Događanja

U ponedjeljak, 6.2.2017. 20-ak naših učenika koji pohađaju fakultativnu nastavu American Studies bili su gosti na prikazivanju filma ”Biti John Malcovich” u organizaciji Američkog kutka Zagreb u Gradskoj knjižnici pod pokroviteljstvom američke veleposlanice Julieta Noyes koja je održala i uvodnu riječ.

 

Film je zamišljen kao uvod u izložbu ”Malcovich, Malcovich, Malcovich” američkog fotografa  Sandra Millera: Hommage fotografskim majstorima.

Izložba se otvara u srijedu 9.2.2017. u Hrvatskom društvu likovnih umjetnika na Trgu žrtava fašizma 16 u 19.30, ulaz je slobodan.

Možda vas činjenica da je John Malcovich porijeklom iz Ozlja i učenički komentari o filmu zaintrigiraju da dođete na izložbu.

My first impression of the movie was bad because the subject was developing really slow so I thought that I wouldn’t like the movie. When the plot twist happened I was really into the movie and I thought it was very interesting so I was focusing more to try and understand what was going on. The ending was unexpected and I was very suprised the way  that the movie ended because I thought that it would be a perfect love story but it was something entirely different. Since I like those kind of movies where you don’t know what will happen untill the very end I was really pleased that I was there and watched it.

The first thought that i had was ”Is this a movie with puppets?” I had mixed feelings at the beginning because I didn`t know what to expect but I was surprised once I figured out what was going on. It was completely different from what I`d seen before. It was, at least, weird. The plot twists were unexpected and I didn`t like the main character, I didn`t like him, especially towards the end. But I would recommend it because it was so different and unique and I would understand  if someone didn`t like it.

At first the movie was boring because I didn`t understand the meaning and the theme. On the other hand, I also liked it for its weirdness. The movie is different and I think the audience liked it because of that. I would characterize it as a psychological drama. I have never seen such a strange movie before and because of that I like it a bit. 

 

MAY 2016 

       DIA WILSON JAGATIC TALKED ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES IN AMERICAN SCHOOL

       AND UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: SAVED BY THE BELL

                 

 

MAY 30TH CELEBRATION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OT THE AMERICAN CORNER

WORKSHOP STORYTELLING AT OUR SCHOOL WITH DIGITALIZED  WORKSHOP

STORY: WITCHES OF SALEM

GROUP WORK: ENACTING COURT HEARING, DEBATING

MAKING A VIDEO ON IPADS PROVIDED BY THE AMERICAN EMBASSY

Our students with their English teachers particiapted in a storytelling workshop with Srebrenka Peregrin, a professional storyteller, to learn about the Salem Witch Trials. The students were encouraged to take photos with iPads during the storytelling to be able to continue their learning and understanding of the Salem Witch Trials using digital storytelling apps for their small projects, such as a trailer, an interview with the witch, a discussion for or against the trials, a scene from a movie or a performance about Tituba.

 

 

APRIL 2016

PROJECT ON AMERICAN PRESIDENTS, MAKING MOVIES IN PUPPET PALS APP AND AWARDING THE BEST MOVIES

 

      

                                                                                                                                                                                               

26TH STEP AFRIKA PERFORMANCE IN ZKM

      

I was speechless last night. It was extraordinary. The  artists radiated with energy and power which you could feel. I liked the atmosphere between performers and audience. People on the stage were absolutely wonderful. I would like to watch them again. I could watch them all day and night.

The performance was quite good absolutely impressive. I was very much surprised how they could have the audience to clap and dance with them. Their stepping showed us how people can succeed in their life if they work hard. I hope they`ll have another performance in Zagreb. I haven`t heard of them, but now I`m interested in their activities.

It was awesome. I really liked it. The show was great, the dancers were amazing, the location is perfect and black people are fabulous. After the show I talked to some of the performers and it was fun. I can`t wait to see the showagain in the futrure. I also really liked the activist part of the show (♯blacklivesmatter)

The performance was impressive. I think the artists  have a real talent. It was nice to watch them because in this part of the world step is different. They expressed their feelings through dance and they make it special, I`ve  been watching them for 3 years and they are unique every time.

