Choice of bag

When we moved in at Muntinlupa, we had no choice but to transfer J to another school. I was in scout for a Montessori school near the area. I insisted to enroll him in a school that teaches the same way where he first studied. So, the choice was shortlisted to SMS.

Come enrollment day, I was in shock and at the same time wondering why there were no materials that need to be bought. I just realized now that bringing of materials will all be part of their assignments.

Since I thought they won’t be bringing materials (notebooks/books/writing papers) that much, I excitedly bought Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack and Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag for him at Rustan’s. I chose the Penguin design so C can used it as well when it’s time for her to go to school too.

J was so cute carrying the backpack and the lunchie on his first day of school.

However, I got confused come dismissal time to see all his classmates and the other students lugging a very big stroller bag. He was the only one carrying a back pack. I thought what the heck was going on. I thought the school was just the same school as his previous where all activities are done in school and assignments were given during Fridays only. This weren’t discussed during the Parent’s Orientation.

After two weeks I received a letter from the school advising the parents to have their kids bring a big bag the following day as they will be distributing the notebooks and books. I actually panicked! My husband will surely kill me if we need to buy another bag. He’d probably say “ang arte-arte mo kasi.”

But how on earth would you put all 5 notebooks, 3 quiz notebooks, 2 writing booklets and 3 books in one small backpack? Patay! The fact that they need to bring it daily is another factor for me to get crazy. How about the crayons, the pencils, the extra shirt and his grooming kit?

J would often whine that he was carrying a heavy bag. He even told his school service driver that he was the only one without a stroller bag. The driver then told my in-laws about it and so, thankfully, my SIL bought a stroller bag in Divisoria for him.

It wasn’t nice for me (ako na nga maarte, di ba?) but I am grateful that they bought him a bag he can use for the meantime until the time I can buy one for him. I was looking for a good one in SM for I prefer not to buy him those with cartoon characters on it. He would like a character just for a few months. And besides, he wants a Jake and the Neverland pirates bag which is not available here. I want a sturdy one which he can still use next school year. I don’t want him to change bags every year as bags nowadays doesn’t come cheap.

Meanwhile, the Skip Hop bags officially resides now at the back of his closet and hopefully be in use for the future.

Mommy wants this!

Joshua has been attending Junior Casa at Ann Arbor Montessori for the past two weeks now. They have an earlier school opening compared to other schools. My husband’s cousin whose son also goes to that school advised us not to buy any bag (big bag on that matter) as there would be no notebooks or books to buy only activity sheets which are given to the kids on a daily basis.

And so, the husband and I decided not to buy another bag and opt to use the old backpack we bought last year when Joshua attended school in a day care center.  But I’m starting to change my mind though when I saw Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies insulated bad. Perfect for my kiddo’s baon.

The downside is I can’t find any online shop here in this side of the world that sells this on-hand. All are pre-order.

I’m eyeing on two-designs for Joshua’s lunchbag: Dog or Penguin. An eye candy for the little tot =)

School supplies

Last Monday, the husband and I together with Joshua went to Ann Arbor for his uniform fitting. Afterwards, we got the list of school supplies needed. I love cramming! I was shocked when I saw how long the list was. I never thought being in Junior Casa requires such supplies. I also learned that school nowadays requires certain school supplie with a specific brand. Gawd!

Here is the long list I was pertaining to:

• 5 pcs Big pencil (Mongol #2)
• 2 pcs Sharpener for big pencil
• 2 pcs Eraser
• 30 pcs Oslo
• 30 pcs Art paper (assorted colors)
• 4 pcs Long folder with plastic cover & fastener
• 1 box Colored pencils (Colleen brand)
• 1 box Modelling clay, 10 colors (Dong A brand)
• 1 pc Small apron
• 1 btl Glue (big)
• 1 pc Plastic envelope (short)
• 5 rolls Toilet paper
• 1 pc Plastic envelope expanded w/ handle (long)
• 1 box Crayola 16 colors
• 2 pcs Cartolina (assorted colors)
• 1 pair Blunt scissors
• 1 set Water color
• 1 ream Mimeo paper (long)
• 30 pcs Bond paper (long)
• 1 pc Masking tape (thick)
• 1 pc Scotch tape (thick)
• 1 pc Empty shoe box (grooming kit)

To do’s

I’ve got to prepare the requirements we need to submit upon Joshua’s enrollment at Ann Arbor this weekend. Although the enrollment is still on May 15, it is better to prepare the papers early than to cram, right?

And for me not to forgot it, I have to put this specific list in my wallet and cross out what have I accomplished.

1. Take Joshua to a photo studio for his 1x1 ID picture.
2. Follow-up with his previous school if they have Good Moral Character and Letter of Recommendation for my kid.
3. Follow-up with his previous school if he has a report card and have it photocopied.
4. Have his birth and baptismal certificate photocopied as well.
5. Prepare the money :-)

There, i still have more than one week to accomplish my list.