The first week of March, Nathan started kindergarten. This is a bit earlier than he would have in the States. The school year here goes from March - Dec. And since Nathan turned 5 at the end of March, he could start Kindergarten.
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| This is Nathan's uniform he wears everyday. Its just like a track n field sweat suit! |
The Lord led us to a christian school in Quilpue. We honestly had no idea if it was a good choice for him, because by the time we could check out the school, they were out for the summer. We were able to take a tour of the school, but there were no children and very few teachers. We still felt like this is where the Lord wanted us to be. So we signed him up! The Lord even blessed us by the school giving us a partial scholarship - without us even asking.
Nathan's first day of school - we had NO CLUE what to do: where to park, where to take him, did we bring all his school supplies, what time did we pick him up, who was his teacher, where was his classroom. When we arrived at the school, it was complete chaos. As most first days are at any school! We had no idea how large the school actually was and how many students go there. We were very overwhelmed as we were directed to congregate with all the other students (grades preK - 12) and their family members in the courtyard. This first impression left us feeling like we made a huge mistake. We should have found a smaller school. I was having quite the panic moment. But Nathan - it didn't phase him one bit. He never cried, never looked upset or bothered by the chaos.
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| Nothing but smiles - only blonde head in the whole place |
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| Nathan's teacher. They call teachers Tias (aunt). So her name is Tia Carolina. | | |
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| See how overwhelming this was! Soooo many people |
We have learned since that first day of school that every Monday, every student in the school lines up with their grade or class here in this courtyard. Very similar to the first day of school. This is called formation. They sing the National Anthem and have a little ceremony before going off to their classes. I believe every school in Chile does this same thing each week. But now that has gotten colder - Nathan tells us they don't do formation anymore.
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| One of the MANY administrators of the school speaking that first day. |
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After this first day and hearing the administration talk, we realized it is a very strict school. The man talked about boys needing to cut their hair and girls couldn't have braids. We have gotten notes home from the school reminding all the parents to cut their children's fingernails and hair and to be dressed properly in the uniform. At first we were a little put off, but we are now very thankful for the structure the school provides.
After this opening ceremony, they dismissed the students to their class. We were thankful they let the Kindergarten parents follow to the classroom. But once we got to the room, they told us goodbye as they ushered the children into the room. I have yet to return to his classroom. Jeff has been able to go pick up Nathan from his classroom a couple of times. I do have to say, I get jealous that Jeff is picking up on those days.
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| Going to his class |
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| Nathan in his class for the first time. We could look in through the window! |
Each morning and afternoon we drop off and pick up Nathan from one of the front gates of the school. This requires parking the car and walking about 1/2 block. It is very secure, which is nice. But many days, I really miss the carpool line and drop off that happens at most schools in the states. There isn't much organization to the pick up process. All the parents gather at the gate (often pushing their way up to the front) and the teacher dismisses each child as she makes eye contact with the parents.
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| pick up on the first day of school. Nathan is one of the ones in the back. |
Jeff obviously took this picture! :) The outside of the gate has a slight decline. So when I am behind the parents I can't see over anyone to see if the teacher has Nathan or not. I'm also not very aggressive to push my way up to the front. Often the teacher has tried to dismiss Nathan - but she can't see me, and I can't see that she has Nathan. He then goes to the back of the line until I can get up there to get him. Fun times! :)
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