Saturday, September 04, 2010

First Day of School 

... or in German, Einschulung. Entering school.  It is a BIG DEAL.  First of all, the first graders have their first day on a Saturday so Moms and Dads and families and god-parents and god knows who else who wants to can take part in this ritual. Many start the day with a "blessing" at the local church, then everyone meets at the school where there is a program to welcome the newbies. 

Ohlendorf is small and shares a primary school with the next town.  Together they have enough kids for two first-grade classes of 17 students each.  How great is that.

It begins at home where the new school child gets the ritual Schultüte  a decorated  cone filled with things you really need for the first day of school - pencils, crayons and chocolates and such!




Here are some of the kids waiting for the show to begin.



And what a show it was!  The principal greeted everyone and then the 4th - graders put on a welcome performance that impressed us all.



This happened a couple of weeks ago and we were ALL involved.  Here a photo of Werner and Rima's mother.  We're a mulit-culti family .....



Werner and me wearing our hats from Paris. 



And Amina in her classroom and then leaving with the backpack.  EVERYONE has a backpack to carry the books and such to home.  And I think the little kids have a lot to carry. 






Mom and Dad were really pround, too.  Afterwards there was food - whodathunkit.  Ribs.  Lamb.  Salad.  Lots of friends.  Lots of fun.  I hope Amina enjoys going to school as much as we enjoyed sending her there!!!

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