TEACHER ORIENTATION GUIDE 2013/2014 School Year

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Archibald Laurence Jones
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1 TEACHER ORIENTATION GUIDE 2013/2014 School Year

Georgia Georgia doesn't quite know if it is in Europe or Asia, neither does the rest of the world. In maps it is variously described as part of Europe, the Middle East or Asia.

2 Georgia Georgia doesn't quite know if it is in Europe or Asia, neither does the rest of the world. In maps it is variously described as part of Europe, the Middle East or Asia. As the crossroads of three areas it has elements of all three, though Georgians regard themselves to be Europeans. Georgia is a small country of around 5 million people. It is situated in the Caucasus and has a northern border with Russia, eastern border with Azerbaijan, southern border with Armenia and Turkey. The Black Sea Coast also forms one of Georgia's frontiers. Until 1991 Georgia was a republic within the Soviet Union, whereupon it gained its independence. The government is very westward looking and the people are enjoying their new freedom in the cafes, bars, theatres and galleries of Tbilisi, the capital, with 1.4 million population Climate Although Georgia encompasses five separate climate zones including alpine, semi-desert and subtropical, it's fair to say that Tbilisi has a typically Mediterranean climate, with two long seasons and two short seasons. Spring starts in March and is reasonably warm (could be wet). By May the temperatures are getting higher and in July and August temperatures up to 35 0 C are common and up to 40 0 C not unheard of. Autumn tends to be warm and lasts from September to late November. December sees the start of winter, which is often dry, has little snow and can be mild or cold (seldom below 0 C) depending on the day. 2 P a g e

Languages Georgian is the spoken language. It is a unique language that belongs to a separate Kartvelian group of languages.

The language is rather difficult to master (though not impossible) as many of the sounds unfamiliar to an English speaker are difficult

Nevertheless, one can learn some basic Georgian to get by.

English has become a second language among the younger generation.

3 Languages Georgian is the spoken language. It is a unique language that belongs to a separate Kartvelian group of languages. It has its own alphabet, which is one of the14 distinct alphabets in the world. The language is rather difficult to master (though not impossible) as many of the sounds unfamiliar to an English speaker are difficult to pronounce, uses very distinct word formations and has a very complex set of rules governing its verbs. Nevertheless, one can learn some basic Georgian to get by. In addition to Georgian, most people in Georgia speak English, Russian or languages. English has become a second language among the younger generation. other European Culture There are many theatres and venues in Tbilisi, the performances are in Georgian and are translated into English. There are also numerous galleries, museums and festivals. Georgian singing is unique, as is the exceptional national dancing, which is really worth seeing. Georgians are predominantly Orthodox Christian and there are many beautiful churches. Other religious denominations are also 3 P a g e

food and drink. In Georgia a lot of importance is placed on social eating and drinking.

to make their guests feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. (www.google.

spices. A traditional "Supra" is very common.

Khachapuri (cheese-bread), etc and home made wine.

4 practiced here in full freedom. Due to religion and civic festivals there are many celebrations, which involve lots of food and drink. In Georgia a lot of importance is placed on social eating and drinking. Georgians are very friendly and hospitable, and believe that they have a serious duty to make their guests feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. ( Food and Drink Georgian food is generally fresh and tasty with lots of herbs and spices. A traditional "Supra" is very common. A Supra is a ritual of toast-making with lots of food, such as Kebabs, Salads, Khachapuri (cheese-bread), etc and home made wine. Basically local wine (of numerous varieties and colors) is drunk in Georgia. Different sorts of tea and coffee are readily available. Fruit juice is everywhere, as are brand name soft drinks and mineral waters. ( 4 P a g e

Tbilisi Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia since the 5 th century. It is a beautiful city, situated on the banks of the River Mtkvari and surrounded by green hills and mountains.

