First Day of School

Well this morning it happened, my baby girl started year 1. It wasn't as emotional as it could have been given that I am her teacher for the year, in fact, it was more overwhelming knowing that I have so much of an influence on her and Jack & Harry's education for the next year.
Harry started year 3 today and Jack year 4, where have all those years gone, I remember so vivily Jack's first day of kindy like it was yesterday.

I can now appreciate (but on a diffrent scale, I only have 3 to teach, not 30) how every school teacher feels at the beginning of each year, knowing that there is such a huge task at hand, to shape, mould and teach each child to the best of their abilities until as their teacher, I can tick off the boxes at the end of the year.

I can report that day one, although a little disorganised, went very well.

Nina, Harry & Jack in their classroom

Just thought I'd mention, for all of our family and friends who think we're crazy - that last night we met someone even crazier.
His name is Jean Mark, a Pom from London, and he's set himself a personal challenge of riding a pushbike from Perth to Sydney.
He set up camp next to us last night in the caravan Park and was greateful for some conversation, a few beers and some good advice on dealing with the harsh Aussie outback, like keeping your swag zipped up at all times.
He spoke of landing in Perth and being charged $9 for a coffee at the airport (robbery) and of the ways he keeps himself sane while riding.
One of them, a roadkill tally, which he says the kangaroos are winning by far.
He was an interesting character, 43, unmarried and a computer graphics designer who decided it was time to set himself a decent challenge... well he's certainly done that.
He left Perth on the 4th of January on his mammoth journey and I have a feeling we'll see him again in our travels.

Jean Mark, the crazy cycling pom

Oh, and we were sure to point out that he was madder than us, naturally :-).
By the way, he also has a blog it's called Perth to Sydney the round about way, if you are interested.