MIHAILESTI-ROMANIA
ION LAURA DENISA, teacher of English, project coordinator
I usually find the simplest way to tell the most important things. But now, it is very difficult for me to find my words. This project has been funded by the European Union through Comenius programme, and there is no doubt, no one could have invested some money better. Writing these words I realize that this project is going to end and I am sad. I know there will be other projects. I know that However, this was my first. This project was my baby. I was like any parent who finds out that the new born comes and fills his/her world, but no manual is delivered with it, to instruct the poor parent how to deal with the baby. I was lucky to find wonderful partners with whom words like FRIENDSHIP, COOPERATION AND RESPECT do not need any definition. They were always there, and no task seemed too difficult. My baby became easily our baby, and we proudly looked at it growing. I worked with professionals and I saw my world change. We had a dream: to make education flexible, attractive, to open unknown horizons, to make a difference, to show that no linguistic barrier could keep us out of fun. Did we succeed ? I would dare to say ,yes,. Our students strongly sustain that. Our colleagues showed their appreciation when they gave us a hand in running all sort of activities. They did not think twice. Even the local community had its ways of manifesting approval and interest in this project. Before Diliana, the Bulgarian web designer, has changed the look of the site of the project, I did not think that so many people would visit our site. I was impressed that they have found a bit of time to write down their remarks. Reading some pertinent commentaries I realized that we did a good job and I wanted to thank them all for their feedback. In our job feedback matters a lot.However, one commentary made me think twice. It was a woman who told us how she encouraged her four-year-old daughter to put a sea shell at her ear to hear the ocean. Unfortunately, the hermit crab that lived inside pinched her ear so that she never wanted to go back! The woman considered this fact completely out of topic. Was it ? I saw it as the most relevant example of what we had tried to do with this project: we have tried to expose our students to facets of education they had never explored. The 21st century students are bored and fed up with so much information that leads nowhere without leading it correctly. It is not enough to know everything on a subject if you cannot share, interact correctly, or take advantage of previously experienced things. Most of our students were pinched by the formal educational system that limits creativity and free will. We have taught them how to overcome that. We have shown them that not every sea shell hides a hermit crab. Keep going!
IONESCU MARIUS CRISTIAN, student
The 3rd project reunion was the best thing that happened to me. I enjoyed every minute of it. I liked the activities we had every day: from puzzles to interactive lessons and cheerleading shows, everything was perfect. The places we visited were amazing.
IONESCU GEORGE VALENTIN
I loved this project from the beginning to the end. I was impressed by everything I saw and experienced. We are so different but so much alike. This is cool. Finally I can say that I have many new friends.
ION VLAD MIHAI ALEXANDRU, student
The 3rd project reunion allowed me to meet my friends again. We had a great time together. My host was wonderful. I liked the places we visited in Izmir and Bodrum. One of the most beautiful places was the Natural Life Park from Izmir. It was not like a normal Garden ZOO, and it had nothing in common with the Persina Park in Belene which is a natural reservation like the Danube Delta. However, all those places taught us that Nature is fantastic and we should preserve everything. I have ridden a horse for the first time in my life at Kemalpasa.The activities were great. We worked together and enjoyed every minute spent together.
BALASA IONUT GABRIEL, student
I was impressed by this 3rd project reunion. It was a warm welcome at school. The festivities were great. Very talented kids ! The food and the dances were fantastic. We danced Damat Halayi at our graduation ball. Everyone wanted to learn it. Great project!
MOLEA ADINA, student
It was the trip of my life. I have had a great time with our Turkish and Bulgarian friends. I liked going shopping together. The Bazaars are really impressive. I love the Nazarkoy Village and the amulets workshops where people were making the Evil Eye Beads. I also liked the activities we had. There were various tasks, some of them really entertaining. We became really emotional when we had to leave.
PATRASCU GEORGIANA, student
The 3rd project reunion was an interesting experience. I have met many people and we still keep in touch. I have seen many places and we had a lot of activities. The food was great !
