The School Change

It hasn't been the best year for Nicholas as far as schooling goes.  We started him at Elmgrove and he didn't like it (even though he had his best friend in his class).  We sent him back to Mornington and he was so much happier unfortunately it wasn't financially viable and so after term one we talked to Nicholas about giving Elmgrove another go. 

Term two started off rocky and we still could sense he wasn't happy.  Parent teacher interviews came and we soon noticed the consequences of our decision to send him back.  He had fallen behind in maths now the bottom of the class (from the top at Mornington).  Reading level dropped from 20 to 18.  Dave expressed his concerns to the teacher and they both agreed to disagree with each others opinion.  I asked about the lack of homework and apparently other parents had mentioned that also.  Therefore starting in term 3 homework would be on the agenda.

Term 3 started and we signed Nicholas up to Number Works to help him out with his maths.  A homework book came home and for awhile things seem to be okay.  One day I was rung to go and pick Nicholas up from school he was sick.  I went to the school he was in the sick bay crying his eyes out.  I took him home and it was like a miracle had happen between school and home he was better again.  The next morning when it was time to go to school he became sick again so he stayed home again the same the next day.  So I asked him what was wrong he couldn't /wouldn't tell me.  I asked the teacher about bullies and she said that was a problem in Nicholas class but that some of the boys give as good as they get.  Horrified with that remark I could somehow understand where Nicholas was coming from and why he never played with any of the boys in his class.  He mainly played with Ben two classes above him.  I would take Nicholas to school and we would say prays to ask Heavenly Father to help and protect Nicholas whilst at school.  Each day I would pick him up and he would tell me his tummy feels better when school is over. 

Finally we get a brief report home from the teacher outlining the term.  It read along the lines of him being a better friend without being angry and improvement on listening skills and he had reduced telling tales.  So we went on holiday thinking our son was unfriendly, angry, disruptive and a tattle tale.  As Dave and I pondered on this report we couldn't believe a teacher could be so negative.  When we arrived home from our holiday I was at Amiee and noticed Jareds profile book curious I looked and blow me down the same report was in his profile book.  My personal opinion of this is that Nicholas's teacher had summed up her class as a whole and wrote one report photocopied it and slapped it into every ones profile book.  Whatever happened to individuality.  When I told Dave he was not impressed and insisted we withdraw him asap. 

The hunt was on for a new school we only had two options Silverstream or St Mary's.  Our neighbour just down from us has a son the same age as Nicholas and he goes to St Mary's.  I couldn't help but wonder if this school would suite Nicholas as both Stacey and Ben went to St Francis Xavier and both enjoyed their time there.  Then the whole religion thing could be a hurdle but Dave said we will jump those hurdles when/if they pop up. 

I went to St Mary's to check it out and was most impressed with everything.  The Principal was so inviting and he showed me around the whole school.  Just like Mornington Principal he knew his pupil in every class we went into from NE to Form 2 he knew them by name as he picked pupils out to show me things they were doing.  I still haven't met the principal at Elmgrove the only person I could talk too most days was the receptionist she was amazing and definitely holds that school together. 

Next step was to bring Nicholas for a tour and he totally liked the school and every classroom made him feel very welcomed.  Nicholas was keen to sign up.  Our next hurdle was to meet Father Dooley he came to our home and we talked about the nuts and bolts including our different religions and we decided that we all wanted what was best for Nicholas and Father Dooley gave us the thumbs up.

So two weeks into term 4 Nicholas started at St Mary's and he hasn't looked back.  He is so happy and instead of I don't want to go to school to hurry mum we'll be late for prayers.  He has been at St Mary's two weeks now and already his reading has gone from 18 to 22.  We went to Number Works and Naiom asked us whats happened to Nicholas he has changed he is flying through his activities.  We explained what we had done and told us it certainly shows.

In conclusion I decided that different strokes for different folks and although Elmgrove has some great qualities some schools suites some children, and some that don't.  May the next years at St Mary's be happy ones for us as a family.

St Mary's Boy

First Day A Success

Nicholas and I approached Elmgrove and we sat in the car for a few moments. 

