What's new!

I thought it was high time to give my blog some lovin'. I'm sure you've all been sitting on pins and needles waiting for me to post about my life- I know, I know. I flatter myself. Now, where to begin? Prepare yourself for a looong read! 

I have been feeling awfully homesick and upset for the past little while. Not a full on "let me hop on the next plane home" mood, but rather, small pangs of "I wish my parents/family/best friends (cough cough Molly and Rachel) were closer so I could have a tea and visit with them for the afternoon." However, I know that this just comes with the experience, and I know it will only get more difficult as we draw nearer to Christmas. It's my favourite holiday, and it's such a wonderful time with family. Take away that component, and I'm not sure how I'm going to cope. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!

Speaking of Christmas: Dana, Jess, Kaitlin, and I have booked our flights and hostels for our Christmas vacation! We are going to fly out on December 26th to spend 3 days in Venice, and then take the train from Venice to Munich. We'll fly home on December 31st. Talk about a Merry Christmas present to myself! I'm really looking forward to it!

Lots has been happening on the work front. Last week, I worked a full 5 days. I went to 2 new schools last week. On Monday, I went to Heathland, which is an A+ Ofsted rated school (which means they are quite reputable and stringent on their learning procedures and policies). I was in Year 4 in the morning, and Reception in the afternoon. I really liked this school, so I tried to make a good impression. Sean called me, and told me that the Headteacher was so impressed with me that I've been put on their "short list" which means that any time I'm available, they will request me! Score!

Tuesday I went to Roxeth in South Harrow. I've been to this school a couple of times now, and honestly, it is so lovely. The staff are quite friendly, and the kids are just so nice and well behaved! I have a feeling I will be sent back there in the near future. The only downside to this day was that I had a cold, and my head was quite fuzzy... and I forgot to get a timesheet signed. I texted my consultant about this, slightly freaking out, and after some jesting  he said it was alright and he got it sorted out.

Wednesday I went to a brand new school for Engage. As in, I was the first person from Engage Education to ever go there. A new consultant called me, and then told me she was too busy with other assignments, so I would have to figure out how to get there myself. I used the TFL website, and found it was quite straightforward. While on the tube, I got a pep talk from Sean to sell Engage- meaning I had to go around the staff, introduce myself, meet the Headteacher, etc. etc. I did well, I think. This school has THE friendliest staff I've worked with. People would smile and say hello when I was walking down the corridor, and they would engage in conversation as if they knew me. I loved it!

Thursday I was at St. Matthew's doing my PPA coverage that I have for the rest of the term. I was in Year 4 all day and I LOVE this class soo much. They are smart little cookies, and have the nicest attitudes. I got requested to go back to St. Matthew's on Friday and I was in both Year 1 classes. It was a nice, easy day, minus the fact that my lunch hour was spent marking. They are SO strict in England about supplies marking the work they've assigned during a lesson. Sometimes it takes forever!

Friday night, I hung out with my new friend Diane. She's a TA from my favourite school, Colham Manor. She and I have become quite close friends, and I am so glad to have met her. We went out for dinner/drink/magic show in Covent Garden with a bunch of her beautiful friends. I was so glad to get out of the house!!

My beautiful friend Diane! 

Friday night was also a special night because I finally received my care package from my parents!!!!

Canada pencils, peanut butter, oats, and tea <3

Needless to say, I have been mowing down on peanut butter ever since Friday night haha! On Saturday, the girls and I planned our trip for Christmas, and then we went out for dinner with our friend Kayla. On Sunday, Dana and I travelled into central London to meet up with Teri, a friend from Uni, who is here for a week doing job interviews. We had a spectacular day shopping and site seeing. It was also so nice to see another familiar face from home!! The world is such a small place when you really think about it. So, I had a really great weekend that took my mind off of things for a bit!  

And now, the biggest news I have to share... consider this your reward for reading all the way to the bottom.... I have been offered a full time job. Well, more like recommended for a full time job. The very first school I went to here- Cowley St. Laurence, is looking for a Year 1 teacher beginning in January. My consultant called me and said that the Headteacher from St. Matthew's had emailed the Headteacher at Cowley to recommend me for the opening. I am beyond flattered. However, I am not sure if I am ready for such a big commitment. There are so many pros and cons to measure. I have been at Colham Manor the past two days, and I just love this school so much, that I really really really wish there was a full time position opening there, but there isn't. I'm going to Cowley tomorrow for a day of supply teaching, thanks to my consultant Craig arranging it for me. I'm using it to get a feel for them (since I didn't really enjoy my first day there- but I'm chalking that up to first day jitters), and they want to get a feel for my teaching style. I'm not going to say no to the full time position just yet without at least giving the school a chance, but at this point, I'm not 100% into it either. Stay tuned for details!

I guess that's all that I have to share with you at the moment. My life isn't really too exciting. I'm settling into a routine here, and it gets dark so early that I just go home and snuggle in my bed. I'm always SO sleepy! I will definitely keep you posted on my life though, promise! xo 

C'est le weekend!

This series of photos is brought to you by "THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY"- Teacher edition.

