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!

THE TIME HAS COME ..... to say Au Revoir to Egypt!

3 days left...and "Au Revoir" 'till we meet again...SALAM!

 

Busy days!...Report cards; Parties with the children Lunches & Dinners with Parents & children; & Teachers.

 

Then, Packing at School & Home.  Last minute shopping at "City Stars"; Farewells.

 

The weather has been very hot, however Toronto has had sweltering hot weather too.

 

Plans are underway for the drive down from Toronto Canada to Mexico...plus the many things to attend to in Toronto and of course lunches & dinners with Family and Friends.

 

I will get back to the Blog once I am settled in Mexico.

 

Photos are being changed TODAY!...Have a look...click on Link on Left "My Photos".

 

SALAM!

 

1 Month Today and school is ended!

June 16th is the last day of school.
It will be a sad day to say Good-Bye.
The children know a Farewell song:
To the tune of The Farmer in the Dell>>

"It's time to say goodbye
It's time to say goodbye
We'll think of you forever;
It's time to say goodbye".

June 18th June 17 I leave for Toronto to see family & friends. Made most of my lunch/dinner dates already!

July 27th I leave for my new position in Torreon, Mexico. Principal of 15 Kindergarten classes.

Now working on the paperwork re: Work Visa; Insurance; settling in procedures........

I have been busy writing progress report cards; sorting ; packing; mailing boxes and appointments at the dentist...to get 2 teeth implants..Yes! more teeth implants!!!

Yesterday we had "Sports Day" at school see photos on Photo Link. The children had fun.

Next week we have International week.
My class will present Ireland.
Then,"Egypt Day". Most come in wearing Egyptian clothes. Some bake the customary foods.

June 5th my class will put on a "Variety Show" where I will have the children sing or act out an idea from every month of the school year. This includes walking like a Giraffe; elephant; duck; monkey....
Mommy; Daddy; Grandmother & Grandfather have been invited.

Weather here has been beautiful!

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OFF I GO TO MEXICO!!

It has been an amazing experience here in Egypt...so much to see & do..

Trips to nearby India and Nepal; trips to Jerusalem and Bethlehem; Nile cruise; seeing the Pyramids; Khan Kalili Market; Coptic churches....... and so much more.

 

I Love the children I teach and on my Blog you can see their smiling faces and photos of my many adventures....just click on the "My Photos" Link on the left.

 

Enjoyed having my visitors come too.

 

I have just about completed the 2 year contract. I leave here on June 17th for Toronto and on July 27th for Mexico!

web site:

Colegio Americano de Torreón, A.C. Campus Viñedos Paseo del Algodón y Blvd. Carlos López SosaC.P. 27019Fracc. Los Viñedos Torreón, Coahuila
Telephones:(52) (871) 2225-100 http://www.cat.mx

 

Isn't it coincidental that both jobs came to me!

 

I received a phone call in June '06 telling me there was a Pre-Kindergarten Position in Egypt...and I was gone in August.

Family & Friends were shocked when they found out. I hadn't told anyone before June because I didn't know myself.

 

Then, I had been searching for my next new adventure ..another Pre-K class or Special Ed. resource. My Profile was on 2 web sites.

 

Then I get an e-mail inviting me to be Kindergarten Principal in Mexico because I had the qualifications that they needed. ...and the exciting adventure began.

 

I have had a LOT of interaction with the Principal whose position I am filling. She has been so helpful as well as the Director. I got to know the Administration during a Telephone Conference call. They have been so welcoming.

 

A friend said to me today that people are soooo busy with their own lives.

 I wrote back..

Yes, you are correct ...everyone is busy with their own lives ...some don't even want the fun e-mails. Sad isn't it ??...so 2 years ago, I decided to just find my own space. ...and so far so good....I don't really know how long I'm on this planet however I am enjoying what I am doing.

I definitely pace myself ; get lots of rest...luckily I usually sleep very well; exercise occasionally and eat healthy...so all this helps.

 

The younger teachers and some of the older ones are always going on trips..desert; beach..etc

I just do that once in a while. I watch myself in the sun so I don't get wrinkled up like a prune!!  I've done LOTS of traveling while here...and now that my 2- year contract is completed...it's time to move on.

 

I think I would stay longer in Mexico. The contract is for 2 years.

It sounds like I will LOVE my position.

 

With the new position comes a membership to a beautiful golf club & facilities.

Monte Bello in Torreon..(on the web)

Free Spanish lessons too.

