Runaways, Visitors, and a new friend!

Today, one of my worst teaching fears came to fruition. During my year 3/4's weekly "golden time" (free time) three of my students planned a successful escape from school. I have to say that it was well-organized, thoughtful, and was executed seamlessly. I believe that two of them were the brains behind the job and the third was merely recruited for his height, as the door has a lock on the top that couldn't be reached by either of the other two. The rule goes that if you can track a rogue beast, er, a runaway student I mean, you must. If not, call the police. The escapists were, in fact, trackable and so half the staff was running amuck through the narrow streets of St. Mary Cray, South London, trying to wrangle them back to the school. The fear was, that it was nearly time to go home and that there would be a lot of traffic, but thankfully, one returned by his own accord (the tall one, who clearly didn't know what he had gotten himself into but soon realized the severity of his actions) and after some frantic phone calls the other two were found safely at home with their fathers who didn't seem to give a care that their sons were out galavanting instead of at school. Anyway, nothing surprises me anymore and I try not to let my heart rate flicker much, or else, I'd already be dead.

Tomorrow my mother and Aunt Eunice are arriving from Canada. I am so very excited to see them both and have some family come to see me. I will be working the majority of the time, but will have two weekends and all evenings with them, so it will be lovely! They've got each other to explore the city with so I wont feel so bad going off to bring home the bacon! I might actually drag them both to south London to see where I work. I can always use the extra hands and bodies (even just to barricade the door!!) Also, ironically, this Sunday happens to be Mother's Day in the UK, so what perfect timing!

Most people would agree that London is a melting pot of cultures. There are little pockets of ethnicities clinging to each other all around the city, and the Canadian population here seems to be no different. When we meet, we stick together. Well, I've met someone that I've been stuck to during most of my spare time lately! Hailing from just outside Fredericton, NB, a secondary school history and phys. ed teacher, is a fantastic guy called Barret (I sing him "Barret's Privateers" quite often, so if that's what you thought of, go for it. He loves it..*note the sarcasm) It's really nice having someone around with the same career to understand the daily grind, complain to, laugh and work out problems with. I also kick his rear end in scrabble, which gives me great pleasure! However, he holds his own and takes GREAT pleasure in beating me in just about everything else, from bowling to frisbee and everything in between. Here is a picture from his birthday last weekend!

Anyway, as always, I hope all is well back home in whatever you all may be up to. I hear it's been warm! That's fantastic!

I will try to post while my Mum and Aunt are here - until then - stay safe, lots of love,

xxx amy xxx