SLAMNA MELANIA, ROMANIAN TEACHER
I had a very interesting experience. I have met a different culture and I have seen many interesting things. We enjoyed our hosts, warm welcome and hospitality. I was impressed by the fact that all our children, no matter nationality, enjoyed working together every day. I noticed their friendship, their easiness in communicating with each other, and their co-operative skills in solving tasks. It was a great experience and I would like another project like that anytime.
ILIE CAMELIA, teacher
Taking part at the 3rd project reunion was a great experience which I would like to repeat. Meeting the teachers from Turkey and Bulgaria and running common activities with our children made me understand that sharing is one of the most important things. Sharing from our experience, sharing our time, sharing culture and traditions. These are the ways to connect people from all over.
MICU MIHAELA, deputy director
The whole project was a great experience. As a member of the team who participated at the 3rd project reunion I understood better how important are these projects for students, teachers, and, why not, for the whole community.
BOGDAN EMILIAN CORNEL, headmaster
A great project ! My wish for the WISH TREE was obvious: we want more projects like this.
DRAGUT MIHAELA, teacher of English
This project meant a lot for me. As a teacher of English I saw how teaching becomes ‘piece of cake’ when students are interested and motivated. I loved everything we did and everything we saw. I can say that I have made friends and I am sure our friendship will last. I have developed my team work skills and ability in organizing groups. The activities were exciting. They opened new opportunities for us, as teachers, and I will take the maximum advantage from it.
BALASA STELUTA, parent
This project was a great opportunity for my son. He became more confident in speaking English and interacting with other people. I saw him becoming a wonderful teenager who started assuming risks and responsibilities, eager to take challenges. Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity.
FLOREA MONICA, parent
I loved this project from the beginning to the end. My son enjoyed it. He asks for more. It is very difficult today to make children ask for more organized activities. There is too much information and too many compulsory tasks to fulfill. But a creative project like this has made the difference. Thank you all !
GUSOI GEORGETA, teacher
Even if I have not been a member of any group who took mobility, this project influenced me positively. I enjoyed every activity of this project. There were many of us who happily involved in the activities. We liked the impact that project had on our students. They really wanted to take on responsibilities. We want another project.
In April 2012, we have succeeded to continue the campaign TREES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, which was run successfully last year too.
So, in cooperation with Peace Corps and the Association Mai mult verde (Greener), without any financial resources from the Comenius grant being involved, we have planted 21 trees at school.
Most of our students were involved as the trees needed to be planted and watered every day.
That was our way to mark The Earth Day, on the 22nd of April.
WATER DAY
On the 22nd of March 2012, our school celebrates The Water Day through voluntary work. In partnership with organizations and institutions with authority in the domain (Administrația Națională Apele Romane, Administracia Bazinală de Apă Argeş-Vedea and Sistemul de Gospodărire a Apelor, Giurgiu);
This is the 4th edition of an activity which is meant to make our students aware of the environment and the environmental issues of the 21st century. Moreover, our students try to make all of us aware of the importance of water in our lives.
A HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY
Jonathan Stillo a medical anthropologist that has been researching TB in Romania since 2006 visited some schools to emphasize the week of World TB day (March 24th).
On the 21st of March he had a presentation at our high school which went very well. We started with a few words from a representative of the American Embassy, then Mr. Stillo presentation followed and in the end the students took a short quiz about TB and asked questions to which Mr. Stillo answered promptly.
All this activity has been possible due to the Peace Corps support, and was meant to inform and educate the young generation in order to increase the quality of life.
