It started off like a regular Thursday. We had PYP devotions in the ESL room. Surprisingly, I was one of the first ones there (which is very unusual - because usually I am one to walk in late). After prayer and discussion, we headed back to our rooms to begin the day.
Tomorrow our elementary program is getting re-evaluated for triple accreditation. We have government representatives due on our campus for the better part of the day. They will be reading through documents and walking through classes (checking up on teachers and lesson plans). It is a tense time and we are looking forward to it being over - but we are also praying for a good report. Hopefully we will find out soon.
Since our first quarter of school is completed, we have been working on student portfolios. The first and third quarter of each year has no report cards, rather we create a collection of student work and show them to parents and students in conferences. It sounds quite easy - and in all actuality it is. However, it is incredibly time consuming. There has to be rubrics for every piece of work as well as teacher and student reflections. Then after this, work has to be separated so that one person's work is all together rather than specific assignments all together. Budi and I are so thankful to have a student teacher right now - because we need the extra help (everyone does) and she is a hard worker. Today we were able to plow through about two and a half days of work, thanks to her.
Conferences are another tricky thing. We have one day to schedule conferences (and still have a full day of school). It took a lot of moving things around, but I think we finally have a (hopefully permanent) schedule that caters to the parents and to our availability. It's going to be a hectic the next week or so, but after that, will be the holiday (which means off to Vietnam).
These sorts of things you cannot gain adequate knowledge during college years. Sure, I remember talking about them once or twice, but it is completely different once the time comes to actually do this. However, I am so lucky to have an amazing supporting staff and one of the best teaching partners in the school. Not only do we get lots of work done, but he have lots of fun doing it.
Oh, and a miracle happened today! Grade 3 won the chapel spotter award. Truthfully, the kids weren't on their best behavior. In chapel they never are - even though we practice it. However we won our first award. I was beginning to think we would be the only class that would not be awarded this honor. Then I found out the truth. Pak Budi was in the back with the spotter and gave her a guilt trip into picking us because we were one of the only classes (aside from the class who did the chapel - which disqualifies you from winning the award for the week). If only we got the award because we really deserved it. Okay, to be honest, it did feel good to get the award - even if it wasn't on the proper terms. The kids don't know that - what they don't know, won't hurt them :)
Anyway, have a great night! Pray for a good accreditation visit tomorrow. I will keep you all posted! Love to all!
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