I'm feeling really proud of Finley writing this recap. I've seen so much growth in him this year, so much commitment, determination and resilience. I've seen him really shine and come into himself. We often get the most lovely feedback about him from parents and teachers - Finley is interested, engaged and polite. He is excited about things, a good friend and eager for new challenges. As childhood begins to fade into the teen years we are so excited for all of the experiences and opportunities that await him. Finley was born independent, ready to forge his own way and we can't wait to be apart of the next part of his life with him. It's going to be brilliant.
A fresh new page in the book for 2024. We moved to Avonlea in September and Term Four for Finley was a period of adjustment. We loved Bungendore so the transition was both exciting and sad as we settled into life here. When January rolled around we were all ready for the year ahead. Over the years Finley has been apart of so many amazing groups, learning life long skills and this year it was time to hone in and decide what really struct his interest to continue with. He decided to join Air League to experience all things planes and he had an excellent year attending on Friday nights, studying and earning badges, marching on Anzac Day, attending air field days, going gliding and taking his first flying lesson. At the end of year presentation he was awarded a Highly Commended certificate for drill. He also carried on with soccer playing for the Lochinvar Rovers, captaining the team twice, including on the day they played in the grand finals. It wasn't their day for a win but they played really well all season. Finley started the season excited to be goalie and ended it hanging up the gloves. He still got some great field time during the season and even scored a few goals.
All of Finley's previous extra curriculars really paid off when it came to school events. He made it to district for butterfly which was incredibly impressive. He also made it to district for the cross country, coming second in his grade. Finley was selected to be apart of the schools Tournament of Minds team and came 2nd place in their category. We often laugh that Finley is gifted with always coming second place, which we have concluded is a pretty sweet place to be. He joined all the clubs - minecraft club, chess club, book club, 3D print club and received a distinction in the NSW Maths competition.
The year was full of lot of other great experiences. He started the year with a visit to the Stokes family in Newtown where he got to be a city kid and hang out with Ollie and Ivy. We visited the Ryan cousins in Qld after their long year abroad. Finley got to try out wake boarding and did amazing! For his 12th Birthday his wish to have mum and dad to himself came true. We went go carting and then had Italian for dinner. The Ryan's visited us and had adventures here kayaking in the dam, jumping off rocks into the quarry, swimming at the river and having our huge bonfire. He got to attend some creative days at the local art gallery - drawing and learning about architecture. There were some camp outs on the property with friends, fun times with our neighbours Tommy and Liam. To end the year we made a special trip to Bungendore where Finley was able to connect with his friends Ronan and Sophie and we had some very fun time with the Niven Family.
Finley made two really good friends at school - Asher and Owen. He did so well dealing with the trials of moving to a new school and he really put his heart into having a great last year of primary school. He had Mr Crich as his Year 6 teacher and enjoyed all the fun of being the big fish in the little pond. His year went to Year 6 camp in Canberra, were buddies to the Kindy students, organised a fundraising event, had a great graduation that Grandpa and I attended, a special last day clap out and a very fun Year 6 Farewell party where he got to where his graduation present - a very cool pair of nikes. It was a wonderful year with a very fun and celebratory end. Finley is now finished Primary School! What a milestone.
2025 will usher in the High School years. Finley is ready and excited! He will be attending Hunter Valley Grammar, a beautiful school where we are sure he will thrive. He got to spend a transition week there in November, trying out classes and making new friends. A new exciting start to this next chapter.
We are proud of you Finley and the young man you are becoming.
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