Hockley Heights Gazette

Finally we have found a source of vegemite and milo - Sainsbury's in Basildon has both, so we stocked up last time we visited! The Weet-Bix tin is actually from Australia - we bought it with us - but it contains Weetabix, very similar. You can take the boys and girls out of Oz, but can you take the Oz out of the boys and girls?
Yesterday I spent the entire day at New Hall School in Chelmsford in response to an advertisment for a mathematics position. It was the usual drill, meet and greet followed by a school-wide tour, then an interview (panel of three). Lunch with the department, teach a lesson under observation (panel of two), then out and wait for the verdict. There were five of us and for one position; that does not make great odds! Around 3pm the deputy came for me and separated me from the group (herd?), who were dismissed. Then, joyously, they offered me the job on the spot. This is such wonderful news I cannot even begin to properly absorb the implications. They were so positive and enthusiastic about my joining the department, and the contrast to recent experiences was quite marked.
I will give you some links to see what sort of school this is - check out the photos here, and some history here.
Thank you to all blogsters, etc., who have been such a great support through this difficult period. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it may not be an oncoming train!