Saturday, March 31, 2012

Goodbye Sundsvall, Part 1: In the English Office

 All good things must come to an end. 
I’m sitting here, in the English office at IESS, at 4:36pm on my last day of my alternative practicum.  Where has the time gone? Is this a dream?  
Graeme, one of the amazing music teachers at IESS!
Jocelyn, our angel of a host!
Helena, the other out-of-this-world music teacher!
This past week has absolutely FLOWN by.  Tuesday and Wednesday were set aside for what they call SPT’s – basically they’re more structured student/parent/teacher meetings than what we have in Canada. And apparently, it’s against the law not to attend them. Say what!? Can you IMAGINE it being that way in Canada? I can hear the angles singing now…In my opinion, as it is now, there are only 2 types of parents who come to optional parent-teacher meetings in Canada: the ones who have great kids, and attend so that they can hear good things about them; and the ones who really strongly care about the success of their kid.  Most of the time, the ones who really need to be there, aren’t.  
Marjorie, English teacher, Aussie and Star Wars enthusiast!
Kristen, our Ikea companion!
Long story short, with only 3 days of teaching, and 2 of those days being ACTUAL teaching (I taught a couple music classes and an English class), time flew by faster than usual.
Today’s been a whirlwind of saying goodbyes, handing out thank you cards and parting gifts, and exchanging emails - it’s gotten me quite sad! Karin from the office surprised Amanda and I with sweaters with the school logo – how nice! 
Adam and Jackie, two more Canadian teachers
The darling/adorable/wonderful Kimi!
The people are so wonderful here - so wodnerful that none of them complained when I asked to get photos with them! This blog is scattered with photos from my last day...what an absolutely wonderful staff!   Anyway, I must go now, to cry about leaving...
Until Next Time,
B.

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