First Day of School

Laura, an Elementary Education major, contributed this post about our first day in the Salesian School.

Today was our first day at the Salesian school!  We met for morning meeting at the high school at 8:30 a.m. and we were introduced by Father Smith.  He spoke to both the elementary and high school students about our visit to the schools.  It was very honoring to hear him describe us as "big brothers and sisters" to the students.  We gave both Father Smith and Father Theparate gifts to show our appreciation for allowing us to be a part of their new school year.  All of us were impressed with how well the students followed directions.  When the bell rang, all 8,000 students lined up in straight rows to sing the national anthem, pray the Our Father, and hear morning announcements.   

Afterwards, we were given a tour of the schools.  There are five levels to the high school.  Inside each of the classrooms there is not a lot of technology; however, every teacher is given a microphone so the students can hear.  When we walked into classes, the class leader would stand and invite the rest of the class to do the same.  In unison, they would all greet us by saying, "Good morning, Teachers.  How are you?" The students are very shy and did not have a lot of questions for us but they are excited to have us here.  We saw the library at the high school (organized by the Dewey Decimal System,) played the instruments in the band room and we were introduced to the staff and teachers. 

 

After our tour, Dr. Hartigan gave us an "Introduction to Thai" lesson.  We learned our numbers 1 through 10 as well as polite mannerisms to use over the next 20 days.  Who knew you couldn't point the bottom of your feet at the Thai's?  We also had Jeff, a secondary English teacher, come talk to us about his experiences.  Jeff was born in Alabama and returned to Thailand with his mother when he was three.  He spent ten years here before returning to the United States to be educated.  After graduation from the University of Alabama, Jeff joined the United States Army band.  He retired from the army and returned to Thailand where he found his calling working as an English teacher and choir leader at the Salesian school.  Did we mention he's a fourth generation grandson to the ruling king of Thailand?  Our royal friend has made plans to introduce us to the Thai night life on Friday and after a long week of teaching, everyone will be looking forward to that! 

At dusk, we finally made our way down to the beach!  The water is so warm and there are plenty of beach chairs to lounge on. I'm sure we will take full advantage of them later in the week.  We walked along the beach to a restaurant on the pier and rounded off the evening shopping at the night market.  All in all, our second day in Hua Hin and first day of school was quite the adventure.  We feel privileged to be working with such an amazing group of teachers, students, and Thai community.