Last night around the dinner table, Ross asked his twelve-year-old son to share what he had learned in school that day. Cameron quickly set his father straight: "Dad, we don't actually learn anything new at school. We spend all day honing our skills."
Here is the author of the somewhat troubling quotation, after an afternoon spent honing his skills at footy (Australian Rules Football).
At least on Friday afternoons throughout the winter, Cameron has been learning something new at school, namely, how to play this game that is incredibly popular in Melbourne. I am fairly certain that James is the only boy in his prep class not enrolled in the five-year-old version called "Oz Kick" held on Saturday mornings.
I had been promising Cameron for many weeks that I would come along one Friday to see him play, and so last Friday I did. When I turned up, Cameron was "in the ruck," or, the player jumping up to try to hit the ball toward his teammates. That is about as much as I understand of footy, in spite of my attempts to educate myself two years ago.
I walked around the permieter of the surprisingly large field for the remainder of the game, occasionally stopping to take a photo from far away.
One good thing about this game is that it involves lots of running. It also seems to involve lots of mud, reminding me of spring soccer in North America.
Son, we are happy for you that you have enjoyed this experience of learning to play another Australian sport. We do, however, hope it is not the only new thing you have learned at school this term.
With love, your mum and dad.
Awesome! At least, "honing our skills" on a school sport is a better response than one that I heard at the end of our school year...In answer to the question, "what was your favorite subject in school this year"? The response I received from my 11 yr old was "Recess" and from my 6 yr old, "lunch". I to, hope that my children develop an appreciation for learning beyond recess and lunch. Surely they gleaned more from their studies than how to play soccer and consuming food! : )
Posted by: Monique | 08/14/2012 at 06:57 AM
I'm happy that Cameron is having such a great time at school and on the field. I'm sure he's learning a lot more than he realizes?
I hope you have a great day, Christie!
Posted by: Shanda | 08/14/2012 at 10:23 AM
We love the picture of Cameron and also the pictures with his team mates.
What an awesome kid!!
Posted by: Aunt Marion | 08/14/2012 at 12:02 PM
Love the comment! It is also nice catching up with your blog.
Posted by: whits end mom | 08/15/2012 at 02:03 PM