Masterton

July 28, 2009

I woke up, got ready and went into Raven’s house to start my day. We didn’t have any definite plans but quickly went into town to stop at the pharmacy and run a few errands. While out, I mentioned my interest in seeing a kiwi school while I’m here. Raven called R and we looked in the phone book for schools. We called a school nearby and the secretary told me that the principal would call right back. Well, the principal did not call right back and I kind of gave up. R called back and said that his coworker knew the principal at another school and to give them a call. I did so and the principal took my call. He was very gracious and invited me to come to his school at 1 pm to meet him and get a tour of the school.

Raven dropped me off at the school and as promised, I met the principal and he told me about the school. It’s a public school and I think I remember him saying that it’s a high poverty school (well, the kiwi term for high poverty, anyway). I was so impressed by the school. He said that the staff and students all take ownership of the school and that it’s a tight knit group. They created their own vision a few years ago that I really liked.

So, this school lived their vision. I loved the habits and I heard teachers using them in their interactions with students. “Now Eddie, was that a peaceful action?” I loved it. I had 3 kids walking me around the school. They’re all grade 6, which seems to be 4-5 grade in the States. This is their final year at the school and they made a point of telling me that because of this fact, they didn’t have to wear uniforms. They called themselves counselors, which I guess means that they’re the leaders of the school. They plan social activities, organize the class garden and work on the radio station. The principal told me that the kids are taught how to think for themselves and work for what they want. He gave an example of a local company offering solar panels for 7 schools on the North Island. The kids decided that they wanted this and filled out the application themselves. The company came to the school and interviewed the students. The kids showed them around the school and answered questions. Not surprisingly, the school won the panels. While I was there, the 6th grade teacher took her kids outside to take a vote on where they wanted to put artwork that they were designing for the school. They were about to submit a proposal to the principal with permission to create this artwork, which was going to reflect the different cultures at the school. I got the email address of the teacher and we are hopefully going to have our kids write to each other via email next year. Yay!

After school, Raven picked me up and we went to Moore Wilson to buy some yummies to take back to the States. We then headed back to her house where I tackled my suitcases and she cooked dinner. I don’t know how it happened, but I had sooooo much stuff to take back with me. My lovely fantail iron coat hanger hanging wouldn’t fit into my suitcase so Raven said she’d bring it next time she’s here. I was really at a loss on how the stuff would fit when Raven brought out these vacuum bags she uses when she travels. They did the trick and with her help, I got most of my stuff into both of my suitcases. The rest fit into my carryon, phew!

Raven had been promising me a lamb shank dinner since I got to NZ and she did not disappoint. She made a wonderful feast and it was a terrific way to end my trip. After dinner their neighbor David came over and I got to meet him. He was hilarious. He is from the UK and listening to Raven and David in conversation was quite funny. It was a really nice evening.