Prep 2009 - Caleb Bourke starts his new school adventure

Master C, 5 years old and finally ready to embark on the world of school. A very excited little boy, a very extroverted little boy, although with a unique compassion and sensitivity beyond his years.


He is following in his Daddy's footsteps and attending the same school, however this year something very special has happened, there is a new school which has opened, a brand new state of the art facility, designed with the environment in mind. Now young Master C will go down as part of the school's "new" history for being part of that group of children starting school in 2009, and starting at the new school site.

Fond farewells and wishes of luck between brother and sister on that first day

Master C is in the TURTLES prep group, a group of lovely natured children and 2 beautiful, caring teachers, Mrs Plowman who works Mon-Thur and Mrs Rule on Fridays. Together these two people have transitioned my son into schooling life, a happy, placid little boy who excitedly runs into his classroom each morning to begin a new day of learning.

He has quickly learnt the everyday routine, we change readers and share the story together, then as the music comes on and the bell sounds, a quick kiss, and a hug and a sharing of "i love you" and my little boy goes off to see what comes next.

Master C has been at school for nearly 3 weeks now, with a rest day every Wednesday (which is part of the schooling process in our community.) He is a sponge, thirsting for knowledge, for learning. I have sat there quietly observing him in awe, a trip to Melbourne on the weekend, Master C spent 2 hours during the car journey brainstorming words that start with various letters of the alphabet, I was proud, I was surprised at how quickly he's putting together the language of the world.

Its' an exciting journey, we're looking forward to following his progress over the coming months and years. For me, I have to strive and work hard to separate the "teacher" from the "mother." Its' not easy at times, but I think we're doing a fine job of it. I have started to do relief teaching at St Mary's this year as well, which Master C thinks is wonderful that Mummy goes to school with him and likewise he walks alongside proud of his "real" teacher Mummy! ...