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

Update

Hi! It's been awhile, but I thought you'd all like to know what has been happening in my life this past week. I got a text from Sean last Sunday telling me that I was going back to Harefield Infants School all week... so that's what I've been doing! I'm in a Year 2 class, and it is quite a challenge, as they always keep me on my toes. Monday after my first day in this class, I came home and drank a bottle of wine. I'm not ashamed to say that I was in bed before 9pm. What I can tell you though, is that if I'm not a better teacher after this experience, I'm doing it wrong! I have my ups and downs, but the staff at this school are quite amazing. I've met some amazing people there! :)

I am going back to the same class this week, since the head teacher told my consultant I was doing a quite good job at building a rapport with the students, and not only managing them (HA HA) but they were also learning. Although I know that it's going to be a challenge, sometimes you just have to look for the tiny positives of the day and focus on those, rather than the million negative things that happened. It should be a fun week too, since there will be Halloween and Harvest celebrations on Thursday and Friday, and then we're on half term break for a week! Dare I say it, I can't wait for half term- I want to have a break and do some fun things!

Day Trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath

I finished the week off by teaching at Roxbourne Infant's School in a Year 2 classroom. Not only is this school closer to me than other schools I've been at, the students were so well behaved and courteous... I would definitely go back there again! 

Early Saturday morning (5:15am!) I woke up to get ready for our excursion. We were out the door by 6:10am, and caught the tube to King's Cross/St. Pancras station to meet up with Kaitlin. While Jess got in touch with the travel company to arrange our pick up, I got myself a Chai Latte from Cafe Nero for some much needed caffeine. Then, we had to catch the tube to Victoria Station. We waited in line forever to get on the coach bus, but we talked with some Americans, so time seemed to fly by. Finally, we were able to load the bus, and we took off! Our tour guide Geoffrey was an especially insightful and funny bloke... I found myself constantly laughing at things he said! He pointed out some interesting things along the way. 

Dana and I sitting on the coach bus.

We finally arrived at Windsor Castle. It was quite something to behold! It was contradictory: you will never be at a busier tourist location that is more silent. There is a quiet reverence associated here... being surrounded by the history, the royalty, the wealth, the tradition... it was overwhelming. I will admit to being brought to tears as I walked around. I don't care if it makes me a nerd. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but we took as many as we could outside!

The flag means that the Queen is at home!

Spectacular landscaping

After we toured the castle, we met back at the bus for noon. We travelled to Stonehenge from Windsor Castle. There were some nasty rainstorms that we drove through on the way... and I had a nap! The landscape on the drive there was quite breathtaking. The rolling hills, the farmland, the vastness... it was a picturesque scene of English countryside. I loved it! We finally arrived at Stonehenge, and got to spend a little under an hour walking around and taking pictures. It was an awesome site to behold!

Jess, Kaitlin, Dana, and I

 From Stonehenge, we journeyed to Bath... where Jane Austen resided, and the epitome of historical greatness! I loved the Georgian style of architecture, and the story behind the Roman baths. With so much history, you could almost feel the people of the past. It was definitely spooky. One room in particular gave me goosebumps! 

On the edge of the healing springs. I wonder how many people have sat in that exact spot?

We got to sample some (clean!) spring water from Bath! Its water is said to have restorative and healing properties because it contains over 40 different minerals. 

 After we left the Roman baths, we toured the city of Bath for a bit. There were gorgeous gardens, and some lovely buildings to see! 

Golden Jubilee landscaping!

We left Bath a little after 5pm, and arrived back in central London a bit after 7pm. Then we took the tube from Gloucester Station, and arrived home shortly after 8pm. It was certainly a long day, but it was a memorable trip that I am grateful to have taken! I'm taking today to rest and prepare myself for another week of teaching. Although there are times I miss home, I LOVE it here. There is always so much to entertain, and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Colham Manor (that's my school)

I have spent the past 3 days at Colham Manor Primary School-- apparently this schools loves me! I've been all over that school this week! On Tuesday, my consultant Craig calls me to tell me to cancel my plans for the Year 3 at the other school, and head to Colham (pronounced Cullum) instead. I arrive to find out I'm covering Year 2F for the day while the teacher does in-service. At the end of the day, I try to get my timesheet signed, but the booking lady says she's booked me for Thursday, so just wait until then to get it signed. So, I knew I was going back on Thursday for sure.

