It snowed! (and other bits)

Hi guys!

Has it really been a over week since I've posted? Life is so hectic, sometimes I literally do not have the energy to do anything except lay in my bed once I get home. Is this what being a real adult is like? haha

Anyways, lots has been happening on this end, so I'll do my best to recap. First, and foremost, I did my day of supply teaching at Cowley last Wednesday... and the Headteacher and the Deputy head kept popping in and out of my lessons all day to see how I was doing. Needless to say, immediately after school was done, my consultant Craig called me like 3 times, then texted me and said "Tiff, go find Jamie... she LOVESSSS YOUUU!" hahaha what a guy. Jamie is a Canadian who been living here for 13 years- her accent is so strange! She is honestly so nice and laid back- I really like her! Anyway, I went to find her, and she basically told me that I was an amazing fit for their school and would do well there if that is what I decided. She said that the teacher who is currently in the class would be done at the end of the week, and they would have me in for the remaining 3 weeks to "get a feel" for the class, and if I so wished, I could sign on for a contract beginning in January. They said they would put on their NQT (newly qualified teacher) program even though I don't need it because I have my QTS (qualified teacher status). This means I will get an extra bit of time out of class each week for planning, mentorship, and professional development. I think it is a good idea because everything is honestly so different here, and any little bit of extra support helps. I left the school feeling quite elated that I was going to start on Monday!!

On Sunday morning, Craig texted me and said that the teacher I am replacing decided she wanted to stay another week... which meant that I had one more week of supply ahead of me. Jamie was really great about it though, and booked me for supply 2 days at their school just so I could get a bit more familiar with it, and have my face around the school. On Wednesday (WE WOKE UP TO SNOWWWW!---- Sidenote: The Brits really can't handle any ice/snow/frost. Honestly, transportation comes to a standstill- trains have been delayed for the past 2 days making the commute really unpleasant), I had PPA time in the morning to co-plan with the other Year 1 teacher for the next two weeks. We were really productive, and Ross (the Deputy Head) said that our plans looked good. I think we're going to be a great team! Yesterday, I was in a Year 4 class. Honestly, it was the day from hell yesterday. The class was spectacular, thank God. It took me OVER 2 HOURS to get to school. I left my house at 7:15, and I usually catch the train at 7:35. There were no trains running at all. I stood in the freezing cold on the platform with hundreds of other people for about an hour until a train finally came... but didn't take me directly to West Drayton. I had to get off a stop before, then bus it to the West Drayton station, where Jamie (the Headteacher) picked me up. I got to the school at 9:30am. What a nightmare! The day was great though, honestly, and I can't wait to start full time on Monday. It's especially exciting for me because the next 2 weeks are all about Christmas- and what a fun time of the year for kids!! If any of you are interested, here's a link to Cowley St. Laurence's website.

Then, last evening I had plans to go to dinner with Diane and a bunch of other staff from Colham Manor. My blow dryer legitimately blew up - thank goodness it didn't catch my hair on fire haha. THEN we had to make our way back on the trains which were delayed AGAIN so it was a nightmare with transportation yesterday, needless to say. I had such a lovely time last night though. I got to experience my first real "Indian" restaurant. A lady from Colham, named Bal was celebrating her birthday. She wore a beautiful sari and the food was honestly SO good. I tried a bit of everything, because, WHY NOT! There was music and dancing too, and I just sat there the whole time thinking "I am so so lucky to be able to have this experience. I would never have been able to do half of the things I'm doing if I had stayed in Aylmer. Thank goodness I was brave enough to come here!" I have honestly made some great friends- usually, I just get invited along because I'm the token "new" girl from Canada who doesn't know anything bahah! I don't mind one bit though! We got back home around 11 last night, and I just knew that I didn't want to work today. Since I had already worked 4 days this week, I'm not contractually obligated to work today. As long as I let a consultant know before 7am, I am off the hook. I texted Craig and said I wasn't available. I wanted a long weekend to get all my bits and bobs done before the tidal wave of full time hits me next week. I've done some laundry already, and am planning on shipping home my Christmas gifts this afternoon. I need to run a few more errands, and then get some planning and materials ready for my class! Oh my goodness- it's MY class! I will definitely take some pictures next week so that you can all see my classroom. There is loads to be done- to me, it's not really an inviting atmosphere, and it definitely needs to be organized. It will be a slow work in progress, but I think I'm up to the job! Have a lovely weekend all, I am missing you all more each and every day... I wish I could teleport home for an afternoon! Love you! xx