This week has been my first with the new timetable. I have taught KG1 (Foundation) to Grade 5 (Year 6). The children have been very responsive and I love KG PE. I also set up a couple of meetings about how I might develop library sessions across the Elementary school.

As we all live together on the compound, I meet my pupils, wherever I go outside our front door. Of course they all know my name, even if I can’t yet remember who they are or which family they belong to. I even heard my name and a friendly greeting from up a tree as I walked beside the sports field.

This week it was the KG nativity. There were at least as many cameras evident as in any British school. I provided support during three performances for a young boy who is a ‘free spirit’ and finds staying calm and quiet in such situations difficult.

On Friday several huge marquees were set up (one outside our front door). The Gibsha is an event to say ‘thank you’ to all the Ethiopian staff and their families. A meal was prepared and served outside for about 300. It was an opportunity to chat with a number of people informally and Phil met many potential patients. It’s difficult to know which Ethiopian greeting is appropriate and when. Sometimes it’s a cheek to opposite cheek 4 times, sometimes it’s touching wrists and bumping shoulders. Then there’s the words that go with them….

Although there are long and medium term plans available on the Bingham School network – (yes we have one when the internet is working), daily planning is up to the individual. I will soon obtain a spiral bound planning file in which I can jot down notes for my own benefit to aid lesson delivery or evaluation. No one scrutinizes these. Hours spent on the computer filling in boxes are no longer required.

We were unable to buy sugar in either supermarket we visited today, however we did manage to buy a very respectable cauliflower and a tube of something that may be Pringles that were called Magic Time Yummy Tummy potato crisps –so life is good!