William's First Day of School

My posts are all haphazard now.  I'm writing anything that comes and goes, not really following the sequence of event or importance or time of happening.

Children's first day - started on a Monday a week apart.  William went to back to school first, as his new school does not need to follow the government's directive to start later.

So,

Monday, 5th January 2015

William's school hours are 8:45am to 2:45pm.  I was initially excited that he need not wake up early to rush out of the house but instead he can have more time to enjoy a hearty breakfast.  (This boy doesn't eat fast like his sister, no not yet.)  But my joy was shortlived when I realized we had to brave across the LDP which was jammed up with vehicles at this peak hour.  I thought I had said goodbye to traffic jams when I left my job in 2008 but looks like it's hello again.  Looking on the bright side, thankfully it's a short exposure on the highway, yet enough to make me sit up and pay extra attention on the road.  More braking and less cruising.

We arrived at 8:30am, just 15 minutes from our house and he settled in nicely in his Year 1 queue at the assembly hall.  It's actually not much of a hall, but the whole area of a shoplot where children from Year 1 to Year 6 would queue and wait for the Principal to give announcements, pray and then dismiss them.

Every Tuesday is Assembly Day whereby they will stand in attention to sing the National Anthem, Negaraku and the school song.  This is also the day that every child will be checked on their fingernails and hair and tidiness.

William's class is located on the first floor, and comprise of only 15 children, as with all the other classes.  They have a daily Devotion time and his subjects include Language Arts, Speech & Drama, History&Geography (in short, he calls it H&G now), Bible on top of the usual Physical Education (PE), Maths and Science.  He also has a computer class, Bahasa Malaysia and Arts&Craft.  Once a week, the children are exposed to Children Church too.  

He has a morning 15 minute tea break and a 30 minute lunch break.  For this semester, we did not sign the lunch package for him, thus William brings his snack box and lunch box to school.  All packed into his new green backpack!  His bag was quite heavy in the beginning as he carried his dictionary and Bible everyday, but now he has started to leave them in his classroom locker.  Yes, each child has a locker for himself (which is actually an open shelf located at the back of the classroom).  William is leaving even some of his books there, if there is no homework to bring back.

Boy is happy in school, and he knows most of his classmates' names by now.  However one incident happened on the second or third day of school... his shaky tooth came out during lesson and he dutifully informed his teacher.  She told her to go to the washroom to rinse his mouth, and when he got back, he realized that his teacher threw away his fallen tooth.  So he asked her for it, TWICE, and even explained that his mummy keeps all his milk teeth.  But alas, the teacher insisted to not to return the teeth to him, and he told me, "Mummy, I give up la..."

Undeniably he is upset over this and even exclaimed that his kindy teachers are better.  Mummy is not happy about a forever incomplete set too, but guess we will have to use something else to represent that thrown-away tooth.  Somehow the teacher got wind of this and came up to me a few days later to apologize.

Other than that, homework is everyday except for one day.  He has an easy spelling test every Friday and the children are given a self-test on topics in their books to ensure comprehension.

So far so good.  Except that he doesn't finish his lunch despite a smaller portion, and packing his favourite food.  In the past two weeks, we have prepared spaghetti bolognese, stirfried pasta, sardine sandwich with egg and cheese, fried rice, stirfried udon, bolognese pie, foccacia sandwich... these are what I can remember.  His snacks have been mee hoon, bread with kaya, bread with cheese cream, banana cake, fishballs, steam sweet potatoes and bun.

When he gets home, he gets another tea break, a quick bath or sometimes not, homework and then off to his Chinese class at 4-5:30pm from Mondays to Wednesdays.  I. Was. So. So. Tired.

So glad that the kids did not start school on the same week, else I would not know how to survive with all the chauffeuring and juggling of time and activities.

"I don't want to study overseas..."

This week my boy enters his 2nd week into Year 1 at his new school.

As we neared his school, I pre-empted him that mummy may not be able to get parking, and will just have to drop him off like many other parents.  God has given mummy parking for the past few days despite the many cars, but maybe it's time for someone else to get the parking.  

William would wrap his arms around my neck at random times in the car (sometimes, if Vic is around she gets agitated that he's standing and would snap at him).  At that moment, he did the same, and I see his little serious face next to mine in the rear mirror.  This is when he announced, "Mummy, I don't want to go to university overseas.  I want to study here in Malaysia so that I can be with you."  

