First Day of School at Sacred Heart

Today was T's first day of school at Sacred Heart BNS (Boys National School) in Ballygall. Its about a 5 minute drive/15-20 minute walk to the school. He was really looking forward to his first day but also a little apprehensive at the same time. Yesterday the principal let us come up to the school to meet the staff and his teacher. I think that really helped ease T's fears a little and he got to take a peak at his classroom. T's teacher had me bring him in about 10 minutes late so that they could introduce him to the class after all the boys were seated, rather then just being throw in with everyone lining up outside to go to their classrooms. I thought that was nice. It's not that normal to have a lot of new students in a school. People don't really move to different areas in Ireland. They buy a house and stay put. I believe Sacred Heart has about 440 boys and they only had 2 new students starting this fall. 

Twas the night before school starts. They are all in their fleece pajamas in August!
L did not want to cooperate for the picture. 

Sacred Heart BNS. This building I believe was built in the 60's...and it shows it. 
I thought this was old inside wait until you see K's school 

First Day of School

I thought it was very odd that they have not asked me for any additional paperwork before school started. I filled out the application for the school in February and it was just a simple form with main information, copy of birth certificate, copy of baptism certificate, and recent copy of his report card. That was it! No medical, shots, or any background information. What if there is something seriously wrong with T...do they not care or are they really that layed back? I'm starting to believe that Americans are all over-paperworked. 

There are 3 buildings on the campus and they have covered walkways between
all of them. I guess thats because the Irish weather is rain!

Most of the students walk or ride a bike/scooter to school. I'm assuming this will
be filled after next week when everyone is in their routine. 

In Ireland all the public schools are Catholic schools but you have to apply to them and if there is space they will accept your child. I applied to a few schools each for my children that were within walking distance from the house. Its a very different process then in the US. All the schools are free except you have to buy your uniform, books, supplies, etc. But I was already used to buying all that stuff.
I'm hoping and praying that T has a good day today and he understands his teacher with the Irish accent. He is very excited that the school day is shorter here 9-2.30pm and he has gym twice a week! K, L, and I will walk up there to pick him up when schools gets out. I know he wants to walk back with his buddies that he has become friends with but I figure we will pick him up until he is comfortable with everything.  

T's classroom is upstairs all the way to the right. He did think it was neat
that his classroom was upstairs. This little parking lot is for the faculty there is no parking lot
for the parents. If you drive your child to school you just park along the street.