TFIF

So tired. Slept right through the alarm, so I'm getting a late start to the day.
Only time for a quick coffee, slice of toast and a blog.
Liked reading about Richard (of RBB)'s Fluffy. I miss our cat, even after I had to dispose of it. (See the case of the Cat and the Paracetamol)

The ex-Führer of Nuova Lazio returned from his command of the Afrika Corps for a quick vi st (and gloat).
In his current incarnation he's not teaching, just advising teachers and principals and modern educational practice (Kiwi Style). Sounds like he's doing a good job, and his situation is giving him and Mrs.ex-Führer a lovely expatriate life style.
I don't think I could take the 48⁰C summers though. We may moan (a lot) about the cold and wet, but 48⁰C is a bit extreme, even in the "winterless North" where The Aged and Grumpy one purportedly lives.

Thursday, and the worst is (probably) over

We're over the half-way mark, and we've survived. Exhaustion levels increasing, but I think I'm getting used to it, as I don't quite feel as bad emotionally.
I feel a strange excitement as my new mobile phone gets activated today. It is stupid to feel anything about a piece of technology, but it's one of those free ones from Telstra, and there is nothing quite as satisfying to a Scotsman as getting something for free. The feeling can only be surpassed by getting Whisky for free. That way lies bliss.

Just finished updating my website last night. I started it a couple of years ago initially as a practical teaching tool, to allow me to experiment with HTML, then I started to add on some pages about New Zealand, then used it as a repository for photos of us in Kiwiland, so my family and friends back in Scotland and around the world could look at the photos with needing to download them.
Feel free to have a look. I would be grateful if you could comment on any mistakes you spot about New Zealand, or if you have any extra vocabulary you want added to the language section.

Oh God, I forgot it's WEDNESDAY

Yes, it's that day of tortures.

The day we teachers get a strong reminder of what our pupils go through during a class they really don't want to be in.

The day we teachers get a dose of our own medicine (probably Castor Oil)

The day we get PD.

I don't mind the Bring and Brag, I think I mentioned it before, but we can all learn from practical examples of good and bad practice.
It's the "New Directions in Pedagogy" type of thing that makes me feel ill.
The junior Führermädchen in charge is really trying her best, and to be fair, she is making a better job of it than the previous dedicated Führermädchen.
But it is still mind-numbingly BORING.
The only good thing about Wednesday is that it is my TWO PERIOD DAY, yahoo, yahlay.
I can spend it as I see fit.
I could have an extra cup of coffee in the staffroom annex. (The Shed)
I could have a nap sprawled across several chairs in the staffroom (done many times by Ross Selwood of immortal memory)
I could read a book.
I could plan out some work, do some marking (every day; marking, marking, marking), make some resources for me or for my department.
I could go and observe another teacher teaching (the best way I think we learn new and better techniques)
I could go and volunteer to take another teacher's class, so they could get a break.(just joking, I may be mad, but I'm not daft)
Time to go.
I hope all my readers (if any) enjoy their day.
Mine's going to start bad.
Before PD


After PD

Teaching Tuesday

Back to the grind.
Nuova Lazio opened for business yesterday, and after a full day teaching, I'm knackered.
No more coffee breaks when I want to.
No more quick catnaps on the couch.
No more couch.
Continuous personal interaction for 5 hours.
I think this is why we get so tired. I think I've mentioned this before, that I've never felt so exhausted as I do after a day of teaching.
Why?
It's not particularly physically arduous.
I've spent long days doing hard physical activity, like a 30 km march with full kit, or sawing up a bloody big fallen tree for firewood. These activities leave muscles aching, a bone-deep weariness that a nice hot bath can fix.
A day of teaching leaves you drained, not so much as physically, but emotionally and mentally.
You have been trying to control a pack of kids, relating and emoting to over 200 individuals in 5 hours. I think it's the one area misunderstood by non-teachers.
I mean, how hard can it be to stand up for 5 hours and talk to kids?
They have no idea of the levels of interaction taking place, and the constant mental alertness which is an essential part of a teacher's armoury.
Think back to when you were at school.
Do you remember how it seemed that your teacher had eyes in the back of his/her head?
That's the situational awareness being expressed.
A good teacher knows what's happening in class wothout always having to turn around.
It's a survival tool.

