Hannah’s Last Day of Grade 1

June 29th was Hannah’s last day of Grade 1 in Mme J’s class.  She was a wonderful teacher and helped my timid English only speaking 6yo to become a confident 7yo who is easily able to carry on a conversation in not only English but French too!

Hannah was unsure about changing schools last September as she really enjoyed her former school but I knew this would be a much better learning environment for her as well as she would have the opportunity to learn French which will be an asset to her future.  It probably took until March before she stopped asking to go back to her old school but I’m thankful we made the switch as she has made many wonderful friends at her new school too.  We visited my cousin the other day who speaks French and I sat there in awe as Hannah was easily able to hold her own in a conversation.  What a wonderful gift a second language is!

Here’s Hannah on the first day of Grade 1.  This year she chose to wear the same dress the first and last day of school.  I will say I don’t notice quite as much difference this year as we have in the past.  I think next year will be a big one as her baby teeth will become grown up teeth!

Sept 8, 2015

June 29, 2016

We also had some fun taking some Mommy and Hannah pics together.

One of the neat things Hannah’s school did this year was on the second last day of school they moved to next year’s classroom with their new teacher and new classmates so that they could meet one another.  Hannah is really excited to have Mme N for a teacher next year and I’ve heard great things about her too. I teased and said she won the Grade 2 lottery as she’s in both a 2/3 split and in a portable but I know she’ll do wonderfully in her new grade!  She only has 2 of her current classmates with her and she’s not really close to either of them but I have faith that my outgoing girl will make new friends quickly as well as enjoy time with her former classmates at lunch and recess.

Congratulations Hannah!  You did so well in Grade 1 and I’m excited to watch you grow and learn more in Grade 2!

Etoile de la semaine/Student of the Week

Hannah was chosen to be student of the week one week in May.  She was excited to fill in the information she would share with her classmates as well as take in her collection.  She chose to take in a group of her stuffed animals and the class used them for graphing and more.

Check out her excited and proud smile!!

Precious memories being created daily!

Hannah’s First Day in Grade 1!!

Today was a big day for Hannah as she not only started Grade 1 but she did so in a new school…and a new language!  She is now in French Immersion and I know that she is going to flourish! 

That being said, she was nervous about the change and I can’t say that I blame her.  Over the summer when asked about her new school she would say, ‘I’m nervous but that’s because I’m getting ready to do something exciting!’  I heard a friend say that to her kiddos once and loved it so shared it with Hannah and she ran with it.

Over the weekend Hannah’s nervousness and excitement changed to being downright scared!  And I understood.  Even though I was trying to reassure her I completely understood the fear that she was experiencing.  I had shared with her that I had changed schools numerous times as a child as we moved around for dad’s job and that new schools were big changes for sure.

My girl slept well last night which was an answer to prayer.  She woke me with an excited, ‘Bonjour Mommy!’  Yup – she was ready!   It was an earlier morning as her new school starts 45 mins. earlier than her old one did.  The neat thing is that now I get to drop her off at school as it’s on my way to work and the earlier start time allows for this.  (The earlier day is also working out in the afternoon as Ange will be picking her up from the bus!  I began praying for someone to do this way back in the spring and it ended up being Ange!  Thank you Lord!!!)

We took some traditional first day pics before heading to the school.

Hannah did great when we got to the school!  She wanted me close and needed lots of ‘thumby’ (she rubs my right thumb for comfort) but then when it was time to go in she said her goodbyes and joined the line.  (Her missing bottom lip is another habit that comes out more when she is nervous or tired.)  Hannah was even able to help comfort another little girl who was in tears.  So proud of my caring girl!

I had the day off so did some exciting things like get the oil changed, shop and tidy the house. 

It was an early dismissal and before I knew it it was 1:50 and time to pick up my girl!   As I walked towards the school I noticed something else that is very different from her old school.  Since this school is French Immersion only and draws students from 1/3 of our city, the majority of the students are bussed.  This is the first set of buses that pick up students and as soon as they leave another 5 pull up!

Hannah came out of the school holding hands with the one girl from her SK class that is also in her new class.  So sweet!  It was a bit of organized chaos as teachers made sure their new students got on the correct buses but Mme J was great and she made sure each child was safely delivered to the correct bus/parent. 

Hannah and I were excited to see one another and I couldn’t wait to hear about her day!  Mme J said she had a great day!  From the little I know of her teacher, I think she’s going to be wonderful for Hannah!  She’s young, smiley and genuinely seems to care for the kids.  In the morning all the other teachers were holding up clipboards with their name on it while Mme J had a bright yellow poster with her name and a smiley flower on it!  At first I couldn’t find her but that’s because she spent much of the morning bending down and conversing with the kids.  Smiling, chatting and getting to know them a bit.  It’s the little things that count and first impressions.  Speaking of which, each child received a bag with 10 items and this cute list.  What a great way to welcome each child and put them at ease! 

As a special treat after school we went to have our nails done as I still had 1 gift card left.  It about does my ticklish girl in to have her feet touched but she still asks to go with me for a pedicure.   So cute!

Hannah’s first day in Grade 1 was great and she is looking forward to going back to tomorrow!  When I was putting her to bed she said she didn’t have a great day….she had a stupendous day!!!  That’s exactly what this mommy’s heart wanted to hear! 

Way to go Hannah XiaoFen!  Grade 1 will be a year of learning, excitement, new friends and a new language and I can’t wait to walk with you every step of the way!  But, please go easy on Mommy as ‘Je ne parle pas Francais!‘