This is a bit sad, but anyone looking forward to going back?

[CatKisser]

I am!
Been a skint holiday (hate you, car!) and I have a great bunch of kids coming up to year six. My classroom looks great and I'm so happy with the lessons I've planned so far.

There's going to be a ton of shit going on with leadership due to a new head and current management feeling extremely resentful, but I'm intending staying out of it all and getting on.

I've given up evil wine and am joining a gym this Friday so looking forward to an improved life all round!

Anyone else quite looking forward to going back?

[KinkyDorito]

Aside from the general teaching STRESS, congratulations miss

[DoctorDonnaNoble]

I'm at the stage before that - expressed an interest in the local run course for people interested in management (not even a head of department yet - people stay in my place for a LONG time!). Being a mentor for a trainee for the first time this year though!

[ImATotJeSuisUneTot]

I am looking forward to going back - I work in a PRU, and know that our children will really have struggled without any structure or boundaries over the last six weeks.

The first few weeks are always a nightmare, but once theyve all been safetly accounted for we can breath a sigh of relief!

[MavisGrind]

Mixed feelings about going back but good to hear it's not just me who's spending money like water in the holidays...!

[FuzzyWizard]

Kinky- sound familiar, next year I'll have a lot off additional responsibilities for no extra pay or timetable reduction. I'm looking at it as an investment in my career. Hopefully it will pay off one day!

[KinkyDorito]

Fuzzy I'm hoping my year is sooner rather than later as I always seem to do lots of extra without the time or cash .

[KinkyDorito]

Mavis August's finances are best forgotten...

[Happy36]

Super excited! We´ve been back a few days already (teachers) but can´t wait to see the kids...need to teach a couple of lessons to let the adrenalin flow out and feel a bit calmer.

Good luck, everyone!

[Showy]

I start next week as a School Direct trainee. I have been training all week this week and meet my colleagues and class next week. Well, I've met them, but start working with them for the first time iyswim.

I am terrified. Utterly terrified.

[KinkyDorito]

You'll be fine, Showy, then, suddenly, you'll be over a decade in wondering where the time went...

[teachymcteacher]

Showy I was in your position this time last year and had a great year. It's hard work but I loved it. After Christmas things will get easier, I promise!
All the best.

[Showy]

I'm hanging on to the promise of Christmas tbh. ATM, I'm so bogged down in portfolios, journals, proformas, assignments, folders and on and on that I can't imagine having time to plan, mark, deliver observe, get to know the children, breathe, eat, sleep. And resources? I need to magic up a never-ending supply of exciting doodahs. I've got half a cereal bar and a Biro.

[Ohwhatfuckeryisthis]

No, SLT have OFSTED jitters. Life will be hell until they have been. Just one more week...

[Lizzylou]

I am in Showy's position, I am starting a Secondary SCITT tomorrow.
I am bogged down with stuff before I have even started.
I am excited but so very, very nervous.

[RevealTheHiddenBeach]

Showy you sound much more prepared than me! I start schools direct tomorrow too. We've had no proper training yet - couple intro days but that's it... So it's 2 days of school inset and then "crack on"... I'm so glad I'm mainly observing in week 1. Other than the total mystery, very excited...

[FuzzyWizard]

We're expecting OFSTED this year too... Hope they come sooner rather than later in the year.

[Showy]

We'll be fine. Say it over and over and you might believe it.

Reveal, I'm really not prepared. They are keeping so much under wraps, presumably so as not to overwhelm. I've only done basic training. The pre-course assignment was quite helpful and we've had training in phonics, planning, observing, AFL, behaviour management and some stuff on LOs, plenaries etc. Are you doing a PGCE too? We have the option of doing it alongside the School Direct. I have a meeting with my SDS mentor tomorrow and my list of questions to ask can be condensed down to "wtf am I doing?"

[blueemerald]

Similarly to ImATotJeSuisUneTot I work in an EBD secondary school so while I'm really looking forward to seeing all the boys again I am also aware that 6 weeks of no structure/routine and neglect (no regular meals, verbal, physical and emotional abuse etc) will mean the first few weeks are pretty chaotic. There will be a lot of 'testing' how emotionally safe they are at school, particularly with the younger boys. There's also a lot of jealousy due to the fact that the staff will, for the most part, have had much nicer summer holidays than the boys.
Also quite a few of our students were expecting new siblings over the summer which will have stressed a lot of them.

[Happy36]

Good luck to all of the new teachers and anyone else feeling anxious. Just take it one lesson at a time and set yourself short-term, (mostly) achievable goals, then reward yourself.

[RadioMusicola]

Awaiting ofsted in our school too. We are several VERY senior members down for various reasons and I am taking over a giant responsibility for our most vulnerable children so our school is going to be a very different one to the one I skipped away from in July.

I am utterly unprepared in my head but I must have a modicum of knowledge or I wouldn't have been asked to take it over

I am terrified and excited in almost equal measure. It is going to be a very intense and stressful year.

I am digging out my mindfulness book tonight to start trying to reellllaaxxxx...

Like your positive words happy36

[Happy36]

How´s it been, Musicola ? Hope some of your fears have been allayed by now. Remember you can only do one thing at a time, no matter what bullcrap the men are spouting about female multitasking. Have bags of faith in yourself and remember to get enough rest so you´re alert when it matters.

Good wishes to all!