
Recently we won our appeal to move Bunny from a school 6 miles away (half an hour in traffic), to a school 6 minutes walk away. We were thrilled, but only had a day and a half to get used to the idea, before the move happened. I rushed out and bought Bunny’s new uniform, threw a sudden leaving party for her and her friends and then bam…time to get used to a whole new routine.
The new routine meant no need to get in the car. We saved a fortune in petrol on her first week alone. We were hoping that a new, more mainstream school, would improve her behaviour. Less time stuck in the car, being on time, friends living closer to home, new teachers, new friends, etc, would all contribute to a behaviour change. Well… her behaviour is slowly improving and we are convinced now, that moving schools, was the right thing for her.
So how did her first day go?
When I woke up at 7am, Bunny was up, dressed and had made herself breakfast. This has NEVER happened before. She was REALLY excited. She had her bag ready and her shoes on, before I’d even drank my morning cup of tea.
We got to school and reported to the office, where a member of staff was waiting for her. She took her by the hand and asked her how she was feeling and if she was ready to go in, or if she wanted mummy to stay for a bit. I was blown away by the kindness. In her old school, they never showed that much care or asked how she was feeling. They never took her by hand or gave her options. Not since reception class anyway! Bunny said she wasn’t nervous, just excited and she was ready to go in straight away. So I walked home with the twins, feeling relieved and happy.
When I picked Bunny up from school on that first day, she came running over, still as full of excitement as she had been in the morning.
The things she were most excited about were:
- On a Monday, they have breakfast in their classroom (she had already had breakfast, so this day she had a second!)
- At break time they can have hot buttered toast.
- She had made new friends already.
- She really liked that her teacher is a man, as she’s only ever had female teachers.
- Her lessons were fun and she likes her new school so much more than her old one.
Her second and third day’s at school followed a similar pattern, so I went out and bought her a present on the third day, to show her how proud of her I was.
To me, I think moving schools must be a big step for a child. She was leaving behind everything she had known, for the past three and a half years to go to a new building, with different classrooms where she’d have to learn her way around. No grown-ups that she knew, no children that she knew. Different rules, slightly different uniform, different lunch menu, a new playground. For Bunny to go to school, with absolutely no fear, make friends and come home with such a positive attitude, made me really proud of her.
So I bought her a picture for her wall, which says “braver than you think you are”, so for all the times when she doubts herself, she can look at the picture and remember how fearlessly she changed schools.
I think perhaps I should take note of this quote myself, as there are so many times I doubt myself and forget all I have survived. My husband should too, if we think of all we have conquered since we got together. We are a tough little family and we need to try and remember that. But this is for Bunny, to show her how brave she can be.
Her behaviour, sadly, has slipped back to awful, on three days since she’s been at her new school, but three days out of two and a half weeks is a vast improvement and we are proud of her for that.
Well done your girl….It sounds like things are going really well! You have every reason to be proud x
Kim Carberry recently posted..Things We All Did In Primary School…..
A great reason to be proud, it’s always hard getting used to big changes like that!! #loudnproud
chantelle hazelden recently posted..Proud Mummy Moments
A 6 minute walk is much better than a 6 mile drive – it wakes you up more, but you getting up at 7am !!!! I have to get up at 6am, for my sons (mum at least gets a lie-in till 8am) – I take them to school but mummy picks them up (the times are awkward for leaving time)
I should think you are immensely proud of her, and I wish her all the best in her new surroundings
Oh goodness no. I don’t get up at 7. But that’s how excited Bunny was on her first day. I don’t usually get up until about 7:45 or sometimes even 8am. That is early enough for me. Half hour to get ready and off we go.
Thank you for the kind comment x
No wonder you’re proud of her! It sounds like she’s settled in brilliantly. It must be so reassuring to you to know that she’s moved to a much more caring and nurturing environment than her old school.
Thanks very much for linking to Loud ‘n’ Proud 🙂 x
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted..The Hundred Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Ah fabulous, such a big decision, so lovely that you’re seeing already that it was the right one. I can’t believe you had to go through an appeal for it though, it seems so unfair. Glad it’s been worthwhile.xx
Natalie Ray recently posted..Friday Feature #7
I had to appeal – there were 2 schools equidistant – I was on the PTA of my favoured school, but the council decided my boys had to go to the other. On the PTA I was heavily welcomed – I was the only dad on there and was welcomed that a dad tried to help – I wasnt very good at the penalty takes when I was in goal on the Fun/Charity days though!!!!
I sort of hinted, but I think that fathers should get involved as much as possible with the school(s) that their sons/daughters go to – It might be awkward timewise but I had a good employer who allowed me flexitime as long as I said if I was early/late – I know this is not appropriate to a lot of people but it is a good thing for you all if you can do it
Look after yor kids first – but you might have to earn the £s to do it – so depends on circumstances
Just shows how adaptable kids are.