thank for your reply ladies, i didn't realise having that validation would mean this much to me..on your suggestions I've just called a few schools about their emergency relief teachers and they've just referred me to agencies..one principal said they've got a few ladies in the same position as me (family leave) and so they're pretty equiped with the casual staff they need but said to come down and put in my cv..which is fair enough..i liked his temperament and he even made me smile.. but then i also wondered why I'm not being given the same courtesy by my school...I mean, i feel so rejected! ..I'm a damn good teacher!! I'm there for the kids, not the politics!