Do Something Funny For Money!

Eager to live up to the motto of this year's Comic Relief/Red Nose Day event and of course help my school raise lots of money for a good cause, I decided to do a few funny things in aid of charity.

I have long wanted to learn and perform in a version of 'Thriller' and I managed to persuade several colleagues and students to join me. It took me a couple of hours to teach myself the choreography and then a few rehearsals to teach to others. We were the final act at the charity concert and I'm proud to say that we brought the house down. (I also sang Peggy Lee's 'Fever' with another teacher, sorry no pictures and definitely no video footage!)

Not content with the effort made on Thursday evening, I made the decision to go to work on Friday wearing pyjamas! I taught a full day's lessons wearing them, much to the amusement of colleagues and students alike. I have to say, that I felt incredibly comfortable and think that this may well be the way forward in dressing for work!

On an important note, I managed to raise some money for charity and help make a difference to a few people. I'm able to accept post-event sponsorship, so if you feel you are able to give anything send me an e-mail and I'll point you in the direction of my donation page.

Snow Day

Yesterday I crossed my fingers for snow, not enough to cause destruction, but enough to cause a day off work. I wasn't completely surprised to wake this morning and find a blanket of snow covering everything, it had been forecast over a week ago; but the forecasters don't always get it right, do they?

I have a policy of not driving in these conditions if I can help it and called upon the services of The HoF who lives close to me. I was hoping that he would take my suggestion to call work and say we couldn't get in, but he insisted on picking me up and driving in. To cut a long story short, we didn't make it very far; driving at two miles per hour in thick snow seemed to help him make sense of the situation. I was back home and playing in the snow in no time. At about the same time I discovered that my school had been shut and I needn't have bothered trying to get there in the first place!

Me and my Sons had a snowball fight and built a snowman, although I was only able to stay outside for periods of ten minutes before needing to defrost myself inside. Our efforts were rewarded when we found out that our respective schools will be closed tomorrow too. Just what are we going to do!

Hot Tickets

Having been given twenty five free tickets for the production of Othello, starring Ewan McGregor, I was tempted to sell one or two when I heard how sought after they were. Of course, it was just a momentary thought and we all enjoyed the performance and the post show talk with Ewan (this bit particularly engaged the students and staff!). I was surprised to read this article as I felt that McGregor gave an energised and focused portrayal of Iago; on the whole I felt the production was well cast, particularly the leads. I am by no means a fan of Shakespearean plays (usually falling asleep), but I managed to last the distance of this show. I have seen some terrible shows in my time and have walked out of several; this one was by no means on a par with them.
IMHO, if you can get a ticket, it's worth a visit.

"Aah Miss, your hair looks sick"

I'd better start by explaining that sick means bad when bad means good.

To be honest I thought my student was taking the mickey out of me when she said this; after all I think my hair looks a mess at the moment. She told me that she liked the way my hair had a nice afro shape to it and I explained that said afro look was due to the fact that my roots need 'doing'. She finished by saying "come on Miss, your hair looks really nice, I like it more than I did before and I really liked it then". At this point I smiled and thanked her.

Who was I to argue, after all, I like it more now than I did before.

However there is no denying the fact that my hair needs to be done. I have no time at the moment to do it myself and can't seem to get an appointment with my hairdresser. With another show on at work in a few weeks, I can see it being Easter before I get my hair sorted!

There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us

And today, for me, my colleagues and our students, somewhere, was back at school. It always a strange experience, the first day we go back after being at the theatre for two weeks. (A person can be fooled into believing they actually work in a theatre and that they are not really a teacher!). It is such an intense, demanding, but at the same time very rewarding experience; bonds are formed amongst all involved. And then it ends and it's back to normality; students and staff alike, spend the first day or two walking around school looking very lost.

The production of West Side Story was a huge success and the students received some fabulous feedback. It is perhaps, one of the most difficult musicals to stage; the score is very complicated (no easy thing to follow when choreographing) and there are some difficult songs too. The decision next year's 'big' production has not been made as yet and probably won't be until early in the new year.
In the meantime, we have auditions this week for two new productions that will take place at school, including Bugsy Malone (another one of my favourites) for students in years 7.8 and 9.

Oh yes , the bag; it's my marking bag and I'm starting to fill it up with work to do over the Christmas holiday!

