Volume 5; Issue 2; June 2022 

 

Hello, this is the second issue of the welcoming committee newsletter. In these newsletters, we will try to answer most of your questions. For individual concerns, please contact one of the Welcoming Committee members. The email addresses can be found after the blurbs.

Once you arrive, you will notice that the school relies heavily on the use of the school email for its communications. It is important that you get yourself acquainted with how to use your school email from outside school. An email account is created for you as soon as you sign a contract with ACS.

Kindly note that these prices are subject to change in July 2022. Each ACS apartment is supplied with Open Speed Internet Connection from a local ISP and Unlimited Quota (Subject to Fair Usage Policy), including a wireless router (ACS Property). 

 

The monthly DSL subscription will be domiciled at the local bank, and you don't need to refill the account on a monthly basis, since it will be renewed automatically. The invoices will be automatically sent to ACS bank account and paid. We will then turn around on a monthly basis and deduct the DSL invoice from your paycheck (for the default plan, 120,000 LBP + VAT = 133,200 LBP). A copy of the invoice will be provided.

 

ACS Faculty Building Apartments are also equipped with School WIFI in addition to the above internet connection, this connection is under ACS Internet Policy (Filtered Connection - e.g: VPN, Proxy, Torrenting … are blocked and monitored). ACS-WIFI Connection requires you to download and install the ACS Certificate on your Laptop/Tablet/Phone, otherwise you will be receiving an error while browsing Secure sites.

 

Certificate can be downloaded from the following links:

 

Windows Users: https://goo.gl/w7Vrju (Run "as administrator" - "ACSWireless Configuration.bat")

Other Users: https://goo.gl/qB36q8 

 

Wireless coverage in your apartment will vary, based on the layout of concrete walls and the shape of the apartment.

 

N.B.: A detailed email about your WIFI / ADSL Account info will be sent prior to your arrival. You need to notify the ACS IT Department when you change your WIFI password. This process will be part of the sign out sheet.

 

If you choose to:

 

Upgrade/Modify your ADSL plan, the upgrade fee will be 10,000 LBP and you need to send us a Helpdesk Ticket before mid-month, and this is subject to feasibility. When you leave ACS, you need to revert back all adjustments to their original (iPlan Popular without any Service) and this will cost another 10,000 LBP and also needs to be done before mid-month. This process will be part of the sign out sheet. If you choose a plan with a limited quota, the plan will be uncapped: Extra Fees will apply if you exceed your quota. 

 

Freeze the internet connection while you are away for the summer (freezing connection means, the account is active but no internet connection). The freeze option can only be activated for 1 full month (i.e. July 1 to July 31), no partial month freeze is allowed, and the request must be submitted before the 20th of the month. Instead of paying the monthly internet fees, freezing the account will cost $8 (Tax Included) per month. You will be responsible for those fees. Note that the freeze option can be activated for a maximum of three consecutive months. 

 

P.S.: Generally speaking, you will find the quality of internet in Lebanon slower, less reliable, and more expensive than other countries.

 

Plans and Rates

Extra Traffic Fee: $1 per 1 GB

Extra Traffic:

Prepaid Customers: 1,500 LBP / extra GB.

Postpaid Subscription: 1,500 LBP / extra GB, for the first 50 extra GBs - 1,000 LBP / extra GB, for extra consumption above 50 GBs.

Notice:

The above indicated speeds are "Up To" based on your location and the quality of your copper phone line.

* Open Speed applies for lines installed on GDS network.

** All plans are subject to Fair Use Policy.

All prices are subject to change by the provider without prior notice.

An e-mail message with your Internet account credentials will be sent to you prior to your arrival to Beirut.

All prices are subject to VAT.

Foremost in everyone's mind, even many years after the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, is the question of security. Your family and friends most probably raised eyebrows in dismay when you announced your plan to teach in Beirut. But the outside image belies the reality. Many Beirutis claim, with justice, that Beirut is far safer than other major cities of the world such as Paris, London and New York. Of course, occasional crime does occur as it does in major cities everywhere in the world, but the crime rate in Beirut is significantly lower than elsewhere.

