Russian Language Club
Mike Opaliski
Hello, my name is Mike and I was born and raised in Philadelphia, located on the east coast of the United States of America (USA). Prior to moving overseas in 2014, I spent over 15 years living in Seattle – which is over 4,500km from where I grew up – and a world away with regards to the cultural differences between the east and west coasts of the USA. I am extremely passionate about education and have dedicated my entire career to the learning sciences field. In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, I also hold a Master’s Degree in Education from The Pennsylvania State University and earned a TESOL certificate while living in Cambodia and Vietnam six year ago. Prior to becoming a teacher I had a successful career in corporate education providing strategic direction for learning and development initiatives for some of the world’s largest technology companies. I have extensive experience designing, implementing and managing learning programs for KS3, KS4 and adult learners on multiple continents. As the Head of Faculty for English as an Additional Language (EAL) & Languages here at HeadStart International School Phuket, I support and help develop an amazing team of Mandarin, French and Russian language teachers in both Primary and Secondary. In addition, I manage the Fast ForWord online learning program for EAL pupils across the entire school. This academic year I will also be teaching KS3 EAL and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language to KS4 pupils. I really enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures, and strongly believe the world is too big to stay in one place forever. Learning about different cultures continues to broaden my view of the world and helps me appreciate what I have even more. Outside of school you will find me living an active and healthy lifestyle while enjoying any number of the beautiful beaches on this island that I’ve called home for the past five years.
Please join us at HeadStart on Friday, 02 April as we celebrate Russian culture at our very first Russian Culture Club event titled Passport to Russia.
In the morning, all Foundation and Primary students will have the opportunity to learn about Russia while making their own folk toys or paper dolls, and doing a bit of colouring along the way. In addition, Secondary students will take part in the House Quiz during their homerooms.
There will be a few Russian specialties on the lunch menu for both the Primary and Secondary lunch periods so students can enjoy a taste of Russian food.
In the afternoon, all Secondary students will learn more about Russia by taking part in a quest for information (scavenger hunt of sorts), and will be able to have their “passports” stamped once they are able to track down the correct information.
At the end of the school day there will be quite a bit of Russian culture on display for the entire school community to see and take part in. There will be more Russian food on offer, traditional dress costumes, singing and dancing so please save the date and come join us for what is sure to be a great learning experience for the school community.