Is there anything sweeter than the first days of a long holiday period? The weeks stretch out before me. I am generating lots of to do lists and pottering around setting little things straight around my home. I am preparing for our summer trip and excited about the adventure it will be. I am purchasing last minute gifts for Christmas and looking forward to the big day when I’ll feast with the family and give and get.
Yesterday, although it was the first day of my holidays, I went into work to tie up a few loose ends that in my rush to finish I had not managed to attend to. I tried to kid myself that it would wait until next year, but they niggled at me in the morning and I knew they would lose their significance if I didn’t have them done. I feel at peace now and complete with my year.
In reflecting on this year of teaching, it hasn’t been one of my better years to be honest. I have been cranky and haven’t managed to build positive relationships with as many of my students as I have in previous years. I am aware of some of the reasons for this, but can not excuse myself. I have made my work harder and feel I have not given my best to the kids. Over the holidays I want to redesign my thinking in this area. I like teaching because I learn so much. I am letting it go now though. It’s done. Next year I will be better for having learnt what I have this year.
Some Week!!
Some weeks should never be repeated and this was one of them.
I did have a very happy birthday though and indulged myself with a massage and a delicious brunch with my cherished children. I received lots of calls and birthday wishes and felt very well loved and grateful for all the gorgeous people in my life.
Everything goes pear shaped in the last week of school, but this week has been extra so.
I’m tired and ready for my holidays now. Hanging in there.
Ups and Downs
This week has been a rollercoaster ride. I have been all over the place emotionally and mentally.
My daughter had her graduation this week and because she was school captain, had to give a speech. I was so proud of her and in awe of her speaking abilities. She has such a presence when she speaks in public and I am always bursting with pride when I hear her. I also feel a little nostalgic about her finishing school.
My son has had a bit of a health issue that we’re still not sure about. I am worried yet hopeful it will all be ok at the same time. So therefore quite up and down about that.
Naturally it is report writing week!
I managed to squeeze in ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, with the school and it lived up to it’s name because it was inconvenient. When you live in a regional area though, you have to support these films with small niche audiences,or they don’t come back! Also there was a group organised from school/work, so I didn’t want to miss it either.
I read weblogg-ed: “Is Reading Dead” this morning and remembered a lovely moment this week, I might have forgotten in the big action of this week. One of my year 7s who at the beginning of the year hated reading came to tell me she had finished the book I recommended for her last week. As I was so busy and self absorbed, I nearly brushed her off with a nod and a ‘well done’ smile, but she wouldn’t accept that. She said “Tell me, did you cry?”. I had to have a look then and really remember the book. It was Painted Love Letters by Catherine Bateson
These are the peak moments for me as a teacher. I nearly lost that moment in the rush of the week, so my answer to the question ‘Is reading dead?’, is no way. This happens quite regularly enough for me to keep going to school every day, correcting, writing reports, doing yard duty and all the other parts of being a teacher that I find less inspiring and enjoyable.