 

Many newcomers may be alarmed at first by the number of military personnel in evidence on neighborhood patrol, at traffic intersections, and along the highways. But you will soon realize that despite this military presence, life in Beirut is more peaceful and secure in almost all of Lebanon. During the war years, a young female student of journalism, apprenticed to a Philadelphia newspaper, declared she felt far safer in war-ravaged Beirut than on the streets of the city of Brotherly Love. And today, Beirut and all of Lebanon are far safer.

 

Nevertheless, it is always prudent to proceed with caution and to respect the laws and customs of the host country whenever traveling abroad. While moving around Beirut and the rest of the country, always be prepared to show your identification papers on request. A photocopy of your passport and/or residence permit is sufficient.

 

Occasionally, uniformed police or army officers stop traffic for security reasons. When approaching a security check by car, slow down, remove sunglasses, and open the window; in the evening turn on the interior light. Most security personnel will wave you through, but make sure you fully understand one another before you move on.

 

ACS Gates Entry to the ACS Campus is through one of several gates (depending on the time of day), each of which is guarded by ACS security guards. An ACS ID or a visitor badge is needed for entry. Before you receive your ACS ID, make sure you carry a photo ID with you, which may be exchanged for a visitor badge at the gate.

Check with your Bank

Many non-Lebanese banks require that you sign a document if you plan on using their US debit or credit card in Lebanon. A visit to your bank may be helpful to avoid any surprises when you get here. Also, if you are planning on making wire transfers, please get complete routing information from your bank before you leave, as well as fees.

Beirut is an expensive city to live in. You will notice that many items that are cheap back home are sometimes double or triple the price in Lebanon. However, there are items that are far less expensive here than the prices you are used to paying. Here is an overview of prices in USD to give you an idea. Please note that prices are in constant fluctuation.

 

Grocery Shopping

• Milk (1 liter) – US$ 1.5
• Bagel (5 pcs) – US$ 2.5
• Loaf Wheat (7 pcs): US$ 1
• Sliced Bread – US$ 1.5
• Bag of medium pita bread – US$ 0.5
• Egyptian Rice (1 KG) – US$ 1.5
• Boneless chicken breasts (1 KG) – US$ 8
• Bottled water (6 x 1.5 L) – US$ 1.5
• Sugar (1 KG) – US$ 1.3
• 6 eggs – US$ 2
• Apples (1 KG) – US$ 1.5
• Oranges (1 KG) – US$ 0.4
• Kellogg's Corn Flakes (650g) – US$ 3.5
• Halloumi Cheese (1 pack) – US$ 2.75
• Lemons (1 KG) – US$ 0.75
• Potatoes (1 KG) – US$ 0.75
• Tomatoes (1 KG) – US$ 1.5
• Shampoo (Herbal Essence for example) – US$ 3.5
• Conditioner (Herbal Essence for example) – US$ 3.5
• Olive Oil (1 liter) – US$ 10
• 6-Pack Local Beer –US$ 2.75

If you have something specific in mind that you would like to check if it is available in Lebanon and for how much, you may want to visit the websites of these supermarkets:

• Spinneys
• Carrefour

Restaurants

• Combo Meal at McDonalds – US$ 5-6.5
• Starbucks Cappuccino – US$ 2
• Western style diner (Crepaway) – US$ 11-15
• Donut (Dunkin) – US$ 1.5-2
• Soft drinks – US$ 1
• Fruit juice – US$ 1.5

If you would like to get a better idea of what kind of restaurants we have here, you may want to download the app Toters. Toters is a delivery app, mainly food. There are always new restaurants and stores joining the app.

Moving to a new country is an exciting time and it's always nice to see a familiar face when you arrive. We are pleased to introduce the new members of our ACS community. If you wish to contact each other, just put the initial of their first name and their full last name @ acs.edu.lb.

