I taught them to cook vidya4 - Flipbook - Page 35
Autumn Term
33
their gossip, I don my overall and rubber gloves to clear up before
my cooking classes arrive.
That weekend I prepare my case for Mr Shield, the head and chief
fund donor. I need ancillary help and more money for ingredients.
This cannot go on. I won’t teach, clean up and be a drudge on my own.
A few days later, I get a note telling me to come after school and
interview candidates for the ancillary position. Help is coming.
The following week, my chosen angel, the marvellous Cynthia,
will arrive to be my right hand woman and saviour and work
with me for five hours a week. It’s not enough, but it’s a start.
The school secretary pops her head round the door with more
news.
‘Jenny, you’ll be pleased to know the school kitchens have
agreed to take over making the Governor’s teas.’
As my grandmother said, one turn deserves another.
I hear later that the PE department is buying an automatic
washing machine and tumble dryer, and I am free to soar ahead
and teach my subject with no distractions.
I collapse exhausted in the staffroom