First Day of School

This is the beginning of our third school year in England. Anna Catherine started 11th grade, Julieanne 8th and Nathan 5th. The girls are still at St. Bees School while Nathan is in his final year at Jericho Primary School.

Each came home feeling positive about the new year - they like the teachers they got and the schedules for the most

part. Julieanne begins Cadet Combined Forces this year (similar to ROTC) but it's mandatory. AC loves the GI Jane activities they get to do and has continued on with it though it is

voluntary for her from here on out. She was even promoted to a Sergeant (maybe she's taking after Granddad in the army skills) Julieanne is continuing on with guitar and actually picking it up often on her own. AC was thrilled to learn that she made the Firsts' Hockey team which would be like a varsity team at home. She says there are girls far more skilled than her but she was in good shape and makes up for lack of ball handling with enthusiasm and effort. I've always told the kids that a good attitude and much effort speaks highly to teachers and coaches. Julieanne hasn't found out about her hockey team yet.

Nathan's still playing soccer - they combined two teams and will compete on a full soccer field for two 35 minute halves. He got to play as a striker this weekend which was a big change from the goalie. He's very fast but exhausts himself quickly with no reserve so we'll see how he holds up.

As a 'Lower Sixth' student Anna Catherine has the privilege of leaving the tartan kilt behind to wear a navy pencil skirt wearing her hair down and 'discreet' jewelry.

Na told her she looked like she was going to work. Ah the joys of being in the upper school. She received her grades for the nationalized GCSE exams. These are the exams that covered the two years of material. I didn't study as much as she did for these exams in all of my high school career probably.

She did very well...6 A's, 2 A*, and 2 Bs. She was a bit disappointed because she really felt like she aced biology and history but missed an A* by one point. She saved up her summer job money and some money we gave her for her great grades and bought herself a little laptop which she is very pleased with! It's a great feeling when you buy something you've saved up for.

Though we didn't plan to be here a third school year the kids are optimistic about the year.