Classes and Snorkeling Friday 28th

The kids all turned up in their uniforms today ready for a taste of french classes.  The response is the same each year - they find their classes very staid and unmotivating, especially not being able to understand much, but it is still a valuable experience for them though, as they can compare the way their teachers and our teachers interact with the class and also the different style of teaching here, i.e teacher at the front, students working invidually in their exercise books and using text books for most subjects. Group work and shared activities aren't common in the french system.

They were so ready for the beach when they came out at 11.30!  We walked down to Anse Vata beach and caught the water taxi across to Duck Island for our snorkelling. The wind was up so the sea was choppy by then. The taxi ride was exciting with squeals of delight as we pounded across to the island. Their families had provided them with lunch so we ate on the beach and then a bit later they snorkelled. Of course they were excited at all the fish they saw, along with the different coloured corals and they all thoroughly enjoyed the expedition.

On our return to Anse Vata, we walked back up to school to meet the billets. The families have all sorts of activities planned for them for the weekend so I'm sure they will be full of stories on Monday morning.

                                                                       Water taxi base

                                                                     We're off!

                                                                    Loving the bumps!

                                                                        Into the water

                                                                      Our ride to the island

                                             Leaving Isle du Canard (Duck Island) behind

The Principal, Deputy Principal and some of the staff at Jean Mariotti, have invited Bill and I out tonight to a Tahitian dinner and cultural concert. They remember Bill's efforts at Tahitian dancing when they all came out with their students last year and we had a beautiful Tahitian dance performance by one of their students at our assembly. Taupo Intermediate boys thought all their Christmases had come at once!  She was a very popular girl for the rest of the visit!  She invited Bill to the stage to join her dancing. Of course he did so, but I'm not sure about him displaying his talent onstage with professional dancers during a concert at the Ramada Hotel!! I might be embarrassed but I know the teachers will love it and he'll relish it!!
I will have my camera at the ready.......

Have a good weekend everyone. Au revoir!  Your kids are all doing us proud.