Hey everyone! Things are still awesome in New Zealand. I started my internship at Hutt Valley High School yesterday, and as it turns out I have 3 co-op teachers. The HOD (head of department) Stephen Lange just welcomed a new baby boy to the world, so he's off all week. Things are a bit disorganized at the moment, but it's ok - I'm still settling in just fine. I'm adjusting to the weather now... it's winter here of course, being in the southern hemisphere and all, and the houses and other buildings are not equipped with central heating, so often it's colder inside than it is outside. Fortunately I have a heater and electric blanket in my bedroom at Fiona and Sam's house, so I'm sleeping well. Nice and toasty!
I got to New Zealand on Friday morning (which was Thursday afternoon back home in Saskatchewan), and I wasted no time before socializing with the kiwis. I went out on Friday night to 3 parties, which was totally a blast - Fi and Sam and I went to 2 going-away parties, one in Wellington and one in Lower Hutt, then Fi and I went to Upper Hutt to a house party with staff from her school. It was a party in a garage, which was all heated up nice and toasty, and there was lots of karaoke and drunk, happy kiwis and Maori people. The Maori men were especially friendly, kissing all the ladies on the cheek. It was fun though, because it wasn't creepy - it was just a cultural custom. One of them was eating a sandwich as Fiona and I left, and he kissed me on the cheek with a mouthful of food. GROSS. Hahaha. It was funny though. The people here are so friendly. :o)
On Saturday morning I went to a netball game (a sport kind of like basketball, but you can't dribble the ball and the nets have no backboards) to watch Fiona play. It was fun, but SO cold - they play outdoors, and Saturday am was one of the coldest mornings of the winter. I was all bundled up in a t-shirt, hoodie, fleece, winter jacket, 2 hoods, mitts, another jacket over my legs, and 2 blankets. I looked ridiculous, especially next to the netball players who were playing outside in skirts and t-shirts. People were looking at me like I was insane. I was like, "Oh come on, July is supposed to be summer!!!"
Fiona took me shopping for warm clothes (or "warmies") on Sunday, which I found rather funny. It's not as though I don't have an entire closet full of warm clothes at home... I just neglected to bring most of them. See, mom, I told you I should bring another bunnyhug! Haha. Fi and Sam and I went out for supper with their friends Kirsten and Richard on Sunday (or was it Saturday?), which was really nice - they're very friendly, and very easy to talk to. Kirsten is the niece of my GST supervisor Jill. It's been really nice to meet all these new people - everyone here is awesome so far.
My first day at HVHS was a good one, albeit an overwhelming one. I can't quite describe to you with any accuracy what it feels like to be on the other side of the world, by yourself in a new country, and every single face you see in a day is new to you. It's pretty overwhelming. Everyone has been so friendly though, so I am having very little problem adjusting and settling in. There are a few things to get used to though, like driving on the other side of the road and the car (although Fi and Sam are driving me everywhere, thankfully), the kiwi vocabulary and accent, new brand names for practically everything at the grocery store, the weather, school in July, etc. But, like I said, so far so good!
Funny random story from yesterday: So all the Hutt Valley High School students wear all-black as part of their uniform. I happened to be wearing black pants and shoes yesterday, and I was cold so I kept my black jacket on most of the time. I went to buy a banana during my morning break, since lunch doesn't start until 1:30. So I went to the counter and paid for a banana, then the lady came back and leaned over to me and said "We don't always sell fruit to all the students. Some of the younger ones just throw it around. I trust that you'll be eating this banana." I just about laughed out loud. It was hilarious! I suppose being 5'2 (and a half!) and wearing all black kind of invites comments like that. I got a kick out of it anyway.
And now I shall leave you with a funny random story from today: So this morning I get to school around 8:20am - not too early on the scale of things. I go to the music building and it's locked. That's ok, I've got a key! So I open the door, walk through the corridor, and head into the music office to drop my stuff off at my desk. I unlock the music office, head inside, shut the door, and drop my stuff off. Then comes the absolutely piercing sirens from the corridor. Fabulous! I've set off the alarm. So I locked up and then walked back to the main office, making sure to avoid eye contact with anyone as I snicker to myself all the way back to the admin building. "Hello," I say to the secretary. "I think I just set off the alarm in the music building." What a way to start my 2nd day at HVHS! Hahaha.
I hope everything is going well for you, my family back home in SK and MB, and my friends at IMC, in Saskatoon, and elsewhere. Feel free to write me anytime, or comment on this blog - I've allowed anonymous commenting, so please just leave your name so I know who it came from. :o) My mailing address, in case you're interested, is:
140 Major Drive
Kelson 5010
Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Until next time, cheers!
(PS - I promise to post pictures soon!)
2 comments:
So glad to hear about your actual placement...that was the final piece of the puzzle regarding your internship. I think you've been mistaken for a student on every student teaching session you've had! Glad you behaved and didn't throw your bananna.
I'm glad to know that I am not the only one to get mistaken for an elementary student! Sounds like you're having tons of fun - just don't get carried away and start throwing around your food or they'll send you home early. Gus Danger says hi.
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