MEET THE TEACHER Matt Baker - Ponsonby Intermediate School Currently teaching: Home Economics. How did you come to be a primary school teacher? I am actually a secondary school teacher who trained in England. They start secondary school in Year 7 in England so when I returned to New Zealand it was suggested I try relief work at some intermediate schools. Where did you train? I qualified at Auckland College of Education and trained in Basingstoke, England. What brought you to Ponsonby Intermediate? The children. I had had some days relieving here, and just loved the kids I met. I was also determined not to just ‘fill in’, but to make a name for myself every day I was relieving. What are your favourite things about being a teacher? The limitless curiosity of children, having autonomy in my teaching area and making connections in the community. What’s a highlight of your teaching career? Teaching in a brand new school in England. That opportunity does not come along very often in teaching so it was very special for me and the community. And a low point? Leaving my students in England to return home. How would your principal describe you? The principal Wim Boxen would say, “Aw, it’s so cool how we have a Home Economics teacher here called Mr Baker!” It’s one of his favourite jokes. How would other teachers describe you? Not sure. Maybe enthusiastic and innovative.
SUMMER BARBECUE AND BONFIRE SAFETY Guy Fawkes on the 5th of this month is just the beginning - it wouldn't be a Kiwi summer without backyard barbecues and beach bonfires. Pumpkin Patch is reminding those in charge of children not to let safety take a back seat to the fun. The clothes children wear around fires shouldn't be overlooked: • Choose natural fibres like cotton, and avoid highly flammable synthetics. • Give them clothes that fit snugly, rather than anything loose and floaty that might get in the way. • If there’s an accident, quickly remove the clothes from the affected area. If the clothing sticks, don’t pull it away. Instead, cut around the fabric. F PN PUMPKIN PATCH, 250-252 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1708 www.pumpkinpatch.co.nz
How would your students describe you? Someone who loves food and all his students. If you could wave a magic wand in your classroom... I would turn my classroom into a restaurant and kitchen. Everything would be stainless steel and include state of the art gas cookers and appliances. Five tips for mums and dads of intermediate school kids: 1. Get rid of sugar at home. 2. Get to know your child’s online world. 3. Limit TV watching and increase family time. 4. Introduce a ‘thinking spot’ at home for your children. 5. SPORT, SPORT, SPORT AND MORE SPORT! F PN
82 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2014
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)