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Teaching from the Trenches

Teaching from the trenches  De streaming of grade nine courses puts an increased burden and workload on teachers. All pilot schools had class sizes under 20. We now have 26 each at a minimum which flexes to 29-31 in each class. And these classes do not look like anything I have taught before. Why? Let me explain... Our classes now include everyone, regardless of individual needs such as: students with violence triggers, kids with LDs, on the autism spectrum, MID, gifted, opposition to authority syndrome, anxious depressives, not to mention the run of the mill everyday kid. Differentiated first each child is therefore compounded by putting them all together in large classes. Many teachers I work with used to be in the business world before they started teaching later in life. They have all said separately that teaching is the only work environment they know of where management ask employees to do a lot of things and provide no real training or resources to do so.  ...

Poetry Collection

An old acquaintance is publishing her first book of poetry October 7. Run out and get it bc if it is half as good as her prose you will not be disappointed!

Bianca or Serena?

Who’s going to win? Serena or Bianca? Bianca - why? She’s hungry and has nothing to lose and she doesn’t need to be liked- she needs to win. Her biggest challenge- though, will be the crowd - they are nasty when it’s a foreigner against an American. They are brutal - loud & they boo and they are shameless. So, our girl needs to ignore the taunts and he jeers and play her best tennis. If she can do that she is a show-in. Let’s see... good luck Bianca!!!!!

US open!!

What a fantastic event! They really know how to put in a world class event. The US Open is a thrill to attend. My friend Chris and I did it right: Friday day session tickets to Arthur Ashe. We bought the best tickets we could afford which gave us grounds access in Round One if men’s, women’s and mixed doubles! What a day! We saw Federer, Serena, Kyrios, Zverev, Coco Gaugh, Cate McNally, Sakkaria (zito Hellas!) and we had a blast shopping, cocktailing and in general acting like kids in a candy store! We even saw Rebel Wilson in the stands! Tips: Bring empty water bottle to fill at water stations Bring hat - or even better do t and buy a souvenir hat (amazing selection avail) Sunglasses No sunscreen cuz Mount Sinai provides for free but only take a small pump of it!!!!! - see photo below! Bring AMEX card if you have one- Amex provides card holders access to portable chargers- ear pieces to hear commentary during matches and access to card holder lounge and family area. What I wi...

NYC 3 nights

NYC blog The city of cities - oh how I love  New York. Packing for three nights and four days is a breeze - and no checked luggage please! Carry-on and one personal item only:  Personal item can be a small duffle, or a large tote. PACKING LIST: Black ballet flats Dressy shoe Running shoes Silky ankle pant Narrow belt Jeans T-shirt Tank top Pjs Cardigan Kimono Skirt Hat Pack away jacket 2x socks Did I use it all? Not the kimono or the skirt - but that is bc I did not change for dinner the night of US Open. The Jimmy Choo flats not great for long distance walking - so not good for a full day in NYC- in retrospect I wouldn’t have bothered.  What I wish I had with me? SecretBody Cleansing Wipes For when I want to shower but can’t (like a day at the US Open! ). https://www.secretdeodorant.ca/en-ca/cleansing-wipes-cool-waterlily-scent And am considering a carton that is not hard sided bc Porter broke the wheel off of ...

Most common things people forget to pack

Things we always forget to pack.... Sterile Toothbrush Covers Mini hairbrush Comb Razor: Women’s and Men’s Toothbrush Toothpaste Sunglasses case TSA-approved plastic bag RFID Blocking Wallet Loofah glove Nail clippers Lip balm First-Aid kit E-reader E-reader cover Selfie stick Flash drive Thermos Journal Sewing kit Stain remover wipes Earplugs Sleep mask Travel pillow Travel backpack Toiletry bag