Category: Pre-School

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Pre-School

Last Day of Preschool

Tomorrow is the twins last day of preschool. Yes the last day for ever and ever. They are off to big school, Kindy next year. I was a little upset at their school concert today and I’m sure I will be a mess tomorrow.

As I did when they first started. I took a picture of them on the front step of the house.

First Day at Preschool
First Day at Preschool 2012

I will of course take another picture of the girls about to leave for their last day at preschool. Once I have it will add it to this post. Just looking at this you can see they have grown up a great deal. You can see little legs, and tummies and just smaller kids. Now they look so much more grown up, little people ready to go and make their mark on the world, well at least at Primary School.

Looking around at all the kids that are leaving the preschool today I noted that mine are the smallest and I saw that at Transition. My little girls are tiny compared to others of the same age, and looking at this photo they still fit into the shoes they were wearing on the first day of preschool and that is 2 years ago now.

The girls last day of preschool - Look how big and grown up they are!
The girls last day of preschool – Look how big and grown up they are!

My little ones are very prepared and cannot wait to start Kindy, being September babies they have had 2 full years at preschool and cannot wait to learn more and to be more. They are hungry for more and I welcome the challenges the next years bring us. It will be an interesting learning for all of us.

The girls go to preschool or should I say went to preschool 3 days a week, Kindy is all week. This will be interesting to see how they handle a 5 day school week. One challenge I need to get through first is Christmas and the School Holidays.

My babies at their last day of school. How time flies.
My babies at their last day of school. How time flies.

What about you? Are your babies leaving preschool to go to Kindy? Have you been upset and looking back at things? Is it just me? Send in your comments.

Were you sad that your kids left preschool? It is an end of an era and a start of a new one.

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Pre-School

Pre-School has started for 2013

My girls were upset last night when they realised that school went back today. They were asking if there friends would be there, these friends were the ones that are starting big school (Kindy) and of course I had to say no they will not be there. Although the girls will not see these friends at school we will catch up after school and on weekends.

I was worried that the girls might decide to stick their heels in and not want to go to school today to my annoyance, however this was not the case. I managed to get them dressed and ready for school earlier than expected. The girls were super excited and were wearing their new school bags and waiting for me to get all the things ready for the car.

It was good when we got to the school that one of the girls they are friends with was going again this year. They were very happy to see her and ignored me so I kissed both girls and said my goodbyes. Thank god they had a friend to distract them. 🙂

The twins new school bags
The twins new school bags
The The girls first day of school 2013
The girls first day of school 2013

This is the last year of pre-school for the girls. At the end of the year they will do transition to the big school and be getting ready for Kindy. As they are the bigger girls in the pre-school they will be tasked with showing the new kids around and of course meet and become friends with new kids.

My babies are growing up fast, and becoming such independent big girls. I am so proud and happy but at the same time it is a little sad my little girls are growing up so quickly.

Are you happy that school has gone back? What are you going to do while you have some free time? Do you race off to work or race around the house cleaning and sorting? Or is it your relaxation time to do your hobbies? Send in your comments.

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Pre-School

Pre-School Over for 2012

Last day of School for 2012
Last day of School for 2012

This past Wednesday was the girls last day at pre-school for 2012. Yes my babies have done a full year at school, I am so proud and amazed it has gone so fast. We are now on holidays and awaiting the arrival of Santa and fun times with relatives and spending quality time with daddy at home. Daddy is working his last day before holidays today and I am sure is keen to come home, have a beer, put his feet up and finally relax for a bit.

My girls have been taken with bugs and insects ever since the bug lady, “Jackie” came to visit the school. They took a bug to show and tell for the last day of school and to go and live in Bug Town. Yes you heard that right, Bug Town. It is a place at the school that bugs live in and all kids are collecting and getting involved in. One of the girls friends had huge spider in a glass jar and it was yucky, I hate and really don’t like spiders. Not a fan at all. Pleased the girls are not skirmish with bugs and insects, however don’t want them getting to friendly with things that are dangerous. The bug lady has pointed out what is dangerous so that is good to know also, just hope they are not overly keen and forget about the danger.