 

ADIOS!!

 

44.....65....Days to go>>>>

It's the Count Down !!!

44...65...Days to go>>>>

 

It's sorting and packing time.

After 2 years I've collected a few! things.

 

Last week I was finishing report cards. This week it is parent Interviews.

 

This weekend as with most weekends, I walk to the Concorde Hotel to the Fitness Centre I belong to....Treadmill - one hour; swimming pool half hour. then walk home.

It is great exercise.

Today I stayed and had lunch there.

 

I enjoyed my Birthday two weeks ago.

I was talked into going to a Greek Restaurant for dinner to celebrate. Ordinarily I love to stay home on the weekends. They had a yummy birthday cake.

It was very good.

9 of us were there.

 

Saturday night...the couple downstairs took me out to the Intercontinental Hotel to "Shogun" for a Japanese Dinner.

It was amazing...Saki to boot!!!

Loved the evening.

 

Yesterday I bought some new clothes.... they were a great price.

I am very happy with them.

I saw the movie "The Bucket List". It was excellent.

 

All my friends write that it's no fun getting old...aches & pains. 

I find if you pace yourself it makes a huge difference. Exercise is so beneficial.

 

I'm still waiting confirmation as to where I will be next.

Work is fun when you don't really need to.

 

From all reports...all is well back home. I look forward to seeing everyone in July.

 

I will update photos on the weekend of April 25th as we have a holiday so it makes for a long weekend and more time to do this type of thing.

 

That's all for now......

 

2 years in a Flash!

All is well here.

 

Time is coming to an end in Cairo. It is now March 15th, 2007

and School ends on June 16th...with this coming week = mid term March break.

 

I arrived August 23rd 2006! 2 years in a flash!!

 

Most of what I will be doing during the break is sorting and packing my things.

 

I have been walking to the Concorde Hotel ( 3 miles walk ) and going to the Fitness Club where I am a member. I am on the Treadmill for an hour and then a swim in the outdoor pool...23 o Celsius and 25 o in the pool with desert breezes. I had lunch on the patio at the Hotel today.

 

I plan to go every day this week. I will also shop; take bubble baths, rest and relax.

 

I took my computer in for a check over. It is quite an experience going anywhere as the taxi drivers don't often speak English and I use my limited Arabic. Somehow I get there. The traffic is unbelievable as well as the driving!!!

 

I have enjoyed my stay here....I love my pupils and the parents are terrific!

I spent a weekend in Ain Sukhna with one of my pupils and family.

I have gone to Birthday parties.

 

Last week I was taken out for dinner by another pupil and his parents. It was a huge feast or banquet. Egyptian families often get together...often every weekend with the extended family.

This grandfather owns a wonderful restaurant. The meal was Egyptian and amazing....lamb- my favourite.

During the break I will go out for dinner with another pupil and family.

 

The end of the month I celebrate my Birthday!

Miss Heba..my assistant celebrated her Birthday the beginning of the month...so we had a little party. We have popcorn and the children call it a party and also they don't have a nap on those days...

They love this!

 

My visitors as mentioned before were great to have...my son Kevin & Winston; Marjory;... and Mark's twin brother Neil came twice.

 

Last weekend, I was at a Mais Combined Optimal Match and Technology Conference being held at the school.

The Optimal Match: "Synthesizing Best Practices and Latest Technology."

It was on Friday & Saturday.. our usual week end.

I have learned about Power Point Presentations and how to make one... and Digital Story telling.

I enjoyed this Conference.

 

This past week, the Pre-Kindergarten class-my pupils -had a Mother's Day Tea. This is a very special day here and is held in March. We had 50 people attend!!!!

The children sang 5 songs some with actions and gave 6 gifts..art work they had made... to their mother.

The songs:

Happy Mother's Day to you;

I have a very special friend ( to the tune of B-I-N-G-O )

I love you Mommy ( to the tune of You Are My Sunshine)

Miss Polly

I'm a Little Teapot

 

The parents are surprised at how much they have learned.

 

I had a lovely e-mail from Kevin, my son, today.

I spoke to Karen, my daughter, and all is well there.

I go on MSN with my granddaughter every once in a while.

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. This was a big day for me back home.

Yes, I'm Irish!

 

HAPPY EASTER! too ...as it is next weekend.

 

Before you know it ......SPRING will be here...

 

.......And I will be home !!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Fitness!

