Is ait an mac an saol

Guinness Cupcake creation was definite highlight of the week - my gratitude to Nigella Lawson and team for the recipe here

St Patrick's Day (and my brother's birthday) left me somewhat homesick this week. However I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Four Night Stand by writer Georgia Moore. Held at The Hart's Pub in the Rocks, the launch combined a Paddy's day vibe with the celebration of this new piece of Aussie romance!

LESSON PLANS are now a focus in my study and assignments. What I'm finding most challenging is explaining in an academically-acceptable way what I have learned and how I'm going to use it in a practical setting. It will be useful to consolidate my knowledge, support my growth and skills as a teacher, even if it seems the biggest mountain to climb.

Moving house is also taking up a lot of time and energy, which adds a different (short-term) stress to and distraction to current learning and deadlines. Incorporating some teaching practices like brain breaks, reflection, peer support to name but a few, has helped.

Whether you dig nuns or Shirley Bassey - encouragement, positive reinforcement and support are all part of being a good teacher. And sometimes, you just need someone else to remind you to:

Life is strange.