My girls have grown up so much, they are trying to read, writing their names, can count to 20 and more now, and recognizing letters and numbers. Julia has added up numbers, the other week she said, we went to her cousins place for 2 sleeps. The following week we went for another 2 sleeps, she then said mummy that makes 4 sleeps. What a clever girl.

Julia also told a bossy girl at a park after the last day at school that she is going to turn 6 after she is 5. Very smart indeed. This bossy girl was saying she was older and bigger as she was 6 and the girls were babies. My girls hate when they are called babies and want to be seen as little girls not babies, other kids assume they are younger as they are small and petite. I think these bigger kids better watch themselves as my girls are not babies and will surprise you.

It will be interesting to see what 2013 has in store for the girls at pre-school. They will be big kids in their school next year as the older girls and boys are off to big school (Kindy). I also hope that they don’t miss their older friends too much. We have the contact numbers for these families so hopefully we can make playdates after school and on weekends.

It is nice not having to race off to get kids to and from school and I am looking forward to seeing the kids faces when they open their presents on Christmas Day. Do you find it relaxing when kids are on holiday? I do find it harder sometimes as you have to find more things to do, keeping kids occupied sometimes is harder than it seems. Currently the girls are busy playing by themselves. I might go and check to see if there is mess or things I need to know about, they are being very quiet. Send in your comments.

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Pre-School

Maria Montessori’s 142nd birthday

Maria Montessori’s 142nd birthday
Maria Montessori’s 142nd birthday

Today is Maria Montessori’s birthday, if she was still alive today she would be 142 so that is a lot of knowledge she would have by now. Google have special doodles on their search page to honour her birthday and her as a person.

My twins go to a Montessori pre-school and have thrived with this environment. Have you sent your kids to a Montessori school? Has this helped them? I know this way is not for all and other kids benefit from different schools.

My girls seem to like the structure and the fact that they are hands on, and can learn to do practical things that adults do as well. Both girls are keen to help out more around the house, and are able to do more as they have practiced at school with the practical skills like scrubbing, washing, grating, whisking and other things like this.

More about Maria Montessori.

Send in your comments of your experience with Montessori education.

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Pre-School

Father’s Day at Pre-School

Daddy came to pre-school today to celebrate Father’s Day. The girls and the other kids sang songs, and did dances. There was a sandpit, making things with clay, hammering things and other activities to join in with. The girls told daddy that they wanted to create things with clay and so all three of them created some great works of art.  Both girls were tickled pink that he came to see the surprises and to be with them at school this afternoon.

Check out some of the pictures that daddy took.

Lillian being creative
Lillian being creative
Julia
Julia
Father's Day Creations
Father’s Day Creations
Lillian
Lillian

Are your kids thrilled when daddy or mummy comes for special days at school? What type of reactions have you had? I am a bit annoyed as the surprises I have organised for daddy will come late as they are being sent from overseas (I could not get the books here), so he will have be happy with special cupcakes (with cupcake toppers from paper and glitter) and a walk somewhere. Are you planning something terrific for your daddy? Send in your stories.

PS. While on Pinterest I found some wonderful cupcake toppers for Father’s Day and they are free, all courtesy of paperglitter.com. I am sure they would not mind me sharing as they were easily available on the Internet.

 

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Pre-School Uncategorised

Father's Day at Pre-School

Daddy came to pre-school today to celebrate Father’s Day. The girls and the other kids sang songs, and did dances. There was a sandpit, making things with clay, hammering things and other activities to join in with. The girls told daddy that they wanted to create things with clay and so all three of them created some great works of art.  Both girls were tickled pink that he came to see the surprises and to be with them at school this afternoon.

Check out some of the pictures that daddy took.

Lillian being creative
Lillian being creative
Julia
Julia
Father's Day Creations
Father’s Day Creations
Lillian
Lillian

Are your kids thrilled when daddy or mummy comes for special days at school? What type of reactions have you had? I am a bit annoyed as the surprises I have organised for daddy will come late as they are being sent from overseas (I could not get the books here), so he will have be happy with special cupcakes (with cupcake toppers from paper and glitter) and a walk somewhere. Are you planning something terrific for your daddy? Send in your stories.