 

 

MARCH 30TH                             

CELEBRATING WOMEN`S HISTORY MONTH

Stephanie Olson, American professor, delivered a lecture on “Women’s Work in the U.S. – World War to Cold War”

PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK CHASING A CROATIAN GIRL BY CODY MCCLAIN BROWN

DISCUSSION ABOUT CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CROATIA AND AMERICA

 

FEBRUARY 2016

Lecture at the American Corner Zagreb: US ELECTIONS 2016 by Mr Eric Williams from the Embassy`s Political Department

If you want to learn about the system of the US elections which is pretty complicated, have a look at Mr Williams` presentation and follow the current events on the news.

DECEMBER 2015

MEET THE DIPLOMAT CHRISTIAN WRIGHT – PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER IN ZAGREB

SOME OF THE STUDENTS` COMMENTS ON MR. WRIGHT`S VISIT TO OUR SCHOOL

I was really impressed because I don’t often talk to a diplomat. Mr Wright talked about Croatian and American problems. He has a really incredible past and he has lived in many countries. He can speak 5 languages. Also he talked about the US education and so many opportunities that America gives you. I was really impressed with those 90 minutes. I didn’t expect that it would be so interesting. I am glad that I was there and listened to Mr Wright and his opinions because he is an experienced man full of knowledge. He would be a great teacher because he had our full attention.

It was a really nice experience. I think that Mr Wright is a very talkative, interesting, funny and smart person. We learnt a lot from him about the US. I am impressed with his knowledge of foreign languages. I learnt a lot about his country and I saw his view on my country and I was so proud because he told us that Croatia is a beautiful country. I intend to listen to his advice. ‘You need to travel and see your country through the eyes of other people.’ That is a really good piece of advice.

NOVEMBER 2015 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

On Thanksgiving students read stories related to its origins and customs in the past and today.

 

OCTOBER 2015

ORIENTATION VISIT TO THE AMERICAN CORNER ZAGREB (AT BOGDAN OGRIZOVIĆ LIBRARY)

WORKSHOP BY MS MARINA LONČAR, LEADER OF THE AMERICAN CORNER ZAGREB

Students were in the library on two occasions and had an opportunity to get to know the library`s

resources and to work with Merriem Webster dictionaries and online editions of dictionaries to celebrate Dictionary Day.

 

FEBRUARY 2015

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Cultural Influences of Harper Lee`s To Kill a Mocking Bird and other February Cultural

Notes

    

Harper Lee in the past and today                                                                  

The American Studies group participated in a lecture on Civil rights movement and the references this novel has had in America.

February 16th is the President`s day in America. Our speakers , Joseph W. Davis (Fulbright scholar) and Carlee Shults (Fulbright Teaching Assistant) talked about American presidents and the importance of Barack Obama being the first Afroamerican president in the US history. They congratulated us on the inauguration of the first woman president Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, hoping that they will have a woman president soon.

Do you know the names of these four American presidents?

 

 

 

As February 14th is Valentine`s Day and it is widely

celebrated in America our speakers shared their

experience with us.

Some students` comments on the lecture:

I think that the presentation was very good, although I didn`t understand all the words. Listening to native speakers is good experience because it teaches us how to listen harder even if we are not familiar with some of the words the speakers use.

The presentation was interesting and educational. The speakers were very nice. I liked them very much.I will definitely read this book.

The lecture in the library was very interesting and useful. I learnt some new and useful things. We talked about the position of black people and their position in America in the past and today. I was terrified when I heard how whitew people humiliated black people only because of the colour of their skin. I`m sure that I`m going to read the book To Kill a Mocking Bird soon.

I liked how people in America celebrate Valentine`s Day. I think it`s absolutely great.

I learned a lot about American culture.

The problem of racism was explained pretty thourougly. I liked the part about American tradions and thier love for Harper Lee`s novel.

I liked how the teacher spoke about her personal experience of President Obama`s inauguration and how she showed us the photos of the event.

I think the lecture was fun, interesting and informative. I would like to read the book and see the movie. I understood almost everything except a few longer and more difficult words. I like the black history part most. I think it`s very interesting and important. I think Abraham Lincoln is the most interesting presidents.

The speakers compared the American President`s inauguration to ours which had been the day before. It was intersesting and fun. It was hard to remain concentrated the whole time listening to native speakers because they speak very quickly, but I made it.

 

JANUARY 2015

JANUARY 19TH      MARTIN LUTHER KING`S BIRTHDAY

 

 

 

 

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

 

To commemorate MLK`s birthday we watched the movie

To Kill a Mocking Bird based on the novel by

Harper Lee, dealing with racism and injust treatment

of black people.

