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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-07-06, Page 14Crossroads 14 Wednesday, July 6, 2005 Exeter Times Advocate O'Rourke sisters gain teaching experience in Singapore By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF DASHWOOD — Teaching in Singapore is becoming something of a tradition for the O'Rourke family. Erin O'Rourke has spent the last year teaching at The Canadian International School in Singapore and intends to continue teaching there for the next two years. Her sister, Keriann, who recently graduated from Brock University, is also moving to Singapore to teach at the same school for a minimum of two years. Erin moved to Singapore last August and is home with her parents Pat and Gwen for a break before returning overseas in August. Initially, Erin intended to stay in Singapore for two years but she and her hus- band, Randy Helsdon, who works for American Express, decided to stay for a third year. Erin teaches drama for Grades 6-12 at The Canadian International School, while Keriann will teach kindergarten. Interestingly, the school uses the Ontario cur- riculum and most of the 150 teachers are Canadians. About 25 per cent of the student population is Canadian, while most of the rest consist of Korean, Chinese and Dutch. The school is privately - owned and teaches stu- dents from over 50 schools. Erin admits her choice to teach in Singapore was "odd," but she and her husband wanted to travel and, after she attended teachers' col- lege, she thought work- ing in Singapore would be a good opportunity. She also had a family friend with a connection to the school. Erin explains there are many differences between Canada and Singapore — notably, it's known as a very strict country (you can't chew gum) with many rules, harsh punish- ments and a govern- ment -controlled media. "Sometimes you have to take what you read with a grain of salt," Erin says. There are pluses, though — Erin describes Singapore as "very safe and clean," much cleaner than Toronto, where she attended York University. Erin said she doesn't feel unsafe or threatened when walk- ing by herself, and Erin O'Rourke, right, is home in the area for a vacation after spending a year teaching in Singapore. In August, she'll return to teach for another two years, where she'll be joined by her sister Keriann, left, who will teach at the same school. (photo/Scott Nixon) jokes, "The worst thing that'll happen to you is you'll get attacked by a monkey." Erin O'Rourke stands in front ofThe Esplanade in Singapore.While rules in the country are strict, O'Rourke is impressed with the cleanliness and safety. (photo/submitted) Keriann adds that the crime rate is low in Singapore and there are many undercover police officers. Among the surprises Erin experienced upon moving to Singapore was the fact there are so many Canadians liv- ing there. She describes the Canadian communi- ty in Singapore as close knit and found herself becoming more patriotic after she left Canada. Singapore is also an affluent country and Erin describes her condo, which Keriann will share with Erin and her husband, as "extravagant." When not teaching, Erin and her husband travel — they've visited places such as China, Cambodia, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia. When she's done her three years in Singapore, she will return home to Canada with her husband to teach. "It's been a really nice first teaching job," she says. "The kids are great and the teachers are passionate." There are also many educational assistants at the school to support the teachers. English is a second language for many of the students at the school, and Erin says, "It's amazing how fast the students pick up English." As for Keriann, she says she's "very excit- ed" about making the move to Singapore at the end of the month. She said the fact she'll be living with her sister will make the move and the adjustment easier for her. She admits she'll miss her family, friends and boyfriend. Erin and Keriann are hopeful that, with both of them in Singapore, their parents will be able to make the 24- hour flight to visit them. Erin and Keriann both credit their parents for being supportive of their decisions. Erin says they were probably shocked when she first told them she was going to teach in Singapore, but they were happy for her. Through e-mail and the phone, she's able to keep in touch with friends and family at home. For now, Erin is enjoy- ing her first visit home to Canada in a year, while Keriann says her goodbyes and packs for her move to Singapore. Zurich Diners enjoy special treats during busy month ZURICH — The Zurich Diners had a busy month with a guest speaker from the Alzheimer Society, Maggie Brennan from Clinton, giving insight into the care of persons at vari- ous stages of Alzheimer's disease. Brennan showed every- one the cuddle bears that have been made and handed out patterns for anyone wishing to make a bear. Books and videos are available for reading and viewing. Progressive euchre was played with high going to Cecelia Farwell, second high to Theresa Regier and lone hands to Marie Gelinas. At each meal a reading found its way into the pro- gram by Marg Hayter, Glena Olcen or Doris Hamilton. A draw was held for the men on Father's Day with Carl Finkbeiner being the lucky winner. Penny sale winners were Gertie Stade, Helen MacLean, Fred Haberer, Glena Olcen, Kay Hay, Ken Gingerich, Marjorie Reichert, Olivea Bedard, Ursula Regier, Elroy Desjarcline, Cecelia Farwell, Gwen McKellar and MaryLou Denomme. Zurich Quilters Guild showed some of their quilts to Zurich Diners and repeated this at the Grand Bend Diners, as well as at the Maplewoods apart- ments with some of the residents showing their quilts also. Some of these will also make an appear- ance at the Zurich Fair so watch for this display . Mary Koricina had a week's holiday so Rennie Erb filled in as cook in the kitchen. With strawberries being in season, delicious strawberry pie was served. Flowers were provided for the table by Glena Olcen and on most weeks with some lucky diner get- ting to take them home after. Finally, as always, everyone reluctant to leave this social group would play at least two tables of cards, either Solo or Pepper. To join the diners on any Wednesday phone Marg at 235-0258.