School Days

Caroline and Janie will start school Monday, March 14 at St. George's School for Girls.(http://www.st-georges.edin.sch.uk/)  On Tuesday they had such a great visit for assessments and class time that they asked if they could start as soon as possible  instead of the planned April 17.   The winter term is winding down, so they will go to school until March 31 then return for the summer term April 17-June 30.


Janie will be in P2 and Caroline will be in Lower 4 which are the equivalent of the their US classes, 2nd & 7th.  These year groups seem to be a good fit, the assessments went well and I think with a few adjustments to new requirements/grading (and a five-day at-school week!) they will have a good transition.


If we ride the city bus, it is a direct shot, about 45 min door to door with a short walk on each end of the route.  When we get a car, I'm told I should be able to make it in 20 minutes, if I can figure out the route to get there without going through the center of town or the financial district @ 8 in the morning .....


Janie made a lovely friend, Tilly,  during her preview day, and I met Tilly's mom and brothers on the campus after school and we visited while the kids ran around the school garden.  Tilly, Edward & baby George.  Love it.  Janie was desperate to go back the very next day because "Mom, they're baking!"  


Caroline walked out of her buildings with a friend, Kara, who was very pleasant and friendly.  Caroline said the girls were funny and nice to be with.  Her assessments were easy, she said and in the math class she attended she figured out a formula first, which is a good sign.  I was hoping that she would be on level or ahead in math.  We'll see about science; maths and science are a big deal in the private schools here.  Not complaining!


So we spent a good part of Wednesday buying some uniforms to get them started.  The school mums run a uniform consignment twice a month, but we just missed the last one.  Just as well, I would have had NO idea what sizes to buy them.  As it was in the shop, the girls tried on most things in at least two sizes.  Now I know what sizes for which items, so when they have the next consignment in a few weeks, I can get some duplicates and hopefully a blazer for Janie.


I'll post pictures if I can get them to model them for us this weekend.  Janie wears a plain navy blue jumper over a light blue blouse (the perfect color for my girls' eyes :), a not-quite-red/not-quite-burgandy cardigan and navy tights.  She has a navy winter coat with the school crest to wear to school and any outdoor time, PE shorts and PE polo shirt, PE drawstring kit bag, and school backpack.  And art smock. She can wear her own undies and shoes ....


Caroline wears the same blue blouse with a navy skirt, same color v-necked sweater (jumper) and a lovely wool navy blazer with the school crest.  Navy tights, black shoes.  PE shorts & polo, track pants, PE sweatshirt, PE bag, larger school backpack.  Depending on what sports she does, she'll need specific uniform gear for that, as well.  She looks 16 instead of 12!

They are in the winter uniform now, the summer one subs out a blue gingham-checked blouse for Caroline and the same pattern in a dress for Janie.

And now it's raining sideways and the wind is howling.  I don't want to go anywhere today and don't have to.  Our air freight is to be delivered between 9 a.m. & noon and Sky is coming to install the telephone and internet in the afternoon, so it's a great day to be stuck at home!