A busy start to the new year

We've had a busy start to 2018.  January started a new school year for me at Nova Pioneer, with a new class of students, in the new school building.  It has been a lot of work to get the classroom ready, the routines established and try to get a handle on the curriculum.  This school system has very high expectations, even for kindergarten, and it's taken a lot of time to feel like I'm not a step behind.  Not only that, but there is a certain language challenge.  Students from the Zulu tribe (or something close to it) can have names with a "click" within the words.  I have not one, but two such students.  In fact, Otlotleng is pronounced with two clicks -- imagine, in a group of 24 energetic 5 and 6 year olds, trying to get that name out!  Poor guy -- I know I'm saying it wrong every time.  The kids are actually learning Zulu this semester and I'm sitting in, hoping to learn a bit more. 

In one of the lighter moments, we read the book Giraffes Can't Dance and I found a website that linked the music to the different kinds of dances that the giraffe can't do (but the other animals can).  The kids favorite -- the tango.  Check it out!

We're also becoming fast friends, as only 5 year olds can.

In ALA news, 23-24 February is the Decennial celebration.  At last count, over 700 people will be coming for this two celebration of the first 10 years of ALA's existence.  Among the honored guests are heads of states, CEOs, ambassadors, alumni and more.  Preparations are in full swing and it is shaping up to be quite the weekend.  I'll be sure to post pictures from that event.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the waning days of South African summer -- warm days, cool nights and some nice thunderstorms in between. We're really looking forward to the visit of Hans' mom and Maggie in March -- family!!

I'll leave you with these pictures of our new kitten, Charlie.  Cute and in the way-- as cats will do!