First Day at School - Mom's Note

Today is Nathan's first day at school. I and hubby planned to take him there together. We didn't engage a school bus yet coz the pick up time is much too early for him (6:45 AM), and he will only be home about 1.5 hrs after school finishes. So we thought, let's see how it goes.

I woke him up at around 6:50 AM, and as expected, he was glued to his pillow for a while. Maybe because he slept pretty late the night before. But he managed to get up and drink his milk. After his shower, his mood lightened up. He was his usual self, playful & happy.

The three of us took the MRT and then the bus to his school. We reached there just in time at 8:30 AM. All the kids were playing in the play area and Nate joined them straight away. His dad then kissed him goodbye & left for work. I stayed there for a while. Some of the newcomers already cried when their mommies or daddies are out of sight. But Nate was still happily playing there. He really enjoys the new toys and friends.

At 9 AM, the kids were told to stop playing, wash their hands, and enter the hall to sit in a big circle. Parents were asked to wait outside and watched the kids from otuside the glass window. I waited there just to watch him for a while before I left. When it was time to pray, he did pray. When it was time to sing, he did sing. I am so glad that he participated well.

Then I left the school, spent about 1.5 hrs outside, and came back again to pick him up. During that 1.5 hrs, I did miss him a lot. His school finishes at 11.30 AM. I reached there around 11.10 and watched the class from outside. I could see that he was settling well, following the teacher's instructions and played well with his friends. He did not cry at all looking for me! :) When he saw me waiting outside for him, his face lightened up and he had a big smile on his face. He put up his thumb, as if he was telling me that everything went well! Then when it was time to go home, the kids assembled again and lined up. One by one went out to take their water bottle, bag and shoes. As I watched him putting on his socks and shoes, I could feel tears started to build up. Yes, my son has grown up and he is now officially a school-going boy. Everything went well beyond my expectation and I am so pleased that he enjoys his school.

Here are some of the photos taken on the day. Enjoy :)

Nate and his Dad, ready to leave the house for school

At play area, before school started

When he saw me waiting to pick him up outside the class

His class photo (courtesy of Bethany Kindergarten)