New School Year 2011

The school year began on 31 January, 2011. Today is 26 March (election day for New South Wales) and Term 1 is nearly complete. With just 2 weeks remaining, I thought I should provide an overview of the school year.

Clara finally made it into 8th grade. It was hard on her starting school in September 2010 and joining her class in Year 7 when her friends in Madison were moving on to Year 8. Her year 8 classes are all required classes - she'll have electives next year. In addition to English, Maths, Social Studies, PE, and History, she has Japanese, metalworking, and cooking.

Tristan is in Year 4. His teacher is new to Copa school. From my observations, I think his teacher seems to do a good job. During role call, she posts the schedule for the day on the Interactive Whiteboard. I help out on Thursday mornings for 1 hour. Tristan is working on his multiplication tables. He has made a good start on completing the Premier's Reading Challenge. Tristan turned in 2 perfect spelling tests this term, earning himself a new scooter - Razor Pro.

Zoe is in Year 2. She has the same teacher she had in Year 1. She is happy about this. She really likes her teacher and most of the kids are the same too. She is reading really well. Zoe is also reading for the Premier's Reading Challenge. Zoe also completed successive perfect spelling results. She chose a baby Zhu Zhu pet for her reward.

Neo is in 2 different preschools. I wanted to get him into a highly recommended preschool. The only day available there was Monday. He also goes to the care center/preschool near to our house on Wednesdays. He takes attending 2 different schools in stride.

While Neo is in school on Wednesday, I'm taking my class. It's called Mind Your Own Business, or MYOB. It's the preferred bookkeeping software in Australia. When I complete this course, I will be rewarded Certificate III in MYOB.

Dave continues working at the Department of Education - Middleware Support. He now has remote access. He used it on Thursday to work from home so he could attend a doctor appointment. It worked out very well.

The Box Head Trail and Tallow Beach

The Box Head. The land across the water is part of Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Dave enjoying the view from the Box Head. Lion Island directly across The Brisbane Water.
Here's another view of Lion Island - from Blackwall Reserve Lookout

Looking from Box Head trail towards Maitland Bay.

Lion Island and to the right is Umina Beach/Woy Woy area. The Brisbane Water.
Here's another view of this area - from Mt. Ettalong

Dave had Monday 7 March off from work. With Neo in preschool and the other children in their schools, we had the day to go for a bushwalk. We decided to walk the Box Head Trail. The morning was cool and overcast, but it soon warmed to a beautiful sunny day. We were glad we went early, as the temperature was in the 80s F (26 C). As we neared the Box Head, we had to duck under many, very large, spiders. If you wish to see a Map of The Box Head Trail and Tallow Beach, click on the link at the web page that comes up.

One of the many, large, spiders at the Box Head

Once we climbed down from the Box Head, we walked down to Tallow Beach. Tallow and Little Tallow Beach are part of the Bouddi National Park.

By the time we return home for a late lunch, it was time to pick up the children from school.

Dave on deserted Tallow Beach.

Tallow Beach

Catherine & Dave on the trail...I'm flushed