Open House

This morning our school had an open house for nursery through grade 5! It was held in the morning, which was very different than what we are used to in the US. Even though Danny couldn't go, I thought it was well attended and very organized. Because it was during the day, it seemed more natural for the kids - they are used to being there, the only difference was there were a lot of parents walking around! Also, I think because most of us rely on drivers and live about 20 - 30 minutes from the school, nighttime activities are not very easy to participate in - this was much easier! I love every opportunity I get to go to school and be with El, Eens, and Coop - I am always overwhelmed with pride and grateful that we have such a wonderful school available to us!

We began the morning with a short assembly. Our director gave us a brief update on new swine flu procedures, which are basically what I put in a previous post. He also informed us that a 7 day mandatory home quarantine may be in place when we all return from October holiday. This basically means that my kids will miss 8 school days because we are already planning on pulling them out for 4 days to extend our holiday! Eeeee...that'a a lot of school to miss, but I keep telling myself that part of the reason we wanted to go overseas was to allow the children to experience different cultures. How can I deny them a beach vacation in a different county??!!!

After he spoke, our principal introduced all of the elementary teachers and support staff. It was amazing to look around and see how many teachers are necessary to run an international school. We have our Chinese teachers and aides in each class, we also have a French and German teacher, and then we have many teachers who support the ESL program because many students come to school speaking very little, if any English! I have been amazed to talk to some of the kids this year that did not speak any English when they arrived last year, and now they are little motor mouths - it is a wonderful reflection of our teachers!

After the assembly I went to El's room where she was armed and ready with her checklist in hand. She took me around her classroom and showed me what she is working on. Since they have only had 2 weeks of school, there really wasn't that much to see, but I could tell she enjoyed showing me her new room!

El and I then went to Eensie's room. That boy can concentrate so well - there were a lot of people walking around his room, but he was completely focused on cutting out his ants, he didn't even realize El and I were there!! His Chinese teacher complimented him on how mature and focused he was for being in kindergarten - I wish he could be that way at home! Eens totally took control of our tour. He took us through his classroom and then all over the school. I can tell that he feels like a big boy!

Cooper was next on the list, and in true Coop fashion, he was the last one at the table finishing his snack. I'm beginning to think that he thinks it is a requirement to eat everything in his snack bag and lunch box. I keep adding more food thinking he cannot possibly finish it, but everyday all containers are empty!! Apparently he is a growing boy! In Coop's room I played with him a little and he made me a delicious sand hamburger and pink lemonade! When it was time for me to leave, he went off on his taxi (aka tricycle)!

Bye, bye mommy! Have fun at your 3 hour lunch with your girlfriends!!