Today was the first PSTA Meeting (like PTO). I took the bus with Daniel. I know that sounds weird, but it is a 45 minute drive, so they allow parents to ride the buses if there is room. And it is a lot cheaper than taking a taxi. It was pouring rain today so both of us were soaked (with an umbrella) by the time we got to the bus.
Many parents arrived on the buses so they had coffee and breakfast set up and we were able to socialize for the first hour. I met so many people (most of whom I will not remember their names - which I told them - they said the same thing!) Sat and talked with people from Egypt, Australia, US, and many other places. We all shared our stories of how long we have been here, where we are from, children, etc. Most of the people I met were very new like me.
At 9:00 the meeting began - for those who are involved in PTO you will be very jealous - there were well over 100 people in attendance! The Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent welcomed and spoke to us. Just to remind you the school has over 3000 students on the 2 campuses. Quite amazing that they would come to a PSTA meeting. The meeting was about 2 hours. It was not just about events that will be happening. They talked about curriculum (the curriculum director spoke), they talked about the Board of Directors (parents are on this board as well as someone from the US Consulate), and so much more my head was spinning. The last 30 minutes was about events coming up and voting on the budget.
The big event they have coming up is the Centennial Carnival in October. This school was started in 1912 - so 100 years old. Remember this school is Shanghai AMERICAN School. I didn't realize that Americans have been here that long. And yes I volunteered to help at it! Does this surprise anyone?
After the meeting they had a Parent Information Fair with vendors from all sorts of things. They had health care centers, dentists, shopping centers, travel agents, sports centers/teams, Women's Group, Community Center, etc. I have so much literature to read through! The big ones for me was the health care, the Community Center, Women's Group, and sports for Daniel.
The travel agents were popular because our first week off is the first week in October (they celebrate National Day - kind of like 4th of July except for Communism) and I was told to get out of China that week. EVERYONE has it off and it is so crowded here. So everyone was looking for places to go. Will let you know once we decide.
I will join the American Women's Group because most of the women here do belong and they do so much. It will give me opportunities to meet more people. The Community Center offers many classes. I am looking at taking Chinese cooking classes. Would love to know how to cook some of the vegetables they have here.
This morning I met up with Alexis. I met her and her family at New Family Orientation. Her son Grant is in Daniel's class. She is from New Jersey. After we had gathered all the information, she gave me a ride back (she has a driver already). We decided to stop for lunch. We had a wonderful conversation. She arrived the same day as we did. It is also her first expat assignment (expat is what they call people who are working in a foreign country). Many of the people we met are seasoned expats - going from one country to another! The two of us are very new to this! Alexis and I plan on meeting up next week to start exploring the city together. Can't wait!
I had many people ask how long we plan on being here. More than once I was told that I will not want to leave! We shall see.
Cultural Differences/Frustrations 101: No store carries all the groceries that I want. I must go to many different stores to buy everything, and I still can't find everything. Am currently looking for heavy cream. Alexis is looking for half & half!
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