Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!

Story Fields at Hello Babies!

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Last Saturday I enjoyed the pleasure of sharing the End of the year Celebration with Mariela Salto and all her babies at Pequeña Sociedad in Belgrano neighbourhood, where Mariel runs Hello Babies! teaching English through the ALL English for Babies methodology.

The event was simply wonderful: babies and young kids, mums and dads, siblings, grannies and grandpas, aunts and uncles, everyone joining in, listening to my stories, singing, dancing and playing with colour lights and bubbles. It was a real PARTY! There were raffles at the end, and Reading Thinks was present with a lovely Book Fair.

I was blessed with the presence, support and help of my husband and daughters, which was a treat to my sould and heart! And I was also delighted to meet old friends of mine and their families there. Maria Marta and Grace, Franco and his wife and sweet Valen: it was great to share this morning with you ALL!

But, above all, there was love and sharing, and tears of gratitude and hugs, and all these wonderful presents made it a true celebration!

Thank you all for having me there, and especailly, of course, thank you Mariel for your generosity and love!

So long!
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Story Fields at O'Keefe School of English in La Plata

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Last week I was delighted to visit the O'Keefe girls and their fabulous language school in La Plata for the second time this year.

I was welcomed by Maureen, Soledad, and all their teachers, students, friends and family. We enjoyed a whole day full of stories, songs and games!

Lunch time was a real treat, with Pochi's home-made cooking, and all the family around. And I even got to pay a visit to the gorgeous Cathedral in that beautiful city! Out of this world!

A huge THANK YOU hug to the O'Keefe girls, and all their people! You really are amazing!!!

So long!
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Story Fields at Lenguas Vivas

I am honoured and flattered to say that yesterday I shared a lovely storytelling class with Griselda Beacon's students at the Lenguas.

Griselda teaches "Children's Literature" to this class, of which I am an adscripta, so I visited them and had to chance to share stories, tips, hints and my humble experience in storytelling.

Thanks once again for such a loving and warm welcome, namely to Griselda's students, Griselda Beacon herself and Paula Lopez Cano for making this whole thing possible.

So long!

Halloween at Dynamic English Centre

Dynamic teachers and students got together to celebrate Halloween through a storytelling event.

We shared spooky, and not so spooky, stories, chants, games and songs to have fun on this trick or treat day.

Thank you Dynamic fans, and I loved your costumes!!!

So long!

Story Fields at Dickens Cultura Inglesa

In October, I visited the teachers and students at Dickens Cultura Inglesa in Quilmes, where we shared stories and games.

Both young and not so young kids, and young adults joined in and had fun with a variety of tales that captured their attention and imaginations, as well!

Thank you Dickens Cultura Inglesa for a lovely afternoon together!

So long!

Story Fields at CNSM in Belgrano

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Last week I shared a series of fantastic storytelling sessions with the kinder and primary school students at Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia in Belgrano.

It was great to enjoy this time, full of stories and songs, with such an enthusiastic, involved and respectful audience!

A huge THANK YOU hug to all the students, the teachers, the school authorities, especially of kindergarten and primary school, and namely to the English Coordinator, Mabel Chena, for making this whole event possible.

See you around Misericordians!

So long!

Story Fields at Cristoforo Colombo school, again!

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Last week, I shared some lovely and cute storytelling sessions with the youngest ones at school: kinder 5, 1st and 2nd grades.

We sang, played, and joined in with lots of stories we enjoyed together!

Thank you kids and teachers, school authorities and "helpers," and a huge word of acknowledgement to Mariela Salto and Chris Djivanian  for their trust, support and cooperation!

See you around!
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ALL English for babies 10th Anniversary

Last Saturday, ALL English for babies celebrated its 10th birthday!!! Maria Marta Suarez, developer of this revolutionary methodology, hosted this traditional but very special edition of ALL Annual Gathering.

Many members of the ALL programmes got together to Celebrate Growth and Life-long Learning, which was the motto of this year's edition.

We shared wonderful sessions on new technologies, Process Drama, Singing, and a sprinkle of Story Fields stories here, and there, and everywhere!

We also enjoyed breakfast, lunch and cake, together with Graciela Buscaglia, Maria Marta's partner, and in the lovely company of some of our favourite "oldies."

