I am struck by the differences in Paraná’s public/private schools compared to the public schools of New Zealand.  I teach in a public school, in fact, most students attend a public school for most if not all their schooling.

Since I have not taught in any other areas apart from Napier, I can not compare Paraná schools to anything but my own school and those that I have been lucky enough to teach or relieve in.

My own students back at TIS do not realise just how lucky they are with what is available in their own classroom.  I don´t think the teachers of my school or other New Zealand schools realise how lucky we are with the many resources that are provided for us in our schools.

I am so grateful for the school that I work in.  I am so grateful for the resources that I have.  I am so grateful for the technology that I have access to and I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience life in another country to make me realise just how grateful I am. When I return to my own school and classroom I will be reminding myself each day to take advantage of each and every opportunity I am presented with, to make the most of what I have and to forget about what I do not have.  I now have a far better understanding of what I take for granted and what others do not have access to.

I think the pictures speak for themselves.