Friday, 06 April 2007
Josh and Ben’s school
Many of you have asked us about the children’s new school. It is called the International School of Tanganyika. A historical note: previously, Tanzania was two separate countries—Tanganyika on the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar. When the country was united it took on the name Tanzania incorporating elements of both regions. And no, I don’t know why the school is still called Tanganyika as opposed to Tanzania…
Josh and Ben’s school
Many of you have asked us about the children’s new school. It is called the International School of Tanganyika. A historical note: previously, Tanzania was two separate countries—Tanganyika on the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar. When the country was united it took on the name Tanzania incorporating elements of both regions. And no, I don’t know why the school is still called Tanganyika as opposed to Tanzania…
The school, generally referred to as IST, has two campuses—primary and secondary. The secondary school is located around the corner from our house but the primary school, where Josh and Ben go, is farther away. It’s too bad it isn’t the other way around but oh well. The campus of the primary school is large and pretty. There are several rows of buildings with courtyards in the center. All around are large trees and flowering plants. The school has a music room, library, art room, multipurpose hall, and swimming pool.
The school is very different from what we are used to in the US. Previously the kids were in a Montessori school and IST is pretty traditional in structure. Ben is in EC3 which is their equivalent of kindergarten.
Josh is in second grade. IST is strong in social and extracurricular activities but somewhat weak in academics. It has been frustrating to realize that we will have to supplement their academic work at home; our hope is that the other benefits of living in Tanzania—seeing a new culture, learning a new language, and visiting places in Africa will offset these shortcomings.
Nonetheless, the kids like it there a lot and have settled in very well. Both Josh and Ben love the fact that they get to go swimming as a part of school. They each go once a week and it is the highlight of their day. At the end of the term they had a “swimming carnival”.
There were all sorts of games and races and the kids had a blast. They had races where they swam through hoops and dove for things on the bottom. 
Just recently Josh’s grade produced a cute and very enjoyable play called “Once Upon A Lily Pad”.
The only thing the kids didn’t do was write the play but otherwise they were responsible for everything related to it. There were actors, singers, producers, costume designers, set designers, etc. Joshua was an advertiser which meant he got to make posters and sell tickets. He also sang in the chorus. His class practiced really hard for the play—especially with singing the songs. On the night of the play Joshua was so excited! Each child introduced themselves and told the audience what their role was in the play. I thought Josh might talk for 15 minutes but he did great! Each child also had a special T-shirt with their title and got to be decorated as a frog or a ladybug (Josh picked a frog). The play was really cute—it was the story of two little frogs learning what they are good at (jumping). Everyone did awesome and we were so proud!
Nonetheless, the kids like it there a lot and have settled in very well. Both Josh and Ben love the fact that they get to go swimming as a part of school. They each go once a week and it is the highlight of their day. At the end of the term they had a “swimming carnival”.
There were all sorts of games and races and the kids had a blast. They had races where they swam through hoops and dove for things on the bottom. 
Just recently Josh’s grade produced a cute and very enjoyable play called “Once Upon A Lily Pad”.
The only thing the kids didn’t do was write the play but otherwise they were responsible for everything related to it. There were actors, singers, producers, costume designers, set designers, etc. Joshua was an advertiser which meant he got to make posters and sell tickets. He also sang in the chorus. His class practiced really hard for the play—especially with singing the songs. On the night of the play Joshua was so excited! Each child introduced themselves and told the audience what their role was in the play. I thought Josh might talk for 15 minutes but he did great! Each child also had a special T-shirt with their title and got to be decorated as a frog or a ladybug (Josh picked a frog). The play was really cute—it was the story of two little frogs learning what they are good at (jumping). Everyone did awesome and we were so proud!
This is totally unrelated but have I mentioned what a joker Josie is???
No comments:
Post a Comment