First Days of School

It's funny that while I'm on the other wide of the world experiencing the first days of school at the schools in Batangas, Philippines, my students are finishing up the school year. While I am sad that I don't get to experience the final school days with the students I've come to know so well, I am excited that I got to see what the beginning of the school year is like for Filipino students! (Hint: It's VERY different from the start of school in Michigan!)

At Batangas National High School there are 6,000 students. That's right: SIX THOUSAND! That's a lot of students to get to the right classes at the right time, so instead of having the kids move around, the teachers do the moving. Otherwise, there's no way anyone would make it to class on time!

From the beginning of the school day, my partner teacher and I were welcomed by the students and staff of BNHS. They had prepared a welcome program for us, which included speeches by the principal, the president of the PTA, our host teacher and US! As an intermission, the incredibly talented teachers sang and danced for us. To everyone's surprise, the local news crew showed up and interviewed us. We made the news later that evening!

Fast forward to 11:15 to see my part!

In the background of these amazing dancers, you can see all of the people gathered at our welcome assembly! We didn't get to sit in the audience, we sat up on the stage!

The students who carried my bags around for me :)

The wonderful PTA of BNHS! What a supportive group of parents!
Also, isn't my flower garland gorgeous? It smelled like heaven!

I love the DepEd vision statement and how they always include the word "love." I learned from one of the other TGC fellows that the Philippine constitution is the only one in the world that includes the word "love."

Ms. Ebora teaching her advisory math class. She told her students to open their minds and their hearts to math and learning will be easy. I love this Filipino way of thinking! They are such a warm and genuine people!

I've already met so many amazing people. I can't wait to see what the next days will bring!