HELLO, NEWTON

// MOWDEN HALL //

My new hometown, Newton, is stunning. Despite being only 20km west of Newcastle, it really is a rural setting. I haven’t seen a streetlight since I arrived two weeks ago. Our school is neighboured by farms – donkey, sheep, and kale.

Two weekends ago we had 30cm of snow which was magical, however because we only hit above-zero temperatures for the first time yesterday, there has been a thick layer of ice covering the whole school. The kids haven’t been allowed to run around at break, and my water pipes froze causing my sink to block.

Above (bottom right): school minibus duty in the morning often requires de-icing of the inside of the bus.  

Today I tagged along on a cross-country competition to a place called Sedbergh. The event started with a ‘parade of the Runners’ which saw a bagpiper leading 200 thirteen-year-olds along a muddy and frosty trail. At least the scenery was beautiful (not that I got bored given my love for all things sports and running!)…

On the sports theme, I’ve had to pick up football (NOT soccer) rather quickly. I don’t think the kids know that any other sports exist! I also had to pretend I knew how hockey works after I was asked to run a training session.

My first snow experience!

One of the biggest challenges I’ve found is all the accents! On the staff alone there are at least 15 different ones to decode (some easier than others … aye!). There’s Geordie, Cockney, Scottish, South African, and even Zimbabwean.

And a few photos from my day-off adventure into Newcastle are below. Until soon :)