I made it, we made it, and relax

What a year!  

I started this academic year on a sort of extended holiday as I had not managed to secure a position long or short term. Then I had a couple of trial days in the Academy.  It was a tricky school, I also had an offer of a school nearby that was much more up my street; quite arty and one form entry.  They wouldn’t need me full time until January and I couldn’t think about anything other than the money.  I took the academy position and literally put my life on hold for nine months.  This school has almost beaten me, the regime is tough, it needs to be.  For years it has been neglected, not literally.  The new principal has extremely high standards and expects all of his staff to have them as well.  As much as I think I have high standards I am also realistic and I had quite a tricky cohort. I worked hard, there were times that I wasn’t working smart but I now know what the school is looking for.  As much as they say we should be doing it for the children there is a culture of what do the big bosses want to see. I literally wore myself out and nearly fell at the finish  line, but I made it.  We all made it, mostly in one piece.  There have been casualties only the strong will and have survived.  We need this break, we deserve this break.  We will come back stronger in September until then, breathe.