A day in a teacher's life

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review The preparation for the department meeting can wait -- after all, you can still make use of the 40-mins break later in the day to rush it out. You reply Tommy and Fanny. Fanny replies with a list of questions so that the consultation can be more efficient and effective. Tommy is not free, but will re-arrange another timeslot with you during class later. [[After the consultation, you rush for flag raising and prepare to start the lesson with 4E.]] (set: $health to $health - 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 2) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Fanny in the morning"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review After discussing with Tommy and Fanny, the plan is to meet Tommy in the morning and Fanny in the afternoon, since Tommy has CCA right after his class and needs to have his lunch during the lunch break. The preparation for the department meeting can wait -- after all, you can still make use of the 40-mins break later in the day to rush it out. [[After the consultation, you rush for flag raising and prepare to start the lesson with 4E.]] (set: $health to $health - 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 1) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Fanny at lunch")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Tommy in the morning"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0700 Mrs. Nie is notorious for her lack of tolerance toward underpreparation for any meetings. You try to arrange for the two students to come meet you in the afternoon. Fanny will meet you during your lunch break at 1300. Tommy cannot make it at all, as he has CCA trainings and preparations for his zonal competitions; but this is okay, he has always been on task and can cope on his own. At least, that's what you think. [[You head into office and finish up whatever you need to do for the meeting later. Feeling more satisfied about yourself, you head for flag raising before heading to 4E.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 2) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Prepared for dept meeting")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Fanny at lunch"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0820 As you set up your laptop to project the slides to be used for the lesson, Rachel comes up to you and says that she would like to cancel the subscription to the newsletter that the school has 'encouraged' all of them subscribe to. Well, not her exactly, but her mother, who feels that you have not been utilizing the newsletter in class and therefore, finds that it is a waste of money. Her mother wants to speak with you directly regarding this issue, and has gotten Rachel to find out when you are available to talk, preferably today. You recall seeing an e-mail from Rachel's mother last week, but have not gotten round to it because you haven't had the opportunity to speak to your HOD regarding this issue. [[Tell Rachel that subscription is actually compulsory and get her to convey this information to her father -- you have no time to deal with this issue today, and you don't want to drag this any longer.]] [[You take a quick glance at your timetable, and figured you could resolve this right after class at 0920, before you call Haydon, Thev, and Cindy's parents. You get Rachel to text her father, saying that you are available for a phone call during that period of time.]] [[Explain to Rachel that the decision does not lie solely in your hands, and you must consult your HOD first. You intend to do so later during meeting and will get back to her father at around 1430 today.]]

