First visit to the new school

On Friday morning we stopped in at the new school- International School of Tianjin- to let the girls check it out.  The principal of the school showed us around the school and we stopped in and met the Ava's Kindergarten teacher and Annika's third grade teacher.  It was so amazing to be in a school where there are people from ALL OVER THE WORLD!  I just LOVE that! 

The classes are all taught in English and the school takes a more Western approach to learning.  The kids either take classes in Mandarin or classes in their native tongue if they are ESL students.  I didn't realize this until this past week but the school is only open to people holding foreign passports (not Chinese nationals).  Don't ask me why this is the case but there you have it.  Actually, if we were in a Chinese school, the kids would have the entire month of January off for winter/Chinese New Year holiday.  As it is, the girls have next week off for the Chinese New Year.  And that's another story…Chinese New Year. 🙂

The girls have already made a few friends (big sigh of relief!).

We've hit a few bumps this week in terms of figuring out the school (especially regarding Annika's class schedule and homework) but here's hoping that it goes smoothly!  

 Standing in the atrium of the new building that houses the library, theater, music rooms and some of the school's administrative staff.  This building just opened up this past year and it is beautiful! 

The girls goofing around in the beautiful new library.  I can't wait to spend more time here!  So many books to choose from.  And…they also are starting a book club for adults!  I missed it this time around but I'll definitely participate with the next book.  

Seeing as we didn't have any lunch plans we decided to have a go at the school lunch.  Oh my!  This school has lots of options for their students and staff!  The huge grin on Annika's face?  Do you see the trays of sushi rolls in the background?  sushi + Annika = Happy Girl!

Ava and I shared a lovely (and large!) sandwich.  We all got peach juice boxes.  And cakes for dessert.  And we forgot to take a photo before we gobbled everything up.  

Here's the deal regarding lunch: the Kindergarteners that have the school lunch are given a tray with serving portions perfect for them.  They don't go through the lunch line and pick out stuff- the tray is loaded and waiting for them at the little kid tables (not shown in the above photo).  Starting with First Grade the children go through the lunch lines and decide if they want the hot lunch (two options) or pick something from the "fast food" counter (like where we got the sandwiches and sushi rolls).  They do offer a tremendous variety.  Guess that makes sense considering there are children from all over the world attending this school.  Of course, I can always send a lunch from home but for now it's just easier for them to eat the school lunch.

And now I am reminded that I forgot to take photos of the girls' new classrooms.  Oops!  I guess that will just have to be another post.