Annoyed.

As someone who's needed to take a lot of sick leave and who gets very stressed, I can most definitely understand staff wanting to take time off. I can understand staff being more likely to take time off at the end of the year when it's less busy, because suddenly it's less critical to have everyone there.

BUT. This late in the year, we are also far less likely to have CRTs (Casual Relief Teachers) brought in, as teachers who take senior classes are freed up to fill in.

So, in the last week of the year, we have activities. The day is broken upinto three instead of four sessions. Staff are meant to be rostered for a total of three for the week, giving us plenty of time to sort out desks and things. Unfortunately, this is combined with the lack of CRTs, means that if you're away, a teacher who may have already planned out their free time will be taking over for you.

So I really think that, in the last week (as with days that fall next to long weekends), you should need to provide a medical certificate if you're away. It's not as tough this is a strenuous week, but it's a time when we're all hoping to wind down, unlike in the middle of the term when we all go full-pace and expect to go full-pace, and we expect to get that extra or in-lieu.

Now is a time when most of us are looking forward to having the majority of the week free to do our own thing, much more so than most weeks. So, even though it's not a strenuous week, I am NOT happy about suddenly having 4 sessions on instead of 3. I was looking forward to spending the entirity of today cleaning my desk, loading my car with big things to take home, and working on my performance review. With a catch-up with work friends I don't hang out with much during the busy times.

so, if it's the last week and you're not sick or don't have some sort of medical or dental appointment, please don't take a day off! It just puts a spanner in other people's works and gets them annoyed.
 

When do I say "no"?

I am an introvert. I'm reasonably borderline, but still predominantly introverted. So when so I tell people "Sorry, I can't hang out with you. I just need to be by myself", please don't take it personally or as me not wanting to spend time with you.

There seem to be a whole lot of important things going on. There was an engagement party, there are catch-ups wth people I don't see very often, there's currently a friend in need because she got some bad news. There's interaction with kids because of bloody activities week. 

You know that image of the crazed person, huddled in a corner, wild-eyed and fidgety and looking for a chance to flee? That's how I've felt for several weeks now. I know exactly what I need to do to feel better: I need to cycle into town, sit by the river drinking cider, wander the parks and gardens, have a picnic lunch then cycle home. Possibly after another cider.

And I can't do that. I can't do that until well after Christmas. I'm trying to just keep myself steady and not have an outburst. But I just need a couple of days when I can be on my own and not be required to be anywhere specific at any point during those couple of days. I'll have that at the end of the month, and I'm really looking forwad to it. So, if you find me being a bit antisocial between Christmas and New Year, please don't take it personally. Though I won't be cancelling anything I've already committed to, I'm not likely to arrange anything new for those few days. I just really need to look after myself.