First Day of Preschool

Today, September 4th, was Emma's first day at Preschool.  What an exciting day for Emma.
We've enrolled Emma at Epworth Preschool and she's attending 2 days a week, from 9am - 12am.

Last week Wednesday we had school orientation which gave us the opportunity to meet Emma's teachers, the school Director and the rest of the staff.  Then that Friday Emma's teachers organised a Popsicle Playdate, where all the kids from the class came to the school and were able to get aquainted with their teachers, Miss Jarin and Miss Cammie, fellow classmates, a chance see their classroom and run around on the playground.  A great way to slowly ease the kids into their new surroundings.

receiving a popsicle from Miss Cammie

out of all the kids Emma was the messiest, wish I got a pic

Emma's Classmates

making herself comfortable in the reading corner

Emma loves her puzzles

Then today for their first day they split the kids up ito 2 groups and only had each group come an hour at a time, so Emma went from 9:15am - 10:15am this morning.  Driving into the school and seeing everyone making their way to their classrooms got me a bit choked up, but I'm glad to report that there were no tears from Emma, nor from Rod and I, and Addi.  All the kids with their totes and backpacks, so sweet to see.  I just couldn't and still can't believe we're here already with Emma.  Hard to let go of her after having her at home with me for 3 years. 

Emma was excited about her first day which helped the process.  The night before I had her choose her backpack that would be her school backpack, then she helped pack her spare clothes and I ran her through why she needs the spare clothes, underwear and shoes.  Then on the way to school we spoke about what was going to happen at school and Emma seemed to be happy with that.  She was excited that she could show her daddy her classroom.  I was so happy that daddy was in town for this BIG event!

So on orientation night we were told about their kiss and go policy.  They prefer that the parents don't linger and be out of the kids sight as soon as possible.  If your child invites you into the classroom to see something then of course we're allowed in, but otherwise it's into the classroom, say goodbye, kids wash hands and start playing.  If your child cries or you're wondering how she's doing, you can ask one of the other teachers to go upstairs and pop her head in the classroom to check that your child is doing just fine.  Obviously all the rules that were spoken about on orientation night were forgotten on the day, so we lingered a little longer than we should have that the teacher had to signal to shoo us away....oops!
As I was walking down the steps I was just waiting to hear her cry, but nothing....sheew...drop off successful. So happy to see Emma happy in her classroom with her teacher and not one tear!

After the hour, which was nice to run a few errands and get a coffee, Rod went in to pick up Emma, they were apparently still busy in class with storytime, Emma had the chance to hold the class mascot which is a ladybug - she was pretty chuffed about this role and then when it was time to leave, she did not want to leave.  So thats definitely a good sign that she enjoyed herself.
Also on orientation night they spoke about dressing the kids, that it's not a fashion show, and the kids must wear clothes that expect to get dirty and most of the materials they use are "washable", and boy were they right, not only their clothes but their hands too - Emma already came home with paint-stained hands....a nailbrush is now on our grocery list.

Thursday will be the first day of the full 3 hours - so that will be interesting to see how that goes.  Knowing Emma she'll love it just as much and just be so happy to be listening to stories, getting to paint, draw and do puzzles.  She slept so well today at naptime I was in the bedroom down the hall and I could hear her snoring, I can only imagine how well she'll nap on Thursday afternoon. Jinx!  Lets see how I do since it'll just be me this time dropping Emma off at school....

Here are some pics from today.....

so excited to go to school today

 



backpack just as big as her

 

greeting Miss Jarin

Finding where to hook her bag - by her name