Monday morning was a proud moment for mom and dad as Colin and Alex both received merit certificates from their teachers for doing something extraordinary in class. Their school has a full-school assembly every other Monday where there are class presentations, announcements, and a certificate ceremony where a few students are recognized publicly for anything from "Doing a good job with multiplying decimals" to "Getting better at keeping the paint on the paper."
For Colin, his citation reads, "For turning from a Canadian into a fabulous Aussie". We're not too sure what that means exactly in terms of school, but Colin has immersed himself in the sports and the teams and he might just know the Australian national anthem by heart now - the tune at least. Ann, his teacher, seems to really enjoy his efforts in her class and he was his usual quiet, but very proud self when accepting his certificate.
Alex's citation reads, "For being a good sport". As Erin, his teacher, explained to me, Alex continues to improve in his ability to control his emotions with respect to losing, taking turns, and all those other things that our fiery little Allie has had trouble with in the past. Erin is great - kind, patient, and very supportive and we think Alex has an excellent teacher for his age and stage. Ahhh, but as is the case with kids - just when you think they've rounded a corner...no sooner had we hung the merit certificate in a place of distinction than Alex received a time out for launching his pencil across the classroom after becoming frustrated with having to hold it a certain way...Thankfully, they don't revoke certificates.
Anyway, Term 3 is almost over - just two short weeks left for the boys and we continue to thank our lucky stars we found the school that we did. It seems to be filled with families like ours and while mom and dad continue to try to "crack" the parental circle - our kids have made new and fast friends. A sure sign of their growing comfort was when Alex wanted to email his best friend Andrew in Toronto (the only friend Al ever talked about at Maurice Cody). He started the email, "Dear Andrew, You are still my best friend, but I have made some new friends in Australia, they are..." - and then he proceeded to list about 5-6 other kids in his class. Though we sure miss Andrew, it's nice to see Alex expanding his horizons a bit.
And on a more professional note, we have noted there is a very relaxed homework policy in Australia. The boys have homework, but it is nothing like the kind and amount at home. Colin has not had one test in any subject yet this term. Not that a test is the best or only way to assess learning, but it is certainly a different approach to the countless worksheets and drills of last year. I am of two minds on this - while we were not wanting to be spending hours around the homework table while abroad, I hope the year of relaxed expectations will not affect them too much upon our return home.
And finally, today was the day we took our castle to school. Our castle, you ask? Yes, well, for the past 4 weeks Colin has had to build a simple machine that would work in a castle to solve a simple problem. And for as long as I can remember, I always tried to promise myself that I would not be the dad who spent hours of my own personal time, energy, and ideas on my sons' projects. Well - strike one on me! The castle is certainly a collective effort, a sort of hybrid of our thoughts and designs. However, I cared too much about it. I was working on it when Colin had lost interest and "fixing" things that he had done himself (But they just weren't straight!!). I slinked into school today carrying the castle - hoping no one would point an accusing finger at our spires and elevator and say - "Nice work, Dad!"
The homework debate rages on and so will my guilt. Who really does the homework, and yet who is willing to see their child fail? I have always maintained that a child will learn a little more with an experienced hand beside them, than they ever will alone. That's my own, firmly held rationalization for helping to create our castle - but I also believe that as a teacher. It also seems to be an appropriate description of the education the boys are receiving at the hands of some very caring and capable teachers.
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