On my way to get dinner and drinks with fellow teachers and teaching assistants from Colham Manor- Lord knows we deserve it! Happy weekend all! xo

Week Recap

Hiya! So, what have I been up to this week? It's not all that interesting really. The weeks prior to and after breaks, we are not guaranteed 4 days of work like usual. I started Monday off by getting ready, but I quickly knew that I would have the day off. My consultant Sean called me around 11am though, just to say hi, ask how my half term was, and just have a good chat. He's so lovely! Monday night, my other consultant Craig let me know that I have a PPA coverage every Thursday at St. Matthew's Church of England school for the rest of the term. It's nice to have some stability! At least my Thursdays are set now!

Tuesday I got a call to cover a nursery class at a school near us (about a 20 minute walk) called Derwentwater. The children are babies, basically (3 years old). I just played with them, and did some painting, song singing, and reading. I was covered in sand, snot, glitter, and paint by the end of the day. Not my cup of tea, but at least I was working!

On Wednesday, I didn't think I was going to get work again. I had just changed out of my work clothes around 9:10am, when the phone rang, and a consultant named Barry called me to go to Hathaway Primary School in Ealing. My housemate Jess works there often, so I was excited to go. I arrived around 10am, covering a Year 3 class. They were really quite nice, and the TA said she was so impressed with how calm I am, and how I handled the "behavioural" students. She said she would put in a good word for me, so hopefully I get to return there again soon.

Thursday was my PPA coverage day at St. Matthew's in West Drayton. I get to go with my other housemate Dana, because she works there 3 days a week. This school is absolutely lovely- there were no "behavioural" students in my Year 4 class in the morning. I think this class may be my favourite of any I've had so far. They are intelligent, and well mannered. We got so much learning done! In the afternoon, I covered a Year 1 class. I kind of winged it, since the teacher was like "Do PE, and then do science" and I wasn't given much more instruction than that. We literally did 10 minutes of PE, because the little lovelies take so long to change from their uniform into their PE kits, and then back into their uniforms. We talked about seasons in science, and I had them draw a picture to represent each season. Their classroom teacher came back then, and we had to take them to worship at church. I really enjoyed the religious aspect of their education. I'm glad I get to return to this school!

I didn't get any work on Friday, so I just did laundry and caught up on some of my favourite shows. The girls and I, with our other friend Kayla (Vibe for those of you from Nip!) went to Shepherd's Bush to go to the outstanding mall called Westfields last night. It shames any other mall I have ever been to. They will have a skating rink INSIDE the mall within the next couple of weeks. They always have special guests too- earlier this week Taylor Swift was there performing a free concert, and today, the Kardashians will be there talking about their new fashion line they've launched at Dorothy Perkins. COOL! I got some new boots and a new shirt at New Look. We also ate dinner in their amazing food court. It was enjoyable to go out and do something after being inside all afternoon.

I'm going to be hanging out with Rob later today, and I think we're going to see the new James Bond film. Tomorrow, I'm going to go back to Shepherd's Bush with Kayla to go to church. I really miss  the fellowship of going to church, so it will be nice to reintroduce that aspect in my life!

Craig texted me to tell me that I will be at Colham Manor on Monday, so I'm very very excited to go back there! Other than that, there really isn't much new in my life. I can't believe I'm approaching the 2 month mark of being here... time sure does fly! I hope everyone is doing well at home- feel free to write me, because I love to know what you are all up to! xo

A Hoot of a Half Term

This past week I've been on half term break. That means, that I had a whole week to RELAX and enjoy myself, after a somewhat hectic and stressful teaching placement the previous two weeks. Somehow, I've managed to keep myself busy and have really enjoyed my half term break.

On Saturday and Sunday, I did some shopping and chores which had piled up while I was busy teaching. Monday, I went into central London with a teacher named Rob I met at Harefield. We had a lot of fun- and I went to my first cinema (not movie theatre haha) in London! On Tuesday, I went to Ealing Broadway to meet up at Starbucks with my new friend Diane. She's a TA (teaching assistant) at my favourite school, Colham Manor. She lives in Chiswick, which is near Acton. We caught up, and did some shopping. Wednesday was Halloween, and I didn't do much. I ate some sweets and watched a lot of online tv. Thursday and Friday were dedicated to my journey to Manchester to meet up with Melissa, my friend from high school. I left from Euston station in central London, and the journey takes about 2 hours. SO easy, and I got the tickets fairly cheap too (£32 each way). Melissa and I had a wonderful time catching up, and we went to the bar on Thursday night. We attracted some interesting characters. Needless to say, she and I will have to go out again!!

The most delicious latte ever. 

On Friday morning, we weren't feeling 100% but we had to go on the hunt for caffeine and food. We ended up at the most adorable place called "teacup on Thomas St." I had a huge latte and the MOST wonderful bowl of porridge I have ever ever had. We walked around Manchester, and Mel showed me where she used to live. I really like Manchester, it's got a good vibe.  We had to pick up Melissa's flatmate's brother and his mate from the train station. They are Irish, and incredibly nice. We went to a pub so that they could eat, and then I had to go back to the train station so I could catch my train. On the train ride back, I sat beside a guy from South Africa who moved to Edinburgh about 7 months ago. We had a nice chat, so it made time move much faster!

Today, I'm just going to relax, get some chores done, and maybe call home. Tomorrow, Rob and I are going to hang out in central London again, so that will be a nice way to end half term break. Our work is not guaranteed the week after half term, so I'm hoping they find me some work next week, because otherwise I will be extremely bored! I hope this recap wasn't too boring to read haha. Hope you are all doing well! xx