Wordless Wednesday: Back to school
Here in Oz we’ve just finished our LONG summer vacation period. Holidays for some start in November so the break can be quite long. I’m fairly sure most students and teachers appreciate the time off… however over recent weeks I’ve been reading an increasing number of tweets and FB updates by those who have been REALLY looking forward to school restarting. Amazingly their frustrations are remarkably similar.
Three reasons (it seems) most people are looking forward to kids returning to school:
1. They’re tired of bored children and they’re exhausted (and broke) from trying to find things to entertain them.
2. They’re annoyed with fighting siblings whose ability to irritate each other has grown exponentially as the days have passed. Incidentally, name-calling still seems to be a ‘thing’.
3. They’re not getting any work done at home or are frustrated by having to find child care options when due back at work.
I don’t have kids but when I was working I LOVED school holidays. It meant my commute to and from work was a breeze. Many parents were on holidays and there were no school runs to do, so the busy roads were much improved. Of course nowadays that isn’t an issue for me.
However… like many parents around the place awaiting the return of their sanity and keen for their kids to again be occupied by someone other than themselves, I’ve been keen for school to return. My reasons – naturally – are a tad different.
Three reasons why I’ve been looking forward to the end of school holidays:
1. My home will again be MY castle!
I’ve already admitted to realising that I can’t complain about noisy holidaymakers in my apartment complex when I knew what I was getting into and chose to buy here anyway. But… other than the odd week here and there and occasional weekend, Christmas holidays are THE WORST for families and visitors in our complex. It’s rare that I get really frustrated – #theSquealer recently was a good example! Sadly she was followed by an old gentleman who delighted in clearing his throat (of seemingly significant amounts) of phlegm while in the pool.
2. The streets and beaches will again be tranquil and free of interlopers
With a population of over 70,000 spread along the coastline, my little oasis is generally pretty quiet. I’ve talked before about ‘life in a tourist town’: during the holidays – particularly whale watching season from August and the summer / Christmas holidays – the population swells dramatically. The roads become busier and beaches more cluttered (and by that I mean you are likely to actually run into another living soul, which doesn’t usually happen)!
And Hervey Bay never gets ANYWHERE near this busy!
3. Decent television will return to our screens
School holidays are non-ratings periods here in Australia, so television stations play repeats and rubbish. Occasionally a surprising gem is uncovered but more often than not we’re faced with reruns and bloody sport! Most of my fave shows are being advertised as starting in the next month or so. Thank. God!
What about you? Are you happy that school’s back in here in Oz (and presumably overseas)?
Can you relate to my reasons?
Discover more from Debbish
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Lee-Anne
January 29, 2014Teachers are never happy 🙁 even parent/teachers… And the holidays are never long enough (though I won’t verbalise this opinion to other non-teachers, for fear of being attacked!!)
🙂
Debbish
January 29, 2014Oh, I can imagine! I know teachers who were dreading the return to school – but it must ben hard if you’re a parent AND a teacher!!! (You’d be torn!)
Jo Tracey
January 29, 2014In short, yep to all of the above. I’ll replace the squealer with loud cricket games in the yard next door, & crowds with the local shopping centre. And I especially agree with the TV situation…although some of the shows are different 🙂
Debbish
January 29, 2014The TV thing has been a big bugbear. I’ve actually gotten heaps of reading done but miss all of my usual faves!
Tegan
January 29, 2014Yes to all of these. The thing I look forward to mostly is having less people at the shopping centres. Especially of the rude teenager variety.
Debbish
January 29, 2014Oh yes… When I worked (in the city) while I loved the deserted streets but HATED trying to go out and do anything at lunchtime! Too many people dawdling about the shops!
Tiff
January 29, 2014OMG….you nailed it…. Yesterday was possibly the best day if my life!
Debbish
January 29, 2014Hee hee!
Jess
January 29, 2014We are living with my mum and her boyfriend who are both school principals. Im very glad to have them back at work!
Debbish
January 29, 2014Oh… I can imagine!
Jacana
January 29, 2014I am a teacher and today was first day back for us – I am excited about the start of a new school year. However I am also looking fwd to the return of decent television programs. Might actually get some ironing done now there is something to watch whilst I iron.
Debbish
January 29, 2014Oh, how lovely that you’re excited by school returning. Most teachers I know are also parents so a bit torn. Hate that their holiday’s is ending, but glad their own kids are back in school and getting some routine back!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me
January 29, 2014You know I wish the holidays were LONGER, but let me defend my POV. I have just one, very easy girl to deal with ATM, the younger boys are not school age so when she is home she keeps them entertained with her bossy rules! However, I’m sure once 2 of them are at school I’ll be glad for them to head back!
Debbish
January 29, 2014I have a few friends who hate the start of the school term and the fact their kids are returning to school. Most however are the parents of only one child!
Annaleis
January 29, 2014Lol I live this post! I have complained about the kids fighting!
I can understand that the holiday makers invading your ‘territory’ would be frustrating. I get that when my own family visits for the weekend! Enjoy that pool when it gets quiet!
Debbish
January 29, 2014I think I’ve been in once – very briefly since LAST summer (ie. 2012!). I will try and get in over the next few days if I can!
Char
January 30, 2014Amen to all of the above (especially Mr Phlegm Clearer) and that the shopping centres will have fewer children trying to run into me. The busier roads don’t really bother me either seeing as I work from home.
Debbish
January 30, 2014Yes, busy shopping centres seem to be a problem for many!
Trish
January 30, 2014I am very happy they have returned but not about getting up at 7am.
Debbish
January 30, 2014Oh yes… I noticed a friend of mine talked about her daughter’s swimming lessons requiring a 5.30am start. #Ugh!
Alicia O'Brien
January 30, 2014My eldest one at home has just started kindy, she was so ready for it. Her sister is enjoying the run of the house, and I am enjoying them not fighting and having a bit more time in the day to get things done with just one at home.
Debbish
January 31, 2014I can imagine. Siblings starting to REALLY get on each other’s nerves seemed to be becoming an increasing problem as the weeks wore on. Guess yours were home and together all of the time… so there was even more frustration!