And in the end it was an easy one to make. Had the interview for the teaching post on Wednesday afternoon. Almost 20 years since I went through something like that and my nerves were completely shredded beforehand. However, I actually quite enjoyed it and I was very lucky in that I was only interviewed by the head of the prep school. Normally at things like this you’re grilled by 4 – 5 people and that is VERY scary! The head was lovely, very kind and friendly, someone I know I would have got on well with. She immediately shortlisted me and asked me back to do a demonstration lesson but yesterday afternoon I rang her and said that sadly I wouldn’t be pursuing it any further. There were a number of reasons but the most important one was that I wouldn’t have a permanent contract. That’s the way it is working in the independent sector……. numbers of staff depend on numbers of parents wishing to pay for their child to be educated. So it’s quite possible the following year I might have been out of a job if numbers of pupils fall. At my present school which is in the state system I’m guaranteed a job.
So there we have it, a lot of stress culminating in nothing changing. But I’m glad I did it. I was very interested in finding out how an independent school works (no requirement to follow what the government decrees state schools have to do). I was amazed at the poor facilities and resources compared to our school. Ok the small class sizes (around 14 as opposed to our 30) were very tempting indeed. But when it came to it I realised that I love where I work too much. I love the very poor and needy children we get. I love it when I get a really bright child who I can talk to differently because they’re so mature. (They don’t come along that often but when they do it’s real treat). I even love those naughty and disruptive children we sometimes get…..the challenge of ‘taming’ them is great! At the prep school there would be no special needs children , no disruptive children and plenty of bright but probably nauseatingly spoilt and precocious children. Anyway, it was a very valuable experience 
So what else? Not a lot! Today Tom came over for a couple of hours which was wonderful …and then he went to one of his friends to watch the Cup Final. Short and sweet. After he’d gone we decided to pop over to our nearest Debenhams where I bought a couple more of my favourite square neck Red Herring t-shirts. Oh and earlier this morning I ordered myself a new bag online after seeing one by the same company in the newspaper this morning. Hope it’s as good as it looks!
Tonight, at midnight, two of my friends and colleagues, are taking part in this year’s Playtex Moonwalk. They’ve already raised at least £1,000 (for breast cancer research) at school for their very brave 26 mile walk through London. I wish them loads of luck!
Last of all I must just show a beautiful adoption I bought the other day from Judith at Pink Dreamland.
9 Comments
Oh, so much to say. Almost wish we could face to face over coffee, but then you probably prefer tea. I’m so glad you had the courage to check that school out; I know it could not have been an easy decision to take. Now you know. You expressed so beautifully what so many do not understand, the satisfaction of teaching in a certain type of school. The bonds that are formed forever and on and on. Oh, your book arrived Friday, and I know it will be a good one. I will finish my current tonite and start yours tomorrow, although it will be a slow read with baby Alexander on hand. Thank you so much! Julia
sometimes we just need to take a look at things to realise how lucky we are already. If you know what I mean. You know my thoughts on the job interview so I won’t waffle. It doesn’t surprise me one jot that you got shortlisted. I bet that teachers with your enthusiasm and love of the job are getting quite thin on the ground.
Have just posted. Took ages, lots of piccies and a little girl bellowing ‘prada’ at me, so I had to keep stopping to spray her with all my perfumes. She stinks now! But she stinks of nice things, so that’s ok!
And I’m giving her my love of fine fragrance, so that’s ok too!
I want to go to Dunelm today too. Not sure if we’ll have time to do it all though,Bill wants us to go to some wood place to look at wood!!!! Don’t ask. He thinks he’s a master carpenter at the moment, because he’s just replaced our front garden gate. He made the last one from scratch, but 6 years of constant use meant it had dropped and the wood had split, so it needed replacing. Now it needs painting, and then we plan to put on a sign saying PLEASE SHUT THE GATE, which is mainly aimed at my mum. She has an annoying haibt of leaving it open if she pops round and I’m out, just so I know she’s been! Told her not to as it can damage the hinges, but she thinks it’s funny so does it anyway
Anyway, now he thinks he can carve wood into anything he wants! 
Also want to go to the food halls today too. Forgot to buy spuds (what a dimwit) and used up half my eggs, so really ought to replace them too, or I’ll run out.
The adoption is very cute. I love the site name. Not been there before, so I will go and take a look.
