Santa has returned to The North Pole!

What a preparation for Santa it was!...

and the Posada's were many!

 

Christmas decorations galore - so beautiful and professional looking.

 

Christmas Concerts by the different school levels.

K1, K2, and K3 children were priceless.

K1 were Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in beautiful costumes (see photos)

K2 acted out a play about frosty the snowman and that was delightful!

K3 were dancing and singing "Rock & Roll" Christmas songs. - Amazing!

The teachers put SO much effort into it and the children did their very best.

The parents loved it and took photos by the seconds.

 

The "Posadas" (Mexican Christmas parties) were wonderful.

Elementary had one, there was one at the Montebello Club given by the school, one by the Special Sevices Department and one by the Kinder teachers.

 

The Kinder Teachers Posada topped them all. It was held in a teacher's home (Palace).

Everyone gathered around 2 huge tables decorated with Christmas colors.

Much talk went on mostly in Spanish which I now understand although my speaking is still minimal.

They had an event that everyone joined in... everyone gets a turn to Light a match and as long as the match is burning you thank God for whatever you would like to.

Once the match goes out your turn is over. I said my part in Spanish.

Then, everyone brought a gift for a secret person and before you gave it you had to describe that person..(loving, generous, kind, funny..etc) This was lots of fun.

Then food...mexican favourite...tomalis...+ drinks.

After 2 people put on a skit similar to a TV program. It was hilarious.

 

At school, we were excited when one of the Kinder teachers won a scholarship to an American University to take a summer course in 2009.

Accomodation; travel and course all paid for.

 

Parents were so giving at Christmas time...both of their time, gifts and decorations.

 

And now, all are enjoying a well deserved rest and looking forward to a peaceful New Year! 

 

Two months ago today ...exactly!!!

Since I updated my Blog!....My how time flies and how busy I've been!

 

I attended a few concerts at the Teatro Isauro Martinez. On September 24th, Valentina Lisitsa..pianist from the Ukraine played Beethoven, Schubert and Rachmaninov; and on October 15th Jean louis Steuerman..pianist from Brasil played Beethoven and Bach.

The first concert was better.

On Thursday, September 25th I saw the Ballet del Amazonia de Brasil which was fabulous!

This was my Cultural experience for the last 2 months. The ballet was so colorful and just amazing!

 

The beginning of October  the school had the "SACS" visit. ...Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Accreditation and School Improvement. The 6 people assessing the school from Administration to Maintenence seemed very pleased.

 We should know the result this month.

 

There were Parent Teacher Conferences in October.

Parents were pleased.

I must say I love my job...the teachers in Kindergarten are amazing and so dedicated.

There are 15 classes all on the ground floor....one beside the other.

All the Kinder teachers have been here several years, some as many as 15 or 20. They work well together and are very Team oriented and each Level

 has a Team Leader. The Resources which the parents and school pay for are very plentiful.

 I have Staff meetings with all the Kinder teachers and assistants (30) and Team Leaders meetings....plus parent meetings; administration meetings; Continuous School Improvement meetings...etc...

 

Oct. 13th to 17th was D.E.A.R. week (drop everything and read). Parents come in to read to the class.

The Report Cards went home the same week.

 

"The Room Mothers" decorated the kinder doors for Halloween and what a terrific job they did. They had to use children's work or recyclable materials.

Halloween including the Parade was a very big event!

.

The last Friday of every month there is a Birthday Party for everyone celebrating those with birthdays that month.

 

On Nov. 2nd it was The Day of the Dead. So, on the Monday, Nov. 3rd the classes had a really big event. Many children came in costumes as skeletons and did a song and dance.  They have an altar and a picture of someone who has died. This time they celebrated Dr. Seuss!. They put candles, flowers, incense, bread...

 This is very BIG here in Mexico!

 

I hear you have SNOW in Canada. Here it is cold in the evenings, however hot during the afternoon.

 

Tomorrow we have a holiday.. Mexican Revolution..which is actually on the 20th. Yesterday I mailed some Christmas presents back home and went shopping with one of the teachers.

Next week we get 3 days holiday..the American Thanksgiving.  Turkey dinner at the Director's home...then we will start thinking of Christmas.

A Posada party with Pinatas to celebrate Christmas and a dinner at the Montebello Club. Before we know it we will be on Christmas holidays.

I am heading to San Antonio, Texas.

 

I forgot to mention that I went  on a school trip to the new Museum with the Kinder 2 classes...also burger King. It's amazing to see how well the 4 year olds

 listen to someone telling them about Art work.

 

Each Friday there is a Flag Salute for the Kinder classes.... the Room parents also come in to teach about Values. This past week the Value was "Committment".

 

Till the next time...Adios!

VIVA MEXICO!!!

Mexican Independence Day on Tuesday!

 

This weekend is a 4 day weekend...so that's GREAT!

 

Time to rest; relax; Shop; walk; and get caught up!

 

I went to a new Shopping Center called Galleria. It is very much like the ones back home.

 

Went to a Movie which was a Comedy. It was in English, however the title was in Spanish.

 

Saw a colorful Mexican Dance show in the Mall in honor of the holiday..

 

I hear from parents back in Egypt. They give me updates on things there.

 

One parent is going to invite me to her son's graduation in 10 years!!!

