Remembering and Reflecting

I break from my studies to remember that never-to-be-forgotten moment in New Zealand's history. 12.51p.m. 22 February 2011. They say we always remember where we were and what we were doing in times of such significance. I first heard that Another Big One had hit Christchurch from my Principal, whose husband always has his finger on the pulse, and with family in Christchurch, quickly found out about this unfolding disaster.
We were about to leave for a conference in Rotorua, and listened to the radio on the way down. That's when we found out there had been deaths. This was shocking to hear after we had all patted ourselves on the back about how lucky it had been that no one had died in the earlier September quake.
It was not until we arrived at our accommodation and could see on TV the impossible devastation that had landed on Christchurch, that reality set in. I must admit to bursting in to uncontrollable tears. If this was unbelievable for me, how could it possibly be for those in the thick of it?
Since that time most New Zealanders have done what they can to support the people of Christchurch. After all, they lost so much, not just in terms of lives, but livelihoods and normal life.
As I watched the memorial coverage on TV, I became aware of one aspect I had not considered before today. I did not know that statistically, almost half of the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake were non-New Zealanders.
So today I reflect on how life has changed for their families too, and hope they have been afforded the same support that has wrapped around all New Zealanders affected.
This screen shot comes from the New Zealand Herald today. If you click here you can find the graphic, where each picture links to a small bio to remember each person who lost their lives as a result of this disaster, New Zealanders and not.

To Market, To Market.

Our senior team at school today put on a Market Day to raise money for a school affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
They sold goods, and also ran activities that students could spend their money on.
The horizontal bungey proved very popular, and when the students were blindfolded and trying to kick the balls at the end, it was quite amusing to watch - the photos may not convey that so much.

 

Personally I enjoyed whipping two Y7 boys at tug-of-war; don't mess with the Fothergill in that event!
I also found the home-made sherbet addictive, and devoured the whole bag in a short space of time. My tongue is still feeling it!

On Kindness and Thoughtfulness

Over the past two weeks I have been frequently touched by stories of selflessness and kindness in the event and aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake. Good deeds and good buggers have been exposed not only in Christchurch but throughout our country, and also across parts of the world.
It's a good time to acknowledge that many of us ARE wired this way, because ordinarily as humans?  Kiwis? we are quick to recognise those who are selfish scum-suckers and not those who are mostly like you and me. Good sorts. Those who do good because it is good to do. And I don't mean save-the-world kind of good, just every day good. And not because they want or will get recognition. Just because they can.

I was impressed with Tracey Barnett's recent story in the NZ Herald. If you have not already read via my FB page, I do recommend it. Read it to the end, and if it strikes a chord with you, listen to that music for a bit.

The small bit of kindness represented in this photo from my phone, comes from a household on my regular dog walk. They almost always have a container or two of fresh water out the front of their house for the many passing dogs who use the coastal walkway beside their property. Today it was a new pink bowl, which was overflowing with, I suspect, fresh rainwater this time. My boys tucked right in, They really appreciated it, and so did I. I have thanked them before, but next time I see them, I will be sure to do so again.

Thank You Christchurch

The second post this week from the courtyard at my school. And for a similar reason, although today the mood was different.

Like so many New Zealanders, Reremoana School students and staff donned red and black today to show our allegiance to the city of Christchurch, and to give the students the opportunity to contribute financially, as best they could, to the earthquake cause.

But in giving to Christchurch I believe we also received. There was a feeling of energy and solidarity in the playground, the classrooms and the staffroom too, that came from wearing the red and black. A strong sense of purpose and a feeling of achievement was evident as we prepared for and laid down our coins. We yelled "Christchurch!" when the photo was taken and it felt powerful and positive.

It has been said a lot since that tragic day - even this morning from the British PM - that the resilience and sense of community spirit Christchurch is demonstrating at this, the most harrowing of times, is incredible. We can all learn from that. So thank you, Christchurch.

Ironically 'Seismic'

Blogging again today from Rotorua, following the first day of the Learning@Schools Conference. A sombre start to the day as the team from Christchurch based Core Education, who run the conference, acknowledged the devastation in the Mainland. And while we were all focussed on the learning today, I know I was not the only one who was constantly flitting between media sources, getting updates on the situation in Christchurch. You can do that at an ICT based conference. Generally a 'lurker' on Twitter, today I found my voice, and also thrived on the instantaneous information available. I have to admit to feeling very emotional about the whole situation, needing to be careful not to tear up as new information or accounts were shared. This account particularly touched me.

But we are here in Rotorua for a purpose, and emotions aside, there were some interesting concepts explored today. I won't share them in this forum, but will enjoying sharing my learning with staff when the conference is over and I return to school. I know the learning that will occur over these three days will be meaningful and useful, and will influence my work and challenge my thinking for quite some time to come.

But like all significant events that become etched in our memories and psyches, in reality it is likely that what I will remember most about L@S 2011 is that this is where I was when a disaster of seismic proportions unfolded.

These photos were taken at a gathering of our ICT cluster. We had pre-arranged last week to meet at this bar, ironically named "Seismic". Who was to know that this meeting place would be paralleled with the worst disaster in our country's living memory.

Kia Kaha Christchurch

My intentions were to blog about our less than auspicious digs in Rotorua, where we are for the Learning @ Schools conference, but I am sorry, I cannot post anything except these shots of the TV coverage etc of the quake.
I am devastated for all the victims/families/residents. Words fail me for a change.
Kia kaha Christchurch, my thoughts are with you.