The good life

Went down to Dee Why beach today after completing and lodging my latest job application which was just SO nice. Despite a sprinkle of rain on the way down, it was clear and sunny by the coast. Swam 10 laps of the pool, 1/2 km, which I was pleased about, then a quick lunch at a cafe and long walk along the beach and back. It really is good for the soul and gives me an incentive and reward for getting those applications done! Was offered two days work today at a growing school about 1/2 hour west which was encouraging.

Search continues

Looking for work is a full time job! I found out that any teacher employed by the DEC needs  anaphylaxes and e-emegency certificates. So I did the courses on line and have that sorted. Yesterday I caught up with a principal I knew and had a tour of his school and a chat about employment possibilities then visited a few more schools to leave my details. On Thursday I have a meeting with the deputy at a local girls independent school who want me to work casually there, so need to take in all my details. I have also been busy finalising my current job application which is due tomorrow and will work further on it today. In the meantime, I was up and at it at 6.30 ....just in case the phone rang! It's a really nice day today, so might treat myself to a swim....dare I say at the beach.

Northern sights

In my search for work I thought I'd look north from Sydney as I live towards the outskirts. There is an AP position going a little over an hour up the F3. Might just put my name in the hat! It is a small township and school of about 250 students...hmmmm Quite different to where I have been teaching recently, that's for sure.

Sunday

There were no possible positions advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald, nor any new ones in SEEK. There is a job going at a school about 35 minutes away that was advertised by the DEC. Applications are due this Wednesday, so I will work on that today. I can confidently address the selection criteria so have a chance this time. This school is in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of Sydney, in a developing area. Fingers crossed I can get an interview!

An Interview

Scored an interview last Wednesday which was a great experience. There is a possible contract coming up in the next few weeks and the principal and deputy wanted to meet me. I had been recommended by a colleague in a senior position within the DEC who had spoken highly about my skills and talents. That's nice! Once again, going to an interview is always a positive learning experience. I actually enjoy this and feel in a good place to really be myself and give a potential employer a valid understanding of what I can offer.

Gap Beach near South West Rocks..... Just wanted to share this photo!

It's Saturday and raining

It's Saturday and the paper is outside in the rain! On Saturdays in My Career, you can find advertised positions at independent schools, and these are often advertised in Seek on the internet as well. Just maybe there is something for me....but it's wet and I think I'll wait!

Be prepared to travel

I am on the waiting list to be appointed to a a DEC school but this is highly unlikely. Despite the fact that my priority day is 2006, so in theory I have been waiting for an appointment for 7 years, there is a very slim chance this will actually happen. More and more teaching positions are advertised and appointments made through the merit selection process. However, yesterday I added many more school areas to my list of schools I am willing to go to. I now have about 250 schools on my list, many of which are in hard to staff areas of Sydney. So now I am willing to travel to the six school areas radiating from where I live!