Sorry about that!

I know I haven't blogged for quite a while. I think I have some legitimate reasons. You be the judge.

As you all know, I'm back at SFU again. I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life. Here I am trying to start up a new classroom, set up a performing arts program, arrange a musical (Pirates of Penzance is slated for this year), create a field study, not to mention complete all the data and research for that major presentation, write reports, meet with parents, and oh yeah, raise a teenager who has decided that English is a class not worth attending. My SFU course is so incredibly crazy I'm thinking that maybe I'm not cut out for this. However, it has to be done. I have now resolved myself to the fact that I now have no life (not that I ever did!).

On the plus side, I am learning a whole lot. If I didn't have to read so many irrelevant papers and comment on them, I might actually enjoy myself! I promise I'll try to be a good girl and post more often.

Thanks for listening!

Technological Guru...NOT!

I was trying to take a picture of Justine and her friend Kyle tonight and couldn't figure out what was wrong with the camera. Duh! It was on the video setting. I kept telling them they must be vampires since it wouldn't take a picture! Justine tried to help me and finally figured it out!

On Family Time

Two weeks at the lake...I have to admit I was kind of dreading it. Not the fact that we were at the lake, but the fact that one of us really didn't want to be there. Travelling with a 15 year-old is difficult when they do want to be there, but when they don't...Watch out! However, I was pleasantly surprised and we had a great time. We spent time on the dock in the sun; jumped off the boat in the middle of the lake; skiied; horse-back rode; playing games; reading; and best of all, laughing (usually at my expense). Not one complaint (okay, maybe one!). I'm sure glad I put my foot down and said she wasn't getting out of it. Not too many of these vacations are left. Where has the time gone?

Now she's off on her own adventure. I miss her.

The Importance of R&R

I recently returned from four days at our cabin on Green Lake. It has surprised me how refreshed and renewed I feel. Even though I spent a lot of time cleaning and organizing and doing other work, I managed to relax and rejuvenate through sleep, reading, and just being. As a result, I have been able to return home ready to tackle the ongoing issues that besiege my everyday life with energy and through refreshed eyes. I actually managed to wash my own home's floors today and still have energy to carry on into the evening. Imagine how I'll feel after another two weeks at the lake and then two weeks where I relinquish my troubles to others. That's the main thing I spent time reflecting on. I am certainly very blessed to have been born into a family where I don't have to do things on my own; where others will step in when the need arises and not judge; just be there. So in closing, I say to all those who are there for me; thank-you.

Homework; To Give or Not To Give

I have been giving a great deal of thought to homework lately. I have now been teaching a long time and do not see any academic advantage to giving homework. When you think about it, the 'smart' kids or 'high-achievers' are going to finish their work before leaving the classroom (or at lunch!). On the other hand, the students who habitually do not do their homework, never will. Does it do either them or me good to keep them from socialising to complete it? I think it punishes me more. Therefore, I think that next year, I am going to make a conscious effort not to give much homework. Perhaps, if I create really meaningful assignments, it will miraculously appear in my inbox anyways! Besides, I don't think the parents know how to do it anymore!

The Countdown Begins

I can't believe we only have 11 days of teaching left, if you can actually call it that! In those 11 days, one is activity day, one we're swimming at Spani Pool, one I'm taking the band and choirs to perform at Granville Island, one is talent show and one is the grade 8 leaving ceremony. Once again, this year has gone fast. Why is it that I never get done what I want to? There's so many things left to do. Oh, well; there's always next year.

That leads us into summer plans. I think some much needed rest will be happening at the cabin. It will be nice to sit on the deck or the dock (just change a vowel!) and watch the sun set. Oh; but wait! I think I need to work on SFU stuff while I'm there. Oh well; at least there's no internet! That leads me into August which might as well be September since I'm back to school for two weeks. The most difficult task of the summer will be keeping the teenager occupied and out of trouble. Luckily I have family to help.

So, next time I blog, hopefully it'll be about something mundane like sleeping instead of work!

Life in Festival Land

I know I haven't posted for awhile, but.....I've been busy. For the first time, I entered my performing groups in the Kiwanis Music Festival. I was very proud of their performances. My concert choir came home with a silver and my band with a bronze. The clinics that were given to the groups were very informative. However, the clinicians really didn't say anything that I hadn't already been harping at them about. I know that and the kids know that. Hopefully, hearing it from someone else (at a hefty price), will hit home. It will be interesting to see.

It was interesting to see and hear the types of groups entered in the festival. A number of my students remarked that everyone seemed to be from private schools. Hmmm...wonder what's going on here. In fact, after a conversation with one of the band clinicians, it came out that there were only two public school bands performing and go figure: both from Coquitlam. As far as the choirs go, there were only a handful of public schools competing out of a weeks worth of performances. Makes you think: what is happening to our public music system? Are we going the way of the dinosaur? I find it intriguing as I know there are excellent music programs in our district, yet so few take these opportunities. Yes, the festivals cost money. Yes, the preparation takes time. However, the benefits to the students far exceed the the cons. I think our students need to have the bar placed high for them. They need to know the discipline of preparing for such an event. I think that our music programs in the public system have become a little bit mickey-mouse (sorry to those of you in California!). Maybe that's why parents are removing their kids at alarming rates from our system and putting them in the private system. I definitely think that that's a scary way to go. Is all society moving to an elitist system? As public educators, we better pull up our socks and get out there. Our kids deserve these opportunities. Our kids are just as good or better then these have all institutions. We just need to give them a nudge.