Small goats walked with flowers in the streets towards the large statue of the Dragon Warrior in the town center. “We know he’s your son!” one of the pigs laughed. “Yes it does!” replied Ping cheerfully as he continued to chop bok choy, “That’s my son you know! The proud Dragon Warrior!” Pride filled his heart as signs and banners for his son filled his vision. “It looks like it will be a beautiful Dragon Warrior Day!” said one of the customers as they walked off with their steaming bowl of noodle soup. Bunnies and pigs started to head towards Mr Ping’s Noodle Shop for their annual Dragon Warrior day breakfast. Red lanterns were strung from house to house crossing over the roads. An orange glow filled the sky as small birds flew high on the warm summer breeze.īanners filled the streets of bright reds and oranges. Chatter began to creep it's way into the street as the sun rose over the blue sky and mountain horizon. Drops from the morning dew fell from the tile rooftops. My brother claims to have married a vampire in Rom.The sun’s rays gently glistened along the cobblestone road as it whipped and passed houses and shops and market carts.How I like to start the day by Bellie Herman.Kathleen Pritchett writes about teaching at St Pat.On the Street where I lived for the first 18 years.(Of course, fire regulations, etc dictate that.) It would be nice to find if someone has documented older schools in photographs. All the older buildings which had several floors are being torn down for the flat, sectioned type building. Today, modern school buildings do not seem to have the 'soul' of older buildings from past times. In all, it was one of my best teaching experiences. Often,the mothers or grandparents would help out during the day.
The neighborhood was nice and full of wonderful people too. Now, it is like paying college tuition (especially in the St. In the 80s, when my children went to a Catholic grade school,it was $225 per month for of my daughters. In the 50s, the tuition very very low per child. He told me many stories of his elementary days' antics. I did not go to a Catholic school during my elementary education, but my husband did. I would daydream at times, imagining how the school looked and sounded in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
(She was very glad after 1965, the full habits were not required anymore for her order.) At the end of the day (especially after recess duty), she would be drenched in sweat and had to hand wash her habit each evening.
She told me hers was a dark brown color with several layers. One older nun who I often chatted with told me how she hated the her heavy habit and all of the bells & whistles to it she had to wear. At one time, I suppose the school had many sisters teaching there and all the classrooms were open. Once, I had a tour of the old nuns quarters: very small bedrooms with a bed, table and desk with light. (Yes, the nuns could give a student the 'stink eye' one time and then, very few problems after that.) Patrick's did not have many disciplinary problems. They were such happy kids who were full of love. But, I always remember all of the students from young to oldest, had such manners and respect. We had them stacked everywhere! Now, the State of Illinois would not allow such numbers. The classrooms were large, but I remember the class I taught within had about 60 first-graders. It was done is such a kind and helpful way. Older students from the upper grades were assigned to younger students who were having a difficult time in any given subject. And,it was expected that the student would learn no matter how challenging. I seem to remember a pretty courtyard in the middle of the school.Īll of the basic subjects were taught in 1st grade. (I brought used office paper for coloring time.) The students were use recycled paper, crayons, glue, etc. Everywhere inside the school was clean and orderly. And, of course it had that 'old school' smell: paper, varnish, glue. But, there were glazed bricks in the hallways. The interior if I remember correctly was rather plain. I always enjoyed eating lunch with the ladies (nuns) because they were so honest and refreshing in their perspectives. We were supervised by the nuns who were very understanding and helpful. It was a wonderful experience for a student teacher.