Last day at school

Today is the boys last day at Newington Public School.  We have been blessed to have such wonderful teachers and friends over the last 5 years here.  I know all three boys have enjoyed their time there, even Harry who has only had 6 months.  Although if we count all of the time Harry has been in and out of the school since Feb 2009, we could probably say it is little bit longer....

Since our boys are so happy at this school, it makes it even harder to leave.  I have been trying to work out exactly what it is that makes it such a great school, and I think it comes down to a few really important factors:
1.   Great Teachers
2.   Great Leadership - thanks Ian and Greg
3.   Great families

All three facets of the school work well together to make a really welcoming environment where our boys have thrived.  I've also tried to think of all the other great things that make up their school days that we might not have in the ship:

• They will miss the proximity of the school - a 400 m commute may only be beaten by at 10m one 
• They will miss the park we live opposite - which functions as a great stop on the way home for many families - i.e."playmates on tap"
• They will miss the school grounds and the familiarity of knowing where everything is
• They will miss the teachers that they know - who all know them - especially Harry who seems to know everyone
• They will miss the band that they have learned Music in
• They will miss Chess club
• They will miss "Movie Night" that happens the day after we fly out (I should have stayed in the P&C and had some input into that one..)
• They will miss their friends, some of whom they have known from the day they were born - especially Mark with his good mate Archer....
• They will miss their neighbours and roaming our street to see who was around to play with
• They will miss triple-scooter downhill run challenges
• They will miss skateboard trains
• They will miss water pistol fights in the park - whether you wanted Jack to squirt you or not
• They will miss adults yelling "CAR" - (maybe that is just hopeful)
• They will miss yelling.  Actually, that might not stop - just less space for the noise to dissipate in
• They will miss the comfort of their school routine
• They will miss their teachers
• They will miss their friends - especially all of their friends....

As hard as it is to say goodbye, I know that in time, they will make new friends, settled with new teachers and comfortable in a new school routine.  Until then, Thanks to all at Newington Public School - we will miss you!!