The News

Hello!

I teach the children in my class that an easy way to start a letter is, "I am writing this letter to.." So here it goes...

I am writing this letter to tell you all my exciting news: I am moving to America. Wow - it looks quite scary written down like that! I'm going to be swapping roles from being a teacher to being a student again and starting a course at Moody Graduate School in Chicago (before you ask - no, you don't have to be moody to go there and no, that's not why they let me in!). The course will last two years and, to put it simply, is about how to help people more effectively. Officially it is called 'Urban Studies' and will help me understand more about how to run Christian charities in inner-city areas. I will also be studying Theology (ology means study of and Theo means God) which should also be really interesting and quite different from teaching fractions and adverbs!

A few children (and adults!) have asked me why I'm going to America to study and why I'm leaving teaching. It's really hard to explain as it's not because I don't like teaching. It may surprise some of you to know that I absolutely love teaching - even the water cycle gets me excited! I think working with all of you is the best job in the world; I certainly couldn't sit at an office desk and type all day. Also, you all make me laugh (some of you more than others!). It has taken me a long time to decide whether to leave or not and its only because I believe its the right thing to do that I'm going. Although I'll be very sad to leave I'm also very excited about what will happen next.

I've never been to America before and I don't know anyone that lives in Chicago. Moving there will be an amazing adventure and I'm looking forward to telling you all about the people I meet, the new places I'll see and (hopefully) the exciting new things I'll be doing. I'd like this blog to be an easy way to share this information with you and also help you find out more about a different place in the world. It's for you (not the adults that are peering over your shoulder trying to get a quick peek!) and it would be great if you could tell me what you think and what you would like to write about. I'll try my best to make it interesting although the first few entries will still be from your teacher in England rather than your wonderfully adventurous ex-teacher that lives in Chicago!

Anyway, I have books to mark and meetings to avoid so I best leave this for now. Plus, you really should be doing your homework instead of wasting time on the internet!

So long for now,

Miss Swales

PS If you are going to add a comment to this blog make sure you ask permission from your Mam, Dad, Nana, Grandad, Auntie, Uncle, Pet Dog or whoever looks after you.

PPS Don't really ask your dog; you'll look a bit nutty and he won't be able to answer you anyway...