Such a touching statement.  I shared with him that Mummy and Daddy would want both him and Jie Jie to study overseas for certain reasons (which I will not publish here) but Mummy will be happy to go stay with him.  Still serious face, he asked me what about Daddy?  

"Well, if Daddy is not working he can join us, or Daddy can take leave to stay for awhile."  Hehehe.

Later I double-parked, hugged him in between the cars, and walked him into the center, watched him take off his shoes and then I had to repark my car again to be considerate to other cars wanting to drop off. I got out again, saw him queued up at his class where they assemble.  He stood there waiting for his friends to arrive.  We waved good bye to each other and as he looked away, I decided to walk off.  With a heavy heart. 

As I slowly drove off, I was so tempted to park and walk back to see him again.  Normally I'd wait till his Principal dismisses them after prayer and announcements, but today is the first day that I did not.  

So there, honestly I had some guilt in my heart, some "mm seh tak", some sadness.  

Singing at his teacher's wedding

It's not everyday that our kids get to attend their teacher's wedding... well, most of them are married anyway.  It's also not everyday that our kids or kid get to sing at the teacher's wedding.

So, it was a surprise when William's class teacher informed me that she'd like to have him and some of his friends sing at her wedding in November.  I asked her which date and the venue, and a quick mental check was we were not travelling on that day, so I answered affirmatively.

Turned out that William was the only boy amongst 6 girls.  That probably made him so shy.

Boy just arrived.  He looks like a mini grown up here.  Sister combed his hair side ways... I can't help laughing when I first saw him with this hairstyle.  :P

Practice time

We came half an hour earlier for practice time, after which the kids happily ran around

One picture with mummy... so hard to catch him for a picture as he rather play with his friends running up and down the aisle

Sis was happy as her good friend also came

Enjoying the sight of the colorful decorations

And the song they sang was, "A little love" by Fiona Fung. Wishing his teacher and her husband an ever-lasting love!

Good bye, kindergarten!

It's with a heavy heart that I write this last post about William's kindergarten year, closing one chapter in his life and recording his milestone achieved.

2012 @ 4 year old - He received the Awesome Artist Award
2013 @ 5 year old - He received the Superb in Maths Award
2014 @ 6 year old - He received the Gold Rules Award and Character Champion Award

More importantly, he made many special friendships and developed a passion for learning.

21st November 2014 officially mark the last day of his schooling days in kindergarten.  He spent a total of 3 beautiful years in this school.  I believe he enjoyed every moment as he looked forward to school all the time.  Despite many fun filled school holidays, I remember this boy would say that he looked forward to school again so he can see his friends and teachers.

Here are some random pictures taken in his 3 years of kindergarten...

2012

4yo William during the first week of his kindergarten.  It was orientation week, and they were given name tags and allowed to wear any clothes.  Orientation was fun with games, stories and songs.

From top left: 6yo posing on the way to school, top middle: 4yo having his lunch in the car after school, top right: 6yo in his PE uniform on Mondays, Bottom: 5yo William giving me the "scare"

2012/2013

Top pictures taken when he was 4yo - big bite for the big boy at snack time and building lego blocks.
Bottom pictures taken during his 5th birthday celebration in school

2014

William celebrated his 6th birthday in school with his classmates and favourite teacher!

Friendships must be cherished especially with good friends...

From left: K, J and William at 6yo

Fooling around with his friends from 6yo class

Amongst the first few friendships made, one was with P.  

With some of his teachers in his school.  Left:  With his class teacher Apple

I am so happy that his experience in his first formal education institution has been smooth and good - praise God for good teachers who guided and encouraged him.  I pray that this will open doors to many more wonderful developments and experiences.

Some months back, we planted stalks of colorful Japanese roses in little pots.  On the last day of school, he presented them to some teachers - each with a special Bible verse personally handwritten.  The significance of the flowers represents the little children who receive love and guidance from the teachers.  Just as the educators nurture the children like plants, these plants will grow and bloom and even multiple one day.

Impromptu group picture so not everyone is here or prepared.  Kids are all dressed up in their concert costumes

So it's goodbye kindergarten and in a month's time, it will be hello to Primary School.  I wished that I knew who my kindergarten friends were now, or even their names.  For William, we made little stickers with his contact details on it so hopefully, one fine day there will be that "Do you remember me?" email or phone call.  : )

CHECK!!

Guess what?

Both Vic and Will has taken a liking to chess!  It all started so random a few months back, and I have to credit hubby for being the one to introduce this game to them.  He is a master at chess and teaches them little tricks as they play along.