THANK YOU ALL for such a lovely day together, full of growth, love and stories!!!



Happy Spring!!!

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To a Butterfly

by William Wordsworth, The Eternal Romantic

STAY NEAR me - do not take thy flight!

A little longer stay in sight!

Much converse do I find in thee,

Historian of my infancy!

Float near me; do not yet depart!

Dead times revive in thee:

Thou bring'st, gay creatue as thou art!

A solemn image to my heart,

My father's family!

Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days,

The time, when in our childish plays,

My sister Emmeline and I

Together chased the butterfly!

A very hunter did I rush

Upon the prey; - with leaps and springs

I followed on from brake to bush;

But she, God love her! feared to brush

The dust from off its wings.

Teacher's Day Celebration at Asoc. de Ex-alumnas del Lenguas Vivas

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Last Friday evening I was honoured to be part of this traditional celebration, where teachers and students of different foreign languages and from different places in Argentina, get together to receive prizes, to share part of the work they have done during the year and to enjoy Teacher's Day together.

The event began with some of the teachers dressed as courtesans greeting guests, who were then invited to look through a room where students' work was exhibited. After that some very moving words were spoken by the leaders of the Asociacion, videos with stds' work were shown, and then I shared some stories together with a lovely audience. We finished the evening with a delicious toast and celebration.

Thank you all very much for the invitation, and for your lovely feedback at the end of my presentation. A special word of gratitude and admiration for her work to Myrian Casamassima, who was in charge of the event.

Happy teacher's day!

So long!
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StoryFields at Pilgrim's College Pacheco

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Last week I was invited by Carolina Schinelli and Virginia Lafuente, from Lectotum, to join them at Pilgrim's College in Pacheco, as part of the activities they organised within the context of the school Book Fair.

I shared a lovely afternoon with the kids from first to sixth grades, the teachers and Gloria, the librarian. We enjoyed stories and songs together in a spacious room with a fantastic view of the school green areas, which looked wonderful in the sunshine!

Thank you Virginia, Caro, Gloria and Pilgrim's College!! And a special word of acknowledgement to Kari Gimenez from Reading Thinks!

So long!
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Happy Teacher's Day!

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To enjoy our day together, I would like to share a very special poem with you. It is called Teachers and it was written by Roger Stevens. This lovely poem, together with many others, is published in The Truth about Teachers, a book full of hilarious rhymes by Paul Cookson, David Harmer, Brian Moses and Roger Stevens. (Thank you guys!
I love them all!)

According to the autors, this book will make you laugh your socks off! And I just could not agree more! Enjoy the poem, enjoy your day and enjoy what you have chosen to do with your life:
enjoy being a TEACHER!

TEACHERS

by Roger Stevens

Teachers are happy

All of the while

Teachers are cheery

Teachers all smile

Teachers have eyes

In the back of their heads

Teachers remember

The good things you said

Teachers are friendly

Teachers are kind

Teachers can always

See into your mind

Teachers will help

If you're stuck with your sums

Teachers like stillness

But not wriggle-bums

Teachers are visitors

From outer space

Teachers play Scrabble

But never kiss chase

Teachers like writing

Their writing is neat

Teachers are honest

Teachers don't cheat

Teachers walk or ride bikes

(They don't have much choice

They can't afford cars

And they'd love a Rolls-Royce)

Teachers eat salad

And stinky old cheese

Teachers have patches on jackets

And knees

Teachers are fair

Though they can give cross looks

Teachers have hobbies

They love marking books

I'm glad I'm a teacher

The best in the town

Now open your books

Be quiet

And SIT DOWN!
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Story Fields at Cristoforo Colombo school

This week I shared the first of a series of storytelling sessions at Escuela Italiana Cristoforo Colombo.

I was warmly welcomed by the 3rd and 4th graders, their lovely teachers (thank you Mariela, Laura and Paula!), the school staff and the head of primary school Anglea Parisi. Thank you all!

We enjoyed stories and songs, and everyone joined in with keen enthusiasm. Congrats!

Thanks a lot and see you around!

Story Fields at ABS Conference

Last weekend I was part of the 12th  International Conference for ELT Managers and Directors of Studies organized by ABS International in Buenos Aires.

