Ah Scotland, I looked Dead Sexy in a Kilt!

Hi everybody!

Well, my 2 weeks off for Christmas and New Years has flown by and I’m back at work. It was great to be back at school, I missed the kids and the staff but I find myself exhausted, I haven’t used my brain for 2 weeks, haha.

As most of you know I went to Scotland after Christmas for New Years. I spent 9 days there, stayed with my friends Dave and Juliet and was treated so well by them both. Not only did they pick me up at the airport but when I got to their place “Santa” had gifts for me under the Christmas tree, thanks guys! They even fed me and it turns out I like curry dishes, Juliet made an amazing one! If either of them ever need a kidney I’ll be the first to offer mine! J

I spent my first day in Glasgow looking around and doing some shopping, I got some pretty sweet deals on clothes for their boxing week sales! It was crazy how familiar it was, I had only been there once a couple of years ago and I remembered my way around. I took the train to Edinburgh the next day to do some sight seeing and there was a fair going on. It was weird to see a Ferris Wheel and other amusements rides in the middle of Edinburgh and in front of the old historic buildings. I’ve got some pretty cool pictures, I’ll send those out another time.

I went to Scotland because Juliet and Dave invited me to join them on a small island off the west coast called Tiree. We had to get up at 3 am to drive and make it to they ferry in time. The ferry was a 4 hour ride to the island and I had my first bought of Sea Sickness, couldn’t even blame it on alcohol. But it was worth it! We arrived to our destination along with some of Dave and Juliet’s closest friends. Every couple of years they get together, rent a large house on an island and celebrate Hogmany (that’s what they call New Years in Scotland). Each family took turns preparing lunches and dinners, we played games in the evenings, enjoyed a few drinks and even broke out the karaoke machine.

The Hogmany/New Years Eve celebration was by far the highlight. Dave was kind enough to hook me up in true Scottish formal wear, a kilt, dress shirt, vest and suit jacket. The kilt felt surprisingly, natural! For those of you who don’t know my Great Grandmother was born in Scotland, so I have a wee bit of Scottish in me. And yes, I wore the kilt like a true Scot, and I have to tell you it was a truly unique breeze when I went outdoors! We enjoyed a lovely 3 course meal of pâté and salad, a prime rib roast with roasted potatoes and veg and an amazing chocolate pie.

The place we stayed at was right on the ocean and the scenery was fabulous. We took in a hike along the beach and a driving tour around the island. It was hard to believe that it was December, it wasn’t that cold and there’s no snow (very strange for this Canadian boy). It was a bit windy but just enough sun poking out in the afternoon for us to enjoy the sights.

After the relaxing weekend in Tiree I had enough time to rent a car for the day and go on a road trip! I haven’t driven since renting a car London and cruising England and Wales, I’ve missed driving! I put on 300 miles in that day, made my way to Perth, St. Andrews and Peebles. Most of the touristy places in Perth were closed, so I wandered the city centre and made my way to St. Andrews. St. Andrews is the home of that famous golf course and where, of course, the game of golf was created. I didn’t get to play, would have cost a fortune and I don’t have my clubs, but I did get to wander the course, the beach nearby, checked out the British Golf Museum and wandered around city centre.

Sightseeing around in the winter is rather limited because it starts getting dark at 4:30, driving at night in Scotland could have been a challenge but luckily Dave let me borrow his GPS. I really want one now and I didn’t need to use a map, all I had to do was type in a destination and the computer told me where to turn and displayed a map on the screen.

My last destination on my crazy road trip was a bit of a family roots type of journey. In Peebles, Scotland there’s a monument of John Veitch who was a Philosopher, Poet and Professor at St. Andrews and Glasgow Universities. He was born and died in Peebles Scotland in 1894 and is a distant relative of mine. I wasn’t sure where the monument was, my Grandmother told me it was in the town but didn’t know where exactly. So I wandered in the rain and dark, decided to stop in a local pub and ask if anyone knew of the monument. A bartender gave me directions to an old grave yard that he thought might have it so I left the pub and on a whim decided to cross the street and guess what I found! The monument, what are the odds! I took pictures and will be showing them to my Grandma, I’ve already phoned her and told her about it and she was really excited. I went back to the pub to let them know where the monument was and sat for a pint, fish and chips and a great chat with some of the locals. I found out that Peebles is prospering from tourism, a lot of people are buying up houses to commute to Edinburgh and the population is about 12,000. What an experience!

So I didn’t spend this years holidays with family, but I did get to spend them with great friends and seek out my historical roots, so in a sense I was with family. 2006 has been amazing for myself, I can’t wait to see what and where 2007 will take me.

Take care everybody,
Stephen

P.S. I’ve moved to a double room in my house and have an air mattress and room for it! So, if any of you are planning to come visit me I can offer you a place to crash. And depending on who you are I might even give up my bed for you and sleep on the air mattress, haha. Let me know, I’d love to have visitors!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hello All!

Just wanted to send out an email wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I had a great Christmas Eve, helped my friend Erin cook a Turkey and my gravy turned out very nice! (Thanks to a quick call to Grandma). On Christmas day I had a few people over and we chilled and watched some family guy. My plan for News Years Eve is to go to Scotland (I fly out tonight) stay with my friends Dave and Juliet and go with them to an island off the west coast of Scotland called Tiree. There will be Karaoke involved so I couldn’t say no! Juliet is a friend of mine from Saskatoon who moved to Scotland about 2.5 years ago. When I was first traveling over seas my friends Audrey, Travis and my self were fortunate enough to be able to stay with Juliet and Dave! It was great! So I’m really excited to be seeing them again!