Me: Are you sure Nicholas?

Nicholas: Yep I'm ready

Me: Shall we have a prayer

Nicholas: Yes please mum

Once the prayer was over he jumped out of the car and we made our way to the office.  Nicholas went up to the desk and the receptionist looks up......

Nicholas: I'm back

Receptionist: Welcome back

Teacher: I know you

Nicholas: Yep I'm back

I was so proud of him. His teacher told him they had a surprise in the classroom and he went off with her without even looking back.

Whilst I filled in the enrolment form I could hear him talking to his buddy they were laughing and I felt a sense of relief.  I went into his classroom and he was happy playing with the hand puppets. The bell rang and he waved bye and sat on the mat.

After school he caught the school bus with the Mendy boys and I picked him up he was still smiling and he had had a great day YEAH!

It's back to Elmgrove

So last term Nicholas started at a new school Elmgrove and alas only lasted 1 week at which time he really wanted to go back to his old school in Mornington.  At that time it really didn't seem that big of a deal.  I'd organised a ride into school everyday (thanks Mandy) and all that meant was for me to pick him up after school how hard could that be?  Well after having the school holidays I realised it means a big deal on my time and my wallet.  Admittedly I have been on holiday too thus travelling into town has not been on a regular basis.  Amazingly I have only had to fill my car with fuel once whereas before I was filling up twice a week thats $160 on gas only.  It has also meant I had to get up earlier so I can get into town to pick him up by 3pm and then scoot back by 3.15pm to get Kate from Montessorri its been somewhat crazy. However, I feel its really important that a child is happy at their school no matter what and so if thats what makes Nicholas happy then thats what you do.

Over the school holidays Nicholas has been hanging out alot with the Mendy boys and consequently has decided to return back to Elmgrove.  When I asked him why? Its cost you alot of money mum taking me to school everyday (I didn't even realised that I talked about the cost).  I told him that he didn't have to worry about the money that he needed to be happy at school. Nicholas said he would be happy back at Elmgrove (he calls it Almagrove funny). I also told him that he really needed to be sure about his decision because this would be the final change of schools. 

Well after two weeks he has assurred me that he is ready to give Elmgrove another go. Part of me is relieved but I am also very very nervous that it could all blow up in my face, fingers crossed.

Elmgrove here we come again!!

The BIG Day Out

My group

Yesteday Nicholas and I went on a school trip with 45 pupils, 8 teachers, and some parents.  We met at the school watching the little people load up on the bus was very exciting.  The teachers went on the bus whilst the parents took cars. I was fortunate to have two parents in my car to keep me company and to to keep me awake.

Our first stop was Waihola where we had morning tea and the children has a toilet stop and a play. 

At Waihola

Morning tea time

Then it was off to our next destination which was Berwick camp site where the year 6 were camping there this week.  It was a beautiful and hot day.  The camp  site was amazing and it did bring back fond memories of my school camp days.

Berwick Camp

Each parent or teacher were assigned 4 or 5 pupils to look after.  My little cherubs were very well behaved and we had a great time.  The year 6 children showed us around the camp site and demonstrated activities that they do at camp.  Most of the juniors were keen to have a go but alas were not permitted.

Archery Demonstration

Kyaking

After the tour of the camp site it was time for lunch.  We all sat under a huge tree which was fantastic, it kept us shaded and yet we could still enjoy the sun.  After lunch we played lots of games.  We were split into 10 groups and had races.  I find it fasinating how little people don't quite grasp the concepts of instuctions. A example was asking my group to line up in a straight line behind the leader.  They managed to stand up and some were beside the leader and others went to other lines.

Tabloid Sport Groups

The train race

We had a great time and we left camp at 2pm and headed back to school.  I love being a helper at school outings the children are wonderful and they always make me laugh.

Blue One Week Red The Next

Elmgrove School Uniform

So Nicholas started his new school this week and despite having his buddy in the same class Nicholas still talks about his old school and how much he misses it.

Dave and I made a deal with him that he should continue for a week at his new school and if he still not happy we would send him back to his old school.

