I am not funny, China is funny.

Monday, August 27^th

First Day of School:

The children popped on their uniforms and headed out for the first day of school. We walked as a family to Bulimba State School. School begins each day at 8:45…we were there by 8:20. The classroom doors don’t open until 8:30, so the kids were free to run around on the playground. Ellis jumped right in. Hannah Grace wasn’t as excited. She stood over to the side with us. Oh, she was working hard to fight back those tears! We were greeted immediately by Janelle, the school family liaison. She was so sweet and helpful! She tried to make Hannah Grace feel comfortable and gave us some great tips, as well. The bell rang and before I could get to Ellis, he was already getting settled into his new class.

When we registered the children on Friday, we found out that the Year 7 class is on a field trip to Sydney and Canberra through Thursday. After talking to the school deputy (assistant principal), Cheryl Kennedy, we decided it would be a good idea for Hannah Grace to start school this week. There are a handful of students that did not make the field trip, so she is with them and some Year 6 students. We are hoping that will help her to not be so overwhelmed when her class returns. Keep your fingers crossed!

At 9:00, the classes gathered for a group assembly. Parents are welcome, so we stayed behind to get an idea of what goes on at the school. Ellis was surrounded by his classmates—they were oh so curious about this new student! Hannah Grace was in the back giggling with the sweet girl next to her. Shew! The assembly began with the Australian National Anthem (we’ll be downloading that one today), stating the Bulimba State School creed, and then a prayer. We scooted out after that in order to get Tony off to work. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the children will have smiles on their faces when I pick them up this afternoon!