Wrapping Up the School Year...in December! Weird!

It was so strange to have the school year ending and getting ready for Christmas all at once.  These Aussies have really tried to throw me off!  Not only was Christmas warm and sunny but it also signified the end of Year 2 and Year 4 for Park and Syd.  They started 3rd grade and 5th grade in January.  It was crazy going to all the "end of the year" ceremonies and keeping up with all the "Christmas festivities" at the same time.  But we managed!  We went to the closing assembly and watched as various students received awards for their work that year.  

 We were all so proud when we heard Sydney's name announced for wining the award of "Best Effort in Year 2".  It was a real honor for her.  There was just one student awarded per grade and I have to say...she deserved it. (yah, I'm sure I'm a little biased)  Syd works so hard in school.  It doesn't come as easily for her as it does for Park, and I know that sometimes it can be hard living in a shadow as long as Parker's.  She was very surprised to hear her name and was so pleased to know her teachers had thought to give her the recognition.

 I got all teary when I saw her up there.  She really works her little tail off.  I love her to the moon and back; she is so much fun to have in my life.  I was quite emotional talking to Syd's to teachers who got a little teary as well when they caught me after and told me how well-deserved the award was.  Her teacher said, "We didn't even have to debate it between us.  We both said, 'it's definitely Sydney. We've never seen a student try like she does.'"  They were great teachers for her.  They pushed her hard and she needs that.  She is capable of so much...it just takes her a lot longer to get around to it :)  Way to go Birdy!

Later that week, the junior school (years prep to 2) performed a Christmas concert for all parents and students.  They have this concert every year and yes, they actually use the word "Christmas" in schools here.  It's awesome!  They celebrate so many holidays here to accommodate the diverse cultures in Brisbane.  It really is so much fun.  No one gets offended, they just appreciate and respect each others' beliefs and traditions and have fun celebrating with them.  Syd's class sang "What a wonderful World" with a slide show of their awesome year at Yeronga.  We watched Santa raps, nutcracker ballets, Who Let the Dogs Out? dances and even a familiar tune from our Southwest days.  One of the classes sang Feliz Navidad and wore sambraros and rode stick horses.  It was great.  It made me miss our New Mexico Christmas and all the luminarias, green chili stews, and caroling done with our ward youth.  Feliz Navidad is played pretty  much every 4 or 5 songs on the radio!  We love you, New Mexico!

 We went in to help with Birdy's class party and took some photos of her class.  What a great group.  We loved this class and loved Ms. McGuire!

We saw Park at afternoon tea hanging with his mates.  He has made some really fun friends here.  They are crazy Aussies...but really fun!

 Speaking of Crazy Aussies!!!!

This is Syd and Oaks dancing and playing at Birdy's class party.  Oaklee was always just treated as one of the class., since she came every week to art when I volunteered in the classroom.  I have loved that about our school.  Siblings are welcomed and actually encouraged to participate.  Oaklee did all the projects with the kids and had a blast at the class party!
 Oaklee could never ask for a better sister.  Birdy always makes sure she is included and happy.  Their friendship is pretty special.  I can't believe how they look for each other.

Another fun surprise was that Australia is happy to have Santa come and visit the school.  After the concert he was out on the lawn enjoying the class picnics.  Now just so you know...this is true Aussie Santa.  Skinny and gangly and wearing his shades.  Let's be honest-- it's summer, he needs them!  I got such a kick out of our Aussie Santa.

Sydney, Oaklee and our friend, Eloise from Sydney's class!  Just enjoying the end of the year picnics with all kinds of homeade food and families joining in the fun.  Things are different here for sure.  A lot less fuss over silly rules and a lot more emphasis on fun and bringing families and communities together.  Each week the students attend a "religion class" at Yeronga.  You can opt out, but no one does.  The nuns from a local convent come in and teach basic Christian principles like kindness, service, compassion etc.  They incorporate some Bible stories and sing songs.  During the holidays they sang all kinds of Christmas songs about Christ...of course, because that's what Christmas really is.  They gave my kids Christmas cards at the end of the year wishing them a Merry Christmas and reminding them how much God loves them and telling them to use their good hearts to make a difference in the world.  I loved it.  What kid doesn't need a good dose of Bible study throughout the school week?  We liked our nuns and appreciated the chance to actually celebrate Christmas at school!  Although very busy and chaotic, it was a great way to end the school year!