Bag is very nice and summery! Hope it is as nice in the flesh.
Ok, I’ve written a novel so I ought to get my face on now, so I’m ready for when we can go out.
xxxxxx
Have a fab day, glad you got to see your boy yesterday.
Happy Sunday, sweetie.
I’m glad that your interview turned out to be OK, and it made you realize that in the end, your current situation was the best one for you. I’m very happy for you.
That’s great that you got to have your Tom yesterday.
Your bag looks so fresh & flowery & suummery, I hope you’ll enjoy it very much once you’ll have it delivered.
Big hugs to you & have a great Sunday XOXOXOXO
Wow it’s great you went through this & took your decision. I’m so glad you stay in your job as you love it but it’s a good experience & it’s nice to see the other side of things. Congratulations on your tshirts, they sounds great & the bag looks perfect for summer. I love your new adoption, it’s so cute & special.
Happy Sunday, big hugs
Hi Nikki
Yes, you’re right…it is very hard to share the computer with Steve! The saddest day in mt computer life was when he discovered his own blogs! I’ve learned to grab the time when I can though and enjoy it (and make good choices as to what I do too)
I feel for you in the job interview situation….it sounds like you’ve chosen the right spot for you and it is so rewarding to shape the lives of the children who you have in your classes. Sadie’s right, the number of teachers who are still out there who really do love their jobs and working with challenging children are few. We’ve been so blessed so far with Crispin’s teachers on the whole and they have been very helpful (he isn’t an easy child to have in class at this stage) and very dedicated to helping him reach his potential.
I think too that when you get that revelation of why you love what you do, it is so freeing. I think that is what made S’s decision to change from the big international firm an easier one than it might have been otherwise. When it all came down to it, he loves working with and helping clients and he loves his family and spending time at home is priority. The Big 7 firm was super demanding with job hours (14 hour days were the norm there) and he didn’t feel able to give the kind of customer service that he wanted and once he saw the potential where he is now, it all came clear. I’m sure it will help you greatly in your current position just having realized why you love your job so much
Glad you were able to have a visit with Tom
(even if he clogs up your computer time!)
Love the bag! I recently realized I need one so I’m on the hunt…I love the flowery fabric of yours!
Got to get a move on now but have a super week! xoxo
Our state schools need more teachers like you
and although its good to see what else is out there, to me sounds like your in the best place.. your a brave woman to have gone through that process to find out..
Thank you for coming by and letting me know how you got on.. much appreciated.
How great to see your Tom and I love the bag.. flowers a hit with me every time
Wow that is a lot of money raised and a worthy cause too.. full credit to them and all the others that took part in the Moonwalk..
Have a super week
Luv n hugs Pixie
Good evening, sweetie !
Thanks so much for letting me know that you had visited Minuscules’ website with your pupils & that they loved it so much ! How neat !
I hope you had a nice day today. Have a great middle of the week, my friend. Take care !
HUGS XOXO
Hi Nikki, It’s good that you went through the interview and were able to see how an independent school works and know that you are in the right position. I love the bag you ordered, very cheerful and summery. *hugs*
‘Aliens love Underpants’ has just arrived! along with the other books. I know she is going to love it, the cover is so bright and cheery. the pop up book is gorgeous too, but it won’t last long. She’ll soon rip out the pop ups, but oh well, she’ll enjoy it anyway. Yesterday, when I was in WHSmith, I was at the till, when I spotted the books on buy one get one free, and grabbed one about Jasper the cat, then quickly grabbed a second book as it was free. A lady (very nice lady) behind me laughed and said ‘you’re getting carried away’! I laughed and joked that I didn’t get out much (joked? that’s actually true!) but what I should have done was point out that the books were two for one, and surely it’s better to buy my little one books than say a McDonalds Happy Meal for a treat? Hmm. An interesting point. Rather than laugh at me,she should have complimented me on spoiling humbug with books. In my mind, there is no better gift than books. More often than not, when MIL wants to know what to buy me for my bd, I will say a book. The last one being about this history of Chanel, the fashion house rather than Madame Chanel herself.
I bought two bags yesterday, good old Primark!xxxxx 
Very sunny here this p.m, when girly magoo is awake we’ll be going outside I think !
Right. I’ll shut up now. HOpe you got your mitts on your bag today
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