This update is long overdue and there is so much to bring you up to date with!
Return to Teaching
At the beginning of September, and after a decade out of the classroom, I started a new job teaching Year 4 children at Yearsley Grove Primary School here in York. I have had a yearning to return to full time teaching for several years and I am delighted to be back! I spent a couple of weeks doing voluntary work in the summer term in another York primary school to get used to everyday teaching again, and then I was offered my new job at my first interview.
This term so far has been a steep learning curve, a voyage of descovery and totally exhausting!! I am responsible in school for the development of IT within school and for running Y3/4 football training. I led my first assembly in school last week and I hope to be able to use all my experience and gifting in the months and years to come. In fact, the Year 3 and 4 classes are going to be performing an adapted version of Christmas Number 1 - my Christmas nativity - next term.
Omega Zone
For the time being I have had lay down the children's ministry that has been at the heart of my life for such a long time. The final Omega Zone Training Event and Praise Party took place in early July in Loughborough and it we had a great time serving the church down there. I led a holiday club for a church in North London during the first week of the summer holidays which was also great fun.
We sadly announced at Spring Harvest this year that it would be our last year of serving the 8-11s programme. After 11 fabulous years it was a tough decision to make, but definately the right one. I can only imagine how much I'm going to miss that next Easter time.
Menna and I continue to oversee the children's ministry at York Community Church, and I will be leading an all-age worship service this coming weekend!
Number Fun
One of the best things about my class is how well they sing! In fact my class have become Number Fun mad! I have really enjoyed experiencing with my class the joy of using songs as a creative tool in the teaching of mathematics. Their favourite song is 'Papa Titioning' - a country song about partitioning!
After a mad couple of months on the road, the final Number Fun Activity Day took place at Barrowford Primary School during the last week of last term. We had a lovely day of celebration in a school that I have visited many times, and whose teachers I consider to be my friends.
We continue to sell the Number Fun resources and indeed the Omega Zone resources. Anne Wooldridge is working a couple of days a week to keep our little cottage industry going! Joyce and Kay are popping into the office every 4 weeks to help as well. They continue to be a tremendous help - especially as I've hardly been able to do anything as my new job has been all-consuming!
Famil and Friends
After a house full of people over the summer, Tim has now returned to Durham University, and Anna has gone for the first time to Newcastle University. Esther is studying for her A levels and it won't be long before Menna and I are home alone!
Nige and Sue, who have been a major inspiration and part of the Omega Zone and Number Fun team for so long, are hoping to move in the coming months to New Zealand to start a new life over that (Sue's family already live over there).
Thank you
Thank you very much for all your support of Omega Zone over the years. I spent a lot of time reflecting over the summer months, and I praise God for all that he has been able to do in us and through us. Thank you for all your prayer and support.
Also a mega thank you to everyone who has helped in the office, helped produce all our resources and served on our teams. You have been brilliant! Thank you.
Yours in Christ, Dave Godfrey