Histories - 1/8/2002

have been trying to be conscientious as a form teacher to find out a little more about the class and where they're coming from and realised that the class does have quite a lot of baggage from the previous year. Lots of misunderstanding and miscommunication that was allowed to fester and left unchecked I guess, would characterise the situation best. Am not entirely sure as to how to proceed - I guess I'll try to get to know the class as individuals and hopefully help resolve these conflicts. Yet at the end of the day - it's really up to the kids - whether or not they want to grow up and learn how to get a grip on their emotions.

Was most pleased to meet many from last year who having started first week of lessosn in JC had the time and heart to come to RV to slouch around and say Hi to their teachers and their juniors. I'm glad they're getting into the swing of things at JC and seem to be enthusiastic - showing me timetables and notes - I mean - they used to throw those handouts away! I guess the new life in JC does cause one to suddenly realise that a whole new level of responsibilty and commitment is required.

Found out some news about the vacancies at PJ - apparently they've been filled. Need to get more details and then see which doors will open.

Tommorrow - another day of Comprehension Answers (the quickest way to kill interest in the Subject ...) and a desperate attempt to recover a Sec 2 Lit class (I think I lost them somewhere in the middle of First period Monday). Actually - it's quite a bummer that I only get to see Lit classes twice a week - can hardly build any rapport or teach anything concrete. They should just allow kids to opt for subjects in Sec 1. A thought: in lower sec - they do 3 humanz and 1 science; in upper, they do up to 3 sciences .... Sadly the system eradicates the probability of kids doing Lit just when they start becoming mature enough to get the subject. I think only when they've been through some difficult friendships, had to work through their own emotions, suffered setbacks, experienced anxiety and (of course) fallen hopelessly "in love", then they're ready for some thinking about WORDS WORDS WORDS.