First Day of School

When Karl's sabbatical application was approved we braced ourselves for the myriad logistics we would need to address: applying for the visa, finding an apartment, identifying tenants who would be willing to care for our cats, etc. But one thing we knew for sure was that the boys would return to Riverside Prague, the school where they spent much of their time during 2010-11 academic year.

But even a known quantity has its obstacles to Boy Buy-In. Case in point: the school has a dress code. Male students in primary school through junior high have to wear a Riverside polo (in red, navy, or white) and navy or black shorts or trousers. Senior high students have more autonomy in some respects, but they're required to look a little spiffier. Ben has to wear a collared shirt that's all or mostly navy, black, or white, shoes that are all black, and navy or black shorts or trousers. (Although apparently no one wears shorts. Which Ben found out on day one. When he wore shorts.) I was worried that he would be required to wear dress shoes — I mean, how much would that stink? — but it's fine to wear sneakers (or, as the Brits say, trainers) as long as they're all black, including the soles.

So here they are on day one, ready to head to school ... once Ben gets his shoes on.


We live five tram stops down an arterial street from the Riverside junior and senior high buildings. The boys just have to get downstairs and walk a little more than a block to jump on the next tram heading toward school.


We try to do a quick rundown of Must Have items before they leave the apartment: metro card, phone (fully charged), school ID card, and keys. We got metro cards our first day in Prague. Being under 15, Garrett gets to ride for free. But he has to be able to prove that he's riding free legally, especially as he's approaching 6 feet in height. We got Ben's card at a student rate.

And they're off!

Karl took Ben and Garrett to school that first day. We'd all gone to orientation day the previous Friday, so they were clear where they needed to go, for the first period at least.

I hung out in the square for a little bit after the boys' tram left. First Monday in September was opening day for Czech public schools, as well, and the local neighborhood school is right nearby.

Základní škola

Parents and children were gathering for the First Day of School pictures, just as we had.


It's traditional for students to bring flowers for their teachers at the beginning of the year.


Proud smiles from parents and grandmothers.


And then the children filed into their classrooms following the first bell of the new school year.



Comments

  1. Bringing flowers to the teacher on the first day back -- what a lovely tradition. My mother was a first grade teacher; she would have LOVED that!

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    1. It's delightful, isn't it? I know some US teachers who agree with you. :)

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  2. Kate, I finally got around to catching up on the blog. You take such wonderful photos and you paint such a lovely picture of your travels and your life in Prague. I almost feel that I'm right there with you guys. I can't wait to catch the next installment. My love to you all.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you, Mindy!! So glad to have you following along, joining us on the adventure! Love to you and your family.

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