Hi All! Week two of school is done… did you get your drink? Right, let’s get going then!
If we were sipping chai together I’d start of by letting you know all about school, since that is what has taken over my life right now. Yes, the teacher exhaustion has totally kicked in. I get to 9pm and I cannot contemplate staying up for much longer. Then I have nights where thoughts about school and planning pop into my mind in the middle of the night, keeping we awake for a couple of hours at a time. That does not help the whole exhaustion thing either!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that on top of general beginning of the year stuff, we have a whole new timetable and plan to work on, as there have been schoolwide changes that impact the way we were learning. This is always fun to work out (read that as a TOTAL NIGHTMARE) and hasn’t been helped by the fact that one of my lovely assistants, who was unwell at the end of last year, was admitted to hospital again last week. Her health is the most important thing. But it does affect our week in school too, juggling staff and having to rejig plans that won’t work with one less person. Thankfully, most of the team are superstars and we all clubbed together to get through. The rest of the next fortnight will be filled with the same team spirit too.
If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that this week, my beauts stayed in school until 2pm, which meant their first school lunches with us. Well, that was interesting! Children are entitled to free school dinners until they reach 7 over. However, there are some kids who are just not cut out for school dinners. Some kids are still used to being fed, only eat specific food at home, or like everything slathered in tomato ketchup… And they are the ones that push the funny stuff they are presented with, around on their plates, either just not trying, or crying. That’s not fun. Seriously, if your little one isn’t eating at school, give them a packed lunch! At least you know they have some sustenance, and won’t get too upset. As their teachers, we stay with them for the first week of lunches, to allow the lunchtime supervisors to get to know them, with us there as familiar faces. And we get the added bonus of what is known as a duty lunch aka known as a free school dinner. I took the opportunity to try some of the food every day and even though it might not have been like the school dinners I was given as a child (seriously, I’ll never forget Beryl, our dinner lady, and the amazing food we were given!) they were still wholesome, tasty meals! Check some of them out below, and Maureen and her team, our school dinner ladies!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that week two of secondary appeared to go well too. I got an email inviting us to a parent consultation meeting with Lil Princess’s form tutor, so we could talk about how she is settling in, and tea, coffee and cake with the Senior leadership team. A lovely touch. Something new by the school. With Lil Man there was a Parent’s Evening in October, standard, where you made appointments to talk about her subject learning. So we will still have this to come, but wonderful to know they care about how the kids are settling in!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you in surprise, that tutoring was actually accepted with positivity on the Tuesday! I was expecting a whole load of complaints, but they came out actually smiling, and did their home work straight away too! (Can’t see this lasting, but I’ll take it while I can!)
If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that the weekend arrived and there was crazy busy days, then total relaxation time too! Friday saw me try to be quick at leaving school, but that didn’t happen as there were tweaks to be made to the plans for the following week. Then I had to take Lil Man to a cricket match. His club were playing Lefties vs. Righties! He is a left-handed bowler so was on the Lefties team, and they won! And he got wickets too. Go, Lil Man! But alas, I was unable to watch his match as I had shopping to do, and a house to clean! The next day was another rush around for a while, swimming and then badminton for the kids. Then I crashed and burned. I was shattered! The evening consisted of dozing on the sofa, reading when I woke up. But I did manage to visit the Nail salon, for some new serious, shorter nails, ready for a little typing and writing, because, I may have just signed up for NaNoWriMo… Eeeeek!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that Sunday was a lovely day for Lil Man. Someone at his cricket club had tickets to The Ashes match at The Kia Oval – England vs. Australia which they couldn’t use so were offering to the first responder. He messaged, and was given the tickets, so Hubby Dearest and Lil Man had a lovely day of bonding watching cricket, and it was beautiful, though maybe a little hot!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that Lil Princess and I had a totally vegged out day while the boys were gone. Apart from dropping them to the train station, and popping out to pick up a new doorbell, because ours had disappeared, I bingewatched Workin’ Moms Series 1 on Netflix at the recommendation of my brother! Such a great series! In fact I even started the second series! Lil Princess watched films, talked to her friends and generally did tween stuff… which involves being in her room a lot. At least I convinced her to keep the door open! I think I needed a day of nothingness to prepare me for what might just be a really manic week…
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I have a Hygienist appointment on Thursday… erm… not looking forward to that one! I have gums that do not like me, despite me being very careful… and hygienists are important, but OUCH!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that my class and I have our first ever official class photos too, which appear in the local paper in a First Class photo spread of all the reception classes in the area. This’ll be fun…!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d excitedly tell you that I am so looking forward to a Friday night out with my Tootie Frootie girls! It’s long overdue, and kind of a belated birthday celebration. We are off to a comedy night, and dinner after. I can’t wait for some grown up socialising!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Hi All! Did you sort your drink out? Good. Let me tell you about my birthday week/first week back to school/Pet-filled weekend.
