Robins meet polka dots

Glamorous celeb outfit meets Primary teacher duff-imitation on the stairs of a dark and dingy school.
I had 30 seconds flat to take these photos as I nipped to the hall to fetch my Memory-stick and case which I had left up there after orchestra and go over to the other building to find out what lesson I was covering for the Year 2 NQT this evening. I haphazardly propped the camera on the windowsill, after walking along operating the self-timer from the hall computer and took the two photos and scarpered just as our male secretary came up the stairs to visit the facilities. I tried to look nonchalant as I shoved camera and ID tag in bag.  I knew this was my only opportunity to take a picture and I so wanted to join in with IM Monday with the Two Birds as I haven't done for weeks now and I do like these!

I had white shirt possibilities for this outfit but this would have involved ironing (yuck!) so it had to be this new cardigan from Primark. Add the cute Robin infinity scarf (sorry, no time for close-up but I can assure you they are cute).

I was productive after school today.  We had a meeting which I took minutes for which was over surprisingly quickly, so I went over to see aforementioned teacher but their phase meeting still hadn't finished so I made a decision to try and do something nice for one of the other year 2 teachers. She hasn't really got any powerful vocabulary words up yet and is frightfully busy with other things with no spare LSA time so I thought I'd print, cut and laminate the words for her. She was really grateful and I'd decided to try and do the same for the other teacher I cover.
We have to go through our Performance Management review this week and have to think of what our targets are for this year and I am wondering if I can create Guided reading resources for teachers for some of the books that I haven't done yet, so I can have a target that is non-music based as well.  Hmmm, not sure, got to think it out but I have loads of literacy ideas so I'd like to try and do something with those ideas!

Also managed to photocopy lots of music for orchestra. As our theme is WW1 this term, I've been teaching the children WW1 songs in assemblies and the choir are doing a whole concert of songs so I decided to do an arrangement of a song called 'Keep the home fires burning' for Recorder clubs in three parts (hard, medium, easy) and for orchestra, I've created an arrangement of Mademoiselles from Armetiers. Now this song might possibly have slightly dodgy connotations (not too sure of the morals of these mademoiselles), so I have simply called it, "WW1 soldier's song" because it really is a cracking tune and it works well as a piece.
One of the reasons I was feeling down last week was that one of my brightest musicians (and one of only two cornet players in the school) said he didn't want to do orchestra. The rule is that they are expected to do orchestra as part of their musical development as they have been learning for a while, particularly very able musicians and I have faced many reluctant boys over the years- which is always hard work to keep them going.  He's such an enthusiastic musicians so I felt really down about it.  But this week, I had a chance to chat to him, be really enthusiastic, cheery and joky with him about it, telling him about my experiences with playing the viola when I didn't really want to and touch wood, he seemed happy this week. I consequently felt less gloomy. Orchestra is going well so far- we lost nearly all our players from last year except for 7 children after such a successful year and I knew it would be hard to build up. But a few weeks on and we have 28 children who are getting on ok including some able musicians, some who find it harder and so I have hopes of progressing with them. Sorry if I bore you with school stories - I try to keep things not related to the school as a whole but as my experience as I like to remember these moments.

This week is quite busy. I have to go and purchase 30 recorders tomorrow for my year 3's, two of my orchestra rehearsals and a few more tasks to fulfill! Life is never dull!

The previous weekend was really ok. I did housework on Saturday morning and then went off to London to play recorder for Choir of 21st century in Victoria.  It's nice to see fellow musicians and to perform with such a super choir.  I enjoy the rare opportunity of playing recorder with an orchestra. In between the rehearsal and concert, I headed off to Piccadilly to visit the Cath Kidston flagship store, where I may or may not have bought something (I did) and to visit Irregular Choice in Carnaby Street  where I may or may not have purchased something (I did).  Heading back to the concert, I had the loveliest surprise as my dear friends who live in Petworth had come up for the concert. It's always such a treat to see them and I was delighted as we had no idea each other would be there.  We went for a lovely cup of tea afterwards in Pret.  I do love how music binds friendships regardless of age. They may be 70 and 80 respectively, but we are good friends!
Sunday, I went to church where I discovered our team rector used to be the vicar the church we visit from school and we went to Papermill Lock for lunch. A nice little walk and then onto school work whilst listening to Rebus on Radio 4! I'm hooked and now want to read some Ian Rankin!!!

How was yours?

xx

P.S.

Thanks for your Doctor-related comments and love of Croatia.

Lizzie (Elizabeth Rebecca), you should definitely visit Croatia- teacher holidays yay!!! I also enjoyed your blogs this week about the things you've been up to and it's good that Alan has been able to look after you!

Those of you who also like Dr Who but got a little bored with it, I too missed a whole chunk of Matt Smith- I haven't seen most of the Amy/Rory episodes- I should watch them now I am back into it.

Dormouse- I made Chick-pea curry tonight. Not done your one yet, but it was delicious! Now got to get on with your recipe.

Katie and Fabrizia- Watch Dr Who!!!

Martha- I like Clara's bossiness but I can see it would be a bit annoying!
Vix- yes I really liked him too and wish he'd stayed the Doctor for longer!

Candy- I KNOW! Super costumes eh!?!

Maricel- Yes, I am so glad I'm not the only one who was So over the romance! Kindred spirits!