The Palace, Royal Nuptials and lots of rain

I had a great time at the Palace of Westminster on Monday. The launch of the production went extremely well and our enjoyment wasn't spoilt by the erratic weather we experienced. The students were very excited by the fact that we were just across the road from the wedding anniversary celebrations of The Queen and Prince Phillip. We had to drive through the media frenzy and the students were all trying to spot the VIPs entering Westminster Abbey. Inside The Palace of Westminster, our champagne reception lunch was followed by performances from the students and speeches from MPs and our very own VIPs.
The picture in my anniversary post, was taken on the terrace of the Palace (between thunder storms!), which overlooks The River Thames.

The bigger picture

Anonymous recently asked what had happened to me as I haven't been blogging with my usual frequency. Let me just say that I was touched that you had noticed and had missed me, Anon. :-). I am currently very busy with my school's production, which will be launched next week at The Palace of Westminster. The picture in my previous post is of me messing around on the set of the show; a few of the characters enter into a scene through a manhole and being me, I just had to test it out (I picked up the hard hat and drill on my way, to amuse my colleagues when I emerged!). Things are going to plan with the show and as of next week my job changes slightly and I, along with my colleagues and the students, am based at the theatre. We rehearse the show in situ, finalise lights and other technical aspects and then have a dress rehearsal. The following week the students perform eight shows in five days; it is a very gruelling task, but also an amazing experience for them.

These are a few more shots taken of the set (excuse my strange looking eyes, I haven't quite mastered red eye reduction on Picasa!).

1) I am having a very important meeting (probably about where to go for lunch) with my colleague Will, who is also the show's director.

2) The bridge is being strengthened - it gets used a lot so it's vital that it's completely safe.

3) I'm relaxing in 'Maria's apartment'.

4) Parks and I, in the orchestra pit, which doubles as an exit during the rumble.

Generous benefits included

I was talking to a friend recently about job perks; as you know the biggest perk to my job is thirteen weeks a year in holiday. Apart from the fact that I also work in a good school with great students (oh yes, and I have a good pension) that is about it. Unless I moved to a job in private education, my benefits would pretty much remain the same, no matter which school I taught in. However, if I changed industry, I could benefit from a little of this. Am I thinking about changing career? No. Will I send my headteacher a copy of the article? We'll see!

I like to be in America

Although I am now on holiday from work, I was at school today rehearsing. We have a very big show on in a few weeks (can you guess what it is?) and I still have some choreography to finish. The students were in good spirits considering they're supposed to be relaxing at home, and we managed to get alot done. Actually, I had some help from Brunsli and Breadfruit, who helped me to choreograph the prologue in Italy!

Cioccolato bianco

I met up with my friend and her husband for lunch today; it was great because the weather was nice and we were able to dine Al Fresco. They both helped to lift my spirits; as you know I haven't been feeling well this week and I had to take the day off work on Friday. I rarely take time off and usually push myself through whatever is ailing me at the time.

Over lunch we discussed all of the things we have in common and then we hit a wall; she doesn't like white chocolate. How could this be? I love white chocolate and would absolutely take it over plain, or worst still, dark chocolate, anytime. I'm sure that my friend would have it banned, although I'm convinced my white chocolate cheesecake could change her mind!
Perhaps I'll have to make it for her the next time we meet up...

The holiday is over

One last glance at the summer!

Yes folks, I have finally returned to work and boy was it struggle returning to the call of the 6am alarm. It was a relatively easy day with only the staff there; students start to returning tomorrow. I've had a look at my timetable and have realised that I don't teach my first lesson until Thursday; so I can continue in holiday mode for a couple of days. Who am I kidding? I have a mountain of work to do and little time for relaxation.

"Light" reading - update

I spent more time snoozing in the sun in Egypt, than I did reading for work! So I now have just over a week to get through everything; even though I've had nearly six weeks to get this done. There is something about the long summer holiday that makes me a little lazy and I just find it so difficult to get back into work mode. But I'm trying, really I am...

A little "light" reading for my trip

As you all know, I have been on holiday from work for nearly three weeks now. I have done my best to avoid doing anything work related and bar answering a few important e-mails, I've managed so far. But, I knew the time would come when I'd have to give in; I have a few plays and two new exam specifications to familiarise myself with. So, I'm thinking I will take some of them away with me. I know, I know, I shouldn't take work away with me, but my goodness the school holiday is nearly over! If I wait untl I get back I will only have two weeks left and will end up cramming; that would too stressful. While I'm away I don't plan to do much more than chill by the pool or at the beach; perfect reading time. I think I'll take the plays and leave the exam specs at home; save the deep stuff until I return relaxed and refreshed!

I was back at work today

Yes, I am on holiday but I had to pop in and collect a few things I'd left behind last Friday. Amongst them were some cards and gifts from students and colleagues; I am looking forward to opening the bottles, but slightly worried about all of the chocolate!
The cards really overwhelmed me; it's always humbling to be told that the things you do are appreciated and that you have made a difference in the lives of others.

