I arrived in Zeballos late Monday afternoon and couldn't get a hold of anyone who could let me into my new home. I had tried calling before I got to town because I knew there would be no cell phone reception but I had only gotten answering machines. However, I did meet my neighbours right away (I needed to use a phone), and they are great people! I eventually found the custodian at the school and he gave me a key to my place. Whew!
I wish I had written down more during the first week because my memory is already failing me!
On my first day I met all of the teachers and one of the classes that I am now working with. I was told that I would be teaching a grade 3-5 class, and covering preps for a K-2 class and a 6-7 class (on that first week I was also told I would be covering preps in the high school and I was terrified... but that never happened).
The school only has about 60 students in total so I have almost mastered every student's name from Kindergarten to grade 7 (and some high school students).
Every student (except a brother and sister) are related to each other in some way, shape or form. This made my first week (and still does) all about building relationships with families and understanding family dynamics. The classes are extremely small, but there are many students with very special educational needs and so we almost always have Educational Assistants (EA's) working with us in the classroom (they are all related to the students as well).
On my first day I brought a bag of show-and-tell stuff all about myself. I was surprised that it didn't really go over too well. The students don't really seem to care to listen to me at all. One of the items in my bag was a lint roller (because I wanted to talk about how one of my dogs is really hairy) and that was the one item that was fought over amongst the students. They were fascinated by something that I really wasn't expecting! You never know what kids will find interesting!
I have been told that many teachers come and go from this school and so the kids don't really get attached too soon. It will take me time to build up a relationship with them in order for them to respect me. Another benefit of having the EA's in the room is that they can help me with the relationship part. They have known the students all their lives and so if I have any problems they are always the first to help me out.
The First Nations community here is very supportive of their student's success. If I am having any issues I can call on a liaison who knows all the children and parents and they will speak to the students or help me before anything becomes an issue. The band also runs a ton of after school programs and a breakfast program for the students. I am so grateful that they are in the school!
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