Lovely Lady Supply Teacher arrived on Monday morning. She is absolutely wonderful with the pupils and a really great colleague to have around the department. Coincidently, she was a Head of Music in a Birmingham school until last Christmas (with 20 years 'at the chalk face'). Her reasons for leaving full time teaching are remarkably similar to mine - but she still has two young children, so a supply contract for classroom work suits her best for the moment. It's like she's been sent into my life for a reason......amazing when a new friend appears out of an immensely difficult situation!
I had a meeting with Enthusiastic New Deputy Head this afternoon. I feel like I have a great relationship with him - largely because I am completely outside his agenda for changing the world but he still has a healthy respect for the work that I've put into the department. He does have a blunt style which is alienating some of my colleagues, but I prefer to work with people who ask the right questions.... even if the answers are a little uncomfortable.
Fourteen people have applied for the Music teaching vacancy that has resulted from Lovely Colleague taking on my role. I have decided to take a back seat in the interview process next week. This appointment is the first stage in Lovely Colleague taking over the department and she doesn't really need me hanging around! In addition, Bullying Deputy Head decided (without consultation) to put the interviews on Thursday which is my main teaching day for exam groups. I'll have a bit of time first thing in the morning to say "Hi" to the candidates but then I'll disappear....
I'm saving the best news until last... I had a phone call from Morley Harps yesterday lunchtime. My harp is completely restored, healthy and waiting to be collected! This means that we will be off to the South Cotswolds again on Saturday morning. Watch this space for more photos and posts!
What a difference three days make.....!! Jx
Wonderful news about the teacher and---your HARP!!!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see the photos.
It's good to hear that some things at work are falling into place that will benefit you and your department. I'm sure you're looking forward to collecting your harp!
ReplyDeleteHurrah for the harp!!! And hurrah for a good supply teacher. We've got a new reception teacher and I am SO pleased she is an older and more experienced teacher. We had about 6 young new staff last year so it is nice to get someone a bit older!x
ReplyDeleteOoh Jan, well done on deciding to take a back seat with the interviews. I reckon that was hard. And lovely news about the harp. (I have a small clarinet recital next week, very low key, just as well as I haven't done one for over a year.) Sending you lots of good vibes xx
ReplyDeletei'll look forward to the pictures, Enjoy getting your harp back.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that things are a little cheerier for you. Can't wait for the photos.
ReplyDeleteAll good news there and hope the next few months stay that way for you. How exciting get your Harp home. Take care.
ReplyDeleteA lovely positive post, it sounds as though you're coming to terms with cutting ties a little and letting others take on roles which have been yours for so long, and great news about the harp, I foresee lots of lovely music wafting out of your house over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely when you click so well with a colleague. I love my little office as we all get on really well and are always there as a shoulder when things are a little stressful. I can't wait to see your harp now it's been restored. Just think of all the hours of fun you are going to have once you finish at school.
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