Week two was a lot calmer than last week as we developed relationships and routines.
The 7/8 classes were away on camp during the week. This meant a quieter lower secondary are but also meant extra EA/AEIO hands in my classroom. It is amazing the difference an extra set of hands, eyes and ears make.
An interesting thing to note in week 2 was the RTS WA’s relief policy. RTS teachers are expected to take up to 50% internal relief without pay according to our award agreement due to the inability to access external relief. This is obviously fine by me when I get organised and into the swing of things, but with so much to think about and prepare it is a scary thought! With so many staff out there was the possibility that I’d need to cover my students in some of their electives. While it didn’t transpire in the end that I needed to fill any gaps, it highlighted the importance of forward planning and preparation was very clear this week. Although I’m not sure how I can get ahead when I already spend long hours at work after school and weekends!
One challenge was some of the new students that arrived for a day or two this week who I had not established relationships with nor did they understand my expectations. They changed the dynamics of the class, with tension and teasing between students. Some of my students have had intermittent attendance, but at least i know where those students are at and have some relationship with them.
I am still working on catering for the wide variety of needs of my students. Speaking with school leaders and reading policy materials has assisted with this. I’m trying to maintain a folder of all the work missed for transient or truant students so they can catch up or work through the activities the high attenders have already completed. I am also trying to design lessons and activities with multiple entry points. Modifying information from websites, books and text books for lower reading levels has been a challenge but I am getting better at it.
It was a week of updated classroom displays.
On Thursday two colleagues and I had a cooking night. One is health conscious and the other vege so both were excited to cook vegan to cater for me as well. It was an awesome night with awesome people! Friday night was dinner out with other staff- I realise this is a TOTAL luxury given that many remote communities barely have a decent local store!! The weekend brought a trip out to the local swimming hole with some other staff; allowing us to explore and unwind. All of Sunday was spent at school preparing for next week.
My flat pack outdoor setting arrived on the weekend also courtesy of GROH making up the complete furniture package. I was so lucky to get all my furniture new. It appears though that my luck (so far- touch wood) didn’t stop there with my allocation of a house by myself which I now understand is pretty rare with a shortage of GROH housing. While I was definitely willing to share with someone, it is nice to be able to go home and just relax. Having seen and read that housing could range from satisfactory to excellent, I am quiet pleased with my relatively good condition little unit.
Sorry for a brief update!! Not enough time for meaningful reflection!!
Overall, I felt that week 2 really was a more positive experience and I’m looking forward to more learning (for both the students and me!).