It has been a funny week at school...

Hi Readers,

Well it has been a fairly busy two weeks since I got back to work after my big layoff, and I must admit I have found it really tiring getting back into the swing of things.

Firstly, trying to prioritise the mountain of work that has built up still presents some huge worries for me, but I think I'm just about under control. On top of this are the problems, predicaments and queries that continually present themselves without warning.

I must share a little story with you that happened last week that just cracked me up.
There were two young brothers, aged about 6 and 7 who were going home early. They were sitting in the office area just outside the office I share with our other Deputy Principal.
I always like to go out and have a chat with any kids who are sitting in the office area for whatever reason as it gives me a better understanding of what is happening around the place, plus it is also a great way to build up relationships with the kids.

Anyway, these two boys were telling me that they were going home early as they were getting a new dog that day, and the whole family was going together to pick it up.
How good is that!!
They told me it was a border collie and her name was going to be Tully, and they were just so excited about the whole adventure. We then had a great chat about the dog, and I told them how we had a dog that was part border collie, and that they are just beautiful dogs.
Just as they were about to be collected, the younger brother then said excitedly, "And we are also going to go to Bali!"
To which his brother replied instantly, and with absolutely no expression, "No we're not. We are going to Tongala!".

For those readers who might not understand the humour in this, let me explain.
I presume you all know about Bali, and how it is a great holiday destination.
Tongala is a small dairy farming town about 120km from Bendigo, and has a population of 1 869 !!
Compare the two destinations and you'll understand why I barely contained my laughter!!
I didn't laugh in front of the boys, but just nodded approvingly, then left to go to another room to have a giggle and share the story with some colleagues.

Not many people would go to Tongala for a holiday I can tell you!!! (And if any reader is from 'Tonny', I am not being disrespectful, as my niece is a teacher there, and two of my sisters have taught there as well, so there is a connection!!

Tongala on a busy day!

The second thing that happened to me wasn't as funny, but looking back now I can see the funny side.

Some girls from Gr 3 came to the office area to tell me that 'There was a big mess in the girl's toilets'.
I just groaned, as I really do not look forward to cleaning the toilets with my weak stomach!
After questioning the girls about what the 'mess' actually was, it was soon clear that this one was high on the Richter scale!
Sometimes a 'mess' can be just some paper or water on the floor, but this one was a doozy, with 'stuff' all over the toilet seat and floor.
Great!!

I explained to the girls that they were to come with me to get any girls out of the toilets and to stay with me and hold the doors open. I also said that I would probably make lots of weird noises as the smells would get to me!!

So after donning the gloves and getting the mop and bucket, the cleaning of the cubicle began, and yes Readers, it was everywhere!!

I was holding the last bit of the end of the mop in outstretched hands and doing my best to get to every bit of the mess, my jumper pulled over my face and me continually gagging every time I looked at it or copped a whiff. Boy am I weak at times like this!!

And what made it worse was the two girls at each entrance holding the doors open and doing their best to not fall over from laughing so much!!!

The job was soon done and as we were leaving, one of the girls called out, "Hey Mr K, you missed a bit!!" Aaaarrghh!! I had to go back in again for another crack, same result from me gagging and the same result from the girls having a great old laugh at my expense.

I can look back on it now and have a laugh, and I can only begin to wonder what sort of stories those two girls shared with their families when they got home last Friday!!

After those two episodes at work I was sure that the rest of the weekend could only get better, and it did.

Today I went over to Colbinabbin (my home town, and not that far from Tongala!!) to do a bit of mowing, cleaning and spraying at our family home that is on the market after the passing of our brother who owned it.

The mowing was going fine, that is until the throttle snapped off, leaving me with no way of increasing or decreasing the power. To its credit, the old mower just kept plugging away and I soon had the job done. Turning it off was interesting, but I soon worked it out!

I then found that I was running ahead of time, and speaking of running, I went down to the local football ground that has just been totally resurfaced at high cost to get a bit of exercise while I could.

The surface was just magnificent, and I had a great workout doing some stride throughs and just remembering the countless hours I had spent as a youngster watching football at this ground, and then playing on it myself. The work that the community has put in to get this job done has been huge, and it does not surprise me a bit as it was just an amazing place to grow up in.