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Martisorul origins and signification |
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Long time ago, on the 1st of March, this symbol was given to young people, either boys or girls, early in the morning. The trinket rope, made up of two threads of twisted wool, colored in white and red, or black and white, signifies unity of opposites: summer and winter, heat and cold, fertility and sterility, light and dark. The cord was tied to either hand or hung on the chest, and it would have been worn by the first visible signs of spring were obvious. Then it was either tied on a rose or a tree in blossom to bring good luck, or thrown away in the direction from which the wandering birds were coming back saying: Take my worries and let my happiness ! Some legends say Baba Dochia has been spinning the two wires while climbing with her sheep up on the mountain. Over the time, this cord has been added a silver coin. The coin was associated with the sun. So that, Martisorul, becomes a symbol of fire and light, and therefore of the sun.
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8th March Women's Day |
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On March 8, in Romania, but also in many other countries, is celebrated the Women's Day. Moreover, in our country, on March 8 is celebrated not only the woman but also (or especially) Mother. In 1909, on February 28, the United States celebrated the Woman all around the country as an initiative of the American Socialist Party. The initiative extended in 1910 and in Europe, during the Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen. The first day was held on May 19, 1911 in Germany, Austria, Denmark and some other European countries. The date was chosen by the German women because at the same time, in 1848, the King of Prussia had to face an armed revolt and promised to make a series of reforms, including women's suffrage.
Our school encourages preserving customs and traditions, and these special days from the beginning of March were marked by many interesting activities, as it will be shown in the material below, provided by the following students: CRISTEA MIHAELA clasa a-IV-a B ENE CATALIN – clasa a-IV-a B DINU LUIZA clasa a-IV-a B MANOLACHE ALEXANDRU- clasa a-IV-a A TACHE ANDREEA clasa a-III-a A DOBRE ALICE – clasa a-III-a B PRISICEANU CRISTIAN clasa a-III-a B BULAI ANDRA clasa a-II-a A ION NICUSOR – clasa a-II-a A VISENESCU EDUARD – clasa a-II-a B SAFTA ANDREEA clasa a-II-a B ANGHELESCU ROBERT – clasa I A GONEA CARMEN clasa I A PATRASCU ALEXANDRA- clasa I B GHETU BIANCA clasa I B |
February 2012 brought another opportunity to tell our partners how much this project influenced our lives.
Valentine Day allowed us to put our creativity in action and imagine the most beautiful greeting cards ever, which were sent to our partners.
There were involved about 70% of the students in our school, and the results were great.
Epiphany
Significance; customs and traditions
On the 6th of January, the Orthodox Christians celebrate Christening, recalling Jesus Christ being baptized by Joan in Jordan. That is the day when High Holly Water is consecrated in churches all over.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Many old beliefs are related to Epiphany.
The priests go to every Christian home in the Epiphany. Eve and sprinkle with Holly Water which is thought to have miraculous power.
This Holly Water never fades or changes its taste.
To consecrate all waters, a cross is thrown away in a river and many men dive in to bring it back. Who finds the cross and gives it back to the priest will be a lucky man all the year long.
On the night of the 5th, before the Epiphany's Day, unmarried girls used to put a piece of basil under the pillow to dream their fate.
It is also said that girls who fell on ice are going to marry that year undoubtedly.
When trees are frosty on Epiphany's Day, they are said to be rich on fruits that year.
That day, on the 6th of January you do not do the laundry or lend money, the elders keep saying.
In December, when Christmas comes and reminds us of good will and sharing, we continued our campaign The more you give, the more you gain, organizing a large group of about 50 students with ages between 13 to 18, who went to a retirement home, GERONTO LIFE MED, in Bucharest, and to an orphanage in Letca, Giurgiu, AȘEZĂMANTUL MAICII DOMNULUI, where we brought joy with our youth, the carols we sang, the greeting cards our primary school students made, the colour book Grandma's Stories, which was one of the most successful product of the Comenius project, and other little things we wanted to share.
We met wonderful people, with fantastic stories and we had the best time ever. The following pictures and short records remind all of us not only about the Christmas spirit, but the fact that very little is needed to make our lives brighter.
December 2011 will remain one of the brightest moments in our lives, when we realized that spiritual will always prevail over material growth.
