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Wednesday, September 05, 2007

And so it begins

School supplies are bought, everyone is equipped with indoor and outdoor shoes (yeesh), the oldest two have carefully written their names on all of their belongings, and each child is outfitted in new clothes for the first day of school. And so it begins.

Tomorrow morning, Maddie meets her new teacher. Madame R. The same kindergarten teacher Julie had. The woman is a marvel. I have seen her transform a group of five-year-olds from screaming and chaotic into quiet subdued sitting-on-the-floor-and-listening with one wave of her magic wand. Well actually it was one well-timed game of follow-the-leader around the classroom, but to my admiring eye it looked like magic. Maddie is ready to be a schoolgirl like her big sisters. And so it begins.

Yesterday Marcel met his new cooperating teacher and spent the day at his new school. He will finally be student teaching in a high school in the subjects he’s been studying for – history and social studies. This is his last year of more than 5 years of university. After a summer of being the only one awake at 7:00 in the morning, I had to smile a little when his alarm went off this morning. And so it begins.

Soccer practice for Nikki this afternoon. Julie starts again soon too. After a week at soccer camp, they’ve learned new skills and are raring to go. They have play-offs from now until the end of September. And so it begins.

Julie and Nikki are both happy with the teachers they get this year. They’re switching teachers. Julie’s moving into the grade 5 class Nikki was in last year and Julie’s teacher from last year is moving up to teach grade 6 where Nikki will be. They both liked these particular teachers last year, so they’re offering each other words of hope. And so it begins.

Beginnings for everyone. Except me. I’m thinking it’s time for a new beginning for me too. Perhaps an art class. Or photography. Or pottery again. Something that sends me out to buy school supplies for ME.

12 comments:

Linda said...

I love school supplies. I just hate paying for them. Wishing all of the students in your household a great year and you too. Let us know what you decide to do to inspire yourself.

Anonymous said...

You deserve some school supplies too!!

My son starts school tomorrow. I've been trying all week to get myself into school mode (getting up earlier), but that alarm snooze button has been so nice. Tomorrow I have no choice. I hope I can get to bed early tonight.

ccap said...

What a coincidence! I was just looking through the leisure guide yesterday looking for something new to do. Maybe we should hook up?

Liz said...

Sounds like the beginning of a big school year in your household. Sometimes I think what I wouldn't give for some of that kindergarten art to hang on the fridge.

Gina said...

Oh it sounds like everything is humming along nicely, though.

A nice class sounds lovely for you, though.

andrea said...

These are touching and insightful observations on the start of school. My sons go to an 8-12 school so "high school" starts in Grade 8. I was thinking of when my youngest started K while I walked him up to the front of his new school (Grade 8) yesterday, knowing that this was the very last time I'd ever walk one of my kids to the front door of the school and show him where he needed to go :(.

The soccer season is just STARTING here (first practice last night). It's actually a winter sport, with the exception of one month over Christmas.

Anvilcloud said...

September has always seemed like the real New Year to me -- a time for beginnings. I think I'll just be recommencing a few things though.

Anonymous said...

I am feeling the same way and am also looking into a pottery class...

Anonymous said...

School supplies. Just the thought of yellow pencils and thick notepads sends my heart aflutter.

Pamela said...

me2. I signed up for another watercolor class.

I haven't painted all summer. too many other things going on.

Anonymous said...

I love office supplies. The smell of glue and paper makes me giddy.

Sefishly I vote for Pottery.

joyce said...

oooh, I love your attitude!
something new... for you...