A week passed and we had a family meeting.  Nicholas informed us that he really wanted to go back to his old school.  He really missed his friends and school routine.  So as promised we have decided to send him back.

Mornington Primary Uniform

To Go Back To School or Not That is the ?

Ben left school at the end of term 1 last year. Unfortunately Ben didn't leave with any qualifications. He came to live with us and managed to get a job at McDonalds thanks to friends in the business. He started off on a great note however, as the year progressed and Ben got a taste of freedom and money some of his decisions were not wise ones. Consequently he quit McDonalds and went back to the farming arena to work on his dads dairy farm.

Last week Ben rings me and tells me he is going back to school and that he had made an appointment with the deputy principle at Taieri College. To be honest I thought he was joking and I laughed out loud whilst on the phone. To which Ben said "so you wont support me then" and the laughing stopped. Yipes! he is serious, what to say? that was the question. As I listened to his case I could understand where he was coming from BUT he didn't do to well last time what would be different now?

I told Ben that I would support him 100% however, I knew I had my work cut out trying to convince Dave and true to my word as I told Dave the plan his face said it all. Furthermore Dave also had good points about why Ben should not go back to school.

And so I'm left stuck between a rock and a hard place how will it pan out that is the million dollar question. Stay tuned for the outcome.

New School New Day

Today Nicholas started his new school. I arrived home from work and he was all dressed in his new uniform he had had his breakfast and now he was waiting to go. I asked him how he was feeling "A little bit nervous" 8.40am rolls around and we leave to go to school. I must admit I was feeling a bit nervous myself and a little bit tearful. We parked up on the drop off site only spot (naughty) but hey first day right? Waited in the foyer and the receptionist took us to his classroom. His teacher was very nice and took Nicholas books off me and she would sought that out. Nicholas was looking for his buddy as they are in the same class this year (thank goodness). The Mendy car pulls up and the two boys roll out the car Nicholas very excited runs to greet them. Nicholas buddy was not in his uniform not a good sign. He was sick OH NO!!!

The bell rang and Nicholas clung to me like a leach. Mendy 2 came into the classroom and him and Nicholas sat together that went well then after roll call Mendy 2 had to go home. A good opportunity for me to exit as well??? Wrong!! Nicholas came after me so I took him back and sat with him. The whole class went for a walk around the school which was good for us newbies and it was at that time the teacher told me to go.

I gave Nicholas a big cuddle and told him I was going that he will be fine and that I will see him after school. He looked up at me with his big beautiful brown eyes and they were filled with big tears and they rolled down his cheek and his arms reached out to me "MUM" at which time the teacher intervened "come on Nicholas lets go back to class and let mum go home" Oh my walking away was the hardest thing I had to do, I was holding back the tears until I got to the car and my heart was aching.

I rang the school later and they told me he was OK (but was he?) I couldn't wait until 3pm, and yes he had survived the day. When I talked to his teacher she informed me that he went and sat at his desk with his sweatshirt over his head and waited for a while then he slowly joined in.

I asked him how his day went he replied "I was really scared when you left but then I became brave again" Mendy 1 who is older was really kind and went to play with Nicholas at playtime and lunch time.

The highlight for Nicholas was going home on the school bus with Mendy 1 whilst I followed in the car. Well done Nicholas you are a very very brave boy!!!!

Kiddy Treats

Chocolate/Caramel Muffins

Last year I made treats for all of Nicholas's class and this year is no exception. I finished my nightshift and went to the supermarket to get supplies. Once I had taken Nicholas to school and Kate to daycare I set about making 20 chocolate caramel muffins and decorated them with mini M&Ms. I also love to give the teacher a small something too. I made her truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries. This took me to 11.30am to complete and then I went up to catch a couple of hours sleep. When I awoke I quickly made up loot bags with the muffins and candy canes and balloons packed them in my Christmas basket to deliver them to school.

