The broom cupboard 2 - just for when we get briefly stranded without a staffroom

[TheHoneyBadger]

I'll pop a link in the old one so you know where to find safe haven. I have tried to clear out some space by getting rid of the ohp and vcr trolley and gin is hidden behind the sick sand bucket.

She'll be fine, honestly. Children fall over and off things all the time. Generally they bounce. I was once in charge of my nieces at the park and the younger one fell between the seat and the hand bar of the see saw we were on, and me getting off the other end to go help caused the seat to bash her on the head several times . Then while I was dealing with that one the older one (about 8/9) got herself into a baby swing and couldn't get out! Or there was the time I was in charge of my nieces when the younger one tried to jump in a muddy puddle and fell face first into it. She was literally drenched in mud from head to toe. She had to walk back to my house (I would have picked her up, but I was carrying dd2 who was a toddler and had already fallen over) crying and dripping. Or the time I encouraged dd2 to try going down a bit of a hill on her scooter (aiming for developing her confidence in more adventurous activities) when she hit a stone, went over the handlebar and skidded down the hill on her front. Scraped everywhere, bloody chin, arms, knees, etc. All her clothes ruined with holes. I've definitely broken more children than you.

When you receive an email from a pupil and you know this job is worth all the crap ...

Not sure why it attached it twice!

I also got a ‘PS’

Just the boost needed motherrunner - fabulous to read!

Is it a bit embarrassing to admit that my heart filled with joy when I read it?

That's lovely mother.

I'm still reeling from reading MsADs history with child safety

Another bloody parents evening shortly. The last one this year thank goodness.

That's a lovely email. Kids can be great, can't they.

Namechange from Guy Fawkes for Line of Duty. I may stick with it....

Blimey MrsAd - I need to up my game 😂
Update is that she's apparently fine and playing on the trampoline. Phew.
I'm on the train writing a scheme of work and basking in the reflected glory of mother. That's glorious.

We should all bask in that email. With all the shit thrown at us we forget that we DO make an impact on individuals. A few years ago my mother in law said to me ‘you’re a great teacher’. I asked how she would know for sure. She said grandkids of her church friends had talked about me. I think sometimes is secondary teachers don’t seem the physical thanks by presents, but inside they appreciate us. Well some do!

*us
*see

Ahhh, lovely email, Mother. It has reminded me, though, that I have three novels to read (or openings of novels) by three students all by Monday. Why do they all want my opinion on their life's work so far??!!

I hope all the broken children are not too broken.

(I don't even teach one of them...)

Ha ha @RandomGrammarPun. That always reminds me of a certain time of year when I become popular to check UCAS statements!

Wow, that email is cool. I'd love to be able to conversations like that with pupils.

that's because you've used different muscles by swimming

I know... doesn't make me less ouchy! It's the resistance fins that make my legs ache so much. They are brilliant exercise.

Lovely email from a student mother.

Have people seen the thread from the mum of a sixth former (not that age is necessarily relevant) whose LFT developed a very faint T line at 40 mins, was negative on a subsequent LFT but went on to test positive on PCR 5 days later? Causes one to question the 30 min and discard rule, doesn’t it?

50 Y9s, inc several from DS’s form, sent off to isolate today . The positive is not in his form thank goodness.

Hello all - I see we've taken up residence in the broom cupboard again. I've brought doughnuts. I might even share them.

That email is amazing - your work there is done I think secondary teachers get a bit overlooked in the thank you letter/gifts stakes compared to those of us primary, but what a treat to see the impact you've had on that young woman. Definitely one to treasure.

In addition to my child breaking attempts, I have successfully broken myself. I have a twisted ankle and a grazed knee and dented dignity... I tripped over my own feet.
I'm at mum's now and she's laughed at me and then bandaged me. Idiot.

mother that's a lovely email. All I ever seem to get are emails asking me for help with their homework . Yours is much nicer!!!

MrsH and honey I did think as I wrote that list of broken children that really they should never allow me to be in charge of kids at all!! Yet people seem to think I'm a responsible adult who will keep their children safe in my care (and to be fair, the only ones I've broken enough to need hospital were my own).

MrsH I hope you feel ok. Glad your mum has bandaged you up. Mums are the best aren't they?

Bit early to be drunk, MrsH!

Parent's evening done.

Very lovely to hear that kids who got great grades on their last QMA went home really excited about it and that the child with a top flight path who I ribbed about who did you pay to give you that and poked and prodded until this last assessment where he finally hit his flight path had told his mum all about my mocking and pushing and his pride at having finally done it. I was like oh that's good because I sometimes wonder if I tease too hard and she was like, well it worked and he's on top of the world!

Actually nice to hear how many kids love the lesson and go home talking about what we've been doing and how it's their favourite subject. Also despite the negativity on mn I had so many parents thank me for my efforts and say how excellent the remote learning I provided was and how engaged their kids were.

I honestly can't say I see any evidence of the apparent massive 'mental health crisis' or attainment gap that covid has allegedly caused and I don't have any kids in need of 'catch up' who actually bothered engaging even half heartedly with the remote learning.

Sadly I was stone cold sober. Luckily the child in my arms broke my fall 🤦🏼‍♀️
Mums are the best :)

Well done honey!

Thanks Jan.

I am curious about whether anyone really is seeing a big attainment gap because it's just not there with my groups. The kids underachieving are the kids who would have done so regardless of what form of schooling had been in place.

I dread parents evening because you're knackered and it's hours on top of your usual workload but it's always positive in reality and helps my relationships with kids and understanding of their needs and their starting place in terms of home culture and expectations.

It also drums it home to me that this is someone's baby not just a line of data in a marksheet.

Sounds like an eventful day for all. What a delightful email, definitely one to print and keep.

Honey In my experience the gap is wider than previous years. The same students who under achieve are still under achieving but lack of engagement in lockdown has meant those who did remote learning are well "ahead". There are definitely no surprises on which students have knowledge gaps etc. When I have parents evening the under achieving students parents won't turn up. (I have no clue on apostrophes there sorry).