As usual, I was welcomed by Laura's friendly and efficient staff, in a lovely hotel, situated in a beautiful area of the city.

As I got closer and closer to the conference rooms, meeting and greeting and hugging familiar faces on the way, I was thriving with energy and anticipation.

Once my turn came, I was joined by a lovely and highly participative audience who joined in and had lots of fun and sharing throughout the session. Thank you all there!!!

All in all, a highly fulfilling Saturday afternoon spent in great company, as usual! Thank you ABS! Thank you Laura, and Miguel!

So long!

Story Fields at O'Keefe School of English in La Plata

I am very pleased to share with you that last week I visited O'Keefe School of English in La Plata, where I was welcomed by Maureen O'Keefe, head and founder of the school, and lovely Soledad O'Keefe, courses coordinator and teacher.

I must say I was impressed by the beauty and warmth of the city, the institute, its staff and, above all, its students. We shared two lovely and busy days together, full of stories and songs.

All in all, it has been an unforgettable experience, full of pleasant surprises and heart-filling moments!

Thank you so much O'Keefe School of Enlgish!

So long!

Story Fields at Belgrano Day School

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Two weeks ago I was welcomed by the kinder students, the teachers and their lovely coordinator Marilina Giani, at Belgano Day School.
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We shared four sessions full of stories and songs, and had a great time together! This storytelling event was part of a book fair that was being held at this prestigious school, so children could enjoy the books and the stories in a very cozy and book-loving atmosphere.
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I am very grateful to all the people who made this possible. Namely, Marilina and all her staff, the people who helped around with the screen, the mike and so on, and of course my lovely and keen audience!
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Thank you very much Belgrano Day School!
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So long!
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Springs of Friendship

On this very special day, I would like to share with you all some of my favourite quotes taken from a little and tremendously powerful book called Springs of Frienship.

I trully hope you can enjoy them and share them so that they fill your hearts and souls, as well as those of your friends.

So long!

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.

Aristotle

If I should meet thee after long years, how should I greet thee?

With silence and tears.

Lord Byron

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Of all the gifts that a wise providence

grants us to make life full and happy

FRIENDSHIP

is the most beautiful.

Epicurus

One can do without people,

but one has need of a friend.

Chinese Wisdom

Friendship and loyalty are in an identity

of souls seldom found on earth.

The only really lasting and valuable friendship

is between people of a similar nature.

Mahatma Gandhi

It is not a lack of love,

but a lack of friendship

that makes unhappy marriages.

Nietzsche

Friendship is the shadow at evening,

it grows until the sun of life sets.

Jean de Lafontaine

Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship,

and it is by far the best ending for one.

Oscar Wilde

Hot chocolate and Stories at Dynamic English Centre

Last week I held a very cozy session, full of stories, hot chocolate and other yummy goodies to Welcome Winter, at Dynamic English Centre in Belgrano.

We read, heard, danced and enjoyed stories in a nice warm circle, with kids and parents.

I want to thank all the students and families from Dynamic who were present at the event, Miss Nuria, helpful Esther, and Prof Romina Muse, head and director of the institute, for making this event possible and for her on-going support.

Thank you all and enjoy winter!

So long!

Story Fields at Lenguas Vivas

Last Monday I was very glad and honoured to hold a new storytelling session at "the Lenguas."

I shared some of my favourite stories, together with some storytelling tips, with all the students and teacher of "Children's Literature," a subject taught at the Profesorado de Ingles, of which I am currently an "adscripta."

I want to thank Prof. Griselda Beacon and all her students for joining in the magic and power of stories, for their support and help every Monday, and for becoming kids again and enjoying the stories so much.

See you all real soon!

So long!

Story Fields at Children's School

For the second year running I was warmly welcomed by Children's School community two weeks ago, as part of their yearly book fair, which this year was called: Stories around the World.

I shared some very nice stories to illustrate the topic of this year's fair, with students from 1st to 7th grade. We enjoyed two lovely afternoons together, and it was great to be greeted by familiar faces!

All the kids who met me last year remembered me, my toys and my stories! Some of them even remembered some of the lines from the stories and went as far as to ask for a replay of their favourite one from last year! Fantastic!

