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Zoe's new school.

We went this morning to meet the principal of Zoe's new school. I was already so confident that I'd chosen the right one that her school uniform is already hanging up in the wardrobe :)

It went well. He is lovely, her new teacher is lovely and she is very excited! Because of the differences between states it looked like she would be part of 2 classes - the preschool, which is kinda like kindergarten, and Grade one - both 5 days a fortnight. But it turns out that she can go straight into Grade 1 because she was born in 2000! Yay for her! We thought there might be a few social issues which is why the transition period of both classes was suggested, but all the kids in her new class are 5 or 6, one turns 7 in December, so there is a nice mix, and judging by the words up on the board, she'll do just fine academically. The principal asked her if she knew some of them, and she did - all of them! If she's behind in anything, like maths or science, then she'll be able to focus on those cos she's so far ahead on the language front, but personally I think she'll blitz them. Too many people underestimate her ability and don't give her the chance to shine. I think she's going to surprise herself and us.

I have been invited along to a P&C meeting tomorrow night, so that will give me a chance to meet some of the other parents. If they are anything like the teachers I met today, then I'm going to enjoy this school as much as Zoe will.

We've just spent 3 days at my sister's house, which gave my little nephew and me a chance to get aquainted...it all went well and this morning when he woke up and mum had already gone to work, he was cool with having Aunty Kell and cousin Zoe instead! He's just adorable, reminds me a lot of Zoe at his age, he's going to be a smart little cookie that one. Runs in the family I think :) That and the fact that Mel and I have very similar parenting styles, it's no wonder there are similarities! They could pass for brother and sister too, I'll get a photo of the two of them before long and show you what I mean.

For now I'm off to do a little research. Tomorrow will be the first day I've had totally to myself since I ended the relationship and to be honest, as selfish as it sounds, I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to go and get my nails done, and check out the yoga center in town. I've also got to go the gym and get a schedule so Mel and myself can pick out sessions we can go to. Have fun peoples!

just stuff!

Well it's only 11am and I'm exhausted already. Brekky club was a special occasion this morning with the son and daughter in law of the women who left the bequest to Red Cross that is funding the program, coming along to see how it all works. They let Red Cross know a while back that they would be in town so it was a good opportunity for them to see where their mum's money went, and what it is achieving We had the local paper come along and they spent a bit of time talking with us all and taking pics. Should be a story within the next few days! I'll keep you posted. It was wonderful to be able to say 'thankyou' to someone for helping get this program running. Last week I got the kids to all write thankyous on a whopping big card and we presented that to them this morning as well. Of course because the kids knew they were coming we had a larger number than usual turn up, but it was good. Unfortunately those extras included one who will be BANNED from the program for two weeks for an inappropriate comment written on the card. He writes with a very distinctive K, and his name has one in their so it was easy to figure out who it was. He doesn't come usually anyway, but the principal will be following up, and if he does come back in the next fortnight he'll be asked to please leave. Little turd. There is always one isn't there? Oh well, it didn't stop the morning being a successful one with many thanks on both our part and theirs! The son assures me that his mum will be smiling down from above extremely pleased with what the money is being used for. It was great to hear.

On another note, I simply CANNOT get that zazzle thing where you can link to a pic from the blog and have it automatically inserted into a product working. Doesn't really matter, not likely that anyone will ever buy anything anyway! I'll still keep doing them though, it's great fun. Lets my creative side out a bit :)

Last, but certainly not least, take a peek at this weeks guest. Her name is Bianca, she's 29 and hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The site is called 'Stir Fry Kitty' and she has her fingers in a few pots. On her site you'll notice there are a few 'Stir Fry Kitty' links, all well worth a look. There are web designs, reviews, recipes, and opinions across all these sites. Once again I've made it easy for you. Just click the pic below. Tell her I sent ya and enjoy yourself! With such variety i'm sure there will something for all of you.

Thats it from me at the moment. I'll be closing the poll of the week (which has been running for 2 weeks now!) tomorrow morning, so if you haven't already, be sure to vote. It's in the sidebar. There are two clear favorites at the moment, and if it stays that close I may just write a post about both of them!!

that's MISS KELLY to you thanks!

