Family, Snowdonia, Chester...

Dearest supporters :)

Hope you will enjoy these photos...

Cocktails with my long lost cousin, Amy-Jane.

Llyn Geirionydd, Wales - Red because it's near an iron deposit

Picture perfect spot for a picnic.

My cousin, Andy at Llyn Crafnant.

Our view as we were walking.

A heart shape rock for my family... Unfortunately, I chose to leave it in the water.

 

Biking with Andy through Delamare Forest, near Chester.

The Lake District

Dear Family and Friends,

My trip to the Lake District in England was phenomenal! Words or pictures don't really do it justice! I would love to tell you every detail, but to save you from fading, I'll try to give you just my most memorable moments.

Day 1: Arrived to the Patterdale Youth Hostel
I arrived in the afternoon so just went for a small walk to acquaint myself with my surroundings. 
At the hostel, I met some teachers to chat with and share adventure ideas with. They even sat and played Dutch Blitz with me.... and they loved it!

I love that at hostels, many of us are on similar boats and are opened to strike up conversations about everything and anything. At this hostel there were people from all different backgrounds and ages - there were families, young adults, people up in their years, experienced hikers, and beginners. It was great to share stories and pictures of our different adventures and walks. It was also nice to sit quietly, read and appreciate your surroundings.


Day 2: Ullzwater Steamer and Hike up the Fells

I woke up to an amazing view of the mountains just outside our room. I was getting anxious to get ready for my day of walking, exploring, and appreciating God's magnifiscent creation. When I pulled back my covers, I was hit with a cold breeze, but this didn't stop my excitement. I quickly bundled up and went to eat my warm breakfast. I was sitting next to a window with a glorious view of the mountains and the forests. Snow is falling ever so lightly. I think I am ready...

I began my day walking 1 mile to Glennridding to catch the Ullzwater Steamer to Howtown. At this point, I still was uncertain where I was going to walk and if I was going going to walk on my own or make some new friends to follow. On the boat there was a lovely couple whom I decided to strike up conversation with and they invited me to follow them on their trek up the hills to Pulley Bridge. At one point we got lost through a farmers field and were walking among the sheep. It was very tiring on the legs, but as soon as I turned to face the lake, all my aches were swiped away. The view was outstanding! Unfortunately, my pictures do not do it justice! After 2 hours and 6 miles up hills and through pastures and mud, we arrived to Pully Bridge. We found a quaint little cafe where we indulged in some soup, a baguette and cake. We took the boat back to our starting point and I arrived back at the hostel to meet some more travelers and share stories.

Day 3: Walk to Aira Force and Delightful Encounters

This morning I woke up to the same gorgeous view that will never cease to amaze me and remind me of God's love. I began my walk towards Aira Force, a beautiful waterfall I was told about. I walked through the forest with the lake and the mountains to my right. It was unbelievable.

After 2 hours, I arrived to the Aira Force park and I began to ascend. At first, I was a little let down, where was this water, where were the falls? After I removed my expectations and let my surroundings overtake me, I was in awe. I was still not at the view that everyone was talking of, so I asked a young man to give me directions.... they led me right where the beautiful sights were. I enjoyed my packed lunch at a perfectly serene spot next to the falls. After exploring some more, I began my journey back to the hostel. You wouldn't believe who I bumped into... this same gentleman who gave me directions. What excitement. We talked for some time and shared stories and pictures of our day out at the falls. It's strange the people you bump into :).

This trip was outstanding! I learned so much about myself... that I strive to have alone time, soaking up God's marvelous creation and yet I am okay with striking up conversations, meeting new people, and sharing stories!

If any of you are thinking about traveling to England... the Lake District is a must see. And I would be more than happy to be your traveling partner!

Wishing you all many blessings,

Kristen

To Cardiff

I'll keep this one short and simple... or at least try to.

To set the scene, it was February half term and as is typical for teachers, I started my break with a sore throat... believe it or not, I even lost my voice. Regardless of my illness, I decided to go away for a few days. I asked a Canadian friend, whom I met on induction day way back on the first day I was in England, if she wanted to travel together. She agreed. We met in London and headed to Cardiff Wales for 2 nights. Our first stop was to find our hotel, the Big Sleep Inn. Oh my goodness, that was quite the place... retro. I mean our room had fur baby blue curtains. After calming down from our initial reaction, we went to explore the town. We went on a walk through Sophia Gardens, had a drink at an exotic cocktail bar, and had a pint of Guiness and a steak and Guiness pie at an Irish pub.