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that the first week was amazing! Seriously. We spent Monday and Tuesday doing home visits, as it is good to see children who are unfamiliar with us in their home environments. It makes them more comfortable to see us at school a couple of days later too. We came back from the visits very positive. There are a few needs that we will have to cater towards, but nothing we can’t handle! In fact our Headteacher said this was the first year she has seen the whole team arrive back from the visits with smiles! It’s all in the mindset, you know. We know there will be hard work ahead, but we are prepared and as ready as we can be! From Wednesday to Friday the children came in for mornings only. I was blessed to have all 30 of my class attend. There are times when, over the summer holidays, for various reasons, minds change, and children end up not coming to us, and then another child will come in their place… Unknown entity… We don’t like unknown entities… they can grow our workload more than we’re prepared for! But, Phew, I don’t have to worry about that now! The children seemed to love the classroom. They explored all areas and I even already have a seating plan in place that they are getting used to! (I’ll take and post pics properly soon!) My class, well, as I have said before, they are a bunch of Beauts! Admittedly I have five or six special Beauts, who may need a little more love and attention due to various needs, and one is an extra special Beaut! And my team. Oh, what would I do without my team? I have one full time assistant and two who do a job share. There may be a third lady who may come in and support our extra special Beaut in the mornings too, one-to-one. The ladies are fantastic, and my teacher partners are the same. I think we gel well as a working group, so I hope this bodes well for a positive year! On Friday, I left with a smile on my face. Not a smile of relief, but one of happiness, that everything, so far seems wonderful.
I bought the whole team special Team Reception badges. Gotta love a badge!
If we were sipping chai together I’d whisper that it was also my birthday on Tuesday… (Did you miss the post?) An early September birthday in the teaching career means that unless it’s the weekend, its likely that I will be working on my special day, and this year was no different. I was spoilt by my friends at work, and got the moast awesome teacher tote bag, which I am proudly using every day now. Home visits were carried out, and I popped out with my close colleague for a coffee (chai latte for me) in the lunch time. Once I got home I was treated to a lovely cake and I was given my present a little earlier… a Macbook Air!!! My family are so thoughtful 💞
If we were sipping chai together I’d remind you that it was Lil Princess’s first week at Secondary school! I think we were more worried than she was, to be honest. She has settled in as if she had always been there, and seems to have made some awesome friends too. It is so scary to see her and Lil Man, in their same uniforms, heading off to Big school… and it means I am now officially a Teacher rather than Parent who is a Teacher at my school. That is strange too, not seeing one of my own little beings around the building. I am getting used to not having a clue as to what they are doing until they get home now. Lil Man started back on the Tuesday and yes, it’s like we were never away from that school routine…
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I know we are back at school because the teacher exhaustion has kicked in now. By 10 pm, if not earlier, my eyes want to close, and I am drained. It is very tiring, especially at the beginning of the year, as you get used to it all again…
If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that it has been a bit of a pet filled week and weekend too. Obviously we have our gorgeous Sonu Singh, the Punjabi cat, at home and Heer & Ranjha, the parottlets, but during the week, I met Drago, the Bearded Dragon, and Pickles the Tarantula! They were both pets of two of my pupils, who I met at the home visits. I even held Drago too! Then on the weekend, Hubby Dearest’s cousin came to stay with his Blue-eyed Staffy, Alfie, who is 14 years old, or 98 in dog years! He is gorgeous, though thinks he is younger than he actually is, so he always bounds in, plays with everyone then collapses with tiredness! These visits mean that Sonu Singh ends up in our room, so we can keep the two separated… It do feel a little sorry for Sonu though, as he doesn’t know why he’s up in our room, rather than free to roam the house!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that Sunday was spent, largely, on the sofa, snoozing, reading, reviewing… a perfect relaxing end to the week, to prepare me for week two at school!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am not looking forward to Tuesday, when the kids start their Maths tuition again. They are already trying to get out of it!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that next week we will be having lunch with our classes, as they increase their hours. This is going to be fun…!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that I hope, other than these things, I have a pretty calm, quiet week… I think I’m going to need it!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Hi All! I am back, a little more relaxed than last week but stil in a state of frenzy, nonetheless!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that yes… it’s been another hectic week in the world of Ritu. (When is it ever not?)
