Middle School

This has been the longest week of my teaching career, ever. I cannot believe it is only Thursday, Tuesday feels like weeks ago. Who could have imagined the transition to middle school from high school could be so huge! It isn't like I have not taught these ages before(in my other schools there was no separation of the two sections), but it is totally different when it is a separate school. I am not sure I can totally put my finger on why. I think the grade 8's stay younger, as now they are the oldest of the school. Whereas in other schools I have taught at the secondary school has started in grade 6 so by grade 8 they have had a few years of influence from the much older grades. I also do not remember grade 6 being so little and have to watch my jokes and my teasing of them (already made someone tear up by suggesting they might have a crush on another student, something I regularly did last year). Besides just the changes of the kids and teachers around me, the school has massively stepped up their use of technology, all of a sudden I need to keep up with posts on edmodo (much like Facebook for teaching) and helping them keep up with their academic blog.
But I am excited, looking forward to a year of learning for me and them. I am excited to be implementing my favourite program, Challenge by Choice, learning how to use technology in the class room and remembering what is age appropriate!

Just outside my classroom, after being stuck up in the tower last year away from everyone, I am excited to have people around and this beautiful garden to sit in.

Cotopaxi Huffing & Puffin'

Apparently no one can say why or when a volcano will erupt and here in Quito people are anxiously watching Cotopaxi's movements. There are evacuation plans in place for those in the immediate danger (although would be a disaster for the animals) and for now people are very calm, as it could take months for anything to happen, if anything at all.
Yesterday me and Jodi went on a beautiful hike, in what is pretty much my back yard. The skies were blue, an amazing day, until you looked South and saw Cotopaxi huffing and puffing again.

It has been a beautiful week, sunny skies all days. The only thing that tells you that danger is close by, is obviously the picture above and all the dust everywhere.

My New Staff Room

With kids coming on Monday most teachers are running around preparing lessons and classrooms to help free up the weekend. But I am not most teachers. I have been stressing about making the best staff room ever out of half of my huge classroom. I have now moved to middle school and was shocked to learn there was no teacher space. Where would we eat? Socialise? Share our frustrations? I could not have that, so I worked all week at getting equipment and snacks ready for a grand opening of our space.

I had a big turn out and am very excited to host many events here. Now I gotta start planning my lessons, it is a long week ahead!!!

Year 2 Cotopaxi

This weekend, the final weekend before school starts was spent reconnecting with the Academia Cotopaxi folk. It was great to see everyone and catch up on the last eight weeks.

Now in meetings for the week before the real fun begins and the kiddies arrive.
On a side note, we are not covered in ash or lava just yet.

Lady Lola

Clearly Lola is considered spoilt by most, and I will agree that the odd time she receives extra special treatment. But sometimes I forget just how pampered she may seem to most, visiting the coast or villages outside of Quito reminds me. The coast has a large number of friendly dogs wandering around, not bothering any one, for the most part looking well kept. But of course none are on a lead, families and children often burst out laughing as I walk by with Lady Lola with her Swiss gold collar and lead. They almost roll over laughing when they see me ordering her some rice or carrying her across the hot sand so her paws do not get hot.
We had another great time with Lola on the beach. I am not really bothered if I seem a bit over the top, to me she is worth it.

Mellow Mompiche

I think Ecuadors coast is quite amazing each beach town I have gone to has been different with its own unique vibe. Tonsupa and Atacames totally about the party, Canoa huge beach with fantastic food and a little dancing, Montanita with a big party scene but totally different than Atacames, and now Mompiche.
Mompiche reminds me of traveling in Thailand (well some places), very relaxed, hostels of bamboo and the travelers you find here are totally different to the beaches half an hour to the North. Although the weather has not always been great this beach trip, I have had such a good time, just what I wanted. The hostel we have stayed in, La Facha, I would recommend to anyone. $25, a night for a room sleeping three, the food has been amazing here (although takes a long time so you have to order when you first get an inkling of hunger) and the vibe so relaxed and warm.

Mi Hermana

Happiest of birthdays to me beautiful, brave, strong sister, Nicola. Wishing I could be there with her today, well most days, but happy she is a part of two fabulous super supportive British families the Richardsons and the Hopkins and I am sure they are ensuring celebrations!

She is my biggest blog fan (possibly my only!), my little sister, and the women I look up to most in the world.
Happy Birthday Nicola!