Boys back at Grace International School

The school year actually started at 8:00 a.m. 14 August, Monday. We arrived back from England at 6:30 a.m. a 12-hour flight. And being the father that I am the boys where in school by 8:30 a.m. Now that was no trouble for Charles, Chase, or Chad but our poor little CJ was starting school for the first time. He cried for three hours straight the first day. The second day he fell asleep under the table when all the other kids where playing. The third thru sixth day was hard but he kept doing better each day and now he loves school. He especially loves riding in the Van (white school bus) with his brother to school! (Picture is from the first day of school)

Grace is a Christian school with around 180 children between pre-school and year 10. It uses the English National Curriculum as prescribed by the Secretary of State for Education (England and Wales) and is an English medium school (that means the children use English.) More than 30 nations are represented in the student body.

CJ is 3 years old and started Pre-School One, which runs from 8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. five days a week. He loves school and enjoys telling us about the color, shape, and story of the week. His teacher is Mrs. Waddell. Mrs. Waddell is from South Africa. (Picture at left is of CJ and his new “Cars” backpack from Aunt Maureen- he thinks his back pack is neat.)

Chad is 7 years old and in year 3 (that is grade 2 for you American system people). Chad and his brothers’ classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Chad’s teacher is Mrs. Snowdon the principal’s wife. Mrs. Snowdon is from the UK where she taught in Emmanuel School, Derby. Having gained a Bachelor of Education degree, she has taught in a variety of schools from pre-school to middle school and also spent a few years as a team leader in a residential children’s home.

Chase is 9 years 10 years old and in year 6 (that is grade 5). His teacher is Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper is from the UK. Has has 14 years previous teaching experience both in the UK and in China. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and followed this up with a Masters in Education in International Schools. He is a tall man a 6’4” and shaves his head. I think Chase is a little intimidated by him.

Charles is 11 going on 12 years old (on 4 Oct) in year 7 (that is grade 6). He is now in Middle School. Charles has many different teachers. His home class teacher is Mr. Ferdinando. Mr. Ferdinando has worked at Grace for the last five years and holds the position of Coordinator of Key Stage 3 and 4. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree before proceeding to do his Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in Secondary School teaching. He is also from the UK. However, Charles also has Mrs. Portela from Canada, Mrs. Khew from Malaysia, Mr. Sairs from Ohio, USA, and Mrs. Murmu for Bengali from Bangladesh.

Dhaka is not the best place to live but Grace is a much-loved place for the boys. Dhaka has plus 15 million people with no green spaces. The boys miss the green grass of central Pennsylvania. We thank God for Grace International. Please pray for the teachers- there have been a number of sicknesses going around including Dungee fever. Dungee fever last for about two weeks and puts you flat on your back.

In addition, we are looking for teachers for next school year 07/08 so if you’re interested please e-mail me. The school takes teachers from all over the world.