PS. While on Pinterest I found some wonderful cupcake toppers for Father’s Day and they are free, all courtesy of paperglitter.com. I am sure they would not mind me sharing as they were easily available on the Internet.

 

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Pre-School

Term 3 Eve

I cannot believe it is term 3 already, well it will be tomorrow.  As you would have guessed the kids are in their bedroom, making a mess and playing. At 8pm they were still not sleeping. I would have thought that they would have been asleep by then. I really tried to exhaust the twins today, and I thought I succeeded, but I obviously failed.  Finally now at 9.04pm, they are passed out and looking so cute and adorable in their beds. Yes in their own beds (this does not always happen).

Today we went to the shops, to the park and then went to see Ice Age 4.  The kids were very well behaved in the movies. Julia sat in her seat for most of the film and Lillian also. Near the end, Lillian got out of her chair and decided to sit on Nana’s lap. Julia also decided she wanted cuddles and I had Julia on my lap.

I hope the girls wake up at the right time for school tomorrow as I want to make sure that we are on time. Mummy is keen to have the day to get some things done around the house. I need to sort out the girls clothes – give away clothes that are not fitting correctly, chuck out ones that are worn and not worth giving away and resort the draws. It is a big job and one that cannot be done with kids around. Also want to sort and put away all the washing and tidy some of the house. Not sure if I will have time for it all but want to make a start.

I am very pleased girls are going back to pre-school, not only is it a sanity saver, the girls get so much out of school. The twins need to be stimuatled by so many things, and school is great for them. It allows them to do so many new tasks, learn and mix with other kids. At the end of school days the girls are normally very tired, but you won’t hear them say that. Mostly it is “No I am not tired!”

Are you another happy mummy that school is back tomorrow? Lunches are packed and will organise their clothes and school bag before I go to bed. Want to be extra sure that we are organised for tomorrow. I know this view of being super excited about school going back is not for all, some are upset to see the kids go back to school.

I do understand that a bit. I am slowly realising that this year has gone very fast and next year is the girls last year of pre-school and then they will be at big school (Kindy). It is flying by, and my cute little babies are no longer, they are little girls now, who are going to be off to big school before I know it. However the big school will allow mummy to get more done and maybe get a part time job. Who knows. Send in your comments.

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Pre-School

Glowing Report

Yesterday, James and I attended the girls first parent teacher afternoon (I keep on wanting to say parent teacher night). I know it is normally night time, but I suppose pre-school is an afternoon time frame. I suppose it could be afternoon, not sure as I have not done the school thing as yet and pre-school is our first encounter with a school like system, other than our time at school.

You will all be pleased to know that both children are doing extremely well and the teacher would like to start the process of teaching them to read and to write. We got the impression that this is left to when the child is older, but as the girls seem ready she would like to give it a go and see how it goes. One thing that we need to do more of at home before learning can commence is play word games with them to know how letters sound, what words start with what letter. Once the girls have more letters at their disposal the game and learning that the school wants to do will happen.

The pre-school has cards and they get the child to recognise a letter and put the letter to a word, so if the word was “Cat”, and if the letters were “AT” and there was a C or say a B available, then the child might spell either cat or bat, depending on which letter they pick.

The girls are recognising letters and numbers quite well, however not sure how many they do know and if we are at the point of forming word/words. We have been practicing today and Julia was getting some things right and others all mixed up. She got annoyed and said, “I want to get it right!” I told her there were heaps to learn and it doesn’t matter if it is wrong and there is nothing to worry about.  Lillian also found it a bit hard to understand why it was all wrong and she just ended making up things, C is for Bed, D is for Pillow and more strange things.

I can understand from their point of view it is frustrating as there is a lot to learn and it is not making much sense, early days still and no pressure, they are smart little bunnies and they will get it soon.

One thing that the teacher was very impressed about is that you tell girls something and they say it well, do it, and remember things. Language, fine motor skills, and other skills seem to be on track or above. We are very pleased indeed. Not only are they doing well with what the school is teaching them, they are making friends and seem to popular as well, could have something to do with being cute little twins or just down to personality.

