Philomena's First Week of School

Philomena & her little (not in stature) friend Destiny

Prep B's classroom mascot, Spot

Monday was Philomena's first day of Prep.

Like all others who experienced what it is to have their child go to school for the first time, I felt a tugging of the heart strings of what is the start of a new phase in Philomena's life and our lives. Even now as I write this I get all teary, thinking about how quickly our children grow and how they change.

The first day was a great day, and AW, myself and Philomena's grandmother (AW's mum) came along for the big occasion. There were no tears from us or her. We knew that Philomena would be fine, and was looking forward to school. I think I was more emotional in the days preceding, thinking about the moment.

And on the day when we were told it was time to leave, Philomena gave us a big hug, kiss and 'I love you', waved goodbye and then was off to play. Everybody was happy.

So the first week went fairly well, and we seem to now have a bit of a routine. My plan this year was to let go of some roles and responsibilities, so I could focus on my fitness and my family. It's starting to be realised, and it's nice to be able to go and collect Philomena from school (we only have to walk across the road, and through the grounds to her classroom), and be able to have a lovely conversation on our walk home. When we get home, Philomena puts her things away, gets changed and then it's just me and her time to play or do whatever. And no rushing! That's a nice place to be.

We have had one little concern, but I envisaged that this might happen. On Tuesday afternoon Philomena was upset when I picked her up because she said she had no friends. When I queried her, it seems she had asked a few little girls if they would be her friend, but they either ignored her or said they already had a friend. On Thursday, the problem sought of grew and she was upset and teary, so I thought we'd have a chat to her teacher (who is just lovely).

Philomena has no problems socialising, but the thing is, she's more comfortable with older children and adults. Being an only child, she's very conversant with adults. So having to then socialise with children the same age is a bit more of a challenge, as verbally and socially she's ahead of most children her age. Basically, other kids just don't 'get her'. She often gets blank stares from little children because they have no idea what she's saying, conceptually. Philomena is also very confident, so she will just walk up to anyone, introduce herself and start talking. It's even off-putting to some adults, so imagine how much of a shock it is for children.

But I'm glad we spoke to Ms Fillery (nicknamed Miss Honey from the movie, Matilda). She suggested that Philomena's maturity is more the issue, and she had noticed how there were children who were a little lost (understandable given it's only the first week of school), and that they were working on strategies to help the children interact and connect more.

I wasn't too concerned. I know that things will work out, and that being the first week, it's all a bit confusing for all the children. We've just tried to explain to Philomena this, and to be patient, because we're sure she will have lots of friends very soon. And as Ms Fillery said, Philomena is just too beautiful not to have friends.

So Friday came, and when I went to collect Philomena, she was happy. I didn't mention anything about friends.

I did find out that the reason she was so happy was because she was chosen as the first child to take home Prep B's classroom mascot, Spot. Every Friday, someone is chosen to take home Spot the dog, and to bring him back on Monday. He comes with a scrap book and we are given one page to paste photos or whatever of how Spot spent the weekend with Philomena.

Well since Friday, Philomena and Spot have been inseparable! She told me this morning that apparently Spot didn't want to go back to school on Monday. Hmmm...I think there will be a different kind of separation anxiety, come Monday.