My two oldest kids went back to school August 15th after six weeks off for summer break. It was shorter than we’re used to…in fact, there are a few things involving school here that are different than we’re used to. Since moving to Statia a little over one year ago, there was an adjusting period to the kids new school, but I’m really proud of how well they’ve adapted to the different culture and languages.
I thought I’d share a few of our back to school photos with you to give you a little glimpse of our school experience here on Statia.
The kids have been attending the Lynch Plantation Seventh Day Adventist school since we arrived on Statia and can I tell you how much I love that they wear uniforms! No arguing over what to wear every morning? Uh, yes please!
Carson is in grade two this year, which is a year ahead of where he’d be at home {he has a November birthday} but he has adjusted so well! I’m so proud of all the hard work he’s done over the past year to be where he is right now. Emily is in grade four and is in Teacher Sharon’s class. She loved her teacher last year {Teacher Deborah} but is enjoying this years class just as much and is loving grade four so far!
Both kids take a dutch class and have really enjoyed learning the language. It hasn’t come easily, but they love sharing the new words they learn at school with us here at home.
While I think the school’s here are great, I’ve still tried my best to make sure the kids keep up with educational standards at home in Canada. The kids attend school from 8am – 12:30/1:15pm and when they get home on the bus in the afternoon we usually eat lunch and then do some “Canadian” school work together.
Dutch law enforces compulsory education and here on the island they require children to attend full time school beginning at age four. Our daughter Addie turns four next month and I’m not ready to send her to school full time just yet. She’s still so little and because of her late birthday wouldn’t be starting preschool at home in Canada until next fall. We didn’t quite realize this would be an issue, but it is, so we’ve had to do some re-evaluating of things and will likely not be staying on the island as long as we originally thought we would.
All in all, I’ve been so happy with the educational experiences the kids are getting here in the Dutch Caribbean. The things they’ve seen and learned during our time here are once in a lifetime experiences for sure! Can you see that view of the atlantic ocean over Emily’s shoulder in this photo? Planes fly over throughout the day and you can see the islands of St. Maarten and St. Barts in the distance from their school. I mean, really? How could going to school here not be an incredible experience with an amazing view like that! 🙂
The kids have made good friends and gotten to know their wonderful teachers and we’re sure going to miss them all when it’s time to go home.
Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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So cool , what an experience for your family. So what made you go to the Dutch Caribbean? Noticed your LDS tag on the side bar. I am Dutch , from Netherlands. Living in Utah. Have not been a follower too long. But love your blog. And the awesome pictures!
Good luck with your new school year!
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Since you are a foreigner, are you bound to follow that law regarding school? Is homeschooling an option?
What a great experience that has been. I would give anything for my children to experience the educational system in another part of the world, specially to learn a new language. It’s fascinating as kids to see them speak two, three languages..at least that’s who I grew up and I miss that.
Hello Rebecca,
Here in France, school Start at 3 years old… 8.30 to 11.30 and 13.30 to 16.30…. The afternoon is for the nap… No school on wednesday. No problem for my kids, they loved their first year of school… And no choice, here it’s a obligation to put kids at school at 3…
Really loves your life in Statia, it’s look great!
So interesting to read about your experiences with school on your island. We just started home school after our experience with school here didn’t work out so well. How great that your kids are adjusting and so adaptable! Thanks for sharing!
I can really relate with so much of what you have said in this post! Educating your kids in a foreign country is a wonderful experience yet brings many challenges one could never have imagined. All day school starts very early here – for some around 2.5 years old. We came to Beijing when my youngest was 3.5 and I still wasn’t ready for him to go full time. But that meant there were no playmates around either. Eventually we found a school that was flexible and yet didn’t charge us the full rate as most English speaking schools here are OUTRAGEOUS in cost.
@Els Manning
We are here while my husband attends medical school. 🙂 So lovely to connect with another member of the church Els! We have so enjoyed learning a little bit about the Dutch culture!
@Thomas and Lisa
We are bound by dutch law and we looked into homeschool which is what I’d hoped to do but it would be a drawn out process to get permission and we were set to leave in March which really isn’t that far away.
@Vivian
It has been a really neat experience for them that’s for sure Vivian. 🙂
@Claire
How interesting to hear a little bit about school in France Claire! 🙂
@Margie S
Wow Margie. 2.5 seems so young. 🙁 We had wondered if maybe they’d let us send Addie just 2-3 days a week to maybe meet us in the middle somewhere but they weren’t willing to do that so we’ve decided to move home in December. We were scheduled to get back sometime in March so its not much sooner and we think it will be for the best. 🙂
The photos are gorgeous. I know it’s a tough decision you are having to make. I pray all goes well!
What a wonderful missionary opportunity!
My baby just turned four and I know it would be difficult to send her away to school already. Best wishes for the move back home!
So interesting Rebecca. We are Afrikaans and living in South Africa. Our language originate from Dutch and sound very similar. Around here kids only start school at about 6 years.
Your children are SO adorable! what a wonderful experience for them to have this time in a different culture. My littlest one has just started a new school with a uniform and I LOVE it! No last minute changes before you leave for school in the morning!
Mary
this is such an awesome experience for your family! i can just imagine the many stories that your children will have to share as they get older.
i’ve had wonderful experiences growing up overseas myself:)
happy friday!