Back to school

On Monday, Gordon and I popped over to visit the local school - Yarra Primary which was built in 1888. It had a lovely feel to it and the staff were very welcoming. So, one of the special needs teachers took us on a grand tour to see all they had. And they did have! Lovely large rooms, kitchen to cook in, computer suite, library, art rooms, vegetable gardens and chickens!

This is a picture of the school and a copy of the weekly timetable in the class I visited.


I joined Miss Halpin in a Prep / Grade 1 class (that is Yr R/1 to us) for a couple of hours on Wednesday morning. She has a large room and only 21 children. Lucky her. Much of the routine is similar to ours with rules on the walls; clapping hands for attention; and phonics programmes. The children were lovely and worked really well for her.

This is an example of the start of writing instructions from a Year 1 child. Trouble is I have lost all idea of what level they should be at - but it looks good to me!

Miss Halpin is due to take time out of class and go abroad next year and should be in the UK around March. If I am not back by then will you show her around Ellington? I think you will all like her - and she may be up for a few days supply cover as well!

We are flying up to Cairns on Saturday where it will be even hotter (phew I am almost a puddle in the internet cafe doing this!) so the next blog will probably come from there.

Just to end with, here are the Xmas windows in a department store in Melbourne - luckily we will be away when the parade starts on Saturday!