Reuben and Ariana started at Dutch school today
It blows my mind that after only two and a half weeks in the country and with just a few simple words of the language available to them that they just … go. They just go to classes and play, and gesture, and hear a few scattered words of English from the teachers (who are fluent English speakers but don’t lean on it in lessons becuase that’s just not how you learn a different language).
They were both buzzing with nervous energy this morning when they woke up. I don’t think Ariana realised that with school starting at 8:20, there was no time to leisurely loll about and play in her pyjamas in the morning now. After I’d got them changed into school wear (casual school wear as most Dutch schools don’t require uniform), fed and hair sorted and El had told them to get their shoes on, Ariana exclaimed “What! We’re going already!”
I had been back and forth about whether I should go with El to drop them off to class for the first day. It would make me late for work and I hadn’t pre-scheduled it with the team and I felt like it probably wasn’t the best under the circumstances to just do my thing and ask for retrospective leniency. I was disappointed not to go but just decided to get on with it. Just as I was about to get the bike out the shed to leave I got this WhatsApp from my work buddy
I thought that it was so kind of him – To have remembered and thought to text, that was really quite touching. I did go with El and the kids and I’m glad because it was really lovely seeing them meet their teacher, see their classroom, play tentatively with their new classmates and wave us off as their new education kicked off. The school encourages the parents to come in and drop the kids into the classroom on occasions so as to see the regularly changing room layout and to have a chance to talk with the teachers.
Both Ariana first, then Reuben after went very seamlessly into their classrooms. No drama.
I went off to work and El spent the day up until 14:20 with the tiny boy.
The kids wait in groups with their teachers at 14:30 for their parents to come and take them away home. Reuben and Ariana both ran to El with big smiles on. Success. A great first day had by both. Reuben made a friend, Daniel*, and Ariana did drawings and ate her sandwich at her desk at lunchtime with all her classmates doing likewise. (That was more or less the only information I got from them, but it was a lovely as it was unrepresentative of how much I’m certain happened in their lives today. )
*There’s a funny story about Reuben making a friend on his first day at school. When he started at his Scottish school as a P1 at Holy Family, he came off the bus and told me jubilantly that he had made a new friend. ‘Fantastic’, I thought, ‘He’s a natural connector, he’s a social wizard’. “Amazing Reuben”, I told him “tell me about your friend!” I was so excited for him. “He’s in my school bag Daddy” Reuben said matter of factly… “excuse me Reuben?!” I said. The boy then told me “his name is Mr Waterbottle, and then proceeded to produce a water bottle adorned with a drawn on smiles face. Colour me disappointed. Ha.
They were so tired after school, especially Eno (Ariana – that’s just what we call her most of the time 🤷🏻♂️ ). I got home for 18:00 and they were in bed for 18:30.
This week for them is getting prepared for Carnival this coming Thu – Mon. It’s a v big deal. It’s a celebration which takes place at this time over much of South and Upper North Holland (not so much in the Randstaat – the central part). There are parties, roadshows, fireworks, fancy dress, processions and parades. The whole works. Tomorrow at school is crazy hair day, which seems to be on brand with what El and I know of Carnival. We’re looking forward to experiencing it. Should be a wild ride!
What superstars Reuben and Ariana are. I’m so glad it went so well for all of you. You did well. And how amazing of your boss to send you that text. Love you all hugs and kisses all round
Thanks Mum, they’ve done so well.