Christmas at Gladwin

It's been a long time since I last posted -- my apologies. One of the students told me the other day that he thought my blog was "dead." I realised that I better try and bring it back to life!

We have just finished the autumn term at Gladwin, and we will not have any more classes until January 5. At the end of each term, especially around Christmas, we often have parties and celebrations, which I always enjoy, and I think the students do as well.

This year my morning intermediate class combined with the advanced class to have a party on December 4 at the home of the teacher of the advanced class, Donnie. Donnie and her husband are very gracious, kind hosts. More importantly, they have a large house, so there is room for everyone. Many of our students have children, so they brought the kids and everyone had fun. It was a potluck meal, so we were able to enjoy food from many countries. Yum yum!

Christmas party for the morning class. Students from Mexico, Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Spain, and India!

This term the students in my evening class are all from Mexico. They are young adults who are living here for a year, working as nannies, or au pairs, in Canadian families. We've had a lot of fun together and they say their English is getting better. We decided to celebrate the end of the term with a party at my home, a small apartment.

They told me not to worry, they would bring all the food, and they did! Lots of food! Krystel made some spaghetti and Paola baked some cupcakes and eveyone else brought pizza and "cheeps," as Linneth would say! Some of their friends showed up and we had a great time. Lots of energy! We're looking forward to the new term, but remember everyone, we gotta cut back on the Spanish in class. "No se habla espanol aqui."

Party at my place! Mexican "nanny" class (and friends) enjoying all the good company and food.

Students showing off their certificates. Good job everyone, you worked hard!

On the last day of classes at Gladwin, some of the other classes held parties at the school where they had a special guest -- Santa! He talked to lots of the students to make sure they were had been good -- learned lots of English. He also encouraged them to try and learn lots of English during the holiday break. Santa seems to know about learning English and some people say that he works as an ESL teacher when he is not Santa!

I wonder who he could be?

Samuel tells Santa what he wants for Christmas.

Isobel having a good laugh with Santa.

Shin thinks that Santa is very funny!

So I hope you all have a wonderful time during the Christmas break. And may this coming year bring us more peace on earth and goodwill to each other.