Nic has gone to get the Carpentry Safety Training he has to get to work here. He got a job last week as a carpenter- but then he went to an interview the next day for sales. You know the people who knock on your door and you want to stab them because they disrupt your day by trying to convince you to buy something (these are Nic's words not mine)- well, yes, he was offered that job too. So, as Nicholas would- he took both jobs and is going to debate which to do over the weekend. Personally, I think he is only thinking the carpentry route because he thinks that is what I want. We know that his hours would match mine at school and his pay cheque would too. The sales job could be quite lucrative, but it is more of a gamble. When he came home from the Bruce- he complained about hating his job all of the time. I just want him to enjoy his time here.
I had 4 days of teaching last week, but was offered 5. I've only been to the 2 schools, but they have kept me busy since I've been here. The grade 1/2 teacher whose class I always have is on the leadership team, so she is away a lot in term 3. I've been in her class 5 times now and the students are really great. I've been there enough that I have some sort of relationship with each kid and we know about each other's lives.
For a couple of days in a row, one of the girls brought only an apple every day. She is one of 14 kids. Every single one of her siblings in the school including her, has funding because they are so far behind. This week, I ended up buying lunch for her because it broke my heart.
It's a long commute and of course there was no train running to take me home at night this week, so I had to take the bus. I got to see more of the area that these kids lived in and some of the houses were disgusting. It makes me feel so bad that these kids will probably never be able to leave that life because parental influence is so great. During our class discussions (talking about money)- one student explained that his parents didn't have any. break.my.heart.
Then, there is the other school. It's in St. Kilda (practically the beach). In my class of 20, I had a set of twins leave early as they were vacationing in Fiji and then I had 2 others return after their families spent their break in Japan. The 2 schools are 2 different worlds- and I like them equally. In each class I have the students that make me not want to have children and then the students who I hope my kids will turn out like. Then, I see their parents and it usually all comes together.
The education system is dramatically different in one major way here. Discipline and Affection. Teachers hug their students almost every night, or when they are sad or hurt with out any fear of being sued. Also, the students face consequences for misbehaving. The rules and consequences are clearly laid out in every class room- I think it's a good deterrent. There is even a section for talking back to a CRT (supply teacher).
I had 3/4 at the "tougher" school this week and I had never felt so incompetent in my life. The morning was terrible (I HATE RAISING MY VOICE) and I did a couple of time. 3 boys got time outs. After we all had our little chat, and they saw the stash of candy I bring with me for behaviour, the afternoon was considerably better. I rewarded them with art and let them play music. I probably let them have the music way too loud but no one said anything. We ended up having a lot of fun (myself included). I was terrified when my door opened suddenly and California Gurls was playing- it was another teacher. To my disbelief- she actually started dancing before asking me to borrow pastels. ANNNND this is how I got the reputation as the teacher who likes to dance. I'm famous in the 3/4 portables... it's too bad I don't think I'll ever agree to go back. I thought I seemed like the grouchiest teacher in the world, but the next day on yard duty, the girls came up and hugged me and the boys who had time outs actually apologized and they told me they wanted me to come back. It made me feel a lot better because I hated who I was that morning.
I'm really tired when I get home. I've had a strict bedtime of 9 o'clock and getting up at 6- and I sleep like a baby. This morning I woke up at 5:30 and then went back to sleep around 6... slept in until 9:30- meaning I may actually see 10 o'clock tonight.
I'm about to go for a swim and then to Victoria market to get our fresh produce for the week. At 4, I have to meet Nicki and we're going to see Inception. We're also going to this uber expensive steak house in South Yarra. It's his treat for getting not 1, but 2 jobs this week and for taking care of the home front while I've been working. So yes, we've been here for 16 days and the wedding is still on for anyone who is wondering. To be completely honest, I am actually more excited for it than I was when we left.
I've tried to upload a video of the apartment. I hope it works. Learned 2 things- I really dislike my voice and I'll never be a commentator.
I hope all of our HC/UWO/Windsor friends & family are doing well.
Remember to floss.
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