Ferg and school

Hi folks,

I'm now settling into the new school after about 5 weeks of teaching. Its different from my school in Canada. However it is an independent school and is partially funded by the government(about 70%). The rest of the funds are made up by school fees which work out about $4000 per year per kid. 

All the kids wear uniform and there is a big emphasis on looking neat and tidy. A common refrain heard around the school is a teacher barking "tuck your shirt in!" Usually around 4 or 5 boys instinctively reach for their waist band. I myself have always had problems looking neat and tidy and this is forcing me to be the best dressed I've been for years! 

The school is a Catholic school and is run by the de la Salle brothers. There are 3 brothers who wander the school in their white flowing robes and they are very much a presence around the school interacting with the kids and the teachers as they arrive at the school, at breaks and as they leave! 

The school is in a high area of Sydney called the hills district and has a magnificent view. It also has fabulous grounds with a farm on it that is used to teach agriculture. They have a bunch of cows, sheep, chickens and various crops that the kids are in charge of under the guidance of a few teachers!

The school also has a new swimming pool and a bunch of fields used for football and rugby. 

I checked out the senior soccer team yesterday and they looked good. I'm going to help the coach run some practices.

In the school-yard the other day a kid approached me and knowing I was Scottish asked if I knew who Ian Ferguson was. It turns out he was talking about the ex-Rangers player. One of the biggest, nastiest louts to grace that dear Ibrox turf. After some questioning and on my part slagging off of Ferguson I asked the lad how he knew him. His response was "I'm going out with his daughter!" Apparently Ferguson has been in Sydney for a few years.

I said to him does Ferguson know you go to this school? 

With the student replying in the affirmative I decided that here is proof of the possibility of reformation for all of us. 

Atode

F