First day of school, Take 2

Once again the halls are filled with chatter and giggles and teachers barking commands. It’s been several weeks since I’ve seen the students. Walking into the new school this morning, a group of 8th grade girls I know (though their names I couldn't remember) greeted me warmly, carrying themselves proudly in their new uniforms. Gone are the drab all-navy outfits, they are now sporting plaid skirts and fancy, flight attendant bowties in place of the slender red neckties. The majority, however, are still wearing their white knee-hi socks with the playboy bunny logo. As to why these are popular, I have no idea. One smallish boy lingers behind the girls—I notice the boys’ uniform has changed as well. The imperial black suits with the gold buttons and mock collars have been exchanged for more Western attire--navy blazers, blue oxfords, dark gray trousers, and neckties.

This morning we had the opening ceremony (the school year begins in April here), which consisted predominantly of bowing and teachers adjusting the above-mentioned student uniforms (making sure the girls’ skirts reached their knees and that the boys ties were cinched tight). They also attempted singing the new school song, but I couldn't hear anything but the piano.

My appearance too, has been a topic of discussion recently, as I have been wearing a beard for the last couple weeks. Most of the teachers have commented on it, almost all in favor. However, the principal made fun of me several times at the teacher party last Friday (and then later sheepishly apologized and said he liked it), and the librarian has told me to shave at least 3 times. I taught her the word “scruffy”, and she keeps telling me “No scruffy, no scruffy”. The math teacher has taken to calling me Obi-wan and asking me to bring my light-saber to school. It also seems to have upped my cool factor with the students, though one girl looked at me this morning with a disappointed face and said, “Michael. Beard. Why? Why?” I had no answer.

I am very much looking forward to this year, as I will be teaching at the same place each day rather than traveling between three schools each week. Too, the faculty seems a good mix of teachers, with at least 6 others beside myself under 30. So far, the mood seems quite relaxed in the faculty room, a welcome surprise.