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 2014

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST OF THE US

The American Fulbrighters Carlee Shults and Joseph W. Davis presented how Americans celebrate Christmas with many traditions focusing on the traditions in their native states in the South and the Southwest of the U.S. (Arizona and Alabama). They also told stories that are read every Christmas Eve.

Our students talked about our traditions such as activitiea and food for St Nicholas Day,  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

 

On December 15 we invited Ms Marina Lončar, the leader of the American Corner Zagreb to come to our school to wrap up the activities in the first term. She prepared a quiz on the topics students had been listening to and we had a fierce competition which showed that students had paid attention to the lectures. The reward was Christmas cookies.

Some of the quiz questions were:

What is American Corner Zagreb?

When did Noah Webster finish his American Dictionary of the English language?

Which American president created Thanksgiving as a national holiday?

Who pulls Santa Claus`s sleigh and helps him deliver Christmas gifts in children`s story Tha Cajun Night Before Christmas?

 

Where was the song Jingle Bells written?

 

NOVEMBER 2014

THANKSGIVING

Mr Joseph W. Davis and Ms Carlee Shults talked about how Thanksgiving is celebrated in their families. Mr Davis played video and audio clips recorded by his friends who are Americans but of different descents (Polish, Afro American, Asian and Mexican) which showed us that Thanksgiving holiday nowadays has become accepted by all immigrants and they adopted it with some alterations due to their origins. This is a true spirit of multicultural community.

The most important characteristic of every Thanksgiving Day is families and friends getting together.

Students participated in a workshop. Traditional craft which is done for Thanksgiving Day in American schools looks like this:

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2014

 

DICTIONARY DAY

 

Dictionary Day: For the Love of Words

The American Studies group participated in a language workshop dedicated to Noah Webster, and the importance and power of words.

Using online resources, the students explored and learned about Noah Webster’s life and achievements. They could experience that the true nature of words and language could be understood and put to test in a creative way as presented in Andrew Clements’ story about Frindle. As presented in the workshop, new technology, games, crossword puzzles and reading offer innovative and creative pathways to building word power. The students made their own list of synonyms or tried their hand at making or defining new words.

A newly coined word was mophin=talking on a mobile phone, used for shortening the sentence ‘I`m talking on my mobile phone.’

The student`s suggestion is to say ‘I`m mophing.’ instead.

Online resources we used can be helpful to anybody who is trying to master the English language:

Merriam-Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/
About Us: Noah Webster and America’s First Dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/noah.htm
Noah Webster House: Noah Webster History

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2014

 

American Studies group visited the US embassy in Zagreb (in Buzin)

A group of students from our school enjoyed a ride in a white American school bus to Buzin.

After passing the control point we were on the American soil. We were greeted by Maca Bahlen, director of the Information Resource Center and her associate Marija Kopljar. As we were standing in the hall and talking about all American ambassadors who have had their post here in Croatia the present ambassador Mr Merten came and we greeted him loudly ”Good morning Mr Ambassador!”

We visited the Resource Center, the Consular Section and walked through the embassy. We had a chance to talk again to Ms Elizabeth Blumenthal, Assistant Public Affairs Officer, who had visited our school in October last year.

The highlight was touching and sitting in a bullet-proof jeep in charge of US Marine guards in the embassy`s yard.

Students were delighted and astonished by the visit. Here are some of their comments:

The visit to the US embassy was a memorable experience. It was fascinating to see how the whole system works. The people there were extremely nice. I was stunned by all the things they actually told us. Marines were the greatest fun – they were really down to earth. It was something that I wasn`t expecting. I always thought that people in the military were stiff and formal, but they surprised me in the best way. You can also see that all the employees take their work very seriously and that they trust each other. I would actually consider working there someday if I don`t leave Croatia.

                                                                                                                                 (Borna R., 4c)

It was very interesting to see how the embassy works and what they do. The best thing was marines. I tried some of their equipment and I liked that part. Of course, for me, it was interesting to see the part of embassy where visas are issued because I plan to spend some time in the USA during my studies at the university. All in all, one great experience. I will remember that day forever.  

(Grga, 4c)

 

You can read about our visit on the embassy`s website:

 

 

http://zagreb.usembassy.gov/programs_and_events/2014_september.html

 

 

JUNE 2014

 

                   IMPORTANT CROATIAN WOMEN                           June 4th

On Wednesdy June 4th our American Studies group hosted two American Fulbright scholars, Anne Talavera and Lydia Wilson on our premises. As the two scholars gave lectures to us throughout the school year, we wanted to thank them by giving a lecture to them on a Croatian topic and teach them about our culture. Also, we invited Ms. Marina Lončar, leader of the American Corner in Zagreb, as our honourable guest, to thank her for organising events and lectures for us all these years.

