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Eric The Viking - An appreciation
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Subject: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Skipjack K8 Date: 23 May 01 - 12:15 PM Eric the Viking is having a rough week. He is a teacher in the UK, and every few years there is an utterly pointless, mega stress inspection by Government appointed clowns called OFSTED that all teachers & schools must go through. Eric's is this week. Eric is a bloody good teacher. He is not a political animal, and doesn't do the staff room dung hill thing, but his kids love him, and he is commited to them. I really felt for him at the gathering last Saturday, as the poor old love was totally stressed out with the prospect of this grilling, and he'd done heaps of preparation, and still had a way to go to get done for it. It clearly cut across his enjoyment of the evening, and he had to drag home to do even more work at some un-Godly hour. So I thought I would like to say I appreciate old Eric as a mate and a musician, and if the OFSTED is going pants, well, that's their problem. Anyone agree? Greg |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Clinton Hammond Date: 23 May 01 - 12:31 PM Eric The Viking
;-) |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Hollowfox Date: 23 May 01 - 12:40 PM You bet! A good teacher is worth more than gold, to the kids, to the community, to the world. Eric, you know your stuff, you're devoted to the kids (and that's vital), and you're preparing for the exam. Keep these in the back of your mind. It might help to think, even briefly, that these OFSTED people aren't out to get you, their job is to make sure all schools and teachers are up to snuff. It'll still be a pain in the butt, I know. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: katlaughing Date: 23 May 01 - 12:44 PM I agree with you, Skipjack. Coming from a family of dedicated teachers I can sympathise all too well. Over here we have 96 high school teachers who are suing the school board for a blatant violation of their contract which resulted in less pay for more hours worked. Also, our school district is dragging their feet on new contract negotiations with all of the teachers, playing a stupid game of "maybe we agree to a mediator, maybe not, we're not telling!" Like the bumper sticker says, "It'll be a great day when the (pick your branch of the military) has to hold a bake sale and schools have all the funds they need." Hnag in there Erik. I am sure you have done a fine job and the dolts will, I hope, be speechless and be able to do nothing but give you high recommendations. Pfah! On their politics, etc! kat |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Mrs.Duck Date: 23 May 01 - 12:47 PM We got our letter today and will be going through the same s**t in September. Suddenly everyone wants three times the paperwork and twice the hours at school. Its a good job the twins do get up at five otherwise I'd never see them. All the best to you Eric. We all love you and I agree if OFSTED find fault let them come and do any better!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Eric the Viking Date: 23 May 01 - 01:23 PM Thank you very much for all your support. I am really chuffed. I am not much at blowing my own trumpet, but I don't have expectations that others will do it for me either. So I do thank you for the comments and good wishes. So far. In three days out of 5 lessons a day, I have had 10 inspection visits. I have had feedback from every one except one. todays highlight was "I haven't seen a math lesson as good as that in years" The Headteacher had to choke this morning as he is having a very rough(mostly deserved ride) as he said, " I have some very good reports, I have been told to tell you, Eric that your science work is extremely good" Praise indeed, all the observations have been like that so far and I haven't had one negative comment. There is one day left, so I expect to get hit for at least 3 in the morning and I know hit for two in the afternoon. Touch wood, here goes!!!! Thankyou once again for your faith in me. By the way, it's true..... I haven't raped anyone, perhaps I'm not a very good Viking.(Willing to learn!!) Just out of interest-perhaps not, I have been called after Erik bloodaxe-Eric the Viking, since I was young-many years ago. I'm off to the Jug. Thanks. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: JeZeBeL Date: 23 May 01 - 01:53 PM No matter what you call them (muggers, buggers, n thieves) I know you love every minute of it!! Keep up the good work eric, don't see why the b******s should need to pick on you. See you at the Jug Emma xxx |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Micca Date: 23 May 01 - 02:00 PM Ah, Eric, me old mate, (not withstanding your ill advised remarks about my tankard, for which I can wait for my revenge), Good luck with this mate, I hope you come up smelling ,if not of roses, at least of something good... and all the best too, |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,Ickle Dorritt Date: 23 May 01 - 02:55 PM Don't know where my cookie is! The main critiscm that I have of these visits is that your confidence in yourself is the key ingredient in being good at anything from a teacher, to a singer, to dealing with the public. Knowing that someone is calling that into question, checking every last bit of paperwork or observing you in class, is very undermining and can damage the one thing that makes you the type of teacher you are. I work in a regulated industry and my license can be taken away from me at anytime if my paperwork or my interviewing doesn't suit. I am observed doing my job at least 4 times a year by interal observers and once by an external compliance team. It makes me feel like I've gone through Customs with a bag of contraband even though I haven't -and it always undermines be -there must be better ways to do this. Anyway Erik I am sorry we didn't meet and I wish you well in your OFSTED visit. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Morticia Date: 23 May 01 - 02:59 PM We love you Eric, and I'm not a bit surprised that you are getting good reports, I never met a more dedicated professional. If they carry on giving you a hard time, let me know and we'll send the boys round!Two hours of melodeon, banjo and bodrhan and they'll soon learn their lesson! |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Cobble Date: 23 May 01 - 03:08 PM All the best Eric It takes a very special VIKING to teach and care for special needs kids as you do. I'm sure you are top of the class !!!! ((((((( HUG ))))))))) Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: catspaw49 Date: 23 May 01 - 03:10 PM Hard to be a good teacher and appreciated by students and parents.....and still have to undergo this kind of scrutiny. Sounds as though you're up to it, even if your nerves aren't. That's a great comment you got there. I had a "teacher educator" from Ohio State once tell me that the she had seen the same lesson I taught a hundred times before, but never better. Best compliment you can get from a supervisor/official type. My best to you too!!! You're obviously a great teacher. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Micca Date: 23 May 01 - 03:21 PM Hi Eric, Noreen here. Only one more day to get through; the end is in sight. You know there's a lot of us who understand what it's like. Glad to see your head appreciates you! *VBG* We'll have to have another get-together sometime when you can relax and enjoy it. 'Ow about Cleckheaton?? :0) Love, Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Micca Date: 23 May 01 - 03:23 PM (Good thread, Greg) Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Skipjack K8 Date: 23 May 01 - 03:24 PM Thanks, missus. Have you got Kate on the wireless? |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Llanfair Date: 23 May 01 - 03:36 PM It's nearly over, Eric!!!! I know you've been preparing for this for ages, and getting VERY stressed about it. Working with people with special needs is hard enough, (with rewards to match)without the extras. I'm really glad that you are getting support. If you need a holiday in Wales to recover, just pick up the phone...... Love, Bron. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: lady penelope Date: 23 May 01 - 03:54 PM " Through hail and sleet and snow and blow We struggled with the OFSTED - Oh!" Remember, just to take down their addresses if they're nasty to you and I'm sure we can find you a nice war axe for you to put your arguments forward with. I've never met you but I bet your great! TTFN M'Lady P. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 23 May 01 - 04:11 PM Good luck to you Eric. I'm sure that your pupils appreciate what you do for them even if those bureaucrats don't. My wife worked with special needs children and I saw at first hand how much a good teacher can do for them, and get back from them too. To be a teacher is an honourable thing. I left school over 50 years ago but I still remember my headmaster and anpother teacher with affection and gratitude for the gifts they gave to me. Keep at it Eric - Good teachers are Needed. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: nutty Date: 23 May 01 - 05:38 PM He who can .... does He who can't .....teaches He who can't teach ..... teaches teachers He who can't teach teachers ..... becomes an OFSTED inspector Don't let them get you down Eric |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: roopoo Date: 24 May 01 - 02:10 AM Nearly there, owd lad! Sounds to me like you should be proud of yourself. I know how hard you work, and how dedicated you are to the little - er - darlings! If you didn't like it and couldn't do it, you wouldn't do it. If you couldn't do it, you wouldn't have survived until now. They are lucky to have you! Andrea |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Patrish(inactive) Date: 24 May 01 - 03:50 AM Hi Eric, its me Pat. you know what I think cos I told you last night. I think to have so many inspections is bloody dreadful and I am not using any asterix's. You are one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever met - if not the most dedicated. If we still had a snog of the week. I'd give you 16 snogs - and thats how much I appreciate my lovely Viking Patrish x |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: CarolC Date: 24 May 01 - 03:54 AM If Skipjack says you're a bloody good teacher, that's all I need to know.
