I am in New Zealand Time to teach.

Bre and I arrived in New Zealand on Thursday, January 26th at 5:30am New Zealand time. I was full of emotions when I stepped off the plane because I was uncertain of what waited for me outside of the airport walls. After going through a variety of security measures (which emphasized not having any fruits or vegetables in my luggage) I was taken to the house that will be my home for the nine weeks by my host mother.

There are many familiarities between American culture and the Kiwi way of life, but as I interact with more and more people I learn that there are also a lot of differences. I am mostly shocked by the diversity of the population. A variety of races are represented in New Zealand, and it seems that many people have the same British-type accent. Even though English is mainly spoken on the island my American accent jumps out at people when I speak. Many people ask me where I am from even if I speak one sentence. Kiwis seem to have many of the same modern conveniences that are available to me back home and there is a busy city-life in Auckland. Drivers are in their cars on the left side of the road and my host mother is hoping that soon I can drive one of her cars to school. Watch out New Zealand drivers!

Tuesday, February 2nd was the first day of school for the teachers only at Green Bay Primary. Two men facilitated the entire day for the teachers with a focus on Restorative Practices- Using a restorative approach in you school community. The information presented during the day helped refresh my beliefs on classroom management and gave me confidence to be an educator who strives to improve a child's entire well-being. The main focus on this approach states: "For students to success, they must believe you care about them, you have confidence in their ability to solve problems, and experience mutual respect. The stronger the relationship, the easier it is to resolve differences." The website with all the information is: restorativeschools.org.nz. The presentation combined theory, research, and activities which helped everyone reflect on the best management styles for students and the school community.

Tomorrow the students come to school for a brand new school year. They are coming back from about six weeks of vacation and will have new teachers and classrooms. I met with my classroom teacher, Jo, a couple of times. She is one of three teachers who work with grades 7/8 at Green Bay Primary. Because year 7/8 is at the school, it is technically also considered an Intermediate school as well. The students are 11-12 years old and once they are done with their 8th year they are high schoolers. I am a little nervous about working with the oldest group of students at the school, but I look forward to meeting all of the children/young adults on their first day of school. The students are probably a bit anxious about starting another year of school, but I hope they have a sense of excitement (just like I do!). Jo told me that she is going to be "tough" with the students for quite awhile before she starts to smile and joke around with them. I told her that I want mimic how she acts so I do not contradict the message that she is trying to send to them on the first day. I think that this will be a little difficult for me. I tend to be full of smiles when I see children- so it is time for me to bring out my "tough" face. Jo said that I can talk to the students and get to know them, so at least I don't have to act too serious or mean. New Zealand school practices and procedures are different for me, so I think it is best to just experience it for a bit and not change anything that the teacher has set up for the year 7/8 students until I know what is generally right and wrong to do.

I will keep all my dedicated followers updated on how the first day of school is very soon. Also, I can't wait to share all my New Zealand adventures that Bre and I have planned. This is the start of quite the most wonderful, life-changing experience I will have as a new teacher!