Lloyd’s Arabian Adventure has morphed into a Far East Adventure!
We are now living near Seoul, in the Pyungchon Area. Our community is called
Anyang-Si, one of 5 satellite cities of Seoul. Our work is opening a BC
offshore school; Westminster Canadian Academy (WCA). Our new school is located
in the Gwecheon area, is a K – 8 International School offering full BC
curriculum and Dogwood diplomas. WCA has ambition plans to add a high school
next year and another high school/boarding school the year after.
It was an opportunity, late in the year, which required
serious consideration. We thought our International days and travel were over.
We were planning on returning to Canada, settling into our comfortable home in
Campbell River, and thought I would return to the education system, back in the
familiar community and school at Miracle Beach Elementary. God had different
plans for us!
We are enjoying the new, the different, the unexpected and
some familiars. There are Starbucks on every street corner, many 7-11 shops and
even some Costco stores. Peanut butter, Canadian Maple Syrup and bagels too . .
. . ahhhh.
My first impressions are one of respect for the progressive
planners of this city. It is apparent that the quality of life is important for
the citizens. In Anyang-Si, we live in the tallest apartment. We are on the 17th
floor and it goes up to 38 floors. It offers quite an amazing view for us! We
see city below us and green mountains a couple of kms away. Within one minute,
outside the front doors, is Central Park. There is a skate park, tennis court,
basketball, walking, running track, croquet, roller skate park, beer gardens
and restaurants, soccer field, public amphitheatre and I am sure other things I
have missed. Within our building, on
floors 2 – 4 are all kinds of conveniences. Some include hairdresser, Thai
massage, dental clinic, restaurants, Starbucks, indoor child’s sandbox play
store, dry cleaners, electronics and accessories, bakery, golf practice range, huge
gym, Palates classes, study areas, banks; really, a small community in one
building! Evidence of city planning at its best!
Our school is different and interesting in so many ways. We
have a basement for parking, and 3 more floors. Our reception, library,
KG/grade one classroom, kitchen, outdoor picnic and eating area and my office
are on the ground floor. Our second floor has 3 classrooms and one staff room.
The third floor has 2 more classrooms and a computer lab. Above that, we have
an amazing rooftop garden! The garden sports picnic tables with umbrellas,
grassed areas, flowers, fountains and statues too. I expect both teachers and
students will enjoy this space throughout the year!
various businesses send plants with colourful and long bows as a way of congratulations! In our foyer.
School opens Monday September 3rd, 2012. I have
interviewed each student along with their mom and dad. What a dedicated delighted
bunch of students; focused and looking for an alternative education system. The
Canadian system is a revered educational system around the world. This comment
may raise the hackles of some of my colleagues back home; however, think of our
philosophy and optimal learning conditions. At WCA, our class size will never
exceed 16/17 students so we can deliver the type of Canadian education each
child deserves and each teacher warrants.
We look forward to meeting new people and reuniting with
others. Sumin and Emily, and their families in particular!
Stay tuned, look up and East, to send your prayers and
greetings our way. We will look up and West, to reciprocate.
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