(I do remember a teacher in my first school in Scotland who used to glue mirrors on the wall beside her whiteboard, so she could keep a constant check on what was happening behind her. I thought it was a bit extreme. When I heard her mention to a colleague that she could see if any of her pupils were sneaking up to stab her in the back with a knife, I realised she was quite mad. Paranoia is quite normal in teachers, with endless suspiscion, but this was a bit extreme.)
Back to the grind.

Lunch at Logan Brown

For those poor inhabitants of Aoteroa who do not abide in or near Wellington, my commiserations. Here in the capital we have a great restaurant, Logan Brown (LB), which once again has gained the accolade of Best in NZ.
Normally we don't eat out at posh restaurants very often, not just because of the cost, but because I really hate dressing up, and that is one of the reasons LB is so good.
It's not stuffy.
It's got a great atmosphere.

The old bank building in Cuba Street helps, and it has been thoughtfully decorated in subtle colours. It's not garish. The waitstaff are attentive and courteous, but not pushy or smarmy. They don't wear ties, but a neat smart uniform, perfectly in tune with the general ambiance, which is mart yet casual.
We observed many diners in suits and ties, some in suits without ties, some in polo shirts, some in tee shirts. A huge mix, all comfortable with each other.
LB are offering a winter warmer Bistro Lunch at $39.50.
This is a 3 course lunch from a limited choice menu, and includes a glass of wine.
We had:
Freshly baked bread roll, butter and olive oil/balsamic dip
Blue Cod croquettes with avocado salsa
I had Belly pork braised with spices and black pudding, while my beloved had the turkey confit.
We also ordered a side of roasted Portobello Mushrooms (extra)
We both finished with the Lemon cake and vanilla marscapone.
The wine was a Cloudy Bay Riesling.
I had an espresso to finish (extra)

The total bill for the two of us was $95.
The portions were not large but adequate, and the food was really well cooked and presented. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and will return again.
I know that it seems a lot for a lunch, but think back to the last time you went out for a cafe brunch. We went to what was "The Screaming Turtle" in Petone, and for the usual mix of egg, bacon, hash browns, coffee etc, we payed about $40, only half of the bill at LB.
LB is good value, I would recommend it.
Booking essential.

Daughters and Gadgets

After reading J-P's lovely post on his daughter Eleanor, I began to feel a bit homesick for my daughter in Scotland. She is living with her husband near St. Andrews. He's a nice guy, and they seem fairly happy.
But I miss her. I believe there's a small chance they may emigrate to sunny NZ sometime in the future.
I would dearly love to have them living down here, I think the life style would suit them both.
To help allay this feeling of loss, I went down to the garage and resurrected a webcam I'd bought last year. For some reason it never installed properly, and I gave up in disgust.
Yes. I know I teach ICT.
Yes, I know I've got a Masters in Computing Science
Yes I know I've been in computing for over 20 years, and have the newest version of Windows 7 with all the bells and whistles.
Sometimes computers do strange things.
Live with it.
What do you know, it installed perfectly.
I hope to try video conferencing with my daughter and son-in-law soon.
Today even.
Until then here is the first webcam picture from my new gadget.



I know that my beloved (like many women)objects to men playing with their new toys.
It's NOT PLAYING. it's called finding out HOW THE HELL DOES THIS WORK (the actual title of this blog)
In 6 months time, when the light of my life wants to find out how to take a picture of our little dog on-line, or how to change the camera settings to make her look better (if that were possible!!)when she's talking to our daughter or friends on a video chat, then she wants (demands)a quick and accurate set of instructions (in non-technical language of course)on how to do it.
So to all the ladies out there, we're not playing, we're getting prepared for your needs by exploring the software.
The picture was taken at 11:30 on Sunday mroning. Please note the sunshine streaming in the windows. The sun does actually shine here in the South of the North Island.
Also please note that I live about 20 km from Nuova Lazio. They've probably still got a thick layer of fog over there. (or smoke from the Mary Jane plants they're burning off before the nice police officers come calling)
Enjoy your sunny Sunday.
Enjoy new technology.
Enjoy beating the Springboks to a pulp (again)
Go the ABs

