Hans and I have finished a busy week of Professional Development for both schools -- African Leadership Academy (both of us, Hans as Head of Science and me as Hall Mistress) and Nova Pioneer (where I'll be teaching kindergarten, or Grade R, as it's called here). The take-away from the week, as Hans put it so well when we had a moment to catch our breath, is that we used to feel like we were hard workers -- until we got to ALA. The expectation for the staff are incredible, as is the work ethic and talent of everyone here. I think I am a part of at least 5 (if not more) WhatsApp message groups, not to mention email contact too. It is exhausting, but inspiring, to a part of such a dedicated group.
The students are just starting to arrive. They are Y2s (year 2 - of 2 years at ALA) right now. The Y1s (of which Nate is a part of) will come on Monday. It's exciting to see the life and energy of the students after having been preparing on a pretty quiet campus. They are very self-assured and polite and will stop and introduce themselves to you with their name and where they're from -- all over the continent! Nate will officially join tomorrow, though he has been hanging out with friends that had come early for language training.
I began at Nova Pioneer this week. This is another dedicated group of educators, with a vision to grow innovators and leaders. They only began a few years ago so there are still some tweaks to be ironed out. I work at the Northriding campus, being one of a staff of seven. It's a nice group so far. I will be co-teaching Grade R with another teacher and the students arrive Tuesday. I am busy getting the room ready and learning the curriculum.
Our biggest news is that we bought a car -- a '94 Toyota Conquest. More about that!
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