New School

Today was the third day of school and work for the kids and I.  We all go to Tokyo West International School each morning - me as a teacher and the kids as students.  Logistically things are good - we live a 10-15 minute walk from school, which we take together as a family each morning. I work 8:30-4:30 M-F and the kids go to school 8:45-3:30 M-F.  We have all the same vacation days - mostly.  I have a few planning days that they get to take off without me.  I get stolen hugs at random moments during the day.  It's just really good.

Lily and Jaxon each got assessed by their potential teachers before they actually entered class.  Lily did okay and was accepted into 4th grade - the grade she was in at the Japanese public school.  Jaxon didn't do as well - he did what has become his usual - "I don't know", "I can't do that", etc.  The teachers decided he'd be better off spending the rest of the year (4 months) in 2nd grade.  I was not surprised being as the kids have been basically non-schooled the last year.  I was prepared for any placement.  Jaxon, wasn't. He was pretty heartbroken to be demoted a grade.  We had the whole work hard, don't be lazy, try your best talk and I told him what the teachers had told me - that if they were wrong about the placement he could always be moved up. He was determined to show his stuff the next day at school and earn his place in 3rd grade. 

Next day - first day of school - kids love it.  Jaxon has no desire to move up, he's comfortable and made friends.  Lil is happy too - although her poor teacher doesn't seem sure how to handle her.  Lily is a hugger, her male teacher seems slightly uncomfortable with that.  Including Lily, there are 9 students in her class.  9!  Amazing!  Jaxon has a larger class - he makes 18.  Walking home on day two he said, "I'm so happy to be doing work again!  I never thought I'd say that!"  It all just affirms that this was right.  The school is small, but so great.  Each week the kids have their regular classes as well as some great specialists.  PE everyday, Hip Hop once a week, Japanese everyday, ballet and music, art, keyboarding, swimming, etc.  It's pretty great.  And, they have this cool Aussie that makes fresh, healthy lunch from scratch everyday.  Not only does he make it, but he makes them eat it.  Each day there is a main course, a veggie, a soup, and a dessert.  Soup day one - spinach - pureed, green stuff.  Day two, clam broth something or other.  Today, some form of beans with ham.  

As for me - I'm happy too.  It isn't easy yet - lots of newness to figure out.  I don't have my actual assignment yet.  Until the school year ends on March 15 I am filling in for a Kindergarten 4 (basically pre-k, aged 4) teacher that had a baby.  Next year I will have a classroom of my own, somewhere in the elementary level.  I am looking forward to that.  Of course, just when I figure out these little guys I'll be starting over again!  It's good by any count. 

Thanks to all of you out there that were so supportive during our decision making and move.  It really was tough at times (Lily and Jaxon know a lot of four letter words now...)but, we are through the thick of it I think.  And to top it all off, Jason got a job offer today!  Yay! He likes the place he's going - very excited to start in a few weeks.  (Me too - I wish he were starting sooner...put that boy to work!)  So, thank you.  As soon as we really are settled we'll set off to explore Tokyo and I'll have some interesting posts for you!



Comments

  1. slowneyNovember 5, 2012 at 5:18 PM

    Wonderful all around!! Give Jason & the kids hugs and take one for yourself.

    ReplyDelete

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