Orientation, Prep, and First Day of School

Well, I am sitting at the computer after Cindy and I dropped the kids off at school and Cindy off at work. First order of business, update the blog. This might be over two sessions to complete since we were just notified of a house that we can see this morning that looks like it meets most of our criteria.

We had already done a little shopping for some cloths but we did not yet have school supplies. The school provided a list, and it was specific. Where do we go to get them? Good question. There are not stores like Target or Wal-Mart around. In fact a regular grocery trip to get food, some food, is at one place, then there is the "Drugery" to get other non-perishable items plus some toiletries, then there is the "Apotheke" which is like a pharmacy plus other OTC things. None of these have office/school supplies. In short I ended up driving 40 minutes to the middle of Munich since there is a Staples there. Got most of the stuff there, but it was WAY over priced. Even more disappointing was yesterday afternoon while we were exploring our neighborhood we came across a Woolworth that had all of the supplies withing walking distance of our temporary home. Bummer. I have regularly used Google Maps in the US to find stores, here in these small towns very few of the stores have taken the time to register themselves with Google maps, much less provide any additional information about what kind of store it is or have a web site. At least we got to see another part of Munich, right? In the end we still managed to get just about all of the supplies. Tuesday we sorted through all of it and loaded up the backpacks for in the morning.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was orientation for the Bavarian International School (BIS). Katherine is entering Reception (K) and David is at the top of the primary school ladder entering 5th grade. Their orientation sessions were back to back starting at 9 am. We are currently living in Freising five minutes away from Cindy's office which is nice because I can drop her off easily. Haimhausen, where the school is located is about 20 minutes away for now. Instead of taking the autobahn to get there we took a scenic route that might be just as fast.

 The above pic was on the drive to orientation. 

 The above two were on the drive this morning for the first day of school. there was a little fog burning off.

Cindy took these three on the way back. There was a slow moving vehicle backing up a few cars on the other road, so I turned off on to a smaller road that turned out to be a nice drive too.

Orientation was great. I spoke with the PTO president and the athletic director both of which were interested in getting the baseball program up and running. I offered my assistance in any way. David was standing there with me during that conversation so I think he is excited about the prospect of getting to play. One boy in his class is from Venezuela and has an older brother that played minor league baseball. We might just have enough interest to actually get something going.

The school in interesting with lots of diversity and contrast. All of the administration and teachers seemed to be very nice and genuine. All of the parents that we met prior to and during orientation say nothing but great things about the school. The contrast is in the buildings too. The castle is the big selling point, but during orientation they never said a word about it. Both kids classrooms are in the more modern buildings and very nice.

The above are of David's classroom. His teacher is very whitey and positive, and the best news is she has been teaching for many years. David has chewed up and spit out newby teachers earlier in his academic career. She appears to be very equipped to handle David with no problem. The second picture was to show the view out of his classroom windows, it was great. The room is air conditioned too. Katherine's class is on the first floor and was very nice too.

 This is the library for the primary school from in the hallway. 

The above two pics are of two separate computer labs. This place is all Apple with new equipment. 

I did not get very many pics of the outside grounds. This one shows a little bit. There are multiple playgrounds for the age groups and lots of room for soccer, football, basketball, tennis, etc. 

 The kids are on top of the steps looking out.

 The interior of the castle has been updated for the most part. This was one area that looked intact.

This morning we all got up and ready for school. David really impressed us by getting dressed in nice cloths, shoes on, and making his cereal while we were getting showered and dressed. We took our nice drive again and got to school in time to take both kids to their rooms and get pictures.

Leaving the apartment. 

 The main road in Haimhausen is under construction for another two or three weeks. To get to the school there is an alternate route that takes you on to a decent dirt/gravel road to the back of the school campus. They had people out directing traffic.

 Here is some more of the contrast of the school. The green building is part of the new athletic complex and has a very modern contemporary feel on the outside.

 This is Katherine's cubby for her backpack. 

This is her teacher. I know, a male. He is very nice and seems shy around the parents, but very good with the kids. I bet the kids get to see his personality much more. The PTO president has a daughter entering first grade this year that had Katherine's teacher last year. Her daughter loved him.

What a big girl! She was just fine through the process. Even when another classmate panicked and started crying Katherine was doing great. Both kids had to bring "house shoes" with them. When they get to school they take off the regular shoes and put on the house shoes that stay at the school. Like Mr. Rogers changing his shoes when he gets home I guess.

David also just rolled with the process. He knows by now Mommy is going to get the required first day of school pic with his teacher. He really really impressed me during orientation talking to another boy in his class, initiating the conversation, then today with a great attitude. I think he might actually be excited about this school. 

Well another successful post. We are off to look at this house. Wish us luck.

Thanks for all of the comments. They really are nice to see, to know that people are reading. It gives us a little feel for home to hear from everyone.