science week

[Marama T]

Yep, I'd be talking to someone above the HOD about this. The previous labbie was a twit.

[RosalieL]

I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that this task is way above my pay grade... I brought it up last year with HOD and she basically said that the previous labbie (that was here for 18 years until he retired) never had an issue with all of the workload science week brings, and that it's expected of me to run it

I ran it last year with a huge success, but I was very burnt out over it. I also need to do a massive shopping for prizes (which initially comes out of MY personal bank account, and reimbursed later for it), gift wrap them (that's 45 prizes to wrap...) AND do all the admin side of things that I've stated above. It's a lot of work and time that I simply do not have as a solo labbie

I guess this post is turning into a whinge post now

That's the previous labbie's choice to work "above and beyond" and that is WAY beyond.... They would have built up to that level over 18 years, and been able to use previous knowledge and experience to make it all happen, surely.

I would be at least asking for extra hours leading up to it, and if they decline, keep a record for yourself of how much time you spend on it this year and use it as a bargaining tool for next year, or as time off in lieu or something. And no way would I be paying out of pocket for prizes, even if you can claim it back. Find someone with a school credit card and do online orders for click and collect or delivery if they aren't going to let you have a card for yourself.

[Pm706Narrogin]

Totally agree, Rosalie. That was his choice and it's ridiculous that the expectation gets passed onto you, Nads. Especially when you're solo and have to keep the lab running as well as doing that extra work.

[RosalieL]

I am feeling really deflated. I've been trying to promote science week this year (more than in previous years - at least it made it onto the school calendar this year). I've been emailing links to resources, offering my time to junior classes (prep - yr12 school) and trying to get the science teachers involved. Our new head of secondary this year has previously taught science and is also keen. I hadn't had any response from anyone and so this afternoon as I was walking through the staffroom I asked 2 of the kindy teachers if they were wanting me to do anything with/for them for science week and they hadn't heard of it... apparently none of the information is being passed on (or they aren't reading it if it is...). There was a meeting planned for this afternoon for science staff and the head of secondary to come up with a plan but due to illness it has been postponed. I offered to still have it (just not covering ALL of the planned topics for the meeting - just science week) but none of the remaining staff opted in. I've printed some A4 posters to leave in the staffroom (we aren't allowed to put any up around the school) in the hopes that someone somewhere will pay attention...

[bigmack]

Good on you Rosalie for trying to fly the flag and get something happening .It is a bloody shame that it is left to the Labbie to crack the whip .

I find it is amazing to hear how attitudes and expectation's vary from school to school when you consider we are all in the same profession .

This week , as like last year , the head teacher organises and runs Science week . She spends Mon , Wed and Fri Lunchtime running it with the help of a few Seniors . She does not expect anything from the other teachers as she knows they are already under the pump .
For me ,it’s just another few pracs to get ready this week . That is no real extra stress for me . I get to go on another shopping adventure .
I am very lucky that I have my own card and there is not the bean counting and accountability nor penny pinching crap that I was subjected to in the NSW state system . ……. But maybe they know that was my tight ass training and why they trust me implicitly.

[Pm706Narrogin]

Same here bigmack. Our HoLA has gone nuts last 2 years doing all the Science Week stuff. As you say it's just another few pracs to set up.

At least it would be if we didn't simultaneously have year 8 doing microscopes and wet mounts, year 9 doing acids and bases and year 10s also doing chemistry and chemical reactions

[RosalieL]

Unfortunately we are a relatively small school and don't have a "head of science" so none of the teachers really feel like they are in charge. I recognise that the teachers all have a lot to do with all but one of them teaching across multiple subject areas, and senior classes preparing for their trial HSC exams, which is why I have offered my time and services. I guess I was hoping junior school would be more receptive. I've spoken to a few more teachers and the general response is that it doesn't really work with the topics they're doing next week... I am still planning to have some lunch time activities in the science labs if I can get a teacher to join me as crowd control.