Long days and a weekend of freedom

It's been 7 weeks since my last free weekend where I wasn't signed up or I hadn't committed to some sort of activity or sport or trip or excursion, and I think it took it's toll. Running, volleyball, ultimate, travel, etc. Yes, I understand that these commitments are predominantly voluntary. But what would life be like as a non-weekend warrior? I'm now exhausted and my patience (which I often believe to be of Job-esque proportion) is dwindling like a 2-0 series lead by the Vancouver Canucks. (Sorry Van fans... had to throw that one in there). I'm yawning by third block (before lunch), I'm barely keeping my eyes open by 7:30pm, and I pretty much want to toss students off the fifth floor of our teaching building when they interrupt me or when they come to me and ask, "Mr. M, how can I pass?"

Here's my response to that suddenly ambitious kid:

Well, Mr. Student, you have lots of time and lots of opportunities... but not until next year. Currently, I will be using the past tense for that verb: you had opportunities. Remember that tutorial you didn't show up for? Yup, that would've helped. Remember when I gave you my email address and set up a time for us to meet so we could go over your essay? Yes sir, that would've been an excellent remedy for the Fail Flu. Remember that essay rewrite I provided an opportunity for and told you about AND which I'm currently supervising? You know, the one you neglected to show up for? Yes, that would've done wonders for your grade. Oh... and that time when I gave you a 3-part novel study assignment that would've rescued last term's grade from the dumpster? The one that you plagiarised and didn't complete AND told me you did your best on? Uh huh... that was pretty much a bar of gold that you simply had to cash at the bank. I'm the bank. I received no gold. Just I.O.U. slips in the Canada Post mail.

I haven't lost hope in these kids. And I still believe that they can be taught and they can learn and succeed. They will all succeed in their time. However, I know bad decisions when I see them (in others, at least. For myself, well, that's another story). Combine low ability with lower ambition and a previous schooling system which encouraged them to slack off for as long as possible before writing an all-encompassing exam and being bumped up to the next grade level and you have a quiche of disappointment on your hands.

Tomorrow is Friday and I'll finally be free of the rascals who have been with me all year. I get to say goodbye to my PE 12 boys as they graduate, and will wish luck to my PE 11s and they disappear for a summer of likely studying and family time. My English 10s aren't off the hook yet, as they still have their provincial exam next week and I'll be doing my best to hold tutorials and provide last-minute advice for the test writers before the exam slays them (and sadly, it will do that to most). In exactly two weeks tomorrow, I'll be touching down on coastal Canadian soil, wrapping my hands around a delicious burger and pijiu at the closest pub I can find and throwing my arms around the friends and family I've missed for the past 10 months. TGIF tomorrow and I'll be home to see ya'll soon enough. Much China love, everyone. I miss you Canada.

T