A Reluctant King

The closest translation from my Cantonese name is King of the Mountains. How prophetic – suddenly Mountain Man seems to have found himself top dog

I bring my bulging file of unfulfilled “Requisite Forms” and my collection of SMT minutes, with waiting actions by Dr No highlighted in florescent pink. Fluorescent green highlights actions over-turned either by Boss, Dr No or by both. With no authority whatsoever. I let Ato S know this is all too Mickey Mouse, and i am at my wits end. I will not continue to battle for scraps – it’s a complete waste of my time. My unsigned contract allows me to walk by the 1^st of December.   Ato S is visibly shocked and  scared.

Ginger Warrior then joins the meeting and lists a host of examples of lies, deceit and examples of incompetence. It flows continually. Ato S says he will help us but we need to help him. Mine especially, for i am the only experienced Director on SMT. My wish his his command and he tells me repeated how much he is looking forward to learning from me.

Then and there he completely decides to take over the day to day running of the school. Ginger Warrior, myself and Ato S now form a new level of Senior Management – the Top Management Team. We have the remit to

1. Review every SMT meeting this year to see what remains complete 
2. To rejig the Organogram – to include the stream-lining of SMT (the demotion of Mr A in the first instance, and then side-lining Boss and Dr No from the decision-making process)  
3.  To ensure all outstanding Requisition Forms will be processed immediately

The TMT will meet daily between 10 – 12 daily until the remit is complete. And it looks like it’s gonna take a long time.

Dr No is called in to answer for himself. Also daily.

Every day is amazing to behold. Ato S gives Dr No a complete grilling. I know many readers might think me harsh when i describe him a reptilian, but if you saw him writhe in his chair grasping his bald head in despair and confusion, you would fess i am was right all the time. By day two his lies and deceipt have shone through for all too see, and Ginger Warrior and i shake our heads, audibly tut and mutter “shameful” and “outrageous” intermittently.  

However, it takes me a way from my Primary Site and I have to prepare outside the meeting too. And then there are treats like checking legalities with the school’s lawyer at in the evenings, as well as taking on board an internal union for teachers’ rights and pay and contract issues. Not so good.

I then have to find time to catch up on all my school stuff too. And i feel like an Administrator, and i am so not – i’m an over-qualified international educator who’s passion is for working with my kids.

And, most importantly of all i’m also missing out on my daily hugs and kisses from my kids at pre-snack and and pre-lunchtimes too.

It’s not always good being a King.

You’re the loser i’m afraid as you think i have time for daily postings at the moment? It’s getting real interesting but you’ll just have to wait.