Do you find that your child is hungry for knowledge; Lillian has wanted to go to school since she was one years old. She did not understand why she could not. I hope the appetite lasts throughout their life and they learn great skills. As I told their teacher, we are not fussed if they go to university or become doctors or lawyers, we just want them to have a skill and be able to work, provide and be happy with what they do.

Did you get good outcomes from parent afternoons/night s? Did they help? We did ask if there was anything we could do to help, other than helping with the letter recognition we are on track. However I was prepared for any area of improvement if need be. Sometimes the girls are not the best at sharing, or doing things on their own, this has gotten a bit better due to school, but as mentioned was armed to think that there could be something else to focus on. If you did get a report that an area was in need of improvement or more guidance, how did you deal with that? Send in your comments.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

My free time = 5 hours x 3

Do you ever have visions of getting everything on your to do list done? Well I do, however not all does get done. It is a frustrating situation but I suppose with kids and other things going it is understandable that this never occurs.  However it does get frustrating that some things still are a work in progress and are not finished.

It might be just me but once kids go to pre-school, I have it in my head that I have the day. No I don’t, I just have the magic hours between 9.15am and 2.45pm so I need to get whatever I need to do done in that window.

Lately I have found that the more I have to do, not much gets done. I end up doing bits and pieces of something and then never getting through a task completely. I am using my Swiss cheese approach, just doing each problem bit by bit, a hole at a time. Maybe this is the answer and I should just be content with this. I have been doing what I can do in the time available however with a brain that is overloaded on tasks, I find it hard to concentrate on just one thing lately. Have you had this issue? Or is it just me.

I do have some time 5 hours 3 days a week, those are the days that the girls are at pre-school. Currently they and I have a cough given to us by daddy, who got it from a workmate. Not something bad, but just a little tickle. The girls seem oaky so sent them off to school, but in the back of my mind, I am waiting for the phone call to come get them. Let’s just hope that this does not happen. (I sent them due to the fact that they are playing and are happy at home; don’t seem really ill, if they were they would be home)

I have a messy house still but need to prioritise, the university group assignment is due next Monday so need to put my head down and bum up and get it done. No television just working on assignment this week. So cleaning will have to wait until assignment is done, or just a bit of tidying tonight.

Off to get my cuppa tea and start work on my assignment again. Send in your comments on how you structure your time off when kids are at school? What can you get done in the time allowed? Are you now a speed worker due to the small free time window? I wish I was.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

I must wear the purple top

Why is it when you are cutting it fine time wise, one or both of your kids has an issue with something. By issue, it could be a tantrum, or hysterical reaction to mummy telling them that they cannot wear the purple top due to it being dirty.

This issue with the purple top happened to me this morning. I had about 30-40mins to get kids dressed and ready for school. I had the bags already to go, lunches as well. I just needed to get kids dressed and then all in the car. Easy I hear you say. Well it wasn’t.

Lillian decided that she wanted to wear the purple top that was very dirty. I explained that she cannot wear dirty clothes out, while this was happening Julia decided that she wanted to wear shorts. I explained that no one is wearing shorts as it is very cold and she would be freezing.

I gave Lillian 3 choices for tops. None of them she allowed me to put on her. While I tried to put them on her, she busiest herself taking them off quick smart, after ages of crying and me being very firm and some taps to her bum she decided that she needed to listen and choose a top. She allowed me fighting all the way to put on a top. I then tried to put on a jumper and she was again hysterical and did not want it. She claimed everything was itchy. Well that is news, it was never itchy before. Oh well, decided to give her another one that might not be itchy and she still complained about it being itchy, but I persisted. She needed to wear a jumper, it is very cold.

OH, what a time spent just dressing one child! That saga took over 20mins. Then I still had to dress Julia. Julia was better about it, however insisted on shorts and wanting to wear her sandals. Again, I told her that shorts and sandals were out, that she needed to dress warm as it was cold. She was much better behaved than Lillian was, but I think that is due to seeing Lillian in trouble and Julia did not want that to happen to her.

