last leg of term 1...

Interview Skills and Resume Workshop
Listening to the Principals speak was very valuable. They shed some light on the reality of the 'real world,' reminding us that we are all job seekers and unfortunately facing tough competition ahead. How silly was I to think 'getting in' teachers college was the tough part...ha, well regardless that I was (and still am partially...) living in my little bubble of rainbows and puppies, I have to wake up and smell the coffee: patience is a virtue in getting that classroom of my dreams. Hinting at resume and interview tips, these professionals did overwhelm me at but I still managed to leave with an optimistic attitude - that in a mere 3 years I may be on contract. All sarcasm aside, I believe we are all skilled and passionate for this job - so opportunity is right around the corner...

Federation Day
'Logistical' + "Political" is how I would describe Federation Day. This is the portion of my future career that I find exhausting, yet condemning because this is stuff i have to know. Valid and factual on paper, may i even dare to comment on the dealings I have witnessed in classrooms that contradict the laws of education? No, because I am still learning...but absolutely at the same time because it will teach me how to become a better educator. All this aside - the afternoon lecture on 'how to deal with difficult parents' reinforced to me that as I am in this for the children, I am also working for parents. That is why it is so important to remain professional at all times.

Social Issues Day
The Aboriginal Presentation/Lecture in the morning of Social Issues Day was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did learn a lot. Listening to the stories, witnessing the tradition(s), and critically considering their solemn place in this world lead me to a sad realization that as a student myself, their history/value/worth/beliefs/traditions were vaguely approached yet even touched upon in the minimalist way. This made me very sad as I sat there thinking - now, how I am supposed to teach children if I don't even know myself? With this thought I believe care and commitment will allow me to seek out the resources to produce the knowledge. I will never forget how they concluded their presentation: "As future educators, please don't forget our children..." And to that I promise to do my best and acknowledge their children, just as I will every other student.

and ... it's all over.

B-A-M!!! No more grade four's?!!

I can't believe how fast this last month has gone, especially since going into it seemed like it would last a lifetime! and what a ride it was...late nights, early mornings, coffee stops with my driving buddy, the eggplants hard work down 58, neverending lesson plans, lesson plans, and more lesson plans, 32+ resources out of the IRC, 10inch day book (literally), the joys of teaching in a portable, buzzword student, 'spirit of learning' teams, mapping, canada, patterning, remembrance day, mandela's, religion and relationships, gym games/activities galore, paper hearts, drama, dance, scavenger hunts, singing, DPA, coaching volleyball, st.v team lunch room meets, suprise teacher breakfast, mass mornings, school masses, assemblies, beauty and the beast trip, recess duty, teacher VS student-teacher

volleyball game, evaluation day, indoor recess days, 'joy day,' cupcake 'thank-you' cake, student buttons, parent-teacher interviews... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

and there goes my stay with the grade 4s. i'll miss them.