Be careful what you wish for. I have been complaining that I had nothing to do. Well the universe has taken care of that. I got a job. There is a large private school in Kandy called Ecole Internationale. It is the oldest private school in Kandy, founded in 1980. They needed an English teacher for two grade 9 commerce classes. So they hired me. However, the place is administratively a shambles. As a result of deteriorating standards, they have lost 500 students over the last 5 years. The founder's brother, who resides in Ireland has taken up the fight and is trying to bring things back from the brink. So instead of teaching English, I have become one of two advisers who are tasked with the job of revamping every administrative procedure.
So now, it is up every morning at 5. Pickup at 7 and off we go.
Today, I managed to put a proper staff attendance register in place. School is supposed to start at 0725, but 3/4 of the staff including the principal breeze in at 0730 or 0731 after the bell rings. No wonder the kids are late. Got a proper leave procedure in place as well and at least a start on substitutions. What a mess. Teachers just don't show up and don't advise anyone. Chandra and I went for a walk around this morning and found 3 middle school classrooms without teachers.
Also had an interesting request from a Muslim couple who want us to introduce a uniform including the hijab, the head scarf, for the Muslim girls, regardless of age. We had a discussion, and thankfully everyone agreed that it isa ludicrous idea. So tomorrow, I have to tell the parents we are not going to do it and if they decide to send their children somewhere else as a result, so be it.
So far very interesting. The other bit of good news is that they may be able to help with my visa situation, plus there is a swimming pool and a tennis court on site. The tennis court is neglected, but we are going to refurbish it with lighting and all. Clay courts. Wonderful!
As I am looking for another house anyway, I am going to look in that area. The school is in an area called Digana which is about 6 km east of Kandy. It is very close to the Victoria Dam, a beautiful golf course, the international cricket stadium, etc. Very up and coming. So with any luck, I will find a nice place out there for Rs.30,000 of less and will not have to travel as far to get to school. Plus the other bonus is my maid Veenitha lives out there as well, so it will be easier for her.
Things are shaping and looking up.
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