Hello there people. Just to let you know that I'm finally back online. Last time I spoke to you, I was in the throes of moving house, starting a new job, and finding a school for my son.
Well, I've been at my new job for a month, my son has been at his new school for nearly as long, the house is still in a state of chaos, and my internet is finally connected.
Fitting in with the new job is an interesting experience. I've never worked in such a large office before, and it's awkward trying to remember everybody's name, and who does what. But the office that I'm working in is just myself and another woman. I'm also working closely with my boss on a number of issues, but at least I'm not overwhelmed with lots of people all the time. Just some of the time!
My son says that his current school is as bad as the last one... then he conceded that this wasn't in fact true, because he's only been called gay once. At the previous school he was incessantly verbally abused, and often beaten up... he says he feels physically safe at this school, though he's still not made any friends. I pointed out it takes time to make friends, and I haven't made any friends yet either.
Isn't it sad that I'm happy to hear my son hasn't made any friends, but at least nobody has kicked him down the stairs?
It does seem that this school is smaller and more caring though, which is a good thing. Apparently they got top marks in an ofsted report for their anti bullying policy, and the behaviour of their pupils. It is nice for me to know that this school won't tolerate physical abuse... apparently even half of what my son had to put up with in the last place would have ended up with the responsible bully being excluded. The last school never even admitted it was a problem.
My son got a spontaneous round of applause from his class mates in school today, because of something he had written which they liked. So things do seem to be better here than before.
Anyway, I'm back.