10Ruru Christchurch Trip

After a roller coaster year with 10Ruru I was privileged enough to join them on a trip of a life time for 7 young individuals.  For all most of them it was their first time on a plane and they were terrified (some more than others).  My favourite moment was seeing one of the students go from sitting with a jersey over her head on the plan to sitting by the window gazing out at the magnificent view.  

Airport

Two weeks prior to heading down to Christchurch I damaged my ankle during a PE lesson so was on crutches.  I was determined to keep up with the group and participate in every aspect of the trip. Have to say though it was a relief to sit in a wheel chair and get pushed around.

Tired of using my crutches

For a lot of them it was the simple things, the things I take for granted, that were the most enjoyable for them.  Whether it was being taken out for a hot chocolate or being given $10 to buy themselves some lunch.

Lunch at Burger King

Going up in the Gondola's was a great experience.  Some of the students (and adults) were unsure about travelling up into the ranges in a tiny gondala but it was awesome to see them do it anyway.  Unfortuately, the weather wasn't the best so the views were not as spectacular as they could be but again it was just awesome to be able to share in a new experience with these group of students.

Gondola's (http://welcomeaboard.co.nz/gondola/)

We all walked out to the end of the Brighton Pier.  It was freezing!!! My favourite moment was seeing a couple of the girl's strike up a conversation with an older guy fishing off the wharf.  Their confidence and the respectful way they spoke to him was heartening to see.

Brighton Pier

This next photo was taken after we had all explored the Christchurch Museum.  The student's engaged in a number of the displays and overall they were respectful of the space they were in.    

Group photo after visiting the Christchurch Museum

On a tour around the city, it was inspiring to see what the people of Christchurch were doing to rebuild their city and the heart of their people.  The art displays around the town were beautiful and the use of shipping containers to build shops was inventive.  Amongst all the hope we also got to hear of the loss and witnessed the fall of this building.

Tour of Christchurch - Demolition of one of the many damaged buildings

At the International Antarctic Centre, we experienced blizzard conditions, went for a ride in hagglund and listened to a passionate penguin carer.  All fantastic learning experiences for our students and would build fantastic learning opportunities back in the classroom.

International Antarctic Centre (http://www.iceberg.co.nz/)

Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity for students and teachers alike.  The home backgrounds of these students is not overly positive and the opportunity for such an adventure wouldn't normally be out of their reach.  Through funding and a lot of hard work by Mrs Hale and amazing experience was possible.  I really hope they take all that comes their way, grow and learn.

For me personally, it was a fantastic opportunity to build connections with this students and teachers. Each student came along with a different life story, different strengths and challenges.  I need to listen to them and find the best way to support them. In order to that I need to leave all prejudice and came at each situation with a fresh pair of eyes.  I also gained an insight into organising trips outside of the classroom and it opened my eyes to what is possible within teaching.