A nice spot



The boys' new school is called Hillcrest International because it's on the top of a big hill--a nice walking and picnic spot with views of the lake and town below.

Reuben's First Day of School



Looking a little unsure, Reuben finds his locker. At the end of the first week he announced: Good school! There are 10 kids in his class, from Indonesia, Australia, US, Canada and Korea.

Sekolah Papua Harapan


Soren's 1st Grade teacher Dewi came to visit him when he was sick for two weeks and unable to go to school. It wasn't malaria or anything dramatic, just a cough/cold virus thing with fever that lasted a whole week. Soren has now moved to the International School for 2nd Grade; we're glad to still see Dewi at church on Sundays.

Soren's last day at Sekolah Papua Harapan. Mum blubbered her way through the exit parent-teacher interview, grateful for Soren's two years there, and sad that it was coming to an end. Reuben was a bit too young to start Kindergarten there, so rather than holding him back a year, we put him into Kindergarten at the International School.

School pick up


Yes indeed, this is the trusty bridge I cross twice daily to pick up Soren from school. There was a detour set up for a while, until someone decided that it was safe enough to use again.

Reuben's playgroup

Reuben goes to playgroup a few times a week, 8-10am. Lately I have been staying for the duration, to help him engage and keep it a postive time for him before he heads to the international school in August. 

On this particular morning the children played being at the market. Ibu Esther who runs the group has a never-ending supply of creative play ideas. 



Burning rubbish.

With friends Mel and Mama Kin, who've also been conned by their kids to stay for the morning.

Jasper Road Public Oct-Dec 2012



Soren did 4th Term of 1st Grade while we were in Sydney. I was

so nervous for him and had to try so hard not to show it. He had

some tricky days but in all in all he enjoyed it, and by the end of

the term had made some good friends. It was lovely to be able to

walk to and from school each day.

Soren's teacher Mrs Jensen.

  

Culture shock! A classmate's birthday party involved LazerZone, Tenpin Bowling, hamburgers and TimeZone in quick succession.

With new friends Samuel and JiSang.

Soren turns 6

Soren chose to have a party at school with his class. When we arrived they were all ready and waiting, and very excited. We played some games and had some cake.

Ibu Mici was born to teach children.

We are such avid fans of Ibu Mici I had to include this wonky photo. At pick-up time I can be seen making not-very-subtle attempts at pushing Reuben in her direction in a bid to foster their relationship in hopeful anticipation of him joining her class when he's 5..

In great faith Soren put my paltry cake-making skills to the test again this year, requesting a crocodile cake. Philip and I pulled together and produced something passable. Lovely Soren was very pleased.

A few of these kids seem to be making a polite, brave attempt at swallowing! Ibu Mici kindly informed us that not many of them liked it because Western-style cakes are much sweeter than the Indonesian equivalent. Oops. Oh well.

As each child left, they had to shake Soren's hand, say Happy Birthday and God bless you, then receive a party bag. There's always a formal, proper way to do these things here.

Raising leaders for Papua

Soren's school, Sekolah Papua Harapan (could be translated 'High Hopes for Papua' School), turned 3 last week, and held a talent show and other fun things to celebrate. Its motto is 'Character Attitudes Skills Habits' and its goal is to raise leaders of integrity for Papua. The approach is positive and nurturing and we're thankful Soren is happily doing TK-B there this year, which is the equivalent of kindergarten or prep in Australia. I am doing some English numeracy and literacy with him at home.

Soren's class presented a number about a little lamb (Soren took this role very seriously!) who gets separated from the flock..

..and is then brought back to safety by the shepherd (his wonderful teacher Ibu Guru Mici).

The other TK-B class did a fashion parade, and each child had a chance to show their moves. Very cool.

Last day at Kidsland

There was an end-of-year concert and graduation at Kidsland, Soren's kinder. All the children played a part in an animal-themed medley--Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?

Soren was a black dog.

Here are the blue horses and the green frogs. The medley was designed to reinforce and showcase learning about colours and animals they'd been doing in English. Was really great!

Indonesians love ceremony!

The students graduating from TK-B (the second year of the kindergarten program), who will head to school next year.

Last day at Oasis

Reuben with Ibu Lilik, the principal of Oasis--the small, friendly kindergarten/playgroup that Reuben has attended for our year in Malang, and Soren for the first 6 months. It was founded and is overseen by Koreans, but the staff are Indonesian.

Reuben with his teacher Ibu Vero.

Reuben's classmates came from Korea, Australia, America and Indonesia.



Though not expensive, many Indonesians can't afford to send their kids to Oasis, or any other kindergarten, and keep them at home until they are old enough to attend school.

Phil loved getting to know this core group of Oasis mums. They were patient and forthcoming with his endless questioning, laughed with him (and at him), and became good friends over the daily drop-off and chat. Needless to say, they were invaluable for gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, and helped him perfect his lovely Javanese accent, which he'll now have to train himself out of for our return to Papua.

Some of the teachers, children and parents got together for an end-of-year meal.

This bumbu rujak chicken was so good I got the recipe.

Autumn gets a good dose of Indonesian-style love and affection.

Autumn with Oma--one of the most wonderful, big-hearted pray-ers I have met.

Washing up is done outside.



Heading home.

Kidsland

This is Soren with his main teacher Ms Tintin. How I wish I could pack her in my suitcase and take her with us back to Papua!

Open Day.

Proud boy wins third place in the colouring competition.


Soren and his buddy Nio.

Kidsland is bilingual, which has worked much better for Soren than an all-Indonesian environment.

On finishing a unit at language school, I was greeted by this lovely sight on coming home after my test.