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Tomorrow my little boy starts grade one and then the next day my twin girls start grade eight, yep they are growing up fast.
The last two years have been up and down with lockdowns and schools mandating learning from home. I do hope that schools stay open and that kids will have an unbroken school year. Not only is it a struggle when kids are learning from home, it is a huge strain to help kids learn while you are also working full time.
Getting ready for back to school
My children do much better when they are at school for face to face lessons. I am also not cut out for homeschooling anyone. Although last year the kids had four months learning from home, the twins got awards from school and glowing report cards. Even the youngest got awards too.
It is sad to say goodbye to the holidays and will be back to the weekly schedule yet again. There are a few things I do like when school returns, the quiet time during the day that will finally allow me to think and get a few things done. I also love the fact that all kids will be with friends, learn new things and grow.
One other good thing about kids going back to school is that they will be so tired and sleep well. Yep, too much info and to do, so mentally and physically exhausted. A win win for mummy!
The youngest is super excited to be entering stage one, now grade one. He is keen to see his mates but not keen to go to school. He told me that he wants to stay home and play with mummy. I do hope that he changes his mind and has a good day tomorrow.
The thirteen year olds were not that keen to go back but it has grown on them. They have a good group of fiends and are keen to see them again at school (although they have been hanging out during he holidays). The girls also have been lucky to get their first choices for their starter electives and are excited to experience these subjects and get a taste of what high school is really like.
The girls also have some good mates that are starting grade seven as well and I hope that they welcome them warmly to the new school and help them feel at home. When the twins started high school some of the kids that they were friendly with were not very nice at all, due to the twins being the older kids in their year they are the same age as some kids in the year above but now they are a year apart the kids in the year above didn’t want to be friends. Which of course upset my girls no end.
So as the girls know how it feels, I hope they don’t do the same to their mates that are the year below them.
As long as the schools can stay open and we don’t have homeschooling it will be a better year than the last two.
Are your kids looking forward to going back or starting school?
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The kids are enjoying being the grade 6 kids at school, they now the big kids.
At first, when the teacher said grade 6 line up here and grade 5 line up here, the girls thought they were still in grade 5. However, it didn’t take long for them to remember they are indeed the grade sixers and not grade 5 kids anymore.
First day of grade 6
Both girls got teachers they are happy with and are in classrooms next door to each other, so this is a nice way to end their primary school education. I am so glad that they are happy as it makes it so much easier dealing with such huge changes this year.
The twins were super excited to put themselves forward for house captain and vice-captain, one of the girls got vice-captain and the other was unsuccessful. I did explain that this can happen and told her how sorry I was that things did not work out as she wanted them too.
She was rather annoyed and angry that most of the kids that got in didn’t even write a speech and just stood up and boasted about what they could do for the team and the school and how good they were. Hugs with mummy were needed and some chats about how one kid will get something wonderful and the others won’t and then it will be the others turn for something wonderful to happen and then the other will miss out. It is the way the world works and life. Also sometimes there is only one position up for grabs so if they both go for it only one kid can get it.
Chocolate was eaten and more cuddles and chats helped this kid feel better. Geez, I think there will more of this happening as they progress with schooling and enter high school. Hopefully, they will be interested in different things and not compete with each other for roles at the school.
As it is now week 2 of term 1, it is I think a good start to the last year of the primary journey for the twins.
How is your little one going with school this year? Maybe they are not so little and are also the big kids at the school.
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Big year, the twins start grade 6 - The last year of primary school
Today is the day before the twins start year six…otherwise known as Year Six Eve.
I still cannot believe my little girls are nearly finished primary school.
This growing up thing has snuck up on me and I know it has happened gradually…however, lately, I’ve noticed how grown up my girls are looking lately. In recent photos, they are really looking like young ladies rather than girls.
The girls are excited and nervous at the same time about starting grade six this year.
Big year, the twins start grade 6 – The last year of primary school
So what are they excited about?
Seeing their friends
Being the big kids at the school
Finding out what teacher they each get and of course who’s in their class
Getting their year six jumper
Going to the local high school to find out more and to experience what it’s like to be at high school
What they are nervous about?
Being in grade six – the work that might be involved for the big kids at school
Leaving primary school for high school next year
Not getting the teacher they want
Not being a class with their friends
Soon to be in high school
It is a HUGE year for the twins, and also the last year before they are teenagers. Although you would think from their attitude that they are already teenagers.
