Page 34 - Quintile_37 web

34 • • • Issue 37 • QSI Quintile

TimOr leSTe

QSI International School of Dili

A Place to learn and the local government is reported to be looking at
Grow in dili conservation methods (marine parks) that would
By Glenn Chapman consider the needs and desires of all identified
stakeholders.
Caught in a whirlwind of international
aid, diplomatic missions, oil development and The bottom line for Dili divers is that great
economic growth, QSI international School of diving is easily accessible! If divers own their own
Dili sees a diversity of background in its students gear, they can rent a tank for $10 and be at many
and staff that feeds its school atmosphere like no dive sites within a 40-minute drive. Suffice to say,
other international school. Cultural influences in I have enjoyed my time in East Timor for many
the school are American, Australian, Portuguese, reasons, and will carry fond memories with me
Timorese, and Southeast Asian—with sprinkling should I leave.
of Northern European and Central Asian added in
for spice. Throw into the mix the strong influence
of environmental concern and the awareness of
the needs of a developing country, and you have a
unique concern for others that comes with living
and working in Timor Leste.

QSI International School of Dili is a “can
do” school with a focus on providing as much
as possible for the needs of our students. Our
secondary students enjoy an active Roots & Shoots
organization which helps by providing special
events, as well as fundraising for various charitable
projects. Secondary students have a full academic
schedule with teachers on hand in all subjects and
in new classrooms. School-wide activities are tied Anemonefish at K41 (Photo by: Heather Townsend) come along. Having trouble choosing between
to a theme, and this year’s theme is technology. Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai or local cuisines?
During geography week, our students focus on Someone will help.
worldwide developments in technology, and realize
that technology is more than just computers and Shopping is always an adventure, but people
phones. We look for more technology connections will let you know which of the local markets have
during literacy month, and for our spring techno their favourite produce and where to buy coffee that
performance. Our school features an active parent is roasted by the side of the road. When something
group which helps sponsor our fall festival, winter is in short supply someone will help you find it.
concert (summer actually, down here south of the Modern grocery stores dot the island and you will
equator), international day and other activities. quickly learn where to find American, Australian,
and Portuguese products, as well as local and
QSI International School of Dili works hard to Southeast Asian imports. Careful shopping with the
meet its students’ needs. It is developing a strong advice of an experienced local or expat will find you
secondary program and the community has taken just about anything you need, or someone will know
notice, with increased interest in our AP class and Nudibranch at Dave’s Sandy Bottom (Photo by: Susie how to make it. Organic and gluten-free options are
student leadership. Elementary students continue White) on the rise.
to benefit from our small class size and parent
involvement. Our music class features a guitar Once you have figured out how to eat, and
ensemble, and our art classes are enjoying their where to get the freshest cup of coffee you have ever
new space in our new secondary building. All in all, living in timor leste had, what’s next? Dili has a lively and fun expat
QSI International School of Dili embodies the QSI By Glenn Chapman community. If you are even the least bit athletic,
notion of a caring place where student needs are met. you can join the Hash House Harriers for one of
The traffic is a never-ending stream of scooters their social run/walks on the famed Horta Loop.
and brightly painted microlets, with yellow taxis There are several international churches, and
and yellow dump trucks thrown into the mix. What other opportunities for social interaction. The
diving Into biodiversity at first seems to be an unrestricted flow of people embassies invite the staff over for various activities,
By Nathaniel Townsend and vehicles evolves into a stream of movement. A and of course the school sponsors a whole slate of
dance of inches at a low rate of speed, where the evening activities as well. Then, of course, there is
It’s true that living in Timor Leste (East social contract seems to state, “I will look out for the pool and workout space. Beaches are plentiful
Timor), doesn’t offer as many activities as other those in front of me, if you will look out for those and clean, and the diving and snorkelling is world-
communities; however, East Timor does offer in front of you.” Not hitting those who pull out in class. Paddle boarding and kayaking are also great
something few other countries can: outstanding front of you or cross your lane to make a turn is ways to enjoy the reefs. For homebodies, there is
scuba diving with unparalleled coral and reef fish your part of the contract, if those who can see you satellite TV with American, European, Asian, and
biodiversity. Many QSI International School of return the favour, then all is well. Australian shows. A typical Friday night might
Dili educators have taken advantage of the diving involve live music at a beachside venue, or a movie
opportunities available here, and I don’t imagine This philosophy of looking out for others and in English at the cinema. Snorkel or scuba diving,
that too many of them would say they’ve been expecting the same in return permeates life in Dili whale watching, hikes, and visiting the districts
disappointed. and at the QSI International School of Dili. Need a are all Saturday possibilities. Sunday morning
ride? Someone has your back. Need to know where breakfast at the beach and a swim is the next
One prime reason for the great diving in to find the freshest melt-in-your-mouth mangoes? order of business. Timor Leste is a place for the
East Timor is its location. East Timor is north of Someone will show you. Need directions to the adventurous soul to enjoy the simple pleasures of a
Darwin, Australia, and its reefs sit at the precipice Mexican restaurant? Someone will invite you to beautiful landscape and a developing nation.
of the Timor Trough, which plummets to over
3,000 meters deep. Cool, nutrient-rich waters rise
from the deep to nourish the reefs and to regulate
water temperatures surrounding them. In addition,
some amazing marine mammals travel through
the trough, offering amazing sights to divers and
non-divers alike. If that isn’t lucky enough, East
Timor is also located in the southern terminus of
the Coral Triangle which, according to the World
Wildlife Foundation (WWF), “houses seventy-five
percent of the world’s coral species,” and more than
“2,000 different types of reef fish.” This enviable
location, coupled with low tourism rates, has most
likely contributed significantly to the biodiversity
mentioned above. Encouraging is the fact that