Dalat Details

There are currently about 500 students, 50% are expat.  50% are Christians and the rest are mostly Hindu and Buddhist.  About 70 students are boarded and about 420 come from the community.

There are 28 nations represented at the school, but mostly Chinese, Indian, and Malay.  There are “loads of Canadians”.

The school is on eight acres, right on the ocean.  It is completely gated with three entry points, and guards at each entry.

The school day is from 8am to 4pm; school hours are 8:20 to 3:05.  Teachers' kids play after school; it is safe as the school grounds are walled and gated with three guards.

Teachers who have children (“staff kids”) in the school have opportunities to see their children a lot, eg at lunch, visit their child’s class if there is something special happening (another staff member would cover the teacher’s class for a short time).


There are Kids Interest Clubs - about 20 of them on three days of the week ranging from athletic, origami, chess, tennis, soccer (very big), art, gardening, choir, board games, swimming (competitive), track, basketball, Scouts (Wednesdays).  These clubs are from 3:10 to 3:45, and teachers are expected to take one on for one day a week.

I (Eileen) will  teach 5 Core subjects: L.A., History, Bible, Science, Math.  The “Specials” (students usually leave to go to another class - except Malay where the teacher comes to the classroom) are Music, P.E., Art, Computers, Malay, Library, Chapel.  The Specials are 45 minutes a week, except Malay which is 30 minutes two times a week, and P.E. which is two times a week.

Garth is the Middle and High School Special Services (Learning Assistance) teacher.

Science is very hands-on. Last fall, someone killed an 11 foot python that was on campus, the high school students dissected it and discovered there was a whole goose inside.  “The campus came to a halt” and classes were brought through to see the python (and the goose).

Every subject is taught from a Biblical world view.  This is very emphasized. 

The kids are accelerated in their academic ability; most are close to a grade level ahead.  It was emphasized that a challenge for teachers is finding ways to challenge the students.  

There is a maximum of 18 students per class at the Grade 1 and 2 level.

The Grade Two class hosts a Refugee School once a year.  It is an illegal, underground school of Muslim children.  The students at Dalat fund raise eg by having a bake sale (and thus learn about money).  They plan games and purchase school supplies eg by going to the local mall and deciding what to buy, finding the best bargain.

There is “loads of time off” eg depending on when Chinese New Year is, you can have from 4 - 6 weeks off at Christmas.  Lots of holidays are celebrated, eg Indian, Christian, Chinese, Hindu.  There is at least one long weekend in each month.  The school year is 36 weeks long.

Sometimes there is reference to the ‘Dalat bubble’, ie an exclusive community.  The comment is often made that the best thing about Dalat is ‘community’ and the worst thing about Dalat is ‘community’.

Two videos from Dalat, for your viewing pleasure: