School Photographs

The children had their profile photographs taken at school at the end of September and we got the proofs last week.

We usually aren't very keen on what we see when we get the proofs and sadly this year is no different. We will be buying Gwen and Harvey's photographs though as we only buy reception and year 6 photographs.

Here are their photographs;

Gwen - Reception Class

Jorja - Year 3

Archie - Year 4

Harvey - Year 6

Group photograph

The children all look pale and ill and they are far from it, probably down to the use of a white background. We wish we'd get just one year of good photographs but I think that's a million to one chance especially whilst this company takes the photographs.

Gwen's First Day at School

Gwen started school today. She's only doing half days until September 23rd.

We had no idea what this morning was going to bring. Would she be frightened, cry and not let us go, be excited, run in and not say bye?

Well the morning went well. We managed to get everyone ready which was fun it's not easy sorting out a newborn, a 4 year old who needs a little help getting ready and doing two girls hair because Daddy doesn't do girls hair.

We got to school on time and Gwen said bye to Harvey, Archie and Jorja as they entered the school via the juniors door. We then walked her in to the enclosed reception class area and I said bye and gave her a hug and wished her a fun morning. She then took Daddy's hand and he took her in to the classroom. I stayed outside with Kellan and Rory in their buggies.

I could see in through the windows and once her coat, pe kit bag and wellies had been put away Gwen was leading Darren around the classroom trying to decide what activity to do. She eventually sat at the drawing table and Darren then asked her if it was ok if he left her and that he'd be back after lunch to collect her to which she said yes. So Darren came out and we watched her as we walked out of the play ground and she didn't cry, didn't panic and just carried on drawing.

Gwen loved her first morning and can't wait to go back on Friday.

Gwen all ready for school

Gwen's Trip To School

Gwen had two taster sessions in what will be her reception class come September in the last week.

Her first visit we ended up staying with her as she wasn't sure about it. Gwen didn't attend play school as potty training was a very slow process with her and we didn't want to push her and end up with more problems.

She loved playing with all the activities they had set out. She did a couple of paintings, played in the sand and water trays, looked around the bug area for plastic bugs with a magnifying glass, had fun in the wooden play house and played in the pretend shop.

She wasn't keen to join in with carpet time and decided to have a Daddy hug instead. Wwe had tears upon leaving and she couldn't wait to go back again.

Gwen's second visit they did things a little differently. Instead of us taking them in to the classroom the teachers came to the office area and collected all the children so us parents were able to go home or stay and have tea/coffee and cake in a classroom upstairs. I opted for the tea and cake.

Gwen went with the teachers and there were no tears and I was told she was fine the whole time and even quite chatty about things she was doing.

We're feeling very positive about her starting in September.

Celebration Morning

Today the primary school held their first celebration morning to celebrate the pupils who are doing well with their work and pupils who are kind to others.

Jorja was invited to the celebration morning for year 2 for social empathy. She's been noted by her teacher for being kind to others, always smiling and being helpful.

Each class had two pupils invited and each child was awarded a certificate and a book token.

The parents got to see their best work whilst tea/coffee and cakes were served.

The morning was lovely and I felt extremely proud of Jorja and hearing how lovely she is when at school by her teacher and head teacher.

Jorja with her certificate and book token

A piece of Jorja's work

I Can't Believe It!

I don't quite understand how but Gwen has gotten to the age where she's been accepted at primary school! Where has my little baby girl gone and how on earth has she grown up so fast?!

We received the email today confirming she's been offered a place at our chosen school, Harvey, Archie and Jorja go there.

So now starts the fun of finding uniform to fit her. She's not tiny but she's not long moved in to 3-4 size clothing so not sure if the small uniform we have is going to fit.

She seems excited and we know she loves being around other children but not so much when it comes to adults but she does come out of her shell after an hour or so in an adults company.

My big girl