Uluru Part 2

After our tour of Uluru, we were scheduled to undergo the experience known as "Sounds of Silence".
No, this is not the Simon and Garfunkle classic, but a delightful experience of dining under the stars, listening to the absolute silence of the desert.
It didn't quite work out that way, the silence of the desert being replaced (mostly) by very loud Aussies telling everyone how good life is in Australia, and how much money they've been making.
Our friends had done this experience years ago, and we thought we would also enjoy the experience.
We did.
We were warned when I checked the booking, that it could get very cold at night, and to be sure to bring warm clothing (that's why the guy has a backpack, it's to hold some extra jumpers).
I also found out that the dining experience had been cancelled every night for the last 2 weeks, because it had been very cold, and very wet.
We were lucky, in that our day was turning out quite nice, and by 5 pm, the sky had cleared, and we got confirmation that the dinner was on.
(I also discovered that if the weather was bad, you did not get your money back, they simply gave you the same dinner in the hotel restaurant.)
All those in our hotel who had booked this evening gathered outside at about 5pm. I noticed that I was the only guy wearing a tie. My wife and I had decided that we would go a bit more formal tonight. You know, try and make it something special. At these bloody prices, I can't see us coming back anytime soon, so we'd better make an effort. Our dining companions were a mixture of Aussies, Brits, Irish and South African, a pleasant and civilized bunch at the moment.
But no ties.
We were driven by coach to the campsite, about 5 Km from the hotel, picking up other diners from their accommodation on the way.
I noted with interest that we passed a "camel rides" sign on the way. I wondered if naughty camels ended up on tonight's menu.
When we disembarked, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, we were directed to a viewing platform up in the dunes. This area was set out as a pre-dinner drinks area. We were given glasses of champagne (actually a mildly pleasant Aussie fizzy white)and canapes circulated. I cannot remember what was in them all, but I remember one was kangaroo.
Uluru was dominant on the skyline behind us, and we spent the next hour talking to our fellow diners and talking photos of each other with Uluru in the background, or just Uluru as it changed colour under the setting sun.

As it began to get dark, we were encouraged to move along to the dining area. This was a a large flat area of dune, one corner was a fire pit, one side had stainless steel serving equipment, with barbecues behind. Large circular tables (for 8 - 10) were scattered around, with portable gas heater beside each table. The only illumination was from a single candle on each table, the wood fire in the fire pit, a dull red glow from the heaters and electric lights on the serving equipment.
We (I really) had had a few drinkies by now, and was feeling more expansive. A subtle kick on the ankle from my beloved reminded me to shut up, and let others talk as well.
Aren't the ladies so good at keeping us civilized?
Wine was supplied (I think it was Penfolds, but it was getting a bit dark by now, and I'm not really sure)in copious amounts. The waitpersons being very good throughout the night in keeping our glasses filled.
There was background music supplied by a musician on a didgeridoo. Actually better than you might think. The musician was using traditional techniques but contemporary composition. It was really good.
We were served with soup and entree by the waiters, but brought up to the barbecues by tables to load up our own plates. There was plenty of choice, 3 or 4 different salads, pasta, sausages, fish(baramundi), chicken, sausages, Kangaroo steaks, emu, and lamb cutlets.



By this time the sun had completely set, and together with the effect of the many glasses of wine, I wasn't really sure what I was eating, but munched contentedly through my plateful (and I think part of my wife's as well. There had to be a reason why she jabbed my wrist with her fork. Maybe she was hungry. Who knows?)
By this time the sounds were mainly of chewing, gulping down drinks, belching (I told you there were many Aussies amongst us), boasting and bragging, plus much discussion of children and grandchildren.
This was the first time I had noticed the age range. These tours were so expensive that it was mostly made up of the middle aged, with a few rich younger types.
As I listened to the conversation circulating around me, I picked up references to "The house in Capetown", "The yacht in Darwin", "The flat in Knightsbridge".
Some of these people were very comfortable financially.
What the hell was I doing in their company?
I was a teacher with one house in Upper Hutt, a 4WD that was 15years old and a bank account that regularly went into the red.
I'm not complaining mind you, but it felt odd being in that sort of company.
I didn't mention the toilets.
There was a modern toilet about 100 metres away, up a slightly illuminated hill path. I say slightly as it used these low-level LED lights. Conversation was occasionally interrupted by screams and oaths as ladies (screams, unless they were Australian)and gentlemen (oaths, unless they were English)stumbled of the track into stony and thorny bush.
Being a gentleman (and also because my beloved swings a mean left hook)I escorted my lady up the hill to the long drop.( To any non-antipodeans reading this, a long drop is a nonflushing toilet. See here for further details on Kiwi vocabulary and usage)
Ah romance!
Back in our seats, drinking (again) from our re-filled glasses, I became aware that the distant thump of the generator had ceased.
All the lights were now off.
The only illumination was the candle and the now dying down fire pit.
There was another scream from the toilet path, as a poor Englishman discovered he could not see in the pitch black.