I want to thank the whole community for their trust, support, warmth and cooperation. First and foremost, the kids, who were absolutely amazing; the English Coordinator, Marcia Kent, who was, as usual, extremely helpful and nice; all the teachers who shared the sessions with me and their students, for their support, engagement and help; and the technicians who helped me have everything ready.

All in all, thank you Children's School for a lovely storytelling experience!

So long!

Story Fields at ABS I teach kids!

I am glad to share with you that this weekend Story Fields was part of ABS First Conference devoted, exclusively, to Teaching English to Young Learners: I teach kids!

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I arrived on Friday and was, as usual, welcomed by Laura Lewin, Miguel and the whole of ABS staff. Everyone was extremely helpful and made my stay there a real pleasure.

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On Friday I shared "The Magic and Power of Storytelling" together with a very enthusiastic and inspiring audience. And on Saturday I shared, together with Maria Marta Suarez, from ALL, "Dancing Stories with Kids," where we danced, sang and had lots of fun with a very participative audience. After that, with the support and help of Karina Gimenez from Reading Thinks and Alejandra from Peek-a-Book, I shared "Hot chocolate and Stories" with a lovely and warm audience.

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A big THANK YOU to all the people who made this possible, and especially to all the wonderful participants who joined in with me, listened to me, played along, took photos, asked questions and shared comments.

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Thank you all and see you around!

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So long!

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Stories sleep on Stars

Did you know?

Stories sleep upon the stars above us.

All we have to do is call them,

so that they join us down here,

and we can play together.

So long!

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16º Encuentro Internacional De Narracion Oral

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Last weekend, I was glad to take part in this important event within the context of the Feria del Libro de Buenos Aires.

We were visited by storytellers from all over the country and the world: Spain, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, among others.

All these wonderful "cuenteros" came to our country to share some of their favourite stories with us.

It was an inspiring and insightful event, full of stories, songs and words. Thnak you all!

So long!

Books here, books there, books everywhere!

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Wherever I look, whenever I turn around, I find myself surrounded by books, and of course, by stories. And this is simply great!

We celebrated the International Book Day and Languages Day last Saturday; many of the schools I know and I usually "story-visit" are hosting their own book fairs (great for them!); La Feria de Libro de Buenos Aires has opened its doors to visitors of all ages and nationalities; and Buenos Aires has been declared "La Capital Mundial del Libro."

What a lot of great chances to inspire those around us with books and stories! And what a great chance to get together and READ! Do it with your kids, friends, students, colleagues! Do it with everybody!

To celebrate reading, and books, and stories in this special month, here go a few quotes on the topic: food for thought!

So long!

"Some books leave us free and some books make us free."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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"Some books are to be tasted; others swallowed; and some to be chewed and digested."

Francis Bacon

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"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."

Joseph Addison
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"No entertainment is so cheap as reading,

nor any pleasure so lasting."

Mary Wortley Montagu

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Stories in the Fields

Last Saturday we shared an "unplugged" version of a storytelling session in the open: "2011 Dynamic E.C., Reading Thinks and Story Fields bookfair for kids."

We had a great time, sharing stories in the sun, surrounded by a beautiful park with magnificent trees and birds, and a great audience.

I want to thank Romina Muse from Dynamic English Centre, Karina Gimenez from Reading Thinks, all the people who helped around all morning, and all my friends, students, and former students who were with us on this very special event. Thank you all for your generous donations! I'm sure our students from special public schools will be delighted with their "English Libraries."

Hope you enjoyed the stories,

keep them in your heart and soul,

till we meet again,

and share some more!

So long!

Dynamic English Centre, Reading Thinks and Story Fields 2011 Book Fair

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This is a special invitation for our next event, to take place on Saturday April 16th at Circulo de la Fuerza Aerea in Vicente Lopez.

You are all welcome to join in this experience and indulge in the magic and power of stories for kids in the open air.

It is essential that you contact us to book your place. The event is free of charge, and we accept donations (books, preferably stories in English) for kids in public special education school.

See you all there!

So long!

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And that's all

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This is the title of a lovely little poem by Max Fatchen, the famous Australian journalist and writer.
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I would like to share it with you today, in the hope that you may have a wonderful weekend, surrounded by your loved ones, wrapped up in warm blankets, yummy goodies, and stories.
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And that's all

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A happy day

is precious to keep

So take it to bed

and wrap it in sleep

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Mark Fatchen

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So long!