We chose the topic Important Croatian Women because every year we study Important American Women. Students illustrated the greatness of Dora Pejačević, Marija Jurić Zagorka, Ivana Brlić Mažuranić as historic figures whose works are still relevant today. Also students chose a few contemporary women from other walks of life: Janica Kostelić, the Zaninović sisters and Ruža Tomašić.

To make the presentations more interesting the students (Sara and Snježana) prepared a memory game about the famous women, a piano piece written by Dora Pejačević (Rote Nedke -Red Carnation) played by Filip and an extract from Croatian Tales of Long Ago – from the story Reygoch (Priče iz davnina- Regoč) was read by Ana and Nika.

In the end, we discussed reading preferences, how much students like assigned reading in Croatia and the US and talked about education in the two countries in general.

The guests were pleased with new names and facts they heard about and decided to read and learn more about our women writers, now that they were introduced to them. They also praised our students for their effort and encouraged them to keep up good work.

 

 

 

 

APRIL 2014

 

Jazz: America`s Music                                                         April 9th

 

In April Americans celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM).

 

 

We wanted to learn about jazz and mr.sc. Lydia Wilson, Fulbright scholar from the USA, introduced jazz to us from its beginnings till today, in a very intreresting and enlighting way with examples, pictures and extracts from musical pieces.

Her explanations brought jazz closer to us and we have learned a great deal.

 

 

MARCH 2014

 

Women`s History Month                            March 19th

Again Ms Anne Talavera gave a lecture, this time on Women at the Frontier. She talked about women pioneers in the early days of Wild West and women`s contributions later on, especially during World War II, and then about their fight for equal rights known as Suffrage Movement. The comparison between the pioneers` life and contemporary one was striking, showing us how convenient life has become for us.

Before coming to the library students read some stories and novels about that time:

LAURA INGALLIS WILDER: LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS

LAURA INGALLIS WILDER: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

WILLA CATHER: MY ANTONIA

WILLA CATHER. O PIONEERS!

We warmly recommend the books to everyone!

 

 

Workshop by Michael Soucie from Croatian American Society                                March 20th

Our school regularly visits events held by CAS (situated in Petrova street) and Mr Michael Soucie, CAS Director of English Clubs comes to our school and makes workshops about American Cities, National Parks, US Education, US Celebrities and other interestring topics.

He also introduced this year`s American Tour to our students.

 

BIG APPLE TOUR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYC, Washington DC, Philadelphia… July 14th – 30th 2014

17 dana All-Inclusive! (full board, transport, admissions, tourist guide), Statue of Liberty, Broadway Show, White House, Smithsonian Space Museum, Six Flags Amusement Park, Live concert, Central Park, Independence Hall, Metropolitan Museum, New York Yankees Game, Arena Football League Game, American Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, Washington DC Monuments, MLS Soccer Match, Premium Outlet shopping,

Visiting universities – Columbia University, George Washington University, Villanova University, UPenn!

It is the 9th tour of the US organised by Croatian American Society.

This cultural and educational programme enables Croatian high school and university students to experience American culture and way of life, improvement of their language skills as well as visit to prestige universities, amusement parks and other sights. There are 20 English lessons included plus the opportunity to talk to the guides who are native speakers. This programme is for young people at the age 13 to 25. Questions and reservations at 2422-343 or msoucie@cas.hr.

 

 

 

FEBRUARY 2014

 

Black History Month February 24th The lecture was entitled: Richard Wright`s Black Boy: Lessons Learned

 

Every year the month of February is dedicated to Black History when schools around America remember the injustice done to black people in the past. Also it is time to talk about great African Americans. This year we chose Richard Wright, a novelist. We read his novel Black Boy which depicts growing up in the American South at the time of segregation. All students found it interesting and educational.

This year we decided our students are going to take active part in the event. Three third-grade students (Dino Ljuban, Alma Kararić and Mihaela Davidović) prepared a presentation on the novel Black Boy, Civil Rights Movement and biographical background of the author. They also chose a few extracts from the book to illustrate their lecture which were read by their colleagues.

 

t wasn`t easy to talk and read in public, espeacially in the library with so many people, but our students did a great job.

