Year End News and Notes

I’ve got one more day of school then it’s summer holidays! This year is flying by, and I feel like things are only going to ramp up in 2024. Even though I’ve become used to many aspects of teaching in and around Melbourne, there are still things that catch me by surprise.

But before we get into it, I’ve got some news: I’ve accepted a term position teaching Year 10 and 11 Foods starting at the beginning of the 2024 school year. I’m THRILLED for more consistency and over the moon to get to be in a foods space. Knowing I’ll be building more meaningful relationships within the spaces I work makes my heart so happy. I’m still working out the details, but will be sharing more about taking on the role of a classroom teacher as the term progresses.

In the mean time, here are some more things I’ve realized aren’t quite the norm in Manitoba:

Who needs a PA system?

I have only been at two schools with PA systems that can announce messages in the classrooms, and there was no call button. SO weird. Another had a phone system where I could dial if I needed admin, but otherwise, I’m effectively left to my own devices with the students. I am able to contact other staff members via email, as I usually have access to the staff directory on the learning management system. 

Permission to be seated

At the beginning of the class, the students will be standing at their spots, and then I remember that I’m supposed to tell them they can sit down before we can start our lesson. This is something I’m constantly forgetting! Not at every school, either, so it’s easy to miss.

Turf is EVERYWHERE

I don’t know why, but Melbournians’ love for turf is unparalleled. Basically every school yard has it somewhere, if not all the play surfaces. After thinking about it some more, I’ve come up with a couple hypotheses:

• Keep snakes away. Did you know Australia is home to the world’s 11 most venomous snakes? Definitely a priority to keep them away from the students!
• Kids are hard on grass. At the odd school that does have a natural grass oval, the grass is patchy and with many bald spots. Having turf allows for fewer ankle-busting holes. Every break there are multiple games on. If natural grass was the norm there would be none left!
• Water conservation. With the ever-present sun, irrigation is a must if schools want to keep their grass in the non-crispy form.

Boiling water taps

Every staff room has one, and they get plenty of use. It’s super convenient being able to make a cup of tea (or soup!) without having to wait for a kettle to boil when our recess breaks are so limited.

Lachlan is the new Jayden

And Hamish is the new Brayden. And Jonathan is the new Cayden. Aidan is still Aidan, though.

Sliding doors

I don’t know what they have against hinges, but the concentration of sliding doors in schools is vastly higher than that in Manitoba. Maybe to keep kids from slamming them?

In other news, the graffiti around my neighbourhood is oddly heartwarming.

That’s all for now, see you soon!

Kate