You were about to go to bed when you notice your phone lights up. [[There are two unread messages. ]] (set: $health to 10) (set: $caring to 8) (set: $review to 6) (set: $inv to (a:))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review The first comes from Tommy. He is requesting for a consultation at 0700 tomorrow, as he is still unclear about the concepts taught last Thursday. You recall the disastrous lesson -- having learnt about whiteboarding in PP during NIE, you tried to apply it in class, but it failed terribly during your execution. Even a student as hardworking as Tommy was lost throughout the lesson. It would be good if you could help Tommy understand the concepts so that he could be of help during the lesson on Monday when you review the concepts again. The second comes from Fanny, from the same class. She is also requesting for a consultation at 0700 for the upcoming WA3 on Tuesday. Fanny has been very inattentive in class lately -- you understand from her form teacher that she is facing some issues at home. However, you have already set out the routine that students should not be requesting for consultations as late as one day before their WA or exams, as you want them to start preparing early. [[Agree to help Tommy, and refuse to help Fanny -- she should have come to you earlier, and allowing her to come for consultation will set a precedence for the class.]] [[Agree to help Fanny and reschedule Tommy -- Fanny is not responsible for the issues she is facing at home, and she needs my help.]] [[Agree to help both, but rearrange one of the consultations slots to the afternoon, possibly during lunch (both the students have afternoon lessons).]] [[Agree to help them both, asking them to both come together at the same time on Monday morning -- they probably can benefit from the questions that each of them may ask.]] [[Rearrange both of them to the afternoon -- you still need time to prepare for your department meeting later.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1240 You finally ended all your classes and are finally back in the staffroom. (if: $inv contains "Prepared for dept meeting" and "Met Fanny at lunch")[You [[make your way to the study corner and find Fanny already there.]]](else:) + (if: $inv contains "Met Fanny at lunch")[You [[make your way to the study corner to meet Fanny, while worrying about your meeting.]]](else:) + (if: not ($inv contains "Prepared for dept meeting"))[You [[stay in the staffroom to prepare for the meeting.]]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0920 As you enter the staffroom after ending the class, you hear your Mrs. Nie call out your name. Apparently, Rachel's father has called the General Office to question about the 'compulsory' subscription -- the staff at the General Office then put Mrs. Nie on the line. While Mrs. Nie does not seem to be putting any blame on you, she does mention that you should have approached her earlier to resolve this issue. She tells you to call Rachel's father explain to him why you said that this newsletter is compulsory when it is not. [[The discussion with Mrs. Nie took up about 10 minutes, and the call with Rachel's father took up another 20 minutes. You forgot about calling up Haydon's, Thev's, and Cindy's parents as you rush off for your next class at 1000.]] (set: $health to $health - 1) (set: $caring to $caring - 1) (set: $review to $review - 1.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Spoke with Rachel's father"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0920 As soon as you reached the office, you get to work immediately. You first ring up Rachel's dad and find out why he wants to cancel the subscription. You understand that he feels that it is a waste of money for Rachel to subscribe to the newsletter when (1) you don't use it in class and (2) Rachel is not interested in the subject and has not been doing well in it anyway. You explain the rationale behind why students are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter and promise to help Rachel with her work as long as she puts in effort to learn. He agrees to re-consider his decision. You then ring up Thev and Cindy's parents, before realizing that your next class starts in 5 minute's time. [[You pack your stuff and rush off for class at 3G, making a mental note to call Haydon's parents after you end your class with 2L. His parents didn't pick up the phone. You rush off for class at 3B again.]] (set: $health to $health -1.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 1) (set: $review to $review + 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Called Thev and Cindy's parents")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Spoke with Rachel's father"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0920 You reach your desk after the class and get to work. (if: $inv contains "Prepared for dept meeting")[You [[ring up the parents of Haydon, Thev, and Cindy.]]] (else:)[Do you [[prepare for department meeting]] or [[ring up the parents]]?]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1320 You end the consultation with Fanny, who seems to be much happier now, having clarified her doubts with you. You return to the office just as your colleagues got back with your bun and coffee, which you wolf down. [[You grab the necessary materials and make your way to the discussion room.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1320 You finish your meeting preparation just as your colleagues come back from lunch. They passed you your lunch, which you wolf down. They seem much more well-rested than you are. [[You make your way to the discussion room for the meeting.]] (set: $health to $health -1.5) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Prepared for dept meeting"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1320 You had a quick lunch with your colleagues and rushed back to the office to get your preparation done. Even though it was just a short 15-minute lunch, you feel a little more recharged and was quite productive. You managed to churn out the slides and the passages for EoY. [[You make your way to the discussion room for the meeting just as your colleagues got back to the office.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Prepared for dept meeting"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1320 In your rush, you realise you forgot to have your lunch. Your colleagues came back from their lunch break, and felt apologetic that they didn't get you anything after learning that you have not taken your lunch. You smile and say it's ok, and that you'll eat later. [[You grab your laptop and half-baked notes and make your way to the meeting room, with your stomach growling.]] (set: $health to $health - 3) (set: $caring to $caring - 1.5) (set: $review to $review)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1420 You reach the discussion room feeling a little under the weather. No matter, you have a little time to rest later. The meeting went well, and Mrs. Nie was quite impressed with your work. (if: $inv contains "Spoke with Rachel's father")[You [[head back to the staffroom.]]] (else:)[You remember that you have yet to resolve the issue with Rachel's father, and [[now is a good time to consult Mrs. Nie for her advice.]]] (set: $health to $health - 1) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review + 1)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1420 You reach the discussion room with your colleagues. The meeting went well, and Mrs. Nie was quite impressed with your work. (if: $inv contains "Spoke with Rachel's father")[You [[head back to the staffroom.]]] (else:)[You remember that you have yet to resolve the issue with Rachel's father, and [[now is a good time to consult Mrs. Nie for her advice.]]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review + 1.5)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1420 You reach the discussion room. During the meeting, you fumbled with your words and was not able to contribute significantly to the discussion -- your underpreparation is apparent, and Mrs. Nie could definitely tell. (if: $inv contains "Spoke with Rachel's father")[You [[return to the staffroom thinking about what you have just gotten yourself into.]]] (else:)[You remember that you have yet to resolve the issue with Rachel's father, and [[now is the time to consult Mrs. Nie.]]] (set: $health to $health - 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review - 1.5)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1800 Jim replies, "I'm flying off Wednesday morning. Not sure if we'll still have time to meet." You feel sad that you can't meet your best friend and you are not sure when is the next time you can meet him. During CCA, you managed to get a hold of some of the kids you teach and had the chance to speak with them about school. [[You head back to the staffroom after CCA ends, and continues to stay back in school to finish up your lesson preparation. Your plan to leave school before the OM chases you home has failed again.]] (set: $health to $health - 3) (set: $caring to $caring + 1.5) (set: $review to $review + 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Lesson preparation")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Took over Mr. Adams for CCA")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Had a chat with CCA students")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "//OT-ed again//"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1800 You hear Mr. Adams mutter, "We all have work to do." as he walks away. You think about whether this is the right call. Ms. Huda agrees to help Mr. Adams. [[You finish up your lesson preparation and get ready to leave school at 1600. As you walk out of school, you see the students in your CCA having a nice chat with Ms. Huda. Oh wells. You meet Jim, and had a nice catch-up with your best friend.]] (set: $health to $health + 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 1.5) (set: $review to $review - 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Lesson preparation")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "//Reached home in time for dinner//")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "//Met Jim//"))

