Some questions from Justine and Jesse answered by Liz

School Questions:

1. What are the important dates of the school year? We do not have the official calendar for next year but I have attached our school calendar for this year so you can have an idea of our holidays. It is in Italian but I think you can get the basic idea of holidays.

2. Do we have our own classrooms, or do we share with our Italian counterparts? You will share it with an Italian teacher but when you teach, you have the room to yourself. As far as wall displays and furniture arrangement goes, the teams here talk and compromise about who gets what wall, how desks are arranged, etc. The staff room is where most of the teachers stay when they are not teaching to do work or some work at home or in another free space in the school.

3. What schools do BES students compete against in sports? As of right now we do not compete with any schools but our PE teacher is working to start a soccer club.

4. Does BES have any community outreach programs or service learning opportunities? Our biggest outreach program is a school in Kenya. The owners of BES have a huge project in Kenya where most of the school's energy is dedicated. As far as community programs, some have started and stopped over the years. Ideas or suggestions are always welcome!

5. May we have the password to access the news/events section of the BES website? I will email you the password.

6. What does the work day schedule look like in Milan? I have attached a schedule. In addition to what is on the schedule, you will have lunch/recess duties and 2 times a week 2 45 minute sessions with another class for small group support. You will also have 1 hour when you go into your class during Italian time to co-teach. You also plan one day after school from about 4:15 to 5:30 and once a month on Wednesday is our staff meetings.

Living Questions:

1. What type of building is the apartment in? A regular apartment building with an elevator. Very similar to Toronto buildings.

2. Are we the only staff from BES living in our particular building? If you move into the apartment I am thinking of, yes you are the only BES teachers living there but everyone else lives within 3 blocks from you. We are all scattered around the neighbourhood.

3. Will we have a TV? Possibly but you will only get Italian stations. most of us use our laptops for movies and downloading.

4. What size is the bed (for bedding purposes)? We will let you know as soon as we know what apartment you will be getting. The school also provides you with one a set of sheets, pillows, and duvet.

5. If it's okay with them, can we have the contact info of the couple currently living in what will become our apartment? (This may be helpful for transitioning) I will put you in touch as soon as we know who it is.