Well today I spent THE whole day at the school. Here's the short version:

• 8.20am-9.25am -->Breakfast Program
• 9.30am-11am-->Class helper
• 11am-11.30am-->Canteen
• 11.30am-12.30pm-->Assembly
• 12.45pm-1.30pm-->Canteen
• 1.35pm-2.10pm-->Class teacher
• 2.10pm-3.05pm-->Father's day picture laminator

You read that second last one right. Zoe's teacher went home REALLY sick at morning recess which left one teacher with 3 classes (one teacher on release time and the other one at the 'first steps' preschool class) after lunch. So I took Zoe's class while they finished off their father's day class and send them when they'd finished back to the poor bloke who had the other two grades....me...in charge of a whole class. For about 20 mins anyway! They slowly but surely all headed of to the congregation two classes down. It was awesome. The principal popped in to check on us and was cool, the other teacher was cool with it, the kids were cool with, and I was more than cool with it! Kinda scary though. But the kids all know me, I've spent enough time in the class for them to be comfortable with me, to know all their names and for a certain level of authority to be there. When all else fails, I just threaten the kids with the idea that if they muck up I get into trouble and amazingly they come good! I joke around and have a lot of fun with them being silly and stuff so when I get serious, they tend to take me seriously. For some reason, one of the kids responds really well to me, and he usually gets into the worst trouble. I think he's ADHD - I know that he went of with the principal at one stage to have some medication. But we seem to have some kind of connection and all it takes is for me to ask him to do something and he smiles and happily obliges. Not that he's not like that at all with other people, but I've not once had the problems with him that I've seen him dish out to others. Feels good. Then again it could just be because I give him food in the mornings and he may think that if he upsets me I won't :) I prefer to think we just click.

Remember that bribing little chat I was going to have with Zoe's teacher? Well I did. And it worked. Zoe got a merit award today for "Completing the reading challenge and excellent reading" Which means she is now only 3 points from gold. So far only 4 have been awarded in the whole school. At the very very latest she'll get it in week 10 once she receives the 5 point one for good behaviour. There is no way on god's green earth will she EVER receive an incident slip while she thinks rules are more important than food!! She's almost anally retentive about them. Gets upset when someone else breaks the rules. But anyway, I'm still very very proud of her, and will continue to brag for each and every one of these little achievements Get used to it!

All in all I had a pleasant day. More than pleasant in fact. I think I should take Evan's suggestion and go start talking to some uni's about courses....lock your kids up people, Miss Kelly may just be on the way to a school near you!

Reading brings good into your life.

Had fun today, got a really good laugh over some of the comments on the last post. You guys totally rock did you know that?

Me and babe spent a few hours up at the school today, entering details online about what books participating students have read for the "Premiers Reading Challenge" It wasn't hard, but with the librarian busy looking after the munchkins from 2 grades who didn't go on camp, I figured she had her hands full 2 days before info had to be in and offered to help. So she accepted, and we did it this afternoon. Zoe, and her little boyfriend Shane were not only the only two kindergarten students to complete it, but also both of them actually read all of the books on their list. In the K-2 category, they only had to experience the book, so if someone read it to them, then that could go on the list. Which is great for making reading fun and encouraging them with an end goal, but it's a bit cool that these guys read them all themselves don't you think? I've told Zoe that for next years one, once she's done the K-2 challenge, then she can do the Gr3-4 one. Which she'll breeze through too, but the book list is obviously targeted for older kids so we may have fun finding appropriate books! She reckons when she's done that (no doubt on her part that she will do it!) she'll do the Gr5-6 one. Told her we'll see....

While on the subject of Zoe reading, see this picture here? This is her eating her FREE ice-cream she got with an award from the library for 'Great browsing and borrowing.' The local Ice Creamery donated a bunch of buy one get one free vouchers which are used a rewards for miscellaneous things. And she got one! So we trundled off this afternoon and she got a big waffle cone with chocolate and crazy cone flavors. As you can see, she's thoroughly enjoying it! And she should. She earned it. I'm very proud of my little girl! Did you know she's not far off getting her GOLD award at school? She has 52 points so only needs 8 more. I figure she should get a merit award for her reading challenge effort, maybe even the achievement award -only given out twice a term - and it's worth 10 points. I'm going to try and bribe have a chat to her teacher about it tomorrow. For all the merits she has received, not ONE of them has been for her reading...

