Student-Led Activity for English Classes by Ms. Vargas

Today we started the day with a nice welcome during assembly where our students introduced themselves in Spanish.

Assembly

Then we headed to the English classess where our students  presented differents topics like technology, global issues , relationships, celebrities and news. They engaged the Junior and Senior students in small group conversation where the students could practice their English. At the same time, Ms. Chinuntdet taught a class on application of rational equations to freshmen who will be the first students at Colegio Santa Ursula to participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.


Group discussion

National Holiday Weekend in Peru by Ms. Chinuntdet

This past Friday was a national holiday, the day of the Pope, which made for a three-day weekend for most people in Peru. While we, Ms. Vargas and I, did many fun and wonderful things this past weekend, for me, the absolute best thing we did was eat sushi prepared by Betty's second son, Sebastian. I am sure that we all remember Betty as she is one of our friends from Colegio Santa Ursula.

On an educational level, there is a movement in the culinary world for fusion cuisine, a melding of different cultures and tastes to make something with new and exciting flavors. In Peru, they are fusing Peruvian cuisine with different Asian cuisines such as Japanese sushi. The sushi Sebastian prepared for us had many Peruvian influences like Peruvian chili peppers, cheese, etc. As the daughter of Thai immigrants, I know that there are not a whole lot of dairy products in Asian cuisine and honestly, I was skeptical of cheese on sushi. Crazy as it sounds, it was FANTASTIC, easily my favorite thing from an overall amazing meal. I hope this cuisine makes it way to Dallas soon.
 

Our Peruvian BFF Betty with Ms. Vargas at Edo Sushi and Teppan Restaurant



I know Ms. Nipp is green with envy.



Sebastian, once a struggling artist, now applies his
artistic talents to food as a sushi chef at Edo in Lima.



Colegio Miramar by Nikki D.

Visiting Colegio Miramar

Today we heard from Nikki D. who is enjoying her time in Peru. Here is her account of how the girls spent Thursday:

Today we visited Colegio Miramar, an Ursuline grade school where Colegio Santa Ursula’s community donates money, food, and clothes to the students. Visiting the school reminded me that I should be grateful for the wonderful blessings that God has given me and be willing to share my gifts by giving back to the community. It meant the world to me to see these children with the biggest smiles on their faces. At first, I was a little hesitant because the children were a little timid, but, after they ate, they were ready for some action, literally. They were so energetic!  I am actually sore from running with them (or maybe because of my extra eating and lack of exercise)! To add to my soreness, when we were leaving Miramar, we joined in the boys’ P.E. class and imitated their intense moves. Props to Hilary and Angie for being able to make it through the entire dance without stopping!

Nikki getting to know the Miramar children

The energetic PE class at Colegio Miramar

Back at Colegio Santa Ursula, we enjoyed a lovely lunch with the nuns. We ate delicious arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) and devoured Lulu’s chocolate birthday cake given to her by the school. Some of us even danced with the nuns, and, might I add, they sure know how to dance! Later, we enjoyed a nice conversation where we got to learn not only about the nuns but also our fellow peers and teachers. It was a very thrilling Thursday but also a tiring Thursday filled with amiable people, plenty of exercise and scrumptious food!

Lulu and Madre Ester having a ball!

First Impressions & Happenings by Mary Margaret R.

UA Peru Delegate, Mary Margaret R., shares the following reflection on her first two days in Lima:

Thus far, our experience in Peru has been amazing! The people are so nice and, being immersed in the culture, my Spanish has already improved. I have been introduced to new foods and a new environment that is fascinating. The girls at the school are normal high school students and I have learned about their daily lives and customs. Today, we went to Huaca de Huallamarca, an ancient ruin right across the street from Colegio Santa Ursula. We walked to the top and looked at the beautiful backdrop of Lima. Señora Sandra who is a Social Studies teacher served as our tour guide and told us about the history of Lima and the lifestyle of early Peruvians. The Incas began construction on the monument and it was used as a temple. In later years, the pyramid was used as a cemetery and then later a storage unit for crops. In addition, Señora Luisa, an art teacher, guided us as we painted a mural filled with shapes, lines, bright colors, and abstract drawings. This art class was so fun and once finished we played traditional Peruvian instruments. It is only the second day and I have already seen and learned so much, I cannot wait for the rest of the trip!

Landed in Wimbledon

The students and chaperones have all made it safely to Wimbledon!  We were greeted with such a warm welcome from the Ursuline High School students and faculty members here.  All of the girls were so excited to see one another and could not wait to begin their trip!  Keep checking the blog for updates on this wonderful experience!

Wimbledon Bound !

Today was another exciting day at DFW airport as we bid farewell to our second delegation of the summer, the Wimbledon Delegation. Tonight this happy group is on British Airways headed toward London - just in time for Wimbledon Tennis and just before the Summer Olympics. We are looking forward to hearing from this delegation as they visit England during this extra special summer!



Greetings from Peru

Today we received this lovely photo from our Peru Delegation. It was taken at the Lima airport upon arrival and, as you see, our Peruvian host sisters were there (at 5 am!) to welcome their Ursuline Dallas sisters with great enthusiasm- so sweet of them! After the airport welcome, all of the students went to our sister school where they were treated to a wonderful welcome breakfast. We can't wait to hear more from Lima in the coming days!

On our way to Peru!

Our happy travelers are now on their way to Peru! This photo was taken this evening at the Miami airport just before boarding the plane to Lima. Even though the photo is a bit fuzzy, the happiness of the group is clear! We can't wait to hear more news from Lima!

Preparing for Summer Travel

The Peru Delegation - can't wait to arrive in Lima!

The Wimbledon Delegation - Ready for London 2012!

Summer is upon us UA and, for two student groups,  it is time to travel! Next week, we will send a delegation to our sister school in Lima, Peru and a delegation to our sister school in Wimbledon, England. Both groups are very excited to experience new cultures and to meet their Ursuline host families. Stay tuned to our blog to read updates from our world travelers!

Special Guest, Matt Nink of GYLI

Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome our old friend, Mr. Matt Nink, Director of GYLI (Global Youth Leadership Institute) to Ursuline. Mr. Nink was at UA to plan for future collaborations and to inform students about the many excellent opportunities that are available to them through GYLI and Ursuline (check out gyli.org for more details). Last year, two of our Ursuline juniors, Marisela and Sara,  attended GYLI's Year Two program in New Mexico. They came back inspired to do something to benefit the UA community and to raise our level of environmental consciousness. As a result, the Permaculture club was born and we now have a thriving garden on campus! During his visit, Mr. Nink was thrilled to meet with the Permaculture students and to celebrate the first tomatoes of spring!

Spring is in the air!

Marisela shows off the first tomato

Our UA Garden !

Mr. Nink, Ms. Merani and Permaculture Club members