The day has come when my principal would not be at school for 3 days. It was the day I feared most. My goodness, 2 days of trying to be in so many places at once was insane. Day 1 started at 6:30am and ended at 5:15pm. It was non stop, one thing after the other. I could only connect with the KG AP for about 10 minutes. At one point, I had to be at 3 different places at once. Between attending to teacher’s needs, to solving students behavior problems, to answering angry parents, to going into meetings, to calling home and speaking to parents, to making decisions on the spot, to seeing unexepected parents that showed up at my office was exhausting and overwhelming.
By 7:15 I had opened 3 cases to investigate and wanted to settle them by 9am before my list got longer and longer. To keep up with everything and everyone was mentally exhausting. I did my best and anything that came my way was solved right then and there. Those parents that came in angry left happy and smiling thank goodness. Those cases I opened were closed within 1.5 hours. Those emails I got I replied and solved. Those students that were sent to my office were dealt with. Those decisions that had to be made were made. Those meetings I had to attend I attended on time. With all that happening we managed to plan and create a committee for planning National/Liberation day that is taking place in 3 weeks. By 2:45 that was it, I was done and exhausted. Some teachers needed to see me after school so I stayed till about 5:15 making sure they were ok as I did not have the heart to say no. They come first.
I reached home and I had no energy to speak to my own kids. But we sat and they read and then it was time for bed. I was asleep by 7:30pm.
Day 2 was crazier than day 1. Add all that I did and double it if that is even possible. I thought to myself, is this a test to see what it would feel like to be a principal?!? If it’s anything like this then I definitely do not want that chair anytime soon! I shall take my time to get there. The KG AP was as busy as I was and more as well. One of our counselors was amazing and supported me and always asked if I needed anything. She was always there stepping in and helping out. I am so grateful for her. I thanked her so much for helping those past 2 days.
I got home and had my workout. It helped to release all that stress and it was cardio which is my favorite type of workout. I was physically and mentally exhausted by the end. I was fast asleep by 8pm.
Thank God for the weekend. Time to rest, eat and sleep and to re energize for Sunday as it was my last day solo! I can’t wait for my principal to be back!
Let’s see how Sunday goes! Hoping and praying for a calmer day than day 1 and 2!
It never shows that you’re overwhelmed so good job!! You’re amazing at what you do!
No way!! Good to know. I try really hard not to show it nor make anyone feel it. 🙂
You are are good problem solver, which is a great quality to have as an AP! Glad to be on your team!