Then the night talker began. This was an astronomer, who directed our attention to the splendours of the night sky over our heads.
There was another oath, as a slightly inebriated Aussie leaned too far back in his chair and fell off.
The astronomer began by giving a general description of the major celectial objects, and he said that we would be seeing some unusual objects in the night sky.
Just as he said that, a shooting star streaked overhead.
How the hell did he get the timing so exact.
Saw Venus, Mars and Saturn. Many other stars and galaxies. We were then invited to use some astronomical telescopes situated on the periphery of the dining area. Spectacular views of Saturn.


Then desert was served, together with a port-like wine.
The coaches arrived, we all lurched off to them for the lift back to the hotels.
Great night.
Magic expeerience.
Terrible hangover next morning.

Uluru Part 1

Next instalment of our Aussie trip.

We flew to Alice Springs from Cairns, then drove a hired car to the Yulara Resort, next to Uluru.
A little digression here.
I'm an idiot.
When I booked the holiday through Expedia, I assumed that Uluru (Ayers Rock) was quite close to Alice Springs. It was actually, by Australian standards. It was over 400 km distant. It became too complex to change the Expedia bookings without major financial penalties, so I arranged to hire a car in Alice and drive to the resort and back.
I'm actually glad we did the journey this way, as it quickly established in our minds the absolute hugeness of the Australian continent.
Another way in which the country surprised us was that it actually felt a bit claustrophobic.



The bush, some of it about 2-3 metres high grew up very close to the road, so we didn't always see the vast open landscapes we had imagined.
The road was good, sealed and metalled (I may be an idiot, but I'm a computer literate idiot, and I had previously checked using google maps street view to check the state of the road)so we hired a Ford Falcon (unlimited mileage through Europcar). I was really glad the car had cruise control, because the 130kph was easy to set for the long, long straight stretches.
We took the Stuart Highway (130kph)from Alice, then turned of onto the Lassiter Highway (110kph) at Erldunda.
After about 20 minutes i thought I had a visual sighting of Uluru itself.
As I have stated earlier, I'm an idiot. A fact my beloved clearly told me. Repeatedly.

Uluru was still 200 km away. What I had seen was Mount Conner. A wide table topped mountain, which looked very much like the mesas in Colorado.
Finally got to the hotel, "Sails in the Desert". Friends of ours had stayed there 10 years ago, and it had seemed pretty luxurious to them.
It probably was 10 years ago, and I don't think it's been touched since.
The rooms cost about A$480 per night. Breakfast and everything else was extra.
All the hotels in the Yulara resort complex are owned by the same company, so there is no competition.
However the beds were comfortable and the rooms were clean.
Dinner that night was just OK, but cost about A$140 for the 2 of us, with 1 glass of wine. Get the idea? Rip-of city.
We set of to Uluru next morning, and I must admit it was far more impressive than I had thought it would be.



It looked different from every angle. It's covered in rills, ridges, holes, caves, buttresses and waterfalls.


The colour changes from a basic sandstone red to purples, browns, blacks and pink. The texture changes across the surface, from a gritty matt to a glossy black.