If we were sipping chai together I’d remind you that it was Bank Holiday on Monday last week. We tried to have a chilled one, popped out for lunch as a family, then relaxed at home. I needed as many of those ‘nothing’ days as possible before the craziness we know as school would start!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that I had an epiphany last week. I need to get back to some form of exercise, and the best exercise for me is walking. A mere stone’s throw from us is the Gurdwara sports park, with a walking/running track. So Lil Man and I decided that we would go for a walk on the Monday evening at around 9 pm. It had been very warm in the day, so this was the perfect time: dusk, cool, but pleasant. The first day we took a couple of laps and came home. The next day, we came at 9 again, ready for some more walking, and we did it. The Gurdwara as a backdrop for my walks is a beautiful serene sight. I did five laps and it was just past 9.30 pm. Then we went to leave, and found ourselves locked in! So much for my exercise! Luckily we found a way out, and I was not detered, coming back the next day too, a little earlier though, so we didn’t get locked in! I felt so much better for this walking.
If we were sipping chai together I have to say though, that my intentions did not last long… On Wednesday, I had to pop into school to chlear up after the cleaners. Makes sense? I know, but the cleaners come in to do a deep clean in the middle of the holidays, pulling all units out, cleaning behind places they wouldn’t normally touch, washing carpets etc. Well, doing that, they somehow managed to totally mix up tables and units, so I had to go and fix it all up. While doing this, I pulled a muscle in my back. It was sore. Oh my, I wasn’t sure if I’d be up to getting to school for my first training day on the Thursday! But I did.
If we were sipping chai together I’d slap my forehead and say “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you…” that we went to see the new film The Lion King! I have been desperate to see these new live remakes, being such a Disney fan, and though I wasn’t disappointed, the magic of the original wasn’t felt by me. But I still enjoyed it. And we watched it in great comfort on leather recliner chairs! Though I[d recommend everyone to go and see the new ALLADIN, or watch it when you can. That was one FAB remake!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that the INSET days went well, with me being able to meet a new member of my team (she is LOVELY!) and making sure the classroom is as good as I can get it, for now. I am a little disappointed as my new cupboard still hasn’t arrived. I have had to use an old one, and can’t put certain bits and bobs up yet, which is really frustrating, but we will cope. We had a half day training too, about the Working Class, and how to help the impoverished pupils of our community in a way that would benefit them positively, not just pile expectations upon them. There were two guys presenting and one was Rhythmical Mike, a performance poet, who discovered his talent for the spoken word despite having no support as school, cast off as a failure because he was dyslexic, and never given the help he should have had. His words were inspirational, and though I think that as a school, we are pretty fantastic at dealing with a really wide democraphic of pupils within our classes, having a little reminder of what we can do, never hurts.
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that Friday was a busy day, what with the training, and coping with my still bad back, on top of getting the kids settled at my in laws as I was off out to my head teacher’s wedding reception! It was a lovely evening spent with genuinely wonderful folk, and a beautiful celebration of a great couple! Congrats Mr & Mrs Jack!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that after a great night, I had to get up early the next day as we were going to Thorpe Park. This is one of the UK’s big theme parks, famed for its thrill rides. Luckily I didn’t have to drive (thanks to my dear sis-il-law!) but still, we had to leave early to pay an extortionate amount, even with vouchers, to get in, then queue for the pleasure of some crazy rides! I ws quite excited as I’ve never been to Thorpe Park before. One I hadn’t been planning to go on, was the Tidal Wave. And yes, it was WET! Rather like an enlarged log flume, a huge boat that seats 16 climbed up a steep incline, then descended at great speed into the water. The resupting splash was a HUGE tidal wave which erupts into the air, then falls back on top of the boat. There is NO escape! And after looking like I was taking part in a wet T-shirt contest, we waited to be taxiied back to the place we could disembark, and the boat was half in, half out the enclosure. We were on the back half of the boat that was half out. As the next boat descended, it decided to share it’s tidal wave with us, so we got soaked a second time! Then as we walked to the photo booth, we narrowly escaped a third soaking. trying to get away from the waves, we were almost hit a fourth time as we finally left the enclosure! I have to tell you now, I was a responsible mum. I had spare clothes for the drowned rats also known as my children. But did I remember to put extra clothes for me? Nope! We stood in a little drying hut. Actually I used it twice, but it did nothing to dry my jeggings! I walked around for the rest of the day with a wet bottom half, and it was not the best look! Still, the kids enjoyed, so I’m not going to complain! Below, that piece of wood is proof to the state of my jeggings. I sat and left wet imprints of my butt cheeks many hours after coming off that ride! Thorpe Park, you need to sell cheap trousers as well as extortionate T-shirts!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that on Sunday we started with nail polish removal for Lil Princess, ready for her first day of school on Monday… can’t have her going to her npw secondary school with luminous yellow nails! And I needed my claws cut and infilled too! Then we popped to Bluewater. A leisurely lunch and some shopping ended a lovely week!
