School orientation day in Belize

: San Pedro high school

: Max ready for school this morning

: watching from our apartment as Max walks to school

This morning, when Max left for school, it was reminiscent of his first day starting (grade 7) in the public system after years in a small private school in Perth. He set out for grade ten (or should I say 2nd form) boldly, facing similar challenges.

I was getting ready when he said, “Mom, please don’t come with me”.

“No problem Maxie,” I replied.

“Please don’t call me Maxie,” he responded back with a long suffering look.

I saluted smartly. After he left I followed using my evade and duck surveillance technique. The open auditorium of the school is right on the beach and I thought about scaling a palm tree me Jane modus for my stake out but opted for huddling behind a group of 4 mothers watching their 1^st form (grade 9) students instead.

As the white-clad kids arrived, I noticed some universal similarities. Groups of girls gathered and giggled and hugged after summer holidays and groups of boys watched the girls gathering, giggling and hugging. Promptly at 7:50 am the assembly started. I watched until they were divided into classes and sent off to homeroom. Today is orientation, tomorrow is games and classes start Monday.

When Max arrived home, he smiled his bright smile and said in a surprised voice, “Well, that might not be so bad. Everybody in my class already knows my name. I’m popular “.

14 responses »

nancy49@shaw.ca on August 23, 2012 at 8:53 pm said:

Kudos to Max for being such a good sport! Looks like the start of an exciting new chapter 🙂 Nancy xoxo
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

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- arlenedoyle on August 24, 2012 at 9:43 pm said:
  
  you betcha Nancy. thanks
  
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Sherri on August 23, 2012 at 9:03 pm said:

and all will be well. Way to go Max!

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- arlenedoyle on August 24, 2012 at 9:44 pm said:
  
  we sure hope so. thanks Sherri
  
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Kevin on August 23, 2012 at 9:08 pm said:

How could a guy as handsome as Max not be popular in a new school. I think he’s got it made in the shade !!

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- arlenedoyle on August 24, 2012 at 9:45 pm said:
  
  Awwww. From your lips to Gods ears.
  
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Marco on August 24, 2012 at 12:50 am said:

Gutsy…he’ll do well, I’m sure. And provide him with a lifetime of memories.
Marc

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- arlenedoyle on August 24, 2012 at 9:57 pm said:
  
  I sure hope so. Just like your kids.
  
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Nes Querido on August 25, 2012 at 10:52 am said:

Quinn would love Max’s experience living in a foreign land… and being able to converse in spanish, we should pay you a visit.

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- arlenedoyle on August 25, 2012 at 2:24 pm said:
  
  you would be welcome
  
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Nicola on August 26, 2012 at 5:31 pm said:

Wow just fantastic Arlene ! beautiful pic’s & AMAZING adventures I expected nothing less lol ! can’t wait to hear more , luv Nic

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- arlenedoyle on August 26, 2012 at 6:49 pm said:
  
  Oh thank you Nic. it is an awesome adventure. So glad that you are reading and enjoying. hugs, arlene
  
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Corrina Sawers on August 27, 2012 at 3:36 pm said:

Arlene, I love the story about Max! He looks so handsome ready for his first day of school! I see that you made use of my gecko, glad that you could!

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- arlenedoyle on August 28, 2012 at 12:39 am said:
  
  Oh Corrina, so glad to hear from you. I did. I love the gecko. Thank you so much for it. Will touch base soon. Anxious to hear about your new job
  
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