Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A day in the life....

Just in case you thought my job as an elementary school vice-principal was all glamour, let me give you a little update in some of the things I've done over the past few weeks (keep in mind that I have a couple university degrees...):

  • upon entering the kindergarten classroom, in which a music teacher was covering the kindergarten teacher saint, instead of delivering the message, helped several 3 & 4 year olds change their pants after a series of potty accidents.  Luckily only pee was involved.  Kindergarten teachers are to be revered.
  • when faced with a very upset child, because his beloved stuffy "accidentally" ended up on the other side of the fence, in a neighbouring yard, walked around the block to the house, knocked on the door, only to be greeted by a rather rotund, shirtless late-middle aged man, wearing what appeared at first glance to be underwear.  Rather flustered, determined he was actually wearing short shorts (quite a feat, with a very red face and unable to look directly at him....mortifying.  He could care less.).  Asked to retrieve toy from back yard, and picked way through backyard sure I would step in dog poop.  At least it's only a jack russell, not a great dane.  However, retrieved toy and remained poop free on my shoes.  Next time the toy is the dog's.
  • held tissues to countless bloody noses, blue latex-free gloves go well with whatever outfit I happen to be sporting that day.
  • spent 2 & 1/2 hours at a parent/school meeting, which started at 6:30 pm.  After being at school from 7:45 am.  Good times.  Had difficulty not yawning from exhaustion.  Does not inspire community confidence when the v-p is having trouble staying awake.
  • spent today in a mentoring meeting, learning about dealing with human resources issues.  And how I could be named in a grievance.  Or lawsuit.  And how to deal with labour conflict.  Named in a lawsuit.  Doesn't that sound like fun.  Note to self....memorize the Education Act and the scads of board policies, as well as the collective agreements of the 4 employee groups in the building.  I don't think I will need my GABA to help me sleep.
So you see, while you are all envisioning a nice office, great pay and benefits, I'm cleaning up pee.  And rescuing toys from jack russells.  

It's a glamorous life I lead......  Hope my stories of my exciting job make you chuckle.  I wouldn't change jobs for all of the money in the world.  For real.  Pee and all.

4 comments:

Eco Yogini said...

totally!!! today I cleaned spit up from my floor mats... most of the time working with preschoolers, no matter the profession, means dealing w pee and poop...

but then- children are so much fun! :)

(i LOVE the story about the neighbour!!!)

Tina@thriftingwithcake.blogspot.com said...

Good LAWD!!

I already knew about the pee story and it made me like you more. I also believe kindergarten teachers and ALL teachers and peeps in teaching careers should be revered. Always.

The MAG (middle aged guy) in undies/diaper (I create and add to stories in my head movies) is HILARIOUS. I can't stop LOL. I'm sorry for you, my friend..but it DOES make a great story!

I'm still laughing..

YOU were named in a lawsuit?

I hope I'm wrong. I've been sleep deprived lately so I'm not feeling on top of my game, intellectually or otherwise.

Hope today is going great for you!!

Nicole said...

No, I haven't been named in a lawsuit. But it has happened to others. It's not like I live in fear--I follow the Education Act, I follow board policy, employee contracts, I document and call my superiors if I don't know what to do--but it's always a little "in your face" when it's talked about at the board office.

Had to retrieve a ball from a backyard again today...the fates were with me and it WAS NOT the same backyard. But my office manager couldn't wait for me to get back, 'cause she thought it was hilarious that I might get to experience that twice!

Unknown said...

Hi Nicole,

I read the comment you left on Kelle Hampton's blog. I can't tell you what it meant to me.

Our son, Tripp, died when our eldest son, Calder, was 2 years old. I am currently pregnant and often wonder the role Tripp will play in Calder's life.

I started crying when you mentioned that your daughter still misses your son. I hope that in 16 years from now my son says the same thing.