I’ve been keeping busy, lots of Christmas parties, staff ones, Work in Ireland ones and just celebrating good times!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday, it was a bit strange this Christmas being away from home for the first time in my life! That and the fact that there is no snow makes it just not feel like Christmas. Of course being able to fly to Scotland and back for 30 Euros (that’s 45 Canadian!) is helping to make it all worth it!

Wishing you and your family all the best for 2007, I really miss you all!
Stephen Horyn

An unusual day...

Hello all, again! Update 5.5 (since it’s so close to the last one).

Thanks for all the Birthday wishes, I partied it up all weekend and had the best time. Friday night I discovered a new Karaoke place called “Wool Shed”. They have huge projectors, a stage and cordless mics so you can walk all over the bar and sing away! I really need to go to Japan, just for the Karaoke. And as I mentioned before I won 2 free Guinness for singing, who would have ever thought that karaoke would pay off?

I’ve got a lot of responses from people curious about my job. I’m teaching students with severe and profound special needs. They are all in wheel chairs, all have cerebral palsy and all have limited to no speech (only one student can say “hi ya” and “how are ya”). There is 1 girl aged 6 and 4 boys aged 9, 10, 11, and 13. My day consists of extreme routine, we go to assembly every morning for prayer and song and then we start out day in the classroom by using automated lifts with sacs to hoist the children from their home wheel chairs to their school wheel chairs (which have table tops to work on). We do our circle time and use pictures to show what the schedule for the day is. After circle time and an activity it’s time for drinks for each student. We have to use a special thickener and spoon feed the students (except the ones who are PEG fed, a tube directly to their stomachs) and then have a break time. After break it’s time for changes, which my SNA’s are responsible (changing their nappies, which we call diapers in Canada). While students are being changed it gives me a chance to work with a few one on one and continue with our school work. After that it’s time for lunch, which is provided by the school (it’s attached to the hospital), and consists of potatoe/meat/vegetable dishes mashed or pureed and we spoon feed the children. One of my students can feed him self, occasionally, and did so very well today! After lunch and another break our afternoon activities consist of the following – Monday is Library, Tuesday is Art, Wednesday is DVD day (we join another class to enjoy a children’s program), Thursday is Physical Education and Friday is our outing to the local shop. Then there’s the paperwork, IEP’s (Individual Education Plans), Monthly Plans and Reports, Daily communication books and Weekly Report books.

The types of activates we do are all sensory/hands-on type of activities such as Grasp and Release, working with large switches hooked up to battery operated stuffed animals, switches hooked up to the computer with specialized software, a “Talk 4” which is a specialized communication device (you have pictures on the front and when pressed the audio you’ve recorded to go with the pictures will play), a “Big Mac” which is a single switch that records audio and is used for communication and using a Picture Exchange Communication, where you trade pictures for objects. We also try to get the kids out of their chairs during P.E. and do Physio activities, play games or just chill out to some nice music. The automated lifts are there so people don’t throw their backs out, but it’s so time consuming that sometimes you have to manually handle the students. And I have no problem lifting the students myself, we did a game in the gym where I picked up some of them and ran a little circle around the others (they loved it!).

In between our regular schedule there are constant interruptions from Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Dietitians. I have to work closely with all these people and keep in contact for the needs of my students (that is of course where the Asthma Camp experience is paying off, I worked with medical staff there as well). We sometimes try to find time to go to the local tea house called the Beehive for tea, toast and scones and Thursday we are going on a special class trip to the Mall to see Santa.

By far the best part of the day is when you get a reaction from the children like completing a task, a simple smile, a look in their eyes that shows that they’re getting something or an out loud laugh. One of my students will squeeze my fingers when she enjoys something.

As I celebrated my birthday this weekend one of my student’s families had to deal with the loss of their child. Adam was 9 years old and had to have a nurse with him at all times, he would laugh and giggle when he liked something but was very fragile and couldn’t be moved very much because of his brittle bones. It was a miracle that he lived as long as he did (the doctors didn’t expect him to) and this was due to the determination of his mother who made sure that he had a nurse with him all the time. He had been in the hospital for the past 2 weeks and was very ill. He passed away this morning and it was absolutely one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with in my teaching career. The rest of the students could sense that we were emotional and I showed Adam’s picture, explained what happened and told them that he was in Heaven now. I’m not sure they really understood exactly what I was saying, but I think they understood more the emotions we were exuding at the time we found out this morning.

I feel very lucky to have been able to work with Adam, I feel as though he taught me more than I could ever have taught him. I’m also really happy with my decision to stay on with the school because if I were leaving at Christmas it would be hard for the students to have to deal both with the loss of a classmate and having a new teacher take over.

A small glimpse into my job here and one my most unusual days.

Take care everyone,
Stephen

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Hello all! Can you believe this is update #5?

I’m still alive and kicking, and the emails are getting a bit more infrequent, for good reason, I’m back to living the working life. It’s been an interesting journey, getting here, getting settled, finding a job, etc. Once all that happens, well, it’s kind of like real life again. You go to work and you hang out with friends to enjoy good drinks, food and good times! So once I start up my traveling and sight seeing again I’m sure I’ll be back to sending a few more emails.

