The dreaded staffroom entrance

Why do we dread the new staffroom so much? We're not teenagers anymore...

I suppose that fear of knowing nobody or being on our own never fully leaves us. Some are better able to handle it than others. A lot of the time the principal will walk you into the staffroom introduce you to 1 or 2 people and then leave you be. So it's up to you then to figure your way around the staffroom.
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Some staffrooms have a 'sit wherever you want' approach others have 'assigned seats' - I HATE THIS! Not actually assigned by the principal but they assign themselves to a seating arrangement and never change. There is nothing worse than sitting in someones else seat... as if their name is on it! Ridiculous if you ask me! I have been in staffrooms like this - don't fret about it just pull in a chair if one isn't available - you'll soon find a place to sit permanently.

It can be very daunting as a newbie entering the staffroom so my advice is:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask where something is.
2. Introduce yourself and get to know names of staff members
3. Don't try and avoid the staffroom - that makes it harder in the long run.
4. Avoid eating on your own in your classroom or in your car, I know the nerves are terrible but it is best if you throw yourself into the deep end.
5. Get to know other new staff members - you're in this together!
6. Attend social outings organised

I'm writing this post to highlight how daunting it can be entering a new staffroom in the hope that anyone reading this will look out for the newcomers in the future.

Some tips for current staff members welcoming a new team member:

1. Introduce yourself - don't have them sitting in a room where they don't know anyone's name, you make the first move to help them feel more comfortable.
2. Check in with them regularly to see if they're finding everything okay.
3. Say hello when passing in the corridors.
4. Invite them to sit with you at lunch if they seem to be on their own.

It's a great idea to have a social committee or wellbeing committee to organise events for staff members at the start of the year - this helps to welcome everyone back and also helps the new staff members to meet the staff and settle in.

Ideas for events:
Dinner
Drinks
Bowling - highly recommend!
Laser Tag
Hike/ Walk
Cycling 
Tea/ Coffee Morning
Exercise Activities

Hope you enjoyed the read and will help a newbie out this coming August!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole