Or, as they say here, 2nd of September, 2019.
Today was my first day; trial by fire, thrown in, sink or swim… all come to mind. I loved my time with the children, and it was good to see the mums, too.
We travel down the mountain and pick them up at their homes. Car seats are provided, as are snacks and lunch. It will be challenging learning how to drive the big blue vans, but it has to be done. At least they’re automatic.
Separations between children and adults are quick and unsentimental. Many of the children are used to this pace; there is no phase-in, and many are returning after a week long break. Toys and materials are rotated in and out quickly, and are not often repeated. The feeling is that we want to expose the children to as much as possible, in the little time that we have them.
The children arrive by about 10:30 (half 10), and stay until about half 1 (1:15/1:30). Today is a short day, as the staff is done around 3. Wednesday will be the longest day of the week, when we finish around half 7. Yes, 7:30pm. This is when the after school children will go home.
There is deep need for some; lack of shoes, socks, jackets or sweaters. The staff is warm, responsive, knowledgable, tough. Things move quickly, and I will need to keep up. There is no judging of families, just statement of experience and pragmatic information. I really like that. We hoover and cook for the mums, and we will all take turns doing this. The tables are set with placemats, flatware, and napkins. Tea and biscuits are served in a matching set of white mugs. For some, this is the only care-giving they receive. I hope I’m up to the task. I was encouraged to grow a thick skin, as the mums are honest with the meals they like, and don’t like. No. Pressure.
More tomorrow; as they say here, I’m knackered.
Brooklyn to Belfast 
How incredible. How fortunate you and they both are. What’s the name of this program, and how is its function described? And most important, is Phryne allowed to go to work with you?
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I feel fortunate. I’ve already learned a lot, and have ideas to take home with me – day 1! Phryne cannot come into the classroom with me, but she’s right across the driveway; I live right across the way. I’m not going to publicly put the program out there, as I want to maintain the privacy of the families and staff. What I can say, is that it’s a neutral space – the Catholic and Protestant issues are not at the forefront of the work.
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