 

 

 

 

February 27th                               Što sam naučio radeći u američkoj korporaciji

 

 

 

Učenici 2b, 4c i 4d razreda prisustvovali su predavanju u organizaciji Američkog kutka i veleposlanstva SAD-a. Predavač je bio Mario Svorcina, financijski direktor farmaceutske tvrtke Abbvie, a bivši učenik naše gimnazije.

Učenici su saznali korisne informacije o načinu rada i kodeksu ponašanja u američkim tvrtkama koje djeluju na području Hrvatske, kako se prilagođavaju našim zakkonima, kakav je postupak prijave i izbora djelatnika, koje zahtjeve treba zadovoljiti za rad u jednoj takvoj tvrtki. Istaknuto je da je cjeloživotno učenje i usavršavanje jako važno, kao i zalaganje na poslu, te sposobnost komunikacije s ljudima iz različitih zemalja, dakle nisu dovoljne samo stručne kompetencije nego i socijalne vještine.

Učenike je zanimalo koja je razina znanja engleskog jezika potrebna ako se žele zaposliti i kakva su primanja u odnosu na hrvatski prosjek.

Poruka predavanja bila je da mladi ljudi uz veliko zalaganje i upornost mogu naći posao koji će zadovoljiti njihova očekivanja.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DECEMBER 2013

 

Dictionary Day held on December 3rd

Although Dictinary Day is celebrated in October in the US, the American Studies had a busy schedule this fall, so a workshop organized by the leader of American Corner Zagreb, Ms Marina Lončar, took place on December 3, in our school. She compiled three aspects this year: the Croatian Book Month topic: Listen While You Read, Interliber`s topic Smart use of Smart Devices and dictionary work.

She chose an extract from Shakespeare`s play Macbeth which is not easy to read, but with the help of online dictionaries students managed to understand the text, heard the audio version and even read it aloud in the end.

Advantages of new technologies are that you can carry a lot of books with you and still travel lightly, but also use online dictionary which appears on your screen or hear the words, even whole books.

Students had most fun with the witches` chant:

Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

 

  

 

Harpies are mentioned in the text and this is one possible version of what they looked like (Wikipedia) => a harpy = a bird woman (Greek mithology) A harpy in Ulisse Aldrovandi‘s Monstrorum Historia, Bologna, 1642

Students used tablets for reading,finding new words online and listening to the original version and sounds.

Book making workshop held on December 11th

Students learned how to make their own books. They had to write a story in ten sentences about Christmas and illustrate them using scraps from magazines or their own illustrations. 

 

A whole heart-warming  story was written and it goes like this:

 

We used some of the books as Christmas gifts for our guests and the others were exhibited in Bogdan Ogrizović Library.

 

 

Christmas Traditions and Customs December 18th

We hosted a Christmas gathering on December 18, 2013. Anne Talavera, a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Teacher Education, met with our students to share Christmas season experiences and traditions. 

 

 

Marina Lončar, the leader of American Corner in Zagreb organized this meeting and contributed to it by baking some cookies according to her family`s traditional recipes. Students told Ms Anne about our Christmas customs and traditional food and activities that go with it. Students explained how unavoidable ”sarma” (minced meat in cabbage leaves) and ”francuska salata” (Croatian variant of Russian salad) are made. They gave advice which places to visit in Zagreb at Christmas time.

It was a nice Christmas gathering where everybody had fun.

 

 

ON 19TH DECEMBER 2013 AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ZAGREB & ARENA STAGE THEATRE GROUP FROM NEW YORK STAGED A PLAY WITH 11 YOUNG CROATS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF CROATIA  WHO LIVE WITH THEIR HANDICAP.

”DISABLE(D) PREJUDICE” WAS A RESULT OF THREE-WEEK

EFFORT AND COOPERATION BETWEEN ACTORS AND YOUNG

CROATIAN PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO TELL THEIR LIFE STORIES,

DISAPPOINTMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS AND BY SHARING

THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE AUDIENCE, OPEN OUR EYES AND

AWARENESS OF THEIR NEEDS AND PROBLEMS. THE HALL

GORGONA AT THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WAS PACKED.

WE ARRIVED AFTER CLASSES JUST IN TIME AND HAD TO SIT ON

THE STAIRS. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS FANTASTIC!

