Stužková!
10 November, 2009. Baia Mare, Romania.
It's been more than two years since I've posted to this blog... time flies! And it's been more than four years since I first relocated to Slovakia in November, 2005 (and more than three years since I departed!). In early December of 2005 I inherited a teaching position at Obchodna Akademia in Trnava. As long ago stories on this blog relate, I had some difficulties with my initial "employer" in Slovakia, and with the help of friends (particularly Viera Ralbovska and Miro Marko) I found (a much better) job at Obchodna Akademia (Business Academy -- a public high school specialising in the study of economy). At that time I took over from a departing American teacher (Brandon), and one of the classes I inherited was 1E. This class was at that time in the equivalent of grade 9, so even Brandon had been quite new to them. As the school year progressed, 1E became a special class for me. Not only did I see them more often than other classes in the school, but they were also the most enjoyable and (usually) enthusiastic class to teach. Since that time I've been known as "Mr. Brendan" to these students, and since departing Slovakia in 2006, I've maintained contact with several of them.
So, it was with a bit of good luck that I am currently living in Europe again (this time in Romania), and through the wonders of Facebook, members of the 1E class (now 5E) invited me to attend thier stužková (the only Canadian equivalent that even comes close to this event is our senior prom, but even this is very different. The best explanation, from a North American perspective, that I've found is here, about midway down the page, under "Slovakia"). So this past weekend, I cancelled my Romanian classes and hopped on a direct flight from Baia Mare to Vienna. Two hours later I was back in Trnava and visiting with my ex-colleagues, Mila Miranova (from the Slovak University of Technology) and Veronika Kralikova (from CLIP Centrum). Saturday evening, at around 5.30, I was met by former student, Alena (who was a member of 1E when I taught at Obchodna Akademia, but who left her class to study in Oxford, England) and the new English Conversation teacher at OA, Jan (or Mrs. Sheppherd), and off we went to the biggest event of the year (from the perspective of the 5E class, at least).
Although I'd been invited by Michaela, Andrea, and Linda, it seems they kept my appearance something of a secret, because several of the students were noticeably surprised to see me there (as were my former teaching colleagues, Katka, Alena, and Stanka). In some cases, I had not seen them since June, 2006! I had a grand time at their stužková and was very, very happy I could attend (not to mention, honoured that they thought of inviting me!). Stužkovás are very formal events, and the evening began with a formal procession, introducing all of the students, who once gathered in front of the audience (consisting of their parents and teachers, mainly) were individually invited to step forward and recieve their ribbon from their class teacher (which most will wear now until the end of the year, marking their forthcoming graduation). All of the young women (only girls when I first met them) looked stunning in their gowns, and the young men (likewise only boys four years ago), were very handsome. The evening was then turned over to the students, who proceeded to entertain us with short skits, dances, and songs. Guests were fed twice and had access to as much drink as they pleased. All in all, it was an event I'll never forget.
Scarlett dancing for the audience's entertainment. The boys entertaining: Lukas, Milos, Ondrej, Richard, and Viktor.
THANK YOU 5E for inviting me, and I'm very pleased that I had even a small part in your education. GOOD LUCK as you prepare for your maturita exams and look forward to university! :-)
See more of my photos from this lovely event here.
It's been more than two years since I've posted to this blog... time flies! And it's been more than four years since I first relocated to Slovakia in November, 2005 (and more than three years since I departed!). In early December of 2005 I inherited a teaching position at Obchodna Akademia in Trnava. As long ago stories on this blog relate, I had some difficulties with my initial "employer" in Slovakia, and with the help of friends (particularly Viera Ralbovska and Miro Marko) I found (a much better) job at Obchodna Akademia (Business Academy -- a public high school specialising in the study of economy). At that time I took over from a departing American teacher (Brandon), and one of the classes I inherited was 1E. This class was at that time in the equivalent of grade 9, so even Brandon had been quite new to them. As the school year progressed, 1E became a special class for me. Not only did I see them more often than other classes in the school, but they were also the most enjoyable and (usually) enthusiastic class to teach. Since that time I've been known as "Mr. Brendan" to these students, and since departing Slovakia in 2006, I've maintained contact with several of them.
So, it was with a bit of good luck that I am currently living in Europe again (this time in Romania), and through the wonders of Facebook, members of the 1E class (now 5E) invited me to attend thier stužková (the only Canadian equivalent that even comes close to this event is our senior prom, but even this is very different. The best explanation, from a North American perspective, that I've found is here, about midway down the page, under "Slovakia"). So this past weekend, I cancelled my Romanian classes and hopped on a direct flight from Baia Mare to Vienna. Two hours later I was back in Trnava and visiting with my ex-colleagues, Mila Miranova (from the Slovak University of Technology) and Veronika Kralikova (from CLIP Centrum). Saturday evening, at around 5.30, I was met by former student, Alena (who was a member of 1E when I taught at Obchodna Akademia, but who left her class to study in Oxford, England) and the new English Conversation teacher at OA, Jan (or Mrs. Sheppherd), and off we went to the biggest event of the year (from the perspective of the 5E class, at least).
Although I'd been invited by Michaela, Andrea, and Linda, it seems they kept my appearance something of a secret, because several of the students were noticeably surprised to see me there (as were my former teaching colleagues, Katka, Alena, and Stanka). In some cases, I had not seen them since June, 2006! I had a grand time at their stužková and was very, very happy I could attend (not to mention, honoured that they thought of inviting me!). Stužkovás are very formal events, and the evening began with a formal procession, introducing all of the students, who once gathered in front of the audience (consisting of their parents and teachers, mainly) were individually invited to step forward and recieve their ribbon from their class teacher (which most will wear now until the end of the year, marking their forthcoming graduation). All of the young women (only girls when I first met them) looked stunning in their gowns, and the young men (likewise only boys four years ago), were very handsome. The evening was then turned over to the students, who proceeded to entertain us with short skits, dances, and songs. Guests were fed twice and had access to as much drink as they pleased. All in all, it was an event I'll never forget.
Dominika and Eva proceeding, with Simona and Linda in waiting. Lukas and Natalia were the evening's MCs.
Scarlett dancing for the audience's entertainment. The boys entertaining: Lukas, Milos, Ondrej, Richard, and Viktor.
Everyone altogether. Congratulations 5E!!
THANK YOU 5E for inviting me, and I'm very pleased that I had even a small part in your education. GOOD LUCK as you prepare for your maturita exams and look forward to university! :-)
See more of my photos from this lovely event here.
posted by BFRE at 11:53 a.m.
1 Comments:
Terrific reunion story.
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