Diary of a Teacher

Dear Diary,

Being a teacher at Oakwell High is stressful. but being the head teacher- that's just crazy. First of all, there's the students. What other school would you see people with dog's ears or bat wings? But to me that's completely normal, diary, since I am really the same. In case any people find my diary and read it, I am half cat, with dainty little cat ears and an elegant tail. My name is André Garfield but the kids call me Ms Garfield.

Then there's my nephew Oliver. He's also half cat, but he looks nothing like me. Instead of straight ginger hair like mine, he has black sticky-uppy hair that just goes...well, everywhere. He's lived with me since his Dad died. He could have gone back to his Mum in China, but at the time he was staying with me in America and I couldn't afford the flight back. By the time I did he was too happy there to even want to go back home. today he is starting his second year of Oakwell with his no good ladybird girlfriend Betty. Betty isn't even her name, her real one is Anastasia, but everyone calls her Betty because last year she bullied a poor little girl called Betty so much she left the school. I can't say it to Oliver but I hate Betty. But, diary, it's time that I tell you what happened today.

It was the first day of school. Loads of new students came in today, including a little English girl of eleven called Cassie Barlowe. She was so sweet, and shy, and from what I know her Mum hates her and she was sent here so her Mum could get rid of her. She has the most adorable ginger hair like mine, but it's really long and scruffy. she's half dog but we get along like shoes and socks, even though, like I said, I'm a cat. Cassidy hit off with Harper Addison on the train here. Harper's a nice kid, but she's half bat and bats creep me out. It's not my fault- they are the ones with the great flapping wings gigantic ears. Another thing is that Harper's in second year and Cassidy just started her first. I hope their friendship stays- often the younger and older ones have some sort of rivalry that I can't explain.
I have a feeling that when she gets sorted, Cassidy is going to be a Mossianio. Again, in case anyone ever finds my diary, the houses the kids get depends on their intelligence. Saphira is the house for the least clever kids (No offense Minnie), Emraldia for the second least, Opalique second cleverest like Harper, and Mossianio for the dragon-cross breeds or the really clever kids. I've already prepared her notebook.

I led the kids to temporary dormitories, the girls to one and the boys to another. Some of the second years who had never been here before needed one as well. Cassidy's dormitory didn't have a second year though, so I sent Harper in to 'babysit' knowing that she and Cassidy were very close. I knew that Cassidy didn't have a nice life back at home so I thought I may as well make her happy here. If I'm being honest, she doesn't seem to like it here- but I'm sure that'll change. She hasn't had any lessons yet.

I wanted to make sure Cassidy was okay, and I know I really shouldn't have but I hid behind the door frame, protected from passers by by a plant pot. I listened in and watched them to make sure they were safe. Hey, I know I kind of sound like a stalker, but I pinkie swear I'm just overprotective. And don't worry. I didn't look while they were getting changed!
Cassidy was chatting to Harper when- and you won't believe this- BETTY burst through the door. She called out to Cassidy, saying she was really pretty, but even though I think she is, I'm not sure that Betty feels the same. then I noticed that she had brought Oliver with her! You have no idea how badly I wanted to grab him and tell him the mistake that he had made, but he didn't notice me.

But you know what? I think it turned out pretty good! Oliver and Cassidy seemed to hit off extremely well. He couldn't talk to her much because stupid Betty was there, and we all know what happens when Betty gets mad. Then Betty ran away with Oliver laughing, saying something about an 'ugly stupid idiot'. I told you that she never though Cassidy was pretty. I wanted to tell Cassidy this but then I realised it was the kids' time for bed. I was really tired so I decided it was also my time for bed. that's all for today, diary, but I promise I will check up on Cassidy tomorrow. Goodnight!

Signed,
André Garfield