AFTER THEIR DEBUT PERFOMANCE THE YOUNG ACTORS HAD A TALK WITH THE AUDIENCE AND ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING ON THE PLAY AND THEIR LIFE. THEY MOVED THE AUDIENCE DEEPLY BY THEIR SINCERITY AND OUTGOING ANSWERS.

THIS IS HOW STUDENTS EXPERIENCED THEM.

 

 

Svaki dan je poseban. Svaki pokret vrijedan divljenja. Nakon jučerašnjeg dana, svima koji su prisustvovali predstavi otvorene su oči. Malo je reći da su me glumci dirnuli, pokazali su mi potpuno novi svijet. Način na koji oni doživljavaju svijet oko sebe me potpuno fascinirao. Cijene svaki udah, svaki korak, neke uobičajene stvari za koje ja nisam ni svjesna da sam sposobna napraviti. Vidjeti ljude s takvim poteškoćama koji i dalje uživaju u životu i njihova invalidnost ih ne sprječava u ostvarivanju cilja je jednostavno prekrasno. Jučerašnja predstava je bila iskustvo koje svatko mora doživjeti kako bi počeo cijeniti sva ovo što ima, a nekome je to cijeli jedan svijet.

Predstava me jako dirnula zbog toga što sam zapravo shvatila da jednostavno ne smijemo osuđivati ljude s invaliditetom. Shvatila sam da oni nisu drugačiji od nas ”normalnih” i da se ne bismo trebali drugačije ponašati prema njima. Cijenim to što su imali hrabrosti stati na pozornicu pred toliko ljudi, što većina nas bi mogla. Iskreno, počela sam svoj život više cijeniti zbog toga što sam zdrava i što mi apsolutno ništa ne fali. Smatram da bi oni trebali biti vrlo ponosni na same sebe i cijenim to što nisu izgubili volju za životom unatoč svom hendikepu.

Smatram da svaka predstava treba imati neku poantu, priču koja će u gledateljima pobuditi nekakvo razmišljanje. Jučerašnja predstava je upravo to postigla, tih 20-ak minuta je bilo i više nego dovoljno da se svaki čovjek zapita što je u stvari sreća današnjeg svijeta. Na primjer, ja doista imam štogod poželim, ali često žalim i ljutim se ako nešto ne dobijem. Gledajući te ljude, njihovu hrabrost, uživanje u životu, u sitnicama, shvatila sam koliko sam u stvari sebična i nezahvalna. Divim se tim ljudima jer ako ovako nastave mogu utjecati na mnoge, a to je u današnje vrijeme jako važno jer svi mi ponekad zaboravimo što je u stvari važno, prijatelji i obitelj, a s njima dolazi i sreća.

Predstava mladih ljudi s invaliditetom je u meni pobudila poštovanje prema njima jer zbog svog hendikepa nisu izgubili volju za životom, već su veseli i puni života. Gledajući predstavu više sam razmišljala o njima kao osobama nego o samoj predstavi. Moje mišljenje je da ih ne smijemo omalovažavati zbog njihovog invaliditeta nego dapače poštivati njihovu energiju i snagu koju su pokazali pripremajući predstavu i izlaskom pred publiku za što mnogi ”zdravi” nemaju snagu ni ambicije.

 

Dragi glumci, jako mi je drago što sam prisustvovala ovakvoj predstavi jer sam tek sad shvatila kakav je vaš život. Jako cijenim vaš trud i vašu snagu jer ste ponosno stali pred toliku publiku i s nama podijelili svoje osjećaje i svoj život. Svaka čast što zbog svog hedikepa niste izgubili volju za životom već ste puni pozitivne energije. Zbog toga vas svi trebaju poštivati, a ne omalovažavati jer vi niste ništa drugačiji od nas, upravo suprotno, jednaki smo, vi čak imate više energije i ambicija nego drugi, baš zbog toga trebate biti ponosni!

 

 

NOVEMBER 2013

 

International Education Week: EducationUSA

Studiranje u SAD-u

19.11. u našoj školi održana je prezentacija pod nazivom Studiranje u SAD-u u organizaciji Instituta za razvoj obrazovanja i američke ambasade. Učenici su imali priliku razgovarati s dvije američke državljanke i čuti njihova iskustva. Savjetnica instituta im je dala odgovore na tehnička pitanja o mogućnostima prijave, dobivanja stipendije, polaganja ispita i svih ostalih detalja koji su zanimali učenike. Svi učenici zainteresirani za studiranje u inozemstvu mogu se javiti u IRO i saznati sve što ih zanima.

