Yes we've heard

I had dinner last night with my partner, my sister and her partner. My sister's partner's ex was in the education industry. She was a school teacher. My sister's partner is now has a lot of friends still teaching or involved in the education industry. (I hope you're keeping up and I haven't confused you).

We were having dinner and I asked my sister if I'd told her the story of how I met my students. She said no. I began to tell her how I met my students last year and what happened. I also filled her in on what's been happening over the last few days.

She had a strange look on her face. The kind of look you have when you've done something and your trying to hide it from your parent.

She said to me "Yes we've heard about what happened".

The rumour mill has definitely been working here in my regional town.

Once I'd explained that one of my students knew me and my partner she understood how it happened. The rumour she and her partner had heard was that I introduced myself at the meet and greet and told the class I was gay.

I wonder if that's what many people think?

My principal came in to my room no less than 4 times the first day of school. On one visit she was smiling and amazed at the technology I had used to engage my students. I am hoping that I become an excellent teacher and the fact that I'm gay becomes insignificant.

The student that pushed herself back under the desk at the meet and greet last year has been one of my more engaged students. She is asking for jobs and helping. We are building a very positive relationship as I am with the rest of the students.

The question came up during class last week "Are you single Sir?". We were completing a task. I explained that this task had nothing to do with my personal life and we need to get back on task. There was no need for any other comment. The class were happy with this answer...for now.