Blogs from Derby, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 3

I’m well aware that this saying usually refers to two year old toddlers but in my case it refers to my terrible Term Two. Perhaps terrible is a slightly more powerful word than is necessary but, it has undoubtedly been a very trying term with lots of challenges and… while it’s not quite over yet, since it’s nearing the end of Week 8 and I’m so over it - I have made the call to put an end to all the crap stuff. Classroom life has been unique - but the internet is not the place to discuss such matters. It is true to say that I have never been as tested behaviourally as I have this term, but fingers crossed vital progress is being made. The most unexpected part was how much energy I was ... read more

When the alarm went off at 4am I have to admit that it was a struggle to raise my head, but I had a feeling it was going to be worth the effort. Neroli and I packed our gear and headed out to the jetty for 5am. We met the guys, they had been there since 4.30 and were keen to get going. As we headed out it was kind of strange to see the jetty from the water side. When the sun started climbing with all the pinks, purples and reds it was truly beautiful. The trip out into the blue water was pretty rough, but only by Derby standards, I hadn't taken a sea sickness tablet and didn't feel sick but maybe that was becasue I was riding up the front. Poor Neroli got ... read more

Week 7 is over and I can’t believe there is only 1 more week of 2011 Derby-life. It was always going to be a sad week, my good, good friends, Bec and Caitlyn left Derby on Tuesday. Their 1 yr Kimberly adventure was over and although I know there will be more friends next year, these girls were pretty special. We had jetty drinks and a proper family dinner on Tuesday night. Then they did the ‘leaving town’ ritual and gave away their entire pantry/unwanted items to X-ray Pete and me. Wednesday was almost unbearable as the temp climbed to beyond 44 degrees. I pretty much went insane- my poor class. Thursday was no better but at least we won our netball and volleyball games. On Friday I was thrown head first into the world of ... read more

Week three went so fast it seems like a bit of a blur. Monday was a bit of a slog after a lovely long weekend at Barn Hill. I was right back into it on Tuesday though. In fact, all this week I got to school around 6am and was quite productive getting report comments written. The other big thing which happened on Tuesday, was that it rained in Derby. The first of the wet season and right on time- being the 1st of November and all. We did a rain dance to celebrate, although it was short lived it was definitely appreciated. On Wednesday our team played netball and afterwards went out to tea together. I finally managed a decent couple of serves in volleyball on Thursday and we hit the Boab on Friday night. ... read more

With Week One finished already it's pretty hard to believe there are only 7 more weeks before I have to send my class onto bigger and better things. Of course, weather wise it was a scorching week and during the weekend I honestly felt like I was going to melt. There was no relief despite two consecutive forecasts for rain (now I really do sound like my dad). Friday night was pizza night at Jila before a free Pigram bother concert at he Spini. It was an earlish night and I was in bed by 12.30am Saturday I continued to melt and despite trying to get some reports started I failed. Too hot for work was what I told myself. Instead I aimlessly roamed the house and garden looking for cold spots which didn't actually exist. ... read more