HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE
March 6, 2009
This past week nature and civilization clashed. A sloth climbed up the power lines, completed an electrical circuit and blew out a transformer. Most of the school did not have power and, of course, air conditioning, on a day with the highest recorded temperatures in 30 years. Everyone survived, including the sloth, and we all have a heightened appreciation of the advantages of electrical power and air conditioning.
We have about six more weeks before the one-week spring break which begins on Monday, April 20th. This is a good period of time for students buckle down and progress in their studies.
Please note we are now also preparing for the next school year. Classes will begin on Monday, August 3rd so please arrange your vacation plans so students are back to school on the first day.
Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts and let us hope for some rain!
February 6, 2009
The new semester is off to a great start. As of today, we have 730 students at Gavea and Barra and the satellite campus in Macae is just beginning. We are looking forward to a great second half of the school year.
Last Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I attended the main recruitment fair held by the University of Northern Iowa. I am pleased to report it was successful as I was able to fill the remaining teaching positions that we are anticipating will take place at the end of this school year. Next year we will have new staff in every division and they come highly recommended with successful teaching experience both in the United States and overseas.
Next week I will be attending a large alumni event that will take place during the annual conference sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of International Education. Both these events will take place in San Francisco and the Directors/Headmasters from around the world will be in attendance along with officers of the Office of Overseas Schools/U.S. Department of State, accrediting agencies, other organizations that support education and publishing companies. At least four former headmasters will be in attendance at the EA alumni event and, together with alumni, we will celebrate former Headmaster Gil Brown’s 80th birthday. I will return to Rio on Monday, February 16th, in time for the next School Board meeting.
