Come on Teacher, Teach Me Something

Today was my first day of school. In a throwback to my elementary school days, I picked out my outfit the night before, and lay in bed wondering nervously if the other kids would like me... As usual my stress levels were disproportionally high.

Education is a huge priority in Singapore, and it's clear that the goverment invests a ton of money and resources into its schools - most schools are in relatively new buildings (built in the last 10 years), and have great technology in the classrooms (including a laptop provided for every teacher). As I was repeatedly told during my orientation days, Singapore has no natural resources - it's only resources are its people, and therefore their education is naturally considered fairly important. Unfortunately, it turns out that these resources do not extend so far as providing air conditioning in the classrooms. Remember how hot I said it was? Well picture that kind of humid, heavy heat, broiled in a classroom with 45 teenagers, topped with 6 or 7 loud ceiling fans to ensure minimal ability to hear one another (45 students is, by the way, the standard class size here... heavens).

Last week, I was invited to attend Teacher's Day at my school before officially starting work. A national holiday, it involves discounts in stores, a day off from school, and a celebratory dinner or lunch. I attended my school's lunch at a beautiful venue, was served delicious food, showered with gifts, and told what an inspiration I was to the next generation. Entertainement provided at this event for teachers was, I kid you not, a snake charmer. On this very special day, students from previous years come back to say hello to old teachers, and bring gifts and cards. It was truly lovely. At some point, I was asked when teacher's day is in Canada... I laughed.

Despite all my nerves, my first day went really well. My biggest problem turned out to be my name, which it seems no one can pronounce. "Miriam" was everything but, including variations on Marianne, Mariam, Maria, Marin, Mira.... "Miss Greenblatt," though, was a whole other ballpark. Not even the teachers could say it, despite my spelling it out. I was introduced in class after class with names I did not recognize as my own. The students respond as they are taught by standing up to welcome me, bowing down, and chanting in chorus:
"Good Moooorning Miss Greeeenbrrrrraaahhhhllll".
Apparently it is recommended I consider shortening my name to "Miss Green." Does anyone but me mind that this is not my actual name?

Still, the highlight of my day was without question the moment when a teacher, upon finding out I am Canadian, gushed to me about his love of Celine Dion, and proceeded to tell me all about how he and his mother attended her recent concert, and how both of them cried because her songs are so emotional. Obviously I gave him my phone number.

Off to bed, since I have to be up so early - I report to school at 7:15 am sharp for the singing of the anthem and raising of the flag. Coming soon - pictures of my new home!