Back to school and the best note ever

Today was Hannah’s first day of kindergarten and Margaret’s of pre-K, both at Jerusalem American International School (JAIS). What a huge success! We got them both there by 8 am on foot, in school teeshirts, with packed lunches, in good moods — not easy feats having been in the country just 6 days for the girls and 28 hours for Terence.

Here is what they had to say at pick up:

“I liked my teachers. I was happy.” Margaret

“I made so many friends. The playground is great! We each got a turn to say something in any language we wanted.” Hannah

What more could we ask for? I am hoping that JAIS becomes a hub for all of us this year. The school was one of the main reasons we chose this apartment (and actually this city).

Hannah brought home a strange-looking package that I assumed was homework. Nope, it was a present for me with a teabag, tissue and cotton ball and this note:

“Dearest kindergarten parents, Here is a little “gift” for you as we begin our year in school and you leave your child with me on the first day of school. As you hold this cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you remember the gentle spirit of your child. After you’ve dried your tears , make yourself a hot cup of tea. Put your feet up and relax. Remember that together you and I will work for your child to be the best they can be. Thank you for entrusting your child to me for the coming school year. I will do my very best every day to be your child’s guide in learning and exploring this bright, new world they’ve just stepped into.”

I love Miss Jodi already. Isn’t that the loveliest way of saying “trust me and don’t micromanage!”? I immediately needed the tissues, although I think my weepiness has more to do with expatriate loneliness (any sign of human connection makes me tear up) than concerns about Hannah. Actually, both of my kids charged into school confident and eager, ready to go. They love school; they live for it. I am so glad we have this in our lives now.