I made it - to Fall Break

What a whirlwind it has been, but I now have my first break from Nishimachi and am heading to Kuala Lumpur for a few days of relaxation before a leadership conference.

A little down time is well and truly needed as to say the least, school has been full on.

On the school roof

Not only have I been getting to know staff, students and processes (many of which are unwritten) but we have also had a few major events: Open Campus, Food Fair, Camps, a visiting consultant to begin the process of our new strategic plan and a Halloween festival. And, for those of you who were worried about what I would be doing with my day considering I don't have a teaching load - much of my days are taken up by the likes of: learning observations, assemblies, management meetings, curriculum meetings, PTA meetings, parent presentations, board meetings, trustee meetings etc .. Plus, I am re-energising the Grade 9 program and am meeting with various parents and teachers to get them on board.

Let’s just say there have been many challenges from many fronts, but I am enjoying it all and feel that I am having an impact to lift the quality of teaching and learning.

Not only have there been challenges at school, but in also setting up my apartment, but it is now all sorted and I feel very settled. As new staff, we are provided with rental furniture for the first two months with an option to buy back, but as expected it is quite expensive. So, after a full week at school I would be then making trips to Ikea and Nitori (Japanese Ikea), plus electrical stores to acquire all that I need. My measuring tape lived permanently in my bag, as even getting a bin to fit the space I had was a challenge. But after constructing a sofa, table and chairs, coffee table, bed, bedside tables, sofa bed, desk and filling cabinet, and ordering curtains for six windows, I am now done. My brother, David, was a huge help in this area and we had many a laugh along the way!

Surely, that’s the hardest couple of months!

Naturally, I am enjoying the food here - but the lack of English menus is a little daunting and I am determined to pick up my Japanese. I have also enjoyed doing a little cooking of my own, but I am not sure about doing housework and ironing for myself. That is certainly over-rated!  As is this cooler weather! Fancy having to think about layers!!

I have found a yoga studio that I like, but am yet to get to a gym. Luckily, my only form of transport is my legs, so am doing a lot of walking but am looking forward to having the challenge of doing something a little more physical.

You will be pleased to know that I am also getting out to enjoy the spoils of all that Tokyo has to offer and in just the last 10 days I have visited the Tsukiji fish market, Hama-riyku gardens, Roppongi Arts Festival and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum! Plus, I have been on camp in the mountains and had a visit to the beach. In this regard, it is such a contrast to Ho Chi Minh, and I do miss that chaos, the food and the people, but this is home now and I am so pleased to be here.
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