thanks for your replies. I have talked to few people and think its best if i go back term 4 2009. I dont think i can afford to take a year off, so i will tell my principal that for financial reasons i will come back term 4 2009. The load should not be too much and i live 5 minutes from the school and can get my sister to baby sit. It will only be like 2 months that i have to work then 6 weeks holiday. I teach at a private school and we always finish early.

i still dont get the full pay vs half pay thing. doesn't it work out the same?