The day of the sports day - bright, clear and sunny. The teachers were in their tracksuited best when I arrived at school, some had arrived at 6.30am to put up the tents and the flags and to chalk out the ground. The kids were over excited and the parents were expected at any moment.

10 minutes until it all kicked off. And the Principal canceled it. Again.

He didn't like the air today - too dusty. Apparently it was one of the worst Yellow Dust days this year, but it's a total mystery to me. Some days it's visible and I'm out of breath after my walk to work, but today seemed like a beautiful day. Oh dear. My coteacher, also the Head of School spent the day fielding calls from furious parents, the teachers were irate at having to whip up a day of classes in their polyester tracksuits at the last minute, the kids were out of control with disappointment and the dinner ladies had all been told not to come in today so there was no lunch. We're trying again tomorrow. Third time lucky.

For some in this uber-competitive culture, it's just another day of practice to get the edge over your classmates.