Yet another last day, but my last one for a while, I think

I have said it before (dozens of times) and I'll say it again, no doubt, it's sad to leave but exciting to move on to new challenges.  Today was my last day at my first Northern School.

We had a bit of a fuddle (it's not what you think, it's a buffet) and then the head handed out bouquet to all the leavers and said some lovely things. 

 When it came to me she told two anecdotes about my time there; "I knew you had settled in when the head of Education in Yorkshire came for a visit to your class and he commented that you had the children right where you wanted them and you had obviously been here for a while, to which I responded yes, about two weeks!  And the second time was when I asked one of the children what they were playing and they said "we're not playing, we're exploring our learning."

I have really enjoyed my time at the school and I know that I made a huge impact on the students and staff.  It is lovely to be appreciated, I felt more at home there after six months than I did after five years in the LVS Oxon.

My Facebook status sums up my feelings;

Obligatory I'm a lucky teacher photo.  Thank you to all LMers for making my first Northern school such a special one, it'll be hard to beat you guys.  You welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of your own straight away.  Thank you all, you have been so very generous.  Have a good summer you all deserve it.  In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back!"

The Ginger One Is Leaving

I went to Wallingford to meet up with Hollabird for a farewell catch up.  We had (as usual) a very civilised evening chatting and having a giggle.  It was the day before the big move and a Friday so I was feeling a bit tired so I knew/hoped it wouldn't be a late night.  At about nine we decided to call it a night.  We said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch.  I texted GO, and planned to snuggle in my bed (for the last time ever).  "Why don't you come and join us?"I arrived just as the parking was free (always a good sign), my plan was to stay for a while and then head home.Five hours later, after laughing, dancing and eating the place almost dry, we said goodbye and headed home.  It was a fun night and I'm glad I went.  GO has made some good friends at the pub and has lots of laughs it was lovely to see them sending him on his way in style.

He's done the dirty deed

Well it is official GO has handed in his notice.  He had been anxious about it, but following the tense staff meeting earlier in the week, he decided that now was the right time to move on.  As he said he left home when he was very young and he would like to spend some time with his family while they are still around to enjoy life.  I thought that it might have been a very volatile occasion, but apparantly they had been expecting him to do it a few years ago and were surprised he had stayed as long he had.  All we very sad but they wished him well and then tried to convince him to stay longer.  His very polite response, no thank you.

The Great Oxford Pack Off begins

So I've been around the house and taken down our curtains and lampshades and put the landlords own back up.  To me this means we are really moving.  

As an army brat I can very quickly make a place my own, I swap the fittings (curtains, rugs, lamps) as soon as possible and with the help of candles and furnishings even rented accommodation feels like home.

To take my things down and put the other things back up means I have mentally prepared to move on, more than the stacks of boxes in the spare room ever could.

Countdown Continues

This Monday there will be...

Until the summer and I move on to pasture new, even if it is only until Christmas.

I'm not counting honest

I'm not getting exciting about moving on or anything.  I am very ready for new challenges.  While I will be really sad to go and will miss everybody, it's time to think about our future.