5 Tbilisi Tbilisi has been the capital of Georgia since the 5 th century. It is a beautiful city, situated on the banks of the River Mtkvari and surrounded by green hills and mountains. Old Tbilisi is crowned by Narikala Fortress, which affords excellent views over the city. Below Narikala are old cobbled streets with old wooden houses, many finely carved balconies, sulfur baths, ancient churches, a mosque and a synagogue. Rustaveli Avenue is the main artery and has many shops and cafes, including an English Language Bookshop Prospero s and a café. Nearby are Sharden Street, Perovskaya Street, with numerous bars and restaurants, from Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Scandinavian and Spanish back to Georgian. There is an active cultural life from Georgian singing and dancing to Shakespeare, Chekhov, ballet, opera, galleries and festivals and concerts of internationally famous singers (International Ballet Festival, Contemporary Media, Mtsketa International, Georgian Folk Festival ArtGene, Guitar Festival, International Jazz Festival, Gift Festival with plays in English etc). Getting around the city is generally an easy task, despite street labels only in Georgian. While there are a number of main arteries that crisscross the city, the vast majority of daily needs can be found on the North side of the river, which are serviced, by an extensive bus network and taxis. Mastering the lines that support Chavchavadze, Rustaveli and Kostava streets comes easily. Good maps of the city can be purchased at Prospero's Book Store (located at 34 Rustaveli). There are basically two types of buses that provide service, the easily recognizable "Yellow" buses and passenger vans supporting more non-main artery routes. The cost is 80 tetri respectively (about cents US). Either style of bus is clearly marked with the route number. The larger and medium size routes can be downloaded from Neighbourhoods are well fitted with small to intermediate sized grocery stores and supermarkets such as Goodwill, Carrefour and Big Ben, pharmacies, as well as local merchants selling fruits and vegetables. There are also numerous shopping malls, Tbilisi Central, Karvasla, Kidobani near the train station where everything from household supplies to fresh ground coffee can be found. 5 P a g e

(www.google.com) Expat Life Tbilisi has a lot to offer and one just has to find the activities and events that are of interest.

English Language books can be bought from Prospero s Bookshop and café on Rustaveli Street. DVDs and videos can also be rented at Prospero s.

6 ( Expat Life Tbilisi has a lot to offer and one just has to find the activities and events that are of interest. Mobile phone connections are reasonably cheap and it seems that the whole country is connected. Geocell, Magti and Beeline are the main service providers. Text messages cost 20 tetri (about 20 ). English Language books can be bought from Prospero s Bookshop and café on Rustaveli Street. DVDs and videos can also be rented at Prospero s. There are plenty of places to eat out including Thai, Chinese, Mexican, French, Indian, Russian, Italian, Georgian and others. There are numerous fast food restaurants in the centre of the city. Many bars (British pubs and Irish bars included) can be found as well as different nightclubs (Joy, Lemon, Boom, Beatles, Elite, Tropicana etc). Some restaurants may worth to try are: the loft, Tartine, Focus, Baan Thai and Entrée. The International Women s Association in Tbilisi sponsors several clubs and activities and also supports charity projects. Rustaveli and Amirani cinemas show films in Georgian or English. Kolga cinema shows English films Wednesday and Friday evenings. Georgia is a country with rich history and traditions. Georgians are very friendly and hospitable, always willing their guests to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. While Georgia is very modern in its adaptation of western values and culture, it still lacks adequate maintenance of its infrastructure at times. For the most part, these are very manageable inconveniences. Outside Tbilisi Georgia is blessed with beautiful countryside including mountains, forests, rivers etc. It also has many old churches and monasteries that are worth visiting. Travel is mostly by mini-buses, buses, trains or airplanes. These are very cheap. For example it is possible to travel from Tbilisi to the Black 6 P a g e

Sea coast for about fifteen dollars. Car hire is also available, but is more expensive from about one hundred dollars per day.

In summer most people head to the seaside, Batumi, Kobuleti, Gonio, Kvariati or Chakvi on the Black Sea or Mestia and Ushguli in the magnificent mountains covered with snow all the year round.

Sports and Fitness There are several options for gyms and fitness. Vake Swimming pool and Fitness Club (not far from the school) has ultra modern equipment and Olympic size pool.

