2009 is about to become a memory.
It wasn’t such a bad year. There were a few bad days.
I lost a brother … I’d count that amongst the bad days.
My family is safe and healthy(and mostly happy) ..so I’ll tick off a few good days for that.
Hope you had a good year.
All the best,Wayne
My brother Troy died on Sunday,May 24, 2009
I was to fly back to Canada for the service, but the service was rushed. I was to arrive on Thursday morning. and they held the service on Tuesday afternoon. Now it’s no secret that my sense of time is about as accurate as my math, but I think there’s a problem with the scheduling.
We canceled the flight
I just wanted to say Goodbye
Troy Andrew Duplessis
Born February 16th,1964
Died May 24, 2009
My wife came to my classroom today. That’s usually good news. Emily is the best partner anyone could ask for. She said she had bad news from Mike.
Mike? What’s wrong with that …?
Troy died today.
I froze. How the heck could he be dead. He just called Saturday. I returned to class. finished the lesson, and then went to the office to arrange things for the trip back to Canada.
I guess I’m heading back on Wednesday.
I’ll keep you posted.
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Maggie Parks
The best thing about the course was :
Mike Fitzgerald, the trainer, and the class practice
The thing about the course that needs the most improvement is : location. neighborhood is too suburban and expensive
Your short quote about your experience :
Liked the course, not the location
Maggie Parks
Average Rating : 4/5
Center : Surabaya, Indonesia
Course Date : February – 2009
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Scott Rasmussen
The best thing about the course was :
The material covered was appropriate to what we were seeking
The thing about the course that needs the most improvement is :
The amount of homework is extreme for a 4 week course, it interferes with sleeping and eating properly at times
Your short quote about your experience :
It gave me a good foundation for teaching and or pursuing whatever additional studies I need.The Tefl course gave me a lot of insight into what it is like to be a teacher. In addition to providing a great deal of knowledge that will prove invaluable in an English teaching position. A basic understanding of the skills,conditions and systems of learning and teaching is a strong basis for becoming an effective English teacher and will provide a foundation for future learning.
The course was organized and taught well. We have a better idea of our strengths and the areas we will need to continue to develop as we get more experience in the classroom.
Scott Rasmussen
Average Rating : 4/5
Center : Surabaya, Indonesia
Course Date : February – 2009
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Sari Santuso
The best thing about the course was :
The real life experience of the teaching practice and the preparation required for them
The thing about the course that needs the most improvement is :
Course location
Your short quote about your experience :
Sari Santuso
Average Rating : 4/5
Center : Surabaya, Indonesia
Course Date : February – 2009
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Sarah Jane Rutter
The best thing about the course was :
The teaching and the actual course
The thing about the course that needs the most improvement is :
The location and method of payment of the course fees
Your short quote about your experience :
I found the actual course and teaching good.
Sarah Jane Rutter
Average Rating : 4/5
Center : Surabaya, Indonesia
Course Date : February – 2009
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Eva Justina
The best thing about the course was : a lot of knowledge in the last month
The thing about the course that needs the most improvement is :
Your short quote about your experience :
I have gained many strengths and a lot of knowledge in the last month. This will help me face and overcome my weaknesses … with more classroom experience.
Eva Justina
Average Rating : 4/5
Center : Surabaya, Indonesia
Course Date : February – 2009
February’s course finishes, Five teachers graduate
Adryan(in Black),Mike(in Batik),Wayne,Sari,Eva,Netty,Emily,Maggie(in Purple),Sarah(in Red),Scott(in Gray)
The TEFL Indonesia course finished up on Friday
There were hugs, some sighs of relief and some goodbyes
It was a tough month for all concerned
We wish all the graduates success
Maggie Parks
Scott Rasmussen
Eva Justina
Sarah Rutter
Sari Santuso
This year I hope to make myself understood.
I hope to be more clear with what I say and what I intentionally communicate. I hope to better understand things I’m unintentionally communicating. I hope to communicate better with my wife, my children and my students.
For all of you, I hope life is good
All the best,Wayne
What’s been happening at Singapore National Academy?
Our school term and the first semester is drawing to a close.
Exams are completed and have been marked. They’ll be a few disappointments, and a few sighs of relief. In general the results are what was expected.
One more week remains. The week will begin with hand backs, and a couple of final projects. There will be one small holiday assignment for each class.
We still don’t know how we’ll spend the holiday.
……………………………—-
I’d love to get to Flores or Komodo, but perhaps we’ll settle for a trip to Yogjakarta.
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Tefl Indonesia’s January course is still open
Contact us for details
Tefl International in Indonesia
Have a great holiday
Be safe
Hello All
Congratulations on a wonderful choice for President.
The world joins you in an admixture of joy and relief.
Such is the measure of hope that President Obama has inspired that here in East Java we’ve just had an election for governor where only 54% voted -due to apathy, and disgust over corruption – while Obama’s path to the Presidency has been closely observed.
Fairly, or unfairly, the world’s hopes ride on his slender shoulders.
All the best, Wayne
I’ve been here at the new school, Singapore National Academy, for a little less than two months.
Teachers come from Singapore,China,Britain,Australia,Indonesia and Canada. The curriculum is Singoporean. For the most part it works.
The students come from a rarified and isolated upper-middle class. Their parents want the best for them, but the need for high marks is often contrary to the need to realistically assess ability and direct energy. Students need to be more focused on skills development,not only on grade-attainment.
Things are not all bad.
In general the staff and teachers are easy to get along with and I like most of my students.
We’re just finishing the second term. One more week and then exams. My big concern is how well I’ve prepared my students. I’ve seen improvement in some, both academically and behavior-wise. It’ll be interesting to see how the year plays out.
Family is well.
All the best,Wayne,Emily and Wyatt
September has come to Surabaya.
Not the bracing chill of autumn,but the pressing heat of the late dry season.
I miss seasons.
I was just remembering how beautiful autumn could be. I look forward to rediscovering the colors and smells of a September morning. I’ve told Emily, the kids and my students about the long walks.
How difficult to communicate the long moments spent admiring the golds, reds and greens and browns. To feel the last warmth of the year on your face.
To stare unashamedly into clear autumn skies. To breathe deep of the cooling breeze. To taste greedily of the clean air.
How to explain looking up at the sky and knowing that this brief, transitory experience has to be embraced and then tucked safely away as winter’s approach is heralded in the ever-darkening skies.
Wayne