Teachers treats

A basket of treats

When I got to school the children eyes all lit up and they were very excited. Miss Lawless had the children sit in a circle and I handed out the treats. Thinking they would leave the treats til after school alas they all dived into the bags and devoured the muffin in seconds (boys mostly) the girls just picked off the m&m. Then Miss Lawless asked the children if they wanted to say anything to me. Lots of hands went up and the thanking began. I thanked them all for being such awesome children and for being Nicholas's friend. I will miss this school alot its been a special journey and I hope the next school is just as good. Look out Elmgrove here we come.

Helper of the year

Today while I was putting away the books at school the children were all sitting in the central area watching a video. When I finished doing my book duty I sat down to watch the video with the children. Once it finished Mrs Gray stood up the front and asked me to come up I looked at her strangely. Mrs Gray said Paula we want to embarrass you. Feeling my face get warm I went to the front. Mrs Gray spoke to the children about how I had help out of the school all year putting away books everyday and helping out at discovery time every Friday and PMP every Tuesday and they wanted to thank me. Then she pulled out a big card and gave it to me and the children gave me a big clap it made me cry. I will miss helping out at the school its been awesome to be able to give my time and feel apart of Nicholas's education. It was nice to know all the junior children by name and they always say hello to Kate and myself every morning.

The card design is from sewing wool around the letters. Some of the children done the sewing themselves Nicholas did the letter "T" It was appropriate for me because at discovery time I was always in charge of the sewing table. I loved sitting there and getting to know the children and I use to hear some fascinating stories. Inside all the children had written their names and drawn me a picture on their own individual card so cool.

Tee Ball Frustration

Nicholas has joined the schools Tee-ball team and yes you guessed it somehow, somewhere in a conversation with a school teacher I became the coach of this team. I even told the teacher I'm not a kind coach and I don't believe in praise unless they deserve it and I'm really tough and that the player of the day will go to the person who deserves it not because they're in the team. To my amazement the teacher said you'll be perfect??????

So now I'm tee-ball coach with 12 children "LET THE FUN BEGIN" I have practices at lunchtime on Wednesday and overall my team is really good considering most of the players are first timers.

Saturday arrives and we gather at diamond 14 and meet the opposition. They appeared to be a well oiled machine due to the uniforms they were wearing. Now each side keeps tabs of their own teams scoring (which is stupid needs a partial scorer). But the game goes on and the Mornington Majors (my team) played so well great feilding and we are very lucky to have a solid Samoan boy who can hit, so our batting was awesome. The game continues and each time we got the score card back from the opposition they would just score all 9 players got home. This was not right (here comes the competitive side of me). The last innings they were batting, bases were loaded final batsman steps up to the plate hits the ball and we field very well i.e. ball was sent home this means players are out. When I got the score card the lady had score all 9 kids home. She then informed me it was a draw "REALLY I SAID" she left and I was standing there in disbelife and to top it off they took our ball. I was not happy so I took the score card to the officials and told them the play and they informed she was wrong and so 3 runs were taken off. New score Mornington Majors 23 Cardinals 20. Win to us!!!

The frustrating thing about this game is no-one knows the rules or they make them up and dodgy scoring. My team will be back to triumph next Saturday.

Stock Taking

My first week on holiday and I decided to help the school with the annual school library stock take. Apparently it took a week last year and so more helpers would be appreciated. Monday morning arrives Kate is off to daycare and so I'm free to help out all day. Nicholas and I walked to school and my routine is to put away the reading books and then I would be free to help in the library. WOW the 8 baskets were over flowing with books to put away because the teachers had changed the reading groups thus it meant a new lot of books were needed and the old ones put back. I knew this would delay me helping in the library fortunately I have put away the books for a long time now and so I practically know where all the books live and 1 hour later all books were away and the row of boxes in order and flush with the shelf edge (because I have OCD it has to look perfect). Then it was off to the senior block to see if they had journals to put away and alas there were however not as many.