Golf Crazy

Well, the end of the year has arrived and I can now enjoy a six week holiday from work!

As is the norm at the end of each term, lots of socialising took place. We started of with a bbq at school and then headed down to the golf course I blogged about a while back. We played a few rounds of crazy golf before heading to the driving range; I have to admit that there hasn't been any real improvement in my driving skills. The evening was finished off with drinks and junk food at a local drinking establishment.

Fair Verona

Most of our last day was spent in Verona; we walked about taking in the beautiful Italian architecture. A little time and a little money was spent in the designer shops and of course we stopped for some ice-cream. We than headed to the place we had all been looking forward to seeing, Juliet's House.







The small passageway that leads to Juliet's balcony is covered with messages of love left by those who have visited; of course I left one of my own. It was a little gross to see that some people had left their message s on chewing gum!

All of the students were really excited to see the balcony and quickly got engrossed in conversations about what had happened to her and Romeo.

I joined the crowd waiting to have their pictures taken with the statue. Men are meant to touch her right breast and make a wish and women are meant to touch her arm.

Pedalo, Poolside and Party

Back to the lake, but this time to a place where you could actually get into the water or relax on the 'sand'. Parks and I had 14 students with us and one of them spotted the pedalos; It was only six euros for half an hour, so we decided to hire some.

It was another scorcher of a day and the students wasted no time and were soon going down the slides on the pedalos and into the lake. I, on the other hand wasn't that brave and opted to help with the pedalling!

Back at the hotel, we had a few hours to spend by the pool before dinner; after the bad weather we had in the UK last week, we were all making the most of the sun.
It was our final night and a disco had been arranged for the students (and staff!); after eating, they got themselves dressed up and danced the night the away. At least until I made them go to their rooms and start packing!

Venezia

I think that Venice is a wonderful place; having been there before, I jumped at the chance to take my students. The journey from our hotel was about two hours and the students took this as an opportunity to catch up on their sleep. Before we left the UK I 'd checked the weather forecast and we knew that it was going to be another scorcher of a day.
When we left the coach we were taken to St.Mark's Square by water taxi and it was then that they began to appreciate Venice's uniqueness. Prior to that, I think they envisaged it as a city surrounded by water that had proper roads and streets within it.

St. Mark's Square

On my previous visit to Venice I didn't get the chance to go on a Gondola; this time Parks, OP, The Hawk and I decided to share one. We were supposed to take it turns to sit in the 'love' seat, but I was too nervous to stand up whilst we were moving so Parks and I had it for the entire ride!
Our Gondolier, Sebastian, was fantastic and spoke perfect English (although he didn't think so); he also sang very well.

Lakes, Lounging and Log Flumes

We started Tuesday off with a visit to the Lake; it was stunning and the blazing sunshine was an added bonus. Lake Garda stretches through several towns and we were visiting Lazise.We arrived just as the shops were starting to open and lots of the students began their spending sprees there! There were lots of beautiful sights to see and many pretty little side streets to stroll down.

After our time at the Lake the students had another dance workshop to attend; we then headed back to our hotel for lunch. There were a couple of hours to relax by the pool and take in some more sun before heading to Gardaland Theme Park. Now I really do love going on rides and was slightly disappointed by the log flume, which moved slowly and only had two small drops. We were at the park until it closed at midnight; we enjoyed the parade and the laser show before leaving.

No sleep till...

well, not for a very long time; in fact I ended up going for about 43 hours without sleeping.
I made it to school for 4:30am to meet everyone; I decided that there was no point in going to sleep and kept myself awake by watching ridiculous tv programmes and drinking coffee! We had the coach loaded and ready to go in no time at all and were soon on our way to the airport. There were tears from some of the students (and some parents) as we left, but the mood was generally good considering the time. When we arrived in Italy, we were met by our guide and made our way to the hotel for lunch. We were staying 10 minutes away from Lake Garda and the hotel had a lovely, quiet location. Part of the itinerary was for the students to participate in 5 dance workshops; they had the first one after lunch. We returned to the hotel hoping to make use of the pool; but before you could say bikini, it was raining. Rain turned to hailstones and the next thing we knew it was a storm; sun loungers were being blown around the pool and then the electricity went out. I couldn't believe it; surely not another holiday with terrible weather.
Thankfully, it cleared up and we were able to enjoy the evening dining Al Fresco at the Pizzeria. The night was rounded off watching films; I stopped off to speak to some locals on my way down to the cinema.