Expected?

I had a great night out. Some of the parents did ask questions about their children, which I sort of expected. They were not questions I felt uncomfortable to answer and actually, in their situation I would probably have done the same. I found out quite a few things I would never have known had I not gone out with them. The most awkward question I was asked was about the teacher I am covering maternity leave for. They are naturally keen to find out if and when she will come back and on what terms. I already know her plans, but it is not my place to share this information with the parents, some of whom are also governors (to make matters more complicated!). The school will tell them when they decide it is the right time.

Ready for Half Term

I've not had a great deal to blog about over the past half term. Most days are the same. They start with me getting up at 6am feeling tired and end with me planning, marking then going to bed at 11pm feeling more tired.

I have had to give myself a frequent reminder that I am an NQT and cannot be expected to be a perfect teacher straight away. I know I have been too hard on myself but fortunately I work in a very supportive school where the staff are all lovely and although everyone is busy, people always find time to help each other out and pick each other up when they are down.

I suppose I have had it quite easy this term really. Despite having to spend a long time over planning etc. I have not had any observations by my induction tutor so although I have had regular meetings with her and have set my own targets based on self evaluation, I have not been under any pressure of performance targets.

One of the hardest things I have had to deal with is having children in my class whose parents I already know outside of school. Approaching sensitive issues with those parents is more difficult than with parents I don't know. It can have its advantages though. I have been invited out to the pub this evening with several of the parents (some of whom I knew already before working at the school) and some other mutual friends. Yes, it is possible they wiull use it as an excuse to grill me about school and their children, but I can also find out things about them which will help me understand the children better. It works both ways. Having said that, I am a little scared. I asked my colleagues for advice. They told me not to get pissed and tell them how horrid their children are! Good advice I thought.

Whatever happens this evening, it is a night out at the pub, which I haven't had for over a year and at least I will have something to blog about tomorrow!