Daily Field Reports - 2007

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

"Nothing makes the world so cheerful or spacious as having friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes" - Henry David Thoreau

Dear Junior families,

Internet access has been severely affected by strong winds which have shifted the satellite connection here on Tobacco Caye, a sliver of land not more than 100 yards across at its widest point. Last night was a case in point with lots of Skyhawk garb strewn about the trees this morning.

Your sons and daughters are doing wonderfully well and having a great time!

While there has been more rain here in Belize than we would have liked, we have been forging forward on all the stations. Here on the reef, the variety of life in the sea has not been disappointing, including several giant rays, some of which have come right up to the pier. We have started the snorkeling gradually and the students finish off with a dive on the outer reef which has a cross section of coral and sea life that would amaze you.

In the afternoons before dinner, volleyball has been the order of the day with spirited Skyhawk performances as you might expect.

After dinner we have had several stirring performances including songs, charades, readings, and a learned discussion about the merits of the smash hit movie '300' led by our AP Latin class.

I've had the opportunity to spend time with groups I and II, and IV is coming in today. It is interesting to watch the way the students process all of the experiences coming their way, and one thing is common to all: fatigue at the end of the day with bedtime usually coming no later than 8:30! The students have been very supportive of each other and extremely polite to their fellow visitors and people working on the island (no surprise there).

It never ceases to impress me what good ambassadors our student are for the school, the state, and the nation.

Rest assured that our MD's on the trip have not been practicing much medicine except for some flu type symptoms and too much sun. If I have the chance to send another message, I'll do so, again, contingent on internet connection.

You can look forward to many happy and tired smiles when we return to the school in a couple of days.

Adam de Pencier
Headmaster

PS: to Hannibal and Finbar: Daddy loves you and will bring you a present if you brush your teeth. And I mean really brush them.