Your stats: How tired you feel: $health How caring you seem to be: $caring Your superior's appraisal of you: $review Time: 2100 Tasks accomplished: (print: $inv.join("\n")) You look back on the day's event and thought to yourself...

Your stats: How tired you feel: $health How caring you seem to be: $caring Your superior's appraisal of you: $review Time: 1900 Tasks accomplished: (print: $inv.join("\n")) You look back on the day's event and thought to yourself...

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1440 Mrs. Nie seemed slightly annoyed that you took so long to consult her about this issue. Nevertheless, she still provided you with some advice on how to resolve this issue. You head back to the staffroom and ring up Rachel's father to discuss this issue. You find out why he wants to cancel the subscription. You understand that he feels that it is a waste of money for Rachel to subscribe to the newsletter when (1) you don't use it in class and (2) Rachel is not interested in the subject and has not been doing well in it anyway. You explain the rationale behind why students are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter and promise to help Rachel with her work as long as she puts in effort to learn. [[After putting down the phone, you take a short 5 minutes breather and continue with work.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 0.5) (set: $review to $review - 0.5)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1440 Just as you were about to begin your lesson preparation, Mr. Adams come running to you and apologizing -- he has to rush home as his son has taken ill, but that would mean that there will be no teacher in-charge for CCA later. He asks if you are available to relief his duties. [[Agree to help because you know that Ms. Huda has been on duty the whole of last week, and text Jim about postponing the tea with him (hopefully he has time over the next few days).]] [[Reject to help because you still have work to do and an appointment later on and refer him to Ms. Huda, the other CCA teacher in-charge.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review You decide that the preparation for the department meeting takes precedence over calling the parents -- the latter can wait. [[You spend the next 40 minutes rushing out the slides and notes for the meeting, and manage to complete it with 5 minutes to spare before your next class.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring) (set: $review to $review - 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Prepared for dept meeting"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review You decide to try and contact the parents just in case they are unavailable later on in the day -- that would become an issue since the deadline for the consent is tomorrow. You decide to use your lunch break to finish up your preparation. [[Haydon's mother is uncontactable. You make a note to call her later on in the day. You also find out that Thev has not been telling his parents about school. You pack up and get ready for your next class.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 0.5) (set: $review to $review + 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Called Thev's and Cindy's parents"))

