Journal Gillian's visit

OldEric says ;-) Well today Gillian came over from Whitianga for an appointment with the Dean of the 5th form of Sacred Heart College to confer with her regarding Tahlia’s education and to satisfy herself that things are going well. She arrived at 10am and we chatted for an hour with her before she had to leave us.

Yesterday was Waitangi Day and another Public Holiday. Gillian worked yesterday on the accounts of one of the firms she does her part time work for to bring them up to date so she could take today off.

Tahlia will go back with her to Whitianga for the weekend and she will get an early morning ride back with someone from Whitianga on Monday who will drop her off at the school gates.

Tahlia seems to have settled in with us ok and seems happy, at least she has no complaints to Gillian so we are pleased. Apparently it was purely Tahlia’s decision to go to Sacred Heart and had asked to do so. She seems to be putting a positive effort into her education so far, does her homework willingly and freely acknowledges that she has to catch up.

Tahlia got a surprise the first day at school by being asked to remove her ear-rings and something else, I’m not sure what now. The only adornment to be worn is studs or sleepers in the ears, a cross round the neck or a tiki…. Tahlia wears a greenstone tiki so that was ok.

The other surprise was no talking in class and no talking when the teacher is talking. Tahlia found the quietness, in her words…. Scary! For the first few days until she got acclimatised.

The last teaching Nun has now left and all the teachers are lay teachers. In Gillian’s day it was a mixture of Nuns and lay teachers. Gillian recognised some of the techers names from her day. Today was swimming sports day so no doubt Gillian will have a look in if she has time. Tahlia isn’t taking part, which is a pity as she is a strong swimmer.

So in a nutshell we are very pleased with Tahlia and are happy to have her. Pat is enjoying having someone to look after and worry over again.