Mrs Julie Beemer, author of the Matt and Lizzy book series, gave a lively presentation to the enthusiastic grade school students. As her latest book, "Matt and Lizzy Visit the World", indicates, Mrs Beemer talked about world cultures, diversity and acceptance of others. She supported her presentation with a panoply of characters dressed in diverse folk costumes, specially brought from the States for the occasion. We thank Julie Beemer for her extraordinary presentation!
Our football team has been participating in tournaments and meets, the latest being that of the USEK tournament. We belatedly share with you some pictures, all taken from the Sports Mania Facebook page, with our thanks.
They're finally here: the snow camp pictures for you to enjoy! Share some of the joy of the students, as they romp in the snow, swim indoors, and enjoy fireside activities.
PS. Notice how high the snow stacks, and how nice the weather was!
The students of grade 3 had a humongous sandwich fest in which the class teacher presented loaves of bread, and the students were asked to be creative in filling them up. This was a tie-in to Mrs Nathalia Georgi's Arabic lesson. We can only add, sahtein, creative students!
Sadko is a legendary Russian hero who was supposed to have played his guzli in the town of Novgorod, and was able to go underwater and live with the Sea King. The play based on the Sadko legend was performed by the students of 8A, in a spectacular production, complete with dances, sea waves, river bank, functioning ship of sorts, and a spectacular jump into the sea depths! Sadko was Chris Khoury and the Sea King was Charbel Matar. The play was directed by Mrs Jamie Chaaya! Sincere congratulations, everybody!
It was time for Aesop's "The Grasshopper and the Ant", performed by the students of grade 2A. The sweet students outdid themselves, acting and dancing to their hearts' content. The play was directed by Mrs Mireille Abi Saad. Bravo!!!
The students of grade 8B performed The Millionaire Miser, a play based on an old Indian legend. The play was a drama class requirement. The lead roles were taken by Menassa Makarios and Samuel Abou Jawde. The play was directed by Mrs Jamie Chaaya. Congratulations, students!
La Bergère dairy products company visited CTI and shared about the dairy making process with the students. Then, the students were surprised with samples of their product. CTI thanks La Bergère for coming!
The kind-hearted, generous, helpful students of grade 3 visited the Sin el-Fil Beit el-Attaa' (Home of Giving) as a link-in to their on-going Aflaton project. The students shared and participated in activities with the elderly. At the end, the third graders received appreciation certificates.
We present some picture, with the portraits of the elderly cropped for privacy.
The weather is nice, and Coach Bahzad opted to have the ping pong tables outside, rather than indoors. Students got to play informal ping pong games, and we share a few pictures.
The CTI scouts got to exercise their acrobatic skills during a visit to Cirquenciel. The pictures testify to the prowess of the students, as well as to the joy of the event! Have fun looking at the pictures.
On a cold winter day, students were surprised by hot chocolate to sip during recess. Here are a few pictures!
The weather was compliant, and a group all the way from Yosemite, CA, visited CTI. They shared in two chapels, performed drama, participated in sports, and got to meet some of our students. We thank them for coming, and share a few pictures of their day at CTI.
During SAD's last Christmas offering for the 2018 year, Anthony Touma made a surprise visit to CTI. With cheers and great acclaim, Mr Touma stepped in and went on stage. He sang a few carols and his own songs, during which the audience joined in at the appropriate places. After the program, Mr Touma spent time taking group pictures with individual classes.
Thank you for coming, Anthony Touma!
Befitting the last day of the year 2018 at school, SAD's Christmas event was a big boisterous bash! The program was emceed by Karen Aoun, and it started with a thoughtful message from Anna Lea Awwad. This was followed by an account of the WW1 midnight truce presented by Joshua, Jeremy, Raffi and Zach. Grade 2 then performed the March of the Toy Soldiers; followed by a hilarious student/teacher skit presented by George Saab and Charelle Khoury; a Western carol by Bryan, Nicholas and Joseph; and a great dance presented by the SAD members. And no less than . . . Anthony Touma crashed our party. But that is another story: check the next set of pictures!
Great event, SAD, Mrs Jamie Chaaya, teachers, students! Quite a joyous celebration!
The students of KGII and KGIII combined, presented a wonderful Christmas program. The students sang, danced and acted to their heart's content, and the parents were just as happy! Thanks to the teachers who prepared this wonderful program. We hope that you will enjoy the pictures, submitted with our warmest Christmas greetings!
The KG I students presented a separate program to the parents. The cute students gave a short program, then the parents, teachers and students got together for a Christmas cake decoration activity. We wish the little ones and their parents, a very Merry Christmas!