7 Sea coast for about fifteen dollars. Car hire is also available, but is more expensive from about one hundred dollars per day. There are numerous star hotels on the boarder of Turkey, in Batumi and other smaller resorts. In summer most people head to the seaside, Batumi, Kobuleti, Gonio, Kvariati or Chakvi on the Black Sea or Mestia and Ushguli in the magnificent mountains covered with snow all the year round. In winter the ski resorts of Bakuriani and Gudauri are popular because of the excellent hotels, skiing facilities and the beautiful mountains. Sports and Fitness There are several options for gyms and fitness. Vake Swimming pool and Fitness Club (not far from the school) has ultra modern equipment and Olympic size pool. They have many types of classes and personal trainers. Prime Fitness offers a big gym and pool. Tennis, bowling and basketball facilities are also available. For those who enjoy running, Vake Park and football stadium as well as Turtle Lake are options. The Tbilisi Hash House Harriers run every Sunday throughout the year. Places of Worship Georgians are Orthodox Christians but they historically were tolerant of other religions. There are two Catholic churches, a Lutheran church, a mosque, a synagogue, several Russian Orthodox churches and the Armenian Gregorian church in Tbilisi. The Catholic Church of Saint Peter and Paul has English services Sunday mornings. Tbilisi International Christian Fellowship has services in English Sunday evenings. 7 P a g e

8 The Immigration and Customs Procedures in Georgia From June 15, 2005 Georgian Visitor Visas are not required for the citizens of the USA, EU, UK, Japan, Israel, Canada, Cyprus, and Luxemburg. In order to enter Georgia you will need: 1. Passport valid 3 months beyond intended stay. 2. Tickets and Documents for return or onwards travel. 3. Vaccination is not required in Georgia. Convertibility of the Local Currency 1 USD =1.75 Georgian Lari, 1 =2.41 Georgian Lari (based on the National Bank of Georgia Rate on March 4, 2014) Medical and Dental Facilities in Tbilisi MediClub IMSS Medex Global Rescue Cito Lab Emergency Call 112 is the number for Police, Fire Department and Ambulance/Emergency Medical. Living Cost (in US Dollar) Cable runs approximately 20 Gel/month ($12 US). Internet varies between 40 and 70 Gel monthly ($24-$42), and utilities vary depending on apartment size and personal use. Typical water bill runs 5-10 Gel/month, gas from 5Gel to 50Gel/month or more, depending on the heating system and the season of the year, electric bill runs from 5Gel to 50Gel depending on the power used. An additional $2-5 monthly is charged for the cleaning of the entrance, staircase and elevator. Payment of bills is the responsibility of the teacher. Bills can be paid in person or through Standard Bank's online services. Household 1kg washing powder $ loaf of bread - $0.44 1kg potatoes - $0.44 1kg sugar - $ carton milk - $ P a g e

00-$35 Transportation a) a bus ticket - $0.25 b) a train ticket to the sea resort Batumi - $13.50 c) taxi, it depends on negotiation, normally it will cost approximately 2$ for going to the city.

9 Recreation and Entertainment a) a weekend trip to the ski resort Gudauri: living in a 3-star hotel, food and skiing - $75.00 b) a ticket to the Tbilisi Opera House - $10-$100(Depends on the performance) c) lunch in an Italian restaurant: pizza, salad, a non-alcoholic drink - $15.00-$35 Transportation a) a bus ticket - $0.25 b) a train ticket to the sea resort Batumi - $13.50 c) taxi, it depends on negotiation, normally it will cost approximately 2$ for going to the city. Operation of Electronics and Computers Electricity in Tbilisi is 220 volts, 50 hertz (cycles). Outlets require the two prong, rounded shape plugs. Computers that run on 110 volts require use of a transformer. Batteries for laptops must be rechargeable with 50-cycle electricity. About the School New School, International School of Georgia, began in 1999 when we founded a private Georgian school with 30 students. In 2003 the school moved into its new, purpose built premises in Bagebi, a green residential suburb of Tbilisi. In September 2007, New School International School of Georgia became a bilingual international school when we opened the Elementary English Department. This made it possible for us to offer parents the option of educating their children in English or Georgian. In September 2008, the Middle Years English Department (grades 6 10) opened enabling New School International School of Georgia to provide IB education to both English and Georgian speaking students from ages 3 to 16. From September 2010, students from grade 11 have the opportunity to study in English through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Now we have grown into an international body of over 600 pupils representing more than 30 different nationalities, and a permanent staff of 80. We are the first and only school in Georgia fully authorized to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes) for pre-school through grade P a g e

2.2. Vision and Mission Building a diverse community of lifelong learners who are prepared to make a difference in an ever changing world. Goals: 1.

