Sunday, February 03, 2013

Pasir Ridge International School






Coming around again to something brand new is traveling to a foreign port and being met by familiar faces.  Didn’t we meet before in Seoul?  Didn’t we have dinner in Kota Kinabalu? I remember you from Cairo!

Michael and I have been on the international circuit long enough that we are more certain to be greeted by folks we’ve met before than not.  Still this trip was extra special as this is the third time we have had the privilege of working for Principal Seamus Marriott and his dynamic teaching wife Theresa.  First meeting in Wisconsin, traveling to work at their school in Shanghai, followed by Cairo American College and now Balikpapan, Indonesia. 

Pasir Ridge is a small school by any measure except quality, where they are overflowing, stacked to the ceiling tiles and busting out the windows. 

But, by far the best part of the week was Friday afternoon assembly -- they came with poems about happiness, anger and frustration, from the points of view of slaves, sun bears and the Empire State Building. They spoke with the kind of confidence that comes from feeling safe, to parents, teachers and their classmates.  Every voice blending into a harmonious chorus celebrating individuality. Thank you Pasir Ridge, Balikpapan.


2 comments:

Lee Ann Spillane said...

Just awesome! Sounds like a spectacular visit and special Principal and school.

Charles Waters said...

What a great opportunity not just for you and Michael but for the students as well. All of the knowledge lovingly shared and received!