I was able to attend the conference only yesterday but I came back from each and every session with something worthwhile: a story, several poems, great websites, an idea for a project (based on Sarah Dayan's talk on Children's Rights), ideas for stimulating creative writing. But I wish that I didn't have to associate the conference with terrible events: exactly two years ago at the ETAI conference we heard the news about the kidnapped soldiers, which presaged the start of the war, and now just yesterday, after coming out of the "conference bubble" as Ruth so aptly put it, we learned that the soldiers had been returned in coffins. A tragic reminder that in this country you can never escape. Thank you all for organizing a superb conference that provided so much food for the soul, in addition to a delightful respite from the Tel Aviv mugginess! As one of the presenters pointed out, I think that English teachers in Israel are unique in having a professional organization like ETAI (am I right?) and I only wish more teachers were part of it. A relaxing rest of the summer to all, Maxine Tsvaigrach -----Original Message----- From: etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ask_Etni Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 6:51 PM To: ETNI Subject: [etni] Fw: Thanks for the Etai conference ----- Original Message ----- From: Ruthi - rsheffer@xxxxxxxxx Subject: Thanks for the Etai conference I would like to express my hearty thanks to all of the Etai committe for a wonderfully refreshing and energizing conference. I saw familiar, friendly faces and made some new friends too ,and heard some fantastic presentations. Well done all of you.It was so hard to come out of the conference "bubble" and be hit by the terrible news from the radio and TV, a reminder of the problems we face in our region. Thanks to everyone and have a well-earned rest for what remains of the summer. Ruth Sheffer ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------