I'll be home for Christmas...in just three more sleeps!

We're down to the last day and a half of 2012...well, the last day and a half of work in 2012.  This week has been demanding (it is really hard to keep little people motivated to work that last week before a break...okay, it's really hard to keep the big people motivated to work too)!  I am always surprised at just how much one can do in a week.  Between the regular schooly type things, the extra schooly type things such as Christmas carolling, baking, decorating, etc., I'm not sure who is more tired come the end of the week...teachers or students.

I've been trying to fill my evenings with productive activities.  Going to the gym continues to be a priority, though sadly it doesn't make much difference in terms of weight loss.  I look forward to returning to Combat after Christmas.  I am really hoping my foot will cooperate and I will be able to do a little more than I have been.  Working with my trainer three or four days a week is great, but getting back to my group fitness classes will provide the variation that I think I need.

The rest of the week will fly by (or at least that is what I keep telling myself).  Tomorrow is our last full day.  Students will be busy writing stories that will serve as their text for their picture books about Migration.  They will finish their picture books after the winter break, but will have the text developed by Friday (fingers crossed).  The fourth graders are also working with Kindergarten on our December assembly.  Thursday will be our dress rehearsal day.  It's not a grand performance or anything, but we will need to spend some time figuring out the logistics of staging.  24 fourth graders and 13 kindergarteners makes for a lot of kids on a stage.

Friday is a half day.  It will likely be a quick day as students have assembly first thing, classroom time in Period 2, recess and a special before returning to class for a farewell to a student who is moving as well as Secret Santa gift exchange.  Yes, even in Indonesia, we do Secret Santa.  I was a little worried at the start of the week.  The first Secret Santa task was to write a letter.  When 11 out of my 12 students had not written said letter, I was fit to be tied.  However, we discussed the importance of taking the time necessary to plan for their activities - the importance of making their person feel special - and the week has really turned around.  Tuesday was "bring a snack" and Wednesday was "hand-made craft" day.  We had some really clever crafts - everything from a snow globe to paper dolls to origami.  Tomorrow, the students have made arrangements to send "Carol O Grams".  They've hired teachers or other students to sing a short Christmas carol to their partner.  Should be a fun time.

Friday afternoon the 4th grade team and the second grade team will head out for some much needed pampering.  We will enjoy an afternoon of manis and pedis.  I will hit the gym one last time on Friday, return home for last minute packing and hopefully get a good rest before my long journey home begins.

As the days until I am home become fewer and fewer, I am more and more thankful for the opportunities I have to spend with family and friends during this special time.  While I won't be able to see everyone, I certainly do look forward to visits that I will have.

I had hoped to have my annual Christmas letter ready for this posting, but news of Fr. Banga's death this past weekend, has certainly dampened my spirit.  Fr. Banga has had a profound effect on my life.  I have learned much from him.  He was an extraordinary teacher and a dear friend.  I will miss him very much.  When I think about the spirit of Camp Kenosee which makes it a special place to go back to year after year, I am comforted in knowing that his spirit will remain there forever!  Fr. Banga was laid to rest in India, next to the school which he was building.   I hold dear to the memories, the cooking lessons, the silly sayings, the light-hearted jokes, and the spiritual wisdom which he shared!