See, I told you my week was another Ritu-esque week!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I am looking forward to my new start, with the kids in my new class. I have a feeling there will be plenty to tell you all every week, just from school days!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d remind you that Lil Princess starts Secondary School today. I am no longer a Primary school mum! OMG! Look out for feedback on how she got on!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d just slip in that on Tuesday (tomorrow, it might jst be a special day… I’ll be celebrating 44 revolutions around the Sun! Yup, it’s my birthday! I’ll be busy finishing off home visits….
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Hi All! I hope you are well! I have to apologise today as my chai will need to be in a takeaway cup as I am popping in briefly.
If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that it has been another week of holidays, my last full week, and I was determined to not let myself be tired before school, so we had a good few down days planned.
If we were sipping chai together the first thing I’d want to talk to you about would be #RiNoEdMo. I’m tired and Tuesday, I felt the tiredness and emotional build up kick in. I felt DOWN. Seriously, everything had me in tears… I decided then that I needed to step back from all things taxing me mentally and rest up. I spent a whole day in bed, reading and snoozing. It must have worked, because I felt much more positive the next day, and I have had some lovely feedback from Beta Readers too over the week.
If we were sipping chai together I would tell you that I had a lovely dinner with my colleague and friend on Tuesday, then the kids and I spent the day at Bluewater with friends on Friday, and then had a lovely barbeque with family on Sunday, leading to an impromptu sleepover for one of Lil Man’s friends. Lots of laughs and fun!
See, told you I’d be a bit of a runaway train. I’m writing this rather late at night, hence no photos today. But suffice to say the week was lovely.
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that us teachers go back to school on Thursday… booo!!!! but more on that next week!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that it’s the last week of the holidays, so I need to make sure the kids get back to routine for term time… wish me luck!!!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
Well hello there my dear Peeps! Did you get your cuppa ready?
If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that the week went by fairly smoothly.
If we were sipping chai together the first thing I’d want to talk to you about would be #RiNoEdMo, as that has been my biggie this week. I managed to reach the end of the edit I was on, and sent my manuscript off to 5 beta readers. Some initial feedback was very positive, but there was one piece of advice about getting a little more description in, of characters and settings. So, I set about round 723 of revising the script. I know I have to wait for others feedback too, but I know this will be something pointed out by them all, so the changes and additions were going to need to be put in. Just waiting nervously for the rest of the feedback. My new, improved manuscript will be going back to Cheerleader #1 as soon as I am happy with it!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that Thursday was Rakhri. This is the brother sister festival that is celebrated by Indian families to celebrate the sibling bond. My brother isn’t here but Pops, who flew over the Helsinki on Wednesday, took my rakhi over to him. We tie a rakhi on our brother to show them we love them, and are there for them. This also symbolises our brothers promise to always look out for their sisters. It’s also accompanied by a gift, usually, not that that is the reason we celebrate!
If we were sipping chai together I’d say that I took the kids on a trip to Bluewater, for Lil Man to let his sister choose a gift for the above-mentioned Rakhri, and we ended up at a book signing that was going on in Waterstones, with Dr Ranj, the Children’s TV host, who has recently published a book on healthy eating. Had to be done!
If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention that, despite Lil Princess being a total teen in her attitude, we did have a good morning, one day, where we went for a girlie mani and pedi… though why she chose neon yellow, I’ll never know!
If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you we went for a lovely family meal on the Saturday night, with my in-laws too. It is lovely to be out of the usual environment for a change!
If we were sipping chai together I’d sigh with relief and say that Sunday was another chilled day. The children played on the x-box with their friends for a while, then outside on their bikes, or playing football, giving me a little peace to edit. And I managed to read too, which is always a bonus!
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I have a dinner to go to on Tuesday at one of my friend/colleague’s house to generalyl catch up, and talk a bit about timetables and planning for next year at school.
If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that we may even try and get away for the weekend, seeing as it is the last one before I go back to school!!! EEEK!
Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been.
But I Smile Anyway... 