SHORT MONTH

I have always thought of February as a short month.  Technically it is only 2 - 3 days shorter than any other month during the year, but it always feels really compressed to me.  I feel like I am running from one activity to another and trying hard to SQUEEZE a bunch of events into one month.  

So far this month we have started school, attended Student Representative Council (SRC) Induction for Grace, attended Chinese New Year's Celebrations, celebrated Valentine's Day and it is only the 16th of February.  I am sure the rest of the month will be a full-on sprint based on what I have experienced so far.

We have been very busy with all of the activities but, we are trying to savour all of the individual moments.  Here are a few photos to highlight the first half..... 

SCHOOL
We began school.  Jane is in Year 5, Grace is a Year 8 and Claire is finishing 10th Grade and beginning Grade 11.  We are very happy with our teachers and finally feeling settled with school this year.  Adjusting to new places takes time.

 

SRC INDUCTION

Grace was elected by her Year 8 peers to be a member of the Student Representative Council for her school.  Last week, I attended the induction ceremony and it was a joy to see her thrive in her element.  She is a GREAT student and friendly to all.  I am glad that she will have the opportunity to help her fellow high school students and work alongside of the teachers and staff.

CHINESE NEW YEAR
Chinese New Year is the 19th of February and in preparation for it, Sydney has planned an incredible few weeks of events to ring in the year of the SHEEP.  We were able to attend the opening ceremonies this last Friday night.  The city planned an entire night with fireworks, illuminted Chinese Terracotta Warriors, dragon dancing, food trucks and many more activities at the ROCKS.  We had a great time as we learned about the significance of Chinese New Year and embraced the culture filled night.