So I reach the library about 10am and three ladies were hard out taking books off shelves and opening the pages to be scanned and dusting shelves and then putting them back. The whole time I was helping all I could think about was if I was the libriarian I would make some drastic changes:

1. Put the bar codes on the back of the book (saves opening them)
2. Put the bar codes on the spine and then get a portable scanner and just walk around the library
3. Print off a list of books that have not been issued in the last 15year and cull them out even 10 years (so many many old old books)
4. Turn the books around so the spine of the books are showing thus the children can see all the books on the shelves not just the first front on book.

• Move the Librarian desk thus the sun doesn't shine on the scanner and then the scanner would work properly.

We worked at a steady pace that by 3pm we had counted over half the library. The Librarian was ecstatic and she had a feeling we could be finished by Wednesday. I on the other hand wanted to be finished by Tuesday 3pm. The best thing about the day was convincing the libriarian with support from a teacher to change the books around so all the books spines were seen. I left feeling dusty and accomplished.

Tuesday morning we started at 9am and as predicted we were finished at 2:55pm. The library looks great and I must admit I really had a great time.

Blast from the Past

While ramaging through the wedding photos to add to my last stories I managed to find other photos of me as a child. My school photo of me when I was 8years old. We had the coolest school and just recently through facebook I learn't that they demolished my old school to waste millions of dollars to build another one on the same site of course. Totally horrified to learn about this and yes I did cry. Why you ask?? As a child my home life was somewhat sad and school was my haven where I felt safe and funny enough loved. Where there was no alcohol, no violence, no being beaten. The teachers at my school were awesome caring and look after me and my brother gave us great support. To be honest I hated when 3pm came I would have stayed at school all day and all night. All my schooling days from 5years old til 17yrs old were spent at Kurow Area so I feel I had a right to shed some tears.

The buildings my have been demolished but the memories will remain in my heart.

Stars on Stage

For weeks Nicholas has been practising at school for the Stars on Stage night. Stars on Stage runs over 3 nights where primary and intermediate schools are given the opportunity to perform on a big stage. Apparently its a big event and it was obvious when I had to que for 2 hours to purchase tickets.

Nicholas has been very secretive about what his school was doing all I knew is he was a penguin. Everytime I asked him about it he would say "sorry mum its a secret"Anyway on Sunday I was telling Ange about the big event and how Nicholas was a penguin and before I knew it he was waddling around the room like a penguin it was so funny he really wanted to show Ange obviously because up until then it was a secret.

Tuesday night came and we headed to the Regent Theatre for the big event. Nicholas school was the opening act and I was absolutely amazed and so proud of the school and Nicholas they were awesome. The skit was about an intergalactic journey through space and landing on earth. There were aliens and space planets the rocket travelled through space and when it landed on earth the music What a wonderful world came on and the little children were dressed as flowers and penguins and many other beautiful things we have on the earth, It was well thought out and performed brilliantly. The other schools were really good and even if you don't have children at school I would recommend everyone to go. I don't ever remember school being that much fun. Well done Nicholas you are a very cute penguin and your waddle was perfect.

School Uniform Part 3

So just when you think things are good with the uniform process. WHAM!! some parent calls the local paper (ODT) and tells them of our plans to adopt gang colours for a school uniform. The reporter turns up at the school to interview the Chairman of the BOT and then a photo of the children and before you know it, you're reading the article in the newspaper the next morning. As a member of the uniform committee I can assure you we were all feeling a little nervous about how the article would read. Here is the article

A Dunedin primary school will continue with its plans to introduce a red and black uniform for pupils, despite objections from one parent, who says it looks like a Mongrel Mob gang uniform. Mornington School Board of Trustees chairman Scott Mason said a proposed uniform with a red polo shirt and polar fleece, and black pants/skirt was presented to parents recently at a consultation meeting. The idea of a uniform was instigated by parents because they wanted to create collegiality or school spirit and it also took much anxiety out of clothing choice for many pupils, Mr Mason said. However, one parent at the meeting expressed concern about the colours of the proposed uniform and said they looked similar to those of Mongrel Mob gang members. Mr Mason dismissed the criticism, saying there were other schools around the country with red and black uniforms, including Fairfield School in Dunedin. "I think you could find a reason for any colour not being appropriate. I don't have any concern about my daughter wearing red and black. "If kids started coming to school wearing bandannas, then I would be concerned. I don't think any gang would think they have achieved a major milestone if a school was wearing red tops and black shorts. "Given that other schools have the same colours here and at other places around the country, this is no precedent." Mr Mason said the school's traditional colours were red and yellow, but red and black were chosen because "yellow is not a particularly good base colour for any uniform". "Black was also chosen because it won't show up the dirt as much." Mr Mason said there were more valid concerns raised at the parent consultation meeting, such as the cost of uniforms for parents and the issue of pupils losing their "individuality" by all wearing the same clothes. The proposed uniform was going through a board approval process and Mr Mason hoped pupils would start wearing it optionally later this year. It could then be adopted next year as the school's official uniform.

