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