We are ready for your children tomorrow. But don’t be deceived by the fresh, smiling faces of our teachers in the morning – getting here was a lot of work!
BEFORE
Our orientation for new teachers began the last week in July, when we introduced them to the many special ways of our school. Then the new teachers joined in last week, starting with a full-day retreat during which we met in curricular teams and committees to get right down to the nitty gritty of planning a fantastic year. We also did some fun team-building exercises to keep our esprit-de-corps strong.
AFTER
Due to many room changes, there was a huge amount of book and furniture moving – thankfully, everyone (and often their children) pitched in. Though once the books are all on the desks, it’s the teacher’s labour of love to sort through each one and find it’s place on the shelf and in the year’s plans.
We were blessed with the many families who came out for the day of “Limpieza” (cleaning). Parents, grandparents and children rolled up their sleeves and scrubbed floors, removed painted murals from windows, removed yard debris and scrap wood, and a million other tasks that make our facilities a pleasure to come to school each day.
And somewhere in the middle of all that action, our team has been getting mentally and spiritually ready for the honour of guiding your children through another year of their growth. Lesson planning, gathering resources (please bring 2-liter pop bottles and empty cereal boxes, by the way…), lovingly writing children’s names above their cubbies and coat hooks, reviewing files… So much goes into being truly prepared to embrace these children in the morning, ready to jump into another year together.
Here’s a video shot of Sue’s English classroom: https://www.facebook.com/SueGabrielson/videos/10153906571263562/