PHEW!!! I feel the article read more in our favour and I can honestly say there was a relieved uniform committee indeed. I couldn't download the photo due to protection rights etc. Nicholas was most disappointed he didn't get to be in the photo as he was one of the models but because the school couldn't contact me to get my permission Nicholas missed out. However, Nicholas always has great ideas " I know mum maybe I could get my photo taken now and they will put it in the newspaper tomorrow, great idea aye mum"

I discovered that people read newspaper articles and then if they have a stronge opinion they can log on the newspaper website and post a comment. Here is one opinion from someone:

The concerns about gang colours are groundless and unfounded. Gangs do not wear their colours in the same manner as schools wear a uniform - anyone seen a gang member with a red polo shirt and black shorts or tartan skirt on lately? If we are concerned about a small Dunedin school having a uniform based on gang colours then what about the other schools countrywide that also have school colours that reflect local, national and international gangs?What is being forgotten here is the desire of the majority of parents, as expressed in a school and community survey, to have a uniform investigated and implemented. This is being ignored. For many parents a uniform makes practical and economic sense, it means that parents do not have to worry about buying the right clothes or have issues over what to wear before school each morning. For the school it promotes pride, a sense of community and belonging and stamps out peer pressure and bullying over the wearing of the latest label.There will always be people who believe that uniforms stamp out individuality etc... Find another way for your child to shine, why does it have to be through the clothes that they wear? Encourage your children to shine through the force of their personality. The kids at those schools with uniforms around the place, primary, intermediate and secondary certainly aren't lacking in personality or individuality as far as I can tell!

So there you have it the uniform debate maybe at peace for our school for now, or is it??? Stay tune for the implementing phase. I'm sure it will be interesting.......

School Uniform Part 2

Friday came and the votes were counted 81 yes's and 40 no's. We needed 60% to pass, which we achieved 67% a little close for comfort. However we'll take the 67% and start the next phase of implementing the uniform into the school. All student can start wearing the uniform at the begining of term 3 and by January 2010 it will be compulsary to wear the uniform (except year 6 who have the option last year at the school). Some parents had an issue with the colour so we added another option for the girls a tartan skirt or cullottes. Others had issue with just having the short sleeve T-shirt so we have added long sleeved Ts. One thing I have learn't, its hard to keep everyone happy. I am so thrilled that the proposal was accepted and that I played a part in this process.

The School Uniform

When I searched for a school for Nicholas one of my "must have" was a school uniform. When looking at Mornington School it had everything I wanted except the uniform. The Principal informed me that it wasn't far from being implemented. So we decided to send Nicholas to Mornington. At the beginning of the year the school uniform issue came up and a chance to be on the committee arose. I volunteered my services and along with 5 other mums we came up with the new school uniform. The school colours are red, yellow and black, knowing that yellow doesn't suit many people we stayed away from that colour and stuck with red and black. So for the girls we decided on the red t-shirt and black skort, shorts, skirt or culottes black tights or white socks with black shoes. The boys red t-shirt and black shorts or track pants, black socks and shoes. They would all wear a red polar fleece with contrast black collar and the school logo would be embroided on the front. We got some samples and dressed up some of the children (nicholas was one). They looked absolutely stunning.

