Month 8 Review

Coming at you closer to the end of April than the beginning, but I’m 8 months down! Read on if you what to know what kept me busy in March…

New words

Pushbike is what Aussies call a pedal bike. 

It’s not romaine lettuce, it’s cos lettuce. 

Likewise, it’s not an English cucumber, but a continental cucumber. It’s a good thing the food lab technician knows where to find me to bridge the language barrier between us! 

On the topic of food, I learned from my students (while discussing the merits of various ways to eat potatoes) that scalloped potatoes are called a potato bake Down Under. 

“Have a think” reigns supreme over “think about it”.

Adventures

Trip to Phillip Island at the beginning of the month. Since I can’t drive in Victoria any more (due to my longer-than-six-month residency), Lucas drove us out for the weekend. We didn’t do the penguin parade, but saw several at the Nobbies on our hike, checked out a farmers market, and got to see all that San Remo has to offer. 

I started playing with my volleyball team on Tuesdays! I forgot how much FUN getting into a sweaty mess in a demanding and strategic way can be. It’s definitely something in my week that makes me excited to wake up (even when it’s the 9:30 pm draw!). 

Jonas Brothers concert! Twelve year old me would be so proud. I went with a group of other twenty-something teachers, and we had a blast!

I finally went to the beach that’s a ten minute walk from my house! And then I went four times after that. Not bad for autumn! The water in Port Phillip bay was brisk, but quite refreshing on the string of 28° days we had. Unfortunately, I think my beach days are behind me for the season.

My teacher friends and I hit up an ice hockey game, where Australia beat New Zealand in overtime. Not quite the same calibre as the NHL, but what did I expect? So much fun!

On one of our weekend walks, Sydney and I ventured to Fitzroy North and went to Nonna’s House to try the locally famous meatballs subs. Each Saturday and Sunday, this family turns their backyard into a takeaway restaurant for a limited run of offerings. They are open “11 until 3, unless sold out”. The meatball subs were superb! If you’re ever in Melbourne, I would recommend. 

I learned that at the movies, during the previews, they also show local ads. Some examples include from the city council, local schools, and businesses. While still ads, I didn’t mind them!

I also learned from my students that minimum wage isn’t universal here, it’s tied to your age, and also the nature of your work. Here’s a table that’s more concise than I could ever be:

Age	Percentage	Hourly minimum
Under 16	36.8%	$8.55
16	47.3%	$10.99
17	57.8%	$13.43
18	68.3%	$15.87
19	82.5%	$19.16
20	97.7%	$22.70

Work stuff

I forget if I’ve shared, but I’ll be at my school for term two! That will take me to the end of my visa, which feels bittersweet to be almost within grasp. Regardless, I am so happy about being able to stay on, because I love it there so much. 

My first round of interim report cards! Since it’s mid-semester, no comments were required, but it was still a little nerve wracking to do. It also provided a chance for me to pause and reflect on my teaching and assessment practices (and the inherent relationship between the two). 

For the end of the 11s outcome one for their semester, we did Canadian baking as a way to share a little bit of what I’ve grown up with and tie it into food cultures, which we had just learned about for the term. We made butter tarts and date squares – despite all the suggestions for poutine I had! Both were recipes from my childhood – friends of my parents and their families that have been shared within our circle over the years. The students liked them both, and some preferred the tarts while others gravitated towards the squares.

I also had my first round of parent-teacher interviews! They were virtual, to increase accessibility for parents, so I got to work from home that day! It was weird though, by the end of the day I was utterly exhausted but simultaneously feeling like I accomplished little. Sitting staring at a screen all day will do that to you, I guess! 

I finished my month off by jumping on a plane flying west to Adelaide, to kick off my east coast trip, but more on that soon! And yes, I know east != west, but it’s my trip and I’ll call it what I want 😜. 

See you soon,

Kate