I did a bit of sight seeing during my week off the beginning of November. My Canadian friend Tracy and I went to a coastal town called Bray which isn’t too far out of Dublin and easily accessible by train. We took a hike along the ocean and went up to Bray’s Head which is a smaller hill with a nice view. By far the highlight (besides the great company) was the fish and chips! It was the best fish and chips I’ve had in Ireland, I think the fish had been caught that day. I’m even considering going back just for the fish and chips. I did another trip solo in Howth and took in the coastal hike there as well, it was another great day weather wise. The sun was shining and I was out walking in my T-Shirt in November!

The weather here has been pretty good! I’ve been told by the locals that it’s been pretty mild. I really did pick the right year to do this, I hear from friends and family that winter hit the prairies early this year. The temperatures back home are hitting -30 Celsius and they’re getting tons of snow. It’s been averaging between 10 and 15 degrees here in Dublin and not raining as much as it usually does, although last night and today there’s some sort of a torrential rain storm.

I’ve been keeping busy meeting up with a few more Canadians and socializing with the people I work with. We had an in-service day the other week to teach current teachers about the new drama curriculum. In a room of the 22 teachers from our school I’m the only male, even the instructor running the session was female. The staff at my school are pretty amazing, a great mix of new and experienced teachers. I’ve asked a few of them if the lack of male primary teachers here is a recent trend or if its always been that way. There have always been more female primary teachers than male but more recently less and less males are entering the profession. Back in Canada the elementary teaching profession has mostly been dominated by females, the ratio here in Ireland is less.

Hanging out with the girls from work is always entertaining and educational! I was invited over to the one of my colleagues houses yesterday to have a few drinks before we all went out to our Christmas party. I sat back, enjoyed some wine and chatted a bit but mostly was observing girls panicking over their hair, make up and what to wear. I’m making some interesting observations and getting a fascinating insight into the female psyche. We went to a place called the Dandelion Bar for our Christmas party last night. There are 2 levels there, the main floor for dining and the basement for hitting the night club scene. We had an amazing meal (the best steak I’ve had in Dublin) and after made our way downstairs for some dancing and drinks, it was a blast!

You’re probably wondering about my title, decisions. It was Friday I had to let the school know if I was going to stay on longer or be done at Christmas. The principal talked to me a month ago about staying at the school until June. I figured when the time came I would just know, unfortunately I didn’t! I talked with a lot of friends to get their opinions and tried my best to weigh the pros and cons. I’m enjoying my time at the school, teaching special needs is both challenging and rewarding. I’m finding at the end of the day I’m absolutely exhausted, it’s not like I can assign a task to the students and they can carry it out you have to be working with them at all times. I have 2 SNA’s (Special Needs Assistants) working with me, and they are amazing I would be lost without them. For me this year is about self reflection, learning and traveling. I came here wanting to experience many different schools in Dublin and also get the opportunity to teach mainstream here as well. I did get a small taste of that when I subbed for a few weeks prior to getting this job, and it was great! But it was also frustrating not knowing where you are going to be working or even if you will be working that day.

My final decision regarding staying or leaving the school was made after talking to colleagues. My thoughts were if I left the school I could easily sub teach for a while and then get another short contract. I even got a call from a school that I interviewed at before getting the job here and he said he’s looking for someone to teach until Christmas and then a few months after. He didn’t say for sure if the job would be available in the new year but did say that he would call me and see what I was doing in January. I decided I can’t really rely on working for that principal because when I went for my interview there in September he had already hired someone before I even got there and only informed me when I arrived. The girls at work told me that it’s very hard to get subbing jobs in January and February so that helped sway my decision more to one side. I told my principal that I would stay until Easter (which gives me another week off paid in Feb and 2 weeks off paid at Easter) and that if I decided I’d like to stay until June she asked me to let her know by March 1. If I stay until June I would be getting paid over the 2 month summer as well.

So we’ll see, I’m thinking a bit of security cash wise isn’t a bad thing. I’ve got plenty of time to travel during my breaks and over the long weekends. One of my good friends Patrick is planning on traveling through Europe over the summer so I’ll leave my place here in Dublin and go back to the hostel living backpacking adventure through Europe!

Take care everybody,
Stephen

P.S. Can you believe I turn 32 today?

P.P.S.S. I should also mention I won 2 free drinks for singing Karaoke Friday night at a place called Wool Shed! Good times!

The Life of a Teacher in Ireland...

Hello all, I hope you enjoy update #4!

I have to tell you life is very rough right now, I’ve been working for 4 weeks at my new school and they are making me take a full week off with pay, okay everyone is off for the week, but that just sounded cool!

Teaching and living in Dublin is going great! I am meeting loads of new people and still having the time of my life! I went to a house party last night, my friend Desiree who I met in Galway a few weeks back invited me over to her new place. What a multicultural house, there’s an Argentinean gal, a Chinese gal, a Philippino Guy, a French guy, and another I can’t remember. The really cool thing is a lot of them are Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Nurses and work in schools where children who are challenged, so ya we all clicked really fast! And one of the Philippine guys friends (who also is Philippine) is named Stephen and loves Karaoke, so ya, we’re all going out for Karaoke ASAP! Everyone made a dish that was native to their home and the food was amazing.
It’s crazy to think that a month has passed by already, time does fly when the craic is good! (for those of you concerned that I’m into drugs, craic means good times in Irish, the only drugs I do are my asthma inhalers, ha!). My job is going well, I’m learning so much. It’s very challenging working with disabled children, but also very rewarding as well. I got a note from a parent who loves the things I’m doing in the class with the students and she also mentioned that her child seems more alert at home and loves talking about her day. So I guess I’m doing something right, but I feel like I’m not doing enough, the kids are really teaching me, haha.