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World Storytelling Day

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Happy Storytelling day to us all!

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Today is a day for celebration. Whether you are a storyteller, a story writer, a reader, a lover of stories and literature, or someone who loves listening to stories, HAPPY DAY!

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On this very day, as I write this and you read it, people all over the world get together to welcome Spring in the Northern hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern one, and to celebrate World Storytelling Day.

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It is my wish and hope that today, all those of us who will be telling and listening to stories all over the world can put our hearts, souls and energy together and make a wish for

universal welfare.

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Love, celebration and stories!

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So long!

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If you want to learn more about this Worldwide event, you can consult: http://www.worldstorytellingday.webs.com/

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Thank you Mats Rhenman for this logo.

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Story Fields at ALL Training Courses

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Last February I was, once again, very pleased to be a member of the team of trainers working at ALL - Alternative Language Learning- , to train teachers from all over the country in the application of this innovative methodology.
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As part of the training course I delivered a session on Storytelling, and I shared some very nice stories with all the participants.
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It was a very insightful and rewarding experience, which I hope all those of us involved can cherish and nurture from in the months to come.
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A special word of thanks to all the trainees and to Maria Marta Suarez, creator of the methodology, to Grace Buscaglia, and to my fellow trainers and friends: Daniela Borlenghi, Mariela Salto and Eugenia Dell'Osa.
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Thank you ALL!
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Enjoy your weekend, and so long!
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Everyone has a story to tell

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"Everyone has a story to tell. And while we could spend a lifetime learning the art and technique of storytelling - perfecting our style and performance - for most of us, it is the simple telling of a tale that's important. Something as ordinary as the events of the day, an old joke, or a traditional story we heard as a child. Storytelling comes from the heart, not the head, and nothing should keep us from the exhilaration and sheer pleasure of telling a story."

- Jimmy 'Nell Smith,

Homespun: Tales from America's Favourite Storytellers

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Having this wonderful idea and quote in mind, indulge yourself in the pleasure of sharing a story with your students. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe every day of the week. Just engage your heart in the telling, and let yourself go!

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Enjoy and share.

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Have a wonderful storytelling week.

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So long!

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Welcome back!

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Today, these are the words that will be said, heard and repeated throughout the classrooms in Argentina, as we greet our students with open arms and hearts:

Welcome Back!

To celebrate and honour this special day for teachers, students and parents, I would like to share with you a few quotes from Greg H. Quinn`s book 365 Meditations for Teachers, by Scholastic, hoping that you might find them useful today, tomorrow, next week and on any day when you feel you need a pat on the shoulder or a loving bear hug.

May your school year be full of passion, surprise, magic, gift and stories!

So long!

"Each and every day...

Each and every child.

I have the power, the passion,

the skill and the knowledge

to make a difference.

Each and every day...

Each and every child."

Sandra McBrayer

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"A student's success in school starts in the head and hearts of his or her parents and teachers. The way they see them. the way they see themselves, is what they will become."

Linda Holt

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"Every September (March in our case)

is like Christmas,

and every student,

a surprise gift to open."

Mary V. Bicouvaris

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A very special invitation for you!

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Dear friends and colleagues,

I am very glad to get in touch with you again and share my news.

Please read the brochure above to book your

storytelling event in advance.

So long!

And may you have a wonderful,

magical and empowering school year,

full of stories to share, seeds to sow and harvests to reap.

Thanks for spreading the word!

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All you need is LOVE... all you need is LOVE....

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I am glad to say I have decided to get together with you again and start sharing this new year on a very special day: Valentine's Day!

So, Happy Valentine to you all!!!

Leaving aside the commercial value this special day may have to some people, I just want to share a very special phrase with you. This quote is by Luciano De Crescenzo, the late Italian writer, engineer and actor. And it goes like this:

We are each of us angels

with only one wing,

and we can only fly

by embracing

one another

So when you get home tonight, or maybe on the way, why not?, get hold of a one-winged angel, just like yourself, embrace one another, and celebrate Valentine's Day!

Cheers to love, family and friends!!!

So long!

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