So I finally have time to sit back and reflect on a busy few weeks to the start of term three. I even had to take a day off school this week because I was physically exhausted from a busy weekend ( which I'll get to) and my health was fairly poor.
After spending week one getting back into the swing of things after Japan, the school ball was next on the agenda. It was really nice to be a part of this group of young students, because so much was run by and organized by them. It was a fab evening and I've included some photos below of the evening with staff and my mentee
The next event was leadership camp, this is certainly a camp that I enjoy going on. The students are more mature and gave generally come to camp for the right reason. The are wanting to give back to the school, they are ready to take on responsibility around the school and they are starting to appreciate things that have been done for them over the previous three or four years. This year for me was a lot different as I was unable to get current hospo kids to help me out. So I posted it out on Facebook if anyone was interested. What happened next blew me away and words can not explain the appreciation I felt, but three former student all who had been taught by me and we're now working in the hospitality industry offered to give up their days off to come help me. It has left me speechless but at the same time reinstalled my faith in the fact that, as teachers we may not get that instant gratification that we often want from our students, but that at times those special moments come later in life. These three students arrived, took over the kitchen and just got stuff done they truly are amazing.
Another thing about this year's camp was that it was the first time all form teachers and dean's of the year group were present throughout. We decided it would be cool to take class photos to remember this time together. I really enjoyed being able to get away and re establish that relationship with my form class which had changed since their junior years where u saw them so regularly. I had a core group of kids who I class as my originals, as my class has had so many changes and coming and goings over the past four years. It's so nice to see these guys grow and mature and stepping up into these leadership roles. I can't wait until their final year next year to see what they can achieve.
On a personal development I have started attending the kapa haka lessons to learn the school haka. It was a really special moment because when this group performs it always gives me chills. But to finally be apart of it and see these kids thriving on this environment and seeing them excel as teachers and helping me as the learner was very refreshing. I look forward to attending more of these and my first performance of the full haka
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