We went into the cultural centre which was pretty interesting. It explained the historical and spiritual significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal peoples, and asked tourists not to climb. There was no direct prohibition to climbing by Australian Law, unless weather conditions merited it, but I liked the polite way in which the requests were worded. I have no intention to climb Uluru, not because I believe any of the gobbledygook spouted by the locals (no offence, I think all religions are gobbledygook) but it's their country (especially this part) and I respect their wishes in their land.
We walked around most of the rock, but not all the way. They have cleverly laid out a metalled road that surrounds Uluru at a fair distance (about 500 metres), with car parks spotted strategically next to designated walking paths to points of special interest.
I should have mentioned earlier that the weather was now a bit variable. Alice Springs had just had the lowest recorded temperature of 6⁰ C, and there was heavy threatening clouds overhead.
So we drove, parked and walked, drove parked and walked, repeated until we had seen all the major points.
All done with the looming bulk of the rock above you. (Oops, I forgot to mention the herd of feral camels which went trotting past. Surreal.)



I was certainly glad to be here, rip-of prices or not. It was an experience I would not forget.
I believe the correct term is awesome.
More tomorrow, including the most romantic dinner ever!

Back to Work

Have to go in to Nuova Lazio today, even though I'm officially on holiday. Like Richard (of RBB) I've got work to get ready for the kids next week.
I've also got a new staff member to prepare.
This means apart from getting him set up on the school computer network, going over next term's plan and assessments, and showing the guy all the resources he can use.
Of course I've got to get him his Anti-Ringo vaccinations, show him where Ringo dwells in everlasting darkness so he can avoid the Pit and introduce him gently to the bunch of deviants and social inadequates we call our staff. (Just joking Richard (of RBB), your not socially inadequate).
It doesn't seem like anytime has passed since we went on our break. Doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself.

Holiday in Oz.

At last, I've got some time to let you know about my hols.
I have to be careful, as my beloved thinks that using the computer for anything but serious work is the device of the devil. That's why there wasn't much posted from Aussie.

Arrived in Cairns on Monday evening.


Cairns was great, nice clean town, not tacky. Sort of half way between Wellington and Taupo.
Lovely hotel (Pullman reef casino)gorgeous rooms, luxurious beds, views over the sea from the balcony.

Not bad price, about $840 for 4 nights, and when we arrived we found that we had got extra discount of $192 which we could spend on breakfasts, meals etc.
Went out on the reef next day at 8:00 am. Used a company called Down Under Cruise and Dive. Very good. They supplied wet suits (for buoyancy more than warmth, the water was 24⁰C. They also supplied prescription goggles at no cost, which was great for me, as I'm very short-sighted.
Snorkeling over the reef was one of the great experiences of my life.


The water was lovely and clear, with multi-coloured fish everywhere. Saw a small turtle swimming slowly away, and managed to follow it for about 100 metres.


I had forgotten how salty the water was, and how much it burned as it was forced up my nose by the pressure of the water. The sun wasn't too bad, but the sea was a bit choppy.
Saw a very unusual effect. As another snorkeler swam past, the bubbles formed by his fins were a gorgeous peachy-pink. It was like swimming through pink champagne. Lovely.
Plenty of food (sausages, steaks and salads) but no alcohol for safety reasons.
Moved to a second reef position after lunch, another swim (saw a shark) then back to Cairns on a helicopter.



Went for a feed that night at Fish Devine, not bad, but more like an upmarket fish and chips.
Took the train next day to Kuranda. Lovely scenic trip, lovely views.



Kuranda was OK for half an hour, but we had to spend 4 hours there. Not recommended.
Took the Rainforest SkyTrain back to Cairns. Well worth the expense (about A$50 each)



Note to self: DO NOT TAKE WIFE WITH VERTIGO ON CABLE CAR. TAKES AGES TO GET THE FINGERNAIL SCARS OFF ARM.
Went to dinner at The Salt House. Great food, reasonably priced (about A$120 for 2).
Pleased to note that almost all of the white wines offered were NZ.
Flew off to Alice Springs on the 4th day.
As a Scot, who is careful with money, I did not use the hotel minibar, but rather bought some wines from a bottle shop.

Tyrrell's Wines
Old Winery
Pinot Noir 2009
This was odd. Did not taste particularly good when opened, but even after 12 hours it was a bit vinegary introduction, strong tannins, but a long smooth velvety finish. Cost A$14.50

Wild Oats
Cabernet Merlot
2007
Oatley Wines, Mudgee NSW.
Wow. A huge hit of fruit and berries.
Long intense vanilla and berry finish.
One of the best if tried under $A20

More on Uluru tomorrow.

