If we were having coffee, I would greet you with a big smile as it has been a while since we have had coffee. I have no excuse for my lack of commitment except to say that the weekends have, for the last month or so, been a time when I have avoided any computer screens. I have instead been journaling and enjoying the creative process that this activity brings. This coming week, I will share a little of what I have done with you. It is a relaxing activity and one that reminds me of the hours I spent as a teenager drawing and practising my calligraphy.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that since our last chat I have been on a break from school as well as celebrated Christmas in the warm climate of the Dominican Republic. I am still sporting browner skin but the memory of the warm sun on my skin seems like a memory. Instead it has been cold in the city I live with icy winds, sleet, and snow.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I am back in my routine at school – the deadlines very quickly make a person feel as if a vacation hasn’t happened! On Friday we had a PA day on which we wrote report cards. As we are currently in strike action mode, we are not expected to spend hours crafting comments and inputting these into the system. Instead, we are recording grades on a class list. It makes for a less stressful and time-consuming experience.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that negotiations with the government have stalled and they are not negotiating in good faith. Up until today, we kept our fingers crossed that the situation would change. Alas, nothing has so we will walk out tomorrow. All schools in my school board will be closed and the teachers will be walking the picket line. Tomorrow is forecast to feel like -20c so I do not think it will be a pleasant experience! However, it is important for us to show solidarity and I am sure all of my colleagues will be with me in front of our school standing up for what is important.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I plan to spend some time reading this afternoon. For some reason, I am feeling tired this afternoon and will take the time to relax.
What would you tell me if we were having coffee?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020
(This post is linked to Eclectic Ali and the Weekend Coffee Share)
Glad the glow of Caribbean warmth is still working on you. Good luck with the negotiations and the stress that goes with it.
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Thanks Frank. I am lucky to work with people who are supportive. It can be stressful when your colleagues turn on one another.
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That’s important … good luck.
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Thank you.
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If we were having coffee – and I have many cups every morning – I would tell you that social media will always be there, whether you reach out daily or not! It’s great to have a nice vacation behind you and get you off to a positive 2020!
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It certainly got me in the right frame of mind for 2020!
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I’m sorry to hear things aren’t going well in your school system. We have some very serious problems in our systems here in the states — especially in my own state, and I can say without hesitation that I am glad I don’t teach for the public school system any longer. I also taught for three different private school systems over the years, and I’m even glad to be out of that. Now I serve as an adjunct instructor at a local college, and it’s much less stress in every way. I hope things go well for you is the next few weeks.
I also noticed that you had read my “Weekend Coffee Share” posted in the link on Eclectic Ali’s page, and when I saw it I realized that the date was from November. I went over and checked, and sure enough, somehow —- don’t ask me how —- I accidentally linked to a very old post. So I deleted that one and linked in the new one for this week. Thanks so much for reading and “liking” the other one, or I would never have noticed my mistake. 🙂
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The people in power want to slowly erode the good things about our system. Luckily we have quite a strong union so we are able to fight back. I am hoping that it will do some good.
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Is the strike action for pay or conditions, Colline? It’s not a pleasant situation to find yourself in and I always disliked it when I was involved. So soon the holiday atmosphere dissipates 😦
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It is for conditions Jo. The government wants to make class sizes larger, refuse to speak about the violence that is happening in the classrooms, and are cutting funding to support students who are at risk.
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In fact, everything possible to make a teacher’s life harder, at detriment to the pupils! 😦 😦
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Our point exactly. Instead of helping students, the cuts are putting more obstacles in their way while learning.
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Journaling sounds great. Can’t wait to see what you share from that activity.
We did Christmas in Mexico. It is such a nice way to spend the holidays. Thanks for the virtual coffee.
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Relaxing, isn’t it? And going to the resorts gives you the chance to take a true break – you don’t even make up the bed!
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I am so sorry you must go through a strike. Unfortunately it sometimes the only way to leverage attention and demand what is fair and right. Sending positive energies for mild weather, quick resolutions, and that you will return to your classroom soon.
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Thank you.
The walk out is for one day and we will be returning to class on Tuesday. We are following a rotating walkout schedule so other school boards will be walking out the rest of the week. Unfortunately it is cold at -18c 😦
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Best wishes with the negotiations – and god for you for taking breaks from computer screens – I have been trying to do that this month and at other times too…
Hope your reading went well…
😊
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Thank you. As for the reading – I got a good couple of hours in 😀
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Oh good – 😉
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If we were having a coffee I’d tell you about the woes at my football club. How some fans drift away while others are loyal. I’d try to smile but it would be a bit forced. Then I’d tell you about my efforts playing Truck simulator and how much fun the christmas event was – now that would make me smile 🙂
As an ex-Union officer with the CWU in the UK I’d express my solidarity with you and your colleagues – governments rarely negotiate in good faith 😦 Then I’d have to apologise for not being able to join you on the picket line. But I’d tell you some tales from our last period out on the cobbles over 30 years ago – and how much fun we had with the Police sent to ensure there was no trouble. The world was different back then!
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It certainly was! Unions are an important part of the working fabric and so many governments and corporate environments want to get rid of them for the gain of capitalism. I am lucky to be working with supportive colleagues and that does make for a better experience. Keep a look out for my post later on today in which I share a little of yesterday’s experience.
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