Sebastian, now in a new school and third year of kindy – SWCK (Small World Christian Kindergarten) – after two years at ESF Kindergarten (English Schools Foundation) is starting to settle in nicely to his new environs. Last week he learned about bones. "Without bones," Sebastian ethusiastically reports, "we would all be jelly fish!"

Last week SWCK had the kids in Seb’s class do a brilliant, two-day art project. First, on Day One all the students painted the backgrounds for their projects. The artwork was left to dry overnight. Then on Day Two they made fish skeletons… I think a little adult chalk may have helped the kids along, but after that glue was applied and toothpicks laid in place so the paper trouts didn’t turn into jelly fish.

Instead of bringing artwork home each day as it is completed (the ESF strategy) SWCK has the kids come home at the end of each week with an art folder full of the week’s accomplishments. Last Friday night we sat down with Sebastian who proudly explained each item as he pulled them out of the folder. Of course, the Fish Skeleton was the week’s finest masterpiece, with a deep, subtle background contrasting the pine-coloured toothpicks. When interviewed Mr. Caldwell explained, "This (the Q-Tip) is the ocean."

Fish Skeleton, possibly Sir Sebastian’s most creative tour de force to date, starts with a modest "priceless" comment. Can you match that? In the back please, yes, what do I hear?