Russell

Russell has just grabbed this place by the throat and given it a good shaking.  He has slotted so well into Year 3 and has already made great friends with everyone.  He starts his day playing hand tennis (just like he did at SACS) with the boys and then happily goes in to the class chatting with all the girls.  On Tuesday night we had an open night at school where the children could show us all their work and everything in their classrooms.  In some areas it is obvious that he has missed a year of school and in others he is fine.  The biggest adjustment is psychologically for him to get used to not always being the best.  He is being challenged and pulled along by the other children.  He will have to work at reading and spelling as he has had far less time to cement his knowledge.  We are now members of the great public library and Russell is enjoying special reading time in the morning in bed or at the end of his day.  Today was Russell's turn to tell his news in class and he decided that was too boring so he researched some cool sites for paperjet making and made a box of samples to take to class.  He showed off his planes and described how to make them and which are the good websites to use.  According to Russell, it was a hit!

He is still a great fan of Moshi Monsters and still can't wait for the daily challenge or to check his message board. 

Russell has joined a Karate dojo and is so happy to be back in training.  The style is slightly different to what he was used to in South Africa but he is adapting well and working hard at it.  He is also back in a cub pack and is going on his first camp in two weeks time.  He has signed up for a cricket club for the summer and is wanting to make the most of every opportunity.  The school is preparing for House Athletics Carnival in two weeks time and he has surprised himself by winning and placing in some of the trials. 

The great news is that he seems to have outgrown his eczema and asthma and has weened himself off his pump and nasal spray.  We have made it through winter without even a cold and are thrilled with his good health.

Rob's presence at home has had a massive impact on Russell who has thrived on sharing news with his dad at the dinner table and hangs on his every word.  He is always wrestling with Rob and engaging with him about a project or idea.  It is a huge relief to me to have Rob around to answer some of his complicated questions, too!

He is loving the freedom of being able to walk to friends on his own and play in the street.  When the container finally arrives, Russell will be unpacking his bicycle first.
Our eight year old  is teaching us to take life's battles one step at a time and to make the most of where we are at.