Santa came down the chimney and landed in each classroom, almost a closure to a month-long Christmas celebration at CTI. And, of course, he was laden with gifts and handouts. And yes, there has been goodies galore the whole month. And yes, Mrs Chaar had a "chimney" in her classroom... It was a happy season, indeed!
Fun Factory organized a gigantic gift distribution event! It was a super-joyous time, as the pictures attest. Thanks, Fun Factory!
Mrs Samaha organized a very special program for her students, complete with readings and gift-distribution. Merry Christmas!
SAD conducted a competition involving the best Christmas-decorated classroom. The winners were grade 9A and 6B. Very memorable was the doorway of grade 9A and their creche-mural made by Marie Belle Ibrahim. The winning classes had pizza for lunch, and we offer our congratulations in turn.
It was another memorable offering from the CTI Choir. The Christmas concert had traditional and modern songs, and the effect was heart-warming. We congratulate the students, and thank their conductor, Mrs Jamie Chaaya!
The CTI scouts celebrated Christmas in their own inimitable fashion, with games, fun, and lots of food! The scouts reconvene next year (ie in a couple of weeks or so), for more good stuff. A few souvenir pictures...
Grade 11 started their community work, under the watchful eye of Miss Maha Hachem. Their initial session was to check on the trees these students planted last year, and the supplement with new plants. More work, in a totally different area, is planned for early January.
As part of the Christmas month at CTI, grades 9 and 12 presented a session of poetry and carols. The students of grade 9 read seasonal poems, followed by energetic singing by students from grade 12, accompanied by grade 9. The latter portion took the audience to Mexico and the Far West! The presentation was organized by Ms Wilma.
CTI had a group of US/Canadian visitors who spennt a day at CTI. They shared in two chapel sessions, gave testimonies, shared from the Bible, and participated in informal sports games. Here are a few pictures of the day.
Grade 10 spent a day at Blessed, a special school for special students. The CTI students cooked, sorted, packed, fed, organized and socialized with the students of Blessed. We share some pictures, and we will share more pictures for other meets.
Mrs Lola Khoury organized another traditional St Barbara fare for no less than 6 classes! The students got cup-loads of the traditional sweet barley porridge. The students' universal acclaim was that the food was delicious!
They are finally here. . . the long-awaited photos of the latest CTI Christmas musical, The Nutcracker. If you have attended the musical, these will make nice souvenirs. If you are new to this CTI production, we hope that you will enjoy looking at the pictures. If you are looking at these on Facebook, like and share!
Thanks, students, teachers and parents for this wonderful event. Merry Christmas!
Grade 5 had the privilege to learn all about environmental awareness with Mr Paul Abi Rached and the TERRE organization in Baadba. The students had talks, walks and an interesting workshop. The students of grade 5 were ideal participants in the event, and they went home with memories of a wonderful experience. The event was organized by Mrs Banna Chaar and Mrs Bahia Abou Tayeh. Miss Christa Chibli also contributed.
New Heights gave their latest Christmas drama production at CTI, and it was another fantastic production. The acting was superb, the story was nice, and the sets were magnificent. CTI thanks New Heights for this great play! We hope that you will enjoy these souvenir pictures.
Here is the cast of the CTI production of The Nutcracker, the musical based on the ballet of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We are looking forward to seeing them perform next week!
SAD organized an uproarious event for St Barbara's / Halloween, which included poetry, short speeches, a costume competition and the surprise presence of mimes complete with their pyrotechnical show. The presentation left nothing to be desired, and SAD (and Mrs Jamie) is to be commended! We hope that you will enjoy our choice of pictures.
The St Barbara's / Halloween event for the elementary classes was a spectacular one! The students had the most impressive costumes ever! It was a sight to behold! Bravo, students!
We tried to have as many students as possible in our pictures, and we present these pictures in our Facebook section (instead of here).
Grades 6 and 7 scaled the highest heights of the Lebanese mountains with Jouzour Loubnan, in order to accomplish a reforestation project as tie-in to their science lessons. The students were eager and energetic, and the weather was unusually nice! This major outing was organized by Mrs Maha Moacdieh and Mrs Bahia Abou Tayeh, who accompanied the students along with Ms Areni Taslakian, Mrs Vivian Nahass, Mr Joe Tannous and YFC leader Mr Youssef Jouni. The students planted around a 100 trees, and the pictures we chose for you attest to the joy of the occasion.
The special activities for Independence Day concluded with two special presentations for the students. These included speeches, a dabke, a segment from Saif 840 presented by grade 9, and an extra special zajal given by the sweet students of grade 3. There was a general celebratory ambience, and the students gave their all in their performances. Mrs Lina Bou Malhab and Mrs Nathalia Georgi organized these two events.
All in all, these were a memorable two weeks, in observance of the 75th independence of Lebanon!
