Back to School Memories

This post might be a tad dull, but since it is September, and stores with "Back-to-School" sales have me feeling nostalgic, here are some of my memories.


September, 2000-- started Grade 1 at Volkschule in Mittersill, Austria
Homework on one of the first days was to look at a picture and describe what was happening in it. Not too difficult...except that it was all in German. Also, all our writing was done using a fȕllfeder (fountain pen), or pencils on occasion.
Learned to read (actually, not 100% sure when I learned to read in English, but I did learn German reading). My friend and I tried to read signs as we drove past them, but we usually only got through the first few letters. Also met my first Austrian friend :)

Septmeber, 2001-- started Grade 2 (same school)
Honestly, don't remember much about this year, but I think I learned recorder.

September, 2002--Started Grade 3 (same school)
Again, don't remember too much, but I got a lead role in the Christmas play, being a mouse. This was my last year in Austria.

September, 2003--Started Grade 4 in Victoria, BC
Okay, now I remember a lot about this year, since everything was new and so different. Seriously, so different!
First of all, you ate lunch at school. What?? In Austria, from kindergarten until grade 4, school only went until noon. Buying a lunch kit and eating at a desk with the other kids was so weird, and also very cool.
Back packs were different. In Austria, the pack backs were more square and wide, while in North America they are more, well, regular?
The kids and teachers speak English. Oh. My. Goodness. What is this?? I can understand others' conversations without even trying? Amazing!
Ballpoint pens. Awesome.
There were also a lot of questions. What on earth are duo-tangs? There's a store called "Staples"? What is a "play-date"? You actually arrange times to meet and play?
Every time I walk into Staples, I remember that year.

2004-2007--Same school, not too many changes. Had a lot of fun and made a lot of friends. No complaints :)

2008-2011--Homeschooled. Back to school is pretty uneventful when you're homeschooled. I held up a sign that said "Welcome to grade__" and my mum took a picture.

All in all, I really liked back-to-school. It was fun to pick out new supplies, and I liked all my teachers (well, MOST :P ).
To all those returning or entering school for the first time, teachers and students alike, and for all those parents and caregivers, I wish you well. May this year prove to be one of learning, not just in the classroom, but everywhere. Cheers!

P.S. Some advice:

1. Never pack an egg salad sandwich for your lunch. NO ONE will trade with you.
2. If you pretend to care in a class you don't like, you will probably end up learning a lot, and maybe even start to enjoy it.
3. NO ONE gets a perfect school picture (unless you are 8/9 or under), so don't sweat if you don't look like your everyday, gorgeous self.
4. If you have to memorize something, try practicing while rollerblading, skipping rope, or other repetitive activity. It helped me, a kid of seemingly endless energy.