RUGBY and DANCING

It is almost the weekend! I am ready for a relaxing day on the beach. Bre and I will be heading out to the Bay of Plenty, which has amazing sand beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. Taking time to stop, relax, take a breath, and reflect is essential for teachers. I am learning this VERY quickly. I am so happy that I am in New Zealand right now because it is such a beautiful and perfect place for teacher rejuvenation time. I hope to share photos of the beautiful ocean once I get back.

Today was an excellent day of learning for the students. We had a special visitor come speak to the class. His name is Norm Hewitt and he played rugby for the New Zealand team, which is called the All Blacks. He is such an inspiration to the students because he was a professional athlete and he is part Maori. He did not come to Green Bay Primary to just share his story about playing rugby with the students, but to also promote the SPCA.

The SPCA is like our Humane Society back home. He told the children that over 18,000 animals go to the SPCA each year for supplies, vet care, or a new home. New Zealand has had to deal with a lot of cases of animal abuse recently and Norm spoke about how animal abuse directly links to other types of violence. The students learned that Norm's dad used to beat his mother and animals were his only comfort while growing up. His message was very serious and "hit home" for some of my students and impacted all of the students. Norm Hewitt was also on New Zealand's first version of Dancing with the Stars and he won the competition. I think that sent a good message to my male students because right now they are trying to identify what's "cool" for men to be doing. The special visitor event taught me that the most essential learning doesn't happen in the classroom, but through real-life interactions and special occasions that students may not get to experience within a normal school day or at home. My students are dealing with "real life" situations and academic skills are probably one of their last priorities. Norm connected with the students and probably impacted them in a way that applies to the major issues many are dealing with at this time in their lives.