And the Tears Continue...

Day Two of Grade 1 for my "wee yun" and she made it clear she did NOT want to go back to school because "they made her do homework on the FIRST day!". 

Oh the degradation!  How dare they make her colour in a picture for homework on her first day!

After Day 1, I guess she figured in her head that "big school" was not for her, because this morning she declared that she doesn't want to go back.

We got to school and she was very quiet and withdrawn.  It look an eternity for the bell to eventually ring and by then her lip was quivering and she was clutching my leg!  I tried to be brave for her, but I could see she was not happy at all.  I tried to keep things light - she was having none of it.  She was going to cry!

I thought to myself "Oh Kaylin, please don't cry or you're gonna make me bubble too".  My eyes were already leaking.

Kaylin clearly is not a mind-reader, because with my silent request, she burst into tears as we walked into her classroom.  The fact that all the kids at her table were asking why she was crying, did not help either. 

My heart broke into piece then and there.

I wanted to just pick her teeny weeny wee body up, walk out of there and just cuddle with her all day....

That's what my heart told me.

My head told me to be strong, for Kaylin's sake, kiss her goodbye, tell her that I love her and that I'd see her after school.

I managed to make it around the corner from her class, then I burst into tears.

Thank Fuck I had my mirror sunglasses on that I could hide behind.

I phoned my Best Friend - my Hubby - and sobbed into the phone.

I cried all the way to work.  Another bare-faced and blotchy face worn to work.  They'll have to get used to it for a while, until my wee lassies settles at school.

I'm taking it one day at  a time.

I spoke to her today about MY first day at school (I remember it clearly like it was yesterday).  I told her how scared I was because I didn't know anyone, I didn't know what to expect.  It turned out that my teacher didn't like gingers and took an instant dislike to me. 

I told Kaylin that I battled to make friends at first and to fit it.  It brought back so many emotions and I started to cry again.  I really didn't want her to see me being so emotional, but it seemed to strike something with her because immediately she gave me a hug and she asked me "you were little once too, hey Mum?". 

I suppose she thinks that, as an adult, we have everything under control  Our kids need to be reminded that we were little once too, that went through most of the things they go through at one stage or another.  Kaylin saw the emotion in my face and said "How did you make friends?". 

I told her the story of a wee lassie who sat next to me in Grade 1, who asked me why I cried so much.  I remember telling her that I was scared and that I didn't know anyone.

Jennifer asked me if I wanted to play.  She reach out, took my hand and we did just that. 

Simple as that.

It wasn't that simple for me.

After sharing my story, Kaylin said that she'd be brave and go to school the next day.  She said that she'll put her arm around Michael and ask him if  wants to play with her.

I'm still not sure that showing my emotions was the right thing.

I just know that I dont' have all the answers.

Hopefully with time, things will get better and she'll eventually find her space and comfort zone in Grade 1.  It will just take time.

In the meantime, my heart will break each day for her, because I remember so clearly how scarey it all was and what it felt like.

Grade 1 Class of 2013

So my wee lassies went back to school today and I return to work.

Urgh, the dreaded computer screen!

Megan checked into to Grade 4 and Kaylin starts Grade 1.

Big Day for me. Emotional Day...

I managed to keep my composure until I got to the car, then I got all emotional and sobbed all the way to work. She's so little and it's Mum's last time she'll do this!

So, I have no make-up left on my face, and I look a right sight walking into work this morning after being at home for three weeks.

Kaylin was well-prepared. All her bags packed and ready to learn to read. She looks so adorable in her school uniform, although its miles too big. She figured she looked so grown up and beautiful and indeed she does. My baby is so grown up. Here's a few shots of them "Back to School"

Kaylin in her Class

At home this morning, all smiles and excited

her tiny size 8 school shoes

Striking a Grown-up pose

Megan and Kaylin at school

Megan's Primary Rocks!

Riaan, myself and Megan went to visit her Primary School Open Day today and it was a HUGE success.

Megan couldn't be more excited now about going to big school.

We began in the Hall where each Grade had individual displays of their school work, school books, projects, artwork, sculptures, etc. It was so well-layed out and displayed. It gave you a feel for what to expect their homework books and projects will be for Grade One and its a lot!

While we were in the hall some Grade 7 pupils (clearly Prefects with their honours blazers) approached us asking if they could give us a tour of the school and answer any questions they had. I must commend these young boys - they were super polite, friendly and very informative about the school.

The Prefects guided us to the Grade 1 classes, which were in progress and we got to observe them in their classrooms and what they were up to. The Teachers were awesome and friendly and spoke to Megan more than me (which impressed me). They asked her what school she currently goes to and if she's excited to be going to big school. Megan was shy at first, but when she saw the classroom set up was very similar to her current classroom, she relaxed a little. (Especially when she saw the THRASS charts up on the walls). This school is one of the pioneering schools in THRASS and what could be more perfect for Megan who knows the charts backwards?!?

We were then taken out to the Grade 1 - 3 Playground (they keep the older kids separate from the youngsters to keep fighting and bullying at bay). Another plus! We then passed by the tennis, cricket and netball courts where Phys. Ed was in full swing and they were having a blast. On the main field there were other classes doing Phys. Ed with all sorts of kewl equipment including swing-ball. Some of the other children we sitting on the grand-stands watching.

We moved on passed the Media Centre (library), Art and Techonology Centre and Tuck Shop which has a facility for the Grade 1 - 3's of ordering in your classroom before "break" and receiving your food in your classroom. Another plus! No queuing at the tuck shop.

The School also has an awesome School Bus for sports outings and tours and pick-up and drop-off at After Care which is right across the street.

We were then take to the "piece de resistance" - The Science Lab. Gosh I was soooo impressed. They have all sorts of animals on display and the monitors have turns looking after, feeding and cleaning the animals cages and homes. They have a tarantula spider, bearded dragon, frogs, various mice, gerbals, rats, hamsters, even bunnies. The students are allowed to come and play and handle the animals (with the supervision of a Monitor of course) at break times and is open for all. They have skulls of various animals, fossils, models, even unborn embroys in jars for them to study and learn from. The front of the class is full of various different kinds of plants and little shrubs. It was truely awesome! Megan was in heaven.

In the School gardens they have a huge bird avery with budgies and cockatiels and various other animals, a chicken called Nandos, a nursery of baby budgies, bunny rabbits, guinea pigs and an orphan dove called Fully who arrived at the school as a baby.

We then ended up signing the register and meeting some of the staff in the Staff Room where the visiting children were giving party packs and the mums and dads could enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or juice and a bite to eat. We got given the last three years worth of Year Books to take home and read through.

Megan is so super excited about her new school!

Tonight the School has an information evening where the Principal will address the parents and we will get to ask any questions about the school and they will discuss the school in more detail, their mission and vision, school policies, governing body.

I couldn't be more at ease with this awesome school.

Pathway to the Hall

One of the School's averiesArt Display in FoyerGrade 1 display in the Hall with the THRASS charts