Shutdown Mode

With just three days to go until our two week break I have officially shut down. I have run out of energy to think of ways to motivate my exhausted students. I am exhausted myself. This is what happens when you start the school year on August 24 and then schedule only two days off until December 21. Most schools have a fall break but the brain-trust of this wonderful school decided that wasn't necessary in our case.

There has been a lot of drama in the first half of the year. The major piece of news is that our principal was demoted, thankfully. However, his demotion has not been announced to students or parents and he has been given the freedom to play the part until the end of the semester (I am guessing). We have seen a few principal candidates touring the school, but no announcement on a replacement has been announced. On hearing the news that he was demoted a few weeks ago I thought that our school had turned a corner. However, a disturbing turn of events yesterday has left me as confused as ever.

Yesterday a colleague was fired. Now, although I am not excited about his dismissal I understand that there were some solid reasons why he was let go. However, the fact that our former principal was the one who fired him leaves me as confused as ever. The director of our school has assumed the responsibility as head of school and was at the meeting where the teacher was fired, but she said nothing. Why the man who was demoted as principal still has the power to fire teachers is beyond me. It is clearly time for a break and some time away from this sometimes ridiculous school/city/continent.

I also tried to do a nice thing and take over as the girls basketball coach when another teacher left the school. However, I was informed a few days ago that we no longer have access to the practice courts we had been using because the Vietnamese government just decided on a whim that they have been booked 24/7 for the next three months. It doesn't matter that when I drive by them on my way to and from school that there is no one using them. Things like this really make me question my own sanity when I signed up to teach here. What the hell was I thinking???

Anyway, the break cannot come soon enough. My US history students are watching The Alamo which is actually related to the time period we are covering. But, come tomorrow, A Christmas Story will be playing. I can't wait to open my student's eyes to the wonders of electric sex, Red Rider bb-guns and sticking tongues to flagpoles.

Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! :)