Big Girl Gets Ready For School

Beth went for a 2-hour orientation session at her new school yesterday.

It was an exciting and emotional time.

It was my first time taking the car out without CA (but I did have my cousin by my side, so that helped calm the nerves), and I'd never been inside Heathdale CC during school hours.

We did all right in the end (as we all do, most of the time). Found the building, found the room Beth was supposed to report to, said hello to the very nice teachers, and even had time to observe the kids engage in what kids do during recess time. How uninhibited and carefree they seemed as they laughed, kicked ball, screamed, bit into their packed lunches. They looked so smart in their sun hats and uniforms, all these little people who will someday be leaders of their generation.

Beth detached herself confidently from Mummy and Aunty Mei and went to the railing at the opposite end to watch the kids play. Already she's imagining herself as one of them. After the session, where she sang songs, threaded wooden beads and did reading, she asked, "Am I coming back tomorrow?"

Note to self:

• School is not all about marks. I know how it is to function in a highly marks-driven environment, and I can say it took most of the fun out of going to school. I mean, it's nice making it to the top of the class and bringing home a report card with scores in the 80's and 90's, but not when it's at the expense of having fun and making friends and doing the stuff normal 7-12 y.o.'s do.
• Get involved. The school has a system where every family is asked to contribute 20 hours a year in volunteer work or pay a $200 contribution. There are many ways to give your time: reading with the kids, yard duty, wrapping library books...I'm seeing some possibilities here where the things I enjoy doing might be a good match for what the school needs. How exciting to be able to make a difference and enjoy myself!