I have even learnt new terms from the kids, such as stalemate and castling.  The boy and his father even have their own secret terms like "do the Lockdown."

William loves chess, so much so that he'd invite us to play with him at every opportunity, sometimes at the most awkward times like during meals.  Victoria has more on her plate with tuition and homework and activities so to be fair, she have less time to practice on the board but equally excited about the game.

William would give a virtual level to each of us.  I am the worse at playing chess so he says I am at the beginner level.  Both my kids have beaten me at chess many times, and I have only a couple of victories to boast about.  I salute them because I did not let them win on purpose.

Daddy and Yeh Yeh are the "ultimate levels", and if they beat any of them, it will be a HUGE victory to them, one worth celebrating with ice cream!  In the beginning, losing to Daddy can end the game with some tears, so Daddy has resorted to allow the kids to "handicap" him by removing a few key players (like the Queen and Castle) in the beginning of the game yet Daddy still wins.

Popo playing chinese chess with Vic.  Unfortunately, none of us in this household knows how to play chinese chess so there's no challenger for Vic.  On the right, William challenges Gong Gong to a game, of which he won! 

We even have the Chess app installed in our phones so they either practice with the computer or start a game with someone.  I think this is a great game to kill off the boredom as it encourages them to strategize and think.

If you like chess or can play chess, invite them for a game and you will immediately be their new best friend!  The magic word in the house now is "CHECK" or better still, "CHECK MATE!"

A Playdate and Some Sewing

During the one week school break in September, we did not go anywhere.  Vic had her replacement tuition classes, and Daddy was away in Nepal.  The kids kept themselves busy being here and there in the house, and time passes whenever you're with them... somehow this also means they dilly dally alot!

They had some friends over - Kristen and Josh.  K and V used to be in the same school before Vic moved to her current school, but they remained BFF through occasional messages on their phones and playdates during the holidays.  Josh is the same age as W, so it's great that all four could play together.

Homemade burger patty with whole meal buns, and airfried potato wedges and salad.  

They seem a bit shy for the camera, don't they?

Boys having fun with their food

They've had playdates before and it's sometimes the Monkey game, Monopoly, UNO, or handicraft, phone games, movies, tea time, and baking once, etc.

There's never enough time by the time they need to leave.  Oh well, still many more holidays and playdates to come!  Hopefully friendships like these last a long time!

Besides that, here's the children's first time experience at sewing.  I have quite a lot of clothe left from a previous project, and bought a bag of buttons from Chatuchak Market in July, so I thought why not let them try to sew something.  For a start, they sewed their names.  Nothing fanciful but it's good to keep them focused, quiet and sitted for a while.  I'm pleasantly surprised that the boy takes sewing so seriously!

On my part, I told them we could make their masterpiece into a pencil box or frame it up.  They chose the former.  Up till today, I have not done my part yet *gulp*

Here are the apprentice tailors at work:

Acts of Kindness

I bet we have all heard the phrase, "Random acts of kindness" which basically means a selfless act performed by one to someone known or a stranger.

In our household, I have had to arbitrate arguments between Victoria and William many times, or shush them up, or rain down warnings and if it's bad, I'll have to call an old friend out.  This is so rare, and I thank God that most of the times, it's mainly petty, annoying things the kids do to EACH OTHER just to irritate the other party.

That's what siblings are for, right?  I remember my brother and I, who are just less than 1.5years apart in age gap (he being the older one) used to say and do stuff to irritate each other too.  We'd stretch our vocabulary even to call each other names and have the last word - even when one of us is on a different level of the house!  I remember once when I borrowed his prized Batman cap without asking, which got him so upset at me!  Haha...

So, on one hand I know that likely this "getting up each other's nerves" will not last for kids, but on the other hand, I'd like to have some peace and show of love between them.  I guess it all started one night when things got too out of hand, and I decided that enough is enough.  I told them that they have to:

1.  Show one act of kindness to each other,
2.  Say something kind to each other,
3.  Greet each other the first thing in the morning (or when they see each other the first time during the day) and lastly,
4.  Hug each other good night.

What would be the repercussion if one does not obey the 4 magic criterias?  Well, then the child sleeps outside the room in the dark, not alone... probably with a couple of lizards too!  (I know I know... scare method may not work after a while and shunned upon certain quarters)

Now that we are easily more than 6 months into this "Act of Kindness", I can see that they enjoy it although sometimes they beg me to give them a break.  I have since raised from one act of kindness to TWO acts of kindness, with the other 3 criteria unchanged.  Sometimes the rule of the game can change a little, eg a kiss will give them a pass for everything else.

