Meeting

Hannah starts an intensive swimming programme next week. Yesterday she was so tired that her eyes were rolling to the back of the head in the water - I kept a very close eye on her! I thought about pulling her out of the lesson early but she loves it so much I didn't have the heart.
Meeting for next year went really well. The new teacher seems great. THe present teacher and principal are pleased with how the year has gone and so are we. NO FUNDING next year - isn't that appalling? There was enough for about an hour of aid time a day this year. The principal is going to see if she can get some additional funding from the CEO (Catholic Education Office - as the twins go to their local parish school) but still - it just seems so unfair. Imagine how well she might do with just a bit more targeted support. Funding at the moment is largely based on IQ assessment. A diagnosis of Down Syndrome isn't enough on its own - such a disparity exists in how the funding pie is divided - a diagnosis of autism for example is sufficient to receive targeted funding (don't get me wrong I'm not saying that kids with ASD get enough either but at least the mere diagnosis is sufficient to mean that they get something. Hannah's diagnosis of DS affects EVERY aspect of her ability to cope at school that I can think of - but is not enough by itself - which means that basically all the speech issues, OT issues and Fine motor skills weaknesses are not really recognised - and really not the associated learning issues either. I can only agree with the principal - it's disgusting.

But as ever - what can't be changed (yet anyway!) must be coped with. It does of course mean that when the principal says how valuable it is to have me volunteer (with heaps of other Mums too) to help in the classroom - it would be difficult for me to refuse unless I was really unable to do so.

Toileting issues were raised however I am hoping (fingers crossed!) that that has been dealt with and luckily her new teacher seemed unfazed - merely asked if there were a spare pair of undies in her bag. Maybe having a 2 year old of her own makes a difference?

Her kindy teacher has said how she has really matured and so in particular in this term she is following the class routine a lot more easily, being more compliant etc. In the afternoon she comes and sits in the group circle for religion where previously she went off to a quiet corner of the room by herself. She also initiated 'news' last week by going up to the teacher, really close and saying "Hannah, news" so presented her 'dolly' to the class. Sounds like she mostly just said 'bubby' to any question asked but the teacher was able to get her to identify the colours on her doll and when the group listening got restless she asked Hannah to get them to be quiet - and Hannah signed and asked them to 'wait' which they apparently loved. SHe also called on some of the students by name. Have I mentioned that my daughter is a gorgeous girl? Well so are a whole bunch of kindy kids out there too. I am actually looking forward to Year 1 - bring it on! I say....