Last day at school today.
May be my last day ever (refer to whichever thread I wrote in re changing from being on sick-leave to actively seeking work).
So why is this a happy thread?
Because so many children came up to tell me they'd miss me. And this is assuming I'll still be there next year in the class they are leaving.
And I had a five minute chat with Katelynn's Mum on the way in about how K was always coming home and saying, "Mrs O did this and Mrs O said that" etc.
And Grace - who is moving to another school next year - cried and hugged me and asked if I could go to her school too.
And when I was walking home I fell into step with Luke's Dad who immediately knew who I was and thanked me for the gift bags I gave out for my birthday earlier this month, and also said L spoke highly of me.
And I even got some cards and a few prizes! Unexpected and closely treasured. The real thrill is the fact I am just a (two day!) volunteer who these parents have never met and they can only have had my name from the children. A box of chocs here and there isn't all that much, but having touched a child's life briefly is amazing.
If I am not in paid work in September I will be back with a new class.
The good thing is that that's the nature of schoolwork.
I'd rather go to a new school and get paid than remain where I am unpaid - of course!
But if that's not an option I have to figure out a way to work and not give up my voluntary commitments (I've been provisionally accepted as a volunteer by the Girl Guide movement - that's evenings so I can do it whatever else happens)
So it's all good; one way I'll be volunteering in a school rated "outstanding" by OFSTED and knowing that they value me, the other way I'll be back working for a living and improving my life and hopefully back in school at some point.
|