Activities

I’ve been saving a few photos in my favourites folder that all deal with the kid’s activities – both in and outside of school – and realised that I hadn’t covered them in the blog yet.

We just finished up a season of miniroos soccer. Both older kids played. It was a fairly laid-back affair with weekly practices involving every kid from age 4 to 10 at the soccer pitch of the Myrtleford Savoys – our town’s semi-professional soccer team. Before it got too dark and cold Maren even enjoyed attending practices to get a sausage from the canteen. Once or twice a month gala days were held in nearby towns with miniroo participants coming in from all over the area to spend the day playing games. Parents help coach the gala day games and Eric has helped out with the older (U10) team. Gala day in Bright (what a setting!):

Last weekend Cady took part in an all-girl gala day here in Myrtleford and even got her picture in the local paper!

Asher has been learning a new sport: Australian Rules Football, otherwise known as “footy.” He has been part of the AusKick program, learning the rules and practicing skills every Saturday morning. Tonight they had their last meeting – under the lights at the local footy field with a parents vs. kids game followed by sausage sizzle. Asher in action:

As part of the enrollment in AusKick, we received 4 tickets to a professional footy match at the MCG in Melbourne. We figured it would not be a great event for a 2-yr old and so we gave 2 tickets to friends and Eric and Asher had a long (7 hours of car travel, 3 hours of game time) footy Saturday. Asher thought it was worth it.

Both older kids have continued with weekly swim lessons (indoor!) in Bright. We have really come to love their coach. They have also continued with horseback riding lessons about once a month. During the school holidays (Easter and now winter) they have done a day camp at the same equestrian park. Boy we have been busy!

Sport of all kind is really emphasized in the schools here. Probably one of the reasons Australia is always in the lists of top 10 healthiest countries. At the start of term 1 years 1 through 6 participated in a swim carnival – racing others in their age year for points for their house. Term 2 began with a field sports day where they competed in running, throwing, jumping and 3-person potato sack (the most serious of) events. Asher and Cady are both in “Barwidgee” house and they were able to cheer each other on. Cady and mates in a sack race:

Cady has had the opportunity to play in a regional netball tournament (another new to us sport!) for the school. On Thursdays for three weeks she got to leave school and play netball all day!

She also took part in a cross-country run day where all upper grades ran a long distance according to their age. They ran through the golf course across the street from our house and so I was able to watch them out our window (and sneak over to cheer Cady on).

The school has been great to us in other ways. I’ve ben involved in the parent’s club (like PTO/PTA) and helped out with some of the fundraisers and the fun activities they sponsor. They provide fresh fruit to all the classrooms every Friday and once a term have a special treat. Today I helped serve hot chocolate and “bikkies” (biscuits/cookies).

Last term we hosted a hot breakfast and got the principal to flip the bacon. One of the other fundraisers was a raffle with the top prize of a trailer full of wood and we won it! Which was great because we are going through about that much every fortnight trying to keep our house warm with our wood stove. Our prize:

The preps (kindergarteners) have been matched up all year with a student from year 6. They meet once a week and read together or work on words. Asher’s buddy is Harrison and whenever we see him in town he has a hug and hello for Asher. Getting that kind of attention from a 12-year old is about as “ripper” as it gets.

I know we are going home to a great school but I think we are all going to miss Myrtleford P-12 College! Even the unis (uniforms)!