The girls from my insistence have packed their bags for school tomorrow and I’ll check if they have their uniforms sorted as well. I want to be organised for the first day to ensure that we are not late, as we have to drop Alexander off to care that morning as well.
I’m keen for school to go back but not keen on all the things that go with it during the term, after school activities, getting lunches ready, and being a taxi for everything and everyone. I quite liked not doing any of these things.
So wish us luck for the start of term 1 and one that I feel will be a big year for everyone. It only feels like yesterday that the twins started at the primary school and now it is their last year at the school.
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The baby is finally not sick and is in care, and mummy is able to take some time to just be. To sit and have quiet time.
The school holidays were crazy. Well, not all crazy, but some of it was just chaotic.
There were some nice moments of sleeping in, not having to be anywhere and staying at home, plus spending some nice time with the kids was good.
There always seemed to be something happening. One kid fighting, one kid hurt or hurting the other and then the arguments. Oh my gosh! As the mum of three kids, it seemed that no matter what was going on it was hard to keep up. I was constantly exhausted.
Do you find this? Trying to entertain kids at all times is difficult. Once you think everyone is happy and playing it then all changes and you are back to sorting out a disaster.
A disaster could just be someone throwing out a drawing or not playing the game they want to play. Simple things but huge dramas to a little kid.
During the holidays the twins flew to Coffs Harbour to see their grandparents. The girls were unaccompanied minors and they got on a plane all by themselves. This was a huge step and a great thing to foster their independence.
This was one of the weeks that I was really looking forward to. While the kids were away I thought that the baby would be in care, and I would get so much done.
Fast forward to the actual week that the twins flew to visit the grandparents and of course Alexander was ill. Yes, this was the week that my little boy was very sick.
No child care, he had to have mummy and now the week that I so desperately was excited about was not great. My time alone was non-existent.
I did feel like it was a horrible conspiracy. No, you can’t have time to yourself….. ever! Yes, I know that the baby did not plan to be sick and these things just happen.
However, why do they happen on the week that the older kids were not going to be home? Why couldn’t this have happened the weeks before the girls flew to visit their grandparents?
How did you fare during the school holidays? Did you have fun? Did you get driven crazy by the kids?
Now that school is finally back I hope that you are having a well-deserved rest.
If you are busy at work you might need to wait for that rest, but I’m sure work is a change from looking after kids during the school holidays.
I’m happy about school going back but I miss sleeping in, and not having to be anywhere important was nice while it lasted.
Doing your own thing was good, and I must say that I’m not really in back to school mode just yet.
How are you doing now that school has gone back?
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School goes back for my twins at the end of January. Part of me is excited that they will be starting a new year of learning, and part of me is realising that time is flying.
The girls starting school last year. I’m sure they will be this excited this year.
There is also another part of me that likes the fact that they will be at school so that mummy might be able to get a few things done….. I know many parents do rejoice when school goes back so I might not be the only one doing a happy dance.
Although with school going back the routine returns. Lunches have to be made, bags packed, school uniforms washed and folded, kids dropped and picked up from school, and then after school activities return and therefore means that I need to take everyone to the required place for the required amount of time.
School holidays do tend to wear me out, but I do love the fact that you can just stay home and do nothing. You don’t have to be anywhere and no one needs a lunch box to stay home.
This was the twins last day of pre-school. They were super excited to be going to Kindy. Now they are in grade four, how time flies.
Soon the girls will be done with their primary education and move on to high school.
Not only have I been a little down about the fact that they are growing up so quickly, I have been thinking about all the items that I need to organise for the kids before they get to their first day of term 1 this year.
Are your kids starting school this year? If they are I bet they are very excited.
What do you need for the first day of school?
Depending on what year you are in you have different things to bring to school. Your school gives you a breakdown of all items that you need to for your child.
If you have attended Kindy Orientation the year before, you would have received an info pack. In the info pack you get told all about the school, bell times, teachers, where rooms are, snow and bushfire policies (Yes our school has both snow & a bushfire policy), what the kids need for their first day and so much more.
COST SAVING TIPS:
TIP 1: Look at the uniform and see how you can cut costs. If the school wears a single colour polo shirt, this same top an be purchased cheaply at Target, BigW or Kmart. If the school has a crest on their shirts buy a few of these and get the rest in the plain colour. This way your child has the fancy one for school functions, photos and excursions.
TIP 2: The same is for other items, like shorts, skorts (a cross between a skirt and shorts) and so on. I purchased skorts for the twins for $8 at BigW and from the school, they are $30 each. Shopping around for school uniform items is a good idea. Oh, and if your kids are like mine and love wearing shorts, buy the boys shorts and you will save a bundle. Who cares if they are boys or girls shorts. It really doesn’t matter.