I have to reference Asthma Camp one more time! It’s amazing how the skills I learned there are needed in this job. I work very closely with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nurses, Dietitians and so on. Because of Asthma Camp and my experiences working with people in the medical field it’s making this type of working environment more comfortable for me, it’s almost like I know what I’m doing! It’s important to work as a team because the students education and safety depend on it.

They’ve offered me a contract until August of 2007, which means I get a paid summer vacation in Euros(plus Easter and Spring Break and Christmas). I haven’t accepted it yet because I was tentatively planning on only working 6 months, traveling during the spring and subbing here and there as needed. I’m finally getting paid this Thursday (after only working for 7 weeks) and once my finances are in order I’ll figure that all out. I’d really like to get as many experiences at other schools, but this opportunity may be hard to pass up. We’ll see where the wind takes me.

I went out with some of the teachers from my school one night last week for a little social gathering. It’s pretty rough working as a male primary teacher when you are the ONLY male on staff and then having to party it up with so many good looking Irish gals. But I’m definitely not complaining. It’s funny at school because of the washroom situation, there’s only 2 and the guys is also used by the ladies, it always makes for interesting conversation.

The school day is different at this school. The students arrive at 9:20 and are there until 3:00. I am forced to go on my break, tea time is a must and we alternate the breaks in the morning and at lunch so that everyone working gets their break. It’s the Irish way, and I have to say it’s not all that bad. The Irish way of things taking so much time is a bit of an adjustment, but I suppose not a bad trade off for being forced to have tea everyday.

There are many other perks to working at this school, it’s attached to a hospital so I got a free Flu Shot and I can get some other vaccinations free. Plus they have a canteen that’s subsidized, so for lunch I always have a huge dinner like beef brisket with mashed potatoes gravy and vegetables for under 3 Euro, a meal like that would cost between 10 and 20 Euro at other places in Dublin. Plus the food is really good! I had my first desert the other day and a sandwich for 2.20, not bad at all.

I made it back to Galway last week for another social put on by the “Work in Ireland Program”. I went with 2 Canadian gals I met at the last one and met up with a lot more Canadians at this one. I like Galway but I think working in Dublin has its advantages like better access to the airport (I can do some crazy traveling real soon) and being able to meet more people. Living in a big city is pretty fun, I can’t believe how much I missed living in a city.

It’s been raining a bit, but not everyday and everyone is telling me to prepare for the dreaded wet, cold, dark and gloomy winter here. I’m going to have to get a warmer and waterproof jacket, after payday this week I’ll do some shopping.

I’ve finally posted some pictures, you can access them here;
http://stephenhoryn.spaces.live.com/

Let me know what you think! I’ll update that when I have time. I was planning on doing the blog thing, but I think I’ll stick to the long emails, I like it better.

Hope all is well back home, I really miss everyone a lot and love to hear about what’s going on. A special thanks has to go out to my Grandma who sent me a Thanksgiving Card and a Halloween Card!

Take Care,
Stephen

Karaoke and a Teaching Contract? I’m Living the Life!

Hello all I hope you enjoy update #3!

Well, I did it! I reached my goal, that’s right, all these years I’ve been telling my students that you can achieve anything if you just set your mind to it and apparently it’s true! Who knew! I’m sure you’ve all guessed exactly what I’ve accomplished, I found KARAOKE in Dublin, Ireland!!! Oh, right, I also got a full time 3 month teaching position as well, but seriously, you’ve got to have priorities! Haha!

The bar is called Break for the Border and is located in Dublin on Stephens Street Lower and only has Karaoke on Fridays. Hmm, a Karaoke bar on Stephens Street! It’s meant to be! I met a few other people from Canada and Germany a few nights prior at a social put on by the “Swap, Work in Ireland Program” and I convinced them all that we needed to go to this place on Friday. I texted about 12 people and most showed up. We had a great time, I got to sing 5 songs (and the limit is 4, oops!) and at the end of the night I found in another song book that they had some Nickelback songs, I begged to sing one more time but the DJs had to put away their equipment. So you know what that means? I must go back!
Okay, let’s Tarantino this email and go back a few days,

I’ve settled into my new place, met all of my roommates and checked out most of the area (lot’s of walking). I’m living in a 5 bedroom house with 4 other people. 2 Irish girls, 1 German guy and 1 Lithuanian guy, and they’re all great people! A 5 bedroom house may sound big, but it’s not. There should only be 4 bedrooms because our kitchen is also our living room and laundry room. It all works out fine, most of us aren’t around at the same time.

