Monday, January 26, 2009

School Days, School Days

Today was the kids first day of school here in Japan. I think all three kids were holding their breath in anticipation of this day.

There are two ways the kids can get to school –– via train and via bus. Typically the older kids all ride the train and the younger kids ride the bus, unless they live on Rokko Island where the school is located. All three kids go to the same school.

Our neighbor's daughter picked Emily up and they rode the train in together. Matt and I took the other two and then we met Emily at the school. Tomorrow Chris and Sami will start riding the bus and Emily will continue going with the neighbor.

Emily and Maggie this am leaving for school. They are the same age and grade.

Sami & Chris before heading to school.

The kids are going to Canadian Academy, an international school based on the US school system. It is an amazing school, both educationally and activity wise. All three kids will take daily Japanese lessons at school. There are kids from all over the world attending this school. Our kids will have friends from Japan, China, Korea, India, Europe, Australia, and the US.

Sami has 14 kids in her class and two teachers. There are eight boys and six girls and five of them are from the US. Her main teacher is from the US and she already loves him and the assistant is from India. When I came to pick her up the teacher said she did wonderful and jumped right in with everything in the classroom.

Chris also has 14 kids in his class, however he is the only American in his class. His teacher is from Canada. He said that everyone seems nice and he likes his teacher. Since Chris isn't a boy of many words who really knows.

Emily was really worried before she left for school this morning, however tonight she was all smiles. She said everyone was real friendly, she met several kids and she thinks she will enjoy her classes. She already has homework tonight so it is like she never left school at all. Tomorrow she starts gymnastics at the new gym. That itself should be an adventure.

So another milestone down here in Japan. Shew...

12 comments:

Jamie said...

I am so glad that they are like ducks to water. I was thinking of them all evening :P

I am sure the gym will be great as well.

(((HUGS))) to you all

Runner Girl said...

What an incredible experience for your children and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you transition and settle into your new lives!

Aimee said...

How awesome that Emily has a friend already in your new building!!! I'll pray that everyone adjusts well - especially in school! I'm sure you are breathing a sigh of relief that things went so well today! :)

Louise said...

So glad to hear it went well :)
Great pictures too!
I am amazed at the adjustment you are making..wow...proud of you!

Deborah said...

What amazing, self-assured and well-adjusted kids you have! I'm sure they will thrive there, just as they have at home. Glad the first day went well!

Jill said...

That's so great! So nice that your first days in your new home have gone so well for everyone!!

Johanna said...

Glad that the adjustment is going well so far! School is a biggie. That school sounds amazing. Hope you are taking some time for yourself as well, and making new friends! It must be so nice to be reunited with Matt!

Cate said...

Wow, what a great experience for your kids-- and thanks for sharing it with us too!

Jennifer said...

Oh I'm so happy everything went well. can't wait to hear more.

Tracey said...

I was wondering if you'd found a gym for Em. I'm so glad the first day went smoothly for everyone. This is quite an adventure for all of you! How are YOU adjusting?

Michelle said...

That's awesome that they had all had a great experience on the first day of school! It sounds like a neat school!

Terri said...

the important thing is they all smiled (or at least didn't pout) for their "going to school" picture and all said good things about their first day. That's a pretty big hump to get over.