Vacation - Sojourn, Solstice and Sultry weather

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we prepare for the New School Year at your American International School.

Yes everything is still “on the go” back here in Sydney. We have completed the first round of interviews for Principal, and are now down to a shortlist for next week, when we will involve the governors and teacher representatives. The replacement teachers have been hired, and we have aimed to attain high standards at the same time as we fill the gaps in our teaching team. All are fully qualified and trained for their roles, with American and/or IB experience on their resumes. The teacher/principal transition has also turned into a great opportunity to raise the overall levels, mature the culture and get some additional strength into the school. Very much hard work, but we are really happy with the opportunity provided, now that we can see the benefits.

No holiday for us, but Patrick and Tom travel to NZ next weekend for a ski holiday, staying at my parents place overlooking Lake Taupo, and the mountains behind. We will think of them as we continue the work here in the rain and winter drear that has become our past few weeks’ weather. I think my thoughts tend more towards our families holidaying in the northern hemisphere summer. The drought really does seem to have broken for Sydney, so I should not be too unkind about our current meteorological mix. (But I do so envy the warmer weather).

We've also been busy with the maintenance at school, putting up another sign, attending a Relocation conference, presentations at the Consulate, purchasing carpet for Elementary, road repairs, tree removal and more wallboards up in the Jefferson building. Enrolments are increasing with Mary signing six students on one day (3 expected and 3 new). We now have six on the IB program for next year, with 4 newcomers specifically joining for IB. Teachers also attend refresh training on IB subjects this week in Canberra.

So you can see, it's all "Easy Street" back here on vacation in a rather damp and wintry Sydney. The winter solstice has passed, but not so our damp and insipid weather. But it’s not sunshine that we miss, rather we do so look forward to the sound of students again in the school grounds. It’s just so much a property without the teachers and students that make it the special place that is your American International School.

All part of that annual cycle of renewal that we see as the start, the finish and the continuum that a school provides and an education brings to all our families, teachers, and friends that make up this small but vibrant community. A community where “International Education is for everyone” and, “International Education - if not a right is surely an inspiration”.

See you at school or around the community.

Regards,

Charles