Teachers Are Here!

After spending a week and a half with other "new hires", we were joined by returning staff on Wednesday.  Those who are experienced with international schools and living abroad have been incredibly generous with their advice and welcome.  On Wednesday we had a staff breakfast, followed by all of the new hires standing on the stairway/mezzanine overlooking the cafeteria.  From there we introduced ourselves and spoke briefly about our background.

The middle school met in the library (containing the largest collection of English language books in China) for our first faculty meeting.  We have 55 teachers, including:  3 art teachers, 1 orchestra teacher, 1 band teacher, 1 chorus teacher, 1 drama teacher, 4 PE teachers and 2 health teachers.  We also have 3 Chinese teachers, 1 Spanish teacher and 1 French teacher.  Imagine the opportunities and choices our students have!  We did a few ice-breakers, and it became evident that this is a group of people who truly enjoy each other.  I am looking forward to working with this group!

Kieran is coming to school tomorrow for his math testing, and his orientation is on Monday.  The official school year begins on Wednesday.

I received some of my travel reimbursement monies today, and so decided it was time to pick up a few treats for myself.  I went to a shop two blocks away from my apartment that sells "antiques and decorating accessories".  I found a lovely ceramic jar and a painted box that take up some of the empty space in the apartment.  I plan to decorate slowly, so things may look bare for awhile.  Below are my purchases...