Janine Bezuidenhout
High School Art Teacher

 

Hi! My name is Janine Bezuidenhout, and I grew up in South Africa, where I found passion for performance at a young age. All through high school I was involved in school plays and the Performing Arts.

 

After matriculating, I attended the University of Pretoria for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Bachelors in Drama and Film Studies with specialisation in script writing, theatre making and vocal training. After graduating, I worked backstage in the industry for performances at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and later the Pieter Toerien Theatre in Johannesburg, while teaching extra-curricular Drama classes. In 2016, I made the move to China, where I have been living for the past six years, to begin teaching English and Drama. Being in China has afforded me many opportunities to pursue my love of travel both locally and abroad, as well as continue to develop my passion for theatre. I love to spend time with people centered around food and good company, but also enjoy getting out and experiencing cultural and historical activities - something I hear Lebanon has a myriad of.

 

I'm looking forward to joining the team at ACS and sharing many more exciting experiences with you all!

Megan Brooke
College Counselor

 

Hello!

 

I have worked as a high school and university counselor for the last 15 years in Portland, Oregon and recently at the American School of Dubai. My husband, Peter, and I have three sons who have all ended up living in Seattle, Washington. I love books, movies, travel and attempt to work out every once in a while. 

 

I attended schools in Beirut, London, and Kabul during my elementary years. Beirut has always held a special place in my heart. I am so excited to be joining the ACS team and looking forward to getting to know the ACS staff and students and exploring Beirut and Lebanon. 

 

I look forward to meeting you all soon! 

Mervat Charafeddine
Early Childhood Homeroom Teacher

 

Dear ACS colleagues,

 

My name is Mervat Charafeddine and I am from Australia.

 

I have been a Preschool Teacher for many years. For the past 7 and a half years, I have been teaching and living in the Kingdom of Bahrain and recently my family and I moved to Lebanon. I have two passions in life, being a teacher and a mother to my two boys (7 and 3). I am so excited to be a member of the ACS community and working closely with all the teachers in the Early Childhood Department. I am looking forward to meeting you all.

Jacquelyn Cohen
High School Learning Support Coordinator

 

Hello!

 

First, I am thrilled to be joining the ACS Team. My head is swimming with all the new places and people I will meet when I arrive in Beirut.

 

So, about me: I did my undergraduate work at Boston University and have a masters from Bank Street College of Education. I've taught students from ages 3-53 in many subjects and varied settings. Before ACS, I was teaching in Morocco; this was my first international experience. In the US I taught in public, private, charter, and boarding schools, mostly at the high school level, but I've taught nursery, elementary, and middle school students too. I'm coming up on 30 years of teaching! 

 

My interests range from art and music to food and dance. I am happiest at the beach, and I adore my friends and family. The last book I read was A Lesson Before Dying, and I am currently reading From Beirut to Jerusalem. I love to read but admit that I don't often make enough time for this pleasure; Netflix often gets in the way.

 

I am counting the days to my arrival, and I look forward to meeting you all soon! 

 

Cheers, 

Jackie

Theresa Conley
Middle School English Teacher

 

Hi! My name is Theresa and I have been teaching for the last ten years.

 

I taught EAL in South Korea for four years and then returned home, Pittsburgh, PA, to get my Masters in Teaching Secondary ELA. I have been teaching inner city for the past six years. I am very excited to join ACS Beirut! I love eating and cooking, traveling, reading, and hosting dinner parties.

 

Cannot wait to meet everyone!

Elaine Eastwood
Early Childhood Homeroom Teacher

 

My name is Elaine Eastwood and I am accompanied by my husband, Adam, who will be working with the PE department and our son, Elliot who will be in Kindergarten.

 

As an early childhood educator for the past 18 years and one who has been inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education for the last 13, I couldn't be more excited to be joining the wonderful Early Childhood team at ACS. We are originally from the USA (we call Texas home) but we have been in Shenzhen, China for the last 3 years and in Vietnam for 10 years before China.

