receptionist....

I preface this with the following, I used to be a receptionist. I have worked in customer service...and well I hate to say it, but it's not that bloody hard! Be friendly, keep a smile on your face and generally be helpful - see not hard! Can you have a bad day, of course you can, is it my fault you hate your job - HELL NO....

However, let me say this, I love receptionists in schools - they run schools, whether the principals admit it or not, without them the whole place falls in a heap.

I have a great relationship with two particular schools and the fabulous front line women that run them...and then there is this particular school and their nasty front line lady... I can only equate her to the head witch from The Witches...it is like she perpetually smelling dog droppings - which I suppose she is given her location (if you have not read the witches, you will need to go read it!).

Every single time I work at this school she is the same, miserable and bitchy. She is rude and acts as though my presence is an affront to her. Now, I am polite, disgustingly so, the ruder you are to me...It is that whole kill them with kindness attitude, but no matter how I speak or how polite I am, she is just continues to treat me like dirt...It makes me INSANE...but I smile, ignore it and do my job, why? Because I am more dedicated than her...I don't understand the attitude, and she is not the only one I have come across, but she is by far, the worst....rant over...sorry folks :)

a day off...

I took a day off yesterday, it was the anniversary of my aunt's death, not a day I want to spend with anyone but loved ones and family. Plus there is always that fear of bursting into tears on poor unsuspecting children - never a good look.

All that being said I had a fabulous day on Wednesday - Year 1 - could they be any cuter? I had an interesting experience, I have never seen a 6/7 year old little girl give such impressive "evil looks" before. You know the kind, the ones the teenager girls give each other...Well, they are starting early. Seriously the most intent looking expression I have ever seen on a little kid. Rather scary to be honest, don't want to meet her when she is 16, that is for sure.

I have applied for 4 different positions at my favourite school for next year. 2 full time, 1 maternity leave for 6months. I would absolutely die if I got any of them....

Music Teacher for a day...

Second time I have had this role, the teacher I am filling in for is organising the senior primary production, so I get to be her, without the worry of actually teaching music - that would be a disaster of epic proportions, I am somewhat musically challenged, to say the least. Instead I have been moving from class to class and doing different artistic/fun activities. I have the advantage that each time I do this relief it is the same timetable, so the classes are quite familiar with me now and we can have a great time. I was lucky enough today to utilise some activities I found via pinterest.com (could not be more addicted). I had the Year 1's making fish out of simple loops and the Year 5's creating almost 3D images using a traced hand and a few lines. I felt positively artistic :)

Heading to a different school tomorrow, being a Year 6 teacher, booked last week, so I am hoping there was work left, but not counting on it. Let's see what tomorrow brings....

Pinterest and Blogs

oh me, oh my...not only am I now addicted to pinning (sigh, where does the time go), I have now found far too many blogs to follow of teachers that are far more crafty and inventive than I thank goodness that they are willing to share their amazing ideas and talents...I have started following at least five more blogs just today!!!

on the relief side of things, I am still chuffing along. 2 days booked already for next week. add to that a new tutoring student, so back up to four nights a week doing that. YAY...all systems are go, so to speak...

um, busy much?

WOW, so I appear to suck as a blogger :( However, I have a very good excuse, ever since I sent out all my letters for relief I have basically been working full time! YAY for me... I have also managed to go on three holidays and generally re-embrace life with the biggest smile you have ever seen. Turns out I really did miss the classroom, I missed the constant whinging and nagging from the kids, the hassle of parents and the bitchiness of fellow staff. I AM HOME. I could not be happier, if this paid during holidays I would never want my own class, except of course that I do...want my own class....

RELIEF Teacher :P

It is official. I am a Relief Teacher. Into my third week....well technically second because two days with pre-primary and they made me sick, as in Ear Infection sick....so last week I did nothing, but have replaced this with a full week this week 4 days with pre-primary and then friday will be with a year 5 class!!! Plus I have been turning down work, which is rather exciting...

I am loving it. Loving being around kids again, loving the interaction with teachers. I am happy even as I sit here with ears that are throbbing with pain and feel generally wretched, I am still happy...It is that happy that makes me know I did the right thing....THANK GOD!!

Relief Day!!

Can I start with a WOW!! First day back in the classroom and it was AMAZING...I had the best time. It was wonderful. I had missed that classroom so very bad. Doesn't matter what classroom, it is the CLASSROOM that I have missed.

Year 5 class, small class, lovely school. It was an amazing day. Full of characters, those kids were very very cool. Well behaved, didn't even lose them at the swimming lessons!!

Seriously, I have had the best day. I can't stop smiling....

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!