So by the time two kids were dressed in warm outfits, it was 9.05am; I need to be driving by 9.00am to get to school in time. This morning it was not bad, however I don’t like to be late. Do you have dramas getting kids dressed in the morning or to go out? Do they allow you to dress warmly for a cool/freezing day – Current temperature here is 4.5degrees, but feels like 1.2degrees. So as you can see sandals and shorts is not a good idea.  Do you have any tips or tricks to help with a hysterical child that takes off the clothes you put on her?

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Nut free lunches

My girls are lucky that they don’t have a nut allergy, so when I pack their lunches, I want to make sure that they are safe for others if they do have a nut allergy (I would feel terrible if anything I packed caused an issue with another child, I would never forgive myself). I read all ingredients before I purchase any product, although there is always a disclaimer on products that state: “May contain traces of peanuts, nuts or sesame seeds”.

This is a legal cover from the manufacturer as some items might be made on equipment used for nuts or similar products. This disclaimer is a legal protection to make sure that the company is covered.

With this knowledge, I find it difficult to pack lunches that don’t have any of these disclaimers on them.  I was alerted by one of the staff at the girl’s school to a breakfast bar that had this very disclaimer. The teacher made me feel terrible and I thought maybe I need to bake things to ensure that they don’t have nuts.

Baking is fine; however I have done this before on numerous occasions. I have invested the time and energy; all to find that the girls don’t eat it. Not to mention purchasing only food items just for that recipe to then never use them again.

Upon looking into nut allergies, they state that 1-2% of the population suffer from these; however I find it interesting that we are hearing about them more and more. Has there been a change somewhere? Is it environment, food, or something else that might be the cause?  When I was at school I don’t remember anyone having a peanut allergy and we freely ate peanut butter sandwiches. Maybe there were some kids who were allergic, but we had no idea.

I find it interesting that one school of thought is that not giving kids certain types of food can create allergies.  I am not a professional on the subject and of course not a doctor, so I believe that if you are allergic you are, whether you have eaten a nut or not. This is obviously how you are meant to be.

Below are great links for more information on nut allergies:

Do you have issues creating a nut free lunch? How have you dealt with kids who do have nut allergies?  Send in your comments and remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

Keep checking out the site, I am going to check out some recipes that kids will like and also is nut free, still working on this one… so stay tuned.

 

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Parent Teacher Night

Hi all readers. We have the girls first “Parent Teacher Info Night” and I am not sure what questions to ask the teachers. Here is what I have so far:

  • How is each child going? By this, I mean, are they finding the work o.k, is there something that they are more skilled at than other tasks?
  • If they are not doing well in one area, what is it? This way we can improve on it
  • Has either child shown a strong interest in any area, and if so, what is it?

Other than the standard, are they getting along with other kids and enjoying it, What else should we ask them? The husband is keen to come along also and to find out more about the school and how the girls are doing.

We are still new to this schooling business and wanted to ask  your thoughts, What should we be asking the teachers? Send in your questions we should ask the girls teachers and remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Mother’s Day Secrets

Yesterday at the girls school I waited for the doors to open for afternoon pick up. Once the doors opened, I saw other kids with giggles and smiles give their mother an invitation. Not sure what was going on, I just waited to see what would happen with my girls. I also had no idea that it was something that I might be invited to.

Julia saw me and was all smiles. She handed me a piece of paper. It was an invite to the pre-school’s mother’s day event. I am very pleased that the girls are getting involved in a secret thing for me, their mummy, however now I need to go to the school rather than have the day. I know that sounds terrible, but I don’t get a lot of time to myself. I am very excited and keen to go, and cannot wait to see what secret things the kids have been planning.

While walking towards the car I asked how the day went, “Who did you play with?”, and “What they got up to?” Lillian answered, “I cannot tell you.” I asked why this was so? Lillian then said, “It is a secret mummy, mother’s day secret”. So I only found out that they played dress ups and were princesses. I am not fussed and think it is cute they are keeping their secret.

Normally the kids spill the beans on secrets. When daddy was opening his birthday present last year, he joked and said, “I wonder what this is?” This is when, Lillian and then Julia told him what he was unwrapping. So very cute but a spoiler, the girls are now growing up and have figured out to keep secrets, what big girls they are becoming.

