Top Teachers

 T's career was on the ascendant. She was the first primary school teacher to be sponsored to go on an important research trip to Canada, and was taking Whaea Caryn as her guide and interpreter. Teaching gave her wings, and she was going to use them. The other teachers considered calling her 'Principal'  'Princessipal' 'Headmistress' 'Mother T' but she simply asked them to call her TT which stood for 'Top Teacher'. 

She booked her flights during the school holidays through the laptop that she kept hidden away in the cupboard. She knew if she left it out some of the junior children would either sit on it or open it up and start mashing the keys, or try to login into you-tube and watch toy advertisements. 

Whaea Caryn was more than happy to be tagging along, to return to Saskatchewan, the land of her birth, or at least to be flying over it. At the airport checkin the airport staff ushered them both on to the flight. Have you had your quarantine and your flu shots? Yes and yes.

TT was excited. She had messaged Whaea Caryn the night before on what to pack.  What can I expect in the land of the long white snow?

Whaea Caryn thought for a bit. You'll need several layers of puffy jackets, pants, snow boots, and scarf. And mittens. 

TTs suitcase wasn't able to fit these items. She figured she might wear them on the plane, but Whaea Caryn said if she did that she won't be able to fit in the seats. She said it was best to buy them at the airport when they landed.

Oh ok. Well maybe I should wear something that shows everyone where I come from. I am proud to be TT of Ranui School. 

Whaea Caryn observed drily, we could just go wearing the school uniform. 

Excellent idea, Whaea Caryn. 

So they boarded the plane wearing the school florescent vests which had their names on the back, and they looked so important that the air hostesses upgraded them to sit behind the pilot in the special cabin near the emergency hatch. You both look like you know First Aid, said the hostess.  

We're teachers, said TT smiling, and popped a barley sugar in her mouth.