School Awaits the Students

Hello blog readers,

So it's been a week since I've moved back into Macau.  The weather is predictably sticky and uncomfortable.  We have quite the collection of new staff this year and it's made getting to know everyone a little more challenging.  It is a long year ahead, so I still do have plenty of time to get to know the people I work with.

It's been a busy week what with getting the classroom sorted out and also moving into the new apartment.  The weekday has mostly consisted of going to school for some meetings and then time in the classroom to set up.  It has been a bit busier than would be expected for a 3rd year teacher, with a move to the new classroom.  At the end of most days, I'd either headed back to the old apartment to carry over some loose items to the new apartment or go into town to get some errands done.  So all in all not a particularly exciting week.

This year, with a new setting, I have made an effort to pay more mind to the aesthetics of my space.  Below are a couple of pictures at my attempts to make my classroom look nice.  Keep in mind, that I'm definitely NOT the most creative or thoughtful when it comes to making a setting visually attractive so all in all this isn't a bad effort.

In two days time, the students arrive and the fun will really begin.  While I have taught this group, it doesn't make the first day of school completely anxiety free.  I suppose the first day of school is always filled with some anxiety and definitely not just from the students' side.  Teachers, even veteran ones can also be quite anxious, and I'd like to think that this is a good thing because it means we care to make a good impression with the kids and do our part in ensuring that they have a successful year. 

Check back soon to hear about the first week of classes!

DNA, Periodic tables, and science bumper stickers.  All systems go for a year in Gr. 9 science.

My "expression" board with some meaningful things to me.  Sadly I couldn't use one of the new jerseys I designed because then the girls wouldn't have enough to jerseys for their matches :P

I had a nightmare of a time trying to keep the algebra and geometry blocks stuck to the wall.  Double-sided tape to the rescue.