Some observations about the school I was stuck in

Two hours into Heleina’s appointment and she has grown comfortable leaving me in the room. [Aside: I wonder if dogs really appreciate that we rolled the window down or if they curse us anyway because they’re still stuck in the car.] By this point it is as much my fault as hers. In order to minimize awkwardness on my part and that of the teachers with whom I share the room, I attempt to limit eye contact, look occupied, and avoid displays of boredom. To fill space and time I will comment on the school. The school was built in 1971 alongside the oldest public housing estate in the New Territories. Whether or not this has been the case of the 40 years, the school has a large percentage of poor and poor-performing students. Many of the children are recent immigrants from mainland China and have little English ability. A teacher told us that some 3^rd graders will have difficulty answering you if you ask ‘how are you.’ The school, however, exhibits energy from teachers and staff. The teachers are appropriately busy for the middle of the day and a number of junior staff cycle through working on a variety of prep projects. The building itself calls for greater reservation. It appears from a cursory review that the building has not seen a substantial remodel since the 70’s. Evidence of electrical and flooring patches is obvious from the exposed conduits and shiny but old floors. In the hallways, swathes of unpainted plaster mars the ceiling. This may not be the prettiest place to work or to wait, but it’s ours.