By dinner or prayer time, I'd ask them each to share openly, with verification by the other party.

The fun part is seeing them do the acts.  It could be as simple as bringing the other person's plate or cup to the kitchen, or bringing water for a thirsty (or non thirsty) sibling, or preparing the pyjama and squirting toothpaste onto the toothbrush for the other party, or helping to bring in the bag, or helping the younger one with homework, or even scooping food for the other person!  Of course, at first they didn't know how to, or what to say and do and needed ideas beyond sharing food.

This is almost a daily affair.  I may not check everyday but I hear and see them improve.  As for the sibling annoyance, yes it's still here but a lot lesser now.  : )

Parties coming up!

One of the fun about kindergarten is about the birthday parties.  Compared to Victoria's year, he has far fewer parties to attend and I wonder is it because birthdays are celebrated less elaborated now or that boys get lesser invites?  For one, even the party packs from the parties held in the class, are economically placed in plastic bags.  I think this is a lot better than spending RM20-RM30 just for the themed bags sold by party shops as most people don't keep these bags.

On September 13th, some classmates and William together with their siblings were invited to Arianna's 6th birthday party held at JKids in Tropicana City Mall.

Obviously my boy was very excited.  Accepting the hosts' gracious  invitation, we came along too with Vic.  Vic's friend, also in the same year as her and a sibling of William's good friend, was there too, and so was their mom, whom I chatted with.

Flanked by two pretty princesses.  On the left with the tiara is birthday girl, Arianna and on the right is his graduation concert dance partner, Venice

Girls picture first... see so many girls?

And fewer boys.  Mine busy posing for me... haha but at least he's not lost looking elsewhere!

My girl has gone on a growth spurt this year.  Here the two besties are posing with mini ice creams from the ice cream cake decoration

Party started at 11am, and ended by 3pm.  Kids enjoyed themselves and in the afternoon I made them nap before the next agenda for the day ie celebrating Ma Ma Yeh Yeh's birthday at Ante Kitchen and Bar

The little bookworm

William loves to read.  His passion for books is just amazing.  When he gets into the mood, he can just sit still and read.  He would even bring his book to the dining table to read while having a meal, which I would then have to prompt him to put the book away first.  He can even walk while reading, but of course you won't have pictures of him doing that because I won't be able to grab my camera in time, will I?

See his lunch box on his knee?  He's reading The Magic School Bus here

Here, he's reading a Chinese comic from Jie Jie

He reads in the car, sometimes sneaking a book in the back and reading in the dim light.  We get upset over that, because that spoils his eyesight.  His reply to us is "But I'm not reading... I'm just looking at the pictures!"

Sometimes he begs to read just one more page.  Sometimes he wants me to read to him.  Whether it's a story book that we bought since Vic's time, or newer ones, or borrowed from cousin Ling or his Spiderman magazine or even the Bible... this boy loves them all!

See his face... so serious!  

And upgraded himself to reading the Bible now. 

                         

William treasures his Spiderman magazine and has a small collection.  We buy only when we go the newstand and only if he asks.

When we go to the bookshop, he'd quickly grab a story book and find a place to read.  To me, that's always a nice sight as I don't have to worry about a running boy.  If Kakak is with us, he'd manja with Kakak to read him a book and the two of them will sit in a corner of the bookshop.

New books bring him so much joy... as much as new toys!  When he was 3 and 4, he adored the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story series, and watched the movies close to a 100 times!  When he reached 5, he moved on to Cars and Smurf, and at 6 now, he's into Transformers and The Avengers.

But books... ahh books... has always been his companion and nightly ritual.

In all kinds of position!

In the dining hall... 

In some weird places too... so far no episodes in the toilet  ;P

And sits like a towkay

Normally it's a must-have activity for him before bedtime

The topics he enjoys are so varied, from cartoon comics to science factual, to traditional Aesop fables and fairy tales, to modern tales.  He reads even calenders at one point!  If there is anything that can cheer him up, it'd be an offer to read him a book!  

Graduation: When did you grow up, my son?

My baby boy graduated from his kindergarten last Saturday, 27th September 2014.  His kindy alternates between a Sports Day or a School Concert every year, and this year it was the School Concert.

Two years ago, when William was 4yo, he played the main role of the lion in his class presentation.  This year, he was given the Whistle Master role.

Students were required to arrived early by 7:45am to register, thereafter they were to gather in their respective classes so that the teachers and helpers can help them put on light make-up, adjust their costumes or graduation gowns and feed them a light snack.

