Bit nervous about today. First day at work and I feel like the new kid at school. Supposed to be an induction day - chance to meet the other staff, look at the centre, get to know my duties and responsibilities, etc. Hmmmm.

Later.Surprisingly, that was a really good induction. Had to take a group of teachers round the centre, pretending they were students, just to get some practice in. I suppose they're probably a bit better behaved than students, but you can never tell! Then helped the Activity Manager with unpacking some equipment. Lots of good stuff in the boxes, though it's a bit scary that we're responsible for it all getting back to Head Office in good condition. Room's not bad. It'll have to do as it's home for the next 5 weeks. The other ALs are really nice too. Think we'll make a good team. The first students arrive tomorrow and I have to go and do one of the transfers. A bit apprehensive about that. Off to bed then, early start in the morning

Got to the airport OK. Had to meet the coach there so took the train. The AM gave me lots of information and a mobile phone so I felt much happier and more confident. The T-shirt I had to wear was quite cool. Makes it easier for students to spot us, I suppose. Anyway, the group were a bit late but that wasn't a problem. There were quite a few of them and I had to 'throw' my voice around a bit to make myself heard. Very bubbly Italians so lots of laughter on the coach on the way back. Helped the Welfare Supervisor get them into their rooms when we arrived. Then did a bit of poster-making for the activities. Love all this creative stuff. No more duties today so another early night. AM said to enjoy it as there won't be many of those in the future!

Got up early to do breakfast duty. Had to go and wake some of them up first! They were a bit quiet but I expect that'll change during the course of the day. Saw the other new groups at breakfast as well. Quite a mix. Should be fun. Wonder how they'll get on with each other? More poster making this morning. We brainstormed some ideas for activities as well, which the AM appreciated. Had an excellent lunch - lots of veggies and an interesting pasta dish. Rather noisy in the dining room with all these people, but sat with a really sweet group of Japanese who just giggled their way through lunch. Did some free time supervision after lunch - the students just hung around in the common room, so it wasn't too much of a task.

First day of full activities this afternoon. Volunteered for the volleyball competition which was over-subscribed, but we managed to let everyone have a go. The other AL and I were on different teams and think the students appreciated us playing as well. In fact, they were so chuffed, they helped us pack all the equipment away, which was very helpful as it meant we could have a shower before dinner. Hung out with some of the teachers in the evening. Interesting to hear about their experiences in the classroom. Perhaps I should do a teaching qualification. Would be fun and I'd get to travel, hopefully.

Had the morning off so got up late. What a luxury! It was pretty quiet after 8.15 so I could go back to sleep again. Activity this afternoon was mask-making. Not my strong point but it was easy to follow the instructions given for this. Some of the students looked as if they were there under sufferance so had to gee them up a bit. They perked up when I told them they could make scary masks.

Karaoke this evening also went well. Students were a bit shy at first so I went first. Horrible sound but who cares?! Gave them a laugh. The Koreans were first off the mark, bless them, and everyone else followed.
Did my first lights out duty. Took a while to round them all up but the group leaders helped. Eventually got them all into their correct rooms though had to skulk round for a few minutes just to make sure there were no break-outs.

Got up early to do breakfast duty. Not too bad at this time of day as people are only operating on half their cylinders. Then had some free time so went into town to do some sightseeing and shopping. Good to actually sit down, have some proper coffee and think about nothing in particular!

Went on the excursion this afternoon to Winchester. Took a bit of organising, counting the students on, making sure they had ID cards, counting them again on the walking tour and counting them yet again back onto the coach! Still, better safe than sorry. Procedures are laid down quite clearly so there's no room for errors. There's even a lost procedure but we didn't have to put that into action, thank goodness! Went round with a small group of students afterwards as they didn't want to do anything particular. Think they felt a bit lonely and wanted a friendly face.

Film night this evening - a cartoon so that went down very well, especially with the young ones.  Lights out was a lot easier tonight. Must be getting the hang of it. Or they're really tired after their walk around town.

It's my day off! Went to see Big Sis down the road. Had a really good time. A bit strange not to see any students around. Kept looking around to make sure that all the students were with me! Must try and relax a bit more.

Breakfast duty again. Trying to get the Italians to eat more than pastry and coffee so that they get some energy for the morning but think it's a losing battle. Activity prep in the morning for the disco tonight - shorts and shades - which means I'll have to dig out my Bermudas. Wonder if they'll laugh at my pasty legs? Made a few posters to put on the walls, then went round the classrooms to publicise it. Don't think it'll be a problem getting people there, though.
Had a free afternoon so went into town again with another AL. Had a coffee and a mooch around. Talked shop, obviously. He told me about some problems with bullying but the Centre Director was on top of it pretty quickly. Must remember to keep my eye out for things like that, especially since they can't articulate their problems sometimes.

Disco was great fun. Full house as predicted. The DJ was terrific - played all the songs that the students wanted. Did some dancing myself. Lucky I'm thick-skinned and didn't mind the ribbing I got from some of the students. Cleared up the hall while others did the lights-out duty. Got to go and get some sleep ready for tomorrow's full-day excursion to London. Hope it'll go alright.