As part of Patriotic Week at CTI, the kindergarten students participated in several activities. KGIII had their special day (check section). Others participated in diverse activities.
Also as part of the Patriotic Week at CTI, Mrs Myriam Sarkis organized a Lebanese Day for KGIII. The students wore patriotic clothes, and there were special activities, presentations and sweets from Lebanon. Happy 75th Independence Day, Lebanon!
As part of the CTI patriotic week, Coach Bahzad organized informal pyramid formations. The students enjoyed participating and watching. The event was followed by an impromptu dabke. We share a few pictures of the pyramids and the younger audience!
Yes, you read this right! As part of CTI's Patriotic Week, the students of grade 4 prepared a tabkha from Loubnan, from scratch. After cutting and mixing and cooking, the students got to eat their handiwork. The chefs were none other than Miss Chibli, Mrs Chaar, Mrs Drucella and grand chef Mrs Dareen. Good job, students!
The students of SAD and Fun Factory were in for a treat. The principal invited these students to a special Chinese food luncheon at Chopsticks restaurant, in appreciation of their work. To many, it was the first time they use chopsticks. So, along with the good food and the congenial company, there was the novel experience of learning how to use chopsticks. We share a few pictures!
Again this year, CTI students were treated to the iconic "Dictation from Lebanon" contest. This was part of the patriotic week(s) at CTI. Mrs Lina Bou Malhab organized the senior event, and Mrs Nathalia Georgi led the junior event. The students were excited to compete, regardless of winning! We will announce the winners as soon as we get their names.
It was a great patriotic day, and the beginning of a series of events especially prepared for the 75th anniversary of the Lebanese independence at CTI. For it was the day when the Lebanese Army Orchestra played a concert of patriotic music at CTI. The excitement was paramount, and the joy was evident on the faces of the students/teachers on that day. The event was organized by Mrs Jamie Chaaya, and the MC was Mrs Lina Abou Malhab.
Our roving reporter was there to take some pictures that we share. Several classes were able to take souvenir pictures with the orchestra, before and after the concert, and we share a few as well.
Every Saturday, a large group of CTI students meet for scout activities, games and fellowship. It is a great time for the students, and the scout leaders are to be thanked for the time and effort that they put.
Enjoy a few pictures...
The sweet students of grade 2 acted in a sweet play. The presentation was directed by their teacher of English, Ms Rita Abi Rached. We hope that you will enjoy these souvenir pictures!
As announced in our Newsletter, we congratulate Ricky Kahoush for winning first prize at the Lebanese Taekwondo Championsips, and Kegham Kozian for winning third prize. Bravo, students! Attached are a few souvenir pictures!
The younger students at CTI were suprised by the presence of a magician who pulled out of his sleeve (figuratively speaking) one magic bubble after another. Some students were even privileged to go inside a bubble! This was a SOAR presentation, organized by Mrs Jamie Chaaya.
Just a few pics with KG students bouncing balls. Thanks, Coach Bahzad!
The super students of grade 5 A and B paid a visit to the Salon du Livre. They got to browse books in French, and participate in ateliers specially selected by Mrs Hourani, the coordinator of the department of French at CTI. The first workshop was about stopping bullying, and the second workshop was an art workshop. The students enjoyed and profited from this excursion into the French world!
Miss Norma Shami and the students of grade 7 A and B presented a magnificent play based on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, as found in the fourth chapter of the gospel of St John. The acting was excellent, the sets were superior, and the costumes were dazzling. Jesus was Fernando Ashkar, supported by a cast of enthusiastic actors. Bravi, all around!
Grade 1 presented a wonderful little play directed by their teacher of English, Mrs Rima Melki. As usual, with all the fun, there was a pointed lesson. Michael Akouri was the cute zebra, supported by the sweet cast of grade 1.
Grade 3 again had the opportunity to wear their favorite clothes and talk in French all about their outfits. C'etait magnifique! We share group pictures.
KGII had a great time visiting Keirouz Bakery (thanks!) and learning all about the bread-making process. If you check the last picture, you will also discover that the students did not forget to thank God for our daily bread, as well!
Learn about bread. Make bread. Bake bread. Eat bread. Visit a bakery.
Before visiting an actual bakery (check next entry), the students of KGII learn all about the bread-making process. Here, the kids are in full swing, kneading bread, later to be baked and tasted. Thanks, KGII teachers!
CTI was honored by the presence of New Heights, in another great production for grades 1 - 6. Thank you, New Heights, for coming. We present a few pictures.
The Earth Science students of grade 11 visited the impressive Mineral Museum, as part of a tie-in to their lessons. The outing was organized by their teacher, Mr Emile Moacdieh. A few souvenir pictures...
As a fund-raising activity for their graduation, grade 12 organized a big Halloween event for the younger students. It was fun and action filled, and it left everybody happy, as the pictures testify.