Left:  Big jie jie helps him gel up his hair.  He wraps a towel around his neck in case his shirts gets wet in the process.    Middle:  Wearing his shoes  Right:  Boy wears his costume by himself. 

Photography credits

Much as I would have liked but parents were not allowed in the classroom.

The auditorium was decorated with balloons and fairly packed with excited parents and family members 

However, as you will see later, we received privy photos taken by the official photographers of our son behind closed doors and unblocked view up on stage.  Words cannot express how touched and blessed I am when these photos were sent to us, as the photos from my camera did not produce very good results.  On the same note, many of the beautiful photos here were taken from Yeh Yeh's camera because Yeh Yeh decided to move up to the Gallery before the ceremony, and he found prime spot for his iPad to video and snap photos.  I am forever grateful!  Looks like getting front row, aisle seats has so much limitations.

His class teacher, Apple puts on a little bit of color on his fair white cheeks and lips

The concerts started on time at 9am with a brief welcome by the Emcee, followed by the house rules and soon after, the announcement of the students and classes as they walk proudly into the auditorium.

Oops, this is not William!

First to walk in was the Malaysian flag bearer who was a boy from another class.  I held my camera up to get ready to snap pictures of my son not knowing when he will be walking in, but assuming he will be together with his class.

I got a shock when the Emcee announced my son's name instead as the Malaysian flag bearer!  I fumbled with my camera for awhile until I realized it was a mistake. I felt so bad for the boy who's name was only quickly mentioned after the Emcee realized his blunder, which I thought was rather too late as the Selangor flag bearer has walked in.

Finally, here he is!

After the four flag bearers walked in, it was William's turn and he smiled his boyish smile at me us when he saw me us by the side.  My heart melted.

First glimpse of my graduating boy!  

View from the powerpoint

Standing beside Teacher Evelyn who gives him the cue to blow the whistle

Steady on stage.  Very serious too.  Hhmm...

View from the Gallery.  William stands in the middle

The students entered class by class, all dressed up in their respective glittering, shiny and smart costumes.  The 3yos made the guests oooh-ed and aaaahh-ed with their cuteness, the 4yos made us giggle and laugh, the 5yos made us clap louder, and last but not the least, the 6yos made us all swell with pride.

Teacher Evelyn gives the cue to William for the first blow on the whistle, to indicate for all to stand as the National Anthem, Negaraku is played.

After the National Anthem was sung, the guests were requested to sit and William blows the whistle twice to gesture the same to his fellow school friends.  They get off stage and then it was time for the student speeches in three languages, Principal's speech and Pastor's speech.

Presentation of Certificates

William stands on the last row, second from right

Second from right, William stands almost as tall as a few of the girls in his class

Each graduand's photo was flashed up on the big screen when their names were called to collect their certificates

Party time!

We were entertained by all the colorful and vibrant performances in different songs made popular in the 1970s also in different languages.

Here are some by other classes:

William in action

And here's the video of his class presentation of "Ja Jambo"

My little performer 

Mummy with my two darling children

Let's celebrate with food!

After the ceremony, we had lunch at the newly opened Jaya Shopping Mall in Section 14.   Although we had not planned to eat at Serai Restaurant which serves local, northern cuisine, but it was a pleasant surprise as service and food quality was good, dessert was sweet and the ambience was comfortable.

The foods that we ate...  from nasi kerabu to pavlova

And finally our home looked festive too, with all the balloons that we took back from the auditorium.

My Dear Boy Boy,

I want you to know that Mummy Daddy are both very proud of you.  Your graduation marks another milestone in your life and although reality have not really set in for me, I know I will very very soon miss sending and fetching you from kindy.  I will one day hold your folded uniform, wishing that you can fit into them once more.  I will one day look at your Transformer pulley bag and wish I'll see you push and pull that bag as if it was a car to you.  

Wasn't it just a couple of years back that you cried when you joined kindy?  Boy boy, now you almost run into class every morning when I drop you off!  

I know you are ambitious just by knowing what you want, and praying hard for it.  But hardwork needs to be put in, and consistency is the key.  Take time to play, but don't take too long a time to finish your meal or a page of homework.  Last but not least, take time to assure your mummy here, that you will always be my little boy. 

Loving you always and forever.

Update:

Last night when I put him to bed, I lay down beside this boy because I wanted to see him drift into Dreamland.  This is what he told me after a while, "Mummy, you better go out to do your work now, so that you can finish fast and come in to sleep fast."