Off to school…

First day at school is always such a big deal… for mum as well as child! I recently sent one of my non-human babies off to school. After 3 years in the paddock, growing up and learning the basic rules, it was finally time to take him on a big journey all on his own, then leave him ALL ON HIS OWN, in the care of the chosen “teachers”. I referred to it as Boarding School. Here he is in his uniform – first day of class!!

 

It was hard to leave him there, and it was a very real reminder as to why I’m so glad I didn’t have to consider sending my human child to boarding school. Why would you ? The only reason I can see that makes any sense is that you live in an isolated area and cannot access a school any other way. School for primary aged kids – is just cruel and unnatural.


My niece has recently elected to attend a specialist arts school in the city 300kms away from home. She is 15. What a brave girl. She is really independent, confident, well-loved, adventurous.. and although she LOVES the school, she hates the boarding away part. She misses her mom, her brothers, her dad and grandparents, the familiar and comforting ways of home life. One can only imagine how much worse it would be if she hadn’t chosen the path herself, and didn’t know that she could come home at any time if it got too hard.

Just recently finished a book based on boarding school life.. called “Boy on A Wire” by Jon Doust.


Very real, quite funny – worth a look.









Anyone have any boarding school experiences that really shaped them? 
(hint, hint - invitation to comment!)