Zoe's First Day of School in Singapore

The day has finally come for the girls to start school here in Singapore. Term 4 started today just as their classmates in the US are heading back for a new year. I'm exhausted from being nervous about it and wondering how things would go, but Zoe came home with a big grin and when I told her she had school again tomorrow she shouted "Hurray!"

This morning, we ate breakfast and played a little. The plan was to go out to the playground or maybe even go for a swim, but it was stormy so we had to play inside. We fed them an early lunch at 10:15 and then got Zoe dressed in her uniform for school. The bus was picking her up at 11:05.

Usually we take the steps, but Zoe chose the elevator for our trip all the way to the front of the building to catch the bus.

Off the elevator, out of the lobby, and into the car park. Hi, mailboxes!

Look both ways even in a car park.

And up the steps to the front gate.

We waited on the bench for a few minutes, but then got impatient and walked out to the street.

Doesn't she look excited?

The cool bus showed up and Zoe hopped right on. She was all business.

And the bus pulled away. Off she goes.

I was busy taking pictures, but Ted told me later that as soon as Zoe stepped on the bus, one of the little girls in the front called out, "Hi, Zoe!" She must have remembered her from the day we visited the class and the teacher introduced her. Such a relief to know she already had a friend!

Time passes. 

She was dropped off after school at 4:15 and was calm but smiling. Where is she?

Okay, psheww.

She showed off the snack the bus helper had given her.

We couldn't wait to have the snack. She gave Wyatt a nibble, but only one. And inside, she quickly ate some cheese and crackers and a couple Pocky. I guess the plain noodles she had for school lunch weren't enough!

She said she had fun, liked everything, and there wasn't a thing she didn't enjoy. Wow. She told us that she made one friend today who is a girl but she forgets her name. She also has forgotten the Chinese name they gave her at school. Maybe she'll remember tomorrow? I'm curious to know what they picked out for her. 

When I asked her about what her classmates were like and what their names were, she looked a little serious and said, "No Hanks, no Aidans" and sighed. 

After putting Zoe on the bus this morning, we got Ella ready for her school and walked her there. Her day started at 12:45 and it's still an hour and a half before she comes home on the bus at 7. It's been a long and stressful day--for me! The kids are having a ball!