The DELF diplomas have arrived from the French Embassy, and the students received them today. Mrs Hourani, head of the French dept at CTI, and Dr Chris distributed the diplomas. Congratulations, students!
Will we or won't we? The CTI administration looked at the skies and postponed the trip. Lo and behold, a short while later the sky was the deepest blue, and the clouds were beautiful white specs. The bus company was contacted, and the trip materialized, to the joy of the students.
The outing to the Silk Museum in Bsous is an iconic trip for grade 9, and a tie-in to lessons in English. Ms Wilma coordinated. Our pictures attest to the high spirits of the students that day!
Grade 12 organized a Cancer Awareness Day bake sale. This included food, posters, and even special balloons. All cookies and cupcakes were pink in color. Many students wore pink in solidarity. We share a few (pink) photos of the occasion.
There was a strange hush in the auditorium. The lighting was limited to red and blue. Candles were lit in front of the stage. There was background mood music, and texts on the screen.
The students of grade 11Sc and 11HS, with the help of their teacher of English Miss Dalal Hermez, were giving a poetry reading session. And it was a most welcome respite during a hectic student and teacher day. Bravo, grade 11, with special mention given to Nora and Karen for preparing the slide presentation! Good job!
It was time to dress up for grade 4, as students shared about different cultures. The students did a wonderful job, with diverse presentations and garbs. The event was organized by Mrs Aline Tashjian, and we share with you some impromptu pictures!
The CTI students were surprised by a group of airborne acrobats. The performance was during recess, and the students marvelled at the daring feats of these acrobats. The presentation was organized by Mrs Jamie Chaaya, as part of the SOAR program. We share some souvenir pictures for your enjoyment.
We have a new SAD, a bunch of enthusiastic, excited ladies and gentlemen, under the tutelage of Mrs Jamie Chaaya. For their first presentation, the students called on other students to join in the fun. We share some of the pictures.
CTI feted the international Green Apple Day again! CTI distributed over 700 Granny Smith apples, and students got to attend one of two talks about caring for the environment. There were very special projects for select classes, and students got to devise ways to save energy. These included specially designed houses, as well as homemade solar ovens (complete with marshmallows and chocolate). The event was organized in coordination with Dar el Handasseh, who cannot be thanked enough. A group of leaders and speakers was led by the energetic Mrs Eliane Bou Rached. Mrs Jamie Chaaya coordinated, and Ms Maha Hachem helped with the apples.
Attached are some pictures of a very green day!
Summer fun started for grades 1 to 6 with a trip to a choice place! The students got to participate in activities to their hearts' content, as well as enjoy the beauty of the spot. And it did not rain. . .
Dear students, have a very nice summer vacation!
Jungle Fever was a smash hit, with great acting, dancing, costumes and sets. The protagonists were Wade Watkins, Sarah Rizkallah, Myra Dakhlallah, Grace Kouyoumjian, Menassa Makarios, George Demian, Zaid Sarraj, Steven Attwe and Jeffrey Daoud. Sincere congratulations!
We present here representative pictures of the event, taken by Mr Ragheed Breidi. Kindly check our Newletter section for more information.
Mrs Aline Tashjian organized a culture week for her grade 3 students. What a week! The students devised many a way to demonstrate the different cultures and lifestyles of people from around the world. We share with you the pictures that we have available. Thanks, Mrs Aline and grade 3!
Every year, Mr Elias Haddad entertains us with witty plays in Arabic. This year's play involved the old (really old!) method of schooling, as compared to the modern (too avant garde) style. Though both ways of teaching were comically satirized, it is clear where the allegiance of Mr Haddad lies! Maybe a compromise is better - after all everybody, old and new, joined in one dabke.
The old style teacher was Angelo Shami, and the new style teacher was Elissa Nader. Congratulations to all the students involved.
The students of Mrs Samaha's grade 5 flew their kites during kite day. The kites were supposed to be handmade, but the majority seemed to be store-bought. The kites had problems getting airborne, but not the spirits of the students! Great day, students!
New this year was a spectacular event organized by the CTI Parents' Committee. All honor and jr honor students, along with their class teachers, were invited by the Parents' Committee to a poolside dinner. Buses transported the students to the beautiful Nova Garden restaurant, where the students had the privilege to relax near a pool, as they sampled lots of good food, accompanied by a varied program with entertainers and a raffle. At the end, the Parents' Committee and administration cut and served a spectacular cake. It was a most memorable evening that the honor students will treasure for years! Thank you, Parents' Committee, and congratulations, students!
We attach some pictures so you could share the joy of the students.
