Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 6

The sunshine didn’t bring out the bright side of the students, however. My room remained cool, but these kids verified the stereotype that poms are the world’s worst whingers. My classroom is on the bottom floor and is surrounded by foliage, so much so that the students are regularly distracted by squirrels climbing the fence to get into the trees.

The windows were open and it was an ideal environment for learning. Yet, they complained that they were hot.

Still, my kids weren’t the only ones melting. A Year 8 student fainted in a classroom next door. The closest the class upstairs got to being productive was making paper fans to dramatically cool themselves down.

Most were so burnt from the weekend sun they resembled oompa loompas, and us teachers were cast as the maniacal Willy Wonkas, attempting to be heard above the din without the aide of chocolate incentives.

Even after the temperature dropped as the week progressed, the students struggled to stay focussed as the week-long break loomed ever closer. It didn’t matter that they had assessments due.

It didn’t matter that some of them were required to participate in parent/teacher/student interviews; the prospect of getting a bollocking from their parents after a negative report didn’t faze them nor calm them down.

I can’t say I blame them. The week-long break is a godsend, and I’m planning on doing some serious retail therapy in Paris. I’m sure I’ll return for the final seven weeks with a fresh outlook – or maybe just a new beret! Haw haw haw!

Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 5

Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 4

Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 3

Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 2

Secret diary of an expat teacher – Week 1