I’ve been substitute teaching for the past couple of weeks and learning a lot about the Education System here. They day starts at 9 and ends at 2:30, they get a 15 minute break in the morning and 45 minutes for lunch. Students start at 4 years of age in Junior Infants (equivalent to pre-school) and then move into Senior Infants (equivalent to Kindergarten). From there they go into First Class, then Second Class, etc. (Which is like Grade 1, 2, 3 etc.). I’ve had the opportunity to sub in 1st Class, 2nd Class, 5th Class, a class Special Needs class with students in Wheelchairs who have Cerebral Palsy and also teaching Remedial Maths and Language. Maths is not a typo, that’s what they call math here, I’m slowly getting used to the lingo. Ah the lingo, let me tell you about my first day of teaching in Ireland.

My first day was in Rathfarnham, which is very far from where I’m living (still in Dublin, but Dublin is HUGE). I caught the train to city centre and planned to them take the bus to the school. I get to the bus stop and the one I need only runs every hour and I’ve missed it because I’m still figuring out the bus system here. So, I catch a taxi to the school and make it in the nick of time. I got to the school, talked with the principal and he showed me to my classroom. He also informed me that there will probably be no lesson plan for the day, but that with my experience he’s sure I’ll be fine. Of course I did great! If that was my first year of teaching with no experience behind me I would have been screwed, but luckily I’ve got a few years under my belt and I’m good! So the day starts, there’s an assembly first thing in the morning and after that we get right into regular school work, I told the students a bit about Canada and myself and asked them to tell me their name and something about themselves. I then eased us into doing some actual school work and while they are working very hard one of them asks me for a rubber, I don’t really know what they want and of course I’m a bit concerned. Turns out they call erasers rubbers here, phew, that’s a relief, haha. The day was good, but I was exhausted after, thank goodness I was able to meet up with a friend for a pint after.

I spent more days at a few other schools and was then spent a week at Inchicore National Primary School, which was only a 20 minute walk from my place. I was originally asked to stay for 4 days to teach Remedial Maths, which is working 1 on 1 with students. It’s a good thing I’m flexible because my first day there I was told 5 minutes before class that I was instead going to cover 2nd Class because that teacher was ill. Then I would do the Remedial Maths the rest of my days there, no problem! Again, no plans, but luckily next door is another 2nd Class teacher and she gives me a schedule of what the students usually work on throughout the day. It’s a bit of a challenge coming into a class for 1 day when you don’t know their routines and are used to different expectations, but of course it’s nothing I can’t handle, remember… I’m good! Well, all those years of Asthma Camp are finally paying off! The students were getting a bit restless and arguing over pencil crayons (they call them simply colors), they are all 7 years of age, it’s to be expected. I ask the class to stand up so I can teach them a great song that I know from Canada called the “Moose Song”. I have to thank Catherine who brought the “Moose Song” to Asthma Camp and now I’m spreading it all over Ireland like wildfire! There are 3 verses and actions to the song, I teach the students the first verse and let them know that throughout the day, depending on how well we do, perhaps we will have time to learn the other 2 verses of the song. I was able to teach them the song and after a few days at the same school I started getting requests from other teachers to come to their class and teach them the “Moose Song”. By the end of my week there I had the entire yard of school children doing the moose song outside during break with actions and all! They loved it, good times!

On my 5th day at the school I was asked to cover 5th Class (coincidence?). The routine for the students is to line up in the yard and wait for their teacher to collect them (yup, they say collect as opposed to get or getting). I went to collect 5th Class and got standing ovation and cheer from the students, I even chatted with a few parents and they mentioned that their children were very exited that I was teaching them. The students here are very curious about myself and love my accent, they always ask me to say various words and love the way I sound, I tease them of course and tell them that I don’t have an accent, they do. I think it’s a great experience that some of these students have an opportunity to meet a teacher from so far away, most of them will only know Ireland their whole lives. The principal told me if she had a job opening she’d hire me on the spot. She did ask me to stay for 2 more days to teach Remedial Language and I really enjoyed it. It’s not nearly as exhausting working one on one with a child as opposed to teaching an entire class, but of course just as rewarding. Well, needless to say, I’ve left a bit of an impression on the school, but I’m just doing my job and having fun.

Something of the things I’ve noticed here are there are not many male primary teachers, maybe even less than home. The school and classes here are so small, we are so lucky with the space we have in Canada. There’s not even an indoor gymnasium at the schools I’ve been to, just the yard outside without grass or an apparatus, nothing but a cement ground to play on. All schools here have students in uniforms and it makes them look so much more professional. I’ve chatted with a few other teachers about the uniforms and they really like them, one teacher mentioned that when you go on a field trip it’s much easier to find them because they all look the same, good point! The teachers don’t have a uniform (I wish they did too, then I wouldn’t have to think about what I’m wearing that day) and some wear jeans with a jumper (which is a sweater, haha) during the week days, that surprised me. The students seem a bit more respectful, always addressing me as Sir (I’m not used to being called Sir) and when a teacher assistant talks to them they show the same respect as when their classroom teacher does. One of the coolest things I observed was when a teacher come into the class I was covering and asked the students who would like to volunteer for some school event many of them put their hands up and wanted to be picked. The teacher decided which student she would take and the class applauded that student, there was no complaining, not one “I never get picked”, the students knew that they would get a chance to participate next time. It’s very interesting to see the differences, but overall kids are kids and will treat you with the same respect you treat them with.

