Gifts of appreciation...

The chocolate boxes I received from tutoring parents in 2025

Since I am a part-time specialist teacher in a school, my contribution can definitely be forgotten. Whilst words of appreciation are sometimes received from colleagues for going above and beyond, direct thanks from parents can be rare. In short, parents don't really know of me and may not realise just how much I care about the education of their child. Sometimes students see their classroom teachers as the 'real' teachers and view me as a 'support' teacher who enters their academic life from time to time. It would be doubtful that I am mentioned at home apart from the odd after-school communication when a student stays back to receive intensive assistance from me. Over the years, I have stayed back after school or even come in on school days as a volunteer to provide students with additional assistance just because I care. It's this same level of dedication that I apply to MD Home Tutoring. The difference is that my efforts and extra time are usually appreciated, sometimes in the form of gorgeous gifts. I received a few generous gifts at the conclusion of 2025, for which I am extremely grateful. I don't know what it is about me that screams quality chocolate, but these treats certainly hit the spot after a busy year of researching, reading, preparing for, travelling to and tutoring students as part of my small business. - Mel

Dream a little dream...

Seconds after taking this photo, the butterfly dropped away from its chrysalis

and started to flap its wings. It was such a wonderful sight to see...

Photo taken at Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam

"Dream with me, escape with me, fly with me, imagine you are everything you've ever wanted to be. Dream, dream, dream..."

This is an excerpt from a song I remember vividly from a Shopfront Theatre musical I was in as a child. The world can be a harsh judge and it can laugh in the face of 'silly' dreams. It saddens me that people in our culture judge a person's worthiness by their occupation. Even as a school teacher, and an extremely dedicated one at that, people often ridicule the profession. When I had a break from it for five years, I lived my dream to be creatively employed each and every day, However, it was crazy to witness just how many people criticise teachers. The biggest shock was the appreciation I received from customers such as brides, grooms, parents and makers for my commercial creations. Why aren't words of wisdom and innovative teaching strategies as highly prized by the average citizen? Truly bizarre society we live in...

Nevertheless, I still love teaching and I can remember many wonderful interactions I've had with students. I fondly remember a casual teaching day I once did at Caringbah Public School in 1998. This wonderful little Year 1 class just loved their day so much. Out of their own accord, during lunchtime I presume, a number of them got together and wrote little notes for me, which they presented at the end of the school day. I was just one random teacher in the scheme of many they must've met, yet their display of kindness for my efforts to give them a unique day whilst their regular teacher was sick just astounded me. I still have those notes...

Since going part-time as a teacher and starting my own home-tutoring business, I must say that my life has been calmer. I have been able to focus on what really matters in life: savouring special interactions with people and being an encouraging presence...

Significantly, I have had more time to look around me and appreciate just how lucky I am despite not leading the perfect life, materially, that some Aussies strive for, and despite my lack of worldly success. Because life is not measured by our external representations, but by who we really are as people. I encourage you to appreciate the beauty of life, rather than gripe about the dreams that you haven't yet been fulfilled. I know that this change in mindset has completely changed my outlook on life, and definitely for the better :) - Mel

Teaching students who are 'New Arrivals'

It was a huge year in 2022, but a very rewarding one. A particular highlight was the opportunity to work with students who had recently arrived in Australia. Every session involved teaching speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as the mathematical language needed to access the Australian curriculum. All the time and effort spent making and selecting the very best resources was definitely worth it! - Mel

Best Essential Oils - Australia

I've always liked burning incense, then I discovered oil burners that required tealight candles (can be messy and smelly!). Lately, I've enjoyed burning madison candles. The best brands have been the most unlikely ones. Organic Choice candles from Coles are surprisingly good, particularly the Indian Coconut and Lime fragrance. Ecoya also makes great quality candles, especially the French Pear fragrance. 

With Glasshouse, it depends on the fragrance. I find Tahaa a little strong and chemical-like; it gives me headaches as the living space needs to be larger than mine is. Circa Home's Coconut and Watermelon candle is to die for.

More recently, I purchased an ultrasonic diffuser. I had always wanted one but wasn't sure of which one to get. I settled on one from a big appliance store due to having to spend some store credit there. What an incredible little device! While this diffuser is reliable and easy to use (although not as silent as I anticipated), the quality of available oils differs wildly. Fragrance oils are considered to be hazardous because they are made synthetically in labs using petrochemicals. Only pure essential oils should be used, but the quality of these can differ too. 'In Essence' essential oils are some of the best I have tried so far. 'Perfect Potion' also sells top quality oils. For both brands, the price is a little higher for 5, 8, 9 or 10 mL, but the potency can be up to two times stronger than that of other common brands. 

But then I decided to purchase a whole bunch of oils online without smelling them first. They were so well-priced that I even bought a little box to store them in, thinking that hundreds of positive reviews about these oils couldn't be wrong. However, it would appear that this common brand, which I won't mention directly, epitomises the 'emperor's new clothes' phenomenon. It seems that people like to be sheep, or they have not tried other brands, or less-than-complimentary ratings are not published on the website. The reality is that the oils just aren't up to scratch compared to ones I have been diffusing from the aforementioned companies. Some fragrances even have a toxic smell about them. The difference in quality is obvious, something I didn't expect at all. Whilst a little cheaper per millilitre, more of the inferior product is required to create a scent that permeates the air. I do not know how I will use these oils up (as some are rather unpleasant), but I'll create some blends where possible. The lavender oil is OK, so I will be liberal with it in all of my blends, but will be on the hunt for a quality lavender oil once this bottle runs out.

Some people own upwards 50 of these little bottles, but perhaps they have never tried alternative brands. I do not know why the difference is so perceptible to me, but I won't be buying any more bottles from this company. I will gradually use them up by adding some drops to the washing machine and will always try to purchase top-quality oils in future. I have learnt the hard way that you definitely get what you pay for! - Mel

The 'In Essence' essential oil range is amazing

Comments

Anonymous April 10, 2021 at 2:49 PM

I wouldn't know what I would do without my diffuser now. It is an air freshener and insect repellent all in one.