Happy St. Patrick's Day from Rotorua! There is a lot of evidence of the holiday here from green hats, boas, hair, and even full body paint. As this was our first fully free weekend, we enjoyed a bit of a sleep in, did a little shopping, and relaxed for the better part of the day.
In the afternoon our intrepid leader took us to a favorite attraction, Skyline Gondola and Luge. There we enjoyed a panoramic view of Rotorua and the lake from the top of a mountain. Once at the top we donned helmets, climbed into a luge, and sped down the mountain at 30 mph. A few of the group braved the sky swing which pulled them to the top of the mountain and dropped them out over the valley.
Afterwards, we walked into town for a nice dinner, live music, and dancing at the Pig and Whistle.
Tomorrow, more from Rotorua - home of geysers, mud pools, and hot springs...
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Day 5 On the Road to Rotorua...
We departed Hamilton this morning and headed southwest to Waitomo. Waitomo translates to "water hole" which is an appropriate description of the area with its large number of limestone caves situated in a lush green mountainous area.
Waitomo is host to the world famous glowworm caves. Our group was presented with two ways to explore the caves: black water tubing or a walking tour. The more adventurous members opted for the tubing, while the others chose a relaxing walk through native bush and past picturesque waterfalls.
Afterwards, we began a scenic drive northeast to Rotorua. Along the way, we experienced what it means to be an American in a foreign country when we inadvertently put unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine. Once we got the van siphoned and refueled we were on the road again.
Tomorrow we will explore what Rotorua has to offer...
Waitomo is host to the world famous glowworm caves. Our group was presented with two ways to explore the caves: black water tubing or a walking tour. The more adventurous members opted for the tubing, while the others chose a relaxing walk through native bush and past picturesque waterfalls.
Afterwards, we began a scenic drive northeast to Rotorua. Along the way, we experienced what it means to be an American in a foreign country when we inadvertently put unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine. Once we got the van siphoned and refueled we were on the road again.
Tomorrow we will explore what Rotorua has to offer...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Hamilton - Day 4 Poroporakia
Today was our final day in Hamilton. We split up into three different groups and traveled to area schools: Berkley Middle School, Newstead Country School, and Silverdale Normal School. There we had opportunities to visit and interact with administrators, teachers, and students. It is interesting to note that all the schools had a set morning tea time that was observed by all students and teachers. Another interesting thing to note is that shoes are optional here; even in the schools. We reconvened for lunch at the university where we shared our experiences.
After lunch, we took part in a poroporoaki which is a Maori farewell ceremony. Each person expressed their gratitude for the time we shared together. The ceremony ended with an encore performance of "Oklahoma" and the presentation of a traditional monetary gift. Additional gifts representing Oklahoma were presented to our gracious hosts. Later that evening a BBQ dinner was held in our honor and final farewells were exchanged.
Next up...Waitomo Caves and Rotorua.
After lunch, we took part in a poroporoaki which is a Maori farewell ceremony. Each person expressed their gratitude for the time we shared together. The ceremony ended with an encore performance of "Oklahoma" and the presentation of a traditional monetary gift. Additional gifts representing Oklahoma were presented to our gracious hosts. Later that evening a BBQ dinner was held in our honor and final farewells were exchanged.
Next up...Waitomo Caves and Rotorua.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Hamilton - Day 3 The Leadership Journey
Today we had the opportunity to hear from actual administrators in the New Zealand schools. The first speaker, Marcus Freke, Principal of Vardon Primary School, shared his personal educational leadership pathway. Mr. Freke gave us background information about the New Zealand school system, as well as the issues facing New Zealand school principals.
After morning tea, we heard more fascinating personal stories from educational leaders about their pathways and aspirations. One speaker that struck a particular chord with me was Caroline Gill from St. Peter's Private School. She is a dance and drama instructor currently in the educational leadership program. She really focused on the importance of the arts in student learning which is reminiscent of the A+ Initiative that my school uses to incorporate the arts into the curriculum creating authentic learning opportunities for students. We also heard from Donella Cobb, a Professional Studies Lecturer and Bex Clements, Deputy Principal of Hinuera School. Several of our speakers spoke about their OEs (overseas experiences) which have assisted them in gaining a more global perspective.
The final speaker of the day was Dr. Rachel McNae who took leadership in a slightly different direction. Her perspective on leadership dealt with fostering student leaders in the schools. She took us through an exercise in which we came up with ways we see, hear, and feel student leadership in our own schools. Then working together, we organized those ideas into meaningful groupings, but not without quite a bit of discussion.
Tomorrow is our last day in Hamilton, and we will spend the morning visiting schools here in town.
