I packed his breakfast (as we would be very late if he ate it at home) and off we went. He continued to stay in high spirits, but was quiet when we reached there. He hugged Daddy like a koala while we did all the administrative chit chat. They told me that Day 3 was good, and he enjoyed painting with the roller paint brush. They thought he was an easy child. Daddy handed him over to his form teacher, and there was no fuss. He started crying when we said our goodbyes though. We firmly walked off, and his form teacher brought him to have his breakfast.
I called at about 10plus, and was unable to get hold of anyone. Finally at 11.10am, I got hold of the principal. She told me Ignatius cried for a shorter time period in the morning, and was quite ok once they offered a "carrot" of a small toy truck. Wow...they're good...they realised that Ignatius has a soft spot for vehicles...especially big heavy ones. Intermittently, he would call out for Mommy or Daddy or Ah Ma...but was easily distracted. They were glad on his improvement over yesterday.
I didn't dare to call again (lest they find me a nuisance!) and only got an update from my mother in law in the afternoon. She gave me another cheery bit of news... When the school bus arrived, she found him sitting by himself on the bus seat, strapped in, grinning away from cheek to cheek. WOW!
After hearing all this, I feel much better today. We're not facing the next day with as much trepidation as with previous days. We're wondering what may have contributed to him adjusting so well, and here's what we could think of.
1. Great staff. The teachers were genuinely caring, and gentle yet no nonsense type. They understood children, and were the kind that children take to easily.
2. Ignatius is still young and adaptable. The principal had told me previously that I should send as early as possible, and not wait till 20+ months as the adaptation process is longer, as they get more set in their routines, and do not like change.
3. Ignatius is simply, easy. Or maybe he's a well-adjusted child who's confident, and reassured.
4. The curriculum is fun and entertaining.
5. The school bus aunty is great. She relates well to the kids and knows how to distract them when necessary.
Anyway, we're glad with the way everything has turned out. Painful as the start was, I'm happy we made this choice, and I'm sure Ignatius is as well. He seems to like school!... I hope I'm not speaking too soon....! haha
