Friday 23 May 2014

Home and Away


The home and away lines are pretty blurred these days. It all feels like home, so that is good.
This week, I have spent even more time than usual on the phone, or facebooking, or e-mailing, or whats apping….with daughter Jess.

Jess, last summer, when she was here, "at home" in Caunes
On Monday this week she was observed teaching , then she had to complete a written task based on the teaching she had just undertaken, and then on Tuesday she was interviewed for a reception teacher post at a very exciting and successful multi-cultural school in Liverpool.

On Tuesday at 2.30pm UK time, 3.30 here in Caunes, my mobile rang, and I saw it was her. I answered…..and her voice just said “ I got it…..I got it “.

To me , she sounded like my little 5 year old who had maybe just found an ice cream. How could this be ? Our little girl……a proper teacher. Obviously, she is delighted, and Mark and I are so so proud.

I never took Mark’s name when we married, and Jess has my family name, so, the Miss Whelan, history teacher, that I was, all those years ago,…..has now been replaced with Miss Whelan, fabulous, gorgeous, talented, enthusiastic and brilliant reception teacher.

One of my favourite photos of grown up Jess...
Jess still has her final teaching practice to finish, but now she ( and I ) can relax, knowing she has a job, and it is one that she really wanted. No more scouring the internet for posts within a 45 minute drive of Liverpool, no more forms to fill in and no more application letters to sweat over.The job is for September, so before then she will be able to spend some of her summer out here in France with us. She also decided that to help her celebrate getting the job, she would come out here for 4 days over half term…..so one of the bits of home in England which is so important to me, will be joining us here at home in France next week.  Can't wait.

Jess, the baby, being read to by her big sister Jodie. Where did the years go ?

26 comments:

  1. Big, big congratulations to Jess, and hugh contented sigh from Mum and Dad - it is such a relief to know that they are happily on track with their adult lives.
    Have a wonderful four days together - I imagine celebrations will be enjoyed.

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    1. Thanks... as you can imagine we are delighted. As you can imagine, we will have an excellent celebration when she arrives here next week.

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  2. I did see this news on FB, but I loved reading this post with those beautiful photos of Jess. Such wonderful news!

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    1. Thanks Rosemary.....it is such a relief.

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  3. Wonderful news, Janice, and how proud you must be of your beautiful daughter. Congratulations to Jess and her parents, too. Enjoy your summer celebrations!! x

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    1. Thanks Patricia...we are very proud and very relieved.

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  4. Janice...such wonderful news and I'm sure you are a proud Mother and parent..... Congratulations!!!! Also I must say she is beautiful. :-)

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    1. I think she's pretty gorgeous...but I am a little biased ! We are very happy for her.

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  5. Such good news!

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    1. yup ! we are very very pleased for her.

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  6. Congratulations to Jess, and how lovely that she will be able to spend some of the summer with you. She really is a beautiful girl xx

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    1. Thanks A. we are looking forward to her short visit next week. Jxx

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  7. Hi Janice,

    Congratulations to Jess, and a pat on the back to proud parents who will have encouraged and supported her along her journey.

    The children of the world deserve enthusiastic and committed young teachers to enter, and remain in the profession. Bravo, Jess. The life of a teacher isn't always an easy or smooth one, but it is one of the most rewarding.

    I'm saddened when I hear teachers say that they would do everything they could to deter their children from entering the profession.

    I am proud that Tom is teaching, albeit in Japan. He adores his time in the classroom. I'm also very proud of Rhiannon for doing her post grad social work diploma. Social workers, like teachers are too often blamed for the problems of society. It can be a thankless task, but such a vital one.

    Have a lovely time with Jess. I'm sure you'll be celebrating with some sparkles... Xx

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    1. yes, I think the celebration when she gets here may involve something with a bit of fizz. We are delighted for her, and like you, I get annoyed when practising teachers do not feel able to encourage people into the profession. It is an amazing profession and one to be so proud of. Jx

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  8. Well done Jess, and congrats to a proud mum.

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    1. Thanks B to B..on behalf of both of us.

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  9. I can imagine your lovely family celebration, Janice. SOOO delighted for you all. You have a stunning daughter with good brains, a generous and open personality - and legs to die for! Axxx

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    1. She blames her knees on me.... ( she doesn't like her knees !) I put ezcema cream on them when she was baby....and she was in the sun, and it made the skin go scaley....all my fault, dreadful mother that I was. I, think she's got good legs too. And yes... we are sooooo pleased. jx

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  10. So many congratulations to you Jess.What a wonderful moment for you Janice when the phone rang and you heard the news.

    Jess all those youngsters coming up to be taught by you are so privileged to have you as a teacher.I sense by all I've read on this blog that you will also become a very special friend
    to each pupil in your reception class.Cannot finish this comment without adding how inspirational you will also be.

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    1. Thanks ..... I think her reception class next year is in for a real treat.... I also know that jess knows how hard she is going to have to work !

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  11. Oh, what wonderful news, Janice. Big congratulations to Jess on getting what sounds like a super job. I should have read this before commenting on on your last post. :-) Enjoy your time with her.

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    1. Thanks P. The relief is amazing.... I remember it well..... waking up, knowing you have a job. Now the real hard work begins !

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  12. Lovely photos & fabulous news!
    Happy days!

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  13. Such wonderful news to meet my eyes this morning! Congratulations to Jess, who is such a lovely young woman with a bright future ahead of her and such promise for the students who will under her care, and a well done, for both Jess, and her parents.

    How wonderful, too, that both are your houses are your homes, to you and Mark, and to all the rest of your growing family and friends. :)

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    1. Thanks Penny...she is so excited...and relieved, and I cant wait to see her in 3 days time !

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