To develop internationally minded citizens who: Create and appreciate the human capacity for learning Tolerate diversity Resolve conflict Contribute to community service Take responsibility towards

and in their community. Further, we expect that they will have a better understanding and expose cultures which are different from their own through teaching and learning process.

10 2.2. Vision and Mission Building a diverse community of lifelong learners who are prepared to make a difference in an ever changing world. Goals: 1. To provide a rigorous curriculum in Georgian and English through: Challenging core academics Current practices in technology Physical education The arts 2. To develop internationally minded citizens who: Create and appreciate the human capacity for learning Tolerate diversity Resolve conflict Contribute to community service Take responsibility towards our environment Exhibit a healthy, balanced lifestyle With our motto Promoting International Understanding through Education we expect our students, teachers and staff to be the ambassador in school and in their community. Further, we expect that they will have a better understanding and expose cultures which are different from their own through teaching and learning process. Thus, enable them to demonstrate tolerance diversity and through it they can live in a harmony and contribute what is the best to their community. To help our students and teachers has its excellence teaching and learning process, the School provides with facilities such as libraries, bookshop, swimming pool, sport yard, canteen, Science and IT room, pick up bus services (for students only). The School also has College Counsellors for students and three doctors that serve all students, teachers and staff. For further details on being part of the School Team, there will be a copy of Employee Manual Handbook/Standard Operating Procedure given during induction/training program. 10 P a g e

11 Some Georgian phrases that will be useful: Georgian How to write and pronounce (it is the same) English გამარჯობა Gamarjoba Hello როგორ ხარ Rogor Khar How are you მადლობთ, კარგად Madlobt, kargad I am fine thank you გთხოვ Gtkhov Please არა Ara No კი Ki Yes უკაცრავად Ukatsravad Excuse me ნახვამდის Nakhvamdis Good bye დიახ, სწორია Diakh, stsoria Ok/that is right ვეთანხმები Vetankhmebi Agreed ცუდად tsudad I don t feel well მადლობა Madlboba Thank you არაფრის Arafris You are welcome დიდი ბოდიში Didi Bodishi I am sorry ვერ გავეიგე Ver gavige I don t understand შეგიძლიათ დამეხმაროთ Shegidzliat Damekhmarot Can you help me მარცხნივ Martskhniv Left პირდაპირ Pirdapir Go straight მარჯვნივ Marjvniv Right გააჩერეთ Gaacheret Stop განაგრძეთ Ganagrdzet Continue სად არის საავადმყოფო Sad aris saavadmkopo Where is the Hospital? პოლიცია Politsia Police სახანძრო Sakhandzro Fire ექიმთან ვიზიტი Eqimtan viziti I need to see a Doctor (general) ერთი Erti One ორი Ori Two სამი Sami Three ოთხი Otkhi Four ხუთი Khuti Five ექვსი Eqvsi Six შვიდი Shvidi Seven რვა Rva Eight ცხრა Tskhra Nine ათი ati Ten 11 P a g e

12 SCHOOL ACADEMIC STRUCTURE Director (Marina Zhgenti) Assistant Director (Roseanty de Saint Vis) Business Director (Irakli Topuria) Elementary School Principal English and Georgian Section (Kathryne Imabayashi) Assistant Principal (Natela Ebralidze) PYP Coordinator (Nino Tsinaridze) Upper School Principal English and Georgian Section (Tony Martin) Assistant Principal /GNC Coordinator (Nino Gugushvili) IB DP Coordinator (Kety Tsurtsumia) Library Elementary School (Maia Maglakelidze) Upper School (Lela Dzidziguri) Administration, Finance, School Support and Technical English and Georgian Section Refer to the Admin, Finance, School Support & Technical Chart Teachers MYP Coordinator (Martin Keon) Teachers Updated on College Counselor (Nino Sikharulidze) School Psychologist (David Mezurnishvili)