The next day, we took a tour bus around the sites. We saw the Cardiff Canal, the Dr. Who museum, and an old Church. We went on a small boat ride through the canal (though it was freezing cold), had a hot chocolate and a cake at the Rouge Cafe, explored the Cardiff Castle and crashed back at the hotel before going out for the night. Later, we went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant, and then to a Karaoke bar for a drink. At this point, I was absolutely voiceless and exhausted, but did have fun people watching.

Unfortunately, I went to the hospital in Cardiff the next morning because I was terribly sick and wanted to know what was wrong. They told me it was a serious viral infection and so we left Cardiff earlier than planned so I could start to rest. But let me tell you, that train ride back to Chichester was already long... line 5 hours, but it felt 10 times longer when I was not well enough to even drink water. I was so poorly, that I stayed home from work for a whole week. I've never missed work for more than a day before, but I just couldn't even stand comfortably. I was very grateful for Skype during that week, because I was able to Skype mom nearly 3 times a day everyday. Finally after like 5 weeks of not feeling 100%, I am now feeling like myself.

January - Inspection at the school

Hi all,

Once again, it has been far too long since I've updated my blog. I am so sorry friends and family. I have lots to cover since I last wrote - Ofsted, Cardiff, Olivia, Easter break in the Lake District and hiking in Wales. I suppose I should start again where I left off... so if you have nothing better to do... enjoy!

OFSTED...
The new term at school started with lots to do and to think about as everyone was anxious for the dreaded call of OFSTED. This is a government inspection agency in the UK who ensures all schools meet high standards. To explain just how anxious the staff at The Academy, Selsey felt, I should mention that the last time the school was inspected they received the lowest outcome - an inadequate school with special measures needed. Hence, a new headteacher came in to make significant changes. So the management team and the teachers have worked so hard to help the students and the school progress. We knew to expect OFSTED after Christmas, but we didn't expect them so soon. In the middle of February, they phoned one afternoon and told us they were visiting the next two days. The afternoon that they phoned the headteacher gave us encouragement about how hard we have worked and that we were ready to face the inspection. After her speech, I clapped and was cheering on everyone. Instead of others joining in, as I had hoped, everyone just looked at me and laughed. While they were mocking me, I know they were disguising their appreciation for my motivational cheer. And so we were on...
The school was abuzz. The students and parents were informed and the teacher were catching up on any marking and preparing and writing formal lesson plans, while trying to remain calm. Let's just say that those nights were late nights at work with lots to keep me busy. My lesson plans were printed and I was ready to show any observer my lessons.
First lesson... working with Jim - observed. I wasn't observed, Jim was. I'm so glad I witnessed that and sort of knew the right things to say if/when they came into my classroom.
Second lesson... year 7s, they behaved okay (well for the most part), my lesson was opened and ready - not observed.
Breaktime... my duty in the Hall, I was smiling at all my students and doing my bet to ensure all of their uniforms were immaculate.
Lesson three... year 9s, I started out prepared, but my students were challenging me and were making it difficult for me to teach, especially if I were to be observed. Fortunately, I was again not observed. The rest of the day and of the inspection I waited in anticipation to be observed.
The last chance lesson to be observed... my lesson was going well, I was prepared to be observed... I was watching the clock... only half a lesson left will they come now? 15 minutes left, nothing... the lesson had finished. I was not observed and left so let down. I worked so hard and no one could see that.
My initial disappointment didn't last very long. That afternoon, we had our debriefing from the head, hoping we would learn of our results. Unfortunately, the head couldn't tell us anything. The following day, the head spilled the beans and told us that the inspectors were probably going to give us an inadequate. Expectantly, she was quite disappointed. some of my friends were observed and received inadequates. They were absolutely devastated, especially since their inadequates were due to their students' poor attitudes and constant messing about. I was relieved that our Osted result was not because of me. The headache of Ofsted was over for that week. But starting the next week, we had to implement new strategies and practices that came from conversations with Ofsted. So the pressures of Obsted continues. I only wish teaching to help students was the focus here. Unfortunately, it seems as though we're too focused on looking good to the government and end up forgetting about why anyone should become a teacher... to help students grow and learn.