Deans in Singapore: Back to School

Megan was the first one off to school this year because she started 3rd grade in the Intermediate division. We went to Open House the Saturday before school started so Megan could meet her teacher and learn what she needed to know for her first day.

The moment we entered Mrs. Buxton's classroom, it was clear that our child was no longer in Primary school. While the room was spacious and still offered cozy sofas and chairs for reading time, it felt much more like a real class room where serious work would be done. No more playing around in 3rd grade! I immediately had a positive feeling about Megan's teacher, who is new to Singapore this year. She and her husband are both teachers and while they recently moved from North Carolina, they have taught internationally in the past. Megan was disappointed that her good friend Lane is not in her class again this year, although with her starting her 4th school year at SAS, she already knew quite a few students in her class.

All divisions except the Primary school started on Monday, August 15th, so Megan was up bright and early to catch the bus up to the Woodlands. We are thankful that the morning bus doesn't pick up at our place until nearly 7am this year. Ten extra minutes makes a huge difference that early in the morning!

Megan had a great first day and while she was certainly tired, she definitely enjoyed seeing her friends again and getting back into the school routine. When she arrived home that afternoon, I asked her if she had met anyone new in her class. Her response: "Well, the boys sitting next to me kept asking me questions but I didn't really talk to them otherwise." I'm sure Brian hopes she maintains this attitude well into her high school years.

Megan's First Day of 3rd Grade (PE Uniform)

Megan's Class

While Megan was starting 3rd grade, her younger sisters were busy with teacher orientations. The primary school starts two days later to allow teachers to schedule personal meeting times with parents and children. Brian and I took Elizabeth to Ms. Wan's Kindergarten class on Monday and by the end of our short time with her, our questions were answered and Elizabeth seemed very at ease in the room. She had a couple friends from her Pre-K class joining her this year and our next door neighbor's daughter Sophia also ended up in her class. With 11 Kindergarten classes, that wasn't likely to happen!

Emily checks out her new classroom

Emily had a small group orientation with her Pre-K teacher, Ms. Kiran, the following day. I liked that format because Emily was able to meet 3 other classmates before starting school. And since she is brand new to SAS this year, that could only help her settle in easier. With her late August birthday, Emily is the youngest child in her class but I did feel better when I saw two other students with August birthdays as well. She LOVED the classroom and both times we were in the room with her, she didn't want to leave.

First Day of School for Elizabeth and Emily

On Wednesday morning, I drove the girls up to school since it was Elizabeth's first day of Kindergarten. Listening to the girls all sing to their favorite music along the way made me feel sad I wouldn't hear that singing during the day anymore. We all escorted Elizabeth to the Kindergarten area and left her in good hands with Ms. Wan. She was so excited to be there that saying good bye was a simple task.

The Dean Darlings Are All At SAS This Year!

Elizabeth's First Day of Kindergarten with Ms. Wan

Emily and I walked Megan to her class and then Emily and I hiked over to the Early Childhood Center on the opposite side of the campus. As I followed behind Emily, who was practically skipping to her new class, my eyes filled up with tears because this was the most difficult transition for me. My baby girl will be gone every day from 7am to 2pm. At the same time, I'm excited for her to experience the amazing SAS environment and I know she will love it there. So, I dried my eyes, gave her a big hug and sent her on her way to Pre-K.

Dropping off Emily at Pre-K

By lunchtime Wednesday I had received emails from both Elizabeth and Emily's teachers, letting me know that they were having a great first day. Emily's teacher called after school to inform me that Emily did wonderfully and was fully engaged throughout the day. I appreciated them taking the time to put my mind at ease and I could hardly wait for the bus to arrive to hear all about their days. Emily arrived home around 2pm, looking exhausted but happy. Elizabeth and Megan got home at about 4pm and Elizabeth immediately asked Emily, "How did you like Pre-K?" Since Elizabeth was just there last year, she wanted to hear all about it from her little sister. Elizabeth didn't seemed fazed at all by her move into Kindergarten and told me all about her new cafeteria and playground she gets to use now.

Excited to see my girls at the end of the day!

So, another school year has begun and so far it's looking good in the Dean home. I didn't miss the early alarm and I'm still adjusting to eating breakfast by myself but as long as the girls all love school, I'll manage just fine.