G
1006 days ago

Teachers

Gaynor from Paraparaumu

When my kids were very young I relieved in New Entrant classes ( one class increased from 35 to 50 pupils with no assistance & no resources!) to all levels of secondary school. When I changed to full time I taught years 7 & 8 as I wanted to be with them all day & take them camping when camps didn't provide meals. There were no photocopiers or computers. I provided individual workbooks for students by making carbon copies of the work I designed & using a blackboard. Class sizes were about 40 pupils. No assistance for a partially sighted & a hearing impaired student or learning delayed. Students were grouped for maths & spelling.
I spent Sunday afternoons at school & evenings, after my children were in bed, preparing lessons & marking work. BUT, there are numerous benefits to teachers: being able to work near home (saving travel expenses & time); having your children at the same school; after 3 pm having your children play outside while you work on; generous holidays (I was often sick at the start for a few days). Teachers "Count your blessings...." (an old adage).

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 42.4% Yes
    42.4% Complete
  • 31.6% Maybe?
    31.6% Complete
  • 26% No
    26% Complete
408 votes
3 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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22 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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