Wednesday in Wellington

Got back from Aussie early on Tuesday. Really early, about half past midnight. There was a full plane load (737-400)and only 3 immigration officers, so it took about an hour to get past and get our luggage. Joy of joys, our bags had gone astray, somewhere between Alice Springs and Sydney. Qantas knew not where.
"Don't worry mate, they'll be here tomorrow."
"Sometime."
"Late."
Finally got home about 2am.
Hot shower, back into our own bed.
Isn't it amazing how your own bed feels so absolutely welcoming?
Deep sleep for 7 hours, then up to a freezing Hutt valley morning.
I'm a bit jet lagged, not because of a huge time differential, but because of the geographical/activity shift.
4 Days ago swimming in 24⁰ C. sea water over the barrier reef.
3 Days ago, walking around Uluru (Ayer's Rock)



2 Days ago, sublime meal, under the appearing stars while watching the sun set on Uluru.
1 Day ago, walking around Alice Springs, buying Aboriginal art.
Lazy day on Tuesday, getting back up to speed on the domestic chores.
Picked up the dog from the kennels.




Checked the blogs. Lot of activity in some quarters.
Bags arrived around 8pm
Mug of Horlicks and to bed.

Damn, so close

In my last quick post from Cairns, I enquired whether the almighty might care to expunge Nuova Lazio high from existence, or even Ringo. Can you imagine my joy when I spotted the headline in Stuff.co.nz about the Lower Hutt college completely destroyed in a suspicious fire? Unfortunately it was the wrong school. Better aim next time Big Guy. He's the one with the earring, or alternatively, it's the one with the double-bass (not the drum, seemingly)playing music teacher.
Sitting here in the laundry room of a classy hotel in Alice Springs, sipping a very drinkable Tasmanian Lager (Cascade)while using this archaic $2.00/minute internet access computer. Absolutely magic time in Uluru, more later
Hope the Weather in NZ has improved, because it's bloody freezing here. I kid you not. They've got emergency teams of old ladies knitting woollen ear warmers for the frost-bitten Kangaroos.
Great news about the ABs thrashing the living daylights out of the barbaric Springboks. More after I get home.
Kia Ora Bro's

If it's Thursday, I'm in Cairns

Having a great time in Aussie. Weather nice and hot, not below 22 C.
Went out on the reef yesterday, snorkeled above the reef, saw hundreds of different types of fish, plus chased a turtle.
Hope everyone is having fun in chilly Kiwiland.
If there's a just God, Nuova Lazio will have been expunged, or at least be Ringo-free when I come back.
I'll try and post again from Alice Springs.

Gods of Double Bass

I never knew the double bass could sound like this.

Video Blog

Second thinks it's ifficult. Is It? Let's try

Teaching

After recovering from the rigours of the week, and the term, with two weeks of R & R to look forward to, it occurred to me that any reader who is not involved in teaching, would think that we teachers have a pretty soft life.
Think about it.

• Never work on weekends.
  
• Start at 9
  
• Finish at 3
  
• All the public holidays
  
• 12 weeks holiday a year
  
• Good pay
  

The reality is slightly different.

For most of us, the day starts at 8, so we can get the rooms ready and attend morning appell or briefing. This is where we learn of any planned/unplanned changes to the normal school routine.
We don't always get our coffee or lunch breaks, as we have to supervise the kids having their breaks, or we're running detentions or catch-up classes
Most of us finish by 5, but HOFs and Deputy/Principals are often in school until 6 or 7. This is not a choice. There are committee, faculty and other meetings most afternoons.
Many teachers come in on weekends to support an extra-curricular activity (coaching rugby, netball etc.)or to get some administration done, or new assessments set up for the new curriculum. When I arrived in Nuova Lazio from Scotland, I must have spent every weekend for 6 months getting the courses and assessments set up.
We do get a lot of holidays, and by God we need them. Teaching/supervising about 600 kids per week is exhausting. Think about your own experiences. Even looking after 2 kids for an afternoon is fun, but how tired are you at the end? Multiply that by 300 and you will get close to our levels of exhaustion. Remember that most of the kids would rather be doing something else, so we have to motivate, inspire, berate, lead, demonstrate, assess, give feedback, praise, warn, threaten and care for all of these kids, every hour, every day.
Finally pay.
A new teacher, coming out of a 3 or 4 year degree course, plus a year doing a post-graduate certificate/diploma, has about $20,000 of debt to pay off, and they start at $30,000 per year. This is about $14.50 per hour. Is this enough. Do people want their primary children's educator to get paid less than the cook at the local cafe?
We're just starting a pay and conditions negotiation with the Ministry of Education, and I don't foresee an easy ride.
Mind you if we start having random strikes, and start sending kids home for whole days, what's that going to do to the country's overall productivity?
Ah well.
I'm going to enjoy the next two weeks off. Recharge the batteries.
Don't even think about school for at least a week.

