Indooroopilly State School

Amy and Caleb survived their first week of public school without a blemish. They are required to wear uniforms and if they are outside for morning tea (recess), they must wear their hats. Both children have made friends and seem to settle in quite nicely. Caleb did mention that nobody else prays at lunchtime, but he still does. I hope that he continues! The school is just a short walk down the hill and up half a hill. We do not cross any streets. It is great! They walk to and from school every day. They went to school for one week and then took one week off for Spring break and have one more week of break left before they go back. Caleb was put into the 3rd term of 1st grade because he is so much bigger than the prep kids. Because school begins here in February and Caleb Has a late birthday for the states, he is actually a year behind the other children. The same is for Amy but they went ahead and put her at the end 2nd grade instead of 3rd . Caleb is doing well. This area is a melting pot of foreigners. Children are put into regular classes without being able to speak or understand English. The teacher said that Caleb is doing just fine. No dramas! (They love to say that here)

There is only one school district in the state and it is the Queensland school district. State schools do not provide transportation for the students. There are no school sanctioned athletics. The private schools do have sport programs but not the public schools. Since there is no public transportation and all the schools are in the same district, parents may enroll their children in their school of choice as long as there is room. Indooroopilly is always filled up and you must be put on a waiting list if you live outside of the catchment area. (immediate area around the school) If you live within the boundaries or catchment then the school must let you attend. Some people put their children on public buses to get them to school and some arrive in taxis. We walk!

I thought you might enjoy pictures of Amy and Caleb in their school uniforms and a couple of pics by the river. They both like their school so far. I'm pleased with it also. I do wish we could get Caleb into something physical. He stands on our fence and climbs up on neighbor's metal roof. I'm afraid that he is going to loose a foot. He also can climb straight up the veranda pole which is very tall. I'll keep you posted...perhaps they have stunt man activities locally!