1. July 2012 Updates: Hahgoot’s school News – Term 3

2. The girls modelling their new boots

3. Hahgoot had one trial lesson of the new AFL footy program and declared it was horrible (she got a ball in the head and one in the chest and was horrified the kids kept piling on each other on the grass), so now she sits in the library with the other ‘non footy kids’ and is much happier. Fitness and sport in class are tiring enough for her as is. It has dawned on Hahgoot at last that she will never go back to Mortlake to study with her friends so she was mourning that this month (her processing is in delay). We discussed what “nostalgia” means and how we can help us deal with such emotions as sadness and loss. Then she made a “nostalgic picture” of girls singing a sad song about the school. Meanwhile Hahgoot was very happy to go back to school in Emu Plains; she was acknowledging the change at last.

4. They had an Open Day at school, so Alma got a chance to visit Hahgoot in class. Then we went to the library to buy some books and to the hall, to hear the lovely choir. Top right: the stage scenery.

5. Charlotte’s brother Gabe was one of the only two boys who made it into the Opera House choir (left). Hahgoot participated enthusiastically in the Year 1 performance (top) and also in the choir (bottom). She seemed very confident on stage, and not lost at all.

6. The day’s theme was the “Olympathon”, So the girls shared with Elijana cupcakes decorated with the Olympic rings (left). We had a sweet morning tea with Michelle, Charlotte and Gabe (bottom).

7. After the break the kids got organized into mixed age groups according to countries and marched to the yard (Hahgoot was in China).

8. All the games were competition free and only for fun, fitness and group effort. They combined real sports with activities like “who eats the icy poles the fastest”.

9. Hahgoot had a lovely time and I was impressed by how well behaved all the kids were (the older kids were very patient with the younger ones).

10. Hahgoot discovered she can skip with a rope!

11. There were many races, but Hahgoot’s favourite was the egg and spoon, which she put a lot of effort in. Alma was growing bored and concentrated on weeding.

12. The parachute is always a favourite

13. At the water break station the kids were allowed to draw with chalk on the concrete Olympics relevant drawings, which was a fantastic idea. My favourite was this “dead man silhouette” (above)

14. Hahgoot was fine for most of the day but when she arrived at the last station she was starting to become disoriented and exhausted, as it was very hot and noisy. She was still in a good mood, though.

15. The kids were thrilled to all “win” a gold medal, but some thought that because the plastic medals said “Made in China” on them, that meant the Chinese group won...

16. In our next presentation: Hahgoot’s studies update The minute the Olympathon was over I took Hahgoot home to chill down with the vest and some peace and quiet (left). For homework, she looked at the Sydney 2000 opening ceremony, read from my childhood “Sports Goofy” booklet and drew her sport of choice (the high jump). She got an award for all her hard work!