 

We are excited about a new adventure in Lebanon and all the food and travel opportunities that come with life in this beautiful region. Our son would say he is most excited about seeing snow for the first time (not counting the time he was carried in a hiking backpack at 12 months in the Swiss Alps) and learning to ski. We have missed travel so much during our 3 Covid years in China and look forward to getting back on planes and seeing the world again. We look forward to meeting all of you in August!

Katrina Enoch
Middle School Social Studies and English Teacher

 

Katrina Enoch is thrilled to be joining the ACS team as a Middle School English teacher.

 

In 2020, Katrina moved to Casablanca, Morocco and began her teaching career. Katrina is a fellow IB Diploma Programme survivor. She attended the University of Miami where she received Bachelor's degrees in History, Economics, and French, all with departmental honors.

 

Afterwards, she received her Master's degree in Cinema and Media Studies from the University of Southern California. She loves incorporating film and television into her classes. Outside of school, Katrina can be found reading feminist literature, cracking a joke, and obsessively bookmarking restaurants to try. 

Celia Fakhoury
Support Services Coordinator / High School Counselor

 

Hi everyone. I'm Celia, and I will be working as one of the HS Counselors and Counseling Coordinator.

 

I have been a counselor since 2006, living and working in Sydney before moving to Beirut. I then worked at the Western Academy of Beijing, China, as one of the Counselors and as their Behaviour Support Specialist. I am currently writing from Perth, Australia, where I am (finally!) completing my Masters in Counseling Psychology while working with school children (ages 5-18) and their families, and recently became registered as a Counseling Psychologist. 

 

I arrive in Beirut with my daughter, who will be entering Grade 5. She is even more excited than me, having spent her early years in ACS. My husband Jason is also joining me, and we are all looking forward to life in Beirut: its food, people, and culture. 

 

I also look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces at ACS. It is an honour to serve the ACS community. I am incredibly passionate about this school and those in it, for professional and personal reasons, with a healthy sprinkle of nostalgia thrown in.

Zeina Radwan El Dana
Early Childhood Arabic Teacher

 

My name is Zeina Radwan El Dana. 

 

I graduated from Saint-Joseph University with a bachelor's degree in Preschool and Elementary Education. Then, I worked as a teacher of Arabic Language at Collège Protestant Français and International College. 

 

I am passionate about teaching and love interacting with children, learning from them and helping them reach their potential. 

 

Photography is my favorite hobby because it allows me to capture the special moments in life that can bring back so many beautiful memories. 

 

I'm looking forward to this new opportunity and phase of my career, and I'm so excited to be a part of the ACS family!

Thomas Hornig
High School Band Teacher

 

Hello, my name is Tom and I am the new Middle School / High School Band Director.

 

Arriving in Beirut in 1994 after studies at the University of Minnesota and Ecole Normale de Musique in France, I was hired to teach at Lebanon's National Conservatory of Music where I remained for 28 years. As a classically trained Jazz Saxophonist able to take the musical middle-ground, I've performed and recorded more than most and remain very active. My wife, Roueida Ghali, teaches theater at the Lebanese University and we have a 21-year-old daughter named Lynn who is now in Minneapolis.

 

Honored and excited to be starting this year at ACS, I am looking forward to meeting all of you and hearing your stories.

Sarah Reese Mattison
High School Art Teacher

 

Hi everyone! I'm Reese and will be teaching high school art. For the past seven years, I've been teaching art and acting as the international student coordinator at a private high school in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to that, I lived in South Korea for nine years working as both an English and Arts Educator.

 

When not arting, I love to be outdoors, exercising, cooking, eating, exploring … learning and living to the best of my ability. I'm looking forward to being an active part of the ACS community and creating many wonderful and meaningful experiences with you all! 

Racha Mikati
Early Childhood French Teacher

 

Hello!