Not only did I relish the opportunity for a bit of a run, having the whole oval to myself just brought back so many memories over many, many years.

The Colbinabbin Football Oval

So many memories of playing on this great venue.

So this week will be the first full week of work I will have done in more than two months, so it will be interesting to see how the energy levels go.

I'm also hoping for some clear days so that I can ride my new bike to school, as I haven't ridden it for a WHOLE WEEK !!!

I was just about to ride it last Friday, only to remember that I needed the car as I had to take a school banner to a printing company to get altered, and it would be somewhat difficult riding a motorbike and carrying a banner that is 1 metre wide and 8 metres long!!

As you can see, my new bike is a much better option than my previous one. The extra 550 cc's might have something to do with that!! Still, the Yamaha on the left served me well, making me well and truly ready for the much bigger and heavier Suzuki Boulevard.

That's about it for tonight Readers. My football team (Richmond) got well and truly pasted tonight in the clash between the two unbeaten teams. The gap between my team and Adelaide could not have been any bigger, we have a lot of work to do!!

Until my next post...

Cheers!

Back to Work after a long holiday...sort of !!

Hi Readers,

Well as most of my regulars would know, I have been laid up at home for the past 7 weeks after a little health hiccup, but am now back on track and trying to become the Bionic Man again!! It will just take time!!

For that reason, I have found it incredibly difficult to find anything to write about, because really, who wants to know about my day on the couch in front of the tv day after day???

At least during the past week and a half I have picked up a lot and actually got the all clear from my doctor to start leading a more somewhat meaningful existence.

This meant that I was permitted to have a beer, so I wanted to make sure that the moment was special, so what could be better than waiting for a game of football on tv!!

I can tell you that I really enjoyed it, as leading up to it I was able to get out and run up and down a few nearby hills, as I was given the all clear to begin exercise again!!

I think this is what I have missed most, and let me tell you, I pulled up rather stiff after such a prolonged period of inactivity.

Looking rather pensive while having my first sip in a long time.

Over the past 7 weeks I have watched the yard get messier and messier as the gum trees drop leaves, twigs and in some cases, large branches. It really bugs me when the yard is messy, but raking it takes up to 4 hours.

My solution? Get the blower vac out!! All done in just over an hour!! 

Winner!!!!!!

 Now for my big coup over the holidays. Years ago I owned a smaller motorbike, but sold it when the boys were on their Learner plates.
For years I have always wanted to get another bike, and one that was a bit bigger and more stable, and recently this dream was fulfilled.
I originally had my eyes on a different model of bike, but when I went to inspect it the owner would not let me have a test ride as he didn't have it insured. He lived on a remote bush block, and when I asked if I could just ride it around his paddock, he still refused. I know he was within his rights, but should I buy something I haven't tested? I didn't.
Plus, there was just something about the height of it that didn't feel safe with me, as I couldn't plant my feet flat on the ground when standing it up. So, I was disappointed to have to pull out of the sale a day before it was due to go through, and boy, was he unhappy, hanging up on me when I rang to tell him I was not going to buy it.

I then contacted the bloke who was second on my list and he was just great. He couldn't have been more helpful and agreeable. He even let me test ride it, and two days later it was mine (and it was
$1 000.00 cheaper than the other one!!)
It is a Suzuki Boulevard 800cc. My feet sit flat on the ground when it is standing, which is important when handling a heavy bike like this.
I have been out for quite a few rides over the past few days and just love the freedom it offers.
Also, when riding it, there are no distractions such as radios, and the smells that float into one's helmet are amazing.
There is still however the constant threat of accidents, and I always ride with two things in my mind that have stuck with me when I first got my motorbike licence years ago...

If they can't hit you they can't hurt you.

Ride like you are invisible.

Just two simple instructions that are so important, especially as so many motorcyclists are getting killed or injured of late, and I'm right in that demographic.

I won't ride in the wet if I can help it, and I won't carry a pillion passenger.

Having said all that, I'm just loving having it!!

Finally, today was bittersweet in a number of ways.

