Audrey’s First Day of School

With one car and two drop off’s I now have the title of “driver.”   I’m not the best candidate for the job, but I want to have the wheels during the day, so I gotta do what I gotta do.  We leave at 6:45 and drop Charles off, then I  drive about 30 minutes to Audrey’s school and bring her and drive about another 45 minutes to get home (traffic is bad!!!).  I’m looking into new routes {and closer schools for next year} I made the mistake of trying –what seemed to be simple detour- on the first day.  Oh Gosh. We were lost lost lost and I was nearly in tears making her late on her first day.. however, Audrey was very forgiving and it didn’t phase her – we ended up getting there fashionably late and thankfully the school secretary was really understanding. I was in the car for 2 1/2 hours –round-trip- that morning. ugh.

Here in Abu Dhabi, school admissions is a super duper stressful situation (for parents).  We chose to enroll Audrey in school now to guarantee her a spot next year for Kindergarten (KG2).  They include Pre K at most of the schools here – they call it KG1.. which is what grade she is in.  She goes to school from 7:50-1:10 and loves every.single.minute! 

when we arrived a swarm of girls surrounded her and greeted her.  They were excited to meet her and were so friendly!

Her teacher is there in the left corner… “Miss Nicole” There are 10 girls and 3 boys in her class… all are super sweet.

Here is a sign they have at the school.. Right next to the security guards at all the entrances.  When we arrived late, I was pleased to know that the gate was locked and I had to go thru the main administration entrance.  I noticed that they do co-ed school for elementary and then segregate the genders at High School level.  I’m not certain, but I thought about this and I bet it is because there are a lot of Arab girls at the school.  They would typically have to cover their heads or wear the long abayas in the presence of men, so by separating them, the girls wouldn’t have to cover and could wear normal clothes (uniforms).  I could be wrong, but I am thinking this is why.

All the nannies waiting to pick up the children.  I began to wonder how did they get here?? I didn’t see taxis and I know they don’t own cars.. AHHH.. Drivers.  That’s it.  I spend lots and lots of time to and from school (hour and 20 minutes in the morning and another hour in the afternoon), but I couldn’t ever miss picking her up or bringing her..it is special time... and the only driver we have is me   She asked if she could ride the bus… uh, No.  She asked when could she start riding – I said as long as we live in Abu Dhabi, I will always bring you to school and pick you up.  When you are older you might be able to ride the bus when we live in the USA.

Audrey finished off  her lunch when I picked her up.  She also pointed out a cute little boy and told me that he kissed her twice. my jaw DROPPED.  WHAT?! I whispered back, we do not kiss our friends!!… what did your teacher say? and she replied that she didn’t see.  OH NOOO!!  I was a bit disturbed and made her ‘show me’ “HOW” he kissed her.. it was a peck on each cheek.  ahhhh. now this makes sense. The boy is from Spain. that his how they greet each other. {sigh of relief}.

Me and my “big girl!” Seriously, when did she get this old??