 

My name is Racha Mikati and I'm excited to join again the ACS community. After working as a teacher assistant at ACS for grade 1 in 2010-2011, I worked as an educational consultant for M1 group and participated in establishing AZM school and AZM university in Tripoli.

 

Afterwards, I opened a US licensed cognitive skills center that focuses on assessing and strengthening the core learning skills. Now I will be joining ACS as a part-time french teacher in preschool.

Nancy Seif Moussallem
Early Childhood Arabic Teacher

 

My name's Nancy Seif Moussallem, I'm 38, and I've been teaching at LWIS-City International School for thirteen years already.

 

I have passion for teaching and for trying to have an individual approach to each child, with a goal of achieving the best possible progress with everyone.

 

Hoping to benefit from my existing teaching experience, and bring some value onboard at ACS! 

Martin Nel
High School English Teacher

 

I'm an English Teacher originally from South Africa. I later became a Dutch citizen in spite of the weather. And now look forward to the arid climate of Lebanon.

 

Having worked in about six countries on four continents, I'm always fascinated by the new worldviews those places offer and count myself lucky for the privilege of being invited in.

Mary Noble
Middle School Principal

 

My name is Mary Noble and I'm the incoming MS Principal. I'd like to extend a welcome to all fellow new hires and say how excited I am to be on this new adventure with you all. I've been in education 27 years and have served in teacher leader and administrative roles in the States and in other international schools. Internationally I've been in Thailand, Cairo American College, and most recently at the American School of Dubai. Domestically, I've served school communities in inner city Detroit and Alaska and I'm currently living in beautiful Ashland, Oregon with my husband Gregg Fehr and our pets. I have a daughter Asha, who is 21. I teach yoga and enjoy being outdoors and hiking, biking and working in the garden. 

 

I've traveled to over 55 countries and Lebanon is definitely high on my list of all time favorites. I'm honored to be of service to ACS during this challenging time for Lebanon and have great hope for Lebanon's future. We're in the biggest shift in the history of education and that means an unprecedented opportunity to move forward with bettering teaching and learning for all. 

Adam Poff
Middle School Teacher

 

My name is Adam Poff. I will be coming on board at ACS as the newest Middle School PE Teacher. I have been working with students and families for the last 17 years with a great focus on outdoors and team building.

 

I am currently running the ELC PE Program at Whittle School and Studios in Shenzhen, China and am looking forward to reconnecting to the middle school age group at ACS. Prior to our 3 years in China, my wife, Elaine, and I were in Vietnam for 10 years which is where our beautiful son, Elliot, was born.

 

As a family, we have enjoyed traveling much of Southeast Asia / East Asia and are excited about a new adventure in the Middle East. The people, history, wine, food, and the possibility to go fishing are among the things I am most excited about. I was born and raised in Texas and it may not surprise you that I first met my wife at a local taco shop. We look forward to connecting with you all in person over amazing Lebanese wine, street food and our mutual excitement in joining ACS.

Peter Schoonmaker
Outdoor Education Coordinator

 

Hello all, I am excited to join ACS Beirut as the new Outdoor Education Coordinator, and look forward to exploring Lebanon's diverse environments with students, parents, faculty, and staff.

 

Previous work has included planning and facilitation for several environmental education organizations, founding a graduate program in design, and teaching field courses in natural resource management, food systems, wildland fire, and conservation. Field research has taken me to Peru to study Andean condors, Colorado to work on Peregrine falcons, Western North America to document salmon populations and old-growth forests, and Dubai to understand food-energy-water dynamics.

 

I've spent a lot of time outdoors, but despite my best efforts, I'm still not particularly fond of snakes.

Please note that new hires whose blurbs are not in this newsletter will be posted in our third newsletter.

Feel free to contact us for any questions or inquiries. We can't wait to see you in August! 

Jocelyne Diab Bitar
Human Resources Manager

 

My name is Jocelyne Diab Bitar and I am the Human Resources Manager at ACS Beirut and the Chair of the Welcoming Committee.

