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volunteering...do it for yourself!

Good afternoon all. I've spent a pleasant day up at the school. The WHOLE day.

First off we had brekkie club, 40 kids this morning so that was good. The feedback from staff regarding some of our regulars has been nothing but positive, so we are making a difference. In at least one case, a HUGE difference.

Then I headed into Zoe's class where I worked with the grade 1 students - inc Zoe, no she's not 'officially' in grade 1, but is doing mostly the same as them everyday anyway - on estimating lengths of, then measuring different items. God it was fun! I had to laugh when nearly all of them thought their spelling book was the same number of paddle pop sticks long as their desks. One thought that the blackboard was 600,000 sticks long!! Watching the reactions when they realised just how close - or far off - some of their estimates were was just priceless.

Then it was off to canteen which is always a giggle.

After that I headed back to Zoe's class for some fun watching them paint a picture of themselves before sport.

While sport was on I headed over to the brekkie club room to do my stock count and found one of the teachers setting up for the 'first steps' program, so I helped her out! First Steps is 2 hours on Friday afternoons from week 5 of this term and all of next term for those who are enrolling in Kindergarten next year. It helps them get comfortable with the school setting and next term some of the days involve finding out about the library and canteen and how they work. Makes the transition next year much easier. And not just for the kids. Parents/Carers benefit as well by meeting other parents, and getting used to the idea of leaving their children at school. I think it certainly helped me. Zoe was so ok with her first day, and it wasn't the first time I'd been up the school either. It's fantastic. The new principal (who has been one FOREVER) said he has never seen new students settle in as well as those who attended First Steps last year.

All in all, I had a ball. I love working with the kids, and I'm always laughing! So if you've never done it, and have the time, go volunteer somewhere. If you have kids, call the school and see how you can help out. Call a local charitable organisation. Join meals on wheels. ANYTHING really. I guarantee it's one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do, and you may just change someones life in the process.

Now, onto other important matters. We have a new guest this week, and you should go check her out...Hothousemomma is a little like me. Go read and you'll see why I say that. Tell her I sent you. I've even made it easy for you this week, just click below! No need to move that mouse over to the sidebar! Aren't I good to you? Now return the favor and get clickin!!