Well, I'm back on track!..After taking several months off...I thought the pool was closed...so I didn't go to fitness.

Found out the pool, though outside, is heated enough to use even on cold days...

that is some people would.

 

So, I now am back!. I walked over there and back and did an hour on the treadmill and went swimming.

I also walked to another place so must have walked around 5 miles today.

 

I have been very busy looking on the web for up coming teaching jobs in other countries.

Some schools are getting back to me about positions....so that is good.

 

Went shopping and bought some outfits. The prices are really amazing!

 5 outfits for the price of 1 back home.

 

Tomorrow, Several teachers are going on a walking tour of Zamalek (a part of Cairo).

 

The weather is getting warmer and we have sunny days.

 

I hear of all the snow back home.

 

In a little while I will go on the web cam with my Grand-daughter.

A surprise telephone call from my son Kevin!....made my day!...and night!

 

Happy Leap Year!

A month flew by!!

Almost another month gone!

 

 Just 5 months left and only 4 1/2 months of teaching.

I have started the packing process.

Then I will be home again and "what next" has not  been decided.

I will certainly miss the children in my 2 years of teaching here. The parents are wonderful too.

 

Started back on Jan.13th.. It's amazing how much the children have grown . ..

and HOW MUCH THEY HAVE LEARNED!

 

Spent the weekend at Ein Souhkna at the Chalet of one of my pupils. They are also building a Villa. It was cold and windy because of the time of year however it was still a great change.

Ate delicious Egyptian meals.

We missed the hail storm and rain downpour back in Cairo.

 

Cairo has seen more rain than they can remember and the weather is colder than usual. I feel the warmer weather is on its way...and back home in Canada they have snowstorms.

 

There was a staff Pot luck party on Thursday night. This happens quite often throughout the year.

 

I still relax having a bubble bath and sometimes sleep 10 hours each night on the weekend.

 

Yesterday 6 of the teachers including myself went leather coat shopping.

I ended up with 2 jackets and 1 long coat made of BEAUTIFUL soft leather ...

ALL cost only $250.00 US!!

 

Last night I went out for dinner with the couple downstairs in my building. A cute little restaurant that serves almost everything. I had Malibu Spaghetti.... delicious!

 

A note of thanks to my many friends who are regular e-mailers.

It is always great to hear from you and keep in touch.

If you want me to bring anything back from Egypt.. let me know know..

 

Wow! My son just called. What a WONDEFUL SURPRISE!

The called ended after a couple of seconds as the Middle East has had problems with the Internet 

for the last week due to the accident of 2 submarines in the Middle East cutting cables for the Internet. Looks like another week before it will be fixed. 

.....and a letter today from my daughter!!!!!! I am blessed.

 

Take a look at my updated photos.

Just click on the link.."My Photos"

Look under set"my shining stars" for my pupils

Look under set "Egypt" for Ein Souhkna photos

Leave a comment if you wish.

 

Bye for now!

 

 

 

January to June and then...another adventure?????

Here I am back in Cairo, Egypt after a wonderful Christmas vacation with Family & Friends...from Dec. 20th '07 to Jan. 11 '08.

 

Three weeks of special moments; terrific weather and delicious meals.

 

Mark met me at the airport with balloons and hugs!

 

I spent several days with my daughter Karen; grandaughter Samantha (who surprises me each time as to how much she is growing ). Saw Vince too.

 

Attended an amazing M.C.C.T. Christmas Eve service at Roy Thompson Hall.

 

My son Kevin and Winston served the scrumptous Christmas turkey dinner

with all the trimmings. On another occasion, Kevin cooked a tasty lamb dinner (my favourite); and we went out for a Thai dinner.

 

Visited my sister Ronnie several times. She is keeping well so that makes me happy.

Spoke long distance to Geraldine & Allan....also Norma & Rob...and Roni.

 

Breakfast with Bea was great!

 

Special times were spent with Marjory; Cherie;  Mark; Jerry & Hilda (his mother); Judy; Sharon; Jill, Frank and family; Judi & Ed; Cheryl & Ian; Matthew; Edna;

Grant & Andre;& Jeff; Glenda, Steve & Naiema;Shirley; Maureen & Mary; Jonathan & Jennifer; Mike B; Elaine; Betty; Douglas .....

 

Winston took care of me and saw me off at the airport.

 

Now back to teaching the lovely 3 year old children in my class.

They are delightful!

 

A few new photos are posted.....

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!