As for grade 7, their destination was the Chouf area. In particular, they visited Deir el Kamar, the Moussa Castle, Beiteddine and the Barouk. It was a memorable day that was captured by the lens of Jeffrey Daoud.
The students of grade 8 visited the majestic cedars of Becharri. They spent the day in the area and got a taste of God's majestic creation! Here are a few pictures taken by Christina Salamoun to remember the day.
From Sidon, grade 10 headed to Tyre. Their destination was the Roman Necropolis and Hippodrome. The sight of these ruins was beyond the expectations of the students, and grade 10 spent a memorable time there. Next was the port and the ancient town. And the busy sight-seeing schedule did not prevent a few adventurous students from sampling the Mediterranean waters. It was a day to cherish for a long time!
Grade 10 had the chance to visit Sidon and discover the many attractions of this ancient town. From the Crusader sea fortress, to the Ali Baba souks, and from the museums to the Ottoman town houses, CTI visited the best!
Here are a few pictures to showcase Sidon!
The students of Mrs Shona Hill Barakat had a paper making project - from pulp to paper! It was an extraordinary experience, as the students made one paper after another. Here are a few pictures of the occasion(s).
The students of grade 10, as directed by Mrs Jamie Chaaya, gave a performance of the detective closed-room mystery, "Lady Clarice Dies". Kanaan Kanaan was the policeman and Jeremy Basta was the butler, supposed by a very diverse case of characters. At the end, the audience was invited to participate in solving the whodunit, before the butler shared in clarifying the mystery. Or did he?
CTI was honored with the presence of several alumni who came for a football game against the current CTI students. The game was great fun, and ended with the loss of the alumni - lack of practice? CTI wishes to thank Coach Bahzad who organized the event, and the alumni for coming!
Grade 8 gave a presentation of the play "Lamia's Son". The play deals with the Three Fates from Greek mythology, and it was sublimely acted. The sets were very beautiful, including clouds on which the Fates sat. The play was directed by Mrs Jamie Chaaya. The pale-faced Three Fates were Cynthia Azarian, Marie Belle Ibrahim and Clarita Khoury. Lamia was Margarita Abi Saleh, the eponymous son was Joseph Ballout, and Ralph Khoury and Joseph Nohra also contributed. Good job, everybody!
It has become a tradition: Towards the end of their school year, the students of grade 9 get treated to an extensive treasure hunt organized by Mrs Hourani. The students get to practice their French, they get to have some fun, and they get to stretch their legs a bit! Thank you Mrs Hourani, and congratulations to the "treasure" winners!
In coordination with YFC, the CTI students were treated to sessions of caged football, of which we show some pictures. This activity coincides with the last events of CTI's April Festival, which seems to have spread to the month of May!
A lot of things worked together for this event: the Aflaton Project, the encouragement of Ms Claude Geagea, the enthusiasm of the students, and the bright ideas of the teachers Mrs Abou Malab, Mrs Georgi, Mrs Samaha and others. So, ultimately, after several months, the students of grades 3 and 4 were able to share monetary gifts with each of the janitors at CTI. Then, the students and workers shared cakes and goodies, especially prepared by the teachers. The altruistic event was concluded with the distribution of certificates, attesting participation in the Aflaton Project.
Fun Factory, and Mrs Jamie Chaaya, organized a Professions Day at school. Suddenly, CTI was filled with doctors, firefighters, soldiers, actors and actresses, and athletes. Now, there will be no shortage of future professions in Lebanon. We post the pictures that we have of the event!
The CTI Choir, under the direction of Mrs Jamie Chaaya, did it again! It was an absolutely amazing concert whose theme was Golden Oldies. In this very melodious concert, the choir performed popular songs from the 1950s to the 1980s, that have now gained classic status. The students delivered with total assurance and enthusiasm. The response of the audience was overwhelming!
There were soloists in several of the choral songs, with a special solo by Bryan Powell. A band accompanied the songs, with Mrs Krista Kashouh on the piano, Mr Philip Fahmi on the flute, Mr Castaneda on the guitar and Jeremy Basta on the drums. A special guest was engineering student and CTI alumnus Mr Rudy Youssef who accompanied the Arabic songs on the oud. Light effects coordinated with the singing, adding to the magical effect of the evening.
Congratulations to the CTI Choir, and thank you Mrs Jamie Chaaya!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a colossal production! After a year's laborious work, this performance was presented on Friday, April 27, by the students of grade 11 with choice students from other classes. The musical was a feast for the eye and ear, involving song, dance, drama, sets and light effects. It was expertly directed by Ms Wilma. This musical dramatization of Hugo's novel was met with a well-merited rapturous reception. Congratulations, director, actors and set designers!