Yes Mary, this is a penis.

Saturday and Survived

What a pleasant feeling to wake up without the buzzing of an alarm. No need to go into school at Nuova Lazio for two weeks.
Cuddle up back under the covers of the warm bed.
How is it that you can be warm sitting in a heated room, or under a blazing sun, but the warmth of snuggling under a quilt is so much more delightful?
Last day on Friday was thankfully uneventful, at least as far as the pupils went.
Basket Guy was running a stage show for the kids called MyTube, and by all accounts was a great success. Richard (of RBB) was doing the music and sound system stuff, so we didn't see much of them for most of the day.
Recognising our closeness to exhaustion, Der Fuhrer shouted a morning tea, and not just pikelets. Potato topped savouries, pies and sausage rolls by the kilo. Much needed and much appreciated. If you've never been in a staffroom when they deliver food, all you need to picture the scene is to have watched a nature program. The way that vultures swoop and tear at a dead Gnu, or the way that Hyenas burrow their way into the guts of a Wildebeast will give you a idea.
You have to really watch where you put your hands, someoone might rip it of.
The stress of the last day really got to some of us. I spotted crying, sobbing, weeping, screaming, shouting, nervous tics and twitches. And that was one person over 5 minutes.
One of our staff fell at the last gate. The other Scot in my department succumbed to a seizure just before lunch. He was conscious as they wheeled him away to the ambulance, but not quite compos mentis. Poor guy, he was due to start work in a school over the hill next term. I think he finds our kids hard work.
He's right of course. Our kids are very hard work, but mostly it's worth the effort.
Looking out of the windows, I can see blue sky and a pinky sunrise.
I wonder if this is some sort of good omen. I really haven't seen much sun or sky for 4 weeks. It's been gray, wet and cold. Just like Scotland.
But that's the reason I travelled 13,000 miles. To get away from the cold and gray.
Ah well.
Never mind.
Cairns on Monday.
Enjoy!.

Friday at LAST

We made it.
We survived.
Basket Guy mentioned in his blog that he wondered why it was that even though we got 4 holidays a year, teachers seem so knackered after just 10 or 11 weeks.
The truth is that kids are emotional vampires. They will suck out and absorb every scintilla of emotion, enthusiasm and knowledge that a teacher expresses.
It is why the "good" teachers are just as, or even more exhausted than the norm. If you give more, they take more.
When I first started teaching (I was in my 40s)my beloved mentioned that she had never seen me more exhausted every day. For the first time I began to take quick naps on the couch before the T.V.
I find it fun and fulfilling, but we still need a break to recharge. The kids do to.
So today I'm stocking up with lollies for the kids, and really looking forward to our break in Sunny, Warm Oz.
One more day.

Second Last Thursday

Two days to go. The light is visible at the end of the tunnel. It has been a long 11 weeks. Everyone, pupils and staff are getting tired and irritable (there's a good Scots word for this. It's 'Crabbit'.








All of the hard stuff is finished.
The last report evening went off last night. 2pm to 5pm in a large, mostly empty icy cold gym. No coffee easily available. I saw 8 groups of parents, caregivers and offspring. Some good discussion, some awkward moments, some plans set.
22.5 minutes available for each group. They normally finished in 5. I was bored, cold and fed up. All of my marking had been finished. Many of us got up and wandered around. Some lucky buggers had their desks and chairs positioned below the gym heaters and were reasonably comfortable. Some had been positioned in front of the doors, and an icy wind made them very uncomfortable.
No sarcastic comments.
No advanced cynicism.
Too tired.