the BIG day . . .

So all the planning, preparation, orientations, purchases, anticipation, tears and excitement are over now!!! It happened - Austin started big school. It was such an emotional day, I still can't believe my baby boy is in school, where did the last five years go???

The night before . . .

Proof that I can and do iron!!! 

All his gear

Taking his polishing very seriously . . .

Finally asleep, he was sooo excited I didn't think he was ever going to go to sleep

The morning . . .

Uniform and bag ready to go

A hearty breakfast

Acting the fool after his shower

Getting dressed for the first time

Lunch

Dropping Lily off at Preschool


The drop off . . .

Walking up the road



The bag and the boy . . .

awww look at him . . .

boys will be boys . . .

Outside his classroom

his peg

Waiting for the bell with Mummy

walking in, no looking back

The farewell was quick. The principal said a few words welcoming us to Newport School, and then she asked to the children to say goodbye to mum and dad and line up with their teacher. Then they all filed away quietly to their classrooms, bravely waving goodbye to us. There were no emotional scenes, no big final hugs and kisses, no going into their classroom, no chat to the teacher, the impression given was "ok parents get out of here now, come to the hall for a cup of tea and chat if you want to have a cry but dont hang around here". I know they do it like that because it's easier on the kids to settle in if you dont make it a big performance - and I must say there were hardly any kids crying. But still, its a huge shock to the system when you are used to the warm, homely atmosphere of preschool - where they love nothing better than for you to hang around and chat.

It was a strange feeling watching him go in too, knowing we just had to let him go and trust him to work things out for himself. I was so proud of him and I knew he would be fine, but I also knew he would be feeling nervous and a bit scared, but that was ok too because I knew that was part of him growing up and learning to be strong, confident and independant.

Steve and I went to see a movie afterwards, I think we both needed to just escape a bit and stop thinking about him being at school. When we picked him up he was looking a bit shellshocked but seemed happy enough, and quite proud of himself. He said he'd had a good day, which is about the most you will get out of a 5 year old boy . . .