Long time, no post!!

I could say I've been really busy saving the world from bad stuff but that would be a lie so I've decided to be honest. I have been slack to say the least!

This year has whizzed by and I can't believe we're almost at the end of Term 3 - only 2 more weeks and I'm holiday. Again! I'm absolutely loving the holiday aspect of being a teacher:)

I have to say though that it's been a tough year. Even the old stagers are saying that this year has been hard work in terms of trouble with students. Our school is big with something like 1600 - 1800 students enrolled. Unfortunately for us we've had a lot kids coming into the school who have caused some problems. That's the way of it though.

The actual teaching has been pretty good in general and most of the kids are pretty good. Of course there are those that go out of their way to cause problems which is a pain but all part of the job.

Possibly the most frustrating thing is the trouble I had trying to get paid properly. I cannot believe how much pissing around I had to go through to get my salary paid at the correct level. Such a pain. I've spoken to the union and I'll be making a complaint. Even worse is that there are other people who've gone through the same ordeal.

Speaking of the union, it looks like we'll be involved in some industrial action over the coming months. The Ministry have rejected our new pay claims (which weren't unreasonable) and made a pretty ordinary offer. I guess we'll see what happens.

Enough of all that though. Some positives!

1. Holidays:)
2. Going to Australia in April for a high school reunion and showing Mel the Great Ocean Road. Mel saw her first wild koala!
3. Buying a flash digital camera when I got my back pay. So cool:)
4. Getting tickets to Bad Religion's first ever show in NZ!
5. Going to Wellington in July and having one whole sunny, not windy day. Beautiful place.

Can't really think of anything else to say so I'll be off. Here are some images for your viewing pleasure. There's a spider in our backyard against the full moon; The beach at Papamoa on the east coast of NZ; Some of the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road; Mt Ngaruhoe in the centre of the the North Island; and Wellington. ENJOY!!

Later
TONE