Santa came to town ! We were good, we were diligent, we were great ! Santa decided we deserve his presence. Unfortunately, his sleigh broke down in front of the Town Hall. He asked our mayor for help, and…, that, s all. The gifts came to school on time and our students, grateful to Santa, organized the greatest festivity of all. Even the mayor accepted the invitation and enjoyed our students performance. All the students have been involved, but the big surprise came from the 10th graders who wrote a play and performed it in front of all of us. They succeeded to remind us about the Christmas Spirit which must live inside us.
We celebrated our National Day, on the 1st of December 2011, as usual, through many indoor and outdoor activities (festivities, songs, a handball inter-school competition). All our students have been involved in a way or another.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES WEEK
26th September 2011
Our school celebrates, as usual, The Foreign Languages Week.
Activities:
- The school' s hymn opens the festivity
- Our students perform European dances (including Turkish dances)
- Songs and poems in English and French, and the song FIRTREES ON STRIKE COMPOSED BY Mrs. Vasile Tudora, primary school teacher, for the 2nd project reunion (as its theme was Friends of Nature and the topic was Endangered Species in our regions)
- Scavenger Hunt is a competition that makes our students work together in order to fulfill the given tasks; the tasks were written in English, French, Romanian, Italian, Spanish and German and they had to find out the requests in the shortest possible time to be able to win;
The PowerPoint below illustrates the stages of the activity.
Getting ready for the 2nd
project reunion
COMENIUS 2010-2012
EDUCATION UP-TO-DATE
MihĂileȘti, Romania
24.06.2011
The big day arrived; we were prepared for the 2nd project reunion which took place in Bulgaria. I was looking forward to see my Bulgarian and Turkish friends again. We met them in Belene, at school. We were given a very warm welcome with many balloons and roses offered by children in traditional costumes. This was only the beginning of a wonderful week The second day we visited the Town Hall, Persina Nature Park, an amazing place, and we even played ,,The Forest King". The third day was a little sad because we had to say goodbye to our hosts. In the following days weve seen many beautiful places, we found out interesting things about their culture. I will never forget this wonderful experience. Thank you.
Vladunica Andreea, Class 7C
I really liked the second project reunion from Bulgaria, a great opportunity to meet new people, to make friends, to learn about other cultures, traditions. For a week we all spoke the same language, English, the language of friendship.
Balasa Gabriel, Class 7B
I had a wonderful time in Bulgaria. We visited many beautiful places, but in the same time we have done many interesting activities. I liked, Wall of Friendship, where we painted our hands, and we ve left out our fingerprints.
Gheorghe Andreea, Class 7C
We left with many hopes, anxious to see new places, to meet new people and everything was as I expected to be. I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Gheorghe Alexandru, Class 7A
Madera Rider is a spectacular place. I was impressed by the beauty of the landscape and the number of stairs we climbed up.
Ghita Octavian, Class 6 A
I still smile when I remember the wonderful week we spent in Bulgaria. I ve met the mayor of Belene, then we visited a children centre, where they welcomed us with bread, salt and honey. We played a friendly match with the Bulgarian team. We had fun. We also visited Persina Nature Park and there we ve seen some of their traditional dances, very much similar to ours. We all danced.
Dobrin Gabriela, Class 8
Bulgaria is a beautiful country with friendly people. I liked Veliko Tarnovo, with the historic hill Tsarevets. The view was awesome, and it left me breathless. The church had some very interesting paintings, different from what I have seen before.
Tunaru Mihaela, Class 8A
I enjoyed the Turkish evening as well as the Bulgarian and Romanian evenings. I was impressed by the Turkish costumes. It was a chance to learn more about their culture.
Saileanu Corina, Class8B
A unique experience. It was a pleasure to participate. I have many beautiful memories.
Tanase Leonard, Class 6A
Everything was great. In five days I accomplished more than I ever imagined. I visited another country, made new friends, and I had the opportunity to communicate in English: we had fun, we sang, danced, and learned interesting things, the perfect combination. Thank you for the chance of being part of this.
