Full On

It's one of those weeks.

Wed -

Beth started a 14-week Learn To Swim Program with the Wyndham Leisure Centre.

Against the advice of some friends, we decided to stick with Wyndham even though the swim school with the best rep among parents is Paul Sadler. PS is where Beth learns swimming in summer through her school. It has a highly trained team and a focused learning structure, so you always know how your child is progressing. However, having been to PS when Beth was in Prep, I am not overly fond of the stuffy, heavily chlorinated atmosphere. It's like being trapped in a sauna. Because they're a swim school as opposed to a sports centre, they're also very strict; it's in-and-out, no playing in the water before or after class.

Anyway, I brought Beth for her first lesson yesterday. It was also my first visit to WLC. Beth has been there a number of times with Daddy, so she was able to show me around, which made me look less 'goondu'. We were so early that she was able to get in a bit of homework (reluctantly) and 'have a little play' before the class.

I was quite relieved and grateful that her instructor, Jennifer, appears confident, calm and competent. Rather like Beth's school teacher Mrs V. There are just 4 kids to the class so I think they got a lot of one-on-one time. The class is 30 mins (something I didn't check out before enrolling, so I was surprised when she came out of the pool half an hour early), and she had another 'little play' afterwards in the big pool with the giant penguins and water features.

Makes a nice break in mid-week.

Thu -

Beth took part in the Prep to Y2 School Music Concert @ Werribee Baptist Church this afternoon. Parents and friends were invited and entry was by gold coin donation.

I was surprised and delighted to see Beth's Yamaha teacher Rebecca, who had earlier said she couldn't make it because she had a prior commitment. She brought her two little ones, Bethany and James.

It was a pleasant one hour. Some of the kids are really talented, like our pal Harrison S with his guitar rendition of Mixolydian Groove, Jerry D from Grade 1, Emmason M from Grade 2 who played with such flourish and enjoyment, Joshua J who added his own artistic touch to his Yamaha pieces, and two Grade 2 girls, Annie P and Maggie Z, who played way above what I thought 8 y.o.'s were capable of. I think they might have been AMEB exam pieces.

I later made Annie's mom's acquaintance (her name is Lily) in the carpark and she said she's always thought I couldn't speak Chinese because she hears me speak English all the time. *LOL* We had a chat about private music tuition vs. group class (Yamaha) and she thought Beth might go further quicker if she had private tuition. Her daughter's teacher is a Russian lady who specializes in teaching Chinese students, so I might check her out.

I thought Beth played quite well. I had been worried that her nerves might get to her and she might stumble, but she played flawlessly and even spoke clearly into the mike when she introduced herself and her piece.

I talked to Beth at tea time about the private lessons issue and asked what she thought about switching from Yamaha. She said, "Whatever you recommend Mom", in her reasonable, grown-up sort of way.

But she later added that she preferred being at Yamaha because it's fun and the pieces are simple. *throw up hands*

Fri -

Highlight of this week must surely be the excursion to IMAX tomorrow.

The kids are expected to be in formal winter uniform and to bring their packed lunches as usual. No canteen lunch orders allowed as they are having recess in school, going to the City and coming back to school for lunch.

Before you know it, there goes another week. Just a few more weeks and it's Term 3 hols. And in a few months, Beth starts Grade 2.

Where has the year gone??