 

Hope I'm around. I would go to it. He is a very special boy.

 

Thanksgiving and then Christmas is just around the corner. Time sure does fly!

 

I'll be making plans soon for my holiday back home at Christmas!

A NEW YEAR HAS BEGUN>>>>>>>

Well School that is!!!    In fact 3 weeks have gone by. It's been great.

 

The Teachers are so dedicated and committed...every one.. and they have wonderful Assistants. 15 and 15 in all. Everyone at the Kinder Level is Mexican however they must speak English as 90% of the day is taught in English. Grade 1 and above are mostly foreign teachers (American and Canadian mainly).

 

On August 28th it was "Open House" for Kinder with almost 600 Parents attending.

After a "Welcome", they went to the classrooms of their child to hear about the Curriculum from the teachers.

 

Thursday night I was at the official opening of an art show at the new Museum
here. It was a great evening with food, wine & entertainment..
Friday night the Parent Association at the school had a dinner with Tacos
etc... for all teachers.

Last week I attended the Symphony called La Camarata. It was a lovely evening.

 

I have started Spanish lessons.

 

This week I will be reviewing around 269 Progress reports!  Hoping to see positive comments.

 

Getting near the end of the "sorting/settling in" process.

Soon I'll have more time for the club!

 

Next week is a 4 day holiday. ..the usual Saturday & Sunday and also Monday &... Tuesday

which is The Mexican Independence Day (a huge celebration).

 

If you click on the Link at the left "my Photos" you will see some photos of the teachers, assistants and children.

 

Adios!

My house is now a Home>>>>

I have now been in Torreon, Mexico for 3 weeks and am almost settled in my home.

 

After purchasing lamps, candles, placemats, beautiful pictures, sheets and bedspreads..printer, vacuum.etc...my house now looks like a home. The maintenance people from the school have been terrific in completing my many requests for repairs.

The cleaning lady comes twice a week...usually cleaning on Saturday and ironing on Wednesday. Prices are low as in Egypt.

Here I am in a house rather than an apartment and have a lovely garden.

I also hang my wash out to dry.

I am accustomed to the mexican food more than I was the egyptian food.

Driving is calmer than in Egypt and I have my car here so I drive back & forth to school.

It only takes 15 to 20 minutes.

 

Once I get more settled I will spend more time relaxing at the amazing Montebello club.

 

Of course, I miss the parents, staff and especially the students at AIS (American International school in Egypt), however I am very settled in after 3 weeks at CAT.(Colegio Americano de Torreon) www.cat.mx

 

First week was with Administration; second week was with teachers and this past week was with students...so we're all here now.

This coming week is "Open House' with parents coming to meet the teacher.

Under my care are 15 Teachers and 15 assistants plus the children in the 15 classes.

We have teacher meetings..Team Leader meetings; and Assistant meetings.

Then Administration meetings....etc...etc....

 

Last Saturday I had a phone call from my son which was the highlight of my day.

Today I will be speaking with my grandaughter.

 

If I sent you my home & school address just send anything to the school as I have heard the mail delivery to the home is thrown in the bush, tree, front driveway or wherever it lands!

Of course, I miss Family & Friends, however look forward to seeing you at Christmas.

The way time flies...it won't be long.

 

Weather has been great with the occasional downpour.

 

Come winter and the cold weather I expect I will have visitors. The guest room is ready!

 

I will be putting some pictures of the children at school on the Blog in the next few weeks.

 

Take care.....

 

 

Over the Border!!!

We finally arrived over the Border and into Mexico however will be staying in Monterrey tonight rather than continuing on to Torreon ...our final destination.

Getting our Visitor Permit and car permit turned out to be a nightmare.!!! and to add to that the police stopped us for speeding...which we weren't.. I was lucky enough to talk him out of a $104.00 US dollar ticket.

Other than misplacing my set of car keys and getting another set programmed our trip has gone smoothly.

Torreon here we come!
Adios!

Transformation about to take place>>>

My Summer holiday in Ontario has come to an end. July 27th I left for Mexico, driving 5 to 6 days with 2 friends Edna & Judith. My car filled to the brim!! Even added on a Cargo Box.

It has been a very good holiday time, back in Canada, with many visits: to Kingston; Sudbury; Niagara Falls; St. Jacob's and Ottawa.... seeing family and friends... telling them about my adventures in Egypt and my upcoming adventure in Mexico.

Transformation of my Blog will take place very soon.... from Egypt/ Arabic to Mexico/ Spanish.

Photos of my new experience will be posted on my transformed Blog.

Now, I have some photos of my summer holidays.

In the meantime the visits were terrific! .. thanks to my hosts.. Norma & Rob; Roni; Marjory; Karen & Neil ...

I enjoyed being with family including swimming with my grandaughter Samantha who is soon to be a teenager.

I enjoyed watching the Dragon boat practice; visiting cousins; sister Ronnie; special times with Kevin, Winston.. wonderful meals.. Mark.. Ian & Cheryl; Cherie.. Bea.. Jill, Frank & Family; Grant & Andre; Kenneth; Mike; Tricia; Maureen & Mary; Edna; Ginny & Jo; Diego; Douglas; Bruce; ....

Pardon me if I missed someone.

It's been a rainy/hot summer.... Yesterday in Arkansa it was 105 !

Bye for now!