Američki obrazovno-informacijski centar (AMOIC) je dio Instituta za razvoj obrazovanja (IRO) čija je zadaća pružanje informacija i savjeta o visokom obrazovanju u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama.

AMOIC je službeni obrazovno-savjetodavni centar ovlašten i potpomognut od ministarstva vanjskih poslova SAD-a. Centar je dio EducationUSA mreže koja okuplja više od 400 savjetodavnih centara diljem svijeta i pruža točne, potpune i nepristrane informacije o svim akreditiranim visokoobrazovnim institucijama u SAD-u.

AMOIC nudi informacije i savjetovanje o sljedećim aspektima visokog obrazovanja u SAD-u: 

• studijskim programima 
• programima stipendiranja 
• upisnom procesu 
• standardiziranim testovima

Za više informacija o mogućnostima studiranja u SAD-u obratite se obrazovnoj savjetnici Ivi Mari Ljuštini u uredovno vrijeme za stranke ili putem e-maila.

 

The Kennedy Legacy: Fifty Years Later

On Friday, November 22, 2013, at noon, the American Corner in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy Zagreb organized a digital video conference entitled The Kennedy Legacy: Fifty Years Later.
The digital video conference connected the American Corners in Zagreb and Osijek with the panelists:
Josip Mocnik, PhD
Georgia College and State University, Professor and University Librarian/Fulbright Scholar at the University of Rijeka
“Evolving Portraits of JFK”
 Tvrtko Jakovina, PhD
Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb
“JFK and Tito, Kennedy and Yugoslavia”
 Vjeran Pavlaković, PhD
Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka
“Where were you when JFK was assassinated”
 Moira P. Baker, PhD
Radford University, Professor of English and Women’s Studies/Fulbright Scholar at the University of Osijek
“John F. Kennedy’s Legacy on Civil Rights”

It was a great presentation of the figure of the president Kennedy, of his strong and weak points, and different aspects of his influence and legacy: historical, political, artistic, social. The speakers were distinguished professors who gave their own view of the Kennedys not only of the president  J.F. Kennedy.

Our students took part in the discussion and speculations about possible incomes if J.F.Kenendy had not ended tragically and had rerun for the president. The students also asked questions which showed their interest and knowledge on the subject.

 

 

 

 

 

OCTOBER 2013

LECTURE ON TONI MORRISON`S NOVEL BELOVED BY PROFESSOR MOIRA P. BAKER  OCTOBER 21ST 2013

INFO: TONI MORRISON IS AN AMERICAN NOBEL PRIZE WINNER

            MS. BAKER IS PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH, DIRECTOR OF THE WOMEN`S STUDIES   

             PROGRAM AT RADFORD UNIVERSITY; CURRENTLY SHE IS A LECTURER AT J.J.

             STROSSMAYER UNIVERSITY OF OSIJEK DURING THE 2013-14 ACADEMIC YEAR

 

HERE ARE SOME OF THE STUDENTS` COMMENTS ON THE LECTURE

Professor Baker was great. She told us about every part of the book. She was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. The book is kind of scary too, because it talks about a woman and her kind and how her daughter blames her for her death. I really liked that relationship between them. I found out all the important facts of the book and learned that the most important thing is love and that we have to protect the people we love even if we have to kill them.

 

I really liked the presentation of the book by Professor Baker because I was deeply touched by the life of the main character and for the first time I watched differently on life and suffering of African-American people and I feel truly sorry for some of them. Professor had an amazing presentation, she was interesting and especially I liked when she read from the book. I think she is an amazing person and professor.

 

Professor Baker introduced the book to us with all important details and individual characters. I didn`t read the whole book, but I got the feeling as if I did. That`s a talent. She should be proud of it. ”Beloved” is a very powerful book, and really helpful for us to understand the history of the slaves in the USA.

                                                                                                                                               

I was very surprised with the book ”Beloved”. The professor was funny and she explained everything about the book. The topic was excellent but also disturbing. I find out a lot of things about slavery and I am in a big shock! In the end I decided to read this book when I am on holidays.

                                                                                                                                               

Professor Baker had a very interesting lecture. I liked it very much because she talked about this amazing book. She really wanted us to cooperate and that was great!

                                                                                                                               

The lecture was very interesting and I liked it. I think the book Beloved is great and I would like to read it.

