# 24, February 14, 2024. School days

This morning we arrived for breakfast with the sisters and then we all went off to our assignments. Winnie was preparing potato pancakes and very fresh chicken (so fresh we heard the chicken’s last squawk on the way to class). Winnie is introducing the students to some Canadian recipes and giving tips on successful meal plans. Betting Jane worked with the music teacher and was delighted to find some items (Guitar strings and more) she thought were missing, tucked away in pockets of the instrument cases. Charlotte worked with Sister Ruth in the Pre-Primary class of four-year-olds. Colleen worked in Cynthia’s primary class and did math and literacy workshops with P-4 teachers in afternoon. They concentrated on literacy beginnings and making teacher aids from inexpensive materials in their environment.

This morning we encountered four more children who were without food and hungry while watching classmates eating. Teachers assured us the other children share. These beautiful children had just arrived so they are not yet identified as needing to be sponsored and are awaiting a uniform. Tomorrow they will have a good lunch. Sponsored children are assured of food and clothing and those in need will soon be identified as candidates for sponsorship through Chalice.  John and John continued to do inventory on the needs of the school. The sisters will add to it and ultimately make a list of priorities.  At 4:00 Ash Wednesday mass was celebrated with awesome singing from the choir. The thunder held off till 6:10 when mass was over, and then we had a torrential downpour which has lasted for hours. Before supper we had the pleasure of meeting two young brothers who are sponsored respectively, by Ted and Hermina Van Zutphen and Jackie and Marie Brideau. The boys' family consists of one girl with albinism and two boys with albinism. All three are here at St Odilia School. The boys are happy to be here as at their former school they were subject to ridicule and bullying.

Where there is a a tree, children will climb.

Cynthia with her class of five year olds.

Bottle caps are a very versatile teaching aid. 

Charlotte in class work with the grade ones.

Almost as good as Lego.

Teaching colours, and grouping.

Charlotte working with the children

Betty Jane in music class

Delicious lunch. Roasted spiced potatoes, cooked beans
(shelled this morning). groundnut and canola (green saucy item).

YMCA for the letters with Charlotte in Clara's class.

Charlotte in class

John MacInnis, Martin, Sr Auxilia, Talent, John Gillies.
These boys were sponsored by Ted and Hermina
Van Zutphen and Jackie and Marie Brideau.

Mass is over.

John and John doing inventory of needs
 with Sr Auxillia, School headmistress.