The role of Quasimodo was acted by the incomparable Karim Rawda. Esmeralda, the gypsy girl, was taken by Nour Hourani. Frollo was Bryan Powell, Phoebus was Joseph Saikaly, and Gringoire the Bard was Nicholas Haddad. These main actors were supported by a wondrous set of enthusiastic singers and dancers. Bravi, all around!
Enjoy the souvenir of the occasion!
The grade 3 students of Mrs Lola Khoury visited Bank of Beirut, as a tie-in to what the students were studying. The Bank of Beirut staff took of their time to explain the functionings of a bank, and the president of the bank, no less, welcomed the students. At the end, the bank presented the students with special treats. Thank you, Bank of Beirut!
As part of career and college orientation, grade 11 visited AUB for an overview and a campus tour. The students got to learn about college options, in general, as well as what AUB has to offer. The CTI students thank AUB for this opportunity!
The pictures are finally here! During the Easter break 2018, the CTI scouts were treated to a camp in the beautiful countryside of Lebanon. The scouts participated in numerous activities, and went back home laden with wonderful memories. A lot of loving effort was put into this camp, so thanks are due to Mrs Ghaya Abi Antoun, Mrs Lara Kahoush, Mrs Nidal Francis, Mr Zahi Lahham, Mrs Mary Kfoury and the many others who gave of their valuable time to make this a successful camp.
Enjoy this selection of pictures, and share the excitement of the students!
It was the last day of class sessions for the students of grade 12 - an absolute end to 15 years of life at CTI. Now, after the final exams and the governmental exams, the class of 2018 will be ready to face the challenge of college life and the world. This jubilant occasion, though, turned out to be a tearful one, as students bade farewell to their school and friends. Behold the pictures!
CTI offers their best wishes to the wonderful class of 2018!
PS And, oh yes, Joy Dagher did accept to accompany Charbel Hajj to the proms.
CTI hosted a group of Canadian skateboarders from Canada. They gave a skateboard show, participated in PE classes, shared in chapel, and taught skateboarding skills to the students. The students tried to show off their comparable skills, but few could! Thanks for coming, skateboarders!
Coach Adnan organized a major Warrior Fitness Challenge for the students of grades 10 and 11. It was a strenuous tournament, and the students proved that they are up to the toughest bootcamp standards! Congratulations, one and all, and thanks, Coach Adnan.
CTI students had the chance to have a special hot-dog lunch, prepared by Frank Wurst's and presented from a special van! The line seemed endless, but it was worth the wait! Special thanks go to Mrs Jamie Chaaya who organized the event with SAD, Mrs Darine Moukarzel, and Coach Bahzad.
The interclass basketball games finished with a jump and a wham, with grade 11 garnering the championship, and grade 10 ranking second. The tournament was organized by Coach Bahzad. Bravo to the winners!
CTI is back from Hungary, carrying tons of joyous memories. Budapest is an extraordinary city, divided by the beautiful, blue Danube, and uniting Buda and Pest. The trip to Budapest was rich in sightseeing and activities. The students visited museums, churches, the home of Liszt, the Parliament, and much more. They stayed in a luxurious 5* hotel, and were treated to choice restaurants. They attended folk shows, horse pageants, a classical music concert and more. They admired the Danube, and cruised on it. They visited cozy towns outside Budapest. They swam in thermal water. And they shopped till they dropped.
Several students were asked about what they had liked most. Invariably, after a pause, they would answer: Each thing that we did was "the best".
Of thousands of pictures taken for the yearbook, and many more thousands floating in virtual cyberspace, we present here a random selection for you to share our joy.
Easter at CTI was celebrated in a series of chapels, events, crafts, art and music celebrations, SAD and Fun Factory presentations, egg coloring, and quite a few egg hunts! We share with you some of our contributions to this joyous event! Happy Easter!
Ms Geagea, coordinator of the Aflaton project, led the students and teachers of grades 3 and 4 to the park for an al fresco lesson. Here are a few picture of the occasion!
Mrs Abou Madi led her grade 1 students in an interesting project involving funny face food. The students gave reign to their imagination, and created wonderful comic consumable food! Here are a few pictures of the occasion!
Coach Adnan Sioufi organized a three point basketball tournament. This was a fun activity that involved CTI students with basketball skills. The audience was encouraging and enthusiastic! We share a few pictures!
Ms Elham Hajj organized a taco event for her Spanish class students. The students prepared the food, donned Mexican hats, and had a grand time. Ole'!
Church members from Rahbeh, Northern Lebanon, gave a chapel session about Easter. They used many modes of presentation, including flipboard, drama and puppets. Thank you for coming!
