The One With The First Day Of School (written 9/10/2012)

Today was the first day of school.  At the beginning and end of every school day there is an assembly where all the students gather and announcements are made.  The students are to arrive at school at 7:10 and clean the grounds.  Assembly is to begin at 7:30.  Dahlia and I thought since it was our first day that we should get there early; so we arrived at 7:15.  Students gave us very quizzical looks as we walked up to the front doors to the office, which we found to be shut and locked.  At 7:32 the first teacher arrived and assembly began at 7:45.  Apparently time is relaxed even on the first day of school.  Dahlia and I each introduced ourselves at assembly (I got a huge round of applause when I said that I was going to be teaching math!)  And then uniform inspections were made.  I will spare you the details but punishments were given accordingly.  I don’t know that I am ever going to get used to that aspect of life here. 

The students spent the rest of the day cleaning and I got to spend time with my fellow teachers.  They showed us around some more and explained more of the responsibilities I will have.  I was also named the mathematics department head today (before you get too impressed, keep in mind that I am the only member of the math department here) so I will have a few extra meetings and responsibilities.  Tomorrow we begin teaching.  I am really looking forward to finally getting into the classroom with my students!