Till next time, go read a book to your kiddies!

feel good friday/Zoe @ school

Ok this is a little bit of a combined post. I was going to do one last night and then fell asleep at around 7.30 so never got around to it.

Heres why I'm feeling good:

• Brekky program is doing wonders for some of the kids. The principal considers me staff, I have keys, parking rights and right about now could just about burn down the school and he'd still be happy with me! The program is running like clockwork and the best bit is we have the family of the lady who left the bequest that is funding it coming to the school in a few weeks so we are going to present the with a big thank you card signed by all the kids who come along. I can't wait to be able to say THANKS. The kids are so excited. So all of that combined is making me feel good.
• I had a HUGE sleep last night, always make you feel good when your get to catch up on the shut eye doesn't it?
• Babe is doing well. And we've had some good news. None that I can share with you, but will help us out immensely and go along way towards seeing us get through all this.
• I FINALLY had a meeting with Zoe's teacher, the principal and the schools counselor, She has had the tests, we have the results and now some great ideas on where her strengths and weaknesses are as well as some ideas on where to focus and things to do. But more on that in the rest of the post.

Ok, onto more important things.

We have results from Zoe's WPPSI-III testing, which is used as one means of establishing whether a child is gifted or not. Zoe isn't. She is VERY bright, but not officially gifted. Which to be honest is a relief! However across the board she IS in the above average/superior range. The one area she struggles with is her comprehension. That is age appropriate, but in comparison to her reading/spelling/language ability, there is a huge gap. So the recommendation is to give her reading material that is below what she CAN do, and focus on teaching her how to get the information out and answer the questions about what she has read. It's interesting to note that she can answer very specific questions, but not general ones. Lets say she reads something about elephants. You ask her "what do you know about elephants?" and her response is likely to be "I can't remember" yet if you ask her "Tell me two places Elephants can live" and she'll be able to tell you. So thats what we are going to focus on. Teaching her how to use the information she has to answer the non specific questions as well. The biggest problem that the counselor could foresee, and this will apply her whole educational life, is that there will be unrealistic expectations placed on her based solely on her reading/spelling ability. So we have to be careful that any school she deals with doesn't do this. I admit that as parents, we are probably guilty of this at times too, but not much. We have to pull her back sometimes and say "Hey, just go be a kid!! Dig for bugs! Get dirty! Stop reading!!"

Bottom line of all of this is a few things:

• She is NOT gifted, which from our point of view is a GOOD thing
• Currently her needs ARE being met by programs and extension work and what we do at home. This will be monitored on a regular basis though. And this whole experience means that we aren't the only ones doing the monitoring. She is now part of the 'learning support' team. And everyone is talking to each other, which was all I ever wanted in the first place.
• We haven't been reading too much into her abilities, or been those boastful parents who think their child is smarter than what they are. She surprised us with just how bright she is - one test showed her spelling ability to be nearly 10 years old.
• I'm convinced that the school is doing what they need to be doing, and then some. The more I see, the more I'm impressed with her teacher. She's been very quietly extending Zoe all year with none of us realising just how far she has achieved this year.
• We have a few ideas on how to ensure that she keeps the enthusiasm for learning, as well as build on the social skills she will need.
• We should be very proud of not only her, but ourselves. All of them in that meeting remarked that while she has such an open, encouraging and loving family life like she has now, then she will be able to do whatever she wants and succeed not only on an academic level, but in life as well,

Ok, I'm shutting up now, I just thought I'd let you all know how things were. They are just fuckin brilliant is all I can say!

Take it easy ok?

p.s For those of you that frequent Michael, over at Smoke and Mirrors, you may have noticed that he recently had a guest blogger who goes by the name of 'writer chick' If you enjoy Michael's, you will most certainly enjoy her brand new blog I am sure. So stop by, say hi, and let her know that when she writes, you'll be reading!

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!!

school photo

it's over...

School starts back tomorrow.

This means the end of sleep ins, playdates, endless questions, slack eating regimes, belly laughs at lunchtime, trips to museums and art galleries and a never ending supply of pictures, cards and notes from the sweetest little girl in the world.

