Wow! What a second week at work!

Week two is over in the classroom and what a week of learning and extremes it was.  Extremes in that one day it is over 40 degrees and the AC in the classroom isn't working or it is raining so hard that there is water running down the hills both of which result in indoor recesses here in Australia. 

This little friend was popping our from it's hiding spot at our lunch break today.

This collection of book orders comes in one package all ready to go for me! One booklet to send home, no tearing apart 4/5/ or 6 packages and stapling together. It is simply wonderful.

This week I had a a planning day out of the classroom where I got a better ( I think) understanding of the programs and what I am teaching in the classroom. For the most part it is really similar with different names/ layouts. I have a lot more to take in and learn, but I am feeling much better about it this week. I have really started to let go of some of my "ways" and embracing the new "ways" for this year. My students are fabulous and I am starting to get to know more about them every day. Kids are kids and I am enjoying being challenged everyday by my new surroundings. 

One really great thing that Girraween does is how they recognize success in their students. This week I got to give out 5 merit awards to my class in our weekly stage assembly. I think this is wonderful! It really motivates the students and I can see how proud the students are when they earn the award. 

On that note, Maëlle earned a similar award this week at her school. She was very excited to show me this week. I think she has settled in wonderfully to the full days and is happy to go to school and loves learning and even practices on her own. Blue one she got in class and the yellow one she got at the weekly assembly I believe. Very proud of her. Still shy and quiet but gaining confidence all the time.

 Matt and Malia have been busy too! Running every where Matt is taking them to gymnastics, library, gardening club and Matt is playing Ultimate Frisbee with a group at the Y while Malia goes into the playroom.

I would say we have found our routine. I am working a lot right now, but hopefully I can get some more stuff set up and be home earlier sometime soon.

It is a hot weekend coming up.