School

School has started for the kids. The first day was Wednesday the 13th, and we were all nervous. We had already met with the vice-principal named Tove. That was are first hint - they are very informal here, as I never got her last name. Anyhow, we met the kids teachers in the office. Katie's came by first and introduced herself (I think her name is Rikki), and Hank's (named Stine) came next. They both seemed nice...

What a thing to send your kid off into a foreign school. It is like sending them into the wild blue yonder. It is a place I knew next to nothing about, knew no-one in it, and I just dropped my kid off into their care. Oh, and the language of instruction is Danish and none of the kids Hank's age speak English. Katie has it a bit easier as from year 4 (that is 9 and 10 year olds - they start a year later here) children get English in the curriculum.

So, what of the school? Well, it is a city school as can be seen by the pictures. It has kids from year 1 to year 9 (perhaps 10) in it, and their school has about 700 kids total. It is bizarre having such a broad age range, but it seems to work. The playground is small with no green areas, and I imagine that at recess it is a pretty busy place. It gets over early - about noon give or take an hour depending on the day. They have specialists just like in Maine, so the kids travel to music and creative class (not just art). Gym is taught once a week and is taught off-campus.

St Hans School

After school the kids go to their "clubs." What are these? Well, they are basically after school programs. Hanks is affiliated with the school and they have a building right on campus. It takes kids from years 1, 2, and 3. One week out of four they spend at an alternate site that has a big field, a campfire, and all sorts of outdoor games and camping activities. Carving knives figure prominently I guess. Katie goes to a club for kids from year 4 on, although it is segregated so that the older kids are kept apart from those under 14. It is a km from school, and she and her friends walk there after school. They have many activities (sewing, cooking, acting, crafts) as well as a big field for outdoor play. Both kids are enjoying their clubs.

How are the kids doing? Honestly, they are doing great. They like school, with creative class and music being highlights so far. For Hank, Math is remedial, as I think it is for Katie. She is a big help in English (duh!), and seems to be having a great time. Have there been speedbumps? Yes, and there will be more. Hank has had to adjust to kids laughing at his language (they just are not used to English), and also to deal with some kids testing his toughness. Katie has had a little of this as well, but has not let it bother her. Both kids seem to have settled down a bit now, with Friday being a good day for both.