I agree with Ms Goh Cheng Lee ("Stricter rules on JC transfers too sudden"; last Wednesday).

My son received his Primary School Leaving Examination results last year and managed to obtain a direct transfer to a secondary school based on his keen pursuit of and excellent achievement in his co-curricular activity - golf.

He started his secondary school orientation at the beginning of the year.

Then, because of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) new directive, he was told to return to his appointed secondary school.

We made an appeal but were rejected. He was devastated and demoralised, and it is upsetting and disruptive for us.

Our initial request for a transfer was not based on whim and fancy. We found this school's sports training programme holistic and comprehensive, and would give my son the opportunity to enjoy his sport and studies.

This should be what education is about - nurturing and reinforcing our children's strengths and dealing with weaknesses accordingly.

Unfortunately, enforcing the cut-off point fails to take into consideration other merits, such as involvement in co-curricular activities or leadership excellence.

I hope the MOE can learn a lesson from this. Careful thought, thorough planning and ample time are needed when changes are to be implemented.

They should not be done in a haphazard manner, but in a way that minimises glitches and inconvenience.

There also should be some leeway for special, exceptional cases.

Veronica Lim Guat Eng (Ms)