Last Updated on Thursday, 03 June 2010 11:13
Theme for 2009 - 2010:
"Year of the Gorilla"The professional learning community at Escuela Las Morochas is working together to SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY. We strive to assist our community of students to lead by example, using their skills, strengths and determination in a positive, responsible way to become life long learners, and responsible members of the global community.
June 3, 2010
Dear ELM Community,
With just two days left in our present academic year, THE YEAR OF THE GORILLA, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our present academic program, both on our past, and also on our future.
On the surface as events in Venezuela are unfolding rapidly, perhaps an outsider might think that the future of our program, and that of the oil industry in Cuidad Ojeda is uncertain. We disagree! While the school’s population has ebbed and flowed over the years, Escuela Las Morochas has always provided a rich learning environment for its students, whether there were 20 or 200. Next year, we have 84 confirmed placements (a ten year high in our enrollment) with several of our classes presently at capacity, and students from as far away as Chad (located in Central Africa) joining our program. Next year, we are expecting approximately 90 students, representing over 18 different nationalities.
While our student population is on the rise, so is our teaching population. Next year we will have four “new” teachers arriving in August who will bring a total of 51 years of teaching experience to ELM. They are currently in Lima, Peru and Dongguan, China, and they are very, very excited to be coming. They have studied our website, www.escuelalasmorochas.com and they want to be part of our community to work with your children and to help ELM get even stronger.
Ms. Taizu Wold, as the next Director General of ELM, brings over ten years of teaching experience with her, (three right here at Escuela Las Morochas) and a deep knowledge of Latin America, having been raised in both Boliva and Peru. She has spent the last year working several hours each week to learn about the management of our school. After three years at ELM, it is clear that Ms. T. Wold cares very much about our students, and our school and she shares my vision for an even more challenging and supportive program in the years to come.
As you may know, I was in Guatemala City last week, trying to learn as much as possible about my future school. While I was there, I spoke with the Board of Directors, administration, faculty, staff and students. What I learned from my visit may surprise you. The “large” school in Guatemala would like to implement a “new” structure which educational research has proven leads to great improvements in student success. What is this change in structure? The class size is reduced and students from two or more grade levels are combined to form one class. Does this sound familiar?
Educators from these schools (ours included) are reporting that this type of setting provides more individualized instruction and broader opportunities for socialization. ELM already knows about this, and will continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for your students.
Despite all the uncertainties that may exist at this present time in Venezuela and in Cuidad Ojeda, there is one thing that is without doubt … 2010 – 2011 is going to be a great year at ESCUELA LAS MOROCHAS!!!
Jeff Trudeau
Director General
(on campus until June 22nd)
End of the year notes:
1. Tomorrow, last day of the YEAR OF THE GORILLA. Dismissal at 12:35 (Report cards handed out to all students whose accounts are cleared with our business office.)
2. Today, tomorrow and up until June 18th --- YEAR OF THE GORILLA YEARBOOKS are on sale at a price of 85 BsF. per yearbook, or BsF 170 for two.
3. June 18th, the central office closes, and registration of local students is closed for the 2010 – 2011 school year.
4. August 9th – THE YEAR OF THE HORSE begins at Escuela Las Morochas.
Jeff Trudeau
Director General
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eQuotes
“Imitation is the first instinct of the awakening mind.”
Gorillas
Gorillas are ground-dwelling herbivores that inhabit the forests of Africa. They are also the largest of the living primates and have a strong sense of community.
