Confessions of a veteran rookie

June 14, 2011 Eric Roston
I have almost finished my first year at my new school. I have been with the Calgary Board of Education for more than 20 years, which makes me a veteran; however, at this particular school, I’m a rookie.

What I’ve learned this year is that no matter where you teach, there are consistent and predictable elements in education. What follows is akin to a Farmer’s Almanac …

Warm days—a high chance of fire drills

Sunrise—the closer it is to the start of the school day, the sleepier the students

School dances—the same everywhere: boys to one side, girls to the other and brave souls doing something in the middle of the dance floor (with the chance of a fire starting!)

Make hay—best done while the sun shines, but preps seem better in the afternoon

Staff meetings—well … like staff meetings everywhere (sometimes the wind doth blow!)

Full moons—seem to coincide with report card time (it’s the most stressful time for students and teachers—especially for teachers!)

The stars—(mis)aligned no matter where you teach; the photocopier always breaks down at the worst time (usually just before you need to print off a class set of exams!)

Track and field season—outlook is for snow (usually!)

Tornadoes—attracted to staff rooms (no one likes to clean them up!)

July and August—teachers love summer (looks like clear skies and sunny days ahead!)

As routine and predictable as the above may sound, things evolve. By changing schools, I have discovered new relationships that will challenge and energize me. I have encountered programs, clubs, activities and opportunities that are totally different from what I was accustomed to. And I have a different commute to work, which means seeing different scenery.

Looking ahead to next year, I’ll no longer be a rookie at this school. I’m fairly certain that many school functions and routines will remain constant—the interesting part will be the unpredictable future.

Eric Roston teaches at Simon Fraser School, in Calgary.

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