Ion Vlad, 7A
WELCOME THE VOLUNTEER FROM THE PEACE CORPS
The 12th graders pass the school's key to the 9th graders, as a legacy. It is a solemn moment.
THE GRADUATION BALL 2011
THE GRADUATION BALL is a tradition in our school. We start with the 8th grade students who are going to the high school, and we continue with the 12th grade students who usually go farther to university.
These moments are really exciting, full of emotions, as both groups are closing a window and they are opening a door to the wonderland called LIFE as a grown up.
Here are some snapshots taken from this year's graders.
Every year, in May, our school organizes the OPEN DAY.
This year parents and students from our school or schools in the neighborhood were presented our high school' s educational offer, preceded by a short attractive artistic moment prepared by primary school pupils.
That was the right moment to inform the local community about our Comenius project and its benefits for the students.
Moreover, we presented our school concern about running good quality projects, student oriented, such as the Leonardo – IVT mobilities for efficient professional training, or the receiving a volunteer from the Peace Corps for the following two years.
POSTER DEDICATED TO CHILDREN IN THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING (9TH MAY 2011- EUROPE'S DAY)
On the 9th of May, after discussing and agreeing with the Bulgarian and Turkish partners, a poster was designed by the Romanian school. The poster is dedicated to Children in the European Year of Volunteering, with the slogan: EUROPE, WE CARE ! The poster is going to be used for an interactive presentation related to the theme of the workshop: ENDANGERED SPECIES, which is going to be held in Belene, Bulgaria, at the 2nd project reunion.
DĂRUIND VEI DOBÂNDI
The more you give, the more you gain!
GRUPUL ȘCOLAR MIHĂILEȘTI
in partnership with:
ŞCOALA CU CLASELE I-VIII GHIMPAŢI
ŞCOALA CU CLASELE I-VIII NAIPU CENTRUL C.R.E.D., involved the students in a humanitarian campaign meant to help SELENA DARIA VLAD, a little girl in need, to fight and overcome leukaemia once for all.
Under the slogan Easter is Love and Compassion, this action becomes a reference point when talking about the impact of the Comenius project, Education up-to-date (Im lovin it !), no.: COM-10-PM-100-GR-RO, in enlarging the students horizon.
No money from the grant were spent in running this humanitarian campaign. However, the project objectives were closely followed all along.
Moved by the five-year-old girl who has faced this terrible disease for the second time in her short life, students, teachers, parents and local community got involved in collecting money for the operation she needs (more details on:http://selenavlad.ro/ ).
Maybe the sum seems small (about 2700 RON already sent to Asociatia Aripi spre Viata), but our prayers, and the good thoughts, and the warm wishes bursting from the bottom of our hearts may follow Selena who has already left for the intervention abroad.
May GOD help her !
The most impressive thing of all: few days ago, a seven-grade-boy from our school got suddenly really ill and he was urgently operated under the suspicion of brain tumor. Children have learnt the lesson of getting involved in volunteering. They organised themselves, and sticked together to help again. No campaign needed, just the boy,s form teacher,s advice and all the other teachers support.
SPORTS (HANDBALL, RUGBY TAG, ATHLETICS, FOOTBALL) -MOVEMENT IS LIFE!
GRUPUL ŞCOLAR MIHĂILEŞTI, JUD.GIURGIU ROMANIA
WATER DAY
On the 22nd of March 2011, when we celebrate The Water Day, Grupul Școlar Mihăilești has run the third edition of the project built in partnership with Romanian Watres National Administration (Administrația Națională Apele Romampacircne), Arges-Vedea Water Administration (Administrația Bazinală de Apă Argeş-Vedea) and The Water Management System (Sistemul de Gospodărire a Apelor), Giurgiu, manager Mr. Dragoş Stoica, engineer.