13 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE & BACK OFFICE SUPPORT Director (Marina Zhgenti) Assistant Director (Roseanty de Saint Vis) Business Director (Irakli Topuria) Administration English and Georgian Section (Roseanty de Saint Vis) Security English and Georgian Section (George Tsereteli) Finance English and Georgian Section (Natahlia Margvelashvili) Information Technology English and Georgian Section (Dima Savchenko) School Administration Office (Esma Gulordava) ES Office Manager (Khatuna Sichinava) US Office Manager (Tamuna Dzidziguri) Security Team Member: Shota Ratiani Soso Bakhtadze Ruslan Jologua Administration & Finance Assistant (Natia Omiadze) Updated on School Director Office Manager (Lela Dzidziguri) 13 P a g e

14 SCHOOL TECHNICAL SUPPORT Director (Marina Zhgenti) Assistant Director (Roseanty de Saint Vis) Business Director (Irakli Topuria) Canteen and Cafetaria English and Georgian Section (Manana Kalimakhelidze) Procurement English and Georgian Section (Esma Gulordava) GP/Doctor English and Georgian Section (Eka Kucia) School Bus Driver English and Georgian Section (Olga Pisanko) Cleaning Service & Building Maintenance English and Georgian Section (Maia Saganelidze) Food Buyer (Zura Kalimakhelidze) Cafetaria Team (Helena Khundadze) (Eka Giorgadze) Canteen Team (Zeinab Zanguri) Book Shop (Nino Shakulashvili) Georgian Department (Nana Topuria) Pool and Gym (Liana Kapcova) Updated on Driver Team Gardener (Zura Gulordova) (Zaharia Patashuri) Building (Tolik Sanikidze) Cleaning Service Team

15 USEFUL INFORMATION TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BUS (big yellow buses) MARSUTKA (mini yellow bus) METRO TAXI (You should negotiate the price before and normally it s between 5-10 Lari) GROCERY STORES Goodwill Hypermarket Address: 1, Pharnavazi Mepe ave., Tbilisi 0103, Georgia Tel: ( ) Fax: ( ) info@goodwill.ge Working days and hours: Every day / 10:00AM - 10:00PM Big-Ben Supermarket Address: 52, Ilia Chavchavadze ave., Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Tel: ( ) ; ; Fax: ( ) kankans@global-erty.net CARREFOUR (In Tbilisi Mall) SMART Carrefour (chain of supermarket) BOOK STORES Prosperous Rustaveli Avenue 34 Tbilisi Georgia STATIONARY STORES Paliashvili SPORT & SWIMMING POOLS Laguna Vere Vake Fitness Neptune YOGA Dstar Dance School. Dstarstudio.ge, Chavchavadze 74b, Vake Park, Tel: Sun Yoga Tbilisi, SHOPPING MALL Tbilisi Mall in Didi Digomi area Karvasla, Near Station Square Metro 15 P a g e

16 MARKET Dinamo (it is a big market where you can everything from clothes, shoes, household, bags, and other things). SOCIETY AND CULTURE Georgian State Pantomime Theatre Address: 37, Shota Rustaveli ave., Tbilisi 0108, Georgia Tel: ( ) International Center for Caucasus Tourism Poverty alleviation, ethnic minorities integration through tourism Address: 15, Mitskevich str., Tbilisi 0194, Georgia Tel: ( ) Fax: ( ) icct2007@yahoo.com Web: Working days and hours: Monday-Saturday / 10:00AM - 06:00PM State Concert Hall Address: 1, Petre Melikishvili str., Tbilisi 0109, Georgia Tel: ( ) ; ; Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli Academic Theatre Address: 17, Shota Rustaveli ave., Tbilisi 0108, Georgia Tel: ( ) ; ; Tbilisi Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet House Address: 25, Shota Rustaveli ave., Tbilisi 0108, Georgia Tel: ( ) ; ; ******************************************************************************* 16 P a g e

TEACHER ORIENTATION GUIDE 2012/13 School Year

TEACHER ORIENTATION GUIDE 2012/13 School Year Georgia Georgia doesn't quite know if it is in Europe or Asia, neither does the rest of the world. In maps it is variously described as part of Europe, the