Today was spent getting the kids enrolled and ready to start school in NZ. This morning I met with the principle of Nani and Graham’s school, West End Primary. School here is so very different. The atmosphere is so relaxed. The kids were all barefoot, a concept inconceivable to Americans. Even many teachers were barefoot!! All the children also were some sort of hat (usually a bucket hat) while outside due to the strength of the sun here. School begins at 9am. From 10:30-10:50 is “morning interval” when the children have a small snack brought from home. Lunch is from 12:30-1:25. Children eat outside, picnic style, lunch brought from home then have the rest of the lunch period to play, go to the library, etc. At 3pm school is dismissed. The primary school students do not wear uniforms, the dress code quite relaxed. The kids were just kids. Respect of self, others and property the main rules. No stress, no worries. I loved it and Nani and Graham are very excited. The school is just down the street and we will be walking. At least 2 other children on our street go there as well and I’m sure we’ll all walk together. Eventually, the children will even walk they alone… eventually. When I’m ready more so than them. LOL!
Next Mikaylie and I visited Spotswood College, the only coed high school in New Plymouth. The principle was very nice and Mikaylie really liked the school, however, most people say that New Plymouth Girls’ High School is the best school. We will be checking it our tomorrow.
Mikaylie and I came home, collected the kids and headed to Center City, New Plymouth’s mall, for a quick bite to eat. I then took Will and Brylie to Highlands Intermediate where we met with the Assistant Principle, decided it was the best choice and registered them for school. They, too, will begin tomorrow. Their days will be very much like Nani and Graham’s with morning interval and a nearly hour long lunch/free time. The school Bry and Will are “zoned” for is just beside West End, but Highlands is farther away. They will eventually take a bus. No yellow school buses here, though. They ride the Tranzit bus, just for school kids. Again, when I’m ready. Until then Billy or I will drive them. I was rather torn between the convenience of the school just down the street and the more recommended school across town. That the school would take them and that many people had said, given the choice, they’d choose Highlands, I decided to go that route.
Brylie, Will and I then returned to Center City, met up with Mikaylie, Graham and Nani then we all went to purchase uniforms for Brylie and Will. $600 bought Will 2 pairs of shorts, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat and Brylie one pair of culottes, 2 polo shirts, one t-shirt and shorts for gym, one sweatshirt and a bucket hat.
Next we went back to Center City for uniform sandals, for when they actually wear them. Mikaylie went ahead and got hers and Graham and Nani choose sandals as well, though theirs need not be uniform. We then found togs (Kiwi for swimsuits) for Nani and Brylie. All the schools have pools and for the next 2 weeks or so the children will have swimming each day.
Finally, we hit the Warehouse (kind of reminds me of Big Lots) for their stationary requirements (school supplies). By the end of the day I probably spent close to $1200 and I’ve yet to purchase Mikaylie’s uniforms. YIKES!!! At least they won’t need as many other clothes.
Headed to bed now… Big day tomorrow…again…
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