Main objectives:
1. everyone role in maintaing a better environment for a better world
2. building up the necessary competencies in order to identify the environmental issues so that one can take an active role in solving them
3. understanding the need for water saving, stressing on responsible behavior.
Between the 1st to 22nd of March 2011, there were run a lot of activities at school, in Cornetu forest, on the bank of the artificial lake Mihăileşti-Cornetu, to the Castle of Water, and on the Argeș river.
Taget group: students from Grupul Școlar Mihăilești from the 1st to the 12th grade, coordinated by the following teachers: Blănaru Steluța, school manager, Negulescu Silvia, vice-manager, Mihai Monica, Curculescu Marioara, Dragomir Tanța, Bogdan Florica and Alexandrescu Mihaela.
In the end, representatives from The Water Management System (Sistemul de Gospodărire a Apelor), Giurgiu, were invited to an open activity where students materials where exhibited, the portfolio of the project was filled in, and the Hymn of the project was sung.
Workshop
GRUPUL ȘCOLAR MIHĂILEȘTI
Granny's stories
EDUCATION UP-TO-DATE
Im lovin it !
Această carte de colorat adună povești spuse, ilustrate și traduse de copii din Romania, Bulgaria și Turcia, fiind una dintre activitățile prevăzute cadrul proiectului Comenius-parteneriate școlare.
This colour book gathers stories told, illustrated and translated by students from Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, being one of the activities developed in the project Comenius-school partnerships.
Children working together
Children enjoy working together
As all the children liked very much these activities, and we were supposed to let other schools know about our project, we signed a school partnership with other two schools in the neighbourhood (Scoala cu clasele I-VIII Ghimpati and Scoala cu clasele I-VIII Naipu) in which we involved students from all 3 schools to a contest based on toponymical legends related to Romania;
Finally, the best 8 pieces of work selected will be given to our European partners for their European corner to display.
These legends served as a way to involve schools from the neighborhood , and we touched at least&nbsp 2 aims: to inform the community about the Comenius project actively, and to extend the number of beneficiaries who were involved in the Comenius project.
The contest ends on the 31st of May 2011, when we&rsquoll let you know more about it !
Project coordinator, Laura Ion
1st PROJECT REUNION, ROMANIA, 25th- 30th October 2010
EDUCATION UP-TO-DATE
I'M LOVIN' IT!
The 1st Project Reunion, Romania, was a completely success from the beginning to the end of that week. I think that this project was educational, but funny and I met the Bulgarian and Turkish children and we still keep in touch on Facebook. When the guests came for the first time to visit our school, we had some activities about Romanian traditions. It was awesome. We danced and we talked to each other. The next day, the Bulgarian and Turkish visitors visited the Mihailesti town. And finally, on 27th we left to Predeal. Those three days were the most beautiful of all because we all stayed together, worked together and had fun together. The Bulgarian and the Turkish evening were as beautiful as Romanian.
So, I love this project and I hope I' ll take part at the next reunion because the 1st reunion was great.
Popescu Teodora, Class 7A
For me, the Comenius project was a new Nice experience that I would like to repeat anytime. With the help of this project I made new friends and learned new things. Children from Bulgaria and Turkey were very friendly. I liked that I succeeded in communicating with people from other countries.
Cosmina Mihai, 7B
For me, the Comenius Project reunion held in Romania, was one of the best moments of my life because I had so much fun, I learned new things and I also met people and traditions different from ours. A very beautiful part in this project was that we had to communicate and write only in English. I want to do such a project with other countries like: Germany, England, Spain, etc..
LOVE Comenius Project!
Radu Daniel-Gabriel Class 7A
The first Comenius project reunion was held in Romania and it was amazing. I met nice and friendly people from Bulgaria and Turkey. We shared ideas, opinions, and photos. To sum up, I enjoyed it very much!!!
Thanks a lot to all those had provided me such a unique atmosphere!!
Alina Negulescu, 7B
LINKS
http://www.patrimoniuromanesc.ro/
