This year has been an interesting one for me already. For the first time since my first year of teaching I have wondered once or twice whether or not I have bitten off more than I can chew. I have the same classes as last year (minus some BYTES periods) and I have taken on the organisation of two other programs. This leaves me in charge of the programs from Year 7-9 and has given me the opportunity to execute organisation on a scale not seen by me before! I decided that since I will be getting married next year and might need some time off for a honeymoon, that this year I would cram it choccas with extra responsibilities. So add to my 7-9 programs my membership on Curriculum Committee, Managment Committee and School Council as well as involvement in our Building Futures bid, and leadership restructure and you can see that I am a girl that spends very little time at home. So little in fact that I actually missed the VCE formal (I have been to every one since I started teaching) because I wanted to have one night in two weeks where I was home before 9.30.
Having said that, I feel that despite the stress and the new challenges that are coming with this year, there are great personal rewards. I am enjoying the new challenge (although it sometimes makes it hard to go to sleep at night) and I am enjoying the number of new skills I am learning this year. I am loving the people I am working with and the feeling that I am making a difference. I am enjoying the feeling of renewal as the school welcomes it's former AP as Principal and some long over-due changes are made. I like the feeling that the school is looking towards the future, and not just concerned with maintenance. I like being a part of this.
A recent PD on wellbeing allowed me to make a change in my diet and a new gym membership has seen me take some time out from my schedule for myself - to ensure that I am happy and healthy and feel good about myself. I was hoping to get rid of my pot belly in time for the wedding and I am now well on the way! This year has also made me realise the importance of having this time to myself and looking after myself. When work is taking up the majority of your time and your headspace you need to make sure that you are at least attempting a balanced lifestyle.
I have also started a new organisational regime that may sound somewhat like a cult but involves an almost sickening affection for my newly acquired brother p-touch labeller. I am organising myself in a way that I have not before - with the help of the aforementioned labeller and many a manilla folder. Now I just need a filing drawer in my new office and I will be the most organised I have ever been in my life. It is a great feeling to take control - especially when there is so much going on that a small break in the chaos allows you to get back on your feet again. I am looking forward to the holidays. Partly because i will be able to rest and regroup but mainly because it will give me an opportunity to get my head above water and get myself up to date with all of my work without people giving me more work to do. Regardless of what happens I am enjoying the new opportunities and I feel like this year, like all that have come before it so far, will be bigger and better than the last.
