About New Zealand and Waitakere

Geography

New Zealand is comprised of islands in the Pacific ocean. The country has two main land masses called North Island and South Island. New Zealand is located about 1,500 miles southeast from Australia. I will be in Waitakere, New Zealand, which is located on the North Island. The North Island is mountainous and has volcanoes. Mount Ruapehy is 9,177 feet tall and the tallest mountain in the North Island and an active volcano. Waitakere is the fifth largest city in New Zealand and is part of the Auckland region. People who live in the Waitakere region are called "Westies" because of their position relative to Auckland.

Population, Government, and Currancy

There are about 4.3 million people living in New Zealand. The people of New Zealand are mostly from European descent with Indigenous Maori, Asians, and Polynesians being the largest minority groups. English is the language most commonly spoken. The government is led by the Prime Minister in the democratically elected Parliment of New Zealand. Queen Elizabeth II holds a symbolic position in the country. The New Zealand Dollar is the currancy for the country. One New Zealand dollar is equal to .7 United States dollars.

Seasons and Weather

• Spring - September, October, November
• Summer - December, January, February
• Autumn - March, April, May
• Winter - June, July, August

The normal temperatures in summer range from 68 to 86 degrees Farnenheit. Autumn has normal temperatures between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The North Island is sub-tropical with warm, humid weather.

About Green Bay Primary School

Green Bay Primary school is in Waitakere. The school contains about 450 students and 25 classrooms. The building has a well-stocked library, computerized Information Centre, a resource room, networked computers throughout the school, a specialist science room, a music room, a special needs centre, large playing fields, and a swimming pool. The school day begins at 8:30am and is finished at 2:55pm.

The school has five syndicates:

1. Pohutukawa (Years 0-1)
2. Totara (Years 1-2)
3. Kowhai (Years 3-4)
4. Rimu (Years 5-6)
5. Kauri (Years 7-8)

School Website: www.greenbay.school.nz

Professional Goals and Cultural Development Objectives

I will collaborate and effectively communicate with the principal and teachers at Green Bay School in order to learn about the country and school's goals and objectives in education.

I will enthusiastically experience various teaching styles and then adapt what I learn and integrate it with my own teaching style.

I will emerge myself in the New Zealand culture and be respectful and eager to learn more about it.

I will reflect and learn about my own strengths and weaknesses as a teaching professional and woman from the United States.

I will develop intercultural communication skills through speaking with a wide variety of individuals who are native to New Zealand.

I will push myself to go out of my comfort zone in and out of the classroom atmosphere in order to take away the most I can from the international experience.

I will form personal relationships with my host family, colleagues, students, and new friends.