Fly little falcon, fly

All summer long C talked about going to her new school. While she was quick to mention that she "wished she could go back to Caterpillar (Pre-School)", with a mixture of resignation and pride she would explain that "it's for three year olds and I'm four."

This week her excitement went into overdrive. She couldn't stop talking about how she "can't wait to go to school on Thursday." Every morning she'd count how many days left until Thursday. New school day.

Well today was the day. C's first day of Reception, the UK equivalent to Kindergarten which starts at age 4.

Earlier this month we brought her to get fitted for her school uniform. In the UK, pretty much all kids wear a uniform be it a public or private school. I actually like this. I fantasize that uniforms help cut down on peer pressure and cliques but that's probably just wishful thinking. But I am pretty sure that in the clothes department, uniforms are the cheaper way to go.

The family schedule was a little hectic this morning trying to get us all out by 7:45 am, but we managed. Once outside, we ran into our neighbors - also heading off to school. Both Jack and C are going to Falcons, but Jack is at the boy's school and C the girls' school. How cute do they look?!

The school isn't too far away but to get there we need to take the train. Ongoing, there is a shuttle bus that will pick C up in the morning close to our house which will be super convenient. But since it was day one, we all wanted to bring her there. The school itself is in a bricked Victorian, with classrooms upstairs & downstairs. There is also a kitchen that makes a hot lunch for the kids.

C and J had visited in June for an orientation so as soon as we arrived C beelined it to her new classroom. Within minutes she had on a smock and was sitting at the table drawing.

When I went in to say goodbye, the waterworks started (mine, not hers) so I quickly left. Guess I'll have to introduce myself to the teacher tomorrow. At pickup, she was all smiles and received a big hug from her brother.

In the evening, I asked her about her day at school. She told me about the lunch menu - sausage, mash potatoes and broccoli. Apparently the mash potatoes had onions in them so she didn't like them but she ate the sausages and broccoli. And after lunch there was a special cupcake treat. She also told me that she made a crown and that she "LOOOVES her teacher". I'll take that as a good sign.