After morning tea, we heard more fascinating personal stories from educational leaders about their pathways and aspirations. One speaker that struck a particular chord with me was Caroline Gill from St. Peter's Private School. She is a dance and drama instructor currently in the educational leadership program. She really focused on the importance of the arts in student learning which is reminiscent of the A+ Initiative that my school uses to incorporate the arts into the curriculum creating authentic learning opportunities for students. We also heard from Donella Cobb, a Professional Studies Lecturer and Bex Clements, Deputy Principal of Hinuera School. Several of our speakers spoke about their OEs (overseas experiences) which have assisted them in gaining a more global perspective.
The final speaker of the day was Dr. Rachel McNae who took leadership in a slightly different direction. Her perspective on leadership dealt with fostering student leaders in the schools. She took us through an exercise in which we came up with ways we see, hear, and feel student leadership in our own schools. Then working together, we organized those ideas into meaningful groupings, but not without quite a bit of discussion.
Tomorrow is our last day in Hamilton, and we will spend the morning visiting schools here in town.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Hamilton - Day 2: Educational Leadership Sessions
Today we returned to the University of Waikato to discuss the development of their masters of educational leadership program. The first session was led by Michele Morrison who explained how an organic approach was used in the development of the program twelve years ago. It is based on two papers (courses): Issues & Perspectives and Organizational Development.
After a traditional morning tea, we began our second session with Professor Christopher Branson who addressed Kiwi Leadership for Principals. He introduced this session with a comparison of New Zealand and Oklahoma educational structures and the role of the principal. There was a focus on the alignment of leadership theories and the influence of Maori culture on the qualities of school leaders.
We ended our day with a trip to Raglan on the Tasman Sea where members of the group chose to surf, relax, or walk along the beautiful black sand beaches.
After a traditional morning tea, we began our second session with Professor Christopher Branson who addressed Kiwi Leadership for Principals. He introduced this session with a comparison of New Zealand and Oklahoma educational structures and the role of the principal. There was a focus on the alignment of leadership theories and the influence of Maori culture on the qualities of school leaders.
We ended our day with a trip to Raglan on the Tasman Sea where members of the group chose to surf, relax, or walk along the beautiful black sand beaches.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hamilton - Day 1 The Powhiri
Today started with a scenic two hour drive from Auckland to Hamilton. Things are a bit different here in New Zealand. It has taken us a little getting use to driving and walking on the left side of the road; however, we do enjoy listening to the way people talk here.
Once we arrived at the University, we took part in a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony that involved songs and the pressing of noses. When asked to speak on behalf of our group, Dr. Haxton expressed our gratitude for their hospitality. We were then invited to sing our song which was an impromptu, off-key version of "Oklahoma" which delighted our hosts. We then enjoyed lunch and conversation before participating in an interactive Maori lesson to introduce us to their culture. This was followed by two sessions with University officials giving us an overview of New Zealand's educational system.
P.S. We had a definite upgrade in our accomodations:-)
Once we arrived at the University, we took part in a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony that involved songs and the pressing of noses. When asked to speak on behalf of our group, Dr. Haxton expressed our gratitude for their hospitality. We were then invited to sing our song which was an impromptu, off-key version of "Oklahoma" which delighted our hosts. We then enjoyed lunch and conversation before participating in an interactive Maori lesson to introduce us to their culture. This was followed by two sessions with University officials giving us an overview of New Zealand's educational system.
P.S. We had a definite upgrade in our accomodations:-)
The Auckland Experience...
After 30 hours of travel, we have finally arrived at our destination! We were warmly greeted by Dr. Haxton's Aunt Janine and Uncle Ross at the airport. We then traveled to One Tree Hill perched high on an extinct volcano overlooking the city of Auckland. (It is important to note that the namesake tree no longer exists due to a political protest.) We also visited a beautiful rose garden and park down near the harbor. For the rest of our afternoon, the group dined and explored the city.
We weary travelers next made our way to the All Season "hotel." We were informed that the accommodations would be small, but we were unprepared for the lack of space and amenities. For many of us, this was the first time to find a shower, toilet, and sink in a four foot square space. Air conditioning was a small window and a two foot wide door leading to a "balcony." Despite its small nature, the room provided us with what we needed most, a place to rest.
Tomorrow we head to Hamilton, home to the University of Waikato...
We weary travelers next made our way to the All Season "hotel." We were informed that the accommodations would be small, but we were unprepared for the lack of space and amenities. For many of us, this was the first time to find a shower, toilet, and sink in a four foot square space. Air conditioning was a small window and a two foot wide door leading to a "balcony." Despite its small nature, the room provided us with what we needed most, a place to rest.
Tomorrow we head to Hamilton, home to the University of Waikato...
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