On Monday I interviewed for another job and after subbing and experiencing different schools I went into the interview with the mindset of “I don’t really want this job, I just want to continue subbing”. This job was to cover the rest of the school year (until June) but I told them that I was only interested in a 3 month contract (I’d like to experience many different schools while I’m here). So of course I nail the interview and they call me an hour later to offer me the job until December, crap! I think that’s appropriately called Murphy’s law, haha. I told them that I would get back to them the next day. The job involves teaching primary students with severe disabilities and limited speech. I would have 2 teacher assistants working with me and the school is connected to a hospital with a full medical staff. There are also other classes with teachers that I would have the opportunity to work with and learn from. So, I accepted the position because of the following,

1. This will be an excellent learning opportunity and very rewarding, I have some experience with students of severe and moderate disabilities, I even subbed in one school similar to this one and enjoyed it
2. Job security for 3 months will be more stable and it includes the last week in October and December off with pay
3. It’s fairly close to where I’m living, takes 1 hour to walk and 20 minutes by bus, maybe I’ll look into getting a bike, or maybe I can carpool!
4. The school is attached to a facility with a pool and gym
5. I have an amazing colleague from back home who will be a great person to contact for ideas and help
6. I need my own class with my rules and expectations, I’m a control freak!

So, working full time until December will work out very well for me and I got an email about a teaching job for January in London teaching ICT (Computers) to staff and students. Before I decided I was going to come to Ireland I signed up with a teaching agency based in London, England. They recently phoned me and told me about this position and wondered if I might be interested, I should have a phone interview within the next few weeks. If that doesn’t work out I will continue to live in Dublin, I’d like to teach for 3 more months after this job and then go backpacking through Europe, and if I run out of money come back and sub some more. Who knows where I’ll end up teaching and living next! This adventure has only begun.

This of course brings us full circle back to the Karaoke night (very Tarantino, isn’t it?). The one thing that’s keeping me sane (and not as homesick) have been the great people I’ve met and befriended. Since the start of my travels I’ve met some amazing people and had such great times! I’ve come to realize that this experience is about more than just sight seeing, it’s about connecting with people and choosing to spend time with them and experience life!

So, basically, as long as I can continue to find Karaoke (in all the countries I visit) and convince the great people I’ve met to join me, I think I’ll be very happy! (You’ve got to have priorities, right!?)

Take care everyone, hope to hear from you all soon!
Stephen Horyn

P.S. If you don’t get the reference to Tarantino then you need to see the films Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction

P.P.S.S. I’ve started a blog, it’s at http://teachinginireland.blogspot.com/ right now it’s just these emails, so if you’ve missed the first one and want to catch up it’s there!

From Galway... back to DUBLIN!!! I have a home now :)

Hello all, again! Update number 2 and by the next email I’ll have my blog up with pictures!

Well, I went to Galway with the hopes, dreams and aspirations of teaching and living there. Low and behold what happens? I meet this awesome Australian couple (Dave and Emily) who are Primary teachers as well and both were teaching in Dublin last school year. They had a vast amount of information for me and led me to a site called http://www.educationposts.ie/ where you can search for teaching jobs online OR sign up FOR FREE to get teaching jobs texted to your mobile phone! You’ll never guess where I met them, they were staying in the same hostel dorm as I was! I’m telling you, it’s like fate! So, I check out the site, sign up for the textasub service and start to get multiple jobs sent to my mobile.

Dave did inform me that the area where I will get more work is Dublin, and this makes sense there are way more schools and a much larger population. I phoned inquiring about 2 of the jobs that were 3 month positions and bang, instant interviews. So I celebrate, Guinness of course, with my new Australian friends, (don’t worry Baba and Grandma, I didn’t celebrate too much, I only had 2 pints, I’m responsible, I swear!) got a good nights rest and continued my quest for jobs in Galway. There’s a few postings, I inquire, send off CVs(resumes) and even contact a few schools. Unfortunately, no jobs there right now… but that’s okay! I have 2 interviews in Dublin and it was a smart thing to do, getting a return bus ticket(only 4 extra Euro for return).

I of course wasted no time meeting more people, I met up with this gal named Kelly, an American from North Carolina, we had a pint and then went to a Salsa club with live music for another pint and entertainment. I don’t dance Salsa, and Kelly doesn’t know how to Polka, so needless to say we just watched the great band and a lot of really good dancers. We had some great chats and of course just overall good times! We even made plans to meet up again in Dublin!

The next day I went back to the Cliffs of Moher. If you’ve never seen these they are stunning, 700 foot cliffs right on the Atlantic, what a sight! In 2 years it’s amazing how much has changed and is still changing here. This is the last year that the Cliffs will be free, they are building a new visitor centre to accommodate their 700,000+ visitors each year and will be charging an admission fee. I was actually saddened by how they are wrecking the natural beauty, I’m sure it will be nice when it’s done, but I’m cheap, keep it free! Ah well, you can still go past the area they have set out and walk along the cliffs where there is some private land and a whole lot of natural beauty left.

My last evening in Galway I went out for pints with Desiree, a girl I met who’s from Argentina, to a pub called Monroe’s. This pub was highly recommended by my good friend Travis, I thought it was just okay and Desiree didn’t really like it. Travis has done much better introducing me to the Celt (where I’ll be taking Kelly when we meet up in Dublin!). We went on a mission looking for a pub with good music and found a place called the King’s Head, they had a live rock band who played everything from Led Zepplin to the Killers. They rocked! I’ve decided if I can’t find Karaoke in Ireland then I’m just going to find a band who needs a singer!

