It has been a summer of transition. After nine incredible, life-changing years abroad, I have now returned to the UK. It really feels like I’ve closed one chapter and started a totally new one but, perhaps surprisingly, I’m as excited to return as I was to leave all those years ago.
However, it doesn’t feel like I’ve returned to comfort or familiarity (apart from when I go to Gregg’s or Nando’s). I’m still very much out of my comfort zone – just how I like it! I’m in a new city, in a new school (unlike any that I’ve worked at before) and in a position that I’ve never held before. The potential for growth is as big as ever!
My new role is the PYP Coordinator at the International School of London. PYP, for those who don’t know, is the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB). For me, the stars aligned when I was able to find a leadership role in an IB school in the UK. It’s the best of both – I’m still an IB teacher in an international setting but I’m back home with friends and family. Perfect. It’s also a wonderful school in so many unique ways, but that’s a blog post for another time.
I’m also loving my new city. I’ve been to London a few times but only ever as a tourist and only for a few days at a time. The more time I spend here, especially in central London, the more I love it. So many beautiful spots, exciting events and lovely people. I encourage all of my international friends to visit me here!
The biggest challenge of the summer was getting my dogs to London, but it all worked out. Teddy and Yogi are loving London life! A highlight of the summer was taking them to Richmond Park and walking them along the river. Two very happy doggies! Although things got hairy when Yogi came face-to-face with a fox. I think they were both confused!
Stay tuned for more blog posts, by the way. I’ve decided to go back to writing weekly. I fell out of this routine but I’m back now! You can subscribe via email to make sure you never miss a post. You should see this option in the side menu (it might be below this post if you’re using a mobile device).
Finally, I’ll leave you with this video I made of our long journey from Hong Kong to London via Paris. Enjoy!
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