First Day Of School 2013

The first day Owen started back full day grade 1 and Noah had kindergarten orientation (1 hr parented). Noah didn't need to be there until 10am, but we got the boys ready together in the morning so we could get some back to school photos of them together. Grayson couldn't wait to put on his batman backpack & join in the excitement. I'm now trying to figure out how to deal with 'quiet' during the day with my bigger two gone. It's a transition period for all of us. I do LOVE routine though & the entire family thrives on it, I know we'll find our new normal in no time.

Grade 1 for Owen! it's definitely a big adjustment (for both Mommy & Owen) leaving the safety of the Kindergarten area and venturing off into the 'big kid' part of the school and yard. He was so brave starting back to school & excited to see his friends again. Luckily, he is in class with two close friends and they have been able to find the rest of their crew at recess to play together.

Owen has a new teacher this year (new to the school) and we are hoping they build a good relationship & he enjoys grade 1!. So far, while he doesn't complain about going to school, he seems indifferent to it. After the first day he told me that there were no toys & nothing to do but work. He is excited that he gets his own desk (they are in groups of four and he sits beside a friend of his) and can keep his pencil case at school :) the first day the best part about grade 1 for him was eating lunch. Day 2 was recess (I considered this a step in the right direction) and by Day 3 he was giggling about some story that involved his friend at recess. Sounded like an interesting day based on the details :) Haven't heard too much about what happens 'inside' the class but little bits are coming out here & there. There is a classroom behaviour chart - goes from green to red & then phone call home :) he's happy to have remained in the green.

Meet the teacher evening is next week and I can hardly wait until I can meet his teacher (besides saying hello in the morning) & check out his new classroom for myself.

I hope you have a great year in grade 1 Owen! you are growing up so fast. I can't wait to see how much you learn this year - I know it's going to be a lot :)

Waiting in line - ready for grade 1 :)

Noah started JK (Junior Kindergarten) he seemed so excited about it & didn't appear the least bit nervous :) When we arrived at the school with Noah, we were escorted to the gym where they had a short liturgy & welcome song for the JK's. Then we went to see Noah's classroom. He didn't get the same kindergarten teacher that Owen had & we were a bit disappointed, but so far Noah is loving his teacher, ECE & going to school. That's all that matters to me :)

Look how cute my little one is! all ready for a great day.

His orientation day involved going to different stations around the classroom to become familiar with the classroom. We found his cubby, used the bathroom, visited the religion, house, creative, science, math and language stations. At each station Noah received a sticker for his 'JK passport' and a little gift from the teachers welcoming him to JK. His teachers went around meeting the families and then there was a short circle time and that was it! he was ready to come back the next day for the full day. His school is full day monday to friday kindergarten and boy if he tired in the evening! I think it's just so much for him to absorb all day - he is having a great time at school though & I'm super proud at how confidant he has been.

I was happy that it was only an hour that morning, my nerves were already jumpy from dropping Owen off for his first day!

Wednesday was Noah's first Full day of kindergarten & my nerves were a mess! I was so anxious about the first day - no specific reason, just an overall uneasy feeling. I dropped off my daycare kids where they needed to be, sent Owen over to line up with his class ( we were a little pushed for time) and went to take Noah to his Kindergarten pen area. I love how the little kids are separated from the big kids but now it means this mommy can't be in two spots at once. I'm so used to watching Owen play with his friends in the morning, but now that I have two at school - I can't be everywhere at once. I didn't realize how much this would affect me.

A quick goodbye kiss and he was off to line up. He looked a little nervous and was really quiet, but no tears :)

Some of the kids were crying and needed extra encouragement form the teachers -I love how warm the kindergarten teachers are at their school, they are all so wonderful with the kids :)

The first day was a success! despite the anxiousness I felt all day long, I didn't have any tears :) had Noah cried it may have been a different story -but I wasn't expecting him to have any difficulty. A couple of surprising things about his first couple of days - Noah happily puts his backpack in line and runs off to find some kids to play with/around. I was expecting him to shy away and stand by himself in the mornings. Or at least stay near the entrance of his classroom, but no he's off venturing all over the yard. He also, has been bringing his extra set of clothes and indoor shoes home - when I asked why he didn't leave them in his cubby at school, he told me he was "scared they'd get lost" lol - not a worry I ever expected Noah to have :) He ate all of his lunch and snack on first day, and ate absolutely nothing (beside 1 nibble of a cucumber slice) the 2nd day. When he came home yesterday he was starving & scarfed down his entire lunch and 2 snack in ten minutes of being home. I have my fingers crossed he eats a bit more today. Other than that he is really having a great time at Kindergarten!