                                                                                                                                               

Professor Baker really got me into the book. I haven`t heard for it until now, so I enjoyed this lecture. It was something new. I haven`t read the book yet but i think I will. I would like to read it because it sounds interesting. I think I will read it during the holidays and then I will send one more feedback.

 

 

CROATIAN BOOK MONTH – AMERICAN CORNER – READ LOUD           OCTOBER 30TH 2013

October is a month dedicated to books. This year`s topic adopted by American Corner of the library B. Ogrizović was Read Loud. Our school was honoured to host Ms Blumenthal, Public Affairs Assistant at the American Embassy in Zagreb and she read to us from the book Catcher in the Rye by Salinger.

MS BLUMENTHAL`S READING TO GORNJOGRADSKA HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS AND DISCUSSING THE LIFE AND EDUCATION IN THE US

 

 

 

STUDENTS` COMMENTS WHICH SHOW THE ATMOSPHERE AND THE FUN STUDENTS HAD

I`ve already read the book ”Catcher in the Rye” so it was good to hear it in English. Croatian translation is really good so it`s similar to the original. Beside that, the meeting was really relaxed. Ms Blumenthal was really outgoing and cool. I wish she would come back again.

Ms Blumenthal` lecture was very interesting and funny. I think that her reading was fun because she acted the voices of the characters. ”Catcher in the Rye” is, in my opinion, an excellent book. Her lecture was also interesting because later on she answered our questions about life in the USA. To conclude, I really enjoyed the lecture.

The lecture was very interesting. I liked the way Ms Blumenthal opened up to us about various subjects. She talked about her hometown very enthusiastically. I always thought that if I visited the US i would go to either New York or LA, but this lecture made got me interested in New Orleans. It was also useful to hear about the difference between American and European colleges because I hope to study abroad. The only thing I regret is not asking any questions because I didn’t` think of any while I was on the lecture. I would really like to know how American high school system works.

I didn`t expect this kind of a lecture so it was really a good surprise. It was great because we had an opportunity to talk with someone who is from America. Ms Blumenthal told us about America from her point of view. She said that Americans are nice and kind and she proved it. It was really fun and I enjoyed it. I would lovve to have another class with MS Blumenthal.

It was really interesting. I discovered a lot of new things about the USA and route 66. Also I am glad that I am doing American Studies because i get the opportunity to find out a lot of things about American society. Ms Blumenthal, your lecture was very interesting and I liked it.

Ms Blumethal was so interesting and funny when se was reading the book because she was acting and showing emotions of the lines she was reading. She was open and friendly. It was great that we could ask her everything about her life and journeys, also she had great stories from her childhood. I hope I`ll see her again.

While Ms Blumenthal was reading the book I wasn`t bored because she was reading like an actor and her accent was perfect. I really enjoyed that class. At first I was a little bit shy but in the end I asked her many questions that helped me. I would be so happy if she came again and gave us a lecture on another topic because for me the best way to learn a language is to listen or to talk to a native speaker.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2013

 

Lit link festival in Zagreb

On Saturday September 28th our American Studies group was invited to take part at lit link festival. As the name suggests it was a festival which connected writers, especially young authors, editors, publishers and audience.

In the public library Bogdan Ogrizović we had the opportunity to meet Elianna Kann, a Senior Editor of a new literary magazine The American Reader; Buzz Poole, the managing director of Black Ballon Publishing; Nora Verde, a young Croatian writer and Professor Moira Baker, a specialist in Women`s Literature.

It was an interesting and inspiring afternoon for our students, some of whom might become future writers!

 

 

U.S. COLLEGE FAIR

Kao prvi sajam američkih koledža u Zagrebu, U.S. College Fair predstavlja jedinstven obrazovni sajam namijenjen učenicima srednjih škola u Hrvatskoj na kojem su preddiplomske programe i financijsku potporu za studij izložili 15 renomiranih američkih koledža koji se ubrajaju među 50 najboljih američkih sveučilišta, poput Princeton University i University of Rochester, odnosno među 150 najboljih američkih koledža prema poznatom američkom rangiranju sveučilišta U.S. News and World Report, poput Agnes Scott College, Bennington College, Connecticut College, Davidson College, Earlham College, Gettysburg College, St. John’s College i St. Olaf College.

Naši učenici su na štandovima predstavnika američkih sveučilišta i koledža mogli saznati informacije o studijskim programima, financijskoj pomoći i stipendijama, te prijavnim procedurama na izlagačke institucije. Najviše su ih se dojmila ova sva sveučilišta.