Evelyn is a student!

On Tuesday, Sept 8, 2009, Evelyn began the part of her life where she will be a student. It was exciting and a little bit overwhelming for her, but she's settled in well now.

Her teacher is Miss. Megan Devereaux, the aide is Mrs. Irene Gautier. Her class has about 14 students. Evelyn is one of the youngest kids in the class.

The first day, she was the class cryer. Here's some of the highlights of the day as told by the staff at the school.

Near the beginning of the day, the kids had snack. Evelyn had a granola bar and drink that I sent with her. The school also provides a snack for the kids. Evelyn noticed that one of her table mates did not have a snack. She raised her hand and asked the aide Mrs.G (who related the story) to help her open her granola bar and could she "Please break it in half so my friend can have some too". I understand that Mrs. G had to fight back tears and happily obliged.

A little later, Evelyn used the washroom and closed the stall door (as I had told her she needed to do!) Well, the door got stuck and she called for help. The story I got from Mrs.G was this "I heard this little 'Excuse me! Excuse me! I need help' coming from the washroom and found Evelyn stuck in the stall. I had to push against the door fairly hard to make it open. I did not realize she had her face right next to the door, so when it did open, I banged her next to her eye." And then the water works started! I think Evelyn was pretty maxed out on stress already and any blip in the process of the day was enough to push her over the edge. Eventually, she calmed down and did well until the end of the day, though she was a bit whiney.

As the day ended, the kids lined up for each of the busses. This was the point when Evelyn remembered/was reminded that she was not riding the bus yet (we still had to set that up) . The story I got from Ryan was this: "As I walked down the hall, I could hear some wimpering, like she was trying not to cry. Robin (the counsellor) indicated that I should just keep going, so I tried not to look at her as I walked past. But I could see her sitting in the bottom of her locker, with just her legs sticking out trying so hard not to cry, but with her bottom lip quivering." She was pretty devastated, but got to visit in Daddy's office after her class got on the bus.

When I picked her up, she burst into tears for no apparent reason as we walked to the car. As soon as we got home, she changed into her pajamas, scarfed down a snack of left over pizza, and asked to have quiet time in her room watching a movie. After about an hour, she emerged and had a good evening.

She later shared that her favorite part of the day was looking around the school for the racoon stuffy that was sneaking from place to place. This was a clever activity Miss.D planned to show the kids around the school. Rather than a tour, they went on a racoon finding adventure.

The next day was better, with only one episode of tears when she did not win a game that the class played. She still wanted to ride the bus, but understood that it would be a few days until we got it settled. She again changed into PJ's as soon as she got home, and wanted a snack and quiet time for about an hour. We talked about feeling happy for the person who wins and practiced saying "Congratulations! I'm happy for you". She stated that there were no favorite parts of this day. Loosing at the game and not riding the bus again overpowered all the positives.

The third day was better yet. No crying at all! She even won a game of freeze tag during gym and did a good job in her Metis Culture / Jigging class. Her favorite part of this day was winning the freeze tag game.

On Monday, she go to ride the bus to/from school. That totally made her day. She again wanted to change into PJ's and have quiet time as soon as she got home. She had a visit from the Occupational Therapist at school. She gave us some tips on how to help her figure out which hand is her dominant one. She is still using both hands for colouring and writing, but uses her right hand about 60% of the time. Ryan says the other students are commenting on her preference to walk on her tippy toes. She does this whenever she is excited. She also made her first school friend. Her name is Megan. Ryan tells me that they were inseparable at recess and held hands coming into school. He overheard Evelyn telling Megan that "You have to tell your mom to call my mom so we can have a playdate". Maybe in October we can arrange something! I have to work every weekend in September.

Ethan has been a bit of a couch potato. He is not used to playing independently all the time. He wandered around a bit, but loved being able to choose what he wanted to watch without having to come to a concensus with Evelyn. After lunch, he asks when Evelyn will come home. The house has been quiet and it has barely gotten messy! (How nice is that!)

He is determined to be in as many pictures with Evelyn as possible, but he just stands there looking stubborn and sad. As you can tell from the bundled up 'hank' clutched closely to his chest and the hood on his head, Ethan was feeling a little uncomfortable with this new change too.

I managed the first day with only a few tears welling up in my eyes, (when I read the note her teacher sent home with me) but none shed. I felt listless and unfocused and very introverted for the first couple days. Evelyn's teacher gave each parent who dropped off their child a little baggy with a cotton ball, tissue, and a tea bag. It also included a note which I will include here:

"Dear Kindergarten Parents and Guardians,
Here is a little 'gift' for you as you leave your precious one with me on the first day of school. As you hold this cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you to remember the gentle spirit of your child. After you've gone home and dried your tears, make yourself a hot cup of tea. Put up your feet and relax. Remember that together you and I will work for your child to be the best they can be. Thank you for entrusting your child to me for the coming school year. I will do my very best evert day to be your child's guide in learning and exploring this bright, new world they've just stepped into. Sincerely, Miss. Devereaux"

Evelyn came home the first day with a little bag too. Hers held a few treats and a note. This one said "Dear Evelyn, You are a star in my class. It's OK to make mistakes...that's how we learn. You are going to learn so much this year. Everyone needs a hug - let me know if you need one. I'm so happy to have you in my class! Love, Miss. Devereaux"

Her teacher is wonderful, I am totally confident in her abilities and passion for her profession.

The most common response I've recieved from others when I tell them Evelyn is going to Caslan school is reserved and surprised. The schools reputation is not great. I am, however, at peace with our decision to send her there.

Evelyn is getting an oppertunity for her character to grow in the slightly adverse situation. She is encountering stresses and having to learn how to control herself, and get along with others. She is being exposed to children she would never have met otherwise, some of whom come from very different homes than we have and have behaviours and attitudes to match their homelife. I am thankful that she has an oppertunity to know these children. I hope that she will show a loving spirit and embrace the chance to practice some of the values we have taught her. These sorts of learning oppertunities are equally valuable to me as academics are.

I will continue to work on printing and reading etc with her after school. Not because I'm trying to counter some deficiency in her schooling, but because that is what a concientious, caring parent does! (I will admit though, my passion lies in biology and science more than printing!) We've been learning about mushrooms, dragonflies, and the aurora borealis lately. Basically, whatever we encounter, that she asks questions about, we look for more info. I love this organic learning and plan to continue enriching her experience with the world in this way.