After all my fun (and a bit of work) in Galway I made my way back to Dublin, a 4 hour bus ride, stored my bags at a hostel and put on my good clothes. The interview went great, the school is for students with severe disabilities and I would have been teaching 5 children with a full time teacher’s aide under me. The principal was excited that a male was applying because there are only female teachers at the school and she was very keen on me. I told her I had another interview on Monday and would call her then.

I went to my interview on Monday, got there, phoned the principal (because I didn’t know which door to enter) and he sadly informed me that he hired someone in the morning. I let him know I was just outside and he felt really bad, he invited me into the school, we chatted and he asked for a copy of my CV to keep on file. If it doesn’t work out with the teacher he just hired he’ll call me in 2 weeks, or he might have something in January. I was a bit ticked that he hired someone knowing I was coming there to interview, but I guess they are hard up for teachers in some areas. Anyway, I did get a tour of the school and the chance to sit in on a class and chat with some of the students. It’s weird, I really miss teaching! By the end of June I was feeling so burnt out I couldn’t wait for summer and now I can’t wait to teach again! Going there, interviewing and having the opportunity to sit in on a class was not a waste of time, it was a good experience and besides I have that other job that the principal was practically begging me to start! RIGHT!???

So I call her, and she informs me that the person who was filling in for 2 weeks has decided to stay, WHAT!!?? I didn’t know there was a person filling in. So now I’m feeling a multitude of emotions, some good, some not so good, almost freaking out, but not really.

Plan B!
I need to find a place to live in Dublin, with access to the city centre for all the substitute teaching jobs I will be getting. AGHGHGH, trying to find a place now is very difficult because all the college students are looking for places and anything posted is usually gone in 1 hour, plus the fact that the Dublin housing market is crazier than Calgary’s. So I found a place on http://www.daft.ie/ and phoned to make arrangements to see it in the morning.

At this point I’m feeling a bit down, but luckily another new friend of mine, Megan, invites me to see a play at Trinity College. It’s their Fringe Festival and the play entitled “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” and was hilarious. Megan’s another American gal I met at one of my hostels in Dublin, she’s doing her Masters at the Trinity College in Dublin and has been a great friend! I think I’ve really left an impression on her, you should check out her blog and the sections dedicated to me. She even let me crash at her new flat for the weekend, so I had to make her omelets, you’ll see what she thinks of them in her blog.
(I feel so special)

http://yourmeganmurphy.blogspot.com/2006/09/so-long-steve.html
http://yourmeganmurphy.blogspot.com/2006/09/welcome-back-steve.html
http://yourmeganmurphy.blogspot.com/2006/09/omelets-and-80s.html

So, after a much needed fun and entertaining evening I went to see the place I was considering letting (renting). The landlord is great, he picked me up at the rail station, showed me around the area, took me to the place and introduced me to one of my potential new roommates. I chatted with her for a bit while he was on the phone, asked her lots of questions, looked around, asked the landlord lots of questions and made my decision. I put down my deposit and took it! The rent includes a fully furnished single bedroom (including brand new bedding and a bottle of wine), a kitchen fully equipped with all the stuff you need and even a weekly maid and gardener! Now, this place may sound like a lot, but it’s small, the room is very small, but that’s how it is over here and really, what more do I need? So for those of you who’d like to come visit I can offer floor room for 1 in my bedroom (I might even give up my bed) and I might be able to bribe my new roommates for use of their room if they happen to be away. OH, the other great thing about the place is the area is only 15 minutes to city centre (Dublin of course)!

This calls for celebration! And what better way to do it than with Guinness! (like I need an excuse) Kelly is in Dublin and we make plans to meet up. I took her to an amazing bar that was built in an old bank, and you’ll never guess the name of it, ya it’s called The Bank (haha). Then she made me take her to the Celt, I talked so much about it when we were in Galway that she just had to see it. Ah, the Celt, still great! (Travis, you do good work, some of the time, haha). Live music, great Guinness and just an overall classic Irish atmosphere. We grabbed a bite after, walked down the Temple Bar area (lots of street performers every night) and then I walked her back to her hostel and we said our goodbyes. The hardest thing about this traveling thing and meeting great people is that you connect with someone and shortly after either you have to leave or they have to leave, ah well, such is life. Who knows where I might run into the many people I’ve met here in the future!

I’m moving in today and to top off a wild and crazy adventure with ups, downs and complete turn arounds… I have my first teaching job tomorrow! It’s just subbing in a school, but from what I’ve been told there are very few Male Primary Teachers (much like home) which is an advantage for me! Not only that, once they see me in action I’ll be subbing everyday at many different schools (that’s right, I’m that good! Haha). After I substitute teach for a few weeks I’m hoping to grab a few 2 or 3 month contacts so I can experience a few different schools here. Who knows where I will end up, that’s the adventure!

So, I’m doing well, having a great time, meeting amazing people and everything is falling into place (with a bit of perseverance of course).

Hope all is well back home, send me updates, missing you all lots!

Stephen Horyn

From London, England to Dublin, Ireland...

Hello All!

Well, if you haven’t heard I’m embarking (or rather have embarked) on an adventure of a lifetime, moved to Ireland to teach and live! I was kicking around England with my good friends Travis and Trista from Saskatoon last week, there was a bit of chaos and confusion when I first arrived in London but eventually I found them!

