Our time yesterday morning at Seklolah Nusa Alam began at 9 where we met the new principal, Derek Pugh, on the steps to the front office. We briefly explained the history to our connection with Nusa Alam and then even more briefly outlined what our plans were while at Nusa Alam and again apologised about the timing - being there for the first 2 days of the school year!
We then headed towards the new senior building towards the back of the school while Febi quickly pointed out classrooms. Half way through the school, we had to step aside for a stream of elderly local men arriving for the selamatan (blessing ceremony), almost all wearing peci's (muslim hats). We then met two of the 4 original founders, Pak Peter, and his wife whose name i've forgotten. After chatting briefly, we headed upstairs to the classroom where many people were already seated cross legged on carpet on the floor with their backs to the walls and others too forming an inner circle. Most there were men and the only women were the indonesian and white staff.
As i was one of the last to arrive, i sat with my back to everyone in the inner circle and felt very uncomfortable. I can not cross my legs and so was sitting sidewards with my soles facing those behind me. Thankfully Febi was also sitting like this but it didn't help my unease. I wondered if i should be sitting holding my legs so my feet were flat on the floor but it didn't feel right so i remained as i was.
I'd asked Febi about filming during the ceremony and been given the ok however with my back to everything, it was too awkward. I did pan the teachers who were seated along the wall in front of me and got a little footage of the imam intoning from the koran.
It was absolutely lovely listening to the imam and watching the locals gesturing appropriately or echoing what sounded like the anglican 'glory be to god' equivalent. I especially loved the background noises of the ducks softly quacking in the rice field behind us and the occasional rooster crowing.
Towards the end of the selamatan Febi was told that some visitors had arrived and guessing it to be Sandy & Peter, i followed Febi out and we headed back to the front office where Sandy & Peter were waiting.
By the time we had left the office, the selamatan was finished and the stream of men was in reverse and they were all carrying a plastic bag of food and drink.
We then wandered back to Feb's classroom which is in the new block and is new in that it existed before but without walls as it was more like a verandah. So now it is closed in with a connecting door to the next classroom.
There we met Dianne, Febi's team teacher, who thankfully was very relaxed about us spending time with her on Monday & Tuesday. We talked about observing lessons with different year levels and attending the whole school assembly on Monday and then withdrawing their entire class of 12 year 5 students (4 students each) to borrow for 50 mins or so to film some kenalkans and a school tour on Tuesday.
We also met the JP principal, Ibu Eni, who has kindly agreed for one of us to observe her teach a senses science lesson to a kindy class Monday afternoon although she did warn us that this lesson could be disrupted if students are not coping! Reminds me of teaching receptions last lesson on the first day of school!
We then left Dianne in peace to get her head around sorting out her new room and finish her teacher prep while we headed outside. There we met Pak Mark (is that right?) and his wife, Ibu Sopan, the other 2 founders. Mark is from Tasmania which explains the constant reference to Tassie.
I then dragged Peter Bevan to the baruga i have fallen in love with to get his technical perspective. On his advice i have taken lots of photos however Sharon warns me that there are many design aspects that the Dept will not accept, so i will have to keep that in mind. I love the elevated table area in the middle! What do you think?
Febi can seat about 12 students at this which would be amazing for group work! So now, i need to fund raise the $10,000 to build it - built here it cost $1,200.
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