TIP 3: If your child is at the stage you need to purchase stationery and other supplies for school, it is a good idea to see what you already have at home. I’m sure that you might already have textas, pencils, sharpener, pencil case and more already. This will save you a bit of money at the shops.
For Kindy kids, the following is basically all you need:
Full uniform, school shoes, hat (wide-brimmed is ideal), sunblock, spare clothes if needed (In case of an accident. Pack undies, socks, pants, skirt or skort in a plastic bag).
Bag or backpack that is not too big for your child. Something that they can carry without any help.
Lunch box packed with a yummy lunch. Give the kids some snacks, finger food, a sandwich and a treat here and there. If your school has a canteen or possibly a tuck shop maybe put a $2 coin in their lunch box so they might get a treat once a week.
Water Bottle
Smock for creative tasks like painting.
Jumper & rain jacket in case the weather changes. If your weather is like mine it can change without notice. You don’t want your little one to be at school and freezing.
Make sure to label everything. Kids lose so many things and you want to be able to claim your item in the lost property box.
Library Bag ( I made one for the twins so that it is different from the other kids. This way it is easily recognised as theirs)
If you are concerned that you have not packed or supplied what is needed, it is always a good idea to check with your child’s teacher.
NOTE: Normally you have a two-week window to get everything organised for the start of the school year. This gives you ample time to source all items.
Download my FREE Guide to Make a Book Bag
There are many ways to add your names to items. You can write them on the items with pen or texta, or get actual labels.
Labels can be for clothes, bags, books and more.
One website that we have used and love is called, Stuck On You.We liked that the labels are unique to each child, and were so fast to arrive.
Just google labels for kids and you get so many choices that I’m sure you will find something that suits your needs.
The above list for Kindy kids was fine until my girls got to third grade. Once we reached this level in primary school we needed to provide more for the kids.
Each grade gets sent a list via the school newsletter and it is also available for purchase from the local newsagency.
If your school uses SkoolBag (SkoolBag is an app the school uses for all communication, some school use it) then you can download the equipment list from there.
What the twins need for grade four:
2 x 30 cm ruler, clearly labelled with centimetre and millimetre markings (no metal or floppy rulers, please)
Scissors
Highlighters – at least two different colours
2 glue sticks – 35g
8 lead pencils, HB.
Sharpener with container
2 rubbers for lead pencils
Coloured pencils
Gel pens and textas are optional
Pencil case large enough to hold the above items (1 pencil case only, please!)
Library bag
4 plastic document wallets A4
2 x 0.4 or 0.5 fine point black pens for map work, labelling and artwork
Large sheet of cardboard for Art folder
3 x Lined A4 exercise books for homework/classwork
2 x Boxes of tissues (this helps the classroom if each kid contributes)
1 x packet whiteboard markers
USB 4-6GB
Drink bottle with water only for drinking during class
Please remember a hat each day
For example, grade five will be getting extras like pens as they will have their pen licence (yes this is a thing!), extra workbooks, cardboard for folders and also a calculator for maths.
This should give you a good idea of what to pack for your child who is starting school this year.
One of the things I do dread is packing the kids lunches, the dread is fuelled by the fact that the twins are so fussy that it is hard to know what to pack.
I want to give the twins something that I know that they will eat, but also try to expose them to new and yummy foods.
Did you know that you can put in tasty, yummy and healthy snacks that will make your job as the chief lunch packer easier.
A simple lunch box.
There is a place called School Snack Box and they can send you a box of snacks that you don’t need to think about.
All you need to do is to pick how many snacks you wish to add to your child’s lunch box and then order the box that is right for you. You can choose from a box with 22 snacks for $40/month, with $15 shipping fee. Or you can get 44 snacks for $80/month and also with an extra $15 shipping fee.
This is a great option if you wish to have different snacks delivered each month. Add something different to the lunch box each day.
Starting big school is a major milestone. I hope your child has a great time.
It’s a massive step when kids start Kindy. You will be emotional even if you have told yourself it won’t happen.
Let it happen and it is all normal. Trust me, I was happy and still crying.
If you are able to help out at the school, do it. It’s so amazing to see your child thrive and be more confident in their new school.
I volunteered to help with reading when the twins were younger and will do so for Alexander as well when he starts school.
Good luck with term one. I hope your kids have a great time and you do as well.
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