 

I will be facilitating your transition to Beirut and to ACS. If you need anything just email me and I am more than happy to help.

 

I love Beirut and I know that you will love it too!

 

My email address is jdiabbitar@acs.edu.lb.

Nada Aoun
Expat, Ministry Affairs, Personnel Coordinator

 

My name is Nada Aoun. I'm from Lebanon. I am the Expat / Ministry Affairs / Personnel Coordinator at ACS. I have worked at ACS since 1984 handling several jobs including visas, work and residence permits for all foreign hires and their dependents.

 

Commitment towards my job and colleagues is my priority. I enjoy sightseeing and have visited several countries but I have never seen a country like Lebanon. This country combines endless opportunities of fun, beach, nature and outdoor activities and an unforgettable time awaits you.

 

naoun@acs.edu.lb

Laura Bailey
Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher

 

It's been an eventful four years teaching fourth grade in this place I now call home. Beirut and ACS continue to be warm and hospitable despite difficult times. My daughter, a senior this year, is proud to soon call ACS her alma mater. 

 

As a third culture kid, she's found a place where she'd like to stay for a while and will be starting her studies just next door at AUB - I guess my mom was right when she said, "Home is where your mom is." For me, that's Texas, and it's also been Oregon, Montana, Japan, Ecuador, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and for the foreseeable future, Lebanon. It's a great sign for the country and ACS to be welcoming so many new teachers this year.

 

I'm looking forward to meeting you! lbailey@acs.edu.lb 

Rima Ghamra
HS Physical Education Teacher

 

Hello, and welcome! 

 

My name is Rima, I've been a PE teacher and dance instructor for 36 years and counting; 30 of which have been at ACS Beirut. 

 

Being a part of ACS for a while has gifted me the experience of dedication, love, and care that the ACS community has for its faculty and students unequivocally.

 

Seeing students develop and grow as of kindergarten all the way to their high school graduation gives me an inexplicable feeling of joy to be part of that journey surrounded by such a lovely community. 

 

My email address is rghamra@acs.edu.lb.

Nada Halawi
Upper School Nurse

 

Hello, my name is Nada – which means the morning dew in Arabic and "nothing" in Spanish. I am the upper school nurse and part of the school's disaster team, coordinator of the "Disaster Squad'' in HS and member of the "Response Team'' that was initiated with COVID-19 outbreak.

 

I am a member of several international school nurses' associations and I represented ACS and gave workshops in several international nursing conferences. We are a group who love to travel together and plan lots of trips inside and outside Lebanon throughout the year for the ACS Community. We've been to Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Russia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, France, Morocco, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. I love to cook and am eager to teach you some of our Lebanese mezza dishes. 

 

I love animals and am a member of "ACS Cat Committee for Help and Rescue". I have a 15-year-old Himalayan cat named "Klu" who thinks he is a natural born tiger and "Ice" - a 7-year-old white Turkish Angora, and I rescued "Leo", a Persian cat from the street to add to my zoo. I am delighted to be part of this group to welcome all of you into our ACS family.

 

My email address is nhalawi@acs.edu.lb.

Iman Saad
Early Childhood Homeroom Teacher

 

Welcome to ACS! 

 

I am an Early Childhood (KG2) Teacher. This is my 10th year at the school and I can't see myself working in any other school in Lebanon. I grew up in Jordan, Tunisia, and Kuwait before finding my way back to Lebanon. I enjoy traveling, reading, photography, and taking long walks in the city. If there is anything you need or have any questions, don't hesitate to email me (isaad@acs.edu.lb) or to stop by my classroom when you get here. 

 

I can't wait to meet all of you in August!

Empowering students to solve problems with creativity and integrity, to lead well-balanced lives, and to serve Lebanon and the world community with understanding and compassion.

American Community School Beirut

Beirut | 67 Nigeria Street, Jal El-Bahr

+961 (1) 374370