First Day Of School

Today was the first day of school for my eldest child. She was fearful and excited as she was starting a new school and was facing being the new kid on the block. As a parent, this decision to pull her from the school that she had been at all her school life with two years to go came with some trepidation from my point of view as well.

Reasons for choosing a new school included walking versus busing, opportunity to meet new friends in our neighbourhood rather than trying to fight the same battles with bullying at the old school, academic records, interviews with key staff and the High School of choice were all explored. This process took months of research and waffling.

What if she didn't make friends? What if she was being forced from the frying pan into the fire? What if she hated it?

Today was a frightening day. Add to the stress, you have to label the school supplies, pack them up and squeeze the whole kit into a small bag. We had to find shoes to fit and of course, find everything on the list. We have to pay our school fees for our publicly funded education...(I know right?). There has to be personalization and of course the cool factor to what you choose. No more Disney, we are into the cool kid brands (but I don't know what they are...)

Then, there is the choosing of the outfit for the back to school day. After going through a million outfits, she settled on a leopard print dress and leggings. I stared at a demolished closet and tried to keep a lid on my thoughts. (WTH were you thinking came to mind).

The night before, we talked and chatted about how to act and how to be to integrate successfully into the new school. We discussed giving everyone a chance, bullying, graffiti and much more. we talked about being inclusive and how not to lose all the school supplies in one day.

And I didn't sleep well.
I worried.
What had I done?

Should I have kept her at the old school with her friends? Maybe this year would be different and she would get the help she needs there. Argh.

Instead, I walked in the door after work to a jubilant child. She had walked home on her own and was excited about her day. She talked about playing and the expectations for the coming days. This is a child I have never seen before. This first day? It's a keeper. Thank you to the powers that be that got me to this point. I am so relieved, and she is happy. Let the learning commence.

Back to School

It would appear to be that time of year for adults and students alike. The wind has cooled amid the summer sunshine that still attempts to warm our skin. However, like most these days, I am progressing through that inevitable to do list that September brings. I used to adore the approach of September. I love the colours of the autumn leaves and the crunch of leaves underfoot. That smell of chill in the air, with the frosty morning breath. I enjoy having the darkness arrive at bedtime so that sleep comes that little bit easier. These are the things that I love about September...but I am learning to dread the approach.

I have been mindmelded by the back to school shopping lists provided by the schools. Can anyone explain to me realistically how a Grade 3 student is going to use 60 pencils this year? Really? And she is really going to need 5 glue sticks plus two large Elmer glues? Are the permanent markers for her or the teacher? How many students am I really buying supplies for is what I want to know. Does my Grade 1 student need two boxes of pencil crayons for the entire year? A binder with a zipper is mandatory? What is she going to do with that and she requires 4 black erase markers and and and.

OK. I have already understood that I am purchasing supplies for my children. I get that. But, I feel like I am charitably donating to the underpriviledged children without the added benefit of the tax receipt. I feel bamboozled by the school district, and I am paying $500 in school fees already. It smarts a bit. Add to that the bins for school supply donations and it all gets to be a bit much.

Then there is the sting of after school activities. There is the YMCA membership that is now due. Dance fees, gymnastics, swimming, piano and art. All have September due dates. Ouch again, but our winters are not pleasant in the north, so I feel that it is better to make sure they stay active during the winter. After all, there is all those studies that point to childhood obesity and so on. Meanwhile, I have my own activity agenda as well.

Now, add to that the nefarious car repairs that September typically brings and the back to school clothing. What child doesn't outgrow absolutely everything that they own about a week prior to school starting? It seems to be the rule around here.

All I have to say is that I had a paid off credit card two months ago. Now...not so much...

 Sunset over Vancouver Island...a side trip from the summer...it was a great night.

The post box was from the Duncan Forest Museum - just to prove you can still get educated while on holidays. Summer doesn't have to end....it doesn't ...

Lastly, I love having the kids at home to play with, camp with and bake with. I get a kick out of listening to their plays and creativity. I am not ready for back to school. I just got into the swing of this summer thing. Got a pause button anyone? Anyone? Make time stop!