On Being A Bad Blogger!

Geez, I really did not think that it would be nearly two months before I came back on here, to update you about my comings and goings! I could probably spout off a number of excuses, but I think that ultimately there is no need. As you know, I started a new job this September, and I've been fairly busy keeping on top of things. Its been a good year, but it hasn't been without its challenges. I must admit I am much more confident this year, and I am not making the mistakes I made last year either. However, I am nowhere near where I want to be, in terms of my knowledge of British curriculum, but I think I have a good working knowledge of it. I couldn't quote you things about what the curriculum entails, but I can certainly use it enough to back up all the lessons that I plan.

Anyways, I don't really want to bore people by blabbing on and on about the curriculum, because regardless of where you are, that is bureaucratic bullshit. The bottom line is that I am much happier this year than I was last year, and it mostly has to do with the people I work with. They are a very lovely and supportive bunch, who are genuinely concerned about me as a person first, and a teacher second. It's really nice to be welcomed and accepted into a department for who I am, and for what I can bring to the table. I feel as if my efforts do not go unnoticed, and that I am actually appreciated. It's a nice change, and it goes miles in making me a happier teacher and person.

I have, however, had some issues that have been of major concern for me. My visa has been a huge bone of contention. I don't want to get into the specifics of it here and now, but at the root of it is the fact that the school 'underestimated' (their words) what it would take to get me a legal working visa. The truth is they didn't even consider it until it was too late, and when they started to look into what it would take to get me a working visa, they realized they'd let too much time pass.

The news was broken to me, over my lunch break, that after November 9th the school could no longer legally employ me on my current visa. I was dumbstruck. I wasn't entirely sure what was expected of me, or what this news even meant. Was I out of a job on that date? Were they forcing me back home, and saying 'Sorry about your luck?'. I started to cry in the Finance office, and asked 'What do you want me to do?'.

I was told I would have to go back to Canada, and re-apply.

'I can't go back until Christmas. I can't afford it...' was my reply.

All I got in return was a blank stare. The man pushed a box of tissues at me. I took one, wiped my eyes and stood up.

'This is bullshit!' I said, before slamming the door and leaving.

I walked back to the English office, crying all the way. When I sat down, everyone was around me, asking what was wrong. The Department head quickly ushered me out of the office and into her own private one. She asked what was wrong, and when I explained she was livid. She stormed out of the room, and came back a few moments later. She told me I wouldn't be teaching the last lesson of the day - two of my colleagues would split my group - and that I should spend the last hour trying to sort out the next steps to take. She also had me call the union.

I did as she said, and called the union, as well as searched the Internet for answers.

To make a long story short, I found out that the school COULD have had me apply for a leave to remain, which would have gotten me a working permit at the school for up to three years, or until termination of employment. However, you need at least a month to put in that application, and I wouldn't have had time, at this stage, to do that. The only option was that I return to Canada.

I called home, and sorted it out with my Mum that I would come home on my October half term, and get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.

The next day, I e-mailed the Finance guy, telling him I would go home in October, but that they had to support me through it, with the knowledge that when I returned I would retain my job AND be paid for the time I missed. I also asked for some compensation for the visa application (which was not cheap), and asked if they'd also help comp the flight.

I got a reply back saying he'd managed to sort out my staying until Christmas (how convenient), and that they'd give me 150 pounds towards the costs on my return to England and that the job would be waiting for me should I return to England. I am still a bit annoyed at the terms in which it was worded to me, but in the end I cannot do much else. I am returning home at Christmas, and have booked an appointment to apply for a working visa - it could get turned down, in which case I will be royally screwed, but I am really hoping that it is not. I hate to say this, because I know it hurts people back home, but I do have a life here in England, and its not one that I want to give up. I have a wonderful boyfriend, whom I love more than anything. I also really, really enjoy my job, and adore the people I work with. I have high hopes of spending a good number of years at this school, working and developing my own teaching. I've already been asked to help teach a Media course next year, which would be amazing! I have great hopes for my future in England, and I would hate for it all to be cut short, simply because the school 'underestimated' the visa application process. I feel cheated by the school, and if I don't get the visa, I'm not entirely sure what I will do...

But anyways, I'm told myself that I must remain positive throughout this whole thing. I don't know why I would be denied the visa, and I just have to keep thinking that that will not happen. I will get the visa, and I will return, and do what I was meant to do!

I'll blog more later! I promise it won't be so long in between!