The End of Autumn

Gosh the days zoomed by last week. Lots to do, and so little time! We are well aware of winter approaching, so we are trying to make the most of the sunny days to get as much exercise in as we can. On our walk one day last week a lady called out to us to come and have a look at a tree. This is what we saw:

There were butterflies everywhere. These are our familiar Monarch Butterflies hibernating. I found an interesting article on Monarch Butterflies here. It is a North American article, but has some lovely pictures, and an interesting explanation of how different generations of butterflies behave differently. According to this, these are fourth generation butterflies, and their job is to settle down and hibernate over winter, then lay eggs when the weather warms up. There will be three generations over the next spring/summer period and the fourth will winter over.

We were very lucky to see the butterflies, but I am wondering how they are with the very cold snap we are having this week.

Last week was a very special week for our oldest student Merit. Merit had her 21st birthday. She had a celebration with friends and family at home, and also a party with her classmates. She had an amazing happy day, and we all wished her the very best for the future. I have known Merit for quite a long time now, and she has grown up into a wonderful young woman who is caring, helpful and hard working. She has become so much more independent and confident over her time at Allenvale.

We have had a very cold day here today. Even though it is cold outside, we keep the classroom nice and warm.

If your family watches the news, can you find out what the weather report says for tonight? Can you do your own weather report (using a communication device or by telling someone)?