I went to my daughters last "social" at her public school last night.
We had to be there 15 minutes before the end so the mum's and dad's could have a "last" dance with their children before Year 6 is over and high school starts next year.
It was very emotional.
The work and effort that the teachers put in was plain to see. Most of the girls were balling their eyes out and didnt want to leave their teachers and even some of the males were a bit misty eyed.
It was obvious that the teachers and students had formed a real bond. This is just your normal public school and its what the kids and teachers do that make it special. Sure your going to get your little s**t here and there but on a whole its been fantastic.
So Moby, it sure sounds like your bitter about something.
Elizabeth, if you turn into a teacher like I have seen for the last 6 years then you can pat yourself on the back. Best of luck.

Thanks Surfinchick! Means a great deal to hear you say that!

I know I already cop the same opinion that Teachers work 8-3 and walk out the door, and I suppose that there are some teachers who can work those hours and get homework marked, spelling, maths, assignments, create rubrics and any extra planning and events such as Graduation etc.; I know during the 10 weeks spent at Wishart SS, I was not only at school by 8 and there until 3, I worked ASC 315-530, then came home and worked until around 10 to fix up planning and make everything the best it could be for my kids... Putting in the extra work is just so worth it! Being single enables me to have time to dedicate my energy all towards teaching!

KA43, that is exactly what my Year 7s were like! They had a 'Farewell Night' where I created the DVD for all students of photos of the year, the baby and current photo slide and another dvd forto be played during the night.

Every child had a role within the Farewell night (71 year 7s), the last dance as well was rehearsed and it was an amazing experience for me. Even just the 10 weeks I spent with these children within class, sports days, swimming, asc and camp, they all, along with their parents, developed a strong bond with me; to which I had some very teary eyed year 7s.

The same goes with School Camps; they might appear just as taking kids somewhere and playing, but so much more goes into it in regards to planning, risk assessment, activities, meals, injuries etc.

I went to a private school from year 1-12, have had 'practicum, in the same school I went to, a jewish school with 12 kids in my class, and two state schools, and I went from wanting to NEVER teach in a State School, to only wanting to teach in a state school.

What fun is it having some snooty kid from a pvt school, their parents sometimes being worse, and not having any challenges!? The challenging times and students, make you appreciate the great days and make for a more enjoyable and closely bonded class. You would know already that a LOT of politicians children (i.e. Phil Reeves children) , police officers, detectives, other teachers children etc. go to state primary schools and then move onto Private High Schools.

Sorry for the long post.
Thanks again for all your support! =]

Hey Collwill, mate I not as dumb as you think, I invested in in gold chairs, yeah it was a typing mistake at the time, but it paid off, I'm now a Gardener, pulling in the big bucks, ha