Schools in, in July?

  I never really liked the idea of year round school but Australia may be changing my mind. 2 weeks after we moved in, school started its 3rd term. MA would be in Grade 1. We went in and filled out the paperwork and the office lady asked if we would like to meet the principal. Now in the States, unless you scheduled an appointment or randomly ran into the principal, I don't think this would be an option. She took us to a room and sat down and told us about the school curriculum and answered any questions we had. It was impressed. MA could start the next day as long as we had her uniform by then. All schools, not just private, wear uniforms in Australia. MA was relieved she could wear her joggers (sneakers) to school. We looked at several pairs or black uniform shoes and she said, "Those are ugly!" I couldn't agree more. A wide brimmed hat is required if they are outside at all. They teach Italian, philosophy, performing arts, and have PE twice a week. In the 1st and 4th terms swimming is their PE. The school has a nice pool right on the grounds. MA's class is a Grade 1/2 class which consists of kids in both grades. Her teacher, Mrs. R, seems very nice and understanding.
  We try and walk to and from school each day. It takes about 15 mins each way and is a bit hilly. DB rides his bike since it arrived in the air shipment. MA walks. EL cruises in the stroller (called a pram here.) We have "crosswalk friends" and the kids and I look forward to seeing them each day. They know which houses have dogs and which ones bark or where they tend to sit. There is a small convenience store, Friendly Grocer, on our way. We always try and guess what food it will smell like that day. I usually pick donuts, MA-pancakes, DB-bacon or sausage, & EL- says cookies. Most days we take the long route so we can see the city and EL says, "Daddy!" 

First day of Aussie school

 We had to throw in a little more color right?!

 Waiting for MA to get out of school.

  The 1st two weeks of school were an adjustment period for sure. MA teared up when it was time for her to go into her classroom. They play music instead of bells. It is really quite nice and a catchy tune. But as she became more comfortable with the routine and making friends, things got better. EL cried for longer because she didn't want to leave her sister there. I met several nice mums as well and look forward to saying "G'day."