Wednesday morning, Craig calls me and says "Colham again, mate!" I covered Year 2T in the morning (such a sweet class) and then 1SH in the afternoon. My time spent in Year 1 has confirmed that really young children are not for me. I can deal with Year 2, but Year 1 is just too young for me. Today, I was in Year 6, which was totally, totally my style. This class was the smallest one I've had so far- just 22 kids. They were so well behaved, and so funny! The only downside to teaching Year 6 is that they are preparing them for Key Stage 3, and they are doing tests to figure out their secondary school placement (kind of like SAT scores in the States) and there is a lot of work for them to do. I spent over an hour marking at the end of the day. A HUGE thank you to my roomie Dana for helping me mark their Literacy, where they were writing their own myths, while I marked their Maths and Handwriting.

I definitely like Colham, and I know they like me. If they were to keep offering me jobs, I wouldn't complain, but I do want to get some experience at other schools as well. I have only been to 2 other schools, for 1 day a piece since I've started here. The rest of my time has been spent at Colham!! I'm not sure where I am tomorrow- hopefully somewhere nice! And tomorrow is pay day! Woohoo!

We're going on a tour this Saturday to Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle, and I am getting extremely excited about doing something other than teaching haha. I will definitely update you all on that experience, with pictures of course, when I get back. Lots of love xo

Just another day in the life of a supply teacher

It's Monday- and I survived it! I woke up slightly better this morning, but still quite tired. I shall be turning in early this evening!

Anyway, I got myself ready this morning (curse you 6am alarm clock-- every morning, I always think OMG it's only 1am at home, and here I am starting my day!), and then around 7:30 I travelled to the tube station to wait not-so-patiently for my consultants to call with work.

Around 8:15am, Sean (who, by the way is a doppleganger for Ryan Gosling) called me up and said a school just called and needed someone. I had to make my way to Uxbridge which is the last stop on the Picadilly Line. As he was explaining this, I was fumbling with my Oyster card, and lo and behold, there was a Picadilly train waiting at the platform! I jumped on as the doors were closing, only to find out that this was not the one that went to Uxbridge, but rather, the one that went to Heathrow. WRONG! So I got off at the next stop, and waited for the next tube to come and take me back to where I started. As I got off of that one and made my way westbound again, an Uxbridge train came right along. I got on and bided my time to Uxbridge (which takes a good 40 minutes).

Sean then called me and gave me some directions from the tube station. I had to get off the tube and exit to the bus stops. He said I had to get on the U331 for about a 20 minute bus ride. As I rode along the bus, I kept wondering where in the heck they were sending me! I saw horse pastures and then major highways, and I felt like I was lightyears away from the tube station. It turns out that I was going to Harefield Infant School, and was covering them as teachers got pulled out for hour long sessions with the principal. I got there around 9:30am, which my other consultant Craig told me was really "well done" since I travelled so far. Here is a map for you at home to see how far these boys actually send us for a day of work (but I still love them):

I went to Harefield today. Last week, I went to West Drayton (Yiewsley more specifically) every day. See if you can find it!

I started my day in a Year 1 class for Maths, and then I took them to assembly. After that, they had wet play (indoor recess), and I had to move to a Reception class (Kindergarten, at home). I worked with them in small groups about what nurses do. After that, I was supposed to cover a teacher who I guess could be described as an LST, but they were in an important meeting that arose from nowhere, and I couldn't attend, so guess who got paid to sit in the staff room for an hour and a half? Yup, this girl! I also met another Canadian teacher, who used to work for Engage but is now on contract with the school. He's from Paris ON, and actually knew where Aylmer was! I was shocked lol! 

After lunch, I covered another Year 1 class, and did P.E. with them. This was by far my favourite class and lesson! They were adorable, and I actually like teaching them gym. After they were done, I spent the rest of my day in a Year 2 classroom, teaching them literacy. This class was quite behavioural, so it was quite interesting, to say the least, but I had 2 TAs for support, which was helpful. I ended my day marking their work, and chatting with their homeroom teacher who was shocked to find out that I was only a first year teacher who has only been teaching here for about 3 weeks. She said she hoped to see me again- which tells me I did a job well done!

Today I felt like a puppet on a string, and never really knew what I was supposed to be doing, but everyone was happy at the end of the day, so I guess I did okay!  Oh well, it was interesting, and it's money in the bank! And it's sure as heck more teaching than I would be getting in Ontario!!! I already know where I am going to teach Year 3 tomorrow at a school that's not as far away as the one today. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at home!! xo