Sunny days, chasing the clouds away...

How how I wish we could have some sunny days.  It's been unusually cloudy as of late, and while Damascus can really use the rain, I have had just about enough of it.  While the daylight hours in Saskatchewan are rather short in the winter, one thing that I have come to miss, especially lately, is the sunshine.  There's something about how the sunshine makes such a difference in my mood and overall outlook. Let the sunshine! 

Aside from the lack of sunshine, things are ticking along.  It's hard to believe how quickly the year passes.  We're into a new week already - not sure where last week went.  It was a very busy time.  I spent very little time during the school day outside of my classroom.  I'm working hard with my students, trying to offer extra time and help with assignments.  Most students are very thankful and use the time well.  I can't complain - they are missing their recess and after school play time as well to get extra help.  But after several weeks of "extra help" beyond my normal "office hours" I too am starting to feel the drain.  There's a fine balance between offering extra help to my students (which as a teacher I believe is important) and totally giving up the times that I need to maintain my sanity.  I am thankful to have a group of students who are so great. 

I don't remember if I mentioned in my last blog that my students are working on Literature Circles.  I have 4 groups in my class, and each group is working on a different novel.  I am delighted to report that every group is loving the novel that they are reading.  The students are showing their independence and responsibility as they work to plan their weekly literature circle discussion meetings. In the upcoming weeks, they'll also be working on their Newspaper assignment.  Students are really excited about this assignment.  Each student will be responsible for a page of the newspaper.  They will choose who gets to do which page.  I am working with the technology teacher so that the final project will be completed on the computer. 

Other exciting school news include an upcoming trip to Bangkok.  I will be in Bangkok from April 1 - 5 for the NESA conference.  NESA is the Near East South Asia group of schools.  They hold numerous conferences throughout the year.  The Spring Educators Conference is that which I will attend in April.  I am the teacher rep for the school, so fortunately it will an all expense paid trip.  Very exciting, I must admit.

I've also been talking with a number of people about possible research topics for my Masters (for which I've applied at the U of A, but will not know for a while if I've been accepted).  I think I've narrowed it down to the difference in hiring practices within International Schools compared to School back home.  At least that is what I am thinking about right now.  There are a few things floating around in my head. At International job fairs, we often hear the phrase "good fit" - it's the overall package schools are looking for when they hire a particular teacher.  My question is do the qualities that make someone a good fit in the international setting apply to hiring nationally?  As you can tell, there's still a lot to weed through, but I think it might be something interesting to look at.

There are so many possibilities, but I have to narrow it down so I can finish my letter of intent :)  We'll see where it goes.  The deadline for applications has been extended until the end of February so it will be a while until I know whether I will be accepted. I 've applied for admittance to the August cohort.  It will mean 3 weeks in Edmonton.  Will be a busy summer, but I am excited.  Fingers crossed it all works out.

That being said, I'm not sure if there is much more news to report from Damascus.  I'm heading to Jordan this weekend.  I was talking to mom last night and it occurred to me (once again) just how unique my experiences are. I used to spend the weekend heading to Regina or Saskatoon or Humboldt from Prince Albert.  Now I spend the weekends travelling to other countries.  Very bizarre. I am excited.  My friend Jessie from Kuwait will meet me there.  I will take a service taxi (an adventure my friend Yousef is confident I can handle) and the Jessie and I will begin our holiday in Amman, followed by a trip to Petra, the Wadis and the back to Amman on Sunday to return home.  Yup, crazy - a trip to Jordan for the weekend.  A trip to Bangkok for spring break.  Maybe a trip to some vineyards in Lebanon in a little while.  The life I live.

Missing you all and looking forward to some great visits this summer.  I should be home mid-June.  Found out last week that, due to cost, I may have to move.  Will investigate that a little bit more this week.  While they are just furry little felines, I need to make arrangements to have them moved if I am not here when they depart.  Ella's a picnic.  Henry - not so much. 

Until next time, wishing you well. 

Tylene