First day of school

Today is the day! It's Vivian's first day of school all over again. She got a great night's sleep last night so she woke up, had some breakfast, and we started putting on her uniform in the correct order -- including the tie.

She was feeling scholarly in her uniform.

"Let me take a picture of the two of us!"

 

As we walked to school, we saw lots of kids wearing uniforms for different school and there was a vibrant energy about the morning commute.

We went to the main campus, realized that wasn't right one, went to another campus, realized that wasn't the right one, then followed a lovely Victoria girl toward the Prep building. There is a playground to the left of the building and girls were running and playing. Over the fence we met Sharon Fallon, the aide in Vivian's class, P4, and she couldn't have been nicer. She directed us to the main entrance and a herd of girls ran over, smiling and eager to make friends. As we went along the pathway to the main door, I heard a girl say, "I'm going to play with Vivian!" I asked Viv if she heard that and she shook her head, but smiled a big smile.

A woman greeted us and immediately called Vivian by her name and welcomed her, then brought us to the P4 room to meet Miss Waugh, Vivian's teacher.

What a classroom! Mrs. Boyle would be happy to see Vivian walk into an environment that is like her Mahoning classroom - bright, airy, welcoming, and full of smiles.

Miss Waugh told us that Vivian will have swimming tomorrow! Wow! And next week is a field trip to Castle Ward where the girls will be able to dress in period clothes and act out roles from World War II.

This is Castle Ward:

If you are a Game of Thrones® fan, Castle Ward’s historic farmyard is the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one. It’s also where you will find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men. 

HBO's Game of Thrones® spent eight weeks at Castle Ward building the set of Winterfell ahead of the pilot episode and hundreds of actors and crew worked on the filming here.

After Vivian headed over to her desk, I scooted out the door and took a couple pictures so you can see what her playground is like:

 

 

 

 

And I wanted you to see what part of the walk back to the apartment is like so I took a few videos:

This is the local fire station:

 Their Head Start is different from our Head Start. :)

 

Now I'm back at the apartment; I want to be here when the person comes to fix the radiator so I can see if there's something I need to do if it happens again. It's a good day to get some work done.

Caroline! I finally got to charge the phones!

 

Here's some information about Vivi's class:

Prep 4 Class Information

Prep 4 is the second and final year of Key Stage 1 and we aim to continue the development of the concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in P1, P2 and P3, while building each pupil’s confidence to enable her to become an increasingly independent worker. Continued emphasis is placed on personal, social and emotional development as well as specific skills in Communication, Using Mathematics, Using ICT and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. Lessons are carefully planned to provide worthwhile, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences. Our  areas of learning are as follows:

Language and Literacy - the essential points of reading and writing including phonics, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading and expressive skills are consolidated and developed further, while the pupil’s oral communication skills are enhanced through connected talking and listening lessons. ICT skills are incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum.

Numeracy - Pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills in Number, Shape and Space, Measure, Handling Data and Processes in Mathematics. The aim is to develop and consolidate an understanding of mathematical processes and abstract concepts through practical activities, application and practice while procuring a sense of enjoyment.

World Around Us - Topics studied throughout the year include Journeys and France, Houses and Homes, World War 2, Mighty Me and Forces and Energy.

The Arts -  

• Art and Craft-  Art and Craft activities are inspired by class topics
• Drama- Specialist  teacher provides a wide range of experiences
• Music- Pupils learn to play the recorder and enjoy specialist teaching. In addition, Prep 4  pupils also have the opportunity to receive specialist music tuition from external music tutors in a wide range of musical instruments.

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding - Pupils enjoy activities which encourage them to investigate issues for themselves, to suggest solutions and to make decisions based on what they have learned.

Physical Development and Movement - Our specialist P.E. teacher delivers the curriculum which includes Athletics, Dance, Games, Gymnastics and Swimming.

Religious Education

Using ICT - ICT skills are developed and incorporated throughout the curriculum and in Prep 4, pupils have the opportunity to complete specialised ICT tasks which assess and recognise their attainment.

French - Pupils have the opportunity to begin learning French and participate in a range of enjoyable activities including singing, drama, games and role play.

Special Events include:

• Class trips - Trips are linked to class topics and include visits to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra, Castle Ward and Tayto Castle.
• Nativity and school production
• Swimming Gala
• Sports Day