12 Days of School

The kids have now been at school here for 12 days, so I thought I'd write a few impressions.
There have been huge changes:  we went from the largest school in North America (2000 kids) to a tiny Catholic school with 100 kids in 5 classes.

When we walked into school the first day, there were kids happily playing in their bare feet and sock feet outside and the hallways (no shoes allowed in the classrooms).   Kids were busy putting out the rubbish bins (garbage), being crossing guards along the main street and setting up gym equipment. Parents can bring the kids inside to their classes, are allowed in the classroom and can stay as long as they want, no need to stand behind any pylons in the "drop off zone".  During recess kids make forts with sticks, climb trees and fall through holes in the Booby Trap tree:

Caleb and his buddies act out complex story arcs involving cops, robbers and superheros, all while whizzing about at high speeds on their scooters. his recess exploits are the only things he will discuss about school - he can't/won't tell me anything that happens in class!

This video here describes a Kiwi school that has got rid of playground rules - but I would say it is somewhat similar in feel to our school, except we don't have a huge tire to roll around:
This-playgrounds-lawless-and-kids-love-it

On the preschool front, Jonny and I have joined the neighbourhood Playcentre, a co-operative daycare run by parents.  Parents have one morning on duty per week and then can leave their child a few other mornings. The Playcentre has normal stuff (dress-up corner, playdough, crafts, playground) and some more messy stuff (huge sandpit with hose, carpentry station with real hammers and saws - a bit scary with 2 year olds!).  Here is Jonny on a ladder painting the treehouse:

I've been trying to figure out why kids are allowed to do all these fun and wild things.  Perhaps part of the answer is that you don't seem to be allowed to sue anyone in New Zealand and there is a government trust that will pay for your medical care if you are in an accident, no matter who is it fault.  This is a big difference from Canada where you always have to keep your shoes on in class (in case there is a fire and must run outside) and we outlaw anything that is too fast or sharp around kids.  Fun times!