We had the opportunity to present the uniform to the BOT and teachers they loved it and so our next presentation would be to the parents. What an experience it was, most of the parents seemed okay with it but one parent raised the question that the colours could be linked to the Mongrel Mob all of us on the committee looked at each other (was not expecting that). Once that was mentioned I could see many parent nodding there heads. What could you say to that comment we didn't have an answer. What was ironic was the parent who made the comment was dressed in red and black. As the evening progressed we still didn't have a solution for her comment. The parents get to vote and voting closes on Friday 5th June. The thing I sought might have been a problem was cost but no-one thus far has even mention it. We took the children dressed in the uniform around to show all the children at school and the general feeling was good. One student asked when can we start wearing it???

We are presenting the uniform again today for those parents who missed out the other night. I have since heard that a family will be pulling their children out of the school if the uniform goes ahead and talking to another parent she felt the colour was to angry, other comments was what about childrens individuality. Its been an very interesting journey one I hope will be in favour of uniform.

My Old School

This is my school where I spent 13 wonderful years at. When I was 5years old it was Kurow District High School. Our uniform was a black gym frock with a white shirt and white sock and black shoe. The big girls were allowed to wear black pantie hose. My teacher was Miss Karen Gately and she was very pretty and lovely. I don't know when the name of the school changed but for most of my schooling it was Kurow Area School. Like I said I spent all my childhood at this school and I loved my school I didn't even want to leave. Anyway the reason why I write this is I just found out through Face book that they have demolished the old school I am so shattered I can't believe it and then the story goes on to say they are spending over $3-4 million if not more to build a new school WHY????? I ask myself. I wish I had heard about this sooner I think I may have gone there and chained myself to the building. This part of the school they demolished was the primary section the building itself had 6 massive classrooms I remember the big long corridor and how we use to run wild down that corridor and get told off. The top picture is where the main office/principal was and the sick bay. The bottom picture is the NE class and each year you would move along the long brick building it was so exciting moving classes each year. Even as I write this blog I'm in utter shock and I'm filled with sadness. I remember in 1982 we celebrated the schools centenary oh what a blast we had as students. I was 13years old we gathered icons and other stuff and put them in a time capsule which was buried outside the new gymnasium. Oh so many memories. I suppose that's all I have now since the building is gone I just assumed it would be there forever!!!! (Still sad). RIP old building you may be gone but your memories will forever live on.

New Entrance classroom

How do you protect your kids from school?

My Nicholas has just started school and I am amazed of all that he has learned. However I am just as shocked of the things not so good he has learned. The first two weeks he was talking to me about this game he plays at school called "Kissy, Kissy Girls" I asked him what that game was. He replied thats when all the girls chase the boys and kiss them. They seem to play this game playtime lunchtime everyday. I talked to another mum about this and she didn't seem to be to worried about it. Today I talked to a dad who's daugther has been forced to play the game. He said his daughter is stressed about it all. I suppose its all about being accepted and if you don't seem to follow everyone else then your deemed "different" I agreed with the dad I certainly find this game totally unacceptable and I keep telling Nicholas this however, I'm not sure whether he is being up front with me when he says he doesn't play that game anymore. Furthermore we were having dinner on Tuesday night and I was telling Nicholas he should be eating his dinner to which he replied ïf you say that again I will F... ya!!!"Dave and I were stunned I couldn't believe it. My first thought was do I make an issue of this or do I just assume he doesn't know what he is saying? No i need to make an isssue I would hate him to talk to anyone else like that so Dave put him in time out because he refuse to apologies. After 5 minutes he came back into the kitchen and still refused to apologies. So off to the sink and with the soap dispenser I asked him to stick out his tongue. Tears soon flowed ( I didn't put the soap on) and I just explained that was a really really bad word and he must never say it ever again. I finished with a cuddle and that I loved him. Its hard to imagine it was only two months ago when he was at Montessori playing in the sandpit or swinging on the swings all those innocent games and now 6 weeks into school he has changed. I so wish I had the patients to home school. I have only spoken on those two matters there are other things he does now which he learn't from the play ground. He's only 5years old what will he be learning by the time he's 10 I shudder to think!!!