Little Boy in a Big Primary School

Keith took Cian to his prep orientation today.  I stayed home with Emily so that she didn't have to try to be quiet during the information session and probably Keith didn't want me moping about that my little baby was growing up too fast (I'm having some of those motherhood moments about him going to prep).

Keith said that the orientation was very well organized which is a huge compliment from him since he usually doesn't notice those things.  There were older kids greeting them at the door of the school.  They asked if Keith and Cian knew which group they were in (the blue group) and if they knew how to get to the Library (which they didn't).  One of the students then escorted them to the library.  Keith said that Cian was a little clingy in the library but then his "buddy" Nathan showed up.  They have a buddy system where an older kid in Grade 4-6 has to apply with a resume to become someone's buddy for prep.  That means that they take care of the little kid during orientation and come play with him on his first day of school at recess.  I think this idea is adorable.  Nathan, obviously a bright boy, gleaned that we were not from Australia and asked how things were going so far and Cian was still a bit nervous until Nathan offered to read him a book and then he was off with Nathan like a shot.

Keith was a dutiful parent and took notes about Cian's school schedule and his uniform requirements (he has to wear a wide-brimmed hat in Term 1 and 4 otherwise he can't play outside).  There were talks from the teachers and from some parents about what to expect and how to get them ready.  Keith said that it seemed like a really good school (this is a big deal since Keith rarely gives his opinion about stuff unless he's really thought it through especially about education)  Meanwhile Cian was going to all sorts of different classes with Nathan and as I came up to the playground gate I secretly took a zoomed-in photo of him and Nathan playing like I was a paparazzi but it was really cute :).  Emily and I met the boys outside of the school (Emily having talked my ear off all morning about how "Daddy and Cian WALKED to school") and they finally emerged triumphantly from the primary school doors.  Keith said it took a bit longer because Cian wanted to see the "chooks" and Keith had to figure out what that was (it's the Australian word for chicken - I'm sure Cian will teach us all sorts of things from school).  He seemed to really like school and is excited to go.  I'm still nervous but I have to just take a deep breath and let go.  There's no downside to him having extra school especially when he's so excited to go.  My little man is growing up and I learn from him everyday.