The Last Day

I have survived my first year as an international teacher. I believe it is a huge achievement and am awaiting the fanfares, flowers and a standing ovation.

Last week we started the farewell events for our colleagues; final dinners, drinks etc. We had an official school leaving assembly for staff with gift presentations and videos. Today the final assemblies took place and all staff stood outside and waved while the student buses departed amidst the smoke and sparks from the numerous fireworks being set off by the gates.

I knew some students were leaving as I'd been signing forms for weeks to say that they didn't have any equipment or text books from my subject area and were allowed their deposit. The turnover of students was higher than I realised and the reality certainly hit with the emotional scenes and selfies being taken in the foyer prior to the final bus ride of the academic year. These students are evidently going to have an amazing world view and I sincerely hope that they are leaving China with something positive.

Some families have been at the school a long time and then contracts end or change and their is no option other than to move on. Some of the emotional goodbyes did begin to nudge my tear ducts into action so I stepped away before I blubbered. In fact it turns out that I haven't actually said goodbye to everyone either. The day was so busy that it just didn't happen and I certainly regret not having spent time with some of the people who are leaving, however I definitely spent 3 or 4 months adjusting and really wasn't the most sociable at that time. There are so many wonderful people that I have not had the privilege to get to know well and now I have waved them away. I've learnt a lot from so many different people this year whether it is through conversation, observation or even PD. 

It's been a huge year with little to change in the pace of things or the workload and I am feeling that this has perhaps impacted on me as I haven't really come to terms with the fact that it is the Summer break.

I hugely admire and respect the transient families that I have seen throughout the year and I guess saying goodbye is just something to keep getting used to.