Part of the Furniture

“I want to talk to you about a problem”, said the principal of the school where I’m working at the moment as a visiting science teacher. He had sidled up to me in the corridoor during the lesson I was teaching with a class of enthusiastic grade 3 and 4 kids today. We were in the corridoor measuring how far the cars they had designed and built out of recycled materials and some you-beaut plastic wheels went after being released down a ramp. 

Its not unusual for him to pop in on my lessons. He likes to know what’s going on. His comments about my work are usually supportive and positive. He had been talking to me about how impressed he was with the thought the kids had put into designing their cars and how the activity had promoted parental involvement. I was a little surprised when he changed the topic to broach a “problem” in the middle of a lesson and concerned that his timing could reflect its urgent nature.

I looked at him questioningly waiting for him to continue. When he recognised concern in my expression he smiled. His eyes lit up with happy creases. He has a very cheeky smile, this experienced and active principal who is close to retiring. I relaxed, smiled and waited. He had my full attention and he continued, “Yes, its a problem I’ve noticed. But I’ve already done something about it. I’ve noticed the gradual build-up of science equipment that’s been spreading around the school”.

“Oh yes! Um, sorry. I’ve got stuff piled up in the staff room, in the room opposite us and also in the other corridoor”, I admitted sheepishly.

“Mmm yes. So what I’ve done, is ordered two large double cupboards. I’ll put one in this corridoor and one in the other one”. His smile bubbled into an almost laugh. He was having fun delivering me the directive to be more orderly and tidy with my science equipment, in the nicest possible way.

And the up-shot is: I’ll have two special cupboards! I was already starting to feel like part of the furniture at this school. This has sealed it!