Week 1 -Tasks, Teamwork and Titles

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we are already into our second week of the new school year at your American International School.

Our first week at school was preceded by a teacher teamwork week, whereby all the teachers and administration got together to go through timetables, policies and other planning matters. It was a busy schedule that ran for four days, involving much collaborative work from all the Faculty team. Lunch was provided and work never stopped whilst we prepared for the New Year. I took the week off from my “day job” at the University of New South Wales, so as to be able to participate in the New Year launch activities.

Maintenance continued unabated, and asphalt was patched and new paths laid whilst the activities continued within the school buildings. Only one minor upset at the Pre-School. During Playground new path creation, a stormwater access pipe was broken. But, “every cloud has a silver lining”, and we turned disaster into drainage with some on the spot innovative thinking. Our break is now a drain inlet which will ensure that rainwater runoff is kept away from the rear of the building. Plus two new awnings for Pre-School play makes the whole experience more integrated and comfortable for our littlest students.

Still on the Pre-School, it’s official title is The Little House. However it’s other name should be “Cha-O-Ha” or “Among the Trees” in Ogalala Sioux language. The AIS buildings are named after the US Presidents represented on Mount Rushmore – Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. Further in the Dakotas is a monument to Crazy Horse, leader of the Sioux nation. His childhood name was “Cha-O-Ha” which meant “Among the trees” or “One with nature” in his native language. There’s a big old Oak tree in the front of Little House, and two large trees at the rear. So, I think its OK to have as many names as we think is apt to tell the story of developing students. From Pre-School to Graduates - through nature and nurture - from children to leaders of our different peoples.

What a great team we have for this year, and it’s not just the Teachers and maintenance staff. Parents have been helping us also, with particular mention going to Karen Ispahani and Tina Killeen. Karen has been assisting Tom in Administration to sort out the Reception area, and introduce a new level of organisation to the front area. Tina has been organising the PVG launch for 2007-8, and is seeking further help for the canteen launch. Our Canteen has always been a focal point of our school life and Parent involvement. It’s a way of participating in School, (some say they “spy” on their own children), but it’s also a way of enriching school life and adding international cuisine to our international culture. So, please consider whether you could share that recipe once a fortnight to ensure that your kids have a healthy canteen option for this school year. Tina will be calling for volunteers, so please consider this opportunity for service to all our school families. The playground, that the children so enjoy, was donated from canteen profits by our Parent Volunteer Group. Remember, when Tina calls – “Your PVG needs YOU”.

We spent the past weekend at the school refurbishing the staff kitchenette in the Washington building. A two hour task that turned into a two day job - involving plumbers and the entire AIS “maintenance team”. However, we wanted to do this small job for the Staff team, as a token of the respect more than anything else. The water won’t flow any faster, or the tea taste any sweeter. Rather we wish to show that we care for our team, and not just with platitudes. The new Pre-School fridge has turned up today, so that should also enhance the student/teacher experience down at “The Little House - Among the Trees”.

So, enjoy the “Indian Summer”, (of this warm weather during winter), enjoy each others company, and enjoy your American International School. A School where, through teamwork, you can “See the Difference” that a truly international education makes to all our lives – students, families, community and supporters.

See you at school or around the community.

Regards,

Charles