The New Year and the New Start

And so it begins... again.
I have officially started another year of teaching what I consider to be the best subject in the world.
I've been out of the game for a while, having left my last job at the end of June, and spending the fall in Canada preparing for my move across the ocean.
But I'm here now, and pleased to be back into it.

Starting at a new school is never easy. I suppose that's as true for teachers as it is for students. There are new names to learn (students and staff), new procedures to become familiar with, new systems to sort out, new buildings to explore, new... well, everything. The first year in any new job is the most difficult for a teacher. I know that I am not established at Wanganui High School, and will have to spend time and effort "establishing" my presence. The students don't know me. What they do know (and something of which I am very aware) is that I have replaced someone who WAS established. Someone whom they knew, liked, trusted. For a Drama teacher, this is not an easy place to take. They are not always easy shoes to fill. I have nothing really to say about the person I have replaced - I didn't know her at all. But I will gladly acknowledge that she likely had many students who respected her, and learned from her. To those students, if you have ended up in MY class, I offer this: I will not try and replace your last teacher. I will bring a new perspective probably, and offer new ways of doing things. Hopefully, you will come to repect what I bring to your school. It's okay if that takes time. I understand that. This is not the first time I've done this.

School started back a couple of days ago. I have now had the opportunity to meet all of my classes, and have even seen one of them twice. I guess my initial reaction is mixed. I have to be honest.... it's hard not to think about all the wonderful students I left behind at my last school. Meeting all of my new students is wonderful. I really can't wait to get to know them, and to see what kinds of things they will do in my class. But in the back of my head over the last two days are the shadows of my Canadian students in Victoria. The experience is the same, of course, as when I last left New Zealand to return to Canada. Starting at the school in Victoria brought just as much excitement and apprehension. And just as much longing for the students that I had left behind. I do hope though, that I will not have to have a similar experience at any time soon. Meaning, so long as they'll have me, I hope to stay a while at Wanganui High School.

I am so far impressed with the enthusiasm of the senior students. True to form, the Year 11's and 12's are fired up for Drama in a really exciting way. It's refreshing, and relieving at the same time to know that even when the junior classes might give me some grief (and I know they will...!) that the Year 11's and 12's will be always be something to look forward to.

Also true to form, the Year 10 classes have been somewhat shy and reserved. I don't mean everyone in the class, but there is a general sort of feeling. An atmosphere, if you will. I think it's reflective of what I've talked about above. Knowing that I'm new. Knowing that they're new. And of course, being a somewhat awkward adolescent, always conscious of who is watching, and what they are potentially saying about you. This not true for everyone in these classes, obviously. There have been some real bright spots already. Students that I can tell have a passion for what we will be doing, and will likely always give it their best.

As for my Year 9's... well, it's hard to tell at first how things will turn out. Our first meeting was typical. I was as passionate, and excited as I could be, and they were as nervous, shy, and awkward as I would have expected them to be. It is a huge change, after all, to suddeny end up in a school of 1700 students, spread out over a huge area, with no idea often of where you are going or who will be there when you get there. But I do applaud them for their bravery on our first day. Congrats Year 9's! You are doing a fine job already. I sincerly hope that we can both keep it up.

I'm looking forward to the coming weeks and months. Getting back into the subject I love so much, with students who are passionate, in a large department with two other extremely passionate teachers.

Am I nervous? Sure I am. Who wouldn't be, really?
Am I scared? No, I don't think fear is right.
Am I excited? You bet.
Am I optimistic? For the first time in a while, yes I am!

More to come.

I will shortly post class outlines.