Last Few Weeks of School

These past few weeks have been spent getting to know my community (so lots of eva-pe-ing , a.k.a walking around and talking to people), organizing my school library, teaching the students Christmas songs and how to start using their library.

Christmas is in full swing here already, they had the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in town today, and island Christmas music is all over the place. (it's still a little strange to listen to White Christmas when it's hot and sunny everyday...)

 The students finished their testing last week and have been practicing very hard for their end of year faiva or show.

These are the kiddos all dressed up for our dress rehearsal faiva (show) for their parents at the school.

                                                     My class 5 and 6 girls!

                                 Esther a class 6 student (she's pretty awesome and has been a huge help as I get settled in the community and my school)

                Another class 6 student with David (or Vida) Makisi's & Alofaki's (my principal and neighbor) 9 month old baby!

                 Saliema (or Ima), the Class 1 teacher and my language tutor!

                     Soeli with his little brother getting ready for the performance!

                                         The students performing the faiva!

       The students did 2 dances, a sitting dance with all the grades, and classes 3-6 did the Kailau (traditional spear dance).

                                      All dressed up for our practice faiva!

 The library, I've been working to get organized and ready before summer school starts!

        My school is a Free Wesleyan Church School, so our colors are blue and white.

 The school field in the back of the school. This is where all the activities happen, and the community practices soccer and rugby every night! (It's also where I get a beautiful work out in the morning, when I'm feeling up to it...)

  Works in progress:
     -  I just sent in a proposal to the Rotary Club in Nuku'Alofa to see if we can repair our library.
- This tuesday we have our Graduation Day, where students who did well throughout the year are recognized.
-Then it's malolo (rest) time! Until summer school starts on the 2nd of December. I am very excited, I just printed out flyers for the whole community to attend. It will be twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays class 2 & 3 students will come from 9-11 a.m. and Wednesdays class 3 & 4 students will come from 9-11 a.m. My class 6 students and the Form 1 & 2 (equivalent to grade 6 & 7) will come and be mentors and helpers on both days. I am very excited and hope we get a good turn out!