hello, my name is...

This past Friday was my first official day of school!  The administration hosted a lovely morning for the new teachers to come in and get acquainted with the school.  The day started off in the staff lounge where the principal, assistant principal and school administrator welcomed us.  We went around one-by-one introducing ourselves and sharing how we came to teach at this school.  The group of new teachers consists of three international teachers (two Canadians and me) and six or seven Swedish teachers.  Surprisingly, I found that the school will be getting an entirely brand new science department this year.  (When I say “new,” I mean all of us are new to the school, new to Sweden, and new to the teaching profession.  It should be good fun.)

Here is the staff lounge.  I like the light fixtures and mailboxes.

After the introductions, we enjoyed a short coffee break or “fika.”  The principal made a point to bring in the best chocolate chip cookies to “make the American teacher feel at home.”  With the caffeine kicking in, we then got a tour of the school.  The cafeteria is on the ground floor.  My office is on the first floor.  My math classes are on the third floor.  And my science classes are on the fourth floor.  Yes, the stairs and I are going to become good friends.  No, I do not think I will need a gym membership this year.

Here is one of the sixth grade classrooms I will teach in.

With a rough working knowledge of the school’s layout, we then each received our laptop and keys.  We also had time to find where our desks will be.   My desk is in a little nook next to a window.  I will be sitting in the same office as two other math teachers.  Conveniently, the office is adjacent to the staff lounge and is only a stones throw away from the coffee machine.  I hear this machine also makes some pretty good hot cocoa.  O' boy!

The morning culminated with lunch.  The principal ordered in some smörgås torta—sandwich cake.  It is a very Swedish dish that is made by layering bread, veggies, meat and cheese in an almost cake-like fashion.  While it isn’t too bad, I think it might have a bit of an acquired texture. 

The rest of the staff will be coming back this next week.  In addition to meetings and lesson preparation, the administration has planned an all-day retreat on Thursday.  We have been told that the bus will leave at 8:30 sharp, and we should dress comfortably.  Beyond that, their lips are sealed.  Needless to say, I am very excited for this week.  I can’t wait to meet the other teachers.  

Here is the school.  It used to be a "Komvux"—school for adults.