It's been 34 years since I first stepped in front of a classroom full of students--my students; and 17 since the last. Today was my first day at the International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP). You know the expression "It's just like riding a bike"? Well, this wasn't exactly that; it was more like riding a roller coaster--no matter how many times you've done it and despite how long it has been since you've ridden one, each time feels like the first time.Because of the schedule I met four of my five classes: one grade 12, two grade nines and a grade six. (I'll meet the other grade six tomorrow.) These students are living examples of multicultural. They are from or have lived in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Soviet Georgia, Germany, Guinea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Zimbabwe. Collectively they speak a dozen or more languages and have literally traveled the world.
For now it's all new--for them and for me. I'm sure the novelty will wear off--at least for them but maybe not for me. Day one is in the books. Now I just have to repeat that 29 times.
Wow! What a variety of student cultures and experiences. It sounds like you will not have a dull moment and may learn a thing or two from each of them.
ReplyDeleteAndrew says, "How can they, you know, learn in a different language? Can they, like, say hello?" ALSO, "Do they have venomous snakes there?"
ReplyDeleteDear Andrew, There are very dangerous, venomous snakes in Cambodia, the most famous of which is the King Cobra. Other snakes include the Burmese python. Ask Dad to Google "Snakes of Cambodia" and you'll see some examples. You can even watch a video of a boy your size riding a python. Love, Granddad
ReplyDeleteAndrew says, "WHOA! Cool." He hopes you get to see a King Cobra. Not sure you'd agree. Love, Jule
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteAwesome first day! What you described is TRUE multiculturalism...not just jargon urging us to empathize with those who drop "F" bombs at will.
BTW, don't forget that 3-part objective (made famous by a great leader named "Jim" Thanner.
Have you given them the "What kind of school do you want to belong to?" speech yet?
ReplyDeleteRick, No, but then again I didn't have to. Students enjoy almost complete freedom in exchange for their compliance to simple rules and common courtesy. Their behavior is remarkable in the bst possible ways. Students are kind and friendly. There are almost no disciplinary issues (some, but not many) none involving acting out. One day the principal made a general announcement that said, "Today after school we have a detention. You know who you are, so report to Mr. So-and-so's room at 3 p.m." Rare.
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