Holiday outings

[alt_sinistra]

I’ve worked out the lists for the Newcastle and New London day trips: you should receive confirmation at lunch today one way or the other. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we coordinate staffing and other details.

We still have a few remaining spaces for CCF students for the Yorkshire Dales trip (8th April), and for both CCF and YPL students for the Cambridge visit (11th April). Please see me today if you are still interested. Confirmation notes about those trips will be out tomorrow.

You are reminded that your parents are responsible for getting you to the central meeting point in New London each day: specifics will be sent to them later this week, or they may confirm with Felix Green in the WEA office if they have other logistics questions. Basic expenses (including meals and any admission fees) will be covered by the programme, but you may wish to bring pocket money for extras. Promptness and exemplary behaviour are both expected and required.

I’m glad to take questions here. Otherwise, I’ll be in my office during my usual Monday hours after supper.

Comments

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

Ah. Yes.

The number of students who can be included on that trip is very limited for several reasons, and priority for spaces was given to those who have not had the opportunity to learn more closely about the camps through a parent's work.

If you'd prefer to put your name in for one of the other still open trips instead, I'd be glad to do that.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_ernie]

Oh.

That seems Thanks for explaining.

Am I still being considered for the Cambridge trip, then? That's the only other one I could really do, what with Easter and all, you know.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

You are in fact on my list for Cambridge already, though we could probably squeeze you in on either of the New London days if you wanted.

(Sorry: I've been staring at so many lists this weekend they're all starting to blur.)

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

I've been thinking about this conversation since this afternoon...

I wanted to reassure you that not being selected is not a reflection on your skills or dedication or anything else like that. (And I'd be glad to reassure your parents of that, if they have any questions.)

Far more that I was given a very specific set of priorities for that trip.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_ernie]

Thanks, Professor.

I'll tell my parents if they have questions they can ask you. I think it'll be all right. I don't think I'll tell them I asked to go and didn't get selected.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

That can be simpler, yes.

I did have a thought - had you considered putting in for one of the counsellor positions this summer? Or is the CCF commitment enough time away from your family for you?

We'll be doing a little conversation about it in my meetings next week, with the selection process sometime in May. You're certainly someone whose application I'd be glad to support.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_ernie]

Thanks. I'll think about it.

I don't think it would be a problem, being away in summer hols, you know. It's just on big traditional holidays, my parents expect we'll all be together. That's the problem with Easter, you see.

I suppose I want to keep things in balance, too. With my studies, I mean. What's the time commitment during the year, for counselors? I suppose I could ask one or two of them, only I think they must feel they shouldn't say anything that would sound against it.

Only, I wonder if it's a good idea to apply for YPL Counselor if I might be chosen Prefect. Or are you expecting I wouldn't be chosen for that? Have you heard anything said about that yet? Or is it just the Headmistress who chooses? Surely she asks Professor Sprout about which Hufflepuffs she'd support, though, and maybe you, as well?

I mean, I don't want you to think I'm assuming anything, only it would be very nice if you could tell me how these things work so I'd know better how to decide about the YPL position.

Re: Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

I should start by saying that I can only talk about the past few years: there have been some conversations among the people I report to that may change how things work in the future, at least a bit.

(As you may have gathered from my earlier comments, I am not the only person who makes decisions about YPL policies or priorities.)

That said: so far the term-time commitment has been minimal beyond what you're already doing. It's generally helping out before or after events - setting things up, sorting materials after, getting notes out. No one person needs help every time, and it's flexible based on your other commitments. Rarely more than an hour before or after, or sometime during the week before.

As to the Prefects - certainly a number of our counsellors have also been Prefects. It can be a lot to juggle, but I'm clear that Prefect duties need to come first.

(As to whether I have any influence - well, Professor Sprout certainly asks my opinion from time to time, as I ask hers and the other heads of house about candidates for the YPL positions. But I also try not to presume on their decisions.)