Travis and Trista had planned to go to London quite a while ago to see the BBC Proms Concerts in London, and because of my plans to move to Ireland we decided to get together! I stayed in London with them for a night and even went to one of their BBC Proms concerts, it was an amazing experience. The next day we rented a car and drove to Stone Henge. It’s pretty stunning and huge, unfortunately you can’t get close and touch the rocks but we did find another Henge in the area where we could get very close to the rocks.

We drove a lot, and I have to tell you, I’ve really missed driving on the left hand side of the road. And those round-abouts, absolutely brilliant! They really work! We wanted to explore more of the coast line and checked out some small towns near the ocean. I can’t remember the names of the towns but we did a winery tour, took a hike to find an old church and then went to this cool town with a beautiful beach and a fair with games and rides.

By far the highlight of the England (and Wales, yes, I didn’t know they were different countries, now I do) was finding Karaoke in a small town called Avenbury, Wales. It was a total fluke, we were just trying to find a B&B to stay the night and head out somewhere for a drink and some food. I apparently have this innate sense for Karaoke (I’m pretty sure it’s a sign that I need to be in Japan). I sang a few songs, we chatted it up with the locals and get this, an Englishman comes up to me and asks if I’m Canadian! Then he asks if I’m from the mid-west, I’m in shock. I asked him how he knew and he said it was just by listening to me. Apparently he’s been in the Navy, traveled the world and met many Canadians. Travis and I had an enlightening chat with him and he gave me his contact info if I’m ever in the area again, fantastic!

I had to leave them on a Wednesday evening to take a 13 hour bus/ferry ride from London to Dublin. It was an experience, it was cheap, and the toilet was broken on the bus! After riding all night and getting maybe 3 hours of sleep I went to Maynooth to complete the process of getting my Irish teaching certificate. I submitted everything (I made sure to phone months ago and ask about all the documents I needed) and after a few days I went back to see if it was all in order and was informed I needed more detail in certain areas. So I phoned the University of Saskatchewan and the Alberta Teacher Certificate place and was able to get them to email me the additional information in the form of letters. I made my 3rd and final trip back to Maynooth and they accepted my application, so now I can teach in Ireland (legally that is). I’ve sent out 17 applications, 15 for teaching and 2 others for jobs misc. jobs.

I’ve been hostel jumping, it’s been great! I’ve met so many amazing people from all over the world. At the Ashfield Hostel (which by far has been the best, free wireless!) we had a pool/billiards mini Olympics with Canada, USA, France and Israel representing, unfortunately USA won. Afterwards we drank a lot and that didn’t really matter anymore, haha. It amazes me how people from all parts of the world decide to leave their country and travel, then we meet up and are able to connect because we actually have a lot in common and have a great time! I’m not sure I really expected this, I’m not sure I really knew what to expect, but it’s been unbelievable. That’s not to say I haven’t considered throwing in the towel and coming home, I’m pretty sure I almost had a breakdown, after my second trip to get my Irish Teaching Certificate I wasn’t sure I could make a go of this. I pressed on, made phone calls, did what I needed to on the internet and most importantly met people and drank Guinness! So I’m still in go mode.

I’ve also been calling people up that friends from Canada have told me I should phone when I get to Ireland. I met up with Rob (a good friend of Patrick’s) for pints, or rather he met up with me at the Celt while I was with a bunch of people I just met. After the Celt (and after I dropped my Guinness, I swear I wasn’t that drunk, some girl was dancing and knocked it out of my hand, and wouldn’t even buy me a new one!) Rob took us to a few different pubs and showed us around. Good times!

I also went out for pints with a really nice couple (Carmen and her husband, who’s name I can’t spell) who live in Dublin and were contacted by my hairdressers co-worker to contact me and show me a good time. Well, if that isn’t crazy enough, I’m in my hostel (The Four Courts Hostel) and there’s an American girl (Emily) from Chicago in the bunk above me, we start to chat and I invite her out with us. Carmen and her husband picked us up, took us to a great pub just outside the city centre and showed us a good time. I’m going to go over to their place today for a BBQ.

During my time in Dublin, between getting my Irish Teaching Certificate and drinking Guinness I’ve been able to see many sights including visiting the Brewery for the second time in my life, oh how I missed it! Did I mention I love GUINNESS! Besides the Brewery the other sites I’ve enjoyed have been walking all over Dublin with one of my many new international friends, Megan. We went and saw a Crypt with mummies and even got to touch one. They’re preserved because below St. Michan’s Church there is the perfect atmosphere. Went to the National Gallery here in Dublin, and the Natural History Museum where I was taking many pictures (funny poses with stuffed animals) and then was told I wasn’t allowed to take any, oops!

So now my plan is to take a bus to Galway on Monday, I’ve enjoyed my time in Dublin, but I’d rather be a in smaller centre where the living is cheaper and I’m closer to the Cliffs of Moher (Audrey, you know what I’m talking about). I’ve been chatting with a lot of people and they’ve told me there’s much opportunity there. I’m going to get there, check the papers and just go school to school network and sell myself (oh ya, breaking it down Old School!). All I’m looking for are short contracts or substitute teaching.

Well, that about sums up my time here so far, I’m going to start a blog site so I can post pictures. I’m sure missing everyone, hope all is well. Send me a message, I’d love to hear what’s happening around your part of the world.

Take care,
Stephen Horyn