(set: $inv to (a:))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0700 The preparation for the department meeting can wait -- after all, you can still make use of the 40-mins break later in the day to rush it out. You reply Tommy and Fanny. Tommy replies, "Thanks cher! :)", while Fanny doesn’t reply. You spend the night thinking about Fanny, and feel like you've done a disservice to her, but rules are rules, right? You go on the day feeling conflicted about this issue. [[After the consultation, you rush for flag raising and prepare to start the lesson with 4E.]] (set: $health to $health - 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 3) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Tommy in the morning"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0700 The preparation for the department meeting can wait -- after all, you can still make use of the 40-mins break later in the day to rush it out. You text both of them and request they come together. They agree. However, because the two of them face very different problems, neither of them actually benefitted from the consultation, and left feeling worse than before. [[After the consultation, you rush for flag raising and prepare to start the lesson with 4E.]] (set: $health to $health - 1.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 4) (set: $review to $review) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Met Tommy and Fanny in the morning"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 0820 As you set up your laptop to project the slides to be used for the lesson, Rachel comes up to you and says that she would like to cancel the subscription to the newsletter that the school has 'encouraged' all of them subscribe to. Well, not her exactly, but her father, who feels that you have not been utilizing the newsletter in class and therefore, finds that it is a waste of money. Her father wants to speak with you directly regarding this issue, and has gotten Rachel to find out when you are available to talk, preferably by today. You recall seeing an e-mail from Rachel's father last week, but have not gotten round to it because you haven't had the opportunity to speak to your HOD regarding this issue. [[Tell Rachel that subscription is actually compulsory and get her to convey this information to her father -- you have no time to deal with this issue today, and you don't want to drag this any longer.]] [[You take a quick glance at your timetable, and figured you could resolve this right after class at 0920, before you call Haydon, Thev, and Cindy's parents. You get Rachel to text her father, saying that you are available for a phone call during that period of time.]] [[Explain to Rachel that the decision does not lie solely in your hands, and you must consult your HOD first. You intend to do so later during meeting and will get back to her father at around 1430 today.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1000 Having completed your preparation for the meeting, you make use of this time to call the parents. [[Haydon's mother is uncontactable. You make a note to call her later on in the day. You also find out that Thev has not been telling his parents about school. You pack up and get ready for your next class.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 0.5) (set: $review to $review + 0.5) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Called Thev's and Cindy's parents"))

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1240 Fanny has come prepared with questions and the consultation went well. Mrs. Nie walks by and smiles at you. From the corner of your eye, you see your department colleagues leave for lunch together and realise that you still have not eaten your lunch. [[You send a text to your colleague and get them to buy a bun and a cup of coffee for you.]] (set: $health to $health - 2) (set: $caring to $caring + 1) (set: $review to $review + 0.5)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1240 You find Fanny seated at the study area outside the staffroom and make your way there. Throughout the consultation, you keep glancing at your watch and are rushing through your explanations. All you want now is for the consultation to end earlier so that you have time to work on your meeting preparation. [[Fanny noticed that you are distracted and seems a little disappointed. The consultation ended in about 20 minutes and you rushed back to the staffroom to quickly compiled a list of things to say during the meeting later.]] (set: $health to $health - 2.5) (set: $caring to $caring - 2) (set: $review to $review)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1240 As you sit at your desk to start work, your colleagues ask if you want to have lunch with them in the canteen. [[Reject their invitation because you still have the preparation for the meeting. They offer to bring food back for you.]] [[Agree, but leave lunch earlier to get back to the office to finish up your work.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1440 Finally, you can take a breather before doing some lesson preparation as the last of your daily tasks. Just as you were about to begin your lesson preparation, Mr. Adams come running to you and apologizing -- he has to rush home as his son has taken ill, but that would mean that there will be no teacher in-charge for CCA later. He asks if you are available to relief his duties. [[Agree to help because you know that Ms. Huda has been on duty the whole of last week, and text Jim about postponing the tea with him (hopefully he has time over the next few days).]] [[Reject to help because you still have work to do and an appointment later on and refer him to Ms. Huda, the other CCA teacher in-charge.]]

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1440 You managed to discuss with her regarding Rachel's father, and she gave you some advice on how to resolve the issue. You head back to the staffroom and ring up Rachel's father to discuss this issue. You find out why he wants to cancel the subscription. You understand that he feels that it is a waste of money for Rachel to subscribe to the newsletter when (1) you don't use it in class and (2) Rachel is not interested in the subject and has not been doing well in it anyway. You explain the rationale behind why students are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter and promise to help Rachel with her work as long as she puts in effort to learn. [[After putting down the phone, you take a short 5 minutes breather and continue with work.]] (set: $health to $health - 0.5) (set: $caring to $caring + 0.5) (set: $review to $review + 0.5)

Your stats: LP: $health CP: $caring RP: $review Time: 1310 After lunch, you find yourself having some time to call Haydon's, Thev's, and Cindy's parents. Haydon's parents are not contactable. You also find out that Thev has not been telling his parents about school. You promise to find time to talk to Thev about his issues. [[You make your way to the discussion room for the meeting.]] (set: $health to $health + 1) (set: $caring to $caring + 0.5) (set: $review to $review + 0.5)