The Joys of an International Community

As you know, the children are attending the American Academy which is in the centre of Nicosia.  Sam, aged 4, is in pre-school, Angus, aged 7, is in Yr 2 and Jessie, aged 8, is in Yr 3.  They each have small classes, with students and teachers from all over the world and  specialist lessons like French, Greek, P.E. and music. It's a small school, with the Junior School being single stream (ie: 20-25 kids in each yr group).  The Christian orientation of the assemblies has the kids coming home singing all sorts of church songs and also seems to provide a very open and friendly community feel around the school.  Already, I hear of them mixing with students from other year groups, with bigger kids never afraid to ruffle Sam's hair.  The other day Angus came home with some new found basketball skills that a Yr 10 boy showed him and both times that I have been to the canteen after school, a little Yr 1 girl from Guatamala has come and talked to us; obviously looking up to Jessie. Every time I visit the school, I am amazed at how quickly they have settled in and are fully enjoying their new learning environment.


Yesterday was International Day which is the school's largest annual event.  Held on a late Saturday afternoon, the first half of the programme is a whole school performance (mostly dances by different year groups) and the second half is an International food feast in which parents set up stalls with food from their country and money is raised for the school. I was in foodie heaven!  Unfortunately, Ross is away in Bangkok doing some training, so he missed the event.  Monica, however, seemed to really enjoy it and was very proud to show me her favourite foods at the Sri Lankan table.

A picture for Ross: "missing you Dad!".
Outside Sam's pre-school on International Day.

The concert that the kids performed in was great.  Sam must have practised his dance to "Walking on Sunshine" about 50 times at home this week and when it came time to be up on stage he didn't disappoint.  Watching the teacher up front and getting all the moves 'just right', he made me smile so much.  

Sam is in the middle, front row.  Next time, I'll use my zoom!

A school fair is never complete without a jumping castle.

Jessie was in a combined Yr 3 and Yr 8 performance in which they all danced like cowboys to Footloose.  Angus danced to an African song which I think was the World Cup theme song (?).  There were also some traditional Cypriot dances, some Tango, Salsa, the Charleston etc..  Quite an international expo.

Angus can be spotted doing the "Waca Waca" dance.
quote: "It's embarassing Mum"

Jessie's Footloose crew

Other news about recent happenings:

- Angus got himself on the local news yesterday when we turned up to the launch of Cyprus' first skate park.  It's not quite what he was used to however any piece of flat concrete with a grinding pole and a jump ramp is like heaven on earth to Angus at present.  Hopefully this will be the beginning of his 'skate community' and it might entice him with his Greek!  It's certainly in a great location for me; a 5 min drive from home, behind the local swimming pool and right next to a play park with swings. Some things are just meant to be....

- The launch yesterday had Sam entertained with some free face painting whilst I wished I could understand the opening speeches for the skate ramp.  I must get on with learning Greek; where is all my time going? The kids know heaps more than me and I hate being in situations in which I have no idea what people are talking about. One day soon...

- Today, Sunday, we invited Constance back to visit us and play with the kids.  You may remember, from a past blog, that when I was interviewing for some 'home help', I came across this incredible Nigerian lady who seemed to click with my children instantly.  If it was not for her study commitments, I would have hired her full-time for sure.  However, I figure that Monica is only human and may get sick, so it's good to have a back up plan; especially if Ross is away.  Whilst the kids were having dinner and Constance was with us, I encouraged them to ask questions about where she is from, her family life etc... When she told us that she is the 5th child of 9 children, Jessie remarked "gee, you must have a big dinner table to fit eleven people" to which Constance broke up laughing and replied "we don't eat off a table, we sit on the ground".  A similar conversation ensued when Jessie enquired as to why Constance didn't have a car.  It's all good learning for an 8yr old!

- I am currently enjoying teaching Monica to cook some of the foods we eat.  She is an excellent cook when it comes to curry but the term 'baking' means nothing to her, simply because her family never had an oven as they are too expensive.  I've taught her to bake slices and cakes (including Lamingtons for the International Day) and the look on her face when we all tasted her first chocolate cake and told her it was "very good" was one of pure delight.  Next up: Hazelnut Gateaux! :)