Changes in the Gallipoli Schoolroom

Host: Gallipoli Station
Written by Chloe French – Governess, Gallipoli.

G’day, I’m Chloe the Gallipoli Governess (Govy). I have been working for the Bishop family for almost two years now. I teach three kids that I lovingly refer to as, ‘my minions’. First up, Lachlan in year four, Georgia in year one, and last but not least Willy (William) in E-Kindy.

2.1 copyMy three Minions on their first day day back at School.

A few differences from last year to this year is first adding another little minion to the pack which was Willy who started this year in E-Kindy – he always keeps me on my toes. As soon as school is over for the day, which is from 7:30-12 he plays under the schoolroom until I knock on the floor to tell him “It’s activity time!!” and he comes racing up the stairs and gives a big grin.

2.2 copy Willy’s first day of school.

Another new thing this year was our schoolroom being painted. Before it was a ‘schoolroom’ it was the ‘cook’s quarters’. As we need much more space for the three minions and the first thing I thought that it needed was a make over! It was a boring, cream colour and it needed a transformation, which the kids were extremely excited about. It took only three days but we finally got it done during the school holidays.

2.3 copyMain area of the schoolroom.

2.5 copyThe craft area.

A new challenge that I added this year for myself was starting University studying Primary School Teaching through Charles Darwin as an external student. Yep I know what your thinking . . . “what a silly idea” . . . yeah I know! I couldn’t move back to the city to do it though so I thought ‘Hey why not?’ and ‘What’s the worst that could happen . . . ?’  Well actually I had heaps of thoughts running through my head that I still have to this day. It’s a great experience to teach as a govie and learn at the same time, putting what I’m learning into practice everyday.

I have always been told that change is a good thing and this year we have had many new and exciting changes. I can’t say my minions were happy about me taking on University because now it takes up all my time after work. I always have Willy playing under the schoolroom yelling out “Chloeeee . . . are you in there?” in a sneaky voice (which he probably learnt from me). Then there’s Georgia coming in and attempting to help, which usually turns into us playing games on my phone. Don’t worry I passed my first semester . . . somehow.

I can hear my minions yelling out from underneath the schoolroom, I’d better go check it out before they kill each other!

2.6 copyMy minions painting outside.

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