in the sporting shadows since its Californian beginnings in the 1970s; back then, the surfing crowd rode on wheeled decks while waiting for the right waves – and the craze took off from there. The trend was also escalated by urban kids with little space for recreation. With the speed of skiing and the art of surfing, skateboarding quickly went global.

As the local distributors of Penny Skateboards and Z-Flex, we’ve seen all sorts of skateboard fashion, from cruisers to longboards with amazing graphics for both newbies and pros. With exercise on the up and increased demand in wheeled sports, the future looks good for our trending friend.

Browse White and Black Trading’s range of outdoor products at whiteandblacktrading.com.

New Preschool

The Grange International Preschool (TGIP) is a new and affiliated preschool of The Grange Institution, an international school in Singapore. As part of Crestar Education Group, TGIP joins a community of over 20,000 students and a network of more than 120 schools in Asia. TGIP will cater to children aged three to six years and the main curriculum will be the International Early Years Curriculum, with a focus on bilingual development in English and Mandarin. TGIP is set to open in March 2021. School fees start from $17,000. 6817 3630 | preschool.thegrange.edu.sg/ book-a-tour

Budding Bilinguals

This year, One World International School has started a new Chinese-English Bilingual Programme for primary students from Grade 1 to 5. This bilingual programme is aligned with the IB PYP and enables students to learn through inquiry in both languages. Qualified bilingual educators, fluent in Mandarin and English, will teach the programme and bilingual teaching assistants will work closely with students in the classroom, allowing them to receive personalised instruction every step of the way. The programme incorporates lessons about Chinese culture and literature, and students receive weekly instruction from specialist teachers in art, physical education and music. 6914 6700 | owis.org

More about Mosaic

For the month of March, Mosaic Preschool and Mosaic Play Academy are holding daily open houses by appointment. During this period, they’re also offering up to $600 off school fees and other exclusive perks. The preschools offer a play-based curriculum for children aged 18 months to six years. Young ones aged 18 months and below can attend Mosaic Play Academy’s parentchild music programme “Mama, Papa & Me!” by Music Specialist Teacher Ms Aliuska Diaz, 10am on weekdays. mosaicpreschool.sg mosaicplayacademy.sg

Doggy Daycare

Looking for a safe space for your pups for the day? Opened in January, Kamp K9 provides a safe and fun environment for your furry friends under the full supervision of experienced dog minders. Hitting the right balance of indoor play, outdoor walks at Siglap Linear Park and ample rest time, your best pal will be well fed and stimulated mentally and physically before heading home for a good night’s snooze! Find out more at facebook.com/120121kampk9.

Looking for a School?

Applications are now open for 2022 enrolments for both Elementary and High School at St. Joseph’s Institution International. The two schools share the same campus and students can expect to join a diverse and inclusive community for a holistic, values-based international educational experience. SJI International offers the International Primary Curriculum, IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, while students have access to over 100 CCAs and opportunities to learn through service and outdoor activities. sji-international.com.sg/admissions