Time for a Change...

So remember when I was comparing working at this school to that old wooden roller coaster, well I've been on a nice steady ride, until yesterday. I got thrown for a loop. A nice big, upside down, backwards, corkscrew kind of loop.
Just as I was getting comfortable in my classroom, getting to know my students a little better, I get told I am getting a completely new schedule. I am being shifted out of the math(s) department and completely into the science department, instead of a being a little bit in each.
The head of science is pregnant and begins her maternity leave next Friday. The original plan was to hire a new teacher. Plan hasn't fully worked out and I will be taking over some of her classes and the TA I had in my math classes will be taking over my classes.
This process all begins on Monday. Monday is also the day of our mock OFSTEAD inspection, so kind of a big day in the school, and probably not the best for all of these changes to go down, especially as we are now officially at the beginning of our strike.
As much as I enjoy teaching math, I see this as a great and exciting opportunity. I will definitely miss some of my classes and some of my students and there are others that I have done a little celebration dance as I walk out of the classroom. My next week if full of me observing lessons, my lessons being observed and a whole bunch of coaching before the head leaves. It's a great time for my own development personally, but also for my belonging in the school. For me, Monday is like the first day of school all over again. New faces, new classrooms, new start, new routines. This is a chance to take that coaching I have received over the past couple of weeks and practice it with a clean slate.
I also found out today that because my schedule will be reduced now with this new timetable I will also be doing some cover lessons. This means, supply work within the school. Which is another opportunity to check out other classrooms and things going on in the school, and maybe even step foot into a gymnasium!
School lately has been great, but I use that term loosely. It's been great compared to what it is and has been. There's not actually a lot great about it, but for me, I have my head back in the right place and it's not such a depressing place to be anymore. I try to enjoy myself much more, and like most things, find the bright side - and there is always one no matter how long and how dark that tunnel may be. I've stopped stressing about changing my personality and other teachers calling me too nice and am just sticking with what I know best and that's how to be me. It may take a little extra longer in terms of the initial behaviour management. But there's a couple of classes with troublesome kids that I have gained a lot more respect in because of the interest I show in them. I can't do this babysitting thing all day, so I am doing what I can to teach these kids a little something.
My true passion is sport for development, which is teaching life skills through sport. Unfortunately I don't have as my vehicle for learning, but I do have the opportunity to help instil those same life skills into these students. Which in reality is something they need most right now.

This past weekend I had some family time and hung out with my Godmother Louise in London, wandering the streets of Covent Garden and walking along the river. This coming weekend I am heading to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the Roman Baths. I am very excited to really begin my travels and for the photo opportunities it brings.

It's been a lovely week with a few phone calls home and catching up, school has gone well, and I finally get a tour of the new building tomorrow! Friday I am off for a day development in teaching science, and then ready to begin my lovely weekend with a night in a hotel and a hot, powerful shower!

Will definitely be thinking of everyone at home this weekend as you enjoy your turkey dinners. I have ground turkey, that I will have to cook up and have my own little Thanksgiving dinner!