Our Hangout

School's Out / Summer's In

Today Xanda ended grade one and Lucas ended grade 2. As usual, the school year ended with an awards ceremony, where both Lucas and Alexandra got awards. I'm glad Xanda got an award, we didn't know she was going to, but this time she didn't have to feel like Lucas is the one who gets all the awards. She beamed when she received the "Takes Initiative Award." I'll have to read the fine print, so it makes sense (i.e. classroom/school helper/volunteer; citinzenship; good ambassador; helps others on the yard). That sounds a lot like her.

We were called last week to make sure we were at the awards ceremony as Lucas was getting a special award, we were also asked to keep it a secret. We did pretty well, except, this morning Vun told Lucas to change clothes and put something nicer on, that was enough to tell him he'd be getting an award today, he only shared that later in the day. Anyway, Lucas got the "Grade 2 Proficiency Award" - I don't have the fine print except to say, he's considered a very good student. This award got him an actual trophy. Xanda's award was in print, but it might has well have been the greatest trophy available according to her.

Both of them brought home their report cards and I think it's time I stop sharing how many A's Lucas got, except to say, he improved every single term, Lucas style - he even brought his phys. ed. to a B+ from a C last term. Both Lucas and Xanda's last report card was their best this year. Xanda, however, blew us away by changing her Math mark from a D+ last term to an A- this term.

Anyway, we were proud of both of them. We'd still be proud without the awards, but it's neat to see their feeling of accomplishment as a result of their hard work. And I must say, they, especially Xanda worked really hard this year. A lot of it just comes naturally to Lucas, but Xanda works for every + or -, so it was great for her to see that there is a payoff to her hard work.

So, school's out. But starting tomorrow Vun's doing a two week homeschooling trial with the kids. We don't know how it's going to work out, but it will have some input as to whether Vun homeschools one or more of the kids this coming Fall. If you remember, pray for her. I think she's going to need it.

Posted by ed