Speech

Vince arrived from school last week with a huge announcement.


Vince: Mama, guess what? I’ve been chosen to represent my class in the school’s speech competition!!!


Mama: Hey, that’s great! Well done, kuya! That’s amazing!


I gave him a tight hug. Deep down, images of the huge task ahead was spinning in my head. Three weeks ago, I guided him in making his speech. I put an emphasis on “guided” because it was actually Vince who came up with ideas for his speech. I just made a few tweaks, coached him when to pause and stress words and he was ready. He was sad when he came home…

Vince: Mama, Ms Garrity said I made a very good speech. She liked that I waited for everyone to get settled before I started. I made it to the next round!


Mama: Yey! That’s great, kuya! I knew you’d make it!


Vince: But I don’t want to do it again..Ah! I know! I will not make a good speech next time so I don’t win!

How does a mom react to that? Of course, I made a long speech about how we’re all supposed to do our best all the time, blah, blah, blah.

I think he put my ‘speech’ to heart because he prepared his speech with his Papa with so much gusto and practiced with his Tita Anne over and over again.

And so he came home today with news that he’s been chosen to represent his class.

What a proud moment! And I am happy that he’s overcome his shyness. He’s more confident now and enjoys school so much.

He’s come a loooong way from his prep days at Pineapple Country School.

At Pineapple Country School when Vince was only 3 yrs old.

Credit is good…

…when it relates to your rating in the CPA exam! (Big grin and doing the silly dance)

For those who do not know, rating in the CPA exam looks like this:

HD- High Distinction

D- Distinction

C-Credit

P-Pass

N- Fail

DNS- Did not sit

RW- Result Withheld

I know I should be aiming for HD but with my current state where I have to juggle so many things, I would have been over the moon with a humble P!

My boss’ reaction: “You got “C” for Audit and Assurance?!!! My God, you’re good! I know a lot who failed that subject!”

Hmnnn…never has the letter “C” sounded so sweet!

To God be the glory!

Egs-ker-syen

That's how Vince says the word "excursion".

Yesterday, his class went on an "egs-ker-syen" to the local train station. He later came home with these goodies.

Thomas and Train story and coloring book.

Coloring pencils.

Water bottle.

Asked what he learned from the trip, among other things, he said they were taught what to do if they get lost in the station.

I love that Australia has these programs. Every year, police and fire brigade officers also visit child care centres and pre-schools to teach childrean safety and which numbers to call in case of emergency. It's mandatory they memorize the emergency hotline Triple 0.

Isn't that great?

Summer Bay/Palm Beach

My sister in law arrived on April 9. Yey! She's staying with us for a few months to help look after the kids. What a relief! 

On April 10, we brought her to Palm Beach or Summer Bay which is where the famous Home and Away soap opera is set. Going there, we passed so many picnic and fishing areas which hubby and I vowed to visit next time. The view was great, winding roads overlooking the beach, huge 'mansionic' houses, beautiful people in skimpy swimsuits. Hehe 

The photos were not great though because it was cloudy that day but here are some of them, anyway.

The sister in law  was busy chasing the kids on the beach.

Kuya Vince trying his tumbling stunt.

Rafa busy picking flowers. Should I be concerned? 

Nah...because he picked them for Mama. Sweet!

The boys took out the kite.


So, where was I???

Here. Sitting on my favorite blue picnic chair, trying to get some readings done :)

Rafa's Portfolio

Every year, parents receive the kid's portfolio from childcare which contains a summary of the child's activities, progress, photos, and plans for his development.

I'm sharing some pages here for my family back home.

Card from the centre's staff

We are pulling Rafa out of childcare for a few months while his Tita is here.