Good luck with the rest of it. Sounds like you're doing great, so maybe congratulations are in order as well. Carol |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: MudGuard Date: 24 May 01 - 04:14 AM Eric, the results so far proof you are up to it. Now, just one more day won't change the opinions of the OFSTED people, so don't fear!!! And afterwards, enjoy a test-free weekend when you can relax again! MudGuard
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: KingBrilliant Date: 24 May 01 - 05:50 AM Don't know about your teaching Eric - but you're ever such a nice bloke - so OFSTED better not be getting at you. I disallow it. Kris |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: mooman Date: 24 May 01 - 06:17 AM Dear Eric, We really feel for you old (well it feels like forever although our first meeting was relatively recent!)mate. It's amazing the amount of stress Mr Blockhead's Brigade have caused so many teaching friends of ours over recent years, and almost all of these have been good, highly dedicated teachers. Our discussions with you in Germany had us convinced in an instant that you had to be an extremely talented, caring and well-liked teacher. I've alerted Her Ladyship's attention to this thread and she'll be sending you her own messages of support and appreciation. Keep the faith and don't let it spoil your music too much..you've too much talent there as well to go wasted! All the very best Richard mooman (ex-mcmoo) |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: SINSULL Date: 24 May 01 - 11:14 AM Is it possible that only the really good teachers get stressed about it and the poor ones just don't know enough to care? Now, Eric...when all these glowing reviews are put in writing, will you get a bonus or raise commensurate with your abilities? Or just an "attaboy" and a bigger file? My son was a special needs student. I don't know how he could have graduated high school without the help of dedicated teachers and staff from the Summit School. They used to check in with me regularly, even in the summer, just to be sure everything was going Ok. Good people and it sounds like you are one of them. Illegitimi non carborundum. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Tig Date: 24 May 01 - 12:16 PM Are we going to have to make you a badge that says "I was a good boy during OFSTED"? Just think - they shouldn't revisit for a while. xxxxxxx |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Eric the Viking Date: 24 May 01 - 04:14 PM Well it's over. Thankyou everyone for all your good wishes. It's not the fear of failure or the thought i'm being observed, but always the thought that i am not good enough. I've always thought that to be a bit of a two headed sword. It makes me keep trying to get it right and also I never got overconfident, rather the reverse. I couldn't believe my ears when the inspector told me how good I was. he said the other inspectors asked him to pass on their thanks for such enjoyable lessons when they observed me. Only minor criticisms to do with planning-but these were also whole school issues. The things he said to me were, I was very pleased. things like we have seen your class go to every other member of staff, but they change for the better when they come back to you, other classes change for the better when they come to you. I could go on......I am really 200% chuffed. If I told you more you would think I am boasting or exagerating. I'm not so I'll stop and try harder next time. I'm not used to saying much about myself, and not very good at recieving praise, don't feel right when there are so many good and clever people in the world Thankyou. And Noreen- I shall be at Cleckheaton fest all weekend, so see you and the rest of mudcat there in July. Love and peace. Eric |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: jeffp Date: 24 May 01 - 04:17 PM Congratulations, Eric! Take a deep breath. Now let it out. Repeat as necessary. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: SINSULL Date: 24 May 01 - 04:33 PM sTANDING oVATION FOR THE MAN BLUSHING IN THE CORNER. Damn Capslock! |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Mrs.Duck Date: 24 May 01 - 04:49 PM Well done Eric! If I get even half the praise you've had I shall be happy when its our turn. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Skipjack K8 Date: 24 May 01 - 06:32 PM Still won't sleep with you again!!!! Well done, my pointy headed friend. That is one brilliant write-up. Now can you concentrate on music again!! Skipjack |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Rick Fielding Date: 24 May 01 - 06:44 PM Bravo m'lad. I shall rent "Goodbye Mr. Chips" in your honour......NO NOT the Peter O'Toole one! Rick |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: bbc Date: 24 May 01 - 07:02 PM Eric, I'm so glad things went well! Sounds like you prepared well *and* care about what you do. Thank you so much for your support in *my* current teacher crisis. Today, I finished apologizing to my classes for any perceived lack of respect to them. My 1st class today was the one that precipitated the problem last week. They had obviously been threatened by their