It means the beginning of feeding 40 kids each morning, fighting about getting dressed and ready on time, having to remember lunch - 5 hours before lunchtime, a new series of endless questions, a new literacy group for Zoe, the chance for the school to come to the party with taking her abilities seriously and a rest for my body and mind for 4 hours a day!

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm kind of glad in a way that she is going back....in fact I didn't. The cat just stole the keyboard, that was her, she needs a break! Well thats my story and I'm sticking to it..

have you had YOUR breakfast today?

Thanks to Red Cross and Sanitarium, the Good Start Breakfast Club is now in it's first week at Zoe's school. This program is basically a free healthy and nutritious breakfast to any student who shows up and asks each morning before school starts.

I think it's a fantastic idea which has already benefited many schools across the country and I have no doubts that this school will reap those same benefits. Studies show that up to 40% of all school aged children in this country skip or miss breakfast each day. It affects their behavior their ability to focus and learn, not to mention the physical side effects of not eating correctly. By offering breakfast at the school we are not only helping with these issues, but part of the program is about teaching the children healthy eating habits, social skills and life skills also. Those that are able are encouraged to help, and do as much for themselves as is practical, safe and possible.

The best part about it is NO child will be turned away. While it's primarily aimed at those children who for whatever reason, haven't had ANY breakfast, it's also for those that maybe haven't had enough, ran out of time, or just want the social interaction There is no discrimination based on financial status of the family, where they live, how they dress, the color of their skin or the language they speak. If they can say please and thank you are a student of the school and arrive during the designated time, we will feed them breakfast!

As you can imagine there are a few hiccups, this morning the toasters couldn't keep up, but super seller Kell (i've been told I can sell ice to the Eskimos) managed to dwindle the demand down a little and get some kiddies having cereal instead. The current location on site isn't the ideal one and a move to another building is being considered at this stage, we'll just have to make do if that can't happen. There will also be a learning period for both the volunteers and students in the coming weeks as we fine tune how things are done and it begins to run smoothly rather than looking like quarter time at footy with people crowding round the drinks bucket! Whilst Red Cross run it, each school is encouraged to tailor things to suit their needs to a certain extent.

I'm extremely proud to be part of such a fantastic program and for those of you who live in Australia, I urge you to contact your local Red Cross office and see if a local school needs some help, either with donations of goods, or your time. This is our future we are feeding here, and not just their bodies, but their minds as well We owe to it them, and ourselves to give them a good start don't you think?

p.s You may ask what prompted me to become involved in this. Well that answer is easy - I'm involved in P & C, library, literacy and the canteen, and I thought to myself, gee Kell, you don't do nearly enough for that school, you should get off your butt and do some more!

oh my...

I had literacy group with Zoe and her reading buddies this morning at school. The SA teacher pulled me aside before we'd started to show me what Zoe had been up to earlier in the week. They had read a book about insect eating plants, venus fly traps and the like. Anyway one of the activities after was for the kids to make up their own plant. Zoe called hers a 'biteasaurus' and it had mouths coming out of the stem and looked great, very cool picture. But thats not what the teacher wanted to show me.

In the books the plants had little talking bubbles with things that the plant might say if it could talk....just to impart more info in a fun way for the kids. So Zoe had drew one of those. Do you know what her plant was saying?

F$%^ off. You can blow up you b???a

I kid you not. She even had the spelling correct, except for the last one, we couldn't quite make that out....

I have an inkling of idea where it came from, particularly when she told me what they'd been discussing just prior to drawing. But my stomach is still in knots.

I have to wonder that even though she doesn't see it, that she's aware of crap happening around this place. She's been defiant, and a little angry. But it could be many different things though. Kids live with much worse things than their parents going through an emotional patch, which is what this is really, she doesn't see any of it so she's not copying us, not that we speak to each other like that anyway! It could be that school is boring her, and it is....it's being looked at by the principal. It could be that she's picking up on mum and dad being upset at times. It could be she is just getting over being sick. It could be a stage. It could be the influence of a friends son <----my guess is this one. But I just don't know!

I do know that I honestly never expected to see something like from her. Well not until at least high school! I mean I never even knew she knew how to spell it for crying out loud....I've gotta be off, have pies to sort and distribute then a training session for the brekkie program starting at the school soon...