We've only just begun...

Remember that song?  That romantic ballad by the Carpenters (I think).  We'll aside from the romantic sentiment and the togetherness of it all, I think it's a fitting way to tell of the first week (and a little) of school.

However, I'd sing it with a more sarcastic tone - you know, the kind that when you realize that this half of the school year has "only just begun" it sort of makes you want to jab an ice pick into your ear.  Okay, it's not that bad...maybe just an icicle, but still!  Good thing I live in the tropics.  There are no icicles around.

It's been an interesting first week back.  On the first day back, I was told that I would have a new student joining our class.  He wouldn't be starting until this week (in fact today (Tuesday) was his first day).  As a teacher, especially in an international school, you come to expect new students.  You even expect them to come mid-year.  However, I'm still always surprised when a school whose language of instruction is English enrolls a student who doesn't speak English.  I discovered today, just how much of our day is spent in English.  Everything from "Line up at the door for PE" to a lesson in Math (which, let me tell you is more English than Math - if you know what i mean) it's all about English.  I know that immersion is supposed to be a great way to learn, but when you don't have a context for how the letters sound or what sounds each letter makes, I think there's a problem there.

I'm sure as the weeks go on, I'll have many adventurous stories to share about the new book that this student can read now, or how he was able to ask to use the bathroom in English, but right now it is all a little overwhelming.  I am so thankful for some awesome colleagues who are offering any sort of support they have - from ESL resources to tried and true activities.  Primary teachers are a valuable resource!  I am so glad to have so many that I can turn to :)

This week was also a huge downer for me on another school level.  Back in November, you might recall that  I made a request to move to Middle School next year.  You might also remember that I've been talking about going back to Middle School since I started teaching Grade 5 back in Kuwait.  Don't get me wrong, I don't hate teaching these littler 'uns, but I do miss Middle School.  At any rate, when I first applied, I was told there weren't any positions open in Humanities.  Then, upon returning from break, I learned of a position that opened up, so I dropped a note to our superintendent about the new position.  Although apologetically, he said he totally forgot that I had requested the change and hired someone for the position at the job fair.  He also mentioned that, they aren't sure if they would have moved me anyway because they are having a tough time finding teachers with PYP experience.  Was saddened to hear that news.  Would have liked to at least been considered.

So, that has been my first week back.  Just so you don't think I'm going to start making icicles in my freezer, let me tell you some great things about the first week back.  I shall include them in list form, as there are many :)

• I went to a new Mall called Ciputra World (which you might not think is exciting, but it's a new part of Surabaya I have yet to visit.)
• I went to Ciputra World to see Les Miserable at the Premiere Theatre (Blankets, food, waiters, leather recliners, etc). 
• I went to the Meat Shop - another new outting for me.  They have all sorts of yummy meats there (clearly indicated by their name).  They also have a restaurant.
• I have been to the gym several days a week and my foot only hurts a little bit.  I think wearing my new slippers at home and wearing my sneakers at school is a huge help.
• I got to talk to my momma today before school.  It always makes my day brighter to talk to my momma!
• My nanny is AWESOME!
• It rains here everyday.  CRAZY rain.  I love to listen to the rain.  I do not love getting caught in the rain (which, thankfully, has not yet happened)
• My teaching partner and the other teachers with whom I work are AWESOME!
• Our students shared their migration picture books today.  It was a great experience for our students as well as the other grades who came to hear them. 
• My  nanny is AWESOME!  Yes, she is that awesome that I need to say it twice.  (p.s.  Say a prayer for my nanny.  She is under the weather.  She got caught in the rain the other day...sigh)
• I have a full time TA who works her butt off to make my job easier!