Our middle son, Will, has realised his dream of travelling to Canada to work for a year, and taking a year off his university studies where he is doing an Outdoor Recreation Degree.

He is a very 'outdoorsy' sort of person and loves camping, hiking and being outdoors. So where better to do this than in Canada!!

It was a very early trip to Melbourne this morning to get him to the airport, getting up at 3.30 am, and endeavouring to both be back in Bendigo for the start of the new school term.

We had a great chat all the way to the airport, but as soon as we got there the traffic was manic, so our goodbyes were more rushed than I would have liked.

But then again, if they took longer I would have been a teary mess as the older I get the more emotional I become at seeing the boys leave for extended periods, as I miss them so much.

Guess I'm just a big softy, but I make no apologies for that, I just love my boys so much.

The next adventure ahead of us now will happen later this year when Jen and I (and we don't know if Lachie will come or not yet) travel to Canada to visit Will, and then continue on to London to visit our eldest, Sam, who has been there for nearly 3 years.

An expensive way to keep seeing our boys but I have no qualms about doing it if it means more time with them.

Plus I just love to travel too!!!

I was lucky enough 5 years ago to visit the part of Canada that Will is heading to, so I'm really looking forward to showing Jen some of the places that I keep talking about.

Canada by far has some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

Jen making sure Will has all that he needs.

He just wants to get the show on the road.

One last shot with mum...

And one with dad.

And just to finish off Readers, as I was coming home last night I drove past a McDonald's store not far from our place. Will loves their McFlurry ice creams, so I thought I'd get him one and put it in the freezer as a surprise for his last night at home.

Only trouble was, I forgot to tell him and only remembered it tonight, so younger brother Lachie got the spoils. And wasn't he impressed! I'm sure he liked it more because it was meant for Will, more than the dubious nutritional content!!

No doubt when Will returns home next year he will chase Lachie up for a replacement!!

That's it for tonight Readers, I've gone way past the time I said I was going to stay up until, since we rose at 3.30 this morning, so it's off to the land of nod for me.

The rest of the week is busy, ending with me having to go to Melbourne for yet more tests in order to get a blood clotting issue sorted out. If I'm jumping on planes for even more long trips later this year, the last thing I need to be worrying about is another DVT!!!

So Readers, until my next post...

Cheers!!

Holidays Again...

Hi Readers,

Well I am now into my 2nd day of holidays, and we have the next two weeks off school.
For the first time in many years, it doesn't feel like holidays at all, as I have spent the last 5 weeks sitting on the couch at home, save for 3 half days I spent at school a week or two ago.

Usually there is a build of excitement as the holidays approach, but I didn't feel it this time as I had been away from work for so long.

For some new readers who are wondering what on earth I'm banging on about (I noticed some new ones from France, Switzerland and Sweden this week, Welcome, I hope you stick with me!!) I got sick after having a bad reaction to some medication for arthritis that attacked my liver.

So, after three weeks at home I thought I'd be okay to do some half days at work, but I quickly discovered even these were wearing me out, even though I wasn't working in classes, just doing admin work.

I had an appointment with my doctor in Melbourne and when she heard I Had been doing half days she very quickly (and sternly!) advised me that she did not think this was a good idea as some of the levels in my liver went up a bit as a result. These are the enzymes that make me sick if the level gets too high.

This meant back on the couch for the rest of the school term, about 8 days, and now I have two weeks of holidays to complete the recovery.

So what does one learn after being on a couch for 5 weeks?

I have had work from school that I can do from home, so that has kept me busy to an extent.
I have also done a bit of reading, but I just don't seem to have the concentration span to keep at it for extended periods.
One book in particular that has kept my interest has been the one pictured here.

I have read it before, but there are sections that I keep coming back to that are quite inspiring, and I really wish more teachers had the opportunity to read it.

There is a lot of focus on making changes to your teaching, but of course, we cannot make people change, they have to want to change.

Then there is watching TV.  I have become an absolute expert on this, to the point where the highlight of my day comes at 10.00 each morning where I watch one of my favourite all time shows, 'The Amazing Race'.