classroom teacher, but not in any way that supported me. Although they were quite a bit quieter, most of them acted like they hated my guts & no one would engage in a discussion w/ me on the topic of respect. I've done my bit in good faith & will just go on & make the best of it, I guess. I go over pretty well w/ my 4th graders & most of my 5th graders love me & find my lessons useful. Puberty? best, bbc |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 25 May 01 - 05:13 AM Well done ,Eric, I find among my teacher friends it is the good ones that worry most about OFSTED (they CARE). This from the Telegraph online , ths beginning of a long article might amuse 'We're like the Stones - only poorer' Class act: the four colleagues ( John Knowles, Rob Jackson, Tony Blake and Neil Beacock) adopt a more sober guise While Knowles moves desks in a classroom to make room for the band's kit, Rob Jackson makes the typically low-key entrance of a bass guitarist. Sucking on a pipe, he has a quick word with the school caretaker about a cup of tea. As head of Old Catton, he's an avuncular figure - but when the lights go down, I sense, this man can rock. RtS
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,micca at work Date: 25 May 01 - 05:26 AM Skipjack, Have you had the doubtful pleasure of sharing a room with Eric too? I did at Llanstock I!!!! and he swore he'd be "faithful", and now I find he has been pursuing others!!!! and sheep...., Seriously, Many Congrats Eric, I have seen a few of these OFSTEDS from the cutting edge too( support staff , not teaching) and the always reduce the efficiency of the system of the school for a time, by spreading fear and loathing amongst the folks who actually DO the job, without any (or much) supportive input.. But It is OVER, and I KNOW you are a damned good teacher, since we both are products of Paddington Tech.... and the Technician training regime there..so Have a drink with me this weekend.....Now, wheres my tankard??? I had it here a minute ago.... |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: bill\sables Date: 25 May 01 - 06:56 AM Well done Eric, I remember a teacher when I was at school who was thought of a way to fool the inspectors. In those days the inspector usually stood at the back of the class and asked the teacher to "Carry on as normal". During the lesson he asked a lot of very hard questions and every kid in the class put their hands up to answer and they always answered right, which impressed the inspector very much and the teacher and class always got a glowing report. The secret was, that before the inspection he told all us kids "If you know the answer put up your right hand, if you don't know the answer put up your left hand." Bill |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Eric the Viking Date: 26 May 01 - 03:53 AM Thanks, my kids don't know left from right-However-now the bad news!!!! The teaching was very good with 88% of lesson overall satisfactory or better. The teachers with failed lessons were Dep head and two Heads of dept!! The school is now under Special Measures!!!! Talk about gutted!!! We worked our butts off and were let down really badly by the management. There are financial and proceduaral irregularities. Subject co-ordination has not been allowed to take place by management. The head is hanging on by a fingernail tip to his job for his appaling management, style and treatment of the staff. The teaching staff came out smelling of Roses,,but the shi* is in the cupboard. I said it's was like the Titanic. The Captain and first officers sank the bloody ship, but everyother bugger drowned because of them. More later when I come alive-my head is full of it. Bye for now |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: mooman Date: 26 May 01 - 05:09 AM Isn't it always the same Eric, the foot soldiers fight the good battle and face the music but are always let down by the bloody generals. It's just the same where I work and in nearly every other institution I've worked in, as we discussedin the Jug. At least YOU know you did the very best you could and were appreciated for it. And that's all you can ever do! All the best, I know the coming months will be trying. mooman |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Noreen Date: 26 May 01 - 08:20 AM Glad that you got through it fine, Eric. The Special Measures classification is a bummer- we very narrowly avoided it last time (for similar reasons as your school), but surely these 'Measures' will be directed at the management, and to help the Head sort himself out... or would that be too much like comon sense for OFS**D? Keep getting it of your chest... Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Gaz Date: 29 May 01 - 04:50 PM Eric,
