The mission...

OK - Let's open with a photo,

The Big Three

A reprint of last week's report -

Some of you have been asking about the process of Burg choosing a high school, so thought I would share a little something.   And even it you're not one of those... you still might like the link.  The accent is close enough.

Last night was the first of 4 "Open Houses" (at 3 schools).  You know the drill: speeches by the principal and selected teachers, smiling male and female student representatives, a tour of the grounds... I've even heard rumours of fancy cheese in the French class.  Ooooh-la-la!

Anyway, during a rather captivating speech by the principal about teenagers and their  "special" needs, he suggested that all parents should watch the following...  (see above). 

I think it's safe to say that Larry Ching, at Waimea College, has set the bar VERY high for his peers in the best principal category.

Hopefully more to come,

And then, we'll just jump right in....

It will probably be best to go straight to the report on the Motueka High School open house, and then occasionally interrupt with some background materials, as needed.  OK?

Last Thurs. evening, Mot. High had  the first formal "open house",  out of the total of 3 we'll be attending.  We have decided to attend three different schools' events (he has a total possible choice of 5 diff. schools!).  But it has really always been a two school race, with Mot. High as a distant third.  Any Kiwi readers will be nodding knowingly by now.  Unfortunately, Mot. has long suffered the "poor cousin" stigma.   It was largely pushed as being the smaller school alternative, but also has been receiving a lot of positive local "buzz" recently.  A few of Burg's friends go there, including the talented, and familiar no doubt to our readers - Ella.  I know one of the biology teachers there, quite well... Actually, those of you familiar with my erstwhile tuba dabblings, might recognize Leslie as being a member of the renowned "Dream Team."  All in all, nothing but good things coming out of Mot. High these days.

Now, out of fairness, we have decided to withhold any critical commentary, until all three open houses have been completed.  At which time, it will become a battle to the death. Sorry, guess I've been playing XBox too.  
However, that won't stop me from making a few quick "observations", will it?

• Definite highlight of the evening was the uniform "fashion show" complete with catwalk.  Really clever, fun, and showed off Mot's strength in the arts well.  Now here's Alistair and Kaitlyn modeling the senior sports kit....  Priceless!
• Didn't get to a French class yet, but Food Tech had a selection of yummy bikkies on offer.  Although, a rather embarrassing batch came out during our time there : (
• Burg did mention he was generally pleased with the amount and distribution of lollies and sweets throughout the evening.
• It will be interesting to see how the resourcing of the science labs will compare with the two larger schools.  Enough said there, for now.
• It can be said that Waimea College, still retains the lead in the preferred principal race.

• Notes - 

• When a Kiwi goes to high school - it's referred to as "college".   After which is "Uni".
• And the answer is - Yes.   All 3 of the schools have uniforms! 

Now, one last thing before we go prepare for this afternoon's Open House.... a plea of sorts.
Please:     ask questions, make comments, make (polite) criticisms, subtly lobby your  personal favourite, whatever!
If nothing else, it may help provide some much needed, structure to the next post : )
Thanks!