The End of this Chapter

This has been a pretty rough week as I said good bye to my first teaching position. Although I am leaving on my own and know that the next chapter will bring better things for me, it was definitely sad to say goodbye.

Over the past two years, I have got to work with some amazing colleagues. They have been supportive in my development and transition from the Canadian system to the UK system. It has been great to come into work everyday with people who really are some of my best friends. Spending breaks and frees in the staffroom having good laughs and sharing crazy stories  of our days will be missed. I'm not the only one leaving the school this year, as many of my Canadian teacher friends are also going. Although, most are returning to Canada which means that I will not see them as much and it will definitely be a transition in my social life. I wish them all the best of luck and hope that if they score teaching jobs they will get me one :)

I'll also miss the students. Over the past few weeks, as word has gotten around that I was leaving, the student reaction has been heartbreaking. It has been amazing to be honoured by the students with their thoughtful words, cards and even gifts. One of my year 9 classes all pooled together their money and with the assistance of our LSA, purchased me a bag of gifts. I was actually speechless. Even though there are some students whose behaviour I will definitely not miss- there are quite a few whose hard work, attitude, aptitude and respectful personalities I will miss greatly. I have kept every card given so I can always remember the students who made my first teaching position a good one and kept me going through the bad times.



This all being said, I cannot wait to go to my new school in September and meet a whole new load of students who will inspire me to be a great teacher! In the meantime, the thing I am most excited for is getting to Canada in 4 days and finally meeting my most adorable nephew- Collin!

North American vs. British Prom

Last week I got to relive the glory days by going to prom--- this time as a chaperone. While at the prom, I noticed some very big differences from prom back home and prom here. If you want to read about them, then keep reading on. If you can't care less, then feel free to exit your web browser now :)

Now, most of these differences I believe are cultural based although some (specifically attire) may be aged base---it has been 7/8 years since my prom! 

North American Prom

•people arrive at the prom in limos/cars with their date

•people take professional photos with their date before hand

•people sit at a table beside their date

•the DJ plays slow songs once in awhile for dates to dance to

•dates give corsages and boutineers

•prom king and queen

•limos return dates home/after prom party

•dresses are classy (short and long) 

• girls hair is normally up or down and curly

British Prom

•People arrive at prom in limos/cars with their friends / no dates

•some take professional photos before prom but most wait until after dinner

•people sit at tables with their friends of he same sex while their 'dates' sit elsewhere 

•DJ plays no slow songs inevitably making the concept of a date pointless

•no corsages or boutineers 

•no prom king or queen

•parents pick kids up from prom

•dresses are flashy with bedazzling, sparkles or scandalous skin showing 

•girls wear a forehead necklace, yes a forehead necklace

No matter the differences it was a fun night and great to see the kids all dressed up!