I've known you nearly 30years now, and have not met anyone as dedicated as yourself in any of the things you do. Don't let the bastards get you down! Looking forward to doing more damage to your whiskey supply at Clecky FF. (Proud to be) Your friend, Gaz. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Billy the Bus Date: 01 Jun 01 - 12:57 AM G'day all you UK teachers, Wheewwww... OFSTED seems a far cry from shcool inspections here in NZ 30 years back. I only had three in 15 years teaching. The first (1968) was a cracker... Fresh from Teacher's College, I'd only just started running Rotoiti Lodge, a residential Outdoor Education Centre, 60 miles from Nelson, at the north of South Island. Groups of up to 70 secondary kids would visit for a week at a time, with 2-4 teachers, and maybe some parents. The inspectors couldn't get to the Lodge, so I was instructed to go to my "home" school in Nelson, for an appointment at 3:30pm. This I duly did. I arrived in the staff-room at the end of the school day, and was introduced to the two guys who were to "inspect me in operation". "Have you got a car? We're dry!" they said. We proceeded to the nearest watering hole to inspect the contents of several pints of "Harleys". I'm not sure how much discussion of education went on, but lots of laughs were had. I got to know the senior inspector pretty well in later years - over many pints of amber fluid. Oh for the "good old days".....;) I haven't been teaching for 20 years now. Things have certainly changed here in NZ, but I'm sure they aren't as stressful as OFSTED seems to be. I've included a brief synopsis of this thread in my Bulletin for our local Lions Club, which includes a number of ex-teachers, who left the job because of increasing beaurocracy. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. All the best..... but if all else fails, be cautious about leaving teaching and buying buses. Adult punters can be as stressful as kids, so can the paperwork of keeping them (and yourself) on the road - they keep changing the rules...;( Keep up the good work, the pints and the songs...;) Cheers - Sam - Stewart Island (NZ)
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Tig Date: 01 Jun 01 - 02:49 PM Ask the Badger about what happens to heads who get their staff in the sh.... That same head was given 24 hours to get off the premises.. Unfortunately by that time most of the decent staff had already left by fair means or foul - mostly foul. Yes I WILL carry on the support system xxxx |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,AKRick Date: 01 Jun 01 - 06:52 PM I like the movie. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,Jack The lad Date: 02 Jun 01 - 04:52 AM Eric & All, We have just seen an episode of Hope & Glory- in which Hope Park school undergoes an Ofsted inspection- If that is the kind of thing you have to suffer- then my heart goes out to you- We don't have anything nearly as awful here. I've been a teacher for 20 years.We do have animals falling out of the ceiling though- The other day a stone marten(sort of weasely-sqirrely thing) fell through the ceiling and into an English class- pandemonium errupted. I think I would prefer that to an Ofsted visit. Jack The Lad In Israel |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Eric the Viking Date: 03 Jun 01 - 11:38 AM Stone Marten,like a pine Marten (Now rare in the UK). Sort of big ferret. I could have made a science lessson out of that!!!! but in the UK we would have had to write a lesson plan with outcomes, aims and objectives etc. I don't know where "ferret falls out of the ceiling", would go exactly!!! OFSTED in Hope and Glory wasn't as bad as the real thing, but I had no problems except those caused by bad management. Are you the first Isreali on Mudcat? Welcome. Whats the folk scene like over there? Cheers. |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: Penny S. Date: 03 Jun 01 - 03:32 PM Eric, I'm sorry I missed this - well done yourself, and sorry to hear about the special measures. Penny |
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Subject: RE: Eric The Viking - An appreciation From: GUEST,Jack The Lad Date: 03 Jun 01 - 04:13 PM Hi Eric and all, No I'm not the first Israeli on Mudcat- or maybe I was the first but Irwin is another and a welcome addition. I mostly tend to lurk. There have been some interesting discussions on Israel's role in the middle east conflict- but I tend to pull my head in and withdraw from them- as I feel myself under attack for just being here. Nuff said I don't want to enter a political or moral discussion here. The folk scene in Israel is now thriving! I and a couple of friends started off most of it about 25 years ago- and we now have 4 or 5 folk clubs meeting once a month- some pubs with folk music- even a Molly Bloom's Irish Pub. We have one British/American type folk festival- which is organised by me, my family and friends- its called Jacob's Ladder.About 3000 people attend for an Israeli weekend(Fri-Sat).People from all backgrounds and of all colours and religions attend. There also have several ethnic/spiritual festivals with a lot of good ethnic music, incense and mud bathing- but most of the Anglo folkies are of the EX Hippy generation who don't go in for that type of thing any more - so they come to Jacob's Ladder- where only the kiddies mudbathe. My wife and I visited the Cleckheaton festival a couple of years ago- and enjoyed it very much- though I'm sorry we didn't get to meet you Eric. Best Wishes to you and here's to the Hols! Jack The Lad In Israel
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