Julia was so keen on the drawings she did for me and for mother’s day that she gave them all to me yesterday. I explained that it is not mother’s day yet, and these should be given on that day. She did not understand and was so excited; she wanted me to have them now. I was told to hold onto them and keep them for mother’s day.

Are your kids doing secret mother’s day business?  Have you noticed your childcare or school organising anything special. This is my first event to attend at school so it will be rather exciting and interesting. I will make sure to bring the camera; I want to capture the moment. Send in your comments and remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Happy Little Vegemite

I am very pleased to report that my first assignment for this semester gained a high distinction, and as a bonus I have gotten an extra on my overall grade. I have also been asked to present my assignment to the class. I am thrilled and just so happy. Now need to get organised and do well on the group assignment and exam. This is a great start.

Now, today is going to be taken up with tiding as the house needs to be ship shape. We are having friends come and babysit the girls on the weekend, so that we can go to a good friend’s birthday. Really looking forward to seeing our good mate, and having some time out. However it is going to be hectic until then, a lot to do. One other positive of having the house tidy is that it is ready for next week and if it stays in a reasonable state, I might have more time for other things next week.

I got up early to have breakfast, do some stretches, and get organised. It was nice to have a head start on the day and to do some things without any distractions. Do you find it is easier to be up earlier than kids or the husband/partner? It is nice to have some quiet time, I rather enjoy it.

Now off to get kids up, but first will get breakfast arranged before the little bodies make it to the table. What are you up this fine autumn day? I will be busy sorting the house out and cannot wait to make a start on it. Keen to find out how the kids will enjoy their day at school after the school holidays. Send in your comments. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Take 2

Lunches are packed, clothes are in school bags for emergencies, and we are good to go. Today did not turn out like I had envisioned: organising and sorting things around the house. In reality I was answering a child every 5 seconds and cleaning up messes, cuddling injured kids after they fell and hurt themselves.  So today was rather chaotic and annoying, although there were moments of lovely cuddles and kisses.

The plan for tomorrow is to get up early and do some cleaning, I need to make the most of my day without kids. It will be a very long, tiring day, but looking forward to the end result, a tidier place to be. Just worried that it will not be tidy for long, there lies the challenge – keeping it clean. How long does your clean house stay clean?

I have also lucked out on the online tutorial for university, all audio was muffled and no idea why it is so. The readings will tell me what I need to know, so will read the lecture notes and answer the tutorial questions. I am a bit behind on the tutorial questions, so need to work on those, and then focus on the group assignment.

As a new parent to the school system, it is rather annoying to be told that term starts today, to then find out it is the next day, and then have a public holiday on the same week. I am now over my rant on the subject and am finally doing my happy jig again, as finally kids will be in school tomorrow. Yippee, I know it is just for one day this week, but one needed, much deserved day.

How have you faired today? Did you child/children go to care or school? If they did not did you get things done? Send in your thoughts and comments. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Pupil free day or extra holiday?

I was under the impression that pre-school started today. I was wrong! After we got to the school the door was closed, and no parents about. I left kids in the car (car was locked and I was parked just in front of the school, so could keep my eye on the car) and popped out to check if school was on.  One of the teachers answered and then told me it was a pupil free day.

I am very annoyed at this situation. The girls have already had two weeks holiday, on the schools website it states that today is the start day for term 2, and now to learn that no school will happen today is annoying to be polite, I just wanted to scream and cry.  I asked when they alerted parents to this and was told it was in the newsletter. I remember getting the newsletter, and cannot remember it being mentioned. Since cleaning up my email the newsletter is not there, so no way of checking this.

As a parent, and not a teacher, I do not understand why pupil free days are needed? Why the work can’t be done the week before school starts, and if it is just an extra day this should not cause an issue. Why is the advertised date on the website wrong? If they are having a day off, the new start date should read the 24th of April not the 23rd of April.  I did check the website as a friend mentioned there could be a pupil free day. I thought that if this was the case it would be noted here. No such luck. I have emailed them to update the site as I think this is a resource parents would use to check dates and events for the school.