Why do I love it so much? Maybe because we have travelled a lot over the past 5-6 years and I love seeing places where we have been. Plus, I just love the physical challenges that they have to accomplish, it's just the competitive aspect that appeals to me.

Imagine my dismay when I watched nearly a complete series and it came down to the final two episodes, but these were being shown on the days when I went back to school for my half days!

Never mind I thought, I'll just catch up online!

Fat Chance! I searched and searched, only to find that these two episodes were not online, and I had become totally engrossed in this series!!

I'm now halfway through another series, and hoping that I get to the end of it successfully!!

The other thing Ive been watching a lot is not necessarily a show, but a particular station.

It's called 'The Food Network', and it basically shows all sorts of cooking shows and short doco's made by people who travel the world experiencing food cultures.

Once again, it similarly feeds my travel interests as it is often filmed in places where we have been.

For instance, last week there was a piece on Portugal, where we travelled in January this year, and it was just great to see so much of Lisbon again, I could recognise so many of the landmarks and it just brought back so many memories of such an amazing place.

Especially the piece that explored the history of these tarts that are sold everywhere in Lisbon. I tried them and fell instantly in love with them. Luckily we were only there for a few days, otherwise I would not have been able to squeeze in the plane when we left!!

My wife went out to do the groceries during the week, and came in smiling, saying she had a surprise for me.

The supermarket near us has just had a major renovation, and a new bakery has been included.

And this bakery makes these pastries!!!

She brought one home for me, it was beautiful, but I told her we should stick with the originals, and head back to Portugal again!!!

There have been numerous other shows and documentaries that I've watched, but often it is just mind numbing time and I hardly pay attention.

I tried to do a few movies, but after 15 minutes or so I switch off as I just can't seem to concentrate on them long enough, which is a bit of a joke in our house, as I can never seem to sit still long enough to watch one, as I'm forever getting up to do something!!

One thing though that I have noticed, is that I think I will find it slightly challenging getting out of the routine I have got into over the past 6 weeks, spending so much time alone on the couch all day just watching tv and sleeping on and off. It does sound relaxing, but I like to keep active, but have been told by my doctors to do strictly nothing but rest.

I think my wife is a tad jealous as she heads off to work each day and I'm still snoozing away in bed, but at least she comes home to a cooked dinner each night. Nearly!

My poor old running shoes and gear is still in the car waiting for me to don them and get some exercise in, my absolute passion. It has been tough following the doctor's instructions, but I know very well if I don't, then I'll be out of action for even longer.

One of the other things I like to do is browse Twitter.

I only follow educational sites, or people connected to education and there are so many great things out there and people to learn from.

A real coincidence occurred last night.

This time last year I was overseas on a scholarship to Finland and the UK to look at schools, in particular ones involved with Project Based Learning.

One school in particular, Hartsholme Academy in Lincoln left a lasting impression on me and I must have posted a few photos about it last year. The team of teachers they have there do amazing things, and the Principal, Carl Jarvis is an inspirational leader, as is the rest of his leadership team and staff.

Now, back to Twitter.

Someone who I follow from the U.S. is a bloke named Kevin Honeycutt, who has great ideas that also resonate with me.

Now the coincidence!

Last night I see that Kevin posted some of the photos that I took at Hartshome Academy, so he too must be as impressed with the place as I was.

Thanks Kevin!!

This is the ultimate playground, where the kids constantly get wet and dirty. They really play!!

We have become so protective in our schools here that there is no way we would be allowed to have this, despite how much I just love it, and wish we could do it!!

With Carl Jarvis, 2nd from left.

What the rest of the holidays will bring is anyone's guess, but we will be making the most of the time we have left with one of our boys who is leaving in two weeks to spend the rest of the year working in Canada. Our house will be empty which will be weird.

That means we will have one son in London, one in Canada and the youngest at Uni in Melbourne, who we don't see a lot as he works down there when not at Uni.

Looks like a trip later this year to Canada!!!

That's about it for today, it is always quite therapeutic tapping away on new posts. It is not about finding the time to do it, it's about making the time to do it!!

Plus, as I see the number of people taking time to read my ramblings, I start to feel guilty if I leave it too long between posts.

So Readers,

Until my next post...

Cheers!