End of week 1

We made it through the first full week. All chilling out in our own different ways: Eric on flight simulator, Stuart having a back rub, Paddy playing with Lego whilst plotting which friend he can escape to this w/e, me with earphones in and George on the net, Chantelle has a hotty and the tv on.
We had a good w/e last. After the half ar*ed start to the year, Friday was Waitangi day so we were all off for a 3 day w/e. Thursday night was staff picnic at the Victoria Valley waterhole. Irene, Lee and girls said they would camp so we took our tarp as well. The bbq was good, the kids were happy in the river cooling off. The adults were happy having a long drink and keeping an eye on the kids in a beautiful environment. We crashed out early, slept badly and awoke to the cicadas at dawn. Worth it for the morning swim and the breakfast cooked over the fire - home grown bacon and eggy bread from Lee's pig. Kids happy in the water. No chance of going and doing school work after such a chilled out start.
For those people who are not familiar with Waitangi, the Day celebrates the signing of a treaty between a number of Maori chiefs and the English crown. The content and intent of the treaty have been endlessly argued over since that day in 1842(?) but it remains an integral part of NZ life and embodies the idea that Maori and Pakeha should respect each other. I am expected to adhere to and to act in the spirit of te tiriti according to my appraisal documents as a teacher.
Every year there is a big gathering at Waitangi itself, a small settlement 1 1/2 hours from here. The Treaty Grounds are a popular visitor attraction that I personally have not yet visited. The prime minister goes for a dawn service on Waitangi Day and is held accountable for the state of Maori/ Pakeha affairs. In the past there have been demonstrations, egg throwing, insults and tears.
The new PM seems to have got most Maori onside by forming a coalition government with both the Maori Party and the right wing ACT party. He has made a number of fairly small concessions that are going down well. We shall see how his reception goes next year when we have had a full year of recession and he has had time to get going with his policies.
I would like to go to Waitangi next year with one or two of the boys. Chantelle and Eric would not like the crowds so they can stay at home. I saw the launching of a dozen waka and it was a powerful image even on TV so must have been amazing to witness live.

The rest of the weekend featured a BBQ for Irene at Pete's house with a real meat-fest. Took the boys over to Ruth and Stephan's on Sunday afternoon for a swim/shoot combo.

Eric is now an official Colleger and is setling into life as a year 9. He is coping pretty well. Stuart remains at the Intermediate for another year. paddy is in Year 6 at the primary.

That'll do for now.
No pics, haven't taken many recently.