Back to Grade 3!

I started my Grade 3 mat leave at Glenmore Elementary today. Quite overwhelming, but I am so excited to be back at this level, in this language, at this school... who am I kidding?! I'm just happy to have a job! It's a bonus that I get all that other great stuff to go along with it!

I was lucky to have Courtnay and her kids come during March Break to help me clean and get things organized. It's hard because although I am the only teacher, it's still not quite "my" space. I guess it's the same as when I taught Grade 7... and Kindergarten... Man, I was so spoiled in Ottawa with my own classroom and hired to a permanent position after my first interview!!!!

I am in one of the three "pods" at the back of the property. So different from a portable - there are four classrooms and a couple of offices in each pod, as well as cloakrooms and washrooms. I have a sink again! But there is only one photocopier, staff room and supply room for the three pods, none of which is located in mine! It's not far to get to those places and at least the weather is nice, so I'm not complaining! Here are a few shots of the class - before the kids arrive! Just writing the date...
Jeff helped me make the best of the space and Mom asked if we could paint! Ha!

There are 22 kids in the class and in addition to the notes the previous teacher left me, I can see that I will have a couple of handfuls! They are quite a chatty bunch, so I am really using my teacher voice and eyebrow (yes, I can be strict!). Kristy reassured me that I'll get them under control... by the last day of school! It's going to be hard to break them of the habits they have had for seven months, but I am sure going to try! Inside voices, people!

I am teaching all subjects except for Science and Socials. I trade with another teacher - a very French teacher - and teach English to her class four times a week for 45 minutes. It's a pretty sweet deal, but lots of names to learn right away! I have to trek across the field to get to the other class, so the kids are alone for about 4 minutes until the other teacher arrives. They are used to this system - it's me that has to learn it!

I do supervision for 15 minutes once or twice a week, depending on the rotation. I have joined the Spirit Committee and the Social Responsibility Committee. The staff has been "real nice" so far and I would enjoy sticking around next year! Fingers are still crossed!

Wish me luck with this new group!