Also due to Anzac Day on Wednesday and now a pupil free day today, I only have one day off to get everything done. This is just impossible and frustrating to say the least. The girls love school and were excited to see their friends again, when I told them that it was closed for the day they were upset. I told them that they will go tomorrow and next week so it will be all good.

Do you get annoyed at pupil free days? Is it just me? If you are a teacher please enlighten me to what is done on pupil free days, and why they are needed. Send in your comments. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Pre-School

Term 2 Eve

I am very excited, pre-school starts again tomorrow. School going back makes me very happy. Now, what will I be doing with my time off? Well I am glad you asked. Housework is the answer, and not what I want to be doing, however needs to happen. Due to little people being around and not a lot of time to clean and finish off what you are doing, the house is a messy state again. This is all going to be fixed on Monday and Tuesday of this week, as Wednesday is a public holiday –  Anzac Day.

Lunches are all packed and will get up early to sort out bags and other things. Yepeeeeeeeeeeeee for school starting again!!! Are you doing a happy jig now that school is going back?  I am, and I am still dancing. Do you find that you are not yourself without some time out?  I have all these things I want to do, and now I can get stuck into more of it again, university, sewing, me time and many other things.

Send in your comments about school going back. Before I start my crazy day of cleaning, I will sit down and have a cuppa tea and read a bit of my magazine. What are you going to do with your time?

Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

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3 years and beyond Katoomba and Weather Pre-School

Wet weather options

It was a big day for us girls on Wednesday. Off to an indoor play centre and then in the evening to a board meeting, at the girls past child care centre. The decision to go to an indoor play centre was made easy by torrential rain that would not ease, and of course kids that wanted to run wild. However mummy just wanted to go back to bed. This relaxing in bed was never going to happen, so why not take them somewhere to exhaust the little monkeys.

Before we even got out the door, the girls had already done many pages of collage; drawing and I had painted their faces with face paint, a gift from grandma. I must say that face painters are safe as my skills are terrible in this area, but the girls were happy with the results, so glad that they did not know any better.

Isn’t it always the way, when you want to leave the house, or get out of the car, it rains heavier than before and seems to get worse and worse. We stayed in the car for a bit to see if it would get better, but no luck. Then I realised we could not stay in the car for a long, due to the girls eventually saying, “I need to go to the toilet mummy.” With this thought, I decided we just needed to run for it.  All three of us made it, although soaked and now a bit colder than we were before.

The girls were very pleased to be at the play area, and I packed a lunch so it makes it easy (and cheaper). While we are there, they can eat and then have a rest when we get home. Julia and Lillian spotted a friend from pre-school and all of them were excited. Great, they have a friend to play with. So from then on they were running and playing with their girlfriend. This means mummy can just have a cuppa tea without having to entertain kids; yippee!

The only problem arises at this place is when you have to leave. When you announce to your child/children that you have to go/to pack up/put shoes on, they run away and cannot be found. You end up giving extra time, and then eventually resorting to evil mummy tactics. Grabbing one child and then getting them organised and holding them until you get the other, if it fails. I let them know that if they behave badly, we will never come back. This usually results in, “Oh, oaky mummy” and “oaky” and mean looks at me.

Upon exiting the indoor play area, the rain was still as heavy as when we came in. If anything it seems like it had gotten heavier and worse. A kind lady on the counter minded the girls, while I went to get the car. This helped as it would have been difficult with two kids in the rain.

We went home to rest before our next outing, which was to the girls ex child care centre. They used to go there for two years, but now they go to pre-school. I am still on the board at the centre and went for the regular meeting. The girls get minded by some ladies who work at the centre, and the kids love it, as they get to see their old teachers/carers/friends that go to the centre. They get fed so all I have to do is give them some milk and it is off to bed. Upon leaving it was still pouring with rain, we finally made it home tired and wet.

What do you do when it is pouring with rain, and it does not stop? Do your kids run amok, or do they like being inside doing puzzles, drawing or other tasks? Mine love to go outside and seem to feel couped up if the rain lasts for too long. Not a good thing in a small house with bad weather. Send in your comments.

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