Monday, April 8, 2013

Big Changes

Well, things around this joint are a-changin'.

First, I got a new job.  It's officially official (though I haven't yet signed a contract.  Maybe this announcement should have waited.  Gulp.  I'll take my chances): I'm a new teacher at a school just outside Brighton.  What?!  "Brighton", you say!  "But that's ages away!"  I know.  I SO know.  

Which brings me to my next point: the man and I are moving in together.  Oh yes, baby, it's time.  It is time for the Canadian British ...no wait a second... British Canadian (that's more like it) invasion. 



So the new job will entail my teaching children at the same age and more than likely the same level as the ones I have now.  They come from a relatively poor socio-economic background, so my experience in Dartford will certainly help there.  From what I gathered from the interview, they seem to be a devoted and caring staff, but not one that arrives at 7:30 am and leaves at 7:30 pm.  My commute will escalate from a skint 20 minute walk (at present) to an hour commute on two trains.  I'll survive: the train ride is going south instead of north into The Dreaded City.  On THAT commute, I'd be lucky to get a seat.  Mmmm...nothing like standing up for two hours a day.  Yuck.  Though Steven thinks I'm being silly, I couldn't handle a two-hour ride filled with idle tasks such as reading.  This way, on my way to near-Brighton, I can stretch out with the very few people who are on their way to Gatwick airport, and do some work.  

Aside from the teaching, I'll have a reduction in my timetable (from what they tell me: I do hope this comes to fruition) to complete the mentoring and coaching with the other staff members.  Theirs is a fledgling staff (well, some have been there a long while, but from what I can tell, many are newer), so a coach is exactly what they need.  Heck, I thought we needed it at my current school, hence my taking on that role in some capacity, but this will be far more developed.  Yippee.  

So why the change?  The Dartford had to go.  I'm miserable in this town.  Aside from that, I needed to branch out and move on up in the world.  My boss is amazing, but she's not budging, so it means I'll be stuck professionally if I were to stay.  That just won't do.  Aside from that, the headmaster has announced he's leaving.  I've been the apple of his eye since I started there and a daily grind without him just wouldn't be as much fun (or as reliable).  So I'm off.  

I haven't told the kids and probably won't for some time.  I trust none of them read this, so I guess it'll stay under wraps.  That said, however, as soon as I told ONE person at school, EVERYONE knew.  Gossip does spread, doesn't it?  Gotta love it.  




Steven and I have a Big Day Date planned for Thursday: I can't wait.  Scrimping and saving and not vacationing has taken its toll on me (I'm so hard done by, I know): my friends are out gallivanting and I'm here, at home, marking books.  So we're going to go see the city, enjoy each other, and marvel in the fact that it's been seven months since we met and here we are...taking The Leap.  



Cool.  

Pictures are mine, save the Canadian/British one.  
That one was all Steven.  
My oh my.
You gotta love a man of many talents ;) 
 

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