Friday, May 04, 2007

What goes up must come down

I really should be more leery when I get good news. It always seems that bad news is right around the bend. Like when I bought my new (to me) car after my accident. My excitement level shot through the roof. Then I got home and found out my beloved Camp Kawkawa was closing down forever. Seems the geological experts thought there was too great a risk of the mountain falling over onto the camp. It honestly felt like a death.

So yesterday I found out about my settlement. Today I found out that my school is losing two divisions due to declining enrollment - freaking Vancouver housing prices, nobody can afford to live here anymore and they're all moving to the 'burbs. And other than some temporary positions and some French Immersion jobs (which I could do, but I really don't want to), I'm low woman on the totem pole. No biggie, everything gets shuffled around, I thought, I'll be fine.

I started to realize that I may not be fine when, while photocopying some stuff down in the office I got asked into the principal's office and invited to sit down with both her and the VP. Turns out I will not be teaching grade 5 next year - barring some miracle (which may still happen). And depending on what the people above me choose to do, I may be surplussed, which means I'm out of the school altogether and working as a permanent teacher on call. I still would have full pay, full benefits, and be accruing seniority, but I'd be all over the place and would be placed as soon as possible into any job that opens up.

There IS an in-between option, which is taking one of the positions at my school that will be freed up by people leaving - a two primary French Immersionclasses, or English kindergarten. Or bumping people who are lower than me from their jobs, which I am loathe to do (don't worry, L - I won't bump you!). But that's a huuuuge shift. I really don't know if I have it in me to do another year like this one. New grade. New language. Practically new creature (comparing a grade 5'er and a kindergarten kiddo). I don't know if I've got it in me. This year has almost done me in. I just want to do it again so at least I'm a little bit ahead of the game. It makes me want to bawl just thinking of having to start all over again. And possibly having to leave my school. I love it here...

Wednesday after school is the big meeting where we go down the seniority list and people pick the jobs they want from the projected staffing for next year.

I have some big thinking to do. And praying. I REALLY don't want to leave my school. I may have to...

And yes, I realize how ironic this post is right after my big excited whoop-dee-doo less than three hours ago about taking a road trip this summer with the grade 5 cirriculum in mind. Phooey.

Hehe, I may have kids asking about fake hair and wrinkles after all!

11 comments:

nachtwache said...

I wondered about that, but you hadn't written anything, so I thought you'd be OK. Remember, God knows what He's doing, some things in our life seem awful at the time, later we realize, it was the best thing that could happen. Whatever God's plans are for your life, He has the best in mind for you! Keep that in mind. I'll pray too.

Anonymous said...

I don't think it's an coincidence that the school thing is happening so soon after the car thing. I think that's the universe saying "See how this looked really bad and worked out so awesomely? Keep that in mind because something else is about to happen, and that's going to turn out pretty amazingly too."

Good things happen to you Hillary. I think this is going to work out better than you're expecting.

Anonymous said...

Ugh... "an coincidence"? Where's my "grammar checker?" ;)

Anonymous said...

ugh - will be thinking of you Wednesday. my union's been good to me, but I've seen a few bumping scenarios and I'm very glad to have yet been a part of them...

something will work out. may not be what exactly what you thought you wanted, but it'll still be okay :)

Paul said...

Oh Hillary,

I don't know what to say, but consider yourself virtually hugged.

Anonymous said...

Oh no. I'm so sorry you have to go through that mess. I was a part of a simliar scenario a few years back and enough people retired that I ended up with all the stress and worry but nothing actually happened. I really hope things work out for you. You're such a postive person that I know you'll land on your feet no matter where you go.

Queen Bee said...

I'll keep you in prayer that your decision will be very clear to you, Hillary.

Hey, no reply to my email, are you really mad at me about last week? :(

AfricaBleu said...

I also will be praying for clarity and blessings to come your way -- you seem like one heck of a teacher, and I pray someone will recognize what a priceless commodity that is and use you accordingly.

LOVE the new look, by the way -- sorry I haven't checked in -- just got back from my trip to India and all...

sarah cool said...

Oh, goodness, Hillary....... definitely sending a few prayers up for you. love ya - sarah

Amy said...

my degree is in teaching, but I never got past substitute teaching. I moved out of state and am not certified here in PA. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to shift grade levels again and again. I would think it would take three or four years just to feel comfortable where you were, more or less to keep moving. I really feel for you on this, and will pray that something opens up that will make your heart continue to sing!

Katrina said...

Oh, you're in my prayers, too, Hillary! I face change kicking and screaming (real mature, huh?) so I totally sympathize with the pain of being shuffled around unwillingly. Keep the faith, girl!