Grade 8 presented an opulent production of the Rahbanis' "Saif 840" (Summer of 1840) that was as perfect as can be in terms of acting, singing, dancing, sets, costumes and plain exhuberance. We cannot fault anything in this production! Bravo, grade 8! Bravo, Mrs Lina Abou Malhab who wholeheartedly directed this musical. Bravo, Miss Diana Blati who coached the dances. Bravo, main actors: Sarah Tawk and Steven Haddad. What a most extraordinary occasion!
This is an iconic trip for grade 11. The students study about the Middle Ages, then visit those times in the guise of fortresses and monasteries. A wonderful group of students got to discover these, on a wonderful, sunny day. The students got to do some strenuous walking, so at the end of the day, we offer our kudos to them!
There are lots of pictures for the yearbook, and we offer here a representative sample!
It is traditional fare at CTI: Teachers play the students and the students either win, or decide to let their teachers win . . . Ahem . . . Maybe not . . . but students may like to say that. . . Anyway, the teachers won by far. But what was new this year was the first-time ever participation of a female teacher, Ms Prisca Mrad. Great playing!
Thanks to technology, grade 3 were able to connect to Holland, India and Tunis for lengthy Skype calls. Our students got introduced to different cultures, and students in other countries got to meet the bright students of grade 3. The event was coordinated by Mr Herman van Uum, Mrs Claude Geagea, Mr Fadi Khoury, and class teachers Mrs Georgi and Mrs Tashjian.
Four class sections had the privilige to visit the Lebanese Central Bank for special presentations regarding the Lebanese monetary system. This was part of the Aflaton program. With the gifts that they were offered, our students came richer in more sense than one!
Congratulations to grade 10 on winning the CTI interclass football tournament! Coach Bahzad awarded medals to the students. We present a few pictures. Of particular note is the one before the last, with grade 10 literally jumping with joy!
Grade 5, the students of Mrs Chaar, recently had their Invention Day presentations. The students brainstormed and came out with viable inventions to help humanity! The inventions will be exhibited again next week. Bravo, budding scientists.
Grade 11 had the opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop at the AUDI Bank headquarters. The event was rich in activities, and our students got introduced to many aspects of finance and banking. This was a great career orientation day, and a boost to the students' CVs.
"Orpheus" was the fare of grade 7, under the direction of Ms Areni Taslakian. The students of grade 7 acted out the tragic story of the ancient Greek musician, Orpheus, and the loss of his great love, Euridice. A brilliant idea was to divide the stage into two sections, one involving the land of the living, and one involving the afterworld. The stage went dark and smokey when the actors moved to the afterworld. The group of students acted very well, and were led by Menassa Makarios as Orpheus, Rita Khoury as Euridice, and Wade Watkins as a very indignant Hades. Bravissimi!
The grade 4 students of Mrs Chaar and Mrs Tashjian were in for a treat: the visit of basketball champ, Mr Ismail Ahmad. Mr Ismail was kind enough to share of his precious time, and teach the students quite a few basketball moves. Thanks for coming, Mr Ismail!
Here are some more pics of the ongoing interclass football tournament. The last that we heard was that grade 11 won. But the games are not over yet...
We were honored with the presence of another school for a friendly basketball game. Here are some pictures of the occasion.
Three professors from the International School Project (ISP) visited CTI and gave demonstration sessions in four classes. Pictured individually here are director of teacher training and development Joi Christians, executive director Roy Christians, and regional director Skid Logan. We also present some general class pictures. CTI thanks its guests!
They are finally here, from the official photographer, for you to enjoy. Here are a few pictures of the super-spectacular "When Grandma Went to School", the CTI musical with a 1950s theme. Like, save and share!
An awaited highlight every year is the Rahbani musical presented by the students of Mrs Lina bou Malhab. This year we were regaled with "The Ring Vendor" ( بياع الخواتم), the famous musical originally with Fairouz and Nasri Shameseddine. The role of the Mukhtar was taken by Sari Zaitoun who really embodied the role. Rima / Fairouz was energetically acted and sung by Maria Jabbour. The unexpected Rajeh was Chris Deeb transformed to look 60 years older! Other lead roles were taken by Jihad Dakramanhi and Rafic Ouraibi. The musical was directed by Mrs Lina bou Malhab. Congratulations grade 8 and their teacher!
Every year CTI students have the chance to visit a country outside Lebanon. This year they visited beautiful Prague, in an event-filled luxury trip. The students got to visit museums, explore castles, walk down quaint streets, experience local culture, cruise down the river Vltava, eat gastronomic food, stay in a 5* hotel, shop till they drop, and have a great amount of fun. The students are now back home, safe and sound, trading an immense amount of pictures, of which we share a humble few. Praise the Lord for His blessings!
A CTI alumnus wrote us (and we thank him): CTI, you are giving your students these great opportunities! You take them places (e,g, Prague!!!), you give them fun opportunities, you teach them so much more than math, history and English. You are making such a difference in their lives. A difference that they won't see until they are well grown up. And that is what we see today. We meet graduates from CTI from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and they recall the great experiences they had at CTI and what a difference it made in their lives. You making an eternal difference in these kids' lives.
It was finally performed, to thunderous accolades from the audience: "Romeo and Juliet" was a smash hit!
Romeo was Dori Fares, Juliet was Lea Tenn, Friar Lawrence was Bryan Powell, the Prince was Mark Moussan, Tybalt was George Saab, Mercutio was Karim Rawda, the sprite (Fate?) was Yana Rossoshanskaya. The musical was directed by Ms Wilma. Kindly check our Newsletter for more.
A note on the pictures: The pictures are often fuzzy because of the fog effects onstage.
"The Tale of Thomas and Joan" was a big challenge for CTI, since it meant transporting students and parents from our times, back to the Middle Ages. The challenge was met, and the result was spectacular beyond belief (but as we said earlier, we could not get horses for the joust!). The music was carefully chosen, based on reconstructions of ancient melodies and instruments. The sets were superbly designed and executed by Mr Rami Khalaf, with every stone in the fortress faceted and woodwork made to look as such. The dances were partly based on modern dance, and partly based on authentic old dances (anybody for a passamezzo?). As for the costumes, let us not get started: we had a whole factory executing our costumes and the audience gasped and cheered and filmed with each display of opulent costumes.
Courtiers, villagers, brigands, townsfolk, peasants, troubadours, knights, jesters, acrobats, duelists . . . what more can one ask for?
Special thanks to Mrs Krista Kashouh (musical and general direction), Mrs Jamie Chaaya (drama coaching), Miss Areni Taslakian (assistant drama coaching), Mr Rami Khalaf (sets), Boghossian Uniforms (costume execution), and the CTI teachers!
Every year, Ms Wilma and grade 11 prepare top-notch musicals. This year was no exception. "Macbeth - the Musical" was an extravagant feast to the eye and the ear. The acting was superb. The music and dancing were spectacular. The sets were magnificent. The effects were astounding. The use of space - everywhere in the auditorium - was amazing. Dori Fares was Macbeth. Nour Sadek was Lady Macbeth. The students of grade 11 (all sections), as well as some students from other classes, provided an impressive supporting cast, complete with show-stopping witches. Ms Wilma, methinks that Shakespeare doth smile in contentment!
Incidentally, this musical was presented during the Shakespeare year, practically on Shakespeare's birthday, April 23, 2016.
Posted here are some pictures from our musical for this year, "Pulcinella". It was a big triumph, as these picture attest! For more information, kindly check our newsletter. Bravi!
Check this link for a very quick overview of the musical! You will like it!
The CTI students had the privilege to attend a special performance of the musical "Petra" by the Rahbani Brothers. Helena Sarnouk was the queen, leading a case of students from grade 8. Mrs Abou Malhab ably directed the production. Congratulations! For details, kindly check our newsletter.
As part of a bigger project, CTI students visited Rome and Campania during the Easter vacation of 2015. It was the experience of a lifetime, filled with a program rich with art, culture, adventure and fun. The students and teachers would like to share with you some of the activities that they did, and by now the social media has 1000s of other pictures about the trip. For information about the trip, kindly check our newsletter section. Enjoy! Ciao!
Despite foreboding weather, "Rafael in Rio", our musical with a Brazilian theme, was performed to thunderous (no pun intended) acclaim. Congratulations to the students who did a superb job in acting and dancing. Many thanks to Mrs Krista Kashouh who put all of this together, as well as to Miss Areni Taslakian who coached the drama, and to Mr Rami Khalaf who designed and executed those wondrous sets.
Also thanks to all the teachers who taught dances, supervised and helped in the performance. It was an evening to treasure!
The event was filmed by Tele Lumiere.
It was another dream CTI trip, this time to Madrid, Spain, during the Easter break of Spring 2014. A large group of students and teachers visited art-filled museums, walked down quaint roads, and engaged in every imaginable exciting activity. Their outings even took them outside Madrid, to Segovia, Toledo, Valle de Caidos, El Escorial and elsewhere. It was a trip to remember forever, as the pictures testify. Where to next year?
The Christmas musical for grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 had Hollywood as a theme. A group of intrepid actors and producers are putting up a Christmas story film, and their work needed some correction in order to present the real Christmas story. This bubbling production was directed by Mrs Kashouh. Mrs Aida Tabbal and Mr Rami Khalaf designed the sets.
We were voted "smarted school in Lebanon" by Virgin Radio! As the